BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

There are few things more stirring than watching young swimmers from BCS rise from the blocks at the London Olympic pool with all the conviction of seasoned athletes and just a touch more style. Representing our School with courage and pride, they did not simply take part; they truly performed and in doing so, made themselves (and us) justifiably proud.

From silver medals to astonishing personal bests, our pupils proved that when one swims against the likes of Millfield and The Dragon and emerges with laurels one isn’t merely splashing about. BCS is now at the top table in school swimming. Not just a seat at the back either, front and centre, elbows out, pass the medals please. We do everything with a capital letter here, and it shows. “5% more” is not a strapline; it is our creed, our compass, and very nearly our cardiovascular workout.

Hats off, or perhaps goggles off, to Messrs Brookes and Moore, whose dedication to our swimmers has clearly paid dividends. As we prepare for this Saturday’s relays at the Forge in Sheffield, I can only say: Good luck, team. Though with this sort of spirit, you may not need it.

Music, as ever, continues to be the heartbeat of life at BCS and what a thumpingly good rhythm it was this week. Between the ethereal strains of Year 6 rehearsing their own take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream (think Shakespeare meets BCS), and the dazzling displays in our Year 3 and 4 Prelude concert, one could be forgiven for thinking they’d stumbled into Glyndebourne via Harborne. It was bold. It was beautiful. It was, quite simply, Blue Coat at full volume. I left feeling as though I’d been sonically massaged and spiritually uplifted, not to mention quietly proud of our young musicians’ ever-rising trajectory. I strongly urge you to attend our forthcoming summer concert. Not just to enjoy a fine evening, but to remind yourselves what happens when talent meets tenacity.

Meanwhile, Year 3 lit up the week with their Grandparents’ Day. Now, grandparents are always a tonic (and occasionally, it must be said, the gin), but this occasion felt particularly special. Chapel, collaborative projects, and a cream tea that would have made Mary Berry weep with joy, it was a triumphant celebration of School life. Our pupils sparkled with charm and confidence, making their guests feel not merely welcome but positively cherished. And to our grandparents, effortlessly elegant, ageless wonders that they are, I extend heartfelt thanks. You brought warmth, wisdom and quite possibly the best post-Chapel applause I’ve heard this term.

In Year 5, linguistic diplomacy took a significant step forward. Our pupils have begun corresponding with their French penpals, forging connections across the Channel and flexing their linguistic muscles with admirable aplomb. I recall my own son’s delight at receiving his first letter and the quiet panic at realising he’d need to reply en français. This initiative, skilfully spearheaded by Mrs Newman, is more than a cultural exchange. It develops empathy, hones writing skills, and gives our pupils a sense of life beyond the familiar – which is precisely the sort of enrichment we value. Très bien, mes amis!

Elsewhere, we were delighted to welcome new families joining Pre-Prep this September. The room was brimming with optimism and the sort of informed curiosity one only encounters among parents who’ve read every ISI report twice. One father, having signed up mere hours after the birth of his son (a feat of both planning and optimism), told me he would have been “devastated” had they not secured a place. Apparently, BCS “oozes positivity and excellence.” Quite the compliment, and a reminder, if ever we needed it, that our reputation rests on our commitment never to rest.

As Kipling so wisely put it, “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same…” Well, I think we’ve rather favoured Triumph this week, but we remain humbly aware that the work continues.

And so, as we edge towards the end of another sparkling week, I look forward to seeing many of you at tonight’s Cricket Festival – a celebration of sun hats, sandwiches and sixes (in roughly equal measure). If you’re marking Father’s Day this weekend, may it be full of good company and at least one nap on the sofa.