Celebrating St Andrew's Day, together

Every year, pupils at St Andrew's Prep School — from Year 3 to Year 8 — look forward to one of the most unique and enjoyable events of the school calendar: Progressive Games. The annual tradition celebrates St Andrew’s Day by bringing pupils and staff together for a fun-filled afternoon of friendly competition.

The Feast of Saint Andrew

St Andrew’s Day, also called the Feast of Saint Andrew is celebrated every year in Scotland on the 30th November during Scotland's Winter Festival. Saint Andrew is the disciple in the New Testament who introduced his brother, the Apostle Peter, to Jesus, the Messiah. In 1320, St Andrew officially became the patron saint of Scotland when the country's independence was declared with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath.

It's a moment of significance for our School - a symbol of generosity, kindness and community - and the perfect occasion for pupils to get in to teams, have space to lead and support one another, and celebrate the values that lie at the heart of St Andrew’s.

What are the Progressive Games?

The Progressive Games consist of 28 challenges, run across different parts of the Prep School. Pupils rotate through the games, so everyone gets the chance to take part, with the aim of getting as many points as are available. Although, it’s less about who wins overall and more about team effort, lots of laughter and trying out things previously never experienced.

From the moment the bell rings, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement as pupils assemble into mixed-age teams, giving older children a chance to lead and mentor, and younger children the opportunity to shine. Staff members host the imaginative and challenging games, encouraging teams throughout the afternoon to have lots of fun and do their best.

Some of the games include:

• Hit the Beat — a rhythmic challenge where pupils work in unison, testing listening, and coordination skills.

• Duck Shoot — a lighthearted target game where speed and precision count.

• Nerfs of Steel — a Nerf-based challenge that blends fun, safety and strategic thinking.

• The Rice Race — a skillful combination of precision, speed and concentration.

• Pass the Pigs — the classic game reimagined as a team event.

• Helicopter Drop — where great engineering means speed and accuracy come in to play.

• Spot the Difference — a test of attention to detail and observation, played under time pressure in the Head Master's study.

Each game is carefully designed by staff to be inclusive and engaging — offering a mix of physicality, strategy, coordination and creativity so every pupil can contribute, whatever their strengths.

Why building community through play matters

While the games are undeniably a lot of fun, what makes Progressive Games truly special is the way they build community and belonging across year groups. By mixing younger and older pupils, the event encourages collaboration, leadership, mutual respect - and often new friendships.

For many pupils, Progressive Games are about more than winning prizes: they’re about taking pride in a team, and supporting one another.

Why it's a firm favourite on the St Andrew's calendar

Parents often tell us how much their children look forward to this afternoon - not because of competition, but because much like our approach to Sport at St Andrew's, every child takes part, and feels part of a team.

Organiser, Form Tutor and OSA (Old St Andrew's pupil), Georgie Metcalfe commented:

"It’s the best day of the school year. I can guarantee that any OSA will recall Progressive Games as one of their favourite afternoons at St Andrew’s. The mix of games, including old school classics Helicopter Drop and Guess the Hymn, to newer games like Bottle Toss and Nerfs of Steel, are loved by the prep school children, and of course, the jam doughnuts are an absolute winner!"

When asked if Progressive Games had changed since Georgie participated as a pupil, she said:

"It hasn’t changed at all – the format is exactly the same as when I did it in the 90s.Teams done by age order, in a contra-flow around the school. A good system never changes!"