Junior Reflections Week 23 March 2025

Week 23 - 14 March 2025

Dear parents,

It has been a joyful and busy week, with plenty of excitement across the school. The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed playing outside, and there’s growing anticipation about when the grass field will open. Hopefully, it won’t be long before cricket bats are making an appearance, and the field is buzzing with activity.

Learning about honesty

This week, I led an assembly at the pre-prep, focusing on the importance of honesty and the tricky situations we can find ourselves in when we tell lies. There was much laughter when I used a toilet roll to demonstrate a ’tissue of lies’—a light-hearted moment that led to some very thoughtful and honest answers from the pupils. I later shared the same assembly with the upper school and it was interesting to hear similar reflections. We all know that sometimes little white lies slip through, but it’s so important to be truthful from the outset, as one small lie can quickly grow into something bigger.

Author visit

We were delighted to welcome author Fleur Hitchcock this week. She shared her journey to becoming an author and brought a wave of nostalgia as she recounted memories from her childhood—like landline phones, “Wacky Races” on TV, and the days when television shut down at certain times to be replaced with the test card! The pupils were engaged and asked thoughtful questions, and I know many left excited to dive into their new books.

Musical moments

Congratulations to Henry and Sophie, our two junior school representatives who performed in the informal Woodwind Concert on Wednesday. It’s always a pleasure to see both the junior and senior pupils showcasing their talents and it was a lovely way to end my day.

Sporting highlights

It’s been an action-packed week for sport! On Tuesday, we hosted St Leonards Primary School for a fantastic series of football matches. Wednesday saw our boys travel to Taunton for a triangular fixture with Taunton and Blundell’s, while the girls played at Wellington in another exciting triangular fixture. Our U8 and U9 teams showed great progress during their matches at King’s College Prep and Blundell’s. And yes, the lemon drizzle cake was certainly a highlight, too! Finally, we wish our cross-country runners the best of luck in the Blundells’ Larkman Cup this afternoon.

Upcoming events

There’s a flurry of fairy excitement in Upper One as they prepare for their performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ next Friday. I know they’ve been working hard, and I’m very much looking forward to the play. Meanwhile, the annual Virgin Money event is fast approaching; our young entrepreneurs in Upper Two have been busy perfecting their products, and the buzz is palpable!

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Mrs Saskia van Schalkwyk

Playground people of the week

Mabel W U2C

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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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Gold for Samantha! 🥇  Huge congratulations to Exeter School gymnast Samantha, who competed at the Southwest Championships on Sunday, held at the Wiltshire School of Gymnastics!  Representing Exeter in the U12 Bronze Classic Challenge Floor event, Samantha went up against 19 gymnasts from across the region, including Bristol, Camborne, Peterborough, Barnstaple, Truro, Wiltshire, Swindon, Axminster and Paignton, and came away with 1st place on Floor! 🎉  A fantastic result reflecting all her hard work and dedication. 👏  #ExeterSchool #IndependentSchools #Gymnast #FirstPlace #SouthWestChampionships #HardWork #Dedication #Congratulations

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U2 Leadership lessons 2025

Abstract art workshop by Liese Webley - February 2025

Informal Woodwind Concert - 12 March 2025

World Book Day 2025 - Junior School Reading Roundabouts

Informal Piano and String Concert - 5 March 2025

Exonians in London - 27 February 2025

M5-U5 Granada trip 2025

EdFest25

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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
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
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
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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