The school curriculum is enhanced by providing children with numerous learning activities outside the classroom. This includes visits to places of interest which are seen by the school as an integral, augmentative part of the curriculum and play an important role in the study programme of each class. In general one or two visits are made termly by every class to a wide variety of venues, both local and further afield.

London Chess Classic 2018

On the 10^th December 2018 12 children from chess club took part in the London Chess Classic at the Olympia in London. During the course of the week tens of schools will participate. On our day there were 11 different schools and about 200 children participating. We took children from Transition upwards. The children participated in their own year groups and played a total of five matches. The matches were scored 3 points for a win, 2 for a draw and 1 for a loss. There were individual prizes in each year group for the highest scoring individuals. Schools then submit their five highest scoring children’s totals for the overall daily competition. All of the children enjoyed themselves and played well. As a school we came a respectable joint third. Individually we enjoyed a lot of success with Shayan Gohil winning a gold medal. Charlotte Ellis, Arianna Gohil & Louis Mongelard won silver. James Lee, Joseph Mikolajczyk, Alexander Toth & Nancy Wren won bronze.

Chess in the Community 2018

Four children were invited to visit Upminster Nursing Home with  by Mrs Ali as a part of the Chess in the Community charity. Some of the senior citizens in the care home have been learning to play chess, taught by Mrs Hastings (who teachers chess to the children in Transition). We were invited along to provide some demonstration games so that those residents learning to play chess could watch. The children were very well behaved and the residents and staff who were watching were delighted by their presence. The children answered all of the questions asked of them relating to both chess and the school.

'Into the Woods' 2018

On Thursday 6^th December, Lower Two were invited to Brentwood School to see a production of ‘Into the Woods’. The staging and presentation of the musical was very impressive, with a wonderful orchestra, dramatic lighting and startling explosions! Amongst the talented actors, dancers and singers on stage, it was particular pleasure to see so many past Ursuline Prep. pupils.

Intermediate learn about the Gunpowder Plot 2018

On Friday 2nd November the children of Intermediate travelled back in time, over 400 years, to discover more about Guy Fawkes and his dangerous Gunpowder Plot!

From the moment they arrived, it was go, go, go! A day full of fun activities and interesting information. The children participated in sessions including, secret message writing with quills and ink, lantern making, learning about food and toys from the Tudor times and a wonderful theatre show all about the story of Guy Fawkes.

Everyone was exhausted after the busy day, but the children had a wonderful time and it has inspired them to learn more about the failed plot. They are also looking forward to firework  night, with a new found meaning!

Visit the Gallery to see photographs taken at this event.

Intermediate visit Basildon Sporting Village 2018

On Monday 15^th October, Mrs Walsh took Intermediate to Basildon Sporting Village for a Gymnastics Session. The children were so excited about being in a real gymnasium with all the equipment. They learnt and practised different stretches and balances. Followed by an hour of fun trying out different equipment including the asymmetric bars, parallel bars, trampoline and foam pit. The children were swinging, climbing, somersaulting and jumping around the gym and all achieved their Level 8 Gymnastics Award as a result.

The children thoroughly enjoyed the trip and did not want to leave! Gymnastic in the school hall just will not be the same after this fantastic experience.

Visit the Gallery to see action photographs from this visit.

Transition visit The Lifeboat Station and seaside

Children from Transition went to Southend to visit the seaside and The Lifeboat Station. First the children took the pier train across the sea to the Lifeboat station and were lucky enough to see filming taking place for Jamie Oliver’s new cookery programme! We met two Lifeboat crew members who showed us around the station and the children got to try on the helmet and life-jacket that they wear. They heard how to keep safe at sea and the seaside while looking at two different lifeboats. We identified physical and human features of the seaside, identified reasons why people may take a trip or holiday to the beach, looked at beach huts and talked about holidays in the past, looked at the coastguard station, discussing the importance of the coastguard. Finally we drove down to Shoeburyness Beach and collected shells which we used for art when we got back to school.

