Junior Reflections Week 32 June 2025

Dear parents,

I hope that you all had an enjoyable half term, and just like that we are starting the last half of the term for this academic year. As always, there is a lot happening so do keep an eye on notices that comes out on a Thursday. We put gentle reminders about what is happening the following week, which I hope you find helpful.

Road safety

My assembly for the Lower Two’s was about road safety and the dangers that can occur. Standing outside on Victoria Park Road I do get to see some unusual driving and with so many pupils walking to school, reminding them about Stop, Look, Listen was hugely valuable. Gone are the days of the Green Cross Code man, which would grace our TV screens. In this vein, please can I ask that if you do drop off, please do not park on the yellow zig zag lines as this often causes traffic hold ups.

Upper Two play

Upper Two pupils are in the thick of rehearsing for their end of year production of The Wizard of Oz and from what I have heard it is going to be amazing. Tickets are available from the box office on MSP and you can find more information later on in the newsletter.

Carnegie shadowing group

This week, the librarians hosted an extended VIP Library Club to celebrate our shadowing group’s Carnegie-winning book choice. Henry read aloud from Wolf and the Bear by Kate Rolfe, a beautifully crafted story that explores the powerful bond between two unlikely friends as they navigate the harsh wilderness together. To mark the occasion, the librarians received Carnegie bookmarks and stickers before recreating some of the book’s stunning illustrations; they did a fantastic job!

Incredible Edibles tea party

Form One pupils concluded their Madame Pamplemousse topic with a delightful tea party that showcased their talents across English, maths, PSHE, and the arts. Guided by Mrs Wreford Hyde, they baked exquisite treats while applying precise instructions and mathematical concepts like parallel and perpendicular lines in their cake designs. Mr Swann enriched the experience with a talk on kitchen hygiene and food service. The afternoon featured a vibrant showcase of music, drama, poetry, magic, and photography, culminating in a heartfelt performance of “Food Glorious Food” to thank their dedicated reading volunteers. It was a joyful celebration of creativity, learning, and gratitude and a huge thank you to Mrs Hardy for organising such a wonderful event, I was sorry to have missed it.

Staff update

I wanted to also update you on some staffing news. Sadly, we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Turner, our lovely TA, who has decided to step out of the classroom and pursue new adventures; although she has promised that she will be back to listen to readers and help with trips. We also say goodbye to another of our TAs, Mrs Withers-Yarwood, who is currently on maternity leave and has made the decision to stay at home and look after her young son, George. We are currently recruiting for a full time TA and I will share with you more information once an appointment has been made. I am also delighted to announce that Mrs Beth Pinkerton-Smith, who is currently a Year 6 teacher at The Maynard School, will be joining us as a class teacher for two days a week in September.

Second-hand uniform

Our second-hand uniform shop will be closing at the end of term so if you have any uniform items currently for sale in the shop, please make sure to collect them by 9 July. Any items not collected by this date will be donated to charity.

Summer fete

Our summer fete is happening tomorrow, which I am very excited about, and I hope to see many of you there. It is going to be a lot of fun with food and drink stalls as well. Please can I ask that you bring cash as we do not have many card readers and this would help our pupil-led stall holders. I have ordered the sun so all will be well.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend.

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

Chamber Concert

On Tuesday 1 July at 7.30pm, our Summer Chamber Concert, in aid of the Exeter School bursary fund, takes place St. Luke’s Chapel, EX1 2LU.

Ticket prices: Adults £10/ children £5

This includes light refreshments.

Click here to read 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 tickets

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

Instrumental lessons

We are excited to announce that harpist Katie McClaughry is joining the visiting music teacher team at Exeter School. Katie has extensive experience as a teacher and performer based in the South West, and by means of introduction, played the harp to all our juniors and a number of the senior pupils in sessions last half term.  She says of her instrument: “Folk, classical, jazz and rock – the harp can do anything. It comes in a range of shapes and sizes, with rental options available.”

To apply for lessons on the harp, or any of the many other instruments that can be learned from our visiting music teachers, parents should complete and submit the music/ instrumental lessons form on My School Portal.

Playground people of the week

Emme S U1R

Florence D U1R

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
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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Congratulations to Berenice, Elliot (both M5) and William (L5) who successfully competed at the RS Feva National Championships in Dalgety Bay, Scotland during the May half term.  Elliot and William sailed together finishing 3rd in their class, whilst Berenice and her partner finished in 7th place (2nd of the all- female teams). Great achievements in what were very challenging conditions across the week.  @rsfevauk @exschsports #fevasailing #sailingnationalchampionships #dalgetybay

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🎓 We are seeking a teaching assistant to join our junior school from September 2025.   If you, or someone you know, could be a great fit for this role please visit the link in our bio to find out more information and to apply. 👆  #exeterschools #schoolofgreatcharacter #jobvacancy #hiringalert #teachingassistant

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Do you have an eye for marketing and keeping up with the latest social media trends?  We are hiring a 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 to commence in July 2025. Applicants should have proven experience in digital marketing and be proficient in digital analysing platforms and analytical tools.  If you, or someone you know could be a great fit for this role, please visit the link in our bio to find out more. 👆

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We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time events officer to join our school from August 2025. ✨  If you have experience planning and delivering external-facing events and would be keen to find out more, please visit the link in our bio.👆  #jobvacancy #hiringalert #eventsofficer

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Form One Incredible Edibles tea party - 4 June 2025

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

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