BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

What a week! BCS really is up and running, and there is already a wonderful sense of energy and purpose across the School.

Our before and after-school activities are now in full flow, and the sheer range of opportunities available to the children is quite remarkable. From sport and music to creativity, clubs and enrichment, there really is something for everyone. Most importantly, it has been terrific to see so many children throwing themselves into these opportunities with enthusiasm.

One particularly lovely moment this week was seeing Class 1G joined by Mrs West and Mrs Benjamin Coker for their Golden Picnic. Thankfully, the weather played its part and the children clearly relished the opportunity for a little alfresco dining. Sometimes it is the simplest moments that create the happiest memories!

Over the past week and a half, it has also been a genuine pleasure to meet and speak with so many parents, whether at drop-off, pick-up or during our informal Prep teas with year-group teachers. Those conversations matter enormously. We remain determined that our community retains that personal connection and that every family feels very much part of the journey.

I was delighted, too, to give my first Chapel talk of the academic year, on the theme of hope. It seemed particularly pertinent as our Year 6 children prepare for the 11+ grammar school examinations this weekend, before the independent school examinations later in October and November. They have prepared tremendously well. You can sense their ambition, determination and desire to succeed, and we are immensely proud of them. Now is the time to trust their preparation, believe in themselves and give it their very best. We wish every one of them well.

Hope also took on a wider meaning today as we supported the Eye of Nepal charity through our dress-down day. Mr Moss will travel to Nepal later this term to support the charity’s important work. At what is a deeply troubling time for communities affected there, we keep all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers. To any members of our own BCS staff or families touched personally by events, please know that our community stands with you.

Finally, as I sign off for another busy week, a heartfelt thank you to all those parents who continue to recommend BCS to friends, colleagues and other families. Next week’s Open Morning is set to be a busy one, with places limited, and your advocacy for our School and its wonderful staff is greatly appreciated. A verbal recommendation remains one of the greatest compliments any school can receive.

The year is gathering momentum. The activities are flourishing, the children are settling, and there is a real sense of purpose around BCS.

We are up and running. Now, as ever, we keep looking for that extra 5%.

Have a wonderful weekend!