We were delighted that the crew wrote a letter back to us before we returned commending the children on their behaviour:

May I start by thanking you and the children for visiting our Lifeboat station.
It was a real pleasure to meet you, the other adults and your very well behaved pupils today. Their involvement helped to keep the experience inclusive and create an atmosphere where I hope they now feel they know a little more about the service.
Additionally your intrepid pupil who relishes the cold and has no fear of squashed toes has got to be future crew.
Please pass on to the children how impressed we were with their questions, answers and fantastic behaviour today. Tony agrees with me that they are a credit to you, their parents and the school.

Have a safe journey home.
Kind Regards,
Gerry.
Visits Team RNLI Southend.

Hyde Hall 2018

On Tuesday 9th October Upper One visited Hyde Hall to study Dangers to Living Things, the children explored a wide variety of exciting environments including the Dry Garden, vegetable plots and woodland.

The children learnt about food chains, discovered how plants adapt to coping with drought. The children found out how plants work and discovered the secrets of seeds – germination and dispersal. They planted a seed to take home and finally played the germination game to find out what plants need to survive.

Visit the Gallery to see more photographs from this event.

Stubbers 2018

On Tuesday 2nd October, the Junior classes celebrated St.Ursula’s Day with a day trip to Stubbers. All the children took part in two activity sessions.  The lower Junior classes thoroughly enjoyed grass sledging and the ‘Team Challenge’ activities whilst the upper Juniors also participated in a ‘team Challenge’ session and open canoeing. All the junior children worked on a variety of skills including; confidence, leadership, communication and problem solving. Once again, it was an excellent way to start the year and celebrate one of our special Saints.

 


Visit the Gallery to view more images from this event.

Barleylands 2018

Intermediate and Transition went to Barleylands for their celebration trip in September. They found out how wheat grows, fed the farm animals and talked about the foods that they eat. They took a tractor ride to found out where our foods come from and talked about how foods are changed before we buy them in the shops. Field to Fork!

Next they went back to the classroom and ground the ears of corn into flour then mixed it with oil, water, yeast and salt to make pizza. They added fruits and toppings they found growing in Mr McGregor’s Poly tunnel. Finally, they talked about which foods are healthy and sorted different foods into different food groups. It was a very enjoyable day down on the farm!

Tennis at Wimbledon 2018

On Friday 6th July 8 children from Lower Two travelled to Wimbledon to watch some professional tennis matches. They tickets for Number One Court and were fortunate to see V. Williams (9) versus K. Bertens (20) and A. Zverev (3) versus T. Fritz (69). Thy were then showed them around the grounds taking in the gift shop, of course, and finally headed home. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Lloyd's of London 2018

Following his talk to the children about his work with Ascot during Enterprise Week, Mr Pepper organised a trip for Upper Two to visit Lloyd’s of London.

After going through a tight security process the children were met by Mr Pepper and past parent Mr Bartell and shown around the workings of Lloyd’s. The morning was extremely informative with highlights including learning about the history of Lloyd’s, seeing the Lutine Bell and learning about (and seeing in action!) how brokering and trades are completed.

Mr Pepper then very generously treated U2 to lunch in a Leadenhall restaurant which was followed by a taptastic visit to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to watch the spectacular 42^nd Street.

Despite it being a very long and busy day the children thoroughly enjoyed each aspect and were very well behaved.

Walsingham House 2018

Upper Two visited the newly refurbished Walsingham House at Abbotswick, Navestock for their retreat day on the 13^th of June. The team (which included past pupil Gabi) lead the children in a day of reflection and fun, where they thought meaningfully about their time at UPS and looked forward to their new schools. They worked in groups and spent time reflecting on Scripture in the simple but beautiful chapel and tried out some meditation, which was surprisingly popular. A shared picnic lunch, provided by the Upper Two parents, was enjoyed by all, as was the special leavers’ chocolate cake that Mrs Thomas very kindly made. The afternoon culminated in the children listening to the Gospel story of Jesus calling the disciples to follow him and a sharing of gifts and talents and a celebration of what made each one of the children unique.

