HPS Headlines

Yesterday, I went to visit Hampton School and was so proud to hear of how our boys represent Homefield when they visit other schools. It was not my only moment of pride this week - seeing the display of festive art works, hearing the boys interact with visitors and prospective parents and listening to the effort going into their festive rehearsals, has given me a timely reminder that the boys give me such pride to be the Head of this school. Their endeavour, kindness and respect comes through in all they do and I am very grateful for it.

Kind regards

Mrs Gemma Anderson

Headteacher

Nursery have been using their taste buds this week as they explored the sense of taste. As part of their learning, the children helped to make a super yummy smoothie! They chopped fruit, talked about flavours, and predicted what it might taste like before trying it. The smoothie was a big hit, so big that we made enough to share with Reception too! It was lovely to see both groups enjoying the delicious treat together.

Reception have been busy exploring the world of post! The children learned how letters travel from sender to recipient and enjoyed discussing the different people who help along the way. They then had a go at writing their very own letters, carefully thinking about who they wanted to write to and what message they wanted to share. We were so impressed with their enthusiasm and growing confidence in using their early writing skills. It was wonderful to see how proud they were of their finished letters!

Well done to all our Early Years children for another fantastic week of learning!

Year 2 and 3 boys had the opportunity to visit a Mandir in Coulsdon this week. During our trip, the boys deepened their understanding of Hindu beliefs, traditions, and important celebrations.

They showed great curiosity, asked insightful questions, and were commended for their exemplary behaviour as Homefield ambassadors.

Homefield is delighted to welcome PAPAYA (Parents Against Phone Addiction in Young Adults) for an important and engaging parent talk, during the Spring term.

This workshop, “Let’s Talk About Our Kids & Their Tech,” is particularly relevant for parents of children in Year 5 upwards.

PAPAYA Talks offers a safe, non-judgmental space for parents to explore the challenges of screen time, smartphones, and social media. The session provides:

• Clear, research-backed insights on children’s mental health and digital habits
• Practical strategies for managing tech use at home
• Guidance on setting healthy digital boundaries
• Open and honest discussion (adults only)

PAPAYA works closely with the national Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, a growing movement uniting families, schools and communities who want to give children more space to grow, learn and thrive free from addictive algorithms.

Booking: Please click https://shorturl.at/UrSbb to book your place online.

The ‘All Star Ootiboo’ competition is a creative craft competition for all ages that supports the mental health charity Spark UK. Participants create a star-themed craft using any medium, The competition is part of Spark UK's All Star Advent Calendar, which features uplifting messages about mental health.

There are a range of prizes on offer ranging from trainers, book collections and, vouchers.

Please could you arrange for a photograph of your son’s creation to be submitted either by emailing it to me at slarkin@homefieldprep.school (including your son’s name and age), or by sending the creation into school so that I can photograph it and upload it to the website.

Entries brought into school will be displayed where possible—and if they are small enough to hang, we may even showcase them on our Christmas tree!

Your child may be photographed with their creation; however, please note that these images will be displayed on the Ootiboo website.

Can all entries please be submitted to Miss Larkin by 5th December 2025 so the entries can be displayed in school.

Entries completed after this date can be submitted via the Ootiboo website (the official closing date is 23rd December).

I look forward to seeing the creative stars!

All Star | Competition | ootiboo

Lions: Emil for great progress in his literacy tasks and Gregory for trying so hard to learn to communicate in English - showing resilience and great determination.

Tigers: Mehzan for working hard in phonics and making great progress with reading.

1H: Riyaan for exceptional effort with his handwriting and sentence structure in all lessons this week and Aiden B for an excellent week, setting great examples and being super helpful!

2H: Musa for working really hard on the presentation of his writing in his books and Azai for showing positivity towards his learning and always doing his best.

2S: Alex for showing a positive learning attitude in all of his lessons and Adam N for his excellent attitude and participation in our rehearsals.

3H: Joshua for showing respect and endeavour in all lessons and Ariz H for always showing a positive and focused attitude towards learning in his humanities lessons.

3S: Ariz 3S for being polite, respectful and caring to everyone around him and Tian for his endeavour in science and for producing a superb piece of homework about a famous scientist.

4H: Philip for consistently participating in lessons with enthusiasm Will S for his endeavour to complete all work to an excellent standard.

4S: Subir for being a reliable and supportive helper in the classroom and Aarib for his focus in lessons, ensuring he is on task at all times.

