Wellbeing Week at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep

This week, pupils at Berkhamsted Prep and Pre-Prep have been thinking about ways to boost their wellbeing and build healthy habits. Playing outside, spending time with friends and getting creative are just some of the wellbeing activities that we have been focusing on.

At Pre-Prep, Stepping Stones enjoyed lots of sensory play in foam and water and danced to music with bubbles. To celebrate the wellbeing effects of being outdoors, the children planted flowers and vegetables in our lower garden and talked about how being outside makes them feel. This was also a great time for the children to think about how we can look after the environment by growing our own food and planting flowers for insects to enjoy.

Reception focused on the theme of belonging, thinking about how we all belong in our class, in Reception as a whole, and in our School. The children looked at the Berkhamsted rose on their uniform and thought about how it represents being part of the Berkhamsted School community. One class made a puzzle with each puzzle piece uniquely designed by each child – demonstrating how a community fits together. Another made a circle of handprints to show belonging.

The children at Pre-Prep enjoyed the sunshine and took part in some mindfulness activities to “rebalance”. We celebrated our wonderful outdoor environment with a trip to the woods and mindfully thought about the fresh air in our surroundings. The children also enjoyed the beautiful flowers in the Walled Garden and investigated the plants growing in our polytunnel, thinking about how being outside helps each of us in different ways.

Over at Prep, pupils engaged with music and baking to boost their wellbeing. Year 5 and Drama, Music and Arts Captains had the opportunity to take part in a Taiko workshop this week. Originating in Japan, Taiko means ‘the art of Japanese drumming’, referring to percussion instruments that have been a vital part of Japanese culture for millennia. The pupils had a fantastic time engaging with Japanese culture and musicality; they learned Japanese numbers to count them in, discovered how to make different sounds with the drum, and enjoyed conveying the energy and rhythm of music through the sound. To top it all off, our amazing catering team provided a Japanese lunch as well!

Pupils also had the chance to participate in an “Around the World” themed Bake-Off Competition. Inspired by family recipes, cultural heritage or their favourite places to visit, pupils brought in incredible creations that were a feast for both the eyes and mouth. The competition truly showcased the creativity of our pupils as they experimented with flavour and decoration. What’s more, pupils shared heartfelt stories when explaining the inspiration behind their baked goods. With so many fantastic creations on display, it was very difficult to choose a winner. “These are all so impressive,” said Ms Karen O’Connor, Headteacher of Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep. “Keep experimenting and trying new things!”

Whether it’s taking a moment to appreciate the fresh air or celebrating a community in which you belong, it’s essential to spend time doing things that boost your wellbeing. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the activities on offer this Wellbeing Week and are feeling refreshed and positive as we head into the Half Term.

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