Chorister School Highlights 2024/25
The 2024/25 academic year at Chorister School was one of rich discovery, creativity and connection. From our youngest pupils taking their first confident steps in school life, to our older children tackling challenges with resilience and maturity, the year reflected what lies at the heart of a Chorister education: curiosity, kindness, ambition and a strong sense of belonging.
Across the school, learning came alive through immersive topics, performances, trips and shared experiences. Academic rigour sat comfortably alongside creativity, wellbeing and adventure, ensuring pupils developed not only knowledge and skills, but confidence in themselves and care for others.
Early Years: First Steps, Big Discoveries
Our youngest pupils in FS1 and FS2 began the year with energy and excitement, quickly forming friendships and settling into the rhythm of school life. Learning was rooted in play, exploration and curiosity, with creative topics ranging from homes and seasons to nursery rhymes, water, fairy tales, dinosaurs and space.
Highlights included:
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Hands-on exploration of the natural world through visits to Wharton Park, Gibside and Hall Hill Farm
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A magical Christmas performance of Dinky the Donkey and festive celebrations
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Fairy-tale STEM challenges, including designing slippers for Cinderella and wands for the Fairy Godmother
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Sports Day, farm visits and a celebratory end-of-year Chapel assembly recognising progress and achievement
Experiential learning was central, allowing children to explore, question and discover with confidence and joy.
Pre-Prep: Imagination, Expression and Wonder
Year 2 enjoyed a particularly memorable year as they prepared to move from Pre-Prep into the next stage of their Chorister journey. Their learning spanned history, geography, science and storytelling, underpinned by creativity and curiosity.
Key moments included:
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Exploring the Great Fire of London through drama, design and historical enquiry
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A joyful and confident Christmas nativity performance, Baubles
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Outdoor learning at Rainton Meadows, including pond dipping and minibeast hunts
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Becoming “Earth Superheroes” as part of their global studies and eco-awareness work
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A poignant farewell to the Bow site, celebrating shared memories and school heritage
The year ended with pupils stepping forward as confident learners, ready for the next chapter.
Lower School: Challenge, Creativity and Collaboration
In Years 3 and 4, pupils embraced increasingly ambitious learning experiences, combining academic depth with creativity and teamwork.
Highlights included:
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Investigating invention and innovation through visits to the Discovery Museum and Steam to Green exhibition
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Cultural exploration of Mexico, culminating in a vibrant Mexican Fiesta afternoon
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Environmental learning as “eco-warriors”, exploring climate issues and sustainability
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Residential experiences that built independence, resilience and teamwork
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A joyful Viking Day and a confident stage performance of Jack and the Beanstalk
These experiences encouraged pupils to think critically, work collaboratively and step confidently outside their comfort zones.
Upper School: Voice, Confidence and Character
Across Years 5 and 6, pupils demonstrated growing maturity, leadership and self-belief.
Notable highlights included:
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A Year 5 residential trip to Kingswood, featuring high ropes, zip wires and outdoor challenges that built courage and teamwork
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A vibrant English and Drama programme, with pupils exploring powerful texts and expressing themselves through writing, performance and debate
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World Book Day celebrations, National Poetry Day recitations and outstanding performances in the Dean’s Public Speaking Competition
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A dynamic Year 6 production of The Jungle Book, showcasing collaboration, creativity and confidence on stage
Communication, empathy and expression were strong threads throughout the year.
Beyond the Classroom: Languages, Wellbeing and Values
Learning extended far beyond academic subjects. The French Department enriched pupils’ linguistic and cultural understanding through immersive activities, including French breakfasts, crêpe-making experiences and creative projects such as designing restaurant menus.
Wellbeing was also a central focus. Our Wellbeing Ambassadors worked alongside School Councillors and senior pupils to promote kindness, emotional literacy and mental health awareness, leading assemblies, activities and contributing ideas for a new Wellbeing Space launching next year.
Looking Ahead
We celebrate a school community that has learned, grown and supported one another with warmth and purpose. Chorister School continues to be a place where children are encouraged to be curious, to try, to reflect and to flourish.
We look ahead with excitement to the opportunities of the coming year, confident that our pupils are well prepared – academically, socially and emotionally.