BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

As the sun sets on another week at The Blue Coat School, I find myself reflecting on a period that has been, in equal measure, exciting and productive. Our pupils have been busy not only in the classroom but on the sports field and in the music room. If there were a medal for sheer industry, I suspect we would already have it framed in the Atrium.

Let us begin with music, for it has given us much to celebrate. Once again the School has flourished at the Lichfield Music Festival, securing yet more first places. This is no accident of fortune. It is the fruit of talent, practice and the high expectations we hold for music at BCS, and I congratulate every performer who carried our colours with such distinction.

This week I had the great pleasure of visiting a number of classes to observe lessons, and I am delighted to report that the participation and focus of our pupils were second to none. Our teachers know the children well and set expectations that are ambitious and exacting. The range of activities I observed was first rate, and the balance between the written word and the purposeful use of iPads was very strong indeed. What impressed me most, however, was the children’s enthusiasm. Hands shot up to answer questions, and several pupils were bold enough to challenge their teacher when they were unsure. One can only admire such courage, and I made a mental note to keep my own answers brief. Above all, I saw a willingness to go that extra five per cent. Others may promise one hundred and ten per cent; at Blue Coat we prefer an achievable five, delivered every single day. I left each classroom very proud of what I had seen, and I thank both pupils and staff for welcoming me so warmly.

On Tuesday it was a joy to welcome so many Nursery parents into school. I enjoyed meeting many of you in the Nursery classrooms, and I must observe that the parents appeared to be having quite as much fun as the children. It was a delight to behold, and I am not entirely sure who was more reluctant to leave when the time came.

Over the coming months I very much look forward to meeting more of you to share the exciting plans we have for BCS over the next five years. These are ambitious plans for an ambitious school, and I would value your company as we set out on the journey. If you have not yet booked your place at one of the Parent Drinks Receptions, I urge you to do so at the earliest opportunity. It will be a pleasure to meet you in a more informal setting, where the conversation flows as freely as the refreshments.

This week also marked National Poetry Day, which was celebrated with gusto in classrooms across the School. I am most grateful to Mr Elliot for the thought and energy he devoted to a programme of activities worthy of the occasion. It has also whetted our appetite for the Poetry by Heart competition later this academic year. We have much to live up to, since Zidaan triumphed in the final at the Globe Theatre this July. To follow a victory on Shakespeare’s own stage is no small undertaking, but our young poets have never been ones to shrink from a challenge.

The Chapel Choir was once again in imperious form at this morning’s service. I warmly encourage all parents, whether your children are in Pre-Prep or Prep, to join us on a Friday morning. There is no finer way to close the school week and welcome the weekend than in the company of our children, lifted by music of such quality. Do come if you can. You will leave the better for it.

My congratulations go to every pupil who represented the School in sport this week. There were some splendid victories, and there were also some matches from which valuable lessons will be drawn. Victory is sweet, but defeat, rightly understood, is often the better teacher. In every fixture our pupils played with pride and determination, giving their best for the School, and for that I am truly thankful. Well done to one and all.

Finally, today and tomorrow our Year 6 pupils sit the 11+ entrance examinations for King Edward VI High School for Girls and King Edward’s School. We wish every one of them the very best of luck. They have been prepared with great care, both at home and at school, and they go forward with our confidence and our pride. I have no doubt they will do themselves justice and go on to achieve great things.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday for another packed week at The Blue Coat School.