Headmaster’s Update
With the onset of Advent, there is already a palpable sense of anticipation in school this week, with lots of endeavour to ensure we have a really successful and joyous end of term. Those TPS families able to attend one or both of the Pre-Prep Nativities on Thursday and Friday surely delighted in the wonderful retelling of the Christmas story through the superb performances of our hoedown, ‘Prickly Hay’, showcasing singing, dancing and performing from our children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. It amazes me just how confident and composed the children are, thanks to the skillful direction of the staff, with special thanks to Mrs Harris, Head of Music, and Mrs Barnes, for overseeing proceedings. Please do refer to the email sent to Pre-Prep parents if you would like to order a video download of the Thursday performance or Year 2 photos as a special memento!
With the children already excited about the prospect of Christmas, it’s important to ensure that they are aware of how fortunate we are to enjoy safe and happy homelives, surrounded by loving family. Our whole school assembly this week focused on the concept of ‘charity’ and how it is deeply rooted in notions of love and generosity, with origins relating to the Latin word ‘caritas,’ which means dearness or affection. We explored the ways in which all the religions place charity as an ideal and how a Jewish scholar called Maimonides identified eight stages of charity, symbolised by a ladder. The idea is to be humble and to give without unnecessarily seeking recognition in doing so! Our ‘Link to Hope’ shoebox appeal is a great example of the generosity of TPS families, along with our links to several projects in Malawi. Indeed, this week we were delighted to receive photos of how iPads previously owned by TPS are now being used for revision and for teaching literacy to Primary aged children in rural Blantyre by Hope4Malawi. Please see below some photos showing the difference our donations are making.
Finally, this week, may I please remind all TPS families that any parking on or close to nearby junctions, including Ormond Avenue and the High Street should be avoided to allow cars and pedestrians to pass easily. Please do remember that allowing just a few more minutes for travel and parking a little further from school helps enormously. Thank you for your support in this regard as it will help everyone with their journeys.
Oliver Barrett, Headmaster
Key Dates
Dec
| Day: | Date: | Event: |
|---|---|---|
| Tue | 02 | Year 8 Visit to BMW/Mini Factory |
| Wed | 03 | Junior Duke Autumn Submission Deadline |
| Thu | 04 | 3EJ Assembly |
| Thu | 04 | Year 6 Trip to Lyric Theatre – Jack and the Beanstalk |
| Sun | 07 | TPSC Christmas Tree Sale |
| Sun | 07 | Reception 2026 Little Gym Christmas Party |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Sports Fixtures
Dec
| Day: | Date: | Sport Event: | Location: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | 03 | Year 7&8 Boys A&B vs St Philip’s | Kempton CC |
| Wed | 03 | Year 6 Girls A&B Hockey | Hoe Bridge School |
| Wed | 03 | Year 5 Boys A,B&C Staines Prep | Staines Prep |
| Wed | 03 | Year 5 Girls A&B Netball | Hoe Bridge School |
| Fri | 05 | Year 3&4 Boys Festive Football Tournament | Kempton CC |
| Fri | 05 | Year 3&4 Girls Festive Sport |
All up to date events information can be found on MSP
Mrs Fox and Mrs Lindsay’s Art club at TPS
Touch Typing Holiday Camp at TPS
Typing’s cool is running a holiday camp at TPS from Monday 15th – Thursday 18th December
- Course session times: 10:00am – 12:15pm daily
- Beginners, improvers and advanced typists are warmly welcome. We mix formal technique with the latest app games to make learning effective and fun.
- Flip flying skateboards, zap aliens and collect cool superhero outfits while learning to type – an invisible superpower in today’s digital world.
- Typing proficiency makes a huge impact on academic attainment at all ages for 11+, SATs, GCSEs, A levels and higher education.
Cost per place: £176.00. 10% discount for siblings/ bring-a-friend/returners
OFSTED registered – childcare vouchers accepted. Duke of Edinburgh Award skills assessor
Apply at www.typingscool.co.uk
Tech Holiday Camp at TPS
Join us for a fun-filled holiday experience where kids can get stuck into the following activities:
🎄 3D Bauble Creations
Craft dazzling 3D Christmas decorations using 3D pens and watch your festive designs come to life!
🤖 Rocking Robots
Build, code, and bring robots to life – then put them to the test in exciting Christmas challenges!
🌟 Magical Minecraft
Engineer incredible festive builds, design redstone contraptions, and embark on snowy Minecraft quests!
🎬 Festive Filming
Step behind the camera to create your own Christmas movie masterpiece filled with special effects and laughter!
☃️ Snow Science & Bath Bombs
Get hands-on with science as you make your own fizzy bath bombs and experiment with magical snow!
✨ Tech Fun & DIY STEM
Explore the coolest gadgets, create take-home inventions, and unlock the magic of technology this Christmas!
Our camp offers a unique blend of learning and fun, led by experienced instructors in a supportive environment.
At NTE, we understand Christmas can be a busy period for parents, therefore this is the perfect opportunity for your child to explore their passion for technology and develop valuable skills, whilst offering you with convenient childcare in the holiday season.
Join us here at Twickenham Prep School
Date: 15th – 19th December
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Ages: 5-11 years
Just £39.99 for a whole day of camp or 5 days for £175! ⏰⚡
If you have any questions, or need support with your booking, please contact us on 01442 873150 or email info@nexthing.education.
My School Portal
My School Portal is a great school-to-parent communication system.
Here you will find the latest events, which can be synced with your electronic calendar, weekly menus and copies of all letters sent home.
Below are important notices from two key departments which are updated weekly:
Pre-Prep — messages from Mrs Barnes including club collection
Click Here
Safeguarding & Wellbeing messages from our Designated Safeguarding Team
Click Here
School Meals week commencing: 1st December Menu Week 3