5H: Rohan S for his endeavour in maths, Mikael Zi for his contributions in PSHE and dedication to orchestra and Aiden A for showing great precision in STEAM and contribution to PSHE.

5S: John R for engagement in health and fitness lessons and Elijah F for contribution in Ancient Greek club, responses in PSHE and contributions in French lessons.

6H: Anirudh for always demonstrating integrity and demonstrating Homefield values.

6S: Charles P for demonstrating maturity in the Primary Maths Challenge and Alexander M for volunteering to do a Christmas reading at the Carol Concert and taking his preparations seriously.

Year 8:: Enming for his contributions to TPR and English, Nitin for great effort in sports and Aatman who always demonstrates the Homefield values.

We are pleased to share that the The Debate Chamber has opened registration for their 2026 Summer Schools, offering an excellent range of academic enrichment courses for students aged 11+.

The Debate Chamber provides engaging, discussion-based programmes led by specialist tutors in subjects such as Law, Medicine, Maths, Philosophy, Diplomacy, Debating and Creative Writing. These small-group courses delivered online and in person are designed to stretch able and curious learners, helping them develop confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Parents can find full details and book directly via the Debate Chamber website.

Summer Schools for 11-14s | Debate Chamber

As I write this piece, my thoughts return to our Remembrance Assembly held a couple of weeks ago. The occasion brought back many memories and gave me a moment to reflect on my 25 years of military service, which concluded with my time as Bandmaster of the Band of the Grenadier Guards. Before that, I had the privilege of serving in a variety of managerial roles within the Army and performing as a musician on the cornet, piano and viola.

From time to time, I have to pinch myself when I think how fortunate I am to work in such an excellent school as Homefield, in my role as Bursar. My career would not have been possible had I not been given the chance, as a boy, to learn a musical instrument in my local brass band in my hometown in Lincolnshire. Music lessons were not a financial option for my family, nor was attending music college. The managerial opportunities I later had in the Army helped prepare me for my current career as a school Bursar.

My point is that it is important to give our boys the opportunity to try things out — such as learning a musical instrument — and to experience both success and failure. Only by ‘having a go’ in a supportive environment, such as at Homefield, will they discover their gifts and talents. Who knows what kind of careers they will go on to pursue?

Chris King, Bursar

Year 6 Science

Boys in Year 6 have started a new topic, learning about the circulatory system. As part of this they had the opportunity to view a real Ox heart, where they could clearly see the internal structures.

Science Week 2026

Science week runs from the 6th -15th March 2026 and we are currently in the process of planning some exciting events to celebrate the importance of science. The theme for the week is "Curiosity, what's your question?

If any parents work in a science or STEM industry and would be prepared to either come in and speak to the boys about their industry, or are aware of educational workshops run by their company, please could you email Miss Larkin on slarkin@homefieldprep.school so we can start to finalise plans. Similarly, if there are any parental engineers who would be prepared to speak to Year 3 and 4 about what their jobs entail, your support as part of their ‘Leaders Award’ entry would be much appreciated.

A huge well done to all our Year 2 boys who took part in their very first gymnastics House competition! The excitement in the hall was fantastic as the boys planned, performed and evaluated their own gymnastic sequences, showcasing impressive flights, balances and travelling skills across the apparatus.

During form time, Mr Matthews unveiled our exciting new project—growing our very own daffodils!

This hands-on activity will not only help the boys connect with nature, but also teach them meaningful life lessons about how we all grow in our own way and at our own pace.

With a bit of care and patience, we’re hoping to see a burst of bright, beautiful daffodils in the school garden by Spring. These flowers will return year after year, serving as a cheerful reminder that each boy will always be a part of Homefield.

Year 1 have been finalising their work on symmetry in their STEAM lessons, and have made some 3D animal models to show off their learning.

Just a reminder for parents that the following festive celebrations are taking place in the run-up to the end of term:

Early Years - Nursery and Reception Christmas Celebration takes place in the Performance Hall on the 8th December at 8.45am.

Years 1 and 2 Christmas production will take place in the Performance Hall on the 8th December at 2.30pm.

The Upper School Carol Concert (Years 3 - 8) will be taking place at Trinity Church, Cheam Road, Sutton SM1 1DZ on Wednesday 10th December at 6.30pm.

Western Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2TE

+44 020 8642 0965

administration@homefieldprep.school