BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Welcome back for the second half of the Lent term! The days are getting longer, the daffodils are thinking about making an appearance, and the diary is already bursting at the seams with all manner of events. Please do keep a keen eye on the School digital calendar – a veritable treasure map of musical performances, sports fixtures, and Chapel services. Miss something at your peril!

This week saw our pupils don their best smiles for photographs marking the end of their community service roles. From Science Ambassadors to Digital Leaders, Chapel Monitors to Eco Warriors, these young champions of responsibility have given so much of their time and talent. It is vital that their voices are heard – after all, as the saying goes, “Children should be seen and heard, especially when they have something important to say!” Thank you to all our dedicated teachers who guide and support these initiatives; without you, these committees just wouldn’t run.

A big thank you to our Pre-Prep parents who attended Parents’ Evening this week. It was a joy to chat about School life and celebrate the remarkable achievements of your children. They are an absolute credit to themselves, and their curiosity, determination, and kindness shine through in everything they do. As always, the teachers emerged from the evening feeling thoroughly inspired – and perhaps a little in need of a strong cup of tea!

Our U9 and U11 chess teams have been busy this week, competing in an online national chess competition. What a thrill it was to watch these young strategists channel their inner Garry Kasparov with such precision and focus. The ability to out-think and out-maneuver an opponent, while remaining as calm as a seasoned grandmaster, is no small feat. As one wise chess enthusiast once said, “Chess makes children smarter by teaching them to think ahead, consider consequences, and plan strategically.” We wish our teams the very best of luck as they head to Solihull School this weekend to take on the Midlands’ finest. A huge thank you to Mr Fallowfield and Mrs Reiner for their unwavering support.

Meanwhile, our Music Scholars gave a stunning recital at St Philip’s Cathedral today. The music was sublime, the performance impeccable, and the audience thoroughly enraptured. Music remains the lifeblood of BCS, growing ever stronger on a national scale. There is something magical about seeing young musicians performing with such maturity and grace – a combination of methodical practice and sheer, unfiltered passion. Bravo to all involved!

As if that weren’t enough excitement, our cross-country team is gearing up for a challenging course at Malvern College on Sunday. With grit, determination, and possibly a fair bit of mud, they will take on the course with their usual BCS spirit. Best of luck to the team and to the parents attempting to wash the kit afterwards!

So, as we stride into this action-packed half term, I urge you to stay tuned to the School calendar and come along to support your children. There is so much to celebrate, and it promises to be a term brimming with achievement, camaraderie, and maybe even a few victorious checkmates!