A Golden Week
This week has truly felt golden. The sun has shone gloriously, bringing warmth and light to our days. There is something so uplifting about arriving at school in the morning light and heading home again in the evening glow. With jumpers cast aside and fields reopened for playtime, the children have been making the very most of this beautiful early spring weather.
It was a pleasure to welcome Graham Bone, Head of Exeter School, for coffee this week. I am very much looking forward to strengthening our links further, particularly as we prepare to welcome the incoming Head, Dr Adrian Rainbow, in September. Our partnership continues to grow from strength to strength.
This has been the first year we have run the pathway pre-tests, with pupils sitting exams in Year 6 to secure a place in Year 9. I am delighted to share that this has been a great success, with eight places awarded at Exeter School. For those who were not quite there yet, the process provides a clear pathway over the next two years with another go at the exam in Year 8, following tailored support to help them reach their potential. There has been a very strong uptake, and parents have been understandably delighted with the opportunity.
Earlier this week, I attended the IAPS Board meeting in London, where I interviewed prospective new Board Directors alongside colleagues including Emma Goldsmith (Head of the Dragon) and Jim Walton (Head of Clifton Prep). There were also important discussions around the challenges facing IAPS international schools, particularly those currently affected by conflict in regions such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where online schooling has once again become a necessity.
On Tuesday afternoon, we enjoyed a fantastic U7 football festival. It was glorious to see so many visiting schools in the sunshine and the the full commitment of the pupils to the afternoon.
Looking ahead, excitement is building as pupils prepare for next week’s trip to Athens; a truly wonderful opportunity and the trip of a lifetime. Plans are also well underway for the Years 7 and 8 Sports Tour next Easter, which will take us abroad once again. My thanks to the staff, as ever, for providing these opportunities for the children.
It has been a busy and rewarding week in school, with both our Years 7 and 8 parents’ evenings, where pupils themselves attend, and our Pre-prep parents’ evenings. These moments of connection between school, pupils, and families are always so valuable.
All of this, however, pales into insignificance compared to the arrival of our very special visitors, the chicks in Year 1! This video of them hatching is delightful. Their presence has brought enormous excitement and joy, and they have quickly become the highlight of the week. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend with your families as we head into the final week of term.
Charlotte, Head
