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
We have a great opportunity for a swimming coach to join our school on a part-time, fixed term basis from September 2025. 🏊   If you, or someone you know, could be a great fit for this role, please visit the link in our bio for more information and details of how to apply. 👆  #exeterschools #hiringalert #jobvacancy #swimminginstructor #swimmingcoach #sportsjobs

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Alumnus, Matthew Goode (1989-1996) is currently taking @netflixuk by storm!   Playing the lead in new crime drama Dept. Q, the number 3 rated show on the streaming platform, Goode speaks fondly of the influence Exeter School had in fostering his love of acting in the YouTube clip in our bio. 👆  Why not start your acting career at Exeter School and see just how far it can take you.  📸: @netflixuk media centre  #exeterschool #schoolofgreatcharacter #netflix #deptqnetflix #acting #schoolproductions

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The art department's Summer Show is taking place on Friday 27 June from 5-7pm.  This special evening will showcase the creativity and dedication of our pupils, featuring a diverse array of individual installations and displays.  We would love for you to join us in celebrating the pupils' hard work and accomplishments over the past two years in the art studios! 🎨🧑‍🎨  #exeterschools #schoolofgreatcharacter #artdepartment #summershowcase #gcseart #alevelart

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☂️Thank you to all who came to enjoy our summer fete in the downpour on Saturday. We had a huge amount of help from parents, staff and pupils running stalls and giving musical performances. Our virtue of endeavour and collaborate was definitely apparent!  Thanks also to the local businesses who stuck with it in the terrible weather to showcase their wares and provide much-needed sustenance - @monogram.boy,  @bongoutdeli, @rachelkingflowers, @francescadawsonart, @knightfrank, @hospiscaredevon, @greendalefarmshop, @becks_on_the_beach, @lasercamps, @bayshore_bakes_, @crewcoffee_, @urban_honey_exeter, @relique.jewellery. Please tag yourself if we've missed anyone as we couldn't have done it without you and we hope you enjoyed your day despite conditions.   Looking forward to next year already - we'll order the good weather now 😄  #summerfete #independentschoolsuk #talkeducation #goodschoolsguide #devonschoools #devonheaven #schoolfair

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Discover Exeter Pre-Prep School, located in Exminster, and take a look at just a fraction of the fun they get up to both inside and outside the classroom! The small class sizes and engaging learning environment make it a great place for our youngest pupils to begin their education. 🤩 #exeterschools #schoolofgreatcharacter #preprep #earlyyearseducation

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Our annual jazz night, in partnership with @_charlesstanley, takes place on Thursday 3 July at 6.30pm.  With performances from jazz bands 1 & 2, Swunk, Swunkette and more in aid of the Bursary award here at Exeter School, as well as a light supper and refreshments, it is sure to be a superb evening.   Please pre-book your tickets by Thursday 19 June using the link in our bio. 👆  #whatsonwednesday #exeterschools #schoolofgreatcharacter #jazzsupper #jazzmusic #bursaryaward #jazzband #schooljazz

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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

Open morning - Tuesday 17 June 9-10.45am

Come along to our last open morning of the year and see lessons in action, hear from our staff and take a tour with those who know Exeter School best – our pupil ambassadors.

Click here to register your place