Message from the Head
As we approach the final days of the academic year, the energy and spirit of Feltonfleet remain in full flow. This past fortnight has encapsulated so much of what makes this school such a special place for our pupils from our youngest children learning to nurture their wellbeing to older pupils building confidence and independence on residential trips, and the joy of reconnecting with alumni.
In the Prep School, pupils in Years 3-8 returned from their residential adventures full of stories, laughter and sense of accomplishment. Whether coasteering, kayaking, fossil hunting, teambuilding or simply enjoying time away with their friends, each year group embraced their experiences with enthusiasm and courage. Meanwhile, closer to home, Year 1 delighted in their visit to RHS Wisley, taking in the natural world with curiosity and enthusiasm.
The end-of-term rhythm has been in full swing across the school. The Pre-Prep disco brought dancing and giggles, the Lower School Summer Concert showcased musical talent,, and the Year 6 public speaking event, was an excellent reminder of how far our pupils have come in both confidence and clarity of thought. Induction evenings and classroom visits have given many parents the chance to meet the teachers who will guide the next stage of their children’s journeys, and we have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming you into school.
We also had the pleasure of welcoming back the Class of 2020 for an alumni BBQ a special afternoon spent catching up with familiar faces as they reflect on their time at Feltonfleet and prepare to move into the next exciting chapters of university and beyond.
Our boarders, making the most of the light summer evenings, have filled the grounds with the sound of cricket, laughter and the occasional splash from a water fight. These have been moments of pure childhood joy that remind us why this final stretch of term is so treasured.
With one week to go, the calendar remains packed and the forecast promises summer sunshine. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events, including sports days, end-of-year celebrations and of course, our Prize Day & Graduation service on Saturday for all Year 5-8 pupils. It is shaping up to be a brilliant end to the year.
This past fortnight has encapsulated so much of what makes this school such a special place for our pupils.
Headmistress | Shelley Lance
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Mon, 23 Jun 2025Year 8 Charity Walk for Cherry Trees
As part of the Year 8’s Programme of Enrichment, the pupils took part in a charity walk from Guildford to Box Hill summit, raising over £1,000.
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Thu, 19 Jun 2025Feltonbury Festival: Pre-Prep’s Big Summer Boogie
Pre-Prep pupils showed off their dance moves at Feltonbury, a summer disco festival full of music, flower garlands and sunshine.
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Tue, 17 Jun 2025Incredible Fundraising Effort in Schools Triathlon
Pupils in Years 3 to 6 have raised an astonishing £11,073.63 by taking part in this year’s Schools Triathlon Series
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Mon, 16 Jun 2025Sunshine, Smiles and Summer Fun at the FoF Summer Fayre
Feltonfleet’s Summer Fayre was a sun-soaked celebration filled with fun activities, food, and community spirit, bringing together pupils, families, and staff for a truly memorable day.
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Mon, 26 May 2025Feltonfleet Pupil Stars in Hit Music Video
Pupil Elizabeth was selected to star in Craig David’s music video Wake Up, performing alongside Craig himself and a talented cast of young performers.
Nursery Nurturing our Own Wellbeing
At Feltonfleet, your children's emotional wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that nurturing a positive mindset, and helping children understand and manage their feelings, lays the foundation for lifelong mental and emotional health.
In Nursery, we create a warm, trusting relationship with every pupil and this has supported them to express their feelings and to develop their confidence. In addition, we use Feelings Charts to support the pupils to name and recognise their feelings. Most importantly, we model respectful communication and empathy in everyday interactions with our Nursery pupils.
Our Nursery routines provide a sense of belonging, security and consistency for all our pupils and this is especially visible through our daily practice of mindfulness. Our aim is to help every pupil feel happy, calm and ready to learn. Thank you for working with us to support our Nursery pupils' wellbeing.
