Junior Reflections Week 16 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

Junior School News

Junior Sport News

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
Well done to Nell (U19) and Eva (Junior PDP) who both represented @teambathnetball_ this weekend against Manchester Thunder @exeterschooluk #netball #exeterschool #exeterschoolsport #aspire

Well done to Nell (U19) and Eva (Junior PDP) who both represented @teambathnetball_ this weekend against Manchester Thunder @exeterschooluk #netball #exeterschool #exeterschoolsport #aspire ...

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Happy Valentine's Day ❤️

Vally in Upper has written a beautiful love letter, about Paris in honour of the day of love.

#exeterschools #valentinesday #loveletters #valentinespoetry

Happy Valentine`s Day ❤️

Vally in Upper has written a beautiful love letter, about Paris in honour of the day of love.

#exeterschools #valentinesday #loveletters #valentinespoetry
...

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Congratulations to Alumna Sarah (2013-2024), who became one of the first ever cadets to fly solo in a Tutor aircraft, in September 2024. She completed the three-week programme, earning the Gold Badge. What a role model for our current pupils!

Reflecting on her experience, she said: "I had such an amazing time—one I will never forget. A huge thank you to 12 AEF and my contingent commander for making this possible!" 

Our CCF section is one of the largest in the southwest and offers an impressive range of options and activities to develop pupils' skills of leadership, teamwork and resilience through the structure of a cadet unit. 

New and current pupils entering Year 10 choose the activities they wish to take part in for our Friday 8 programme (named due to the fact that these are carried out during period 8, the last lesson on a Friday). These include the three CCF sections (Royal Navy, army, Royal Air Force), Duke of Edinburgh, The Exonian magazine editorial team, community service, sports leaders, swunk (a jazz and funk band) and more.

📷: Thank you to @cadetsinschools for the use of their photo.

#exeterschools #aspireandflourish #togetherwe #cadetsinschools #ccf #rafcadets #independentschoolsuk

Congratulations to Alumna Sarah (2013-2024), who became one of the first ever cadets to fly solo in a Tutor aircraft, in September 2024. She completed the three-week programme, earning the Gold Badge. What a role model for our current pupils!

Reflecting on her experience, she said: "I had such an amazing time—one I will never forget. A huge thank you to 12 AEF and my contingent commander for making this possible!"

Our CCF section is one of the largest in the southwest and offers an impressive range of options and activities to develop pupils` skills of leadership, teamwork and resilience through the structure of a cadet unit.

New and current pupils entering Year 10 choose the activities they wish to take part in for our Friday 8 programme (named due to the fact that these are carried out during period 8, the last lesson on a Friday). These include the three CCF sections (Royal Navy, army, Royal Air Force), Duke of Edinburgh, The Exonian magazine editorial team, community service, sports leaders, swunk (a jazz and funk band) and more.

📷: Thank you to @cadetsinschools for the use of their photo.

#exeterschools #aspireandflourish #togetherwe #cadetsinschools #ccf #rafcadets #independentschoolsuk
...

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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