HPS Headlines

As we come to the end of the first half term and prepare for one of the busiest (and most enjoyably) half terms of the school year, I encourage you to spend some time with your boys to reflect and review.

At school, we use phrases such as 'What Went Well' and 'Even Better If'. Using this framework encourages boys’ self-awareness and will help them focus on what they want to achieve next half term.

I wish you all a wonderful break, which I hope is full of treats rather than tricks!

Best wishes

Mrs G Anderson

Head

Boys in Years 3 and 4 have begun preparing their entries for the Primary Engineers Leaders Award, a national competition that challenges pupils to identify a real-world problem and design an innovative solution. Each entrant must create a detailed drawing and write a supporting letter, with a selection of the best ideas — chosen from tens of thousands of submissions — developed into working prototypes.

As part of this competition, boys need to interview an engineer. If there are any parents who work in any engineering industries and would be prepared to give a short (10 minute) presentation to the boys about how they entered the engineering profession and what their job role involves, please could you contact Ms Larkin (slarkin@homefieldprep.school). Many thanks

It has been a wonderfully busy week in Early Years! The boys have been enthusiastically learning their new sounds and are growing in confidence as they begin to recognise and use them in their play and activities. Nursery also enjoyed a fantastic baking session, where they measured, mixed, and baked delicious treats while practising important early maths and fine motor skills. Outdoors, the boys explored our learning environment with curiosity and teamwork, developing their independence and love of discovery. What a brilliant week of learning and fun for our youngest learners! Have a restful half term.

We are always looking for ways to enrich our Nursery and Reception boy’s learning experiences, and outdoor play is a vital part of their development. To support this, we are hoping to expand the range of equipment available for our boys to use during outdoor learning sessions.

If you have any balance bikes or scooters at home that are no longer in use and are still in good condition, we would be very grateful for your donation. These will help our pupils to develop their balance, coordination, and confidence while having fun and staying active.

Donations can be brought directly to the school office or handed to a member of staff in the EYFS department. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity in helping us enhance our outdoor learning provision.

Many thanks - Olivia Nanasi, Asst Head Lower School

1H: Alex for doing his best and showing positivity in all of his lessons and Gabriel for a fantastic half term. Well done for focusing, participating and working hard in every lesson.

2H: Shaan for exemplifying our Homefield values through his words and actions - keep it up, and Ethan E for his participation and sportsmanship whilst competing in fixtures over the last two weeks - well done!

2S: Vihaan for excellent participation and effort in all lessons and Robbie for great perseverance with his story writing this week. Well done, boys!

3H; Ethan for excellent participation and endeavour in TPR lessons and Freddie for showing high levels of maturity and being very helpful in every lesson.

3S: Ali for his sensible choices in school and working very hard in geography and Reuben for working more independently in maths, showing excellent resilience and endeavour.

4H: Logan for taking part in English lessons with enthusiasm and endeavour and Hugo for his endeavour and resilience when working independently in history and geography.

4S: Lavann for challenging himself and striving to up level his work in English lesson and Sami for his wonderful manners and showing a positive can-do attitude in lessons.

5H: Oliver for demonstrating excellent behaviours for learning, Zaviaan for taking pride in his work and Kaan for showing kindness to his friends.

5S: Aaron for demonstrating endeavour in his maths lessons.

6H: Benji for demonstrating endeavour in a maths assessment and Agastya for demonstrating respect and maturity.

6S: Henry for showing integrity and respect and Yusuf for always carefully following instructions.

8MMC: Brendan P for being a good role model to other boys in the school community and Daniel P for assisting younger boys during House assembly.

Homefield is about far more than the forty timetabled lessons each week; it has been wonderful to see the boys embracing so many aspects of wider school life this half term. After the school day ends, classrooms and halls come alive with extra-curricular buzz — from our new Speech and Drama and Table Tennis clubs to ever-popular favourites such as Football and Chess, there truly is something for everyone. Our Chess Club leader, Mr Buckley, is already planning another friendly match with Sutton High School to round off the term.

To further contribute to the rounded education at Homefield, we are organising nutrition lessons after half term run by staff from our catering company, Lodstone House. Boys can look forward to a workshop about Nutrition Basics, where they will discover how to eat well and break through the confusion surrounding everyday food choices.

To prepare for greater independence, at this stage of their lives, Year 6, this week, took part in the annual Sutton Junior Citizenship Scheme, where they attended sessions about Safety on Public Transport, Healthy Eating, Cycle Safety, Basic First Aid, Hate Crime, Crimes Against Animals and Fire Safety. Our Year 6 Prefects, Benji and Yahya, said “We learnt a multitude of life skills. We didn't know that a proper door (even a wooden one) can keep a house fire at bay for 20 minutes, that foxes are protected by law and that e-scooters are illegal unless used on private property. Also, we were encouraged to get a Zip Oyster Card which entitles us to reduced or even free travel for up to five years."

At Homefield, pupil voice is at the heart of school life. This half term, the boys have been busy helping to design our brand-new Playground Problem Solver scheme — ensuring everyone enjoys happy, friendly playtimes. They’ve also had a hand in shaping our Behaviour and Reward Chart, which now features proudly in our Behaviour Policy. It’s been lovely to see how enthusiastic the boys have been about living out our Homefield Values — and, of course, earning those all-important rewards along the way!

