Amazing Performances by Nursery and Prep at the Easter Concert
Well what an amazing concert! Congratulations to all the pupils from Nursery to Year 2 who performed so confidently at the Nursery and Prep Easter Concert in front of a packed hall. You all sang so beautifully and joyously and made us feel that it actually is Springtime! Well done too to the parents for joining in at the end to Caterpillar Boogie – you were amazing too and definitely put a smile on your children’s faces!
World Book Day 2018
Due to the snow, we had to postpone our World Book Day to today but it does not seem to have put a damper on anyone’s enthusiasm for the event. It was so amazing to see so many pupils dressed as their favourite characters and they had clearly put a tremendous amount of effort into the occasion! Thank you also to all the teachers who arranged such fun book themed activities for the day. Activities included the Lower School Book Swap, the book treasure hunt, and “Drop Everything and Read” – when the Lower School has never been so quiet! This afternoon, the pupils also enjoyed a Lower School Assembly where they got to hear the results of the “Extreme Reading” Competition….. The poor judges had a terrible time deciding as there were some incredible photos sent in but their final decisions were:
First place: Tobey Edwards in Reception
Second place: Josh Bell (5H)
Third place: Poppy Wild (Reception)
Runners up: Noah Wilkinson (5H) and Joel Smalley (4R)
Well done to all of you.
Photos of all the fun activities, normal class time and the extreme reading photo winners are all in the gallery below.
Year 8 Northern France Trip
The language based trip includes a visit to the lovely walled town of Boulogne and La Coupole – the secret WW2 rocket launching site for Hitler, a visit to a chocolate factory, a local village “boulangerie”, a sweet factory and the very popular Nausicaa – sea life.
Exploring Religion, Community Values and Global Issues in Lower School
This week in Nursery and the Lower School, our pupils have all spent time in The Prayer Space, a place for quite reflection set up and run by members of Colchester Baptist Church.
The Prayer Space was set up to provide the pupils with an opportunity to explore different aspects of Religion, community values and global issues. The children were encouraged to think and reflect on their own lives and on wider world issues from a spiritual perspective in a calm environment.
The pupils all treated this time incredibly seriously and we do hope have learnt a little bit more about the world and how they can make a difference to their own lives and those of others.
Numbers, numbers everywhere for NSPCC Number Day!
Numbers, numbers everywhere! Pupils from throughout the school have today been involved in maths themed activities to recognise NSPCC Number Day. Senior School pupils competed to design the best numbers themed cakes, Lower School pupils grouped together in teams from Year 1 to Year 6 to undertake measurement exercises, Senior School pupils enjoyed Ninja mathematics activities and everyone has been enjoying the House coin competition. merry and successful event!
Celebrating Reading During National Storytelling Week
Lower School pupils have thoroughly enjoyed hearing so many stories from both teachers and Senior School pupils this week as they celebrated National Story Telling Week. They also were inspired to read a lot themselves and the Year 3 and 4 pupils thoroughly enjoyed acting out The Tempest.
Fantastic Snow Conditions – Senior School Ski Trip 2018
The Ski Trip ran with great success. We were very lucky and had a lot of snow, which allowed all students to make a huge amount of progress. Even the beginners were tackling the medium size jumps by the end of the week.
CHSA Christmas Bazaar Spreads Festive Cheer
It was cold outside but we were all snug indoors and in a festive mood at the CHSA Christmas Bazaar on Friday. Thank you to all the pupils, parents and staff who helped make it such a merry and successful event!
Christmas Begins with the Prep and Nursery Nativity
What a wonderful way to start the Christmas Season with a fabulous performance by the Prep Department of “Whoops a Daisy Angel” and a wonderful repertoire by Nursery of the Christmas Songs they have been learning.
Year 4 Parent Assembly
Congratulations to our Year 4 pupil who so eloquently presented on their Autumn Term learning to their parents and peers today. The pupils presented on Romans and Boudicea, Pompei and Volcanoes, Mosaics and Henri Rousseau in Art, the importance of Remembrance Day and Legends and Mythical Creatures.
