Life at Somerhill Magazine

Life at Somerhill Michaelmas Term | October 2025

We grow amazing people

A message from our Senior Leadership Team

Following the half-term break, we take this opportunity to look back on a wonderful first half of the autumn term and to share some of the many highlights from the start of the academic year. Your children have wholeheartedly embraced new routines, forged new friendships, and thrown themselves into the many activities on offer. The school has been buzzing with energy, and smiles, laughter and a real sense of togetherness have filled our corridors and classrooms. Whether in lessons, in the playground, or during clubs and activities, it is wonderful to see how much the children are making of every opportunity here at Somerhill. We would especially like to celebrate our Year 6 pupils, who did an outstanding job as tour guides for visiting parents at our recent busy Open Morning. Their enthusiasm and maturity shone through, leaving a lasting impression on everyone they met. This experience is invaluable for their confidence and public speaking, and they were brilliant ambassadors for the school. We received lots of positive feedback from parents about the children’s self-assurance and thoughtful answers- well done, Year 6, we are incredibly proud of you! As the half-term break comes to an end, we hope all our families and staff enjoyed a restful and enjoyable holiday. For those children who attended clubs and activities over the break, we trust they had a fantastic time filled with fun and new experiences. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the second half of the term and to the many opportunities it will bring.

With best wishes, Alex, Amanda, Jess, Jonathan, Julian and Sian The Senior Leadership Team

We are proud to launch our Little Somers Holiday School!

We are delighted to announce the launch of Little Somers Holiday School for our Somerhill pre school children from age 2: ten weeks of nurturing, play-based activities, filled with laughter, learning, and fun! We hope that this holiday school, carefully linked to the EYFS framework, will be especially helpful for our working families and for those who may need additional support during the school holidays

Our care does not stop when the school term ends - 42 weeks of trusted care, same Somerhill heart.

Please visit our website for more information:

https://www.somerhill.org/holidaysc hool

Year 6 pupils venture to the Isle of Wight! During the final week of the summer holidays, 30 of our Year 6 pupils ventured to the Isle of Wight for our annual UKSA water sports trip! Led by Mr Shute (for the 19th time!), pupils enjoyed an action-packed week of fun and adventure, including: windsurfing, sailing, keel-boating, canoeing, SUP boarding and raft-building. UKSA provides a safe and structured environment where the focus is firmly on fun, excitement and learning new skills, and our pupils certainly made the most of it! Another brilliant example of the endless opportunities at Somerhill.

We grow amazing people

First day of school vibes!

It may have been raining on the first morning of the term, but spirits were high as pupils arrived full of energy and ready for the year ahead!

Our pre-prep pupils are putting their brand-new welly racks to good use!

Our ‘Real-Life Project’ gives pupils the chance to tackle a genuine problem in our school community and put their learning into action. Last year, our then Year 2 pupils (now Year 3) were challenged to solve a very real Somerhill puzzle — where to store the hundreds of wellies used in pre-prep! Through teamwork, planning, measuring and creative thinking, they designed a practical solution that is now used every day. Their efforts have left a lasting legacy, showing how even our youngest learners can make a meaningful, positive impact on our school environment. A huge well done to last year’s Year 2 pupils for leading the way. Now it is over to our current Year 2 pupils — what challenge will Mrs McKnight set next? We will have to wait until the Lent term to find out…

On Thursday 4th September, we welcomed Somerhill families from Years 3–8 for our prep ‘Meet the Teacher’ event. It was a wonderful opportunity for parents to connect, catch up with friends and meet their child’s new teacher. Prep meet the teacher evening

With drinks and nibbles on hand, it made for a relaxed and enjoyable evening for all.

British Young Pilots at Somerhill! ✈

Did you know that last year we introduced British Young Pilots to our extra-curricular clubs and activities programme? This summer, some of our pupils were lucky enough not only to take a flight, but also to try their hand at the controls mid-air!

Year 7 and 8 boys camp at Somerhill!

On Friday 5th September, our Year 7 and 8 boys camped overnight at Somerhill! The evening was packed with team-building fun, from pitching tents, campfire songs and midnight treats, to night walks and swimming pool games. Pupils also tucked into a delicious BBQ and hearty breakfast, all cooked by our brilliant Somerhill staff. Our annual camp nights are a fantastic way for pupils to settle in, strengthen bonds and build new friendships!