Reception Growing Potatoes in Forest School
Cooking food over the campfire is an exciting part of the Forest School experience not just because food always tastes better outdoors but also because it provides opportunities for the pupils to learn and develop new skills around safe fire building and lighting. This week the pupils in Reception experienced the pleasure of a campfire and eating their homegrown potatoes under the shady trees. They have been involved in the entire process of caring for the potato plants which has helped to develop their understanding of where food comes from and how it is grown.
We grew the potatoes in bags and pots using a mix of shop bought and homemade compost from the Forest School compost bin. After months of watering and watching small shoots grow into tall leafy stems, this week the pupils in Reception have been harvesting the potatoes they have cared for since planting the seed tubers in the early spring. There was great excitement as we turned out the containers, rummaged around in the soil and discovered a gorgeous array of different sized and unusually shaped potatoes! The potatoes, and our hands, needed a good wash before we could prepare them for the campfire cook up.
Carefully following the fire safety rules around the fire pit we boiled and baked the potatoes with fresh mint and thyme from the garden before leaving them to cool and then enjoyed eating the “best potatoes ever”! There was lots of pride and pleasure amongst Reception pupils, for growing and cooking their own Supertatos!
We ate it in the forest in the nice fresh air!Reception Pupil
Year 1 Exploring Plants & Seasons at Wisley Gardens
Last week, our Year 1 pupils embarked on an exciting outdoor adventure to the beautiful RHS Wisley Gardens, one of the most beautiful and educational spots in the region - and what a day it was! Full of sunshine, smiles, and exploration, the trip gave our young learners the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and bring their science learning to life.
From the moment we arrived, there was a real buzz of excitement. The pupils were fascinated by the variety of flowers, trees and vegetables growing across the gardens - a particular favourite was the candyfloss bush! As part of their Plants and Seasons topic, the pupils were able to explore the vast and vibrant gardens, spotting different types of flowers, trees, and wildlife along the way.
‘Hilltop’, known as The Home of Gardening Science, gave our pupils the perfect opportunity to experience how science and nature go hand in hand. Here, growing in the World Food Garden, the pupils were able to engage in sensory activities - smelling herbs, feeling textures of leaves and spotting pollinators, like bees and butterflies, in action; all deepening their knowledge of crops grown as food. They especially enjoyed sampling the different types of mint, including the chocolate mint, banana mint and apple mint!
The pupils also visited the orchards, to see firsthand where apples, pears and plums grow. They were thrilled to spot ripening fruits on the vines. The pupils learnt about how the trees vary and are cared for throughout the seasons.
After a well earned picnic lunch under the trees, we enjoyed a mindfulness walk around the sculpture gardens and water features, taking in the stunning scenery and sharing a mindful moment of pure relaxation. We are so proud of how well the pupils represented Feltonfleet - they were fantastic ambassadors, showing wonder and brilliant behaviour.
Back in Calvi, Year 1 had a deliciously great time sampling their own UK themed fruit salad. It was a brilliant way to bring together geography, science, and nutrition – all in one fun, fruity activity. Tucking into their healthy creations at the end of the day was a fantastic showcase of the food production cycle witnessed that day.
We were very pleased with how many pupils tried something new. Well done, Year 1 – our Wisley Adventure and Great British Fruit Salad were a great success!
Year 2 French Roundup of the Term
This term in French, Year 2 pupils have made fantastic progress in developing their language skills and growing in confidence!
We have been learning how to understand and respond to a variety of questions in French. The pupils have practised using key verbs and actions, worked with numbers up to 50, and revisited topics such as animals and parts of the body.
One of the highlights this term was our exploration of food vocabulary, including fruit, vegetables, breakfast items, and snacks. The pupils had fun using this new vocabulary in shopping role plays, helping to bring their learning to life in a real-world context.
We also enjoyed using the interactive language learning platform Linguascope.com. This fantastic resource allows pupils to work independently on iPads, choosing from a range of reading, listening, and spelling games. The different levels of difficulty kept everyone engaged and challenged, making learning fun and personal to each pupil.