Hazle's Pottery Barn 2018

On the 12th June Upper Two had a very creative morning at Hazle’s Pottery Barn at Barleylands in Billericay. Each child painted their own plate with a representation of their time at the Prep. School. The plates will be displayed at Prize Giving in the hall and will be a wonderful memento for them to leave with.

London Zoo 2108

On the 11th June Upper Two had a fantastic day at London Zoo furthering their studies on the environment and the effect of plastics on marine life. We saw a fantastic range of animals with the gorillas and monkeys being the favourites. During the day we took part in a plastics workshop where the children discovered more about reducing waste and environmental issues. The children’s knowledge was really impressive and they had clearly remembered a lot of information from their geography work. Some of the new information that they gained will be used in their presentation to  Governors at the end of the month.

Upper One Test Friction Theories 2018

Upper One visited Sandford Mill on Tuesday 22^nd May to take part in a ‘Friction’ activity. The children spent the first part of the session on a whole class activity in the barn. They started with the ‘big drag’ in which the class discovered that they can resist a pull on a very big box better by sitting in it than by pulling back. They then went to work on further activities in the engine house and barn consisting of; a friction trail to find machines with carefully designed free-running bearings (including the ball bearings made by local heroes Hoffmanns), a chance to measure the forces required to drag a weight over different surfaces, to investigate a hay cart’s wheel bearings, a bike’s brake and to walk on free running rollers. Finally the children ended with teams competing to build a plane which go fastest on a flying arm attached to a twisted rope hanging from the barn roof.

Lower Two Trip to Sandford Mill 2018

Lower Two enjoyed an interesting, informative and investigation packed morning at Sandford Mill on Wednesday. As an enhancement to their sound topic in science, they visited this section of Chelmsford Museum to engage in a wide range of practical activities. Despite only just beginning to study this topic at school, the children shared many thoughtful and inspired ideas; hence, everyone enjoyed a fantastic morning.

Apple Store 2018

On Wednesday 2^nd May the children in Upper One were invited to visit the Apple Store at Lakeside.  They were introduced to the Swift Coding App using iPads.  The children worked well together in pairs and managed to reproduce some strings of code creating their own algorithms.  The App is available via a free download from the App Store so the children can further their skills!  They also saw how one of the special robots could be programmed to dance.  They all thoroughly enjoyed the morning and were delighted to have a special t-shirt to take away with them.

Visit the Gallery to see more photographs from this trip.

Upper Two Visit Kidzania 2018

Upper Two’s trip to Kidzania, Shepherds Bush, on 7^th February was a fitting end to their hard work in preparation for Enterprise Week and their PHSEE topic ‘Dreams and Goals’. They had a fantastic day trying out different jobs and careers, which ranged from radio DJ’s to wrestlers and airline pilots to police officers and paramedics. Mrs Macdonald and Mrs O’Brien were very impressed with both Upper Two’s work ethic and their enthusiasm to save their Kidzo currency rather than spend it!

Transition Visit Duxford 2018

On 31^st January, Transition braved the cold and windy airfield of Duxford to learn about the History of Flight as part of their History topic. The children went to the American Hanger and found out about planes such as the B52 Bomber and the Blackbird spy plane. They then went to British Airspace and explored Concorde, walked through the Comet and found out about passenger planes. It was a wonderful and exciting day.

Lower Two Visit Sky Studio 2017

Lower Two visited Sky Studios to attend the Sky Academy and also to see how this media giant produces and broadcasts some of the many programs that we watch every day.   The children toured the buildings and saw for themselves the staff at work.  Following the tour they returned to the Sky Academy Studios were they produced, starred, directed and edited their own reports.   This digital experience was both very educational and enjoyable. Visit the Gallery to see more photographs from this event.

