swimming students with their teacher
Junior Reflections

Junior Reflections Week 19 2024

Dear parents,

Quiz night

I cannot believe that half term has arrived – what a busy half term it has been – and I think the pupils (and staff) are all in need of a rest. The quiz night was a huge success last Friday, and it was lovely to see so many parents and staff. Thank you to the staff who helped make this happen. We raised just over £700, which is brilliant. I would also like to say thank you to those parents who generously donated raffle prizes,  as this was very much appreciated by everyone. The staff tables are already revising for next year’s quiz in order to hold onto the title. 

Pancake day

Tuesday afternoon saw a group of sixth form pupils stopping by to use the science lab and cook some delicious pancakes to celebrate pancake day in France. A lot of fun was had, and I was impressed with the amount of French that the pupils were using. 

Children’s Mental Health Week

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week and, in assembly, we shared how important our voice is. Seth and Louis were excellent actors, demonstrating that you can’t always see if there is an injury or if someone is hurt. I am not sure that my bandaging skills are up to much – I will leave that for our nurse, Mrs Barlass. As part of celebrating mental health week, I was delivered some flowers from two lovely pupils from the hub to spread some cheer, and it certainly did that. They have brightened up my office. We have considered where to get support for our mental health both at school and at home; remembered our 10-a-day to balance our physical and mental health (e.g. staying hydrated, keeping our body and minds active, and talking about our feelings); learnt more about how to stay safe online; and tried out some different strategies and activities to support our mental health (e.g. blowing bubbles, finger breathing mindfulness, and delivering flowers to staff).

This half term, our Lower Two pupils have been receiving excellent first aid training from Mrs Barlass, our school nurse, as part of their PSHE learning. This Tuesday, they took part in a ‘CPR’ session, and Mrs Barlass said that they all had a really good go at practising and asked lots of great questions. 

Swimming galas and annual pancake race

The swimming galas were a super end to the half-term, with some outstanding performances from both year groups. The support from the pupils was loud and proud, and I think next year I will be bringing my earplugs. Well done to everyone who took part and our helpers, and a big thank you to Mr Dutch for organising such a smooth-running event. And our annual pancake race took place, with Gilbert being the winning house for flipping pancakes. What an end to the half-term! 

Staff inset days

A gentle reminder that school starts on Wednesday 21 February due to two staff inset days. You will have received an email inviting you to a talk by Gary Wilson on raising boys’ achievement on Tuesday 20 February from 5.30-6.30pm in the Andrews Hall at Exeter School. I do hope many of you will be able to attend, and if you wish to find out more information about Gary, do have a look at his website.

Wishing you all a lovely half-term and a happy Chinese New Year to all of our Chinese community. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Playground people of the week

Hari F1C

Benjy L2B

Izzy U2C

Mental Health Week

This week we have been celebrating Children’s Mental Health week in our assemblies, in PSHE lessons, in form times and out in the playground. The theme this year is ‘Your Voice Matters’ and we have talked about the fact that every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously (Article 12 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child).

Please click here to learn more about how to talk with children about mental health.

Lower Two PSHE: First Aid Training

This half term, our Lower Two pupils have been receiving excellent First Aid training from Lisa Barlass, our school nurse as part of their PSHE learning.

This Tuesday, they took part in a ‘CPR’ session, and Mrs Barlass said that they all had a really good go at practising and asked lots of great questions.

World Book Day

Mark your calendars, everyone! On Thursday, March 7, junior school will immerse in the enchanting world of literature for World Book Day. We are delighted to host author Sam Sedgman, who will conduct engaging workshops for each year group. We invite you to join the festivities by participating in our biennial tradition of dressing up as your favourite book character. We would like you to step into the shoes of any one of your most cherished book characters. Let’s make this World Book Day a memorable celebration of the magic found within the pages of a good book! Happy reading from Mrs Hardy.

Informal Guitar Concert

Many of the school’s junior and senior guitarists took to the stage on Wednesday in the annual Informal Guitar Concert.