We grow amazing people

Somerhill Saplings

What an incredible first half term it has been for our Somerhill Saplings, filled with discovery, creativity and outdoor adventure! From exploring the woods and learning how to stay safe in nature, to crafting cork boats, collecting apples from the orchard, and creating nature art inspired by Andy Goldsworthy - our youngest explorers have truly embraced the magic of autumn.

They have used palm drills, hammers and conkers to build fine motor skills, experimented with floating acorns, made wax-dipped leaf bunting, and foraged treasures from across the Somerhill grounds. To celebrate the end of term, our Saplings gathered for a campfire, learning how to build and light it safely before roasting the sweet chestnuts they had foraged; a delicious and memorable finale to an adventure-filled half term! We are so proud of our curious, confident and creative Saplings, and cannot wait to see what discoveries next term will bring.

A big thank you to all the families who joined us for our pre-prep ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening on Tuesday 9 September. th These events are a fantastic way for Somerhill parents to meet their child’s teacher, explore classrooms, and then come together in our Mansion Hall to enjoy drinks and nibbles. Pre-prep meet the teacher

We grow amazing people

Full steam ahead for Year 7 pupils Our Year 7 pupils have been exploring different forms of energy this half-term, and how they transform from one to another by observing our model steam engine in action.

The highlight for many was the chance to sound the whistle!

Teddy Bears’ Picnic for Year 1 pupils! Our Year 1 pupils hosted the sweetest Teddy Bears’ Picnic on the formal lawns at Somerhill this half-term. Children brought along their favourite bears from home to share biscuits, laughter, and a magical morning outdoors together - another special memory made in our beautiful Somerhill grounds!

Florence Nightingale visits Year 2 Year 2 were truly inspired by a visit from Florence Nightingale, who captivated them with stories of her courageous work during the Crimean War. She taught them about the vital role of hygiene and compassion in nursing, leaving a lasting impression on them all. The children had the chance to ask her thoughtful questions they had prepared in English, and even got hands-on with some bandaging practice!

As part of their science topic on light, our Year 6 pupils had the fascinating opportunity to dissect a real eyeball! This hands-on activity gave them a unique chance to explore how the eye works and discover its incredible features up close. All eyes on Year 6!

St John’s Cubs visit Somerhill

We were delighted to welcome the 12th St John’s Cub Pack from Tunbridge Wells to Somerhill on Thursday 18th September! The Cubs enjoyed a hands on introduction to beekeeping, trying on bee suits, exploring our hives, and learning all about the fascinating world of bees.

Calm Club lava lamps!

There were some real wow moments for our Year 3 and 4 pupils in Calm Club this half-term, as they created their very own lava lamps! Not only did they learn a little science along the way, but they also enjoyed the calm, creative space that helps our pupils relax, recharge and thrive. Just one of the many ways our outstanding pastoral care supports every child at Somerhill.

Year 6 STEM racing cars!

Our Year 6 pupils put their engineering skills to the test this half term as part of their STEM Racing Project. They designed, built and trialled different front wing models for F1 cars, carefully analysing which designs performed best. A fantastic hands-on way to combine science, technology, engineering and maths at Somerhill!

This half-term, we hosted our very first ‘Mini Saplings’ parent-toddler sessions at Somerhill! Families enjoyed woodland-themed afternoons in our dedicated Saplings area, complete with a mud kitchen, dinosaur station, rope swings and plenty more to explore. With hot chocolate and cookies to keep everyone cosy, it has been a wonderful opportunity for new parents to connect and for our youngest adventurers to make friends across eight weeks of fun and discovery at Somerhill! ‘Mini Saplings’ parent-toddler classes launched at Somerhill!

Storytelling through design in Year 1

Pupils in Year 1 have been exploring the work of William Morris, a master of pattern, nature, and storytelling through design. Using string to create their own stamps, the children experimented with pressing, rolling, and printing to bring their unique designs to life, creating a collection of beautiful, intricate patterns inspired by Morris himself.

Sport is back with a bang, at Somerhill!

