BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Week 3 of this half term has whizzed by in a blur of sweat, determination, focused minds and, naturally, a good dollop of fun.

Year 6 took to the open road (well, the ferry) and landed in France for their much-anticipated residential. By all accounts, the trip was packed tighter than a croissant trolley at breakfast. The Year 6s navigated the solemn beauty of the battlefield cemeteries with great maturity, then turned on their heels and launched into the thrills of Parc Astérix and the delicious chaos of Belgian chocolate-making. A huge thank you to our staff who made the trip not only possible but genuinely unforgettable. 

Meanwhile, back in Blighty, the mood was altogether more hushed as our Lower Prep pupils embarked on assessment week. I slipped into a few Year 5 exam rooms in full invigilator mode – clipboard in hand, poker face set to ‘stern but fair’ – and was quietly impressed by the seriousness with which the pupils approached their papers. Now, I’ve long said that exams and assessments are not the be-all and end-all of life (unless you are a pencil sharpener, in which case they may feel that way). But they are important snapshots. We mustn’t see them in isolation. They are tools for growth, not tests of worth. So I urge you, parents: give your children a big hug and a resounding “well done!” for their hard work and bravery this week.

On a different note, I’m thrilled to report that I’ve signed off the refurbishment plans for our School Hall. It’s all go! We’re transforming the space into something more… threatreesque (yes, I invented the word, but you know what I mean). Think spotlight-ready, curtain-lifting, standing-ovation-inducing. Mr Paterson, our ever-capable Estates Manager, will be keeping you updated with photos and progress, so do keep an eye out. We aim to have the hall reopened and raring to go by September.

This morning, we were honoured to welcome the Head of King Edward VI High School for Girls, Dr Paul Arnold, to our Senior Chapel Service. He gave a thoughtful address on the importance of learning from our mistakes, very appropriate given the week the pupils just had. The Senior Choir rose to the occasion with a beautifully uplifting performance that filled the Chapel rafters and raised a few proud parental eyebrows, I am sure.

Finally, we send our very best wishes to Max and Lia, who are off to Millfield School to represent us in the National Fencing Finals. En garde! And good luck, too, to our cricketers heading to Malvern College. The U11 girls came a glorious second last week in the U12 event, so we hope the boys can emulate that brilliance. And last but not least, a cheer of encouragement to all those preparing for their LAMDA exams this weekend. Break a leg (figuratively, please). Happy weekend to all.