Year 12 Awards Night
Our former Year 11 pupils celebrated their Awards Night in style on Friday night at Essex University. After a chance to catch up with friends, parents and staff over canapes and drinks, the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the teacher’s recollections of their Senior years and applauded their peers achievements.
Year 3 Parent Assembly on Aesop’s Fables
Huge well done to our Year 3 pupils who performed so confidently the works of Aesop’s Fables in their parent assembly this morning.
“How To Find Your Inner Pirates – A Drama Course for Year 7” is locked How To Find Your Inner Pirates – A Drama Course for Year 7
There was much laughter and teamwork today at the Year 7 Drama Day. Pupils spent the morning learning about communication, teamwork, listening and focus. They then went on to learn about still images, script work and stage management. In the afternoon, they were then asked to use this learning to come up with a play based on a pirate form that they then performed. Aye Aye ma hearty!
Raising Money for Children in Need 2017
Today throughout the school pupils were allowed to come into the school in Non-Uniform for a donation to Children In Need. It was lovely to see quite a few Pudsey Bears around too! In total we raised an astounding £435 – thank you everyone for donating to such a great charity.
Year 5 and 6 Town Hall Visit
Both Year 5 and 6 went for a tour of the Town Hall. The children got to meet the Mayor and Mayoress and some even got to wear the mayoral robes and chains. The children enjoyed standing on the balcony, pretending to be important as they waved to passers-by. The children were able to look around the Chambers where important local governance is discussed and sit in the mayoral seat. A BIG thank you to everyone at Colchester Town Hall for an amazing, informative and thoroughly regal time; and to Mrs Evans and Ms Byzckowski for being great parent helpers.
Remembrance Day 2017
Colchester High School today remembered those who have served their country in Remembrance Ceremonies throughout the school. Pupils who are Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs, Scouts, Girl Guides and any military based groups such as sea or air cadets came into school in their respective uniforms for the service. This was a wonderful sign of respect to those who have served and a reflection on our history as the 10th Scouting Group of Colchester.
Early Years Forest School Adventures
Reception and Nursery pupils today went on an Early Years’ Gruffalo Hunt. Fortunately they did not find a Gruffalo but they had great fun playing in the mud and leaves, swinging on ropes, identifying bird sounds and searching for bugs!
A Magical Time for Year 3 and 4 at Harry Potter World
Last week our Year 4 pupils enjoyed a fun filled magical day at Harry Potter World.
Here is the trip in the words of Phoebe
Once we arrived, we looked around. It was amazing because we saw all of the sets and costumes. Sadly we didn’t have time to go on the train or Platform. The queue was too long so we could not go in the “Cupboard under the Stairs”. My favourite part was seeing all Dumbledoor’s office, Snape’s potions and the boy’s dorm. We also went to Hogwart’s bridge and when we got off some Death Eaters got on. A girl gave us a wooden wand and we did spells to defeat them. Of course we won with the last spell we did. We saw Dolores Unbridge’s uniform, Harry Potter’s, Mad Eye Moody, Dumbledoor’s and lots more. About half twelve we went to this workshop and we had to put the story in order. Then we had to write a story using 3 objects. It was me, Georgia, Beau and Quinn. My team won and got a badge that said well done you are a winner. P.S. We also went in the Grand Hall. P.P.S We also went in the forbidden forest.
Percy the Park Keeper Early Years Event
Our Nursery children and visitors thoroughly enjoyed our Percy the Park Keeper themed event. A carousel of activities were arranged including colouring, leaf sticking, story-telling and a treasure hunt. And plenty of time just to play and enjoy our fabulous Reception classroom.
Year 9 Ypres History Trip
To supplement the Year 9 History syllabus, our pupils are visiting the World War One battlefields at Ypres and the Somme in order to study first-hand ‘what life was like in the trenches’. The trip also complements the English Departments syllabus on World War One poetry.
Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Weekend
Congratulations to all our Year 10 pupils who completed their qualifying Duke of Edinburgh expedition at the weekend. They definitely had an early cold morning start!
Year 5 Local Area Walk by Rayaan (Yr5)
On the 11th of October, Year 5 went on a local area walk. We went through town and we wrote an environmental inspection report. After we wrote something to improve Castle Park. Then we went to Jumbo Water Tower and learnt lots of interesting facts.