Intermediate Visit Gunpowder Mill 2017

At the Royal Gunpowder Mill Intermediate travelled back in time to 1605. They experienced life as a Stewart/Tudor and learnt all about the foiled Gunpowder Plot of Guy Fawkes. The children played with old-fashioned toys, learnt about the lifestyle and food delicacies in Guy Fawkes time and they watched a performance recounting the story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children also got crafty making their own quill pens and lanterns.

It was a very busy, but enjoyable day and the children came away with lots of knowledge and enthusiasm for their new History topic.



Visit the Gallery to see more photographs from this event.

Transition Explore the Coast 2017

On the 11th of October children from Transition went to Southend to learn about the seaside. They identified physical and human features of the seaside, reasons why people may take a trip or holiday to the beach, looked at beach huts and talked about holidays in the past, looked at the coastguard station, discussing the importance of the coastguard. The children also visited the Aquarium and looked and marvelled at all the various sea life, including penguins and meercats! The children had an interactive talk about rock-pools, starfish and crabs. Finally they drove down to Shoeburyness Beach and collected shells which they used for art when they returned to school. It was an enjoyable and educational day at the beach!

Gruffalo Trail 2017

On Wednesday 4^th October Intermediate and Transition visited Thorndon Park as part of the Celebrations for St. Ursula's Day. They embarked on the Gruffalo Adventure to find the Gruffalo and all of his friends in the deep … dark … wood!

Along the way, they scavenged like squirrels, slithered like snakes, hid like foxes, built mud mice and mouse houses, flew silently like owls and camouflaged themselves to sneak up on the big Gruffalo!  All the children had a fantastic time getting muddy and exploring the woods. The rangers at Thorndon Park  helped to make it a very enjoyable and exciting experience.

Hyde Hall 2017

On Tuesday 10th October Upper One visited Hyde Hall to study Habitats, the children explored a wide variety of exciting environments including the Dry Garden, vegetable plots and woodland.

The children also learnt about food chains, created an animal home in the woods and discovered how plants adapt to coping with drought.

St Ursula's Day Celebration 2017

On Wednesday 27^th September, the Junior classes celebrated St.Ursula’s Day with a day trip to Stubbers. All the children took part in two activity sessions.  The lower Junior classes thoroughly enjoyed grass sledging and the ‘Team Challenge’ activities whilst the upper Juniors also participated in a ‘Team Challenge’ session and open canoeing. All the Junior children worked on a variety of skills including; confidence, leadership, communication and problem solving. Once again, it was an excellent way to start the year and celebrate one of our special Saints.

Visit the Gallery to see more photographs from this trip.

Upper Two Visit Aalpha Energy 2017

Upper Two were lucky enough to visit Mr Ramage at his oil brokerage firm in Finsbury Square in June as part of their Enterprise Week experience. On arrival Mr Ramage gave us a very impressive introduction into why the oil industry is so important and a short history of Aalpha Energy and the OTC Group. The children were very interested to learn about the unique working environment and were particularly impressed with the gym, the dress code and the fridges full of drinks to ensure the staff were hydrated! The children split into two groups, with one designing logos in the board room and the other being treated to a tour of the offices and a chance to see some real deals being done. Mr Ramage then played some really effective games which helped the children to understand trading. The morning concluded with a fantastic treat of pizza which the children ate in the board room. Upper Two had a wonderful time and were very grateful to Mr Ramage for making the trip so interesting and enjoyable.

Upper One Visit Belhus Woods 2017

The children and parents of Upper One celebrated a year of hard work.  The visit to Belhus Woods was both fun and educational, from den building to fire making, followed by a picnic in the woods and a very competitive game of rounders v their parents.  Please visit the Gallery to see some photographs of this event.

Wimbledon 2017

The school was very fortunate to be successful in their application for tickets to this annual tennis event.  On the 4th July a group of children travelled on the school minibus to the event.  They thoroughly enjoyed the day and saw some great tennis being played.

