BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Reflecting on the week just gone has once again filled me with a deep sense of pride in the opportunities we continue to provide for our pupils to develop and thrive. It has been a week rich in curiosity, exploration and joy.

We began on Monday with two year groups heading out on educational visits that brought their learning vividly to life. Year 3 travelled to the Hindu Temple, where they gained a respectful and meaningful understanding of a faith that is central to many communities around the world. The pupils were visibly engaged and absorbed, and it was wonderful to hear several of them remark, as one pupil put it, that it was “so peaceful and colourful”.

Not to be outdone, Year 1 enjoyed a visit to St John and St Peter’s Church as part of their study of the Christian faith. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and staff reported that the Year 1s asked curious and thoughtful questions throughout. It reaffirmed my belief that taking learning off the page is essential. By immersing children in real environments, we help them make sense of their studies in ways that are both memorable and meaningful. These two visits truly reflected the inclusive values that underpin our diverse community.

Year 5 spent Thursday immersed in STEM, working on the very timely theme of Beat the Flood. With the weather we have experienced lately, it could not have been more appropriate. STEM is an increasingly important field that teaches children to solve problems creatively, collaborate effectively and think with both logic and imagination. Many of the jobs of the future will require precisely these skills, and it is heartening to see our pupils engaging with such enthusiasm in activities that build confidence and capability in these areas.

Meanwhile, Year 6, nearing the end of their exam season, enjoyed a Shakespearian Day based on the timeless classic Romeo and Juliet. It proved to be a wonderfully enriching experience. Shakespeare’s work opens children to the power of language, drama and imagination. Engaging with such texts helps young learners explore character, emotion and narrative in ways that strengthen both their analytical abilities and their creative thinking. This day offered a valuable foundation as they began to look ahead to senior school.

On Wednesday, we were delighted to welcome Bishop Esther to BCS. Her visit felt serendipitously timed, given that we have recently begun supporting schools in Malawi, her home country. It was a pleasure to share with her the developing links between our communities, and we very much hope this will be the first of many visits during her tenure.

Today’s non-uniform day brought another wave of excitement as we prepared for The Friends’ wonderful Christmas Fayre. The team has been hard at work setting up the grotto, and there is an array of stalls ready for families to enjoy. I do hope you will come along and help us begin the Christmas season in style.

Finally, we wish the Chapel Choir the very best of luck as they open the Advent Season by singing at St Philip’s Cathedral on Sunday at 4pm. If you are in Birmingham City Centre, do drop in. It is always a beautifully heart warming event.

Happy weekend, one and all.