Senior School Summer Art Project
Over the Summer our Senior School pupils were invited to create an art piece reflecting either their Summer holiday or things they value. Here are their fabulous creations.
The winners were:
1st Prize – Esmee (KS4)
2nd Prize – Isobel (KS4)
3rd joint winners: William and Isabelle (KS3) and Logan and Kitti (KS4)
Well done to everyone who took part.
Another Year of Excellent GCSE Results
Students from Colchester High School are celebrating excellent GCSE results today against a backdrop of exam reform and increased academic challenge.
What An Enthusiastic Performance of the Three Little Pigs by Nursery!
Absolutely amazed at the confidence of our Nursery pupils today, some as young as 2 1/2, as they stood in front of an audience of parents for their performance of The Three Little Pigs. They spoke their lines perfectly and sang with exuberance and joy. Well done Nursery children.
Junior School Prize Giving 2017
Another inspiring afternoon recognizing the achievements this time of our Junior School pupils. Well done everyone for such an excellent year.
Senior School Prize Giving
On Monday, parents and staff of the Senior School gathered together to recognize the achievements of our Senior School pupils, witness the announcement of the new head students, house and sports captains and enjoy a wide range of musical performances.
Year 11 Prom Night
Please click here to see the photos of our glamorous Year 11 pupils at their Prom on Friday night. Well done to Mrs Candler and Mrs Joseph for organizing such a spectacular evening and thank you to the CHSA for their financial support.
Prep Prize Day 2017
Prep Prize Day started with a “Magical Kingdom Performance” where the pupils superbly performed numerous songs from Disney. Please click here to see the video of When You Wish Upon A Star.
Andy Goldworthy Year 4 Inspired Art at Lexden Park
Year 4 have been looking at the work of Andy Goldsworthy all week, investigating his sculptures, his ethos behind his work and how he creates his pieces. They designed their own and then went to Lexden Park to create them. They are still there until nature or man removes them; just as Andy Goldsworthy would do.
Year 3 Midsummer Night's Dream Performance
During this half term Year 3 have been studying William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ . Their studies culminated in a fabulous theatrical performance of the play at Bloomfields Farm in Ardleigh . This was a beautiful setting provided the children with the opportunity to perform in a traditional setting. The acting and singing were first class – might need to be at the Globe next year!
Colchester High School Art Exhibition 2017
Congratulations to all the pupils and staff for such an incredible showcase of the art and technology work of our pupils from Nursery to Year 11 at the CHS Art Exhibition. The art work was enjoyed by parents on Friday night together with a delicious selection of canapes and then the pupils were invited to view on Monday morning. Does it make you want to take your paints out?
Year 7 Alton Waters Trip
Last week the Year 7 Pupils attended a Water Sports day at Alton Water The trip was organized as part of Curriculum week to promote teamwork skills, develop communication and allow the pupils to face new challenges. The day involved experiencing a variety of water sports activities.
Year 8 and 9 Hampton Court Trip
As part of Curriculum week, our Year 8 and 9 pupils enjoyed a trip to Hampton Court where they were able to explore the impressive palace and also take part in an interactive workshop. They explored primary evidence and analysed the changes of the monarch’s religion to their subjects in one of the key locations where religious and political decisions were made.
Try Something New - Hold a Horrible Bug
Thank you to the CHSA for treating our Lower School pupils to a visit from the Bug Man. The children loved it and their squeals of delight could be heard throughout the School. The looks of revulsion on the teacher’s faces were also quite amusing!
CHSA Summer Fete 2017
Thank you to the Colchester High School Association, parents and pupils for putting on such a fun Summer Fete on Friday . In the words of Mrs Bickersteth, Head of Lower School, “There was a really positive atmosphere on the day, with lots of people attending from start to finish. It was a good way to end the week and share some of the children’s performances with everyone in a relaxed way”
Nursery Sports Day
Our Nursery children had a wonderful time on Friday demonstrating all the activities they have learnt in PE with Mr Rayner this year. Activities included throwing balls, moving like animals, shark attack, the parachute, relay and egg and spoon racing. Well done Nursery children.
