Junior Reflections Week 24 March 2025

Week 24 - 21 March 2025

Dear parents,

Virgin Money challenge

Monday saw the start of Virgin Money which took place over three days. I am always in awe of the entrepreneurship that the pupils show and as always, I overspent and have quite a few IOUs, which I know the pupils won’t let me forget… The skills that the pupils learn from this successful initiative are life skills: collaboration, compromise, kindness and integrity – many of our virtues. This is such a great way of getting pupils to collaborate with each other and learn the art of compromising (which as we know is always hard) and looking at how to make a profit; certainly all skills for the future. The Dragon’s Den takes place on Monday which sadly I will not be able to attend but will certainly look forward to hearing all about.

Assemblies

Rev. Close led our Monday assembly this week on the subject of diversity and celebrating our differences. We looked at the wonderful way our minds work differently, taking a look at the famous white and gold dress, or was it blue and black? We spent time exploring the great benefits there are to seeing the world differently to the people around us. Friday was Red Nose Day and Rev. Close was looking at the subject of laughter and joy and how they are good for the soul; we all know that passing a smile can lift our mood and costs us nothing.

The arts

The art monitors have created unique self-portraits, wearing sunglasses—but look closely! The real magic is in the reflections. Sunglasses don’t just block the sun; they reveal a whole new world in their lenses. In these artworks, each reflection tells a deeper story, capturing a special memory, a dream, or even a hidden feeling. It’s like two pictures in one—the artist on the outside and their thoughts on the inside. These creative pieces invite you to look beyond the surface and discover the stories hidden within the reflections. We cannot wait to see these proudly on display. Well done Upper Two art monitors.

I had the privilege of watching Upper One’s performances of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ this afternoon, and just WOW, they were absolutely brilliant! Congratulations to everyone involved, and a special thank you Miss Cox for masterminding these simply outstanding shows, and to Mrs Russell and Mrs Wopshott and the many other staff who helped in the lead up. If you missed the performances, these were recorded and links will be shared next week.

Sport

This week our house matches got up and running, with all the pupils in the junior school taking part and proudly representing their houses. Today, we have a block fixture against West Buckland as well as a mini netball tournament at home with Trinity School. A huge good luck to the U11 girls hockey team, who travel to Clifton College next Wednesday for the West of England finals!

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Saskia van Schalkwyk

Spring Charity Concert

Join us on Wednesday 2 April at 7.30pm for the annual Spring Charity Concert, in aid of the Amber Foundation, at St. Michael and All Angels’ Church, Heavitree, Exeter.

Tickets: Adults £8, children £4 – please purchase via the MSP box-office.

 

Playground people of the week

Ottilie S U2T

Betsy S U2C

Lost property

There have been a lot of unnamed items found over the past few weeks. Please take a look at the photos below to see if anything belongs to your son or daughter, and ask them to collect them from the junior school reception. Email the junior school reception, at jsreception@exeterschool.org.uk, if you have any questions.

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 - Virgin Money challenge 2025

Art scholars cardboard workshop - March 2025

Techvision - March 2025

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

M5-U5 Granada trip 2025

EdFest25

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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