Upper Two London 2017

This annual celebration trip marks the end of Upper Two's time at the Ursuline Prep.  This year it began in the Queen's Robing Room, followed by a tour through the House of Lords and Commons, learning current and historic facts from the very informative guides. Next stop; Westminster Cathedral, where the group climbed to the top of the 61 metre tower via a lift rather than the 789 steps! This was followed by a period of quiet reflection and prayer in the main body of the cathedral.  Finally the trip concluded at Covent Garden where the children, parents and staff  enjoyed watching the street entertainers and visiting the joke and old fashioned sweet shop.

Jamie Oliver's School of Cookery 2017

Upper Two thoroughly enjoyed cooking and eating at Jamie Oliver's Cookery School.  They learnt how to make some very appetising dishes!

Visit the Gallery to see more photographs from this trip.

Europa Centre 2017

In preparation for their trip to France the two top classes went to visit the Europa Centre to practise their French listening, speaking and reading skills.  It was a very enjoyable and beneficial trip.

Upper One visit Sanford Mill 2017

Upper One visited Sanford Mill on Tuesday 2^nd May to take part in a ‘Friction’ activity. The children spent the first part of the session on a whole class activity in the barn. They started with the ‘big drag’ in which the class discovered that they can resist a pull on a very big box better by sitting in it than by pulling back. They then went to work on further activities in the engine house and barn consisting of; a friction trail to find machines with carefully designed free-running bearings (including the ball bearings made by local heroes Hoffmanns), a chance to measure the forces required to drag a weight over different surfaces, to investigate a hay cart’s wheel bearings, a bike’s brake and to walk on free running rollers. Finally the children ended with teams competing to build a plane which go fastest on a flying arm attached to a twisted rope hanging from the barn roof.

Jamie Oliver 2017

On Wednesday 22^nd February Upper One went to Jamie Oliver’s Trattoria in Chelmsford  as part of their ‘Healthy Me’ P.S.H.E.E topic. The children made pizza and pasta using fresh ingredients. In addition the children ate their pizzas for their lunch and took some pasta home to cook it for their dinner.

Duxford 2017

On 1st  February, Transition braved the cold and windy airfield of Duxford to learn about the History of Flight as part of their History topic. The children went to the American Hanger and found out about planes such as the B52 Bomber and the Blackbird spy plane. They then went to British Airspace and explored Concorde, saw a silver Spitfire, experimented in the discovery centre and found out about passenger planes. It was a wonderful and exciting day.

Apple Store 2017

On Tuesday 10^th January the class of Upper One was invited to visit the Apple Store at Lakeside for an educational workshop.  The theme was Discovery and Experimentation and the topic, flight.  The children made paper aeroplanes and then tried to fly them.  They then filmed their attempts and created a movie of this footage using iMovie.  It was a very enjoyable, informative morning which the children thoroughly enjoyed.

Visit the Gallery to see more photographs from this event.



 

Jamie Oliver’s Trattoria 2016

Upper One had the pleasure of visiting Jamie Oliver’s Trattoria Restaurant in Chelmsford on Tuesday 23^rd February as part of their PSHEE scheme of work ‘Healthy Me’. The children had the opportunity to make four different types of pasta and then their own pizza. Once the food had been cooked they then enjoyed eating what they had made. The children had a fabulous time learning about healthy, fresh ingredients to make delicious food.

Apple Store 2016

On Wednesday 20^th January Upper One visited the Apple Store in Lakeside. The children were very excited to be welcomed by two team members from Apple who took them through a step by step process in order to create an interactive book on ‘Ancient Greece’. The children began by taking pictures using an ipads, they transferred these pictures onto an Apple Mac. This enabled the children to begin making their interactive books. Finally the children were all given an Apple t-shirt and a USB memory bracelet. The children saved their interactive book onto their memory bracelet. All the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learnt how to design and create an interactive book!