Junior Reflections Week 31 May 2025

Week 31 - 23 May 2025

Dear parents,

As we reach the end of the first half of the summer term, it’s hard to believe how quickly the weeks have flown by. It feels like only yesterday we were welcoming new families into our school community, and now we’re already looking toward the final stretch of the academic year.

Assemblies

We had a range of assemblies this week, with a variety of speakers. On Monday morning, Miss Rose spoke to the pupils about the benefits of volunteering and how small acts of kindness can have such a positive impact on the people around us as well as the environment. The children learnt about Boyan Slat, who was still a teenager when he decided to address the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans and how his invention is now having a worldwide impact. We were also treated to two fantastic drum performances by our very talented Agnes in L2. I led a lower school assembly where I was ably assisted by Harry and Olivia who had to try and eat a biscuit by using a very long spoon. It was an impossible task but once they realised they could help each other they soon worked out that teamwork was the order of the day. Amelie then played the piano as the pupils left the hall, and it was a real treat. Beautiful music, thank you Amelie. We also welcomed Nick Hutton, a world-class professional sailor, to present to our upper school, sharing his inspiring journey in the world of competitive sailing. As a key crew member in prestigious events like the America’s Cup and Sail GP, Nick showcased not only his exceptional skill and dedication, but also the exciting opportunities that the sport offers. His visit encouraged pupils to explore sport, highlighting the importance of teamwork, resilience, and a spirit of adventure. We’re grateful for his time and passion in promoting this thrilling and challenging sport to our community.

Science lessons

Lower Two pupils have thoroughly enjoyed getting hands-on in their science lessons as they explored the fascinating world of plant reproduction. As part of their “Life Cycle” unit, the children dissected real flowers to identify and examine the parts they’ve been learning about in class. There was a real sense of excitement as pupils discovered they could spot and label each part—from petals to pistils—just as they had studied. These were then carefully arranged and annotated in their science books. I have already seen many examples for Good Works and I am sure that there will be many more. Hermione and Ashwin summed it up perfectly: “This was the most fun and coolest experiment!”

Roman Day

Today the Romans came to town and I met many soldiers at the school gate and felt very protected!! The excitement from the Form One’s was palpable and I think today will be a memory that stays with them for a while. Activities included tortoise formation, building a Roman Empire using Minecraft and a lot more.

School Fete

The school fete is in the final stages of organisation, and I know that it is going to be a huge success. Please can I ask that if you are able to donate a bottle for the junior school bottle stall it would be very welcome; items can be dropped off at the bursary.

Wishing you all a wonderful half term break, enjoy the sunshine which I hope stays with us and I look forward to seeing the pupils on Tuesday 3 June.

Mrs Saskia van Schalkwyk

Jazz Supper

On Thursday 3 July at 6.30pm, the main hall will be transformed into an atmospheric jazz club where the audience can enjoy a light meal with wine and the relaxed atmosphere of the end of the school year. The concert will feature Swunk, Jazz Bank 1, Jazz Band 2, Swunkette, and more……

Ticket Prices Adult £12 / Child £8

This price includes a light supper and two drinks – please pre-book your place by Thursday 19 June.

Click here to book your ticket

Upper Two Production – The Wizard of Oz

Upper Two would like to invite you to Oz: a magical and eccentric world full of music where the characters try to find a brain, a heart, some courage, and the way home.

We will meet at 6.15pm for drinks on the Prefects’ Lawn with the play starting at 7pm sharp in the Drama Studio. Please be aware that the doors enter straight into the performance space, so once the play begins they will be shut.

Ticket Prices: Adult £6.50 / Child £3.50

The performances will take place on the following evenings:

U2E – Tuesday 17 June

U2C – Wednesday 18 June

U2T – Thursday 19 June

Click here to book your ticket

Please contact the Box Office if you have any special access requirements (01392) 458934

Playground people of the week

Olivia H F1C

Catherine J L2E

Sandra P L2E

Mabel W U2C

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
Huge congratulations to Isobel, who has been appointed as an HM Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Devon for 2026–27! 🎉

Dr Adrian Rainbow and Dr Smale were delighted to attend the awards ceremony to see Isobel receive this amazing honour.

Over the coming year, she will attend official ceremonies and accompany the Lord Lieutenant to events around the county.

Isobel was nominated for her outstanding work and mature approach within our Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and she will be an excellent representative for the CCF across Devon. 🎖️

Achievements like this never go unnoticed at Exeter School. They reflect real hard work and dedication, and we are so proud to celebrate our pupils. 👏

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Devon #CCF #Cadet #Achievement #HMLordLieutenantCadet #Success #Achievement #InspireAndChallenege

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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

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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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Form One Roman Day - 23 May 2025

1st XI and 15A vs Blundell's - 10 May 2025

Ten Tors Challenge 2025

U6 graduation - 8 May 2025

Cricket vs Wellington - 3 May 2025

Open mic night - May 2025

4F residential, Brenscombe - May 2025

U6 leavers' fun

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Huge congratulations to Isobel, who has been appointed as an HM Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Devon for 2026–27! 🎉

Dr Adrian Rainbow and Dr Smale were delighted to attend the awards ceremony to see Isobel receive this amazing honour.

Over the coming year, she will attend official ceremonies and accompany the Lord Lieutenant to events around the county.

Isobel was nominated for her outstanding work and mature approach within our Combined Cadet Force (CCF), and she will be an excellent representative for the CCF across Devon. 🎖️

Achievements like this never go unnoticed at Exeter School. They reflect real hard work and dedication, and we are so proud to celebrate our pupils. 👏

#ExeterSchool #IndependentSchool #Devon #CCF #Cadet #Achievement #HMLordLieutenantCadet #Success #Achievement #InspireAndChallenege
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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