From Chris Wilson, Head of Prep School
9th January 2026
Dear Parents,
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”
A.A. Milne from Winnie the Pooh
Welcome to all our new families and welcome back to those of you returning to MCM following the Christmas break. It has been wonderful to catch up with many of you over the last week, but it has been a real joy to hear and see the energy of your children reconnecting with friends after the break, sharing stories about all they got up to.
The start of the Lent Term always coincides with the Gregorian calendar New Year, providing a useful opportunity for us to challenge the children (and ourselves) to set targets for the year ahead, a core theme of both the Upper Prep and Boarders’ assemblies that took place on Tuesday.
One area that I know a number of the children are looking at for their target setting is trying a new activity, so it was great to see the programme in full flow from Tuesday, with the children busy across all aspects of the co-curricular. I know that many children are also challenging themselves to further improve their attainment and effort grades in class, which was apparent from the hard work and endeavour that was visible from walking around the Prep School during lessons this week.
While there have been swim squad trials taking place alongside the football (for the girls) and rugby (for the boys) seasons getting back under way, the buzz of excitement has been around the children submitting their art works for the Master’s Art Competition. The quality of the work coming in has been impressive to see and I look forward with interest to see who will ultimately win the Master’s award later next week.
It was great to see some of you at the FoMCM Coffee Morning today in the Wykeham Hall. Thank you for finding time in your diaries to hear from the College’s catering company, Cezar’s Kitchen.
In Pre-Prep, it was the turn of Reception to wow us with their costumes for their Bubbles and Barnacles Day, with many mermaids, sharks, crabs and octopi in attendance, along with the odd pirate. They clearly had a fabulous day, with bubbles seemingly accompanying them wherever they went.
Looking ahead, please note the Pastoral Workshop we have next week on Wednesday at 6pm, where we will be discussing issues relating to Positive Behaviour Management, Healthy Relationships at Home, and Cultivating Healthy Relationships with Devices. Please register your interest via the Google Form by Monday, 12th January.
The final word must go to all our intrepid Triathletes. Good luck to you all and I will be cheering you on in your various races over the course of Sunday.
With best wishes,
Chris Wilson
Head of Prep School
A Message from Mrs Cassidy and the Pre-Prep Team
Happy New Year and welcome back for a fresh new term. It has certainly been a good start here in Pre-Prep, with the children settling into routines incredibly quickly. I have been hearing all about their various holiday adventures and it is so lovely to see them all refreshed and recharged from that so-special family time.
Our first event of the term was a great success, and Reception loved their new Barnacles and Bubbles theme day. Upcot has been transformed into an underwater wonderland and Friday was brightened up no end by their brilliant costumes.
After-School Clubs
As part of on-going changes to ensure our pupils have a settled and calm routine, we have decided to make a change to how we run after-school clubs. Please note that children who have clubs will eat their snacks in their classrooms, then they will only go to the Dining Hall to register for their club. Please send children to school with their snacks in the morning, or you can drop off snacks with the Form Tutor.
Finally, at the risk of seeming like the world’s worst killjoy, please allow me to start the term with a few reminders, to keep our school running smoothly and happily:
- No photos or videos of children should be taken in school or shared on social media.
- Remember hats and water bottles every day.
- Please only park in designated spaces.
- Let us know by phone or email if someone else is collecting your child.
- After-school snacks from home must be nut-free.
- Please uphold our school rules by ensuring that your children behave responsibly in school. The Library, Green Hall and classrooms are out of bounds for children after school, unless a member of staff is present.
- Wear your lanyards when on school site.
- Sign your child in at Pre-Prep Reception with Miss Hanisah if you arrive after 8:20am.
But, most of all, have a wonderful term and please forgive the ‘list’. And remember, if you need anything at all or have a concern, please come and speak to me.
Letter from Mrs James, Head of Prep Drama
Lent Term Updates: Auditions, Singapore Trip, and Workshops
We are excited to begin the new Lent Term with several updates to look forward to. Auditions for the Year 7 & 8 play will start on 9th February. Once the cast list has been finalised, a full rehearsal timetable will be shared. On Sunday, 18th January, we will be heading to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore to see Beauty and the Beast, which promises to be a wonderful experience. In addition, Year 8 pupils have already received an invitation to take part in an exciting two-hour workshop with the fantastic Frantic Assembly in the first week of February. Places are limited, so we strongly encourage interested students to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are very much looking forward to a fun-filled and inspiring term ahead!
The Power of 15 Minutes – Reading Recommendation
We are committed to supporting every pupil in becoming a confident reader, as strong reading skills are essential for success across all areas of learning. Equally, we aim to nurture a natural love of reading for pleasure that will stay with pupils throughout their lives.
To achieve this, we strongly recommend that all pupils in Upper Prep dedicate at least 15 minutes every evening (Sunday to Thursday) to independent reading, ideally in bed. Building a regular reading routine is key to developing a lasting reading discipline and a lifelong love of books.
Here are some useful UK lists to provide inspiration and ideas for reading: Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7 and Year 8. However, pupils should select books appropriate for their individual reading ability. If you would like recommendations tailored to your child’s interests and reading ability, please encourage your child to speak directly with their English teacher. (Please always monitor what your child is reading and refer to the Common Sense Media website for guidance.)