Spring has truly arrived, and it is something rather magical about this time of year at Pennthorpe. The daffodils are in bloom, the birds are singing, and the sunshine brings with it a palpable sense of energy, it really does feel as though the world is waking up. I know it sounds like the opening of a Disney film, but the impact on our children, and on the overall feel around Pennthorpe, is remarkable. Across the school, you can feel it – at morning drop-off in the light, during break times now free of winter coats, at fixtures played on a sun-drenched sports pitches, and in those small, everyday moments between lessons chatting with the children. There is a lightness, a warmth and a quiet joy that feels simply more Pennthorpe.
This week, we have been celebrating Neurodiversity Week – a fitting and meaningful focus as Vicky Daley completes her final full week with us (we break up at lunchtime next Friday, so I’m not counting that as a ‘full week’!). It has been a time to recognise and celebrate the many different ways our brains work, how we think differently, and how we are different – what a perfect thing to celebrate. At Pennthorpe, individuality is something we value deeply, and this week has been a wonderful reminder of just how important it is to nurture understanding, kindness, and appreciation of difference. My sincere thanks to Mrs Daley for curating such a rich programme of speakers, activities and challenges that have brought this message so thoughtfully to life.
As we approach the end of my first term as Head of School, the Marketing team have already become used to the one word that I want in everything, on everything, and everywhere – ‘curiosity’. It underpins how we learn, how we grow, and how we connect with one another. Encouraging our children to ask questions, to explore, and to approach the world with open minds is central to a Pennthorpe education. As the well-known phrase from Ted Lasso (and apparently, originally Walt Whitwam) goes, ‘Be curious, not judgemental’ – a simple idea, but one that resonates deeply with our values and was reflected clearly throughout this week’s celebrations.
I had the pleasure of joining some prospective Reception children for a ‘Woodland Adventure’ this week – a morning spent discovering mini beasts, listening for birds, digging, exploring and of course, enjoying the tree house. I think the children enjoyed it… but I absolutely loved it. It was a joyful reminder of the richness of our setting and the opportunities it provides. Our children are growing up and learning about the world in a genuinely beautiful environment. With the Forest and Farm Project (hopefully) just months away from completion, we are excited to be taking this even further, broadening our holistic education and enhancing the already exceptional environment in which our children learn and grow. It is an exciting step forward, and one that – is just so Pennthorpe.
It was particularly heartening to hear from the parent of a new joiner this week that there is a ‘real buzz around Pennthorpe right now, from the outside at the moment.’ as a community, we know how special this school is, but it is wonderful to see that sense of energy and warmth being felt more widely and that others are now seeing and feeling the incredibly positive for the journey we are on. Thank you, as always, for the part you play in sharing the Pennthorpe story. It is making a real difference, and it will continue to do so in the weeks, months and years ahead.
As ever, in typical Pennthorpe fashion, the final week of term promises to be full and vibrant. With our House Music Festival, Celebration Huddle, House Spelling Competition, End of Term reports, interviews, prospective pupil tours, an Easter Egg Hunt, taster days, the Easter Service, and of course the House Music Competition, the buzz will undoubtedly continue as we head into the Easter break on a high. We look forward to welcoming many of you into school as we round off the term in Pennthorpe style.
Finally, after mentioning it earlier, if you haven’t seen the Ted Lasso darts scene, take two minutes out of your weekend to watch it. I challenge you not to be inspired. I think there’s more than a little splash of the Pennthorpe Magic in it. Barbecue Sauce.
Jon Marler
Head of School
