This week I learned a lot! That the Bromeliad is a plant that lives in the rain forest and can hold water in its rosette-shaped leaves, creating tiny ecosystems that support frogs, insects, and even small animals. That the brain to body ratio of the Velociraptor provides evidence that they were among the more intelligent dinosaurs, capable of complex hunting strategies and possibly social behaviours. That the Nothomyrmecia macrops’ simple mandible jaw and solitary foraging habits indicate a species that has not developed significantly since the Cretaceous period rightly earning them the name of ‘dinosaur ants.’

Furthermore, I learned about the Roman origins of pantomime, how the first documented sign language developed amongst the monastic communities of Europe and that Judo is not a sport, it’s a language: a way of life teaching balance, respect and harmony. I learned about further Japanese wisdom through the concept Monozukuri – the idea that a harmony of practicality and elegance bring true beauty. I also learned of the tragic fate of the legendary sailor and environmentalist Sir Peter Blake who was killed by pirates in the Amazon in 2001 while trying to protect the region’s wildlife.

I could go on! This week I have met all 31 of our Prep School Year 6s who gave me a thorough and wide-ranging education in what makes sparky ten and eleven-year-olds tick. They gave their presentations to me as part of their transfer process to the senior school, which their external counterparts will do in January. Beginning a talk with the line, ‘My mother is a cereal killer’ was particularly memorable (it was about healthy eating) but every student impressed me in their own way.

What was instructive was not just the facts that I learned, but the manner in which they were delivered – with such conviction and wide-eyed enthusiasm. The students were reflective and self-aware when they spoke of their love of sport, science, the performing arts and reading and demonstrated their development of each our learner qualities (Brave, Reflective, Inquisitive, Collaborative and Kind) with aplomb. I can’t wait for them to join us in the senior school and add their own ingredients to our school recipe.

Next week we are all looking forward to seeing our senior school performers show their own BRICKS in this year’s annual musical production, Anastasia. Our electifying dance, drama and music departments will take you on a journey from St Petersburg to Paris with the Romanov-eyed amnesiac Anya accompanied by Dimitry, Vlad and Gleb. There will be much bravery as our performers step into the spotlight, impressive levels of collaboration between our front and backstage teams and kindness and sparkiness will abound as they bring us all some cheer to kick of the festive period.