Junior Reflections Week 16 January 2025

Week 16 - 17 January 2025

Dear parents,

Fortunately, the weather has warmed a little bit although I must admit I am counting down the days until the sun and warmth makes an appearance. Thank you for ensuring that your children are appropriately dressed, it really helps the staff out on the playground.

House assemblies

The pupils started this week with House assemblies. It was an opportunity for the children to get together and learn about school events coming up this term. Each house discussed the Junior School Pupil Code and talked about ways they could address each of the school’s virtues. The house captains are looking forward to revealing the first merit total of 2025 next week.

Extra curricular activities

Clubs have got off to a flying start and it is great to see so many pupils having a go at something new. I have joined Dr Who club this term, ably assisted by Ted in Upper Two, and I have to admit I have certainly learnt a lot; the children are very much enjoying learning about the Doctors past and present. Sadly, I was unable to attend the informal vocal concert on Wednesday but Mr Titchin was very proud of Noa, Ellie S, Marcella and Louisa who all sang beautifully and I am very much looking forward to watching the recording. Well done to you all.

Author visit

The classrooms have been busy with Upper One starting their geography topic on sea turtles and they have been researching seven species of sea turtle in preparation for their author visit next week. Pupils may wish to buy a copy of Jo Earlam’s book and if so, please can they bring £6 to school.

During lessons

Lower Two are enjoying their watercolour topic in art and have been experimenting with different techniques. I always enjoy visiting the art room, a quiet hum of concentration is always present as the pupils focus on their masterpieces. Meanwhile, Upper Two have spent their English lessons this week collaboratively planning, drafting and recording their persuasive radio adverts for a product that they have invented. Flying cars, sports bags, new library apps, healthy fast food and more; the products have been creative and the adverts very persuasive. Watch out over the weekend, one or two of them might be asking for investment in their start-ups!

Outside of the classroom

Fixtures start with a bang next week, please do keep a look out on SOCS to see if your child is participating and, as always, do feel free to come along and watch. Our junior school quiz takes place next Friday evening and I hope to see many of you there for an evening of fun and, as mentioned last week, a bit of healthy competition. There are tables still available if you wish to join in the fun so please do sign up via the Family Society website; more details can be found later in the newsletter. If you are able to donate a prize for the half time raffle that would be very much appreciated – please drop them off at the bursary.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

Mrs Saskia van Schalkwyk

Exonian lecture

Captain Elizabeth Godwin – Life Guards Squadron

Captain Elizabeth Godwin was born in Devon and attended Exeter School from the age of 7 – 15. She graduated from King’s College London, qualifying as a Nurse in 2015. Whilst at university Captain Godwin commissioned into the Reserves and captained the 1st XI Hockey team.

Captain Godwin commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as the first female officer in the Life Guards, The Household Cavalry, since the regiment formed in 1661. She was also awarded the Sword of Honour as the best cadet in her intake.

Captain Godwin will share her experiences and give a first-hand insight into her career to date. She will explore nationally significant events as well as her day-to-day responsibilities as the leader of Sqn 2iC, which include running the Life Guards squadron of 60 soldiers and 100 Military Working Horses.

Friday 7 February, 6-8pm Exeter School main hall.

Click here to book tickets

Playground people of the week

Charlie W U1R

Giorgia B U1R

Sienna A L2P

Rupert M U2C

ESFS pre-prep and junior school parents quiz

Exeter School Family Society are hosting a fun quiz night on Friday 24 January at 7pm in the main school hall.

Teams of up to six are welcome and tickets can be purchased for £5 each, below. (Please use the password: ESFS1633 when prompted)

Additionally, if any parents have any prizes they would be willing to donate for the raffle this would also be very much appreciated.

 

Click here to book tickets

Do you have a story or pupil achievement to share with our community?

If you have a couple of lines of information and a photograph that you and your child are happy to be shared we will try to post these at relevant times through the year.
Email our communications team
Congratulations to Alex F (Upper Sixth), who has been awarded a Commendation in the @johnlockeinstitute Global Essay Prize in Economics, one of the world's most prestigious academic essay competitions.

The prize attracts more than 7,000 entries from over 100 countries, with submissions judged by a distinguished panel of senior academics led by the Institute's Chairman of Examiners. A Commendation places Alex's work within approximately the top 10% of entries worldwide.

Alex's essay explored the question: "Should we fear a cashless society?" She undertook extensive independent research, engaging with cutting-edge economic studies on declining cash usage and the growth of digital payment systems. Her essay demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of economic concepts and an impressive ability to evaluate contemporary research and apply it to a highly relevant policy debate.

This international recognition reflects Alex's intellectual curiosity, academic rigour and commitment to learning beyond the classroom. An outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations, Alex!

#ExeterSchool #JohnLockeInstitute #EssayPrize #Economics #SixthForm #AcademicExcellence #Devon #SupportForLifeBeyondSchool #RealWorldReady 

@talkeducation @goodschoolsguide @muddystilettosschools

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We are hiring! 🧪✨

Exeter School is looking for an inspirational Teacher of Chemistry to join our thriving department on a part-time, fixed-term basis (Monday, Thursday and Friday until 31 December 2026).