Well done to all our Year 2 linguists! Their enthusiasm and curiosity for learning French has shone through this term. We look forward to building on this strong foundation next term.
Year 3 Team Building Trip to Walton Firs
Year 3 pupils were a credit to the School on their first ever residential trip to Walton Firs! They embraced the outdoor adventures wholeheartedly and approached every challenge with enthusiasm. From testing their bravery on the high ropes and climbing wall to developing new skills in shelter building and fire lighting, they rose to every occasion. Their teamwork shone through during caving and crate stacking activities.
After a day full of adventure, the pupils enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal before cooling down with a lively water fight before bed. The next morning, they were up and ready to dive into another day of fun and learning.
Each and every child demonstrated our Core Values throughout the trip, and their teachers couldn't be prouder.
The full set of un-curated images are available for parents and pupils to enjoy in our Firefly galleries.
I loved caving because I didn’t like small spaces, but then I faced my fears and I had fun!
HUGO t | yEAR 3
Year 4 PGL Trip to Hindhead
What an amazing few days we had on our Year 4 residential trip to PGL Marchant’s Hill in Hindhead. The pupils threw themselves into every activity with huge enthusiasm - from climbing and the giant swing to raft building and eco exploring, they really made the most of every challenge. It was lovely to see them encouraging each other, stepping out of their comfort zones, and growing in confidence along the way.
We were lucky to be supported by the brilliant PGL instructors (Will, Will - or "Will Squared” as they liked to be referred to! - and Elliott) who made sure everything was safe, fun, and full of energy. The pupils showed fantastic resilience and teamwork, and we were so proud of how well they represented Feltonfleet!.
The rooms were cosy and comfortable, and the pupils absolutely loved the excitement of getting their things unpacked and spending two nights away with their friends. They took real responsibility for keeping their rooms tidy and looking after their belongings - which was very impressive when it came to room checks in the morning.
Mealtimes were another big hit, with tasty food and plenty of choice to keep everyone well fed and happy. In the evenings, we enjoyed ‘balloon splash’, campfire songs, marshmallow toasting, and lots of giggles - perfect for winding down after busy days.
It really was a special trip, full of fun, friendship, and personal achievements. We’re so proud of all our Year 4 pupils for the way they threw themselves into it all and we’re sure these are memories they’ll treasure for a long time.
The full set of un-curated images are available for parents and pupils to enjoy in our Firefly galleries.
Year 5 Norfolk Trip
Our Year 5 pupils enjoyed a fantastic three-day residential, filled with adventure, teamwork, and skill-building.
They took part in exciting activities such as Climbing, Archery, a Scavenger Hunt, Survival Skills, Low Ropes, and Fencing—each offering opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, and cooperation.
A highlight for many was the range of water-based activities on the lake, including Stand Up Paddleboarding, Canoeing, and Kayaking.
It was like a never-ending loop of fun!CONNIE A
My favourite activity was survival skills because I really enjoyed making the fire and adding to it to make it biggerGeorge Q
These sessions were thoroughly enjoyed and allowed pupils to develop a variety of new skills while having great fun in a safe and supportive environment. To top it all off, everyone enjoyed the fantastic food, which kept spirits high and energy levels up throughout the trip.
The full set of un-curated images are available for parents and pupils to enjoy in our Firefly galleries.
Year 6 Geology Trip to the Isle of Wight
What a fabulous time our Year 6 pupils had on their trip to the Isle of Wight! The week was packed full of water activities, coasteering, beach cleaning, fossil hunting, dinosaurs, sustainability workshops and of course, the awesome sunshine. Before coming back to camp for tents, smores, donuts of the day and lace races.
Here is a sample of what Year 6 pupils got up to and their own thoughts about the trip...