The boys have worked hard for the past six weeks – I hope they enjoy a well-deserved rest over half term. Wishing them, and you, a lovely break.

Mr Smith - Assistant Head Pastoral

Boys, and staff, from Nursery up to Year 8 were given the challenge of setting an intention for this year.

One word that sums up what they're going to work and strive for. Look out for our lovely display celebrating these intentions in the foyer! Can you find yours?

As many of you will be making applications to senior schools over the coming weeks, please remember that a Head’s reference is required as part of the admissions process. To help us prepare the most comprehensive reference possible, we would be very grateful if you could complete the Pupil Information Sheet using the following link: https://shorturl.at/rRrw0

U8 Football Report v Ewell Castle – Monday 14th October

It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of football for our U8 boys, with both the Red and Blue teams putting in spirited performances that reflected their growing confidence, skill, and understanding of the game:

U8 Red Team Won 3–0

The Red team produced a superb display of attacking football, running out 3–0 winners in a well-contested match. Bertie led the line with energy and determination, scoring two excellent goals with clinical finishes. Ethan E added a third with a composed strike following a lovely team move. The boys played with great shape and discipline, pressing high up the pitch and moving the ball with real purpose. A strong team performance all round, with plenty to be proud of.

U8 Blue Team Drew 0–0

The Blue team battled hard in a goalless draw, showing tremendous grit and teamwork throughout. Chances were created at both ends, but the boys defended with real maturity and organisation. Reuben was the standout performer, covering every blade of grass and putting in a number of crucial tackles and interceptions. His work rate and positive attitude set the tone for the team.

Both U8 teams continue to show fantastic progress in their development, and their enthusiasm for the game is a joy to see. Well done to all the boys involved for their effort and sportsmanship.

U10 Football Report v The Mall – Friday 10th October

It was a fantastic afternoon of football for our U10 teams on Friday, with the A, B, and C teams all securing well-deserved victories in their respective fixtures. The boys demonstrated outstanding teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship across all matches, and they should be proud of both their performances and the way they represented the school.

U10A Won 4-1

The A team delivered a confident and controlled performance, showcasing both technical skill and tactical awareness. Our midfield dominated possession early on, allowing us to establish a strong rhythm and create numerous scoring opportunities. A well-taken brace from Ryan set the tone, and the defence remained composed under pressure to see out a convincing win. A strong team effort all round.

U10B Won 4-2

The B team match was a more closely contested affair, but the boys showed great character to come from behind and secure victory. Standout moments included a long-range strike that brought the scores level, followed by a superb team move that resulted in the winning goal late in the second half. The boys worked tirelessly and their perseverance paid off.

U10C Won 7-1

The C team’s match was played in excellent spirit, with every boy playing his part in an entertaining and energetic encounter. Strong passing play and determined tackling were highlights, as the boys capitalised on their chances with some clinical finishing. It was particularly pleasing to see the enthusiasm and support the team showed for one another throughout the match.

Overall, it was a clean sweep of wins for our U10s, and the coaching staff are thrilled with the development and positive attitude the boys continue to show week after week. Well done to all involved!

Mr Matthews - Director of Sport

Year 4 boys have worked hard learning new skills this half term, in particular developing their Bunsen Burner skills. They have learnt to safely light the Bunsens and use them to investigate changes of state as ice is heated and how temperature affects the rate of diffusion.

After the half term break, boys in Year 3 will have the opportunity to take part in the Junior Duke Bronze Award Scheme, an exciting programme designed to inspire independence, curiosity, and personal growth beyond the classroom.

The Duke Award is tailored for younger pupils and encourages them to explore a broad range of activities that build confidence, resilience, and a spirit of adventure. The boys will have the opportunity to challenge themselves through a series of achievable goals in areas such as community service, outdoor activities, creativity, and personal development.

Boys will take part in the Junior Duke Awards throughout their time at Homefield, beginning in Year 3 with the Bronze Award and progressing to the Platinum Award in Year 6. The programme is designed to help pupils develop a wide range of essential life skills while broadening their horizons and deepening their understanding of different cultures.

If you would like your son to take part, please complete the consent slip, via the following link, so that he is able to start the programme after the half term break.

A group of talented boys in Years 3 - 8 delighted parents, teachers and friends on Wednesday afternoon by performing a solo in our first concert of the year. Boys played beautifully and each brought their piece of music to life as they communicated it to the audience. Well done, boys!

We’re inviting parents and grandparents to take part in our festive singing group this Christmas season. Rehearsals will take place every Thursday from 13th November, 3:15–3:45pm. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a love of Christmas cheer!

You’ll have the wonderful opportunity to sing alongside the boys at our Christmas Carol Concert on 10th December.

Click here to register and be part of something joyful this winter.

Mrs Edwards is now ably supported by six new student librarians — Anirudh, Aun, Christopher, Lucas, Ryan and Yusuf. These boys are enthusiastically learning how the library operates and will soon be assisting younger pupils in choosing books and sharing stories with them. A special thank-you also goes to Keshav for generously donating three boxes of his much-loved books to the school.

Western Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2TE

+44 020 8642 0965

administration@homefieldprep.school