BIRMINGHAMTHEBLUECOATSCHOOL1722

Time flies when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? This half term at BCS has absolutely whizzed by, leaving us with not just a sense of achievement but also a whole lot of fun and momentum. It all kicked off last Sunday when the BCS family gathered for the first evensong of the year. The Chapel was packed, and for good reason—our Chapel Choir was in fine form, thanks to Mrs. Creaton and the Senior Choir, who delivered a magnificent psalm. Mrs. O’Malley also deserves a standing ovation for the tweaks she’s made to the Chapel Choir—honestly, they’re hitting new heights! A big thank you to the parents, Governors, and friends of BCS who joined us for this special service.

Now, let me tell you, this week had me feeling a bit like I’d stepped into a time machine. Why? Because it’s the end of term, which at BCS means enrichment days. (Yes, I know, I’ve mentioned this a time or two before!) These days are absolute gold dust, bringing the children’s studies to life in ways that make even us adults want to go back to School. This week, Year 1 dived into a deeper exploration of the UK, uncovering some fascinating nuggets of knowledge. Did you know, for instance, that the UK is made up of over 6,000 islands? Or that Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch, serving for a staggering 70 years? Our Year 2s spent their time exploring Traditional Tales, which are not just stories but cultural touchstones that shape young minds, helping them understand good versus evil, right versus wrong—and perhaps, why you really should avoid houses made of straw!

Meanwhile, Year 6 took a jaunt back to Ancient Greece. Picture this: pupils donning togas, discovering the wonders of democracy, mythology, and of course, the Olympic Games. (Yes, those javelin-throwing, discus-hurling athletes from yesteryear are still inspiring us today!) Watching the Year 6s connect the dots between the ancient world and their own lives—well, that’s what it’s all about.

And speaking of dressing up, our Year 6 pupils had a magical evening as they were whisked away to Hogwarts for a spellbinding Harry Potter experience. A huge thank you to Ms. Stacey, our wonderful librarian, and all the teachers who made this evening one of the most anticipated events on the School calendar. The pupils had an absolute blast, participating in wizard-themed activities and indulging in delicious Potter-inspired treats. The butterbeer may not have been brewed in Hogsmeade, but I’d say it was pretty close!

Over in Year 5, our pupils had the pleasure of visiting our friends at KES for an author visit. Joseph Elliott, author of the acclaimed Shadow Skye trilogy, captivated our young readers with his imaginative storytelling and richly crafted worlds. His work blends adventure, fantasy, and historical elements, offering children an engaging escape while also exploring deeper themes like friendship, courage, and acceptance. These events are always a great way for the children to expand their literary horizons and develop a deeper love of reading. Thank you to Mr Brown for organising.

As we gear up for the half-term break, let me remind you not to miss the Friends’ Annual Fireworks Extravaganza on Friday 8 November. If you haven’t already, please follow the link below and sign up—it’s set to be yet another sparkling BCS occasion!

Finally, a special thank you to all the parents who have signed up for Mr. Ramsell’s ceramic class. After the success of the parents’ art programme, we’ve had to bring this 5-week course to life by popular demand. I must say, the excitement is palpable!

And so, as we sign off for half term, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the children, staff, and parents for everything you give to BCS. We truly are a leading School because we work as one, with our children always at the forefront. So here’s to a restful and well-deserved break—let’s come back with courage, focus, and that ever-present BCS spirit. Happy half term to all!