Most of all I loved all of the memories I made and the new things I learnt.Elizabeth B
I was excited about playing with my friends but worried that I would get homesick. It all turned out to be okay!Kevin J
I loved it because there were so many team building activities that were so fun. I felt a bit scared during coasteering as I jumped off the highest point, but I did it!Millicent B
The full set of un-curated images are available for parents and pupils to enjoy in our Firefly galleries.
Year 7 Sustainability Trip to Wales
The Year 7 residential trip to Wales was an unforgettable adventure. The pupils had an exhilarating experience coasteering off the dramatic rocks of St Davids, exploring the rugged coastline. We also took a boat ride to see the local wildlife, spotting birds and lots of seals.
The visit to the Bug Farm was a particular highlight, where pupils got up close with giant mini-beasts and even dined on some! Surfing lessons were a blast, and the Year 7 pupils had plenty of time to hang out with friends on the beach. The trip ended with marshmallows around the campfire and one last game of cricket. What a fantastic trip! So many smiles, laughs, and moments that will stay with us for years to come.
The full set of un-curated images are available for parents and pupils to enjoy in our Firefly galleries.
Year 8 Watersports Trip to Spain
Our Year 8 pupils experienced a first for Feltonfleet by taking part in The Spanish Adventure! The pupils were up at dawn to catch an early flight to Bilbao and then a coach to the Latas Surf Lodge in the town of Somo. Here, they wasted no time and by afternoon were already at the beach and in the sea catching their first waves of the week.
The pupils would surf every morning for the rest of the week, including their last day, honing their skills, knowledge and ability to pick out a good wave and even the direction in which it was breaking. The afternoons and evenings were equally packed, with volleyball, beach games, yoga, surf theory, museum trips in Santander and the local town of Somo.
Finally, we had to leave and head home. With sand in our shoes and soggy swimsuits in our bags we made for the airport and arrived to a fantastic welcome from parents at Gatwick arrivals areas. The Year 8’s were absolutely brilliant, as were Mr Kumar, Mr Rumbold, Mrs Shervell and Ms Whitton,without whom the trip would not have been half as wonderful.
The full set of un-curated images are available for parents and pupils to enjoy in our Firefly galleries.
Equity, Diveristy & Inclusion
As we come to the close of another wonderful school year at Feltonfleet, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your continued commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Your engagement, open-mindedness, and willingness to support meaningful dialogue and action have helped create a more welcoming and respectful environment for all pupils and families. The EDI progress we have made this year throughout our school community would not have been possible without your partnership.
With that, do look out for our new and exciting after-school club ‘Belief and Beyond’, which is open to Year 1 and 2 pupils and one for Prep school pupils. These will be inclusive spaces where we will explore different cultures, religions and worldviews through storytelling, crafts, festivals and even mindfulness sessions. The pupils do not need to be religious to join. It promises to be a relaxed environment to ask questions and discover the beauty of diverse traditions.
Our next Parent’s EDI Forum is on Tuesday 23rd September at 08:30m in Calvi House. I look forward to continuing working together in the year ahead.
Your engagment, open-mindedness and willingness to support .... have helped create a more welcoming and respectful environment... Thank you!
EDI Lead| Jessica Hunte
Library Lowdown
We were delighted to invite nearly 100 excited pupils to our Readers' Breakfast on Wednesday morning for hot chocolate, pastries and millionaire's shortbread, to celebrate those who have read a million words this term, as well as those who have put in especially good effort with their reading this term. Well done to everyone who was invited, it was a lovely way to start the end of term celebrations!
Congratulations to our Tournament of Books finalists! All finalists were placed in a draw, and Mrs Lance selected names out of a hat. The winners, who take home some books of their choosing, are as follows:
- Lower School - Willow L
- Middle School - Samuel D
- Upper School - Nancy D
Final message from the library this year is "the Feltonfleet Summer Reading Challenge is back!". All Prep pupils have been told about the summer reading challenge in their library lessons, and information has been sent home with them, as well as being available in the Friday Post and on Firefly. If pupils read six books over the holidays, they will earn themselves a coveted Feltonfleet reading wristband. We’d also love some photographs of the pupils reading in an unusual place, which we will then feature in next term's library display.