Teaching spans Year 6 at Exeter Junior School through to A Level, where chemistry is a very popular choice, with around 50 pupils across the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth.

Newly qualified or experienced, we’d love to hear from you! 

📅 Closing date: 9am, Monday 19 October 2026 (we may close early if an appointment is made, so don’t wait!)

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Devon #JobAlert #ChemistryTeacher #Science #Education #Career

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We are delighted to congratulate William W, Tom S and Stefan A on their selection to the prestigious @royalyachtingassociation Youth Transition Squads. ⛵

William and Tom have secured places in the 29er Squad, while Stefan has earned his spot in the @ilca_uk Squad. This is a significant achievement. Their selection recognises the dedication, commitment and outstanding performance all three boys have shown in competitive sailing.

This milestone marks an exciting step in each of their sailing journeys. It also reflects the high level at which William, Tom and Stefan are already competing.

Congratulations! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to following your progress on the water. 🌊

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Pupils #SeniorSchool #Yatching  #CompetitiveSailing #Achievemnt

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Dr Adrian Rainbow was delighted to meet with Liz Gregory, Head of The Maynard School, and to visit the school today. 🤝

Exeter is fortunate to have a strong community of independent schools, and it is great to share a sense of purpose around providing an outstanding education for young people in Exeter.

Thank you to Liz and The Maynard School for such a warm welcome. 😊

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #HeadsOfSchool #DevonSchools #SchoolOfExcellence #Connections #Community #Education

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A fascinating set of MedEXE lunchtime talks today from some of our aspiring medics and vets in the Upper Sixth! 🩺🐾

Well done to Beth, Finlay, Marcus and Darina for speaking so well on their chosen topics 👏

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #UpperSixth #AspireAndAchieve #MedEXE #Career #Inspiring #Pathway #Talk

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Cycling to school is a great way to start the day, and one of our pupils arrived with a very special companion! 🐶🚲

Helmet on and backpack packed, she rode in with a four-legged passenger tucked safely on her back, which brought a smile to everyone's face. Maybe this time the dog really did eat the homework! 😄📚

#ExeterSchool #CycleToSchool #FurryFriend #SmilesAllAround #IndependentSchool #DevonSchools

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Netball tournaments - 11 Jan 2025

Exeter School 1st XI vs Blundell's School 1st XI - 11 January 2025

Young Changemakers Reindeer Run 2024

Junior school house sport - 13 Dec 2024

Christmas house day - 2024

L2 robot morning 2024

Junior school house sport - 12 Dec 2024

U2 Powderham Castle trip - History Expedition Day 2024

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Congratulations to Alex F (Upper Sixth), who has been awarded a Commendation in the @johnlockeinstitute Global Essay Prize in Economics, one of the world's most prestigious academic essay competitions.

The prize attracts more than 7,000 entries from over 100 countries, with submissions judged by a distinguished panel of senior academics led by the Institute's Chairman of Examiners. A Commendation places Alex's work within approximately the top 10% of entries worldwide.

Alex's essay explored the question: "Should we fear a cashless society?" She undertook extensive independent research, engaging with cutting-edge economic studies on declining cash usage and the growth of digital payment systems. Her essay demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of economic concepts and an impressive ability to evaluate contemporary research and apply it to a highly relevant policy debate.

This international recognition reflects Alex's intellectual curiosity, academic rigour and commitment to learning beyond the classroom. An outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations, Alex!

#ExeterSchool #JohnLockeInstitute #EssayPrize #Economics #SixthForm #AcademicExcellence #Devon #SupportForLifeBeyondSchool #RealWorldReady 

@talkeducation @goodschoolsguide @muddystilettosschools
We are hiring! 🧪✨

Exeter School is looking for an inspirational Teacher of Chemistry to join our thriving department on a part-time, fixed-term basis (Monday, Thursday and Friday until 31 December 2026).

Teaching spans Year 6 at Exeter Junior School through to A Level, where chemistry is a very popular choice, with around 50 pupils across the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth.

Newly qualified or experienced, we’d love to hear from you! 

📅 Closing date: 9am, Monday 19 October 2026 (we may close early if an appointment is made, so don’t wait!)

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Devon #JobAlert #ChemistryTeacher #Science #Education #Career
We are delighted to congratulate William W, Tom S and Stefan A on their selection to the prestigious @royalyachtingassociation Youth Transition Squads. ⛵

William and Tom have secured places in the 29er Squad, while Stefan has earned his spot in the @ilca_uk Squad. This is a significant achievement. Their selection recognises the dedication, commitment and outstanding performance all three boys have shown in competitive sailing.

This milestone marks an exciting step in each of their sailing journeys. It also reflects the high level at which William, Tom and Stefan are already competing.

Congratulations! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to following your progress on the water. 🌊

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Pupils #SeniorSchool #Yatching  #CompetitiveSailing #Achievemnt
SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING 5 NOVEMBER