APS News 16

10 January 2017 Abingdon Prep Pre-Prep September Reception have had their first taste of life at Abingdon Pre-Prep. There was plenty for our youngest pupils to do indoors and out. From art and dressing up to checking out the stock of cars and dinosaur models in the outdoor play area. It was a busy and fun first morning for everyone. Harvest is an important time for Pre-Prep, marking the transition from summer to autumn and a wonderful celebration of the world around us. In our traditional Harvest Festival, the boys brought gifts of food to the harvest table. Anne Parker, our Charities Coordinator, explained how these donations would be given to The Gatehouse, which provides meals for the homeless in Oxford. We were also joined by Rob Finch, the Youth Worker from the Marcham Parish who shared the importance of giving and kindness and how important they were - food for thought! The children sang and shared songs and poems, from Reception dressed in flippy-floppy hats just A Visit from Blue Watch October Harvest Festival Reception’s First Day Get Out! Get the Fire Brigade Out! Stay Out! As part of our Safety Week focus Pre-Prep ​enjoyed a visit from the Red Watch at Abingdon Fire Station. The emphasis of the visit was keeping safe, what to do in an emergency and also to give us a tour around the fire engine. We learnt all about the equipment stored on board and how it might be used when they are called to an incident. Reception even experimented with the hose and all had a go at spraying water at a cone to chase it along the playground, which according to Reception was “the best thing ever!” like the scarecrows in their song, to lively verses about conkers and the big red combine harvester. Year 1 devised a poem around their artwork and Year 2 performed a piece of music that they had composed themselves to conjure up the sounds of autumn! As part of Reception’s 'Marvellous Me' topic, we learnt about things we can do to keep our bodies in tip-top shape. Rupal came in to tell us all about her job as a dentist and how she can help us to look after our teeth, and she very kindly gave us all a new toothbrush. Smile Please! Y2 made apple scones. They also enjoy K’NEXions Club.