Summer Concert 2017
Another incredible evening of amazing musical performances encompassing a wide variety of genres and instruments.
London Panathlon Final
Our PE Leaders have had an amazing day assisting at the London Panathlon Final
Prep School Sports Day
More beautiful weather to celebrate this time our Prep pupils sporting abilities. And the winning house was Badgers!
Senior School Sports Day 2017
Another sunny day for our pupils to showcase their athleticism. And this time it was the Romans who won.
Junior School Sports Day 2017
A wonderful sports day full of fun and determination. Congratulations to the Saxons – the 2017 Junior Sports Day winners.
Nursery Muddy Boots Trip to Highwoods
The Nursery children had a lovely sunny afternoon of forest school activities to celebrate the end of the first half of the Summer Term.
Alice in Wonderland Production
Our Lower School pupils totally amazed parents, siblings and staff this week in their performance of Alice in Wonderland. The pupils were all incredibly confident in their roles and clearly enjoyed performing. The stage scenery and props were fabulous and congratulations must also go to the pupils who were involved in their creation.
CHSA Easter Egg Extravaganza
Thank you to the CHSA for such a fun Easter fundraising activity
Senior School Ski Trip 2017
Our Reception Pupils Visit Forest School
Following on from the popularity of our Nursery forest school outings, our Reception children today enjoyed their first visit to the Muddy Boots Forest School. They all had a lovely time playing in the dirt and especially enjoyed the freshly cooked popcorn and cooking marshmallows over the fire
A Grand Exhibition by Year 2
On Friday, Year 2 hosted a marvellous “Grand Exhibition” for their parents which was a culmination of their learning in History, but also cross-curricular with literacy and geography also being part of the learning. The children’s work was incredibly impressive and informative. Thank you to Miss Door for planning such an excellent learning experience for the children.
Red Nose Day 2017
Pupils throughout the school enjoyed non uniform day in aid of Red Nose Day 2017 today in return for a £2 donation. Pupils could also earn house points for each item of red clothing and red nose. In total the pupils raised over £1,000 for charity.
Spectacular Performances at our Spring Concert 2017
Staff and pupils put on a spectacular performance this week at the Spring Concert with performances ranging from lassical to musical theatre, not to mention some pieces composed by the pupils themselves: oboe to African drums; Year 3 to Year 11 and staff.
An Evening with Les Miserables
This week the Senior School drama club has stunned their audiences with an incredibly professional performance of “An Evening of Les Miserables”, our adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel. The show was a cross between a dramatic performance and a concert, and featured some of the hits from the West End musical. Congratulations to all the pupils that took part and thank you to all the staff who put in so many hours to help the pupils realize their full artistic potential!
Lower School Prayer Space
Throughout the week there has been a fantastic Prayer Space in the Lower School, which all the children have had time to reflect in this space, that volunteers from the Baptist Church have been running. It will be a shame to see the space go at the end of the week, but the children will have memories of the thoughtful activities that they did and may even be able to utilise some of the ideas in their own lives if they wish to. Thank you to Susan Sydenham and all her helpers from the Baptist Church, and to Mrs Deasy for coordinating this week.
Year 5 Science Museum Trip
Our Year 5 pupils came back enthralled by their Year 5 to visit the Royal Observatory. The day includes many active learning opportunities, such as a planetarium show and a visit to the astronomy galleries to support their science curriculum learning.
World Book Day 2017
Nursery and Lower School pupils and staff from both Lower School and Senior School today brought words to life when they came to school dressed as their favourite book characters. Here are just a few of the fabulous outfits!
4R Parent Assembly
4R gave a highly informative assembly today on the subjects they have studied so far this year. They taught their parents and other pupils about water displacement theory, French art and showcased their creations of Islamic mosques and much much more! Well done 4R
Forest School February 2017
Our Nursery children (and staff…..) enjoyed another lovely muddy adventure at their forest school session today.
Year 8 Northern France Trip
Our Year 8 pupils had an amazing time in France visiting sweet factories, learning to make croissants, eating snails and of course speaking French!
