Lockdown has prevented our doing many things but music practice has not stopped!

Most of our children who are learning instruments have continued to have their lessons, using either Skype or Zoom, with their teachers.

To demonstrate what they have achieved, the children and staff at Sompting Abbotts Preparatory School have created this virtual performance of Pachelbel’s Canon, one of the most loved and famous pieces of music.

Head of Music Annette Williamson arranged the piece so string players of all levels could play together (from children aged 6 to 11), alongside their teachers, professional violinist Ellie Blackshaw and pianist and cellist Mrs Williamson.

Special thanks go to the school's drums teacher Trevelyan Harper for the sound mixing and to parent Dr Johnston for joining in with his violin.

All the recording and filming was done on smartphones and iPads.

Read more of our news and articles below

Blog

Conkers and golden moments: an autumnal tradition at Sompting Abbotts

What child doesn’t love to collect handfuls of glossy brown conkers? At Sompting Abbotts, they don't just fill their pockets — even socks become makeshift pouches. And so, at this time of the year, we send the children out into our school grounds to look for shiny conkers (not that they need any persuading).

Sompting Abbotts named finalist in Independent Schools of the Year 2023 Environmental Achievement Award

Following our earlier announcement in July of the shortlisted entries for the Independent Schools of the Year 2023 awards, we're delighted Sompting Abbotts Preparatory School has been selected as a Finalist in the Independent School of the Year for Environmental Achievement category.

New Beginnings at Sompting Abbotts: Introducing Our New Headmaster

Sompting Abbotts warmly welcomes Mr Chris Gunn as Headmaster, taking the mantle from Mr Stuart Douch who served from 2013-2023. We're grateful that Mr Douch will continue to enrich our community as Head of English and History. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his excellent past leadership.

Our Environmental Ethos: Outdoor Classrooms and Woodland Coronations

At Sompting Abbotts, we adopt a school-wide ethos that embodies our commitment to the environment. Its principles – 'Embrace Nature; Embrace Learning; Embrace Childhood' – are threaded through our teaching, influencing every child's journey from Pre-Prep to Upper Prep. Our 30-acre grounds and woodland in the South Downs National Park are at its roots.

Sompting Abbotts launches annual Speech Cup of Poetry and Performance

Sompting Abbotts’ annual Speech Cup of Poetry and Performance saw every child from Years 3 - 8 learn and recite a poem by heart! The best performances were chosen at a special competition in front of an audience of their peers and their parents. It was judged by an external expert adjudicator.

What to consider when looking for the right senior school for your child?

Choosing the right Senior School for your child can feel daunting and is a big decision. Stuart Douch, Headmaster of Sompting Abbotts Prep School, offers his suggestions for how to go about doing your research and what considerations to factor in.

Lab detectives: owl pellet dissection and analysis

Pupils have been working as dissection detectives in the science lab at Sompting Abbotts Prep School. They have been investigating Barn Owl pellets found in the school grounds.

Birdwatching for young environmentalists at Sompting Abbotts

Ornithology is not a subject on many school timetables but it is at West Sussex school Sompting Abbotts. Here teacher David Buckingham believes that birdwatching helps children ‘tune in’ and connect with nature mindfully. Patience is needed. And most children benefit from developing patience!