As some of you will be aware, this year we have introduced a new ‘buddy’ scheme which involves the oldest students in the school (age 18) working alongside the youngest pupils in the school (age 3). Interested Sixth Form students were invited to meet with the Head of Pre-Reception Mrs Hedditch-Grey to have a mini interview and to discuss the expectation of the role, including taking part in differing types of activities with the children. The response was fantastic, so much so that at least 24 applied, too many for Pre-Reception, and so some now support other pupils in the Preparatory School with their reading. Pre-Reception now have 16 students visiting weekly who do various activities with the children including storytelling, baking, painting and garden play. The students were also invited to devise/plan their own activities, if they wanted to, which might correspond to their own interests and study. For example, one student who is studying Science plans to carry out an experiment with the children, looking at the growth of beans into plants which will involve helping them to watch, tend for and talk about their own plant. It has been a great opportunity for the Pre-Reception children to form relationships and for both schools to work in partnership together.