It’s obviously a great time to be young. When a 15-year-old can turn up for the first time at Wimbledon and defeat a five-times champion 24 years her senior, anything seems possible.
And that’s how it feels at BCS. So much on offer, and so may children wanting to make the most of their opportunities: In the Maths Room, on the stage, in the Music Department, writing creatively, performing on the athletics track. It’s all systems go.
Even as I write, children between the ages of 7 and 13 are busy tuning up for the new BCS Music Summer School, which takes place at the end of this month. You may already be aware of this, but the Orchestral course, Classical Guitar Course and Percussion Workshops are for those who have reached Grade 2 standard or above. If you would like to join in, hurry! Get in touch with the music department.
In recent days, we have been participating in the GLARE short story writing competition and in the Borcherds Shield, a Maths Challenge – with great success in both! Isabella was the winner of the 6 to 8 Years category with her narrative, ‘The Devil’s Daughter’ and Harry was the winner of the 9 to 11 Year category with his story, ‘The Exam’. Mrs Ayub was thrilled with the creativity and the general standard of the children’s entries. Well done, all.
On the Maths front, after a tough physical and mental competition which involved several other local private schools, Mrs Nazir’s team emerged victorious. They heard an inspiring talk from the author of the Murderous Maths series, Kjartan Poskitt, and then came home not just with the shiny shield but with some wonderful Marvellous Maths treats.
After the high drama of the senior drama production, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which was first class in every respect, the Year 6 children started their Leavers’ Programme. This involved a range of activities such as canoeing, Forest School, spiritual reflection and money matters, to name just a few.
Mrs Palmeri led this programme, which is not only designed to build resilience and independence in preparation for the move on to Senior School but to be a really fun way to end careers at BCS.
On Wednesday, we had Moving Up Day, an occasion that always creates a little buzz of anticipation and excitement. The children have the opportunity to meet their new next-term teachers, and vice versa. This opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings went down well with all the boys and girls. They are all excited about post Summer Holidays prospects.
Thank you to the Friends for operating their second hand (or should I say ‘pre-loved?) uniform sale. This went down very well, with parents old and new.
This is a busy time for sports finals – and for Kate Stockton, in particular. Kate is an exceptional athlete. She reached the finals of the IAPS National Athletics Finals at Alexandra Stadium, where this week she came a highly creditable ninth place nationally. She is entitled to feel very proud of her achievements.
Buttons had a ball on their fun Sports Day. How lucky we have been, at long last with the weather. And how lucky are the children to have such supportive parents. They helped to create such a happy, positive vibe at the vent.
On the subject of vibes, the Music Department and children surpassed themselves this Thursday evening. Mr Nicklin and Miss Akehurst are deservedly proud of the performers, who all deserve to succeed, having put in so much day-in, day-out practice.
In other news, please be aware of the delay which has been made to Birmingham’s ‘Clean Air Zone’. More information can be found here.
And so, we look ahead to the biennial ball on Saturday. This is, of course, a great chance to let the hair down, and for adults to act a little more like children! I look forward to hearing all about it, and hope that not too many muscles are pulled or hamstrings strained!
Mr Noel Neeson | Headmaster
