As I write my last Update of this academic year, I feel that the penultimate week sums up beautifully in its variety, all that is so exciting about our School.
On Monday, I was fortunate to join the outgoing Year 6 cohort as they made their way to Aztec Adventure in Worcester. The children and I enjoyed water sports, high rope adventures and so much more. It was heartwarming to see the involvement, the happiness and the camaraderie. Perhaps the highlight of the children’s day was jumping off the pontoon and soaking Miss Fagan and Messrs Coley and Matthews, but so many memories to treasure.
While I was kayaking, Mr Melia and Miss Somerville were paddling their own canoes, so to speak, taking eight budding tennis players to the first day of the Wimbledon Championships. I believe that they enjoyed some wonderful sport amongst the strawberries and cream. They certainly soaked up the atmosphere and were clearly inspired by the experience!
Monday also saw five children from School take part in the prestigious IAPS National Athletics Finals at Pingles Stadium, Nuneaton. Overall, the children competed very well and achieved good times and distances. A massive well done to Roman (Year 4), Serena, Daniel and Sophie (all Year 6) for very notable performances.
Over the course of a cloudy, cool Tuesday (Years 3 and 4) and an altogether brighter Friday (Years 5 and 6) enjoyed their annual Sports Day(s). As is only right, there was an edge, but here was competition taking place in a very sporting manner. It is clear to me that the School has budding athletes in many disciplines. A big thank you to the parents for being there to support the four Houses and all competitors over a memorable two days.
Not to be outdone, the Music department again reinforced the high standard that we have come to expect here at BCS. The Summer Concert was stunning, with first rate musicianship. The children deserve great credit for their work ethic and drive to achieve.
Wednesday was another important day for children and BCS new joiners, who had the opportunity to meet their new Form Tutor (Prep) and Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) during Moving Up Day. It was an important day for the children to get together and to start building the foundations for the upcoming academic year: that, coupled with the excitement of finding out which one of the six new Houses they would be in from next year. The excitement was almost tangible.
Our Year 6 ‘buddies’ said farewell to their Year 3 counterparts. It was a beautiful event, aptly named ‘Bye Bye, Buddy’, it was a chance for the younger ones to say thank you for the support they have received over the year. Well done, Mrs James for organising!
On the topic of Houses, this evening we have our thanksgiving service in Chapel with over 250 Old Scholars and friends of the School due to attend. It will be an emotional service in which we say goodbye to the Houses of St George’s, St Margaret’s, St Monica’s and St Philip’s. Thank you to everyone who will make the service such a poignant occasion.
I would also like to congratulate our Year 5 children, who won two events at KES last week; Misha and Joobin were crowned Debating Champions and Lexi, Alayna, Zayan and Syan, were triumphant in the KES Mathematics Challenge. Congratulations to them all. A very proud moment for them all and our School.
Earlier in the week, our Second Master , Mr Newman, provided some fireworks on the cricket with a spectacular Bazball-style innings, poetry in motion! Tomorrow night, many of you will attend an altogether quieter event, the Friends Ball at the Grand Hotel. I do hope you have an enjoyable evening.
Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues, governors, parents and staff for all their support for BCS this year. Over the course of the final days of the Trinity Term, I look forward to celebrating an extremely positive year with you all.
