BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

What a phenomenal penultimate week of the Lent term it has been – the kind of week that leaves you breathless in the best possible way, like finishing a marathon or navigating the M6 with no traffic. Academics, sport, the performing arts, and a generous sprinkling of charitable giving: this was BCS at full throttle.

We kicked things off with a bang (thankfully, not a literal one) at the annual Year 6 Science Fair. Now, I’ve seen a few of these over the years, but this year’s entries were mind-boggling – yes, I’m coining that phrase in honour of some truly brain-bending brilliance. From gravity-defying physics to chemistry experiments that stayed just the right side of HAZMAT, the pupil’s work spanned the full scientific spectrum. One of our external judges, who knows a thing or two, remarked that the skill and depth on display would give many senior schools a run for their money. In fact, I believe the exact quote was: “This is well beyond what I see at GCSE level”. Hats off to Mrs Simmons, who yet again proved that her energy is as renewable as some of the projects on display. Thank you, Mrs Simmons – you really do go above and beyond. And congratulations to Yousef, our overall winner, for his excellent research and a firm understanding of his project on ladybirds. A small insect, perhaps, but a huge achievement.

This week, poetry was in the spotlight as we celebrated our inaugural Poetry Slam, with guest adjudicator Mr Matt Abbott. A renowned Bloomsbury-published poet, Matt shared some truly inspiring verses and led a workshop that left our lucky finalists scribbling away with newfound confidence and creativity. The pupils were all word perfect, with great poise and passion. We congratulate our overall winner, Sophia, and the four brilliant runners-up; all of whom may well represent the school at the Globe Theatre in London, as part of the national Poetry by Heart competition. What an extraordinary opportunity, and what an exceptional group of young poets we have. Thank you to Mr Brown, for the organisation of this event. 

Midweek brought a different kind of inspiration as we welcomed Mrs Von Malise, the Chief Master of King Edward’s School. Her address gave us much to ponder: a vision of education that embraces the whole child, while also clearly valuing rigour and character. We are very fortunate to enjoy such strong relationships with our senior schools, and this visit reaffirmed just how much BCS children flourish when they move on to the next stage of their journeys.

And then, just when I thought things might calm down, along came Year 1 with the most heartwarming Chapel service for Mothering Sunday. Picture proud parents, slightly teary-eyed grandparents, and little ones delivering lines with the kind of conviction only six-year-olds can muster. It was poignant and joyful in equal measure. I always find this time of year reflective – my own mum passed away when I was twelve, and I often think of the many ways my father had to step into both roles for me. So to all the mums, grandmothers, and indeed families where someone else steps up to “mother”, we salute you. You are seen, you are valued, and you are loved.

And speaking of love, Friday was a full-throttle celebration of just that. Three of our Houses (Chandler, Lichfield and Birmingham) led the Friday assembly in aid of House Charity Day. The fundraising efforts were as creative as they were joyful, including a sponsored walk in the Lickey Hills and a smorgasbord of activities that lit up the School with energy and purpose. Pupils threw themselves into it with gusto, raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. A huge thank you to Mrs Somerville, Mrs Buncher and Mr Dalzell for masterminding the day. It was, quite simply, fun, fun, fun – all in the name of doing good.

As part of our Lenten giving, next Wednesday we’re inviting our pupils to wear their own clothes in exchange for… an egg. Not for themselves, but for another child who may not receive one this Easter. A simple gesture, yes, but a powerful one. The eggs will go to Birmingham City Mission and St George’s School, Newtown. A little kindness goes a long way.

So, as we head into the weekend, I encourage you all to breathe, to rest, and to cherish time with your loved ones. In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. And this week, our pupils made us feel deeply proud.

Have a great family weekend.