Junior Reflections Week 17 January 2025

Week 17 - 24 January 2025

Dear parents,

Drone Day

Monday morning brought a unique start to the week with Drone Day, an event that kicked off with great excitement. The day was a resounding success, featuring STEM workshops for Lower Two and Upper Two pupils. These workshops were organised by house groups, providing a wonderful opportunity for pupils to collaborate across different classes and year groups.

All pupils, including our younger learners in Form One and Upper One, attended a special assembly showcasing the drones in action. This assembly was a source of inspiration for our younger pupils, sparking excitement for their future opportunities to program drones. During the workshops, pupils successfully programmed drones using the Swift programming language, with up to 11 drones flying simultaneously in the Andrews Hall at various points!

For those who were inspired by the activities, the video games created during the sessions used MakeCode Arcade. Pupils can save and access these games using their school accounts. Additionally, Swift Playgrounds, a free iPad app for programming apps for iPads and iPhones, is now available on all Upper Two pupils’ school iPads.

Careers

Upper Two pupils were also joined by Mr. Stuart MacKintosh, Head of Economics in the senior school, who delivered an engaging talk on future career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and navigating a changing job market. The session sparked a flurry of creative ideas, and we’re excited to see the resulting projects take shape.

Thought provoking talks

On Wednesday, Upper Two enjoyed a fascinating maths talk by Zoe Griffiths from Think Maths. The session explored various mathematical problems, focusing on topology and the Möbius strip, and concluded with a spectacular smoke-ring finale. Comets Club was led by Rev Close where pupils discussed “What’s it like to be a vicar?” The pupils visited the chapel to discover the various duties of a vicar. The group stepped into the roles of a wedding party and learned about the key moments of a ceremony. A big thank you to Rev. Close for leading such an engaging and informative Comets session.

Open morning

We held our first informal open morning of the year where prospective families can see our school in action. As always, our Upper Two guides were outstanding, talking so positively about their school; we sometimes take for granted how lucky we are, here, at Exeter School. Often when writing about all the things the pupils have done I am amazed at how we fit it all in but we do! For me all the little extras are what makes this school so wonderful.

Sports fixtures

The lower school kicked off the fixture season on Thursday with a fantastic mini tournament of netball whilst the boys got stuck in playing hockey against ECS. A fun afternoon of sport which luckily was not stopped by the weather.

Wishing you a dry weekend.

Mrs Saskia van Schalkwyk

Reminder

If you need to make any changes to end-of-day pick-up arrangements or club attendance, please email jsreception@exeterschool.org.uk as the first point of contact. Form tutors may not see these updates promptly due to teaching commitments.

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

Reuben S-R U1W

POSTPONED – ESFS pre-prep and junior school parents quiz

Exeter School Family Society’s quiz night for pre-prep and junior school parents, due to be held tonight, has now been postponed.

More information about a new date to follow.

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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Junior school drone day 2025

Informal Percussion & Drums Concert - 22 January 2025

Swimming gala vs Exmouth College - 22 January 2025

U14 & U15 Hockey vs King's Bruton - 18 January 2025

1st VII, U15A & U14A Netball vs Mount Kelly - 18 January 2025

Netball tournaments - 11 Jan 2025

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

Young Changemakers Reindeer Run 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