
This week kicked off on a high note with a Year 3 and Year 4 workshop on mathematics that was an absolute hit with our large group of enthusiastic parents. Hats off to Mr Wood for his talk, enlightening the parents on the nuances of mathematics learning and teaching here at BCS. We followed up with a Reception workshop, run by Mrs Reiner, where parents had the added delight of visiting the children in their classroom environment. It was truly heartwarming to see parents engaging with their children and our wonderful staff—proof that mathematics isn’t just about numbers; it’s about connections too!
Personally, my week started on a wonderful note as I was excited to visit our Year 2 and Year 4 pupils diving into their maths lessons. Year 2 focused on flexible partitioning, while Year 4 tackled patterns in times tables and division. Let me tell you, the children were on task (as I would expect!) and fully engaged in their learning. Talking to them was a joy—they could express not only what they were learning but also why it was important. It’s these “aha!” moments that make my job so rewarding. I can’t wait to see the other year groups in action as the term progresses.
To top it all off, I had the pleasure of sharing a hot chocolate with our new Year 3 pupils. It was lovely to support them through any little niggles and celebrate their first few weeks here at the School. One thing they particularly enjoy is having a Year 6 buddy to turn to if they need them—a comforting safety net as they navigate their new environment. Onwards and upwards!
Wednesday brought us a special guest: Rev Hill Brown, Chaplain at Solihull School, who delivered an insightful and thoughtful talk to our Year 3 and 4 students on respect and kindness. Her words resonated deeply, underscoring our core values at BCS that permeate all that we do. I’m looking forward to my own Chapel Talks in the coming weeks—do join me if you can! I promise I won’t involve you too much.
On Thursday, Year 5 enjoyed an enrichment day centred on Macbeth, one of my all-time favourite Shakespearean plays. As the Bard himself wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Watching our pupils delve into the intricacies of Macbeth, it’s clear that Shakespeare’s works aren’t just old texts; they’re a gateway to critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of human nature. Engaging with Shakespeare allows children to explore complex characters and themes, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their appreciation of literature and drama. Plus, there’s nothing like a good ghost story to keep them on their toes!
Our week rounded off with a bang as sports made a spectacular comeback with an array of fixtures. I’m told our girls and boys competed admirably, showing great sportsmanship and team spirit. The Harrison Mile and the Scotsman Run today were the cherry on top, kick-starting our House sporting programme in style. I’m especially excited to see how our new badminton team fares in local and national competitions—so much opportunity here at BCS!
With so much happening, it’s easy to see why this week felt like a whirlwind of activity and learning. But as always, seeing our children thrive in and out of the classroom makes every busy moment worth it.
Have a great weekend!