Junior Reflections Week 20 February 2025

Dear parents,

The end of the first half of the Spring term has arrived and, if my house is anything to go by, your children will be ready for a rest. It has been another busy half term with lots going on in and out of the classroom and with the days beginning to get a bit lighter it certainly feels like we are heading into spring.

Lower Two

I happened to be walking past Mrs Wopshott’s classroom on Wednesday and I am so glad that I did. L2P were having a wonderful time selling their homemade wares linked to the country of St Lucia. I had a fruit punch (umbrella included), upside down pineapple cake and lots more. I think the pupils were having a huge amount of fun and of course sampling everything that was on sale! Lower Two Engineering Club members were delighted to receive their Dyson Engineers pack from The James Dyson Foundation, which included lots of support materials and a large working Dyson Air Multiplier Fan to dissemble and reassemble. They had a lot of fun comparing the Dyson fan with a more traditional electric fan and discussed safety, high flow rate, velocity and rotation. A great way to be introduced to product design.

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day 2025 took place on the 11 February, with celebrations and learning based around the theme “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online”. Mr Evans led the whole school assembly sharing with the pupils the idea that if something sounds too good to be true, then always ask a parent as it is probably not what you think it is. Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety and every year a new theme is discussed looking at how we can keep ourselves safe. As parents, ourselves, we are aware of the huge positives of the online world but, as with everything, there are sadly many negatives as well and protecting our pupils online is not just a one-day event but woven into all that we do at school.

Swimming galas

The swimming galas were a fantastic way to end the half term, showcasing some incredible performances from both lower school and upper school. The enthusiasm and support from the pupils was louder than ever—and thank you to all the parents for coming along and supporting your child. A huge well done to everyone who participated, as well as our dedicated helpers. A special thank you to Mr. Dutch for organising such a well-run and enjoyable event.

School strategy

Many thanks to the parents who completed the online survey giving their views on what parents value about the school, and to those who joined us for a parent forum to workshop the ideas and delve a little deeper. It is always fascinating to reflect on the views of the school community and the governing board will be taking these into account when we meet together on a strategy day in March.

A reminder that school starts on Wednesday 26 February after two staff inset days on the Monday and Tuesday, and we are looking forward to welcoming all the pupils back for the second half of the Spring term. Let’s hope the sun will also decide to join us.

Happy half term.

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.

Playground people of the week

Arthur C (F1H)

Ellie S (L2P)

L S (U2C)

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
Big news! Planning permission has been granted for two brand new outdoor Padel courts at Exeter School! 🎾👟

Work will begin soon, with the courts expected to be ready by early October 2026. Located next to our astro pitches and Pavilion car park, they will provide even more opportunities for pupils to enjoy this fast growing, inclusive sport as part of our sporting and co-curricular programme.

The excitement doesn't stop there, the courts will also be available for community hire during evenings and weekends, helping even more people discover the game.

Miles M., Bursar, said: "We are thrilled to have received planning permission for this exciting development. Padel is an inclusive and rapidly growing sport that brings people together, and these new courts will enhance the sporting experience for our pupils while also creating opportunities for members of the wider community to enjoy the game. We are proud to continue investing in facilities that benefit both the school and the city of Exeter."

We have shared the full story on our News page, so don't forget to take a look! We will also be continuing to share updates and news throughout the summer, so keep an eye on our news stories. 

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchoolDevon #Padel #Opportunities #FastGrowingSport #SchoolSports #NewFacilities #SeniorSchool #JuniorSchool

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Today marks the end of the school year for many schools, and we would like to wish all students, staff and families a wonderful summer break.

To those moving on to exciting new adventures - whether that's a new school, college, university or the next chapter in your journey - we wish you every success and happiness.

Have a fantastic summer, and good luck to all this year's leavers! 🌞📚

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Our Upper One pupils recently enjoyed a visit to @pomstitchtassel, where they practised their sewing skills and created these fantastic strawberry cushions! 🍓🧵

It was a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill, build confidence, and get creative.

We are considering offering a sewing club as an extracurricular activity at school and would love to hear your thoughts.

Would your child be interested in taking part? Let us know in the comments below!

#ExeterSchool #UpperOnePupils #Sewing #GetCreative #IndependentSchools #Devon #Confidence #Friends

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A look back at our Lower Sixth kayaking trip to Truro! 🚣‍♀️⛺️

What a fantastic weekend of adventure, teamwork, and the great outdoors! From paddling on the water to camping under the stars, our Lower Sixth students embraced every challenge, built lasting friendships, and created memories to remember. 

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Devon #Cornwall #Truro #LowerSixth #Kayaking #Camping #BeachLife #Social 

🎵 Copyrighted music licensed from Lickd. https://lickd.co

Rule The World by ricky retro, Scorz, https://t.lickd.co/l/1708owq9zrb

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Junior school swimming gala - 14 February 2025

Junior school vs Queen's College, Taunton - 7 February 2025

Exonian Lecture with Elizabeth Godwin - February 2025

4F Digestion Dome - February 2025

Jazz, Pop & Rock Concert - 12 February 2025

U8 & U9 Netball vs West Buckland & Plymouth College - 30 January 2025