BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

As we draw this half term to a close, I find myself reflecting not merely on what we have achieved, but on the spirit in which it has been achieved. If one word has defined these past weeks at Blue Coat, it is service: service to one another, service to our community and service to those whose needs are greater than our own. It has been a half term of which every member of this school may be justly proud.

Our Harvest services on Wednesday stood as a fitting testament to that spirit. We were delighted to present our donations to Birmingham City Mission, whose representatives in turn gave an informative and thoughtful talk that deepened the pupils’ understanding of the work being done, quietly and faithfully, on the streets of our own city. As always, our readers and choirs were first rate, lending the occasion a dignity and beauty that lingered long after the final note. It was, in every sense, an expression of the excellence in all we strive for at BCS. Not to be outdone, the Pre-Prep services were wholesome on every level. The children spoke, sang and conducted themselves impeccably. I was sorry to be away from school and unable to attend in person today, but I am reliably informed that children and parents alike were on top form. My sincere thanks go to all who contributed to these memorable occasions.

Today, Lichfield, Chandler and Birmingham Houses held their charity day in support of Birmingham Hospital Charity, with a particular focus on diabetes. This is a most worthwhile cause, championing the early diagnosis of childhood diabetes and supporting families across our community at what can be a profoundly anxious time. To our amazing children, families and staff, and most especially to our House leads, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the energy and generosity with which this day was embraced.

As you know, English is a matter of great importance at BCS, and we were privileged to welcome the author Chloe Dalton. Formerly a foreign policy adviser, she is perhaps best known for Raising Hare, her tender and widely acclaimed account of rearing a wild leveret, which invites readers to look more closely and more patiently at the natural world around them. Her visit was genuinely inspiring, and it continues what has become a rich vein of author visits this year. The children are drawing a great deal from these encounters, and one senses the seeds of future writers being sown.

Year 6 enjoyed a Geography field trip to Preston Montford, and I cannot overstate the value of such experiences. A number of my own daughter’s contemporaries undertook field trips as part of their A level studies, and to introduce our Year 6 pupils to the disciplines of fieldwork at this early stage is excellent preparation for the academic journey that lies ahead.

Congratulations, too, to our girls who represented the school at the IAPS regional hockey tournament. They played with skill, spirit and a steely determination that did them, and us, great credit.

Finally, I offer a large and grateful thank you to all the staff of BCS, whose commitment to this school is unwavering. To our amazing children, well done one and all. A special word of praise goes to Year 6 for the diligence they have brought to their examinations, and to Year 5, who have been impressing greatly as they prepare for an extremely important year ahead; the reports reaching me are overwhelmingly positive. Year 3 is settling in well, and Year 4 have been focused and determined in all their endeavours. To our Pre-Prep children: over the course of this half term I have loved visiting your classrooms and watching you learn. Yours is a very special place indeed.

We send our warmest good wishes to Mr Moss as he travels to Nepal to support EyeNepal, an educational charity working to help schools there. We look forward very much to hearing all about it on his return.

My thanks also to the parents who joined me for drinks yesterday evening. It was a real pleasure to connect with so many of you, and your support is, as ever, deeply appreciated.

We have worked hard, we have served well and we have grown together. Now let us rest, so that we may return refreshed and ready for whatever the next half term may bring. A very happy holiday to you all.