Business as Usual for Staines Prep School

14th January 2010

Despite the recent heavy snowfall and reports of thousands of school closures across the country, it was business as usual for Staines Prep. With only one day of the new term lost due to bad weather, staff and pupils continued to fulfil a full timetable of studies.
Year 6 pupils not only braved the elements to attend school, but last Thursday made it safely all the way to central London for a much anticipated visit to the Science and Natural History Museums.

Having negotiated icy pavements and coped with Underground problems, the children spent the morning absorbed in the wonders of our natural world. They got up close and personal with life-sized dinosaurs and used a 'Creepy Crawly' exhibit to enjoy an intriguing insight into the lives of insects.

The afternoon was all about exploration and discovery. Pupils and staff experienced science and technology at first-hand, taking part in 50 interactive exhibits. Everyone was then treated to a science show entitled ‘Stronger by Design – Structures’. As part of the show they participated in a series of exciting demonstrations, including sitting on a chair of nails. All walked away in complete amazement before wrapping up on their return journey home.

Headmaster Peter Roberts said: “We wanted to give children continuity and didn’t want to cause disappointment by having to cancel excursions. We were also aware many parents would have difficulties finding alternative childcare if the school was closed. So a huge effort was made by staff, parents and pupils to keep the school running as normally and safely as possible during the recent challenging weather conditions.

"The children were certainly glad to be at school, particularly at playtimes. It was great to see them working together to make snowmen and snow sculptures – even if I had to dodge a snowball or two!”

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