I gather that four-time champion Mo Farah has a fortnight or so to find a race in which to run the Olympic standard for the 10,000 metres. Just to be selected for the British team for Tokyo. Arguably our greatest-ever Olympic athlete, Farah is under pressure such as he might not have felt during his 38 years. Fingers crossed for him. With The Euros and, pandemic-permitting, the Games in Japan, we are surely in for a rare treat this summer and autumn.
I’m sure that, as we ourselves were in our youth, Blue Coat children will be inspired by the running, the swimming, the field events. There is a freedom and fluidity about Farah’s stride that brings back memories of the great Sebastian Coe. And I see the like of it every day in miniature here – especially now that we have the new outside play area. Running just for the sake of running is something to be treasured. I love seeing it. It doesn’t last forever, of course. When our children reach adolescence, some altogether less dynamic mode of movement is guaranteed to afflict them!
Anyway, in the glorious summer sun, it has been a delight to see children gambolling and racing around in the outdoor area. The Prep Quad looks great and will prove appealing when it opens next week. Years 3 and 4 children will be revelling in this new play area where they can enjoy outdoor games in a quiet space.
As we gallop into the final half of the final half term of the academic year, Year 6 are savouring their last few weeks at Blue Coat. They have excelled themselves and we celebrate a record-breaking year of results including 68 scholarships for academic, music and sporting achievement. You should have also received our ISI inspection report. This is an appropriate time for me to thank you for your support of the School. The Chair of Governors mentioned in his covering letter how hard BCS staff in all areas of the school work for the children in their care. To the Governors themselves, and to my Senior Leadership Team go my thanks for their hard work and dedication that is often unseen.
Talking of things visible, if you have not seen The Pre-Prep Library, now is almost the moment. Please pop along and see the developments once restrictions are lifted in the weeks to come. The grand opening will take place in September! With this library’s spectacular refurbishment we are proud to have two state-of-the-art places to engage and inspire our young readers.
Outside again, more Farah-like freedom comes with the addition of our new astroturf court, which the children will clearly enjoy at break. Ball games are proving popular; the site will be a major asset to supporting the games department for hockey and netball in the coming months. We are so lucky to have all these facilities to share across the whole school community.
This week, in class, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has been the main focus. The children’s reasoning and problem- solving skills, across the Prep School, have been challenged. Thank you to Mrs Simmons for her organisation of this.
Finally, today, Friday, children in Pre-Prep and Prep have worn a coloured T-shirt to represent their favourite fruit or vegetable. This was coupled with a Healthy Eating talk from our caterer, Holroyd Howe. It made the children ruminate on positive dietary habits – such an important foundation for life. While dressing in our favourite colours we also raised funds for our charity; The Children of the Mountain. Thank you to all who donated!
This was a lovely way to finish off an active, busy and productive week here.
Rest well. See you all on Monday.
Mr Noel Neeson | Headmaster
