Highly Sociable Start to the Year for Lower School

Oakham’s Lower School pupils have enjoyed a highly sociable start to the year with all four Houses taking part in a variety of interhouse competitions and social events.
Lower 1 and Form 1 pupils enjoyed a barbecue with games Out Back in the first week of term and another social to round off the half term with pizza, a table tennis and pool competition, and some spooky Friday the 13th themed games and activities. A few weeks earlier, Form 2 pupils also enjoyed a pizza social with a chance to chill out watching a movie or playing indoor and outdoor games.

On the final Wednesday of the half term, pupils were treated to special House Breakfasts as a thank you for doing so well in their Pastoral Curriculum lessons, during which they enjoyed a selection of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. A great chance to bond with friends old and new.
The first interhouse competitions of the year saw friendly rivalry between the members of Ancaster, Lincoln, PH and Sargants, as they worked with one another to represent their Houses and show House Spirit.

The annual Harvest Challenge saw Lower School pupils tasked with selecting and purchasing tinned goods and non-perishable items, within a budget of £5.00, which would benefit families using the Rutland Foodbank. They needed to think carefully about what a family might like to receive and get as close to the £5.00 target without exceeding their budget. The pupils then brought in their goods and receipts to School. There were prizes for the Houses that gathered the greatest number of receipts and for the pupils with the best receipts.

This half-term has seen U12 and U13 teams from Ancaster and Lincoln go head-to-head with lots of smiles and some great hockey played. In the end Ancaster claimed the victory.
On the final full day of the half term, all Lower School pupils participated in the traditional ‘Steeplechase’ – a cross country run around Doncaster Close. Battling against the elements and cheered on a by some umbrella-wielding parents and staff, the pupils put in some courageous performances, with many gaining personal best times in the process. The winners will be announced at Lower School assembly after half-term.

Lower School boarders in Hodges enjoyed trips to Rutland Water and Burghley House, as well as a traditional Sunday lunch out at The Wisteria in Oakham. Oakham’s boarders in Hodges also hosted a boarder taster weekend for prospective and current pupils who are interested in discovering the benefits of boarding at Oakham School.