Wow – who knew that so much could be packed into six weeks!

It’s been a half term of firsts, starting with Earth Day. The whole school paused, took a collective breath, and plunged into a day dedicated to the environment. With a theme of ‘Creatures Great and Small’ we were transported to Kenya in a virtual assembly lead by Saba Douglas-Hamilton, speaking on behalf of Save The Elephants, who we were fundraising for. We were delighted to raise £600 at our bake sale.

During the day, we discovered more about the importance of pollinators and we worked hard on our school garden, digging in mini ponds, planting for pollinators, making bird boxes and adding a bug hotel and hibernaculum to the garden. We also enjoyed a virtual visit from Edinburgh Zoo and headed out to the Botanics and to the amazing garden created by Granton Community Gardeners.

There were sporting firsts too as all of our pupils enjoyed the beginning of the cricket season. In a combination of mixed teams, girls’ teams and boys’ teams, everyone has batted, bowled, fielded and celebrated together in a feast of cricket. The coffee cart has once again been up and running and providing refreshments to loyal supporters and visitors alike.

In other sporting news, Angus, Archie and Tom represented the East District Hockey Squad and played in the Inter District tournament and Olly was selected to play in the U14 Scottish National Club Hockey Finals. Olly was also selected to play for the College first XI in their match against ESMS. Alexa is going from strength to strength with her tennis and won the U9 category at the East Open.

1^st and 2^nd Forms took part in two mini tours to York and the Lake District respectively. 1^st Form played against St Peter’s School and visited the Jorvik Viking Centre whilst 2^nd Forms played Sedbergh Prep and spent a morning in the tree canopy with Treetop Trek. T Form headed south too, all the way to Cumbria to learn more about British history, specifically the Romans. They had a wonderful few days away visiting Beamish, Housesteads Roman Fort, Vindolanda and Hadrian’s Wall.

After lots of fun preparation, we welcomed Scottish Opera who came to run a full day workshop with our S and T Forms, which culminated in a fabulous performance to parents. We enjoyed the first of our Informal and in person concert of the term and our musicians acquitted themselves brilliantly at the 1912 Society Concert; Anna, Charlie, Hugo and Ram came away with top prizes which is no mean feat against College pupils. A group of pupils also performed to the Seniors Club at Charlotte Chapel, playing to a hugely appreciative and grateful audience. We have returned to our Saturday Chapel services and the entire school is now able to participate in these.

We had a welcome return too to the whole school photograph experience. This is Mr and Mrs Edwards’ last after 19 years at Fettes Prep so we took a few extra photographs to mark the occasion.

Everyone has been working hard in the classroom and we’ve had fun-filled lessons inside and out. 1^st Form visited Van Gogh Alive, a fabulous interactive experience that provides a spectacular insight into this amazing artist’s work.

The boarders have been busy with trips to Ninja Warrior, the Corn Exchange for bubble football, the new St James Quarter, made use of the low ropes and mountain biking course and visited Edinburgh Zoo.

We love to help others and last term we raised £6,656 for Teapot Trust, a charity very close to our hearts. We were fundraising for the same cause at this term’s Parents Social, a return to an event that had experienced a three-year hiatus. This time round it was Race Night and we had a fabulous evening in great company. Thanks to the huge generosity of those present we raised a wonderful £8,550 for the vital art therapy sessions provided by Teapot Trust.

Activities have been up and running and included paper craft, watercolours, girl’s rugby, basketball, cricket, golf, Small Steps Eco Club and many more!

The half term break starts with the Fettes Festival and we hope all of our families attending have a wonderful day and a super holiday.

To see more of our photographs click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fettes_college/albums/72177720299287256