It has been a phenomenal start to the year for our pupils. Across football, hockey, and cross-country. Our young athletes have brought home multiple tournament victories, finished runners-up in others, and proudly lifted cross-country trophies. Equally as exciting, 49 of our U8S represented Somerhill for the very first time! In total, there have already been well over 1000 pupil selections, showcasing the scale of participation across the school. Alongside 11 sports clubs running before and after school, sport at Somerhill is thriving, offering endless opportunities for our pupils, from first-time players to seasoned competitors.

At the Rawlinson Run for Years 2, 3 and 4, Somerhill were crowned overall winners, with five brilliant medal performances from Jude, Rory, Thomas, Josie and Chloe. Our U10 A and B football teams shone at the St Michael’s 5-a-side tournament, finishing as winners and runners-up respectively - a superb double result! Meanwhile, our U10A hockey team triumphed at the Rose Hill tournament, bringing home another winner’s trophy, and our U9–U13 cross country team continued the momentum, securing the Thomas Trophy overall title. An incredible half-term of teamwork, determination and Somerhill spirit. Well done to all our pupils!

Prep art at Somerhill It has been a wonderfully creative half-term in the Art Department, with pupils across the school exploring a rich variety of artists, techniques and themes. Year 3 have been inspired by Mondrian and Matisse, learning about primary and secondary colours and creating vibrant ‘Snail’ collages, while Year 4 have designed imaginative animal totem poles, influenced by Haida shapes and Robert Davidson, and are preparing to add paint to their striking raised reliefs after half-term.

Year 5 have explored Dreamtime stories from Australia, illustrating their own tales using Aboriginal symbols and expressive colour.

Year 6 have stepped into the bold world of Pop Art, producing energetic comic style prints inspired by Lichtenstein and Warhol.

Meanwhile, Year 7 have captured movement and energy through Futurist oil pastel pieces, and Year 8 have delved into portraiture, studying Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Frank Auerbach and Alberto Giacometti through both paint and clay. Another truly inspiring half-term of artistic exploration, creativity and confidence at Somerhill.

Year 7 boys medieval workshops ⚔ Our Year 7 boys stepped back in time this half-term with an immersive medieval workshop! They explored every corner of medieval life, from warfare and armour to surgery, feasting, herbal remedies and the rivalries between leading families. This hands-on experience brought their history studies vividly to life, connecting classroom topics such as the Black Death, the Peasants’ Revolt and the Hundred Years' War. A brilliant way to deepen understanding through living history!

‘The Magic Toyshop’ in pre-prep

As part of their topic, 'The Magic Toyshop', and to mark Recycle Week, our pre prep children enjoyed a wonderful toy swap shop. Pupils brought in a toy to exchange and left with something ‘new’, while learning about recycling, sharing and caring for our belongings. This year’s theme, 'rescue me', focused on saving recyclable items from ending up in the bin, and our toy swap was the perfect way to bring this message to life!

Careers Evening is a big success! On Tuesday 30 September, we held our first-ever Careers Evening at Somerhill; an evening all about curiosity, asking questions and discovering new ideas. th With so many parents volunteering to host stalls, answer questions and share their experiences, our pupils in Years 5–8 had the chance to explore a wide range of exciting careers and start thinking about their own futures.

A huge thank you to our amazing parent ‘industry professionals’ for giving up their time to inspire the next generation at Somerhill!

On Thursday 2nd October, pre-prep pupils marked National Poetry Day with a special assembly led by our Deputy Head of Pre-Prep, Miss Bullen. Poetry day performances in pre prep

Together, the children read one of her favourite poems, ‘On the Ning Nang Nong’, before some brave Year 2 pupils took to the stage to share their own favourites, and even some original poems! A wonderful celebration of creativity, confidence and the joy of poetry.

Well done, Year 2!

Year 8 boys mark National Poetry Day

Also to mark National Poetry Day, our Year 8 boys explored the evocative world of Seamus Heaney, discovering how poetry can capture the power of memory. After a thoughtful and detailed analysis of 'Death of a Naturalist,' they then crafted their own memory narratives, drawing inspiration from Heaney’s vivid imagery and emotional depth. It has been wonderful to see their creativity flourish as they connect personal experience with poetic expression.

Cross country at Somerhill!

