Well the penultimate week of term was one to remember. What a joy it was to welcome back parents for our Sports Days – in Year Group bubbles. And the children had a great time competing in a wide range of disciplines. How wonderful to see everybody smiling and having fun. Perhaps, as adults, we get too caught up in winning and setting records. Nobody enjoys competition more than me, but I always maintain that the key to lifelong fulfilment is to enjoy what you are doing.
Earlier this week, on national TV, the Headmaster of Newstead School in south London heaped praise on the commitment of one of his students who had just completed her A levels but who was seriously engaged down the road in SW19. Alan Blount lauded his 18-year-old for showing the same dedication in everything that she did, whether it be in the classroom or outside. That same evening, 18-year-old Emma Raducanu gave further testimony that she is a new tennis prodigy. It was sad that a medical condition cut short her tournament, but she has made her mark by getting to the last 16 at Wimbledon. Emma’s qualities are what we love to see at BCS; total commitment to the cause, in every area of school life. How blessed we are to watch a crowd cheer on this budding talent; that COVID has relented enough to allow us the excitement of international sport, whether it be Euros, Wimbles or the forthcoming Olympics.
Yes, the pandemic is losing its stranglehold; we are less than a fortnight from so-called Freedom Day, and we have enjoyed the Year 2 BCS awards ceremony, a new initiative that had to be postponed. A beautiful assembly celebrated the individual success of every child as they completed their Pre-Prep educational journey. I must congratulate not only Mrs West, who oversees the BCS Blue so meticulously, but Mrs Andrews (Head of Pre-Prep) and all the staff, who work tirelessly for the children. Congratulations, one and all, on your achievements.
Year 6 enjoyed a wonderful enrichment week as they approached the end of their BCS journey. This brilliant bunch took part in ‘One Day Film’ School, Kayaking, Bushcraft, Self-Defence, Spiritual reflection time in Chapel, Sports Day, and our annual Science Fair. The week was rounded off with a Year House Party and Disco. To say they had fun is an understatement.
Talking of Science Fairs, the quality of the Year 6 projects was outstanding; well above age-related expectations. The judges from KES, KEHS, Solihull, EHS and Five Ways Grammar School were impressed by the children’ knowledge and understanding. This was a significant event; one which helped to confirm that our year 6 children are ‘secondary ready’. As we know, there is no glass ceiling at BCS. The only limit is the sky.
Not to be outdone, Year 4 completed their Heroes project. They have studied in detail an inspirational person and the choice ranged from family members to sporting icons to Nobel Peace Prize winners. The standard was stunning. Well done to the Year 4 team for tutoring the children in completing this major piece of work. It was a joy to behold.
Congratulations also to all the children who achieved the BCS Reading Challenge award. The number of books read and reviewed was sensational. All challengers received a special certificate and BCS cookie! Keep reading, and opening up new worlds for yourselves. You are laying the foundations for success.
Finally, it was a pleasure to welcome back last year’s Old Scholars for the annual hockey match; to see them all growing and maturing even from a COVID-demanded distance. They had a number of great matches and really enjoyed the experience of being back in their Prep School.
Have a super weekend. Only two School sleeps until School is out for summer!
Mr Noel Neeson | Headmaster
