Dear parents,
It has been a joy this week to have some glorious autumn sunshine. From my office window I have watched (and heard) pupils making the most of their break and lunch times outdoors, and games lessons continue to be filled with energy, passion and laughter.
Trips and events
Last weekend saw our first residentials of the year. Our Third Form (Year 7) pupils travelled to Heatree on Dartmoor where they threw themselves into high ropes and raft building, and even the challenging weather on Saturday did not dampen their Exonian spirit. Their determination and positivity were wonderful to see, and it was especially heartening to watch our new pupils settling in so well. Thanks to Mrs Daybell and the large team of staff who helped make it all possible.
Meanwhile, our art department led the Middle Fifth (Year 10) trip to St Ives. Saturday’s conditions tested all, but the sunshine on Sunday more than made up for it. Thanks to Mrs Brewer for masterminding and to all the other staff involved. I am very much looking forward to seeing the creative work that will emerge from the experience in the studio over the coming months.
Rehearsals for Grease are now in full swing. Pupils are embracing the challenge with real enthusiasm, and it is inspiring to see them working alongside our terrific drama and music teams, as well as former staff and pupils who have kindly returned to support the production.
On Tuesday we successfully managed to snap our whole school photograph at the second attempt. The weather was kind, and I look forward to seeing the proofs next week. We will share details with parents about how to purchase copies once they are available.
Thursday evening brought an informal gathering for Upper Fifth (Year 11) parents in our Sixth Form Centre. It was a pleasure to talk with families about life beyond GCSEs, and I am grateful to Mr Chu for hosting. Most parents resisted the lure of the pool table and table football – most! Our full Sixth Form Open Evening will take place on Thursday 6 November, with further information to follow shortly – if you’re eager, you can head over to our ‘Visiting the School’ page to register now.
Sport has, once again, been a major feature of the week, with fixtures in netball, swimming and boys’ hockey. Another busy block of matches awaits us this weekend for our sportsmen and women. Alongside this, our Upper Sixth (Year 13) biologists will be spending three days in North Devon, putting theory into practice with fieldwork – hopefully finding time to enjoy both the ecology and the sea air.
Visitors and applications
We were also delighted to welcome our Governors into school today for their annual Education Day. This is always a special occasion, allowing Governors to join lessons, observe the breadth of learning and teaching across the school, meet with staff, and experience the life of the school first hand. Their presence is a valuable part of the partnership which helps us to continue moving forward with confidence.
And of course, this Saturday is our open morning. A heartfelt thank you in advance to all the pupils who will be representing the school in so many different ways on the day – they are always our best ambassadors.
Looking ahead, our scholarship applications open on Monday 29 September. The programme begins with the Excellence Pathway in Third Form (Year 7), develops through Lower Fifth (Year 9), and leads to Scholarship Awards in Lower Sixth (Year 12). Scholarships are offered in art, drama, music, and sport. Applications are invited from pupils currently in Upper Two (Year 6), Lower Fifth (Year 9), and Upper Fifth (Year 11). Full details and the application form are available on our website, and the deadline to apply is Friday 14 November.
Diary dates
Two additional dates to note for the coming weeks are:
Tuesday 30 September – Family Society Meeting – Parents interested in helping to plan social events and support our school community are warmly invited to the next Family Society meeting at 8:30am in the meeting room next to the bursary. New members are always welcome.
Friday 3 October – The Exonian Quiz – A highlight of our school year, the Exonian Quiz offers an evening of fun and friendly competition. A few spaces remain, so do sign up here if you’d like to take part.
As I write this in the early evening sunshine, with pupils still out on the fields enjoying their after-school sport, it is hard not to smile. I am reminded once again of what a privilege it is to lead this wonderful school, with its positive, energetic pupils and its outstanding team of staff.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
