The final week before the mid term break has been as busy as ever. Although the children are looking tired, they have continued to show a strong dedication to their studies across the Pre-Prep and Prep.
I have been amazed by the standard of work the Year 6 children have been achieving in English. The study of World War 1 poets such as Wilfred Owen, has shown a great knowledge and understanding of the complex genre of war poetry. The children have demonstrated a maturity well beyond their years.
At the end of several stanzas of his poem Exposure, Owen repeats the haunting phrase “But nothing happens”. For Blue Coat children, after their exertions of the past six weeks, it will surely be a relief to have a peaceful, quiet week at home, and to recharge those batteries.
Variety has certainly been the spice of life this week: on Wednesday, children were treated to a modern day version of the 80s Saturday night hit TV programme, Blind Date. The three contestants were Tim Take-a-lot, Henry Have-a-lot and yours truly as Noel Give-a-lot. The lucky damsel was Mrs Neeson. Fortunately she chose contestant number 3! This assembly was a great way to demonstrate to the children that in life it is so important to be selfless. A message that we should all heed!
We enjoyed a true celebration of the Performing Arts as the Year 3 and 4 children put on their performance of Shakespeare Rocks. They all did The Bard justice with their wonderful singing and Oscar-class acting. What a marvellous way to introduce youngsters to our peerless playwright. For a few days now we will see no “whining schoolboy, with his satchel and shining morning face, creeping like snail unwillingly to school” – as if that ever happens here! The writer of As You Like It clearly never saw all the children arriving jauntily at The Blue Coat School!
I would like to pay tribute to all the cast for showing off their talents over the course of the week. I would like also to thank formally all the staff involved. The list is long. It showed me the amazing support and camaraderie of our staff body. They have some great talents in so many areas.
It has been a busy half term and I would like to thank all the staff, governors, parents and, most importantly, our special children for their support as we continue to develop this wonderful school. I wish you all a very relaxing break and look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 27 February, when we will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.
With every best wish,
NOEL NEESON | HEADMASTER