The event began this year with a group, performing a piece which may well form one of the Upper Fifth pupil’s GCSE ensemble performance recordings. We then heard 20 further pieces, featuring a mixture of acoustic, electric and bass guitar.  The styles were equally diverse, with classical, rock, pop and jazz.  Particular highlights were Minti singing/playing one of her own compositions, and a stylish duet from Sixth Form pupils Vedang and Toby. You can access the audio recording here.

Many thanks to guitar teachers Mr Bowen and Mrs Stanley for organising the event and preparing the performers.

Immediately after the half term break, there will be the opportunity to enjoy the Informal Woodwind Concert, taking place at 4pm on Wednesday 21 February.  All members of the school community are welcome to attend.

Junior School News

Junior Sport News

Our U13 girls were crowned county champions yesterday. Well done girls! 🙌🏻🏆

#cricket #girlscricket #champions #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgreatcharacter

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Great week for Millie (4F) who was involved in both county finals. Millie took 5 wickets in the U15 final! 🙌🏻 #cricket #girlscricket #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgrestcharacter

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A shout out to our @exeterschooluk swimmers ahead of an exciting summer of action! 

James B, Evie H (M5) and Holly J (4F) will be racing at the Aquatic GB Next Gen Championships, an event described as a key end-of-season meet which provides a platform for the next generation of swimming talent to race against the best swimmers in their age group. Harry A (U5) will be competing at the Swim England National summer meet. We wish them the very best of luck. 

#swimfast #swimming #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgreatcharacter

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The annual Staff XI vs 2nd XI fixture resulted in victory for the staff. Mr G scoring the winning runs in style! Great fun had by all @exeterschooluk #cricket #staffcricket #teamwork #schoolofgreatcharacter

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Well done to Julius (4F) who recently took part in a concert in Birmingham as part of the National Children's Orchestra Projects programme. A great experience to play with other young musicians from across the country. 🎺

(@nco_gb #exeterschools #schoolofgreatcharacter #nationalchildrensorchestra #sharingconcert #youngmusician

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Exeter School is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Adrian Rainbow as the next Head of Exeter School, starting in September 2026.

Chair of Governors at Exeter School, Ms Gillian Hodgetts, said: “We are delighted to have recruited someone of Dr Rainbow’s calibre to lead Exeter School. As we look ahead to the school’s 400-year anniversary in 2033, this appointment marks the start of a new era."

Dr Rainbow commented: “It is a great honour to have been appointed the next Head of Exeter School. From my first encounters, I have been struck by the warmth and shared sense of purpose across the community."

Head over to our website and check out our latest news for more details. 

#newhead #independentschoolsuk #talkeducation #goodschoolsguide #exeterschools

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Our U13 girls were crowned county champions yesterday. Well done girls! 🙌🏻🏆

#cricket #girlscricket #champions #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgreatcharacter

...

72 0
Great week for Millie (4F) who was involved in both county finals. Millie took 5 wickets in the U15 final! 🙌🏻 #cricket #girlscricket #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgrestcharacter

...

66 1
A shout out to our @exeterschooluk swimmers ahead of an exciting summer of action! 

James B, Evie H (M5) and Holly J (4F) will be racing at the Aquatic GB Next Gen Championships, an event described as a key end-of-season meet which provides a platform for the next generation of swimming talent to race against the best swimmers in their age group. Harry A (U5) will be competing at the Swim England National summer meet. We wish them the very best of luck. 

#swimfast #swimming #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgreatcharacter

...

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The annual Staff XI vs 2nd XI fixture resulted in victory for the staff. Mr G scoring the winning runs in style! Great fun had by all @exeterschooluk #cricket #staffcricket #teamwork #schoolofgreatcharacter

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Congratulations to @exeterschooluk U13 players Henry, Zach, Ben & Harry who all represented the @westpanthershockey at Nottingham over the weekend! @exschsports @iscahockeyclubjuniors #hockey #exeterschoolsport #schoolofgreatcharacter

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