Staff planned a wide range of inspiring lessons and activities to bring the curriculum to life, creating unforgettable experiences for every year group.

The week kicked off in the Junior School with a special visit from author and illustrator J-J Murray and Katie Taylor, creators of The Call from 10 Downing Street. Reception to Year 3 enjoyed magical story times, discussing characters and predicting plot twists, while Years 4 to 6 took part in illustration workshops, discovering how simple lines can show movement and creating imaginative artwork inspired by the book.

Hands-on learning continued throughout the week. Year 5 explored the water cycle with mini experiments, crafted Victorian-style peg dolls and acrobatic monkeys, and stepped back in time to understand life in the 19th century. Year 1 delved into castles, learning about lords, ladies, and medieval roles, and even enjoyed a royal banquet, complete with “mead,” dragon fireballs, and a medieval soundtrack. Year 6 combined history and performance, learning about 1930's entertainment and performing their own Punch and Judy shows for Reception and Year 1 pupils.

Across the Junior School, other highlights included Year 4’s bug hunts for classification in Science, den building in Outdoor Education, and creative coastal models in Geography and Art, while Year 3 became doctors for the day - examining x-rays to understand bones and the human skeleton.

In the Senior School, Year 7 pupils explored nature for outdoor art projects and practised origami skills inspired by maps and journeys, while Year 9 put their culinary skills to the test by making lemon meringue pies in Food tech, and explored abstract art through soap carving in Art lessons.

WOW Week also connected with trips and special events: a Year 9 visit Parc Astérix in Francel; Year 8 explored the Pitt Rivers and Natural History Museums in Oxford, Sixth Formers attended the inaugural Classics and Latin Conference at Wycombe Abbey, and pupils competed in the interschool cross-country event.

From creative workshops to outdoor adventures, historical explorations to hands-on science, this week has been a fantastic celebration of curiosity, creativity, and discovery. WOW Week reminded everyone at St Gabriel’s that learning is not just about knowledge — it’s about inspiration, engagement, and the joy of exploring the world around us.