BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Music has been at the forefront of my mind this week. Last Sunday, I had the privilege of attending a community concert at the Ruddock Hall, a fundraising event for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The programme was a true feast for the soul, with BCS pupils and Old Scholars performing a range of music, from Paul Desmond’s cool jazz to Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G minor, Op.23 No.5, and Tchaikovsky’s Juin: Barcarolle. It was an experience to treasure. As I sat there with Mr Newman and colleagues from BCS, I felt immensely proud of our young musicians. A very special thank you to Mi Lan, whose careful coordination made the afternoon sublime.

Back on home ground, Year 4 delighted us with a recital that will live long in the memory. From nervous first steps on stage, to the polished playing of more experienced musicians, the performance embodied one simple truth: with hard work and practice, you can achieve anything. My gratitude goes to our young performers, whose courage and talent provided such joy.

To round off a week rich in music, our string players travelled to Rugby School for an inter-Prep School experience day. Performing in the grandeur of their hall, alongside both peers and senior scholars, was an opportunity to remember. The feedback from Rugby School was glowing. One music teacher could not believe the standard of our pupils, praising not only their musicianship and love of music, but their impeccable manners. Music at BCS is in rude health, and through initiatives such as our Choral Scholars programme, the envy of many schools nationally, we will continue to nurture and raise the bar still further.

Of course, life at BCS is never only about music. Year 5 were transported back in time during their Anglo-Saxon Day. These immersive events prove that learning can leap from the page. Over lunch, I asked some of the pupils what they had taken from the day. The responses were charming: “It helps us understand what we learn in class”… “It’s really memorable and helps me keep key facts in mind”. One pupil told me she remembered every experience day she had attended and ranked them among her top three favourite things about School. Just magical.

Languages, too, have been alive this week. Under the watchful eye of Mrs Newman, or should I say Madame Newman, Year 5 pupils have been finalising their letters to their French Pen Pals. This project is more than an exercise in vocabulary; it is about developing confidence, curiosity, and readiness for senior school. I very much hope to share some of these letters in due course, as they are truly excellent.

A special word, too, for our wonderful Year 6 boys and girls who sit their KEHS and KES entrance exams today and tomorrow. They have worked tirelessly and deserve every success.

And finally, a timely reminder that this Sunday is World Teachers’ Day. On our social media channels, you will see members of staff recalling teachers who inspired them. Some years ago, I wrote to my own Year 6 teacher, Mr Dunn. The letter touched him and his family more than I could have imagined. Perhaps this weekend, you might thank a teacher who made a difference to you.

Happy weekend!