The children have been in energetic form, settling back happily into the rigours of school life characteristically well. To the new children who are joining us at the start of the Trinity term, let me say a hearty welcome to the BCS family!
In Pre-Prep, Year 1 got underway with their new topic, The Great Fire of London.
Disasters remain part of everyday life, of course – as we are seeing in Sudan. But Wow history days give us the chance to see just how much things have changed.
The great seventeenth century diarist Samuel Pepys told of how by picking up a chest from under his London bed he managed to rescue all his money and belongings.
Three hundred and fifty years on, in a time of mortgages, insurance policies, loans, driverless cars and credit cards, things are so much more complicated. Put simply, though, our humanities curriculum gives the children a strong understanding of the period they are studying. Talking to them and spending time with them at this event, I cannot commend strongly enough this type of learning experience. Well done to the children who so strongly engaged and contributed to taking learning off the page.
Meanwhile, it is vitally important that we understand and have tolerance of all religions in our wonderfully diverse society. Year 6 had a busy week visiting the Serbian Orthodox Church as part of their Religious Studies Curriculum.Thank you to Fr Andrew for facilitating this for the senior pupils. It was most informative and supported the children’s learning.
It was lovely to meet a number of parents at today’s Prep coffee morning when there was a positive and vibrant atmosphere. I thank the Friends warmly for hosting these mornings, which allow good dialogue and opportunities to chat with other parents in the Prep School.
Our Senior debaters are competing at KES today. If a great work ethic in honing their debating skills is anything to go by, they will come back triumphant. Not only have they been practising every Friday afternoon during their TED time but they have enlisted Mrs Gilmore, (Chair of Governors) and her husband, Stephen, who are members of one of the oldest Debating Societies in the country, The Birmingham and Edgbaston Debating Society, an organisation which was once attended by former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain. So the children have obviously had excellent mentors. At the time of going to print we are still waiting for the outcome. Further details next week and on social media.
To round off the week, Father Andrew gave us a wonderful and thought- provoking service in Chapel. It was great to be together there to celebrate the start of the Trinity term.
It focused our minds and allowed us to give thanks for all we have in our life here at BCS.
Finally, congratulations to Ms Stefanoski and Mr Nicklin on the birth of their second son, Jonty. Mother and baby are doing well.
Have a good weekend!