Senior Reflections Week 15 2024

Dear parents,

We welcome the Upper Fifth back into class today after the completion of their trial GCSE exams. The year group has carried itself extremely well through this week – facing, as they have, significant assessments for the first time. The exam room has been a place of calm endeavour, and we hope that the outcomes are helpful for them, not just in terms of boosting confidence with some positive grades, but also with some useful feedback and target-setting as they look towards the final few months of their GCSE studies. Best of luck to them all.

Sport

Last weekend, we enjoyed competitive fixtures against Blundell’s School for the boys in their hockey, with some very close matches at all levels. I was pleased to witness some exciting goals as well as defensive play from the boys, and the lifting of a ball right onto Barrack Road at one point in a junior game – hopefully no one was injured! This weekend we have netball for the girls both at home and away, against Blundell’s, West Buckland, and King’s School Bruton. I wish them great competition and look forward to watching some fast and furious netball.

Ten Tors

This weekend is the first full Ten Tors training weekend, and sixty-two Middle Fifth and Lower Sixth pupils will be out on the moor with staff and volunteer helpers for the whole weekend. This is one of the most physically demanding activities that we offer at school, and this first training weekend will test the pupils considerably, not least in their teamwork and collaboration skills, as well as navigation and fitness. I wish them all a safe and enjoyable expedition. The weather looks like it will be kind to them, which makes a huge difference.

Parents’ evenings

On Tuesday evening, we had our first online parents’ evening of the year for the Fourth Form. I hope that this was a positive experience for those parents involved and remind you that if you have ongoing concerns or questions, please contact your child’s deputy head of house in the first instance so that we can follow up on them. Next week, on Thursday, we have an in-school parents’ evening for the Lower Fifth parents. Thinking ahead to GCSE option choices, I am sure that these conversations with teachers will be especially important, and I look forward to seeing you here that evening.

University applications

This is the time of year when university offers are coming in thick and fast for the Upper Sixth, and those pupils who are applying for courses that include interviews (often clinical courses, performing arts, and veterinary science) are heading off over the country for interviews and to visit campuses and find out a bit more about university life as an undergraduate. It is a pleasure to read their personal statements and to see such aspirational applications and so many offers coming in. Well done to them all.

Admissions events

Next Tuesday, 16 January, we have an open house event here at school in the morning. This is an informal opportunity for visitors and prospective parents to see the school in action, have a tour, and meet with the team. If you have friends who are considering Exeter School, or indeed, if you have another child who might be a prospective pupil, please do register and come along. We look forward to seeing you then. On Saturday, 20 January, we welcome external applicants for their assessment day at the senior school. We enjoy this event as it gives us a chance to find out more about the applicants and to welcome them to the school. Please do contact the admissions team (admissions@exeterschool.org.uk) if you have any questions about assessment for prospective pupils at 11+, 12+, 13+, or 14+ entry.

Choral society

This week saw the first rehearsal for the choral society. Sadly, I was busy interviewing and missed the rehearsal, but I am looking forward to getting stuck into the musical challenges of the repertoire that we are singing this term. The concert in the Exeter Cathedral in March will be a wonderful event, and I know that many of you will be joining us on stage too. It is not too late to sign up, so if you are interested in getting involved, please contact the music department.

Have a lovely weekend,