Sports Report
Athletics
This summer, Feltonfleet hosted another round of athletics competitions with visiting schools CLFS, Danes Hill, Wellington Prep returning with their athletes for more fun in the afternoon sun.
This year we were able to host an athletics event for Upper School and for Middle School, allowing more pupils to experience the thrill of an athletics meet, with running, jumping and throwing events for all ages.
As we bathed in glorious sunshine, our boys and girls did themselves proud by competing across multiple events and giving their all for the school. It was inspiring to watch and something we will certainly do again next year.
Swimming
As we dive into the summer break, we're thrilled to reflect on an exciting and successful year in the swimming programme. From early morning practices to championship meets, Feltonfleet swimmers showed dedication, growth, and team spirit every step of the way. The house galas were great fun, from nursery to Y8 everyone took the plunge.
We had over 70 pupils participate in the competitive swimming program. Our teams competed in school galas, regional meets, national championships, bringing home medals and countless personal bests. Several school records were smashed, and the Lower School team was unbeaten this season. We are very proud of the Middle and Upper School teams and their performance at the IAPS and ESSA National Championships.
The Pre-Prep Learn to Swim Programme showed amazing progress, with every pupil improving their swimming skills and confidence in the water. Huge well done to our youngest swimmers, they are the future champions in the making.
Thank you to all parents, teachers and pupils for making this year a splash.
Music Matters
On Wednesday morning, our Year 3 and 4 pupils entertained us with a fabulous Lower School Concert. The orchestra played superbly, and all of Year 3 and 4 pupils sang their hearts out, creating a joyful and uplifting atmosphere. We were also treated to some special performances from our talented Year 4 xylophone players and the enthusiastic Year 3–5 recorder ensemble.
The music was wonderfully varied, taking us on a journey from the Wallace and Gromit theme tune, to a lively Harry Styles hit, a touch of classical elegance with Beethoven, and even a piece from the new Lion King Disney movie. The concert concluded with an energetic and feel-good rendition of "Walking on Sunshine", which had the whole audience smiling.
Well done to all those who participated, and a huge thank you to the parents who attended and so willingly joined in the fun – your support truly made the morning extra special!
This week we've also been treated by the pupils of Ms Amanda Allen and Mr Julian Taylor, who put on a super concert of piano and guitar music. Highlights included a performance of ‘Steve’s Lava Chicken’ with drums and a beautiful rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen, where Freddie got an opportunity to be the piano accompanist whilst Ms Allen played the flute. Thank you to both teachers for preparing the pupils so beautifully, for the parents who kindly came to watch and to all of our excellent young musicians.
Pianists: George Q, Sophie P, Turner R, Cleo H, Jude B, Rafferty W, Henry R, Ben A & Max A (drums), Freddie B
Guitarists: Connie A, Elliot C, Sofia B, Henry M, Toby P, Olivia B-G
By Thursday, it was the turn of Mr Fryer’s clarinet and saxophone players to share their musical talents, in another fun-packed concert with a varied programme of musical styles. Congratulations to all of our young performers and thanks to all who came to support.
Clarinettists: Sienna B, Lily D, Kiera R, Tilly R, Tino B, Tom F
Saxophonists: Christopher G, Luca M, Charlie S, Freddie B, Hugo T
Headmistresses Awards
- Pre-Prep - Milo H - For taking his ballet exam. We are all so proud of you for your bravery and so pleased that you were able to show your talent
- Lower school - Eva S - For her mature and helpful attitude towards both her peers and adults
- Middle school - Isabelle P - For her postiive outlook, great determination and for always helping others
- Upper School - Alex J - For rising to every challenge, both in and out of the classroom. Alex takes the core vlaues as his own and is a brilliant role model.