On Thursday 2 October, we were delighted to host our annual cross country event at Somerhill! nd An incredible 444 pupils competed across six races, with the U13 boys race attracting the largest field of the day - a superb 107 runners! Congratulations to our U9 boys and U11 girls for winning their respective age groups, and to our U9 girls for finishing as runners-up.

A huge thank you to MochaFella coffee for keeping everyone fuelled with delicious coffee and refreshments throughout the day!

It was a brilliant event, full of energy, sportsmanship and Somerhill spirit!

This half-term, our Kindergarten children have been hands-on in the garden, planting daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops ready for spring. They discussed what bulbs need to grow, with some excellent observations from the children: “They need rain for water!” “I like snowdrops” “Cover with mud!” Lovely sessions of learning, teamwork and outdoor discovery at Somerhill! Young gardeners in Kindergarten

School councillors visit The Community Storehouse

On Monday 6 October, representatives from our Pre-Prep and Prep School Councils loaded up the Somerhill van and delivered an incredible 560kg of Harvest Festival donations to The Community Storehouse in Paddock Wood. th A huge thank you to our entire Somerhill community for your generosity and kindness. Gill, from the Community Storehouse, shared: “It was great to receive your harvest donations. You have enormously helped to stock up our shelves, ready for a busy autumn and winter ahead.” We are so proud of our pupils and families for supporting such an important local cause.

Year 5 pupils take flight! ✈

This half-term, our Year 5 pupils have been exploring the principles of flight and the design of gliders. After testing and refining their prototypes, they will soon be creating their own final designs; each aiming to soar further than before! The current Somerhill record stands at 16.5 metres… will anyone beat it?

Year 7 make the most of the season

Our Year 7 boys have been making the most of the season, spending time in the gardens and orchards, tending to plants and picking apples straight from the trees. Did you know we have our very own variety of apple here at Somerhill? Not found anywhere else, our Somerhill apples are beautifully unique and delicious! Watch this space for more information on our Somerhill apples...

Pre-prep welly walk! On Friday 10th October, our pre-prep children and families pulled on their wellies for a joyful 'welly walk' through our parkland, in support of West Kent Mind and World Mental Health Day and raised a staggering £665! Earlier in the week, we were delighted to welcome Ceri from West Kent Mind, who led an engaging assembly for our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils. Together, they explored mental health and shared simple, meaningful ways to look after our own well-being and support others. A wonderful week of kindness, connection and community at Somerhill, all in support of such an important cause.

This half-term, our young prep adventurers have been out and about across our beautiful grounds, identifying trees, collecting natural treasures, and even bringing back the classic game of conkers for some traditional autumn fun! Did you know, the game of conkers has been played in the UK since the 1800s, and the world record for the most conkers broken in one minute is 10! We are also proud to be partnering with the Woodland Trust as Hedgerow Heroes, working towards our Green Tree Schools Award. Watch this space for more green adventures from our eco-explorers! Autumnal adventures in prep!

Diwali celebrations at Somerhill

On Friday, our Year 5 boys and girls took part in a vibrant Diwali dance workshop to mark the start of the festival of lights. Pupils explored the traditions and joy of this special celebration, learning how Diwali brings people together in light, colour and community. Wishing everyone in our Somerhill community a very Happy Diwali!

STEAM Day at Somerhill! To round off the half term, pupils across Somerhill enjoyed an action packed STEAM Day, celebrating curiosity, creativity and discovery in science, technology, engineering, art and maths (STEAM). Our pre-prep children had great fun in Silly Science workshops, experimenting and investigating through exciting hands-on challenges. While our prep pupils took to designing and launching rockets and constructing historic catapults, they combined creativity with engineering skill and teamwork. A brilliant day full of innovation, imagination and exploration, showcasing the endless opportunities to think, create and discover at Somerhill.

Year 1 visit the Kent Life Museum

On Friday 17th October, our Year 1 pupils enjoyed a fantastic trip to the Kent Life Museum, bringing their history topic to life through hands-on discovery and exploration. They loved stepping back in time to experience what life was like in the past: exploring old-fashioned homes and artefacts, meeting real farm animals, and learning through play. A wonderful day of learning, laughter, and curiosity for our Somerhill pupils!

Life at Somerhill | Michaelmas Term | October 2025