Let Them Shine is a charity dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can access quality education, healthcare, and nutritious meals - with continued support throughout their primary and secondary school journey.

It is wonderful to know that these donations can help foster confidence, a sense of belonging, and access to education.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing parents for their generosity, and to Let Them Shine for the meaningful difference they make in young lives.

Well done to all our young riders — and a special mention to Maggie, who placed 1st individually.

Our senior riders were also out competing. Congratulations to Jack (5th) and Tara (4th), both placed in the 75cm show jumping, with Jack also finishing 7th in the 85cm.

A fantastic outing all round, with plenty of ribbons and lots of happy riders!

This week, our incredibly talented Year 6 pupils wowed audiences with their captivating production of Dazzling with Dickens — and they truly sparkled on stage!

The performance took us on a whistle-stop journey through Charles Dickens’ life and works. From learning about his challenging childhood — including time spent in a gruelling factory and visits to the Marshalsea — to discovering how these experiences shaped his writing, the children brought history to life with confidence and flair.

We were then treated to wonderful performances of Gabriel Grub and Great Expectations, showcasing not only their acting skills but also their ability to master complex language, lightning-fast scene and costume changes, and impressive four-part singing and dancing.

This was no small feat — but every single child rose to the challenge with enthusiasm, resilience, determination and, above all, fantastic teamwork.

Mrs Brundle and Mrs McEwan couldn’t be prouder of the entire cast and crew.

One of the week’s highlights was an exciting trip to Go Ape, where boarders braved the rain to take on the high ropes course. Demonstrating courage and resilience, students climbed towering platforms, navigated challenging obstacles high above the ground, and zoomed along exhilarating zip lines. The experience not only tested their balance and bravery but also encouraged teamwork and trust, as boarders supported and motivated one another throughout the course. Trust falls and team challenges further strengthened friendships and helped build confidence in a fun and supportive environment.

Back on site, the activities continued across the extensive 50-acre campus and excellent sports facilities at MHV. Boarders made the most of the swimming pool, enjoying both energetic sessions and relaxed time in the water. Others took to the golf course to practise their swing, while lawn games provided a chance for friendly competition and laughter in the fresh air. Table tennis proved especially popular, with students eagerly taking part in fast-paced matches and informal tournaments.

The week also offered plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge. A cosy movie night provided the perfect end to a busy day, with boarders gathering together to watch Frozen. The evening was filled with comfort, laughter, and a strong sense of community, as students enjoyed spending time together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Overall, the week offered a wonderful balance of adventure and relaxation. Boarders had the chance to try new experiences, develop confidence, and strengthen friendships, while also enjoying quieter moments to unwind. With such a wide range of activities available, students have truly made the most of everything boarding life at MHV has to offer.

It has been a fantastic week, and everyone is already looking forward to the next opportunity for adventure.

The winterbourne stream provided the perfect setting for adventure. Pupils worked together to build dams, observed the movement of flowing water, and uncovered hidden features including small ponds, natural springs, and even a sinkhole. The muddy conditions only added to the excitement, as laughter and curiosity guided their exploration through the gully.

Experiences like these encourage teamwork, creativity, and resilience, while helping pupils develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Unstructured outdoor play allows children to problem-solve, collaborate, and gain confidence through hands-on discovery.

MHV Adventurers is one of the many Friday afternoon activity options available to pupils in Years 3 to 8. Taking place within the school day, the programme offers a wide range of opportunities designed to allow children to pursue hobbies and interests of their own choosing. From outdoor exploration to creative and practical activities, these sessions are an important part of the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, curious, and confident learners.

The afternoon at the gully was a perfect reminder of the joy and value of outdoor learning - an opportunity for pupils to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and create lasting memories together.

The church was bathed in candlelight as the service began, creating a peaceful and atmospheric setting. The opening moment was especially poignant, with a stunning solo performance from Grace V, whose confident and expressive singing set the tone for the evening.

Throughout the service, pupils showcased their musical talents in a series of outstanding performances. The Senior and Junior Choirs, Chamber Choir and Staff Choir all delivered beautifully prepared pieces, demonstrating both musical skill and dedication. Their performances reflected the hard work and expert guidance of Head of Music, Mrs McEwan, whose commitment helped make the evening such a success.

Special recognition was given to the Year 8 soloists, who performed with confidence and maturity. A particular highlight came from George V-G, who bravely sang from the pulpit, captivating the audience and earning warm applause for his assured and memorable performance.

In addition to the musical programme, pupils from each year group took part in readings of the Christmas story. They spoke with clarity and composure, helping to convey the meaning and message of the season. Their contributions added depth and reflection to the celebration, reinforcing the sense of togetherness within the school community.

The Carol Service was a fitting and uplifting conclusion to a busy and productive term. It provided an opportunity for reflection, celebration and shared enjoyment, and brought the school community together in a spirit of warmth and festive joy

For many of our Nursery and Kindergarten pupils, this was their very first Nativity - a huge milestone! They stepped onto the stage with excitement and bravery, filling the room with extra charm. Our Early Years team couldn’t be prouder of their dedication throughout rehearsals.

Reception pupils led the story with impressive speaking roles, narrating the Nativity with clarity, confidence and plenty of festive cheer.

The children’s enthusiastic singing filled the hall with festive joy - from upbeat numbers to gentle lullabies. And of course, the teachers’ comic rendition of “Please don’t knock at the Inn… for we are exhausted!” was a crowd favourite!

With sparkling costumes, heartfelt storytelling and plenty of Christmas magic, A Twinkly Nativity was the perfect way to begin the festive season.

Excitement filled the air as pupils waved enthusiastically and posed for photos with the beloved charity mascot. Pudsey’s visit brought laughter and energy to the school community, creating a memorable moment that pupils will treasure. For many of the younger children especially, the chance to see Pudsey in person was a highlight of the term.

The school community embraced the occasion wholeheartedly, with pupils and staff arriving dressed in bright colours and cheerful spots in honour of the charity. From spotty socks and colourful accessories to creative outfits, the day was filled with a vibrant display of support for Children in Need and the important work it does to help young people across the UK.

Thanks to the generosity of families and staff, the school raised valuable funds to support vulnerable children and young people. Every donation, no matter the size, will contribute towards projects that provide essential support, guidance and opportunities for those who need it most.

Events like these reflect the strong sense of compassion and community at MHV. Beyond the fun and excitement, the day also served as an opportunity to remind pupils of the importance of kindness, empathy and helping others.

The school extends its sincere thanks to everyone who donated and took part, helping to make the day such a meaningful and enjoyable success.

From the moment the week began, the holiday club was filled with laughter, imagination and Halloween spirit. Pupils enthusiastically took part in creepy crafts, designing and creating their own spooky masterpieces using a variety of materials. From ghosts and bats to witches and pumpkins, the children showed wonderful creativity and pride in their work.

One of the highlights of the week was the ever-popular pumpkin carving sessions. With great care and concentration, children transformed ordinary pumpkins into glowing works of art, each with its own unique personality. The finished creations were proudly displayed, bringing a warm autumn glow to the holiday club.

The excitement continued with a lively Halloween disco, where children enjoyed dancing with friends, playing games and celebrating together in their fantastic fancy dress costumes. From classic witches and skeletons to imaginative and original characters, the costumes added colour, fun and a sense of celebration to the occasion.

Beyond the Halloween-themed activities, pupils also made the most of MHV’s beautiful grounds. Autumn provided the perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration, with children enjoying seasonal walks and discovering the many changes taking place in nature. From spotting colourful falling leaves to observing autumn wildlife, these moments offered valuable opportunities for learning and appreciation of the natural world.

Halloween has become one of the most anticipated times of year at MHV Holiday Club, bringing together creativity, friendship and outdoor adventure. The week not only provided memorable experiences and festive fun, but also encouraged children to explore, imagine and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the autumn season.

It was a joyful and engaging week for all involved, and a wonderful example of the vibrant experiences that make MHV Holiday Club such a special place.

The event began with a range of pumpkin-themed craft activities, where children eagerly embraced the chance to get creative. Tables were filled with colour and imagination as little hands decorated pumpkins, created autumnal artwork and proudly shared their creations with family members. The crafting session provided the perfect opportunity for families to spend time together while celebrating the spirit of the season.

Following the creative start, families wrapped up warmly and set off to explore the school grounds on the Pumpkin Trail. With clues to follow and pumpkins hidden along the way, the trail encouraged curiosity and discovery as children searched carefully among the trees and pathways. There was great delight as each child found a pumpkin to take home, a special keepsake to remember the morning.

The event concluded with a cosy group story session, where families gathered to enjoy a reading of Pumpkin Soup. The much-loved autumn tale captivated young listeners and provided a calm and joyful end to a busy morning of activity.

The Little Vines Pumpkin Trail was a delightful celebration of creativity, exploration and community spirit. It offered nursery families the chance to experience the school grounds together, enjoy the beauty of autumn and create lasting memories in a warm and welcoming environment.