Dear parents,
As the school moves into assessment and examination mode, the buildings feel calm and purposeful as your children go about their academic pursuits. I hope that they are feeling well supported and well prepared, ready for whatever the papers might present to them. I hope equally that your children are still finding plenty of time to rest, energise themselves with the things that they love doing, and that they are getting enough sleep and good nutrition. All of these are crucial to keep the brain well supplied with glucose and oxygen and help to bring success in the exam hall.
Ten Tors
Last weekend’s Ten Tors Challenge was a fantastic event for all concerned. Special congratulations to Dan, Anya, Pheobe, Matty, Joe and Sara who completed 55 miles (that is 88km) over the weekend, and in such challenging conditions.
Read my blog on the event here
Huge thanks to Mr Ben Hall, Mrs Helen Sail, and all the wonderful staff team and parent volunteers who trained the participants so well and get though through all those cold and wet weekends in the winter. Huge congratulations also to those who embarked on the training and for one reason or other did not complete the event. Every step of the Ten Tors training journey is an excellent one and I hope that all participants reflect with positivity on their involvement. Many congratulations!
Read Ben Hall’s account and see photos here
County show and open events
Today we are at the Devon County Show, and we will be there tomorrow too. I hope that you will pop along to our stand and say hello if you can. It is a great way to get the message about Exeter School out and about – and also, of course, to learn a bit more about our wonderful county and all that happens here. Last week we were very happy to welcome so many prospective parents to the school on Thursday for the open evening an I am very grateful to the Lower Sixth guides who did such a great job with hosting the prospective pupils. The glorious weather certainly helped to make the grounds look fabulous. Yesterday we opened the doors of the pre-prep in Exminster for prospective parents too and had lots of little potential Exonians enjoying themselves in the sunshine. It is always a pleasure to welcome potential new entrants to the school community to visit, and to show them what your children are up to.
Safeguarding
This week we welcomed Jonathan Galling, the Senior Education Safeguarding Officer from Devon County Council for our annual audit and safeguarding visit. It is great to have the support of external services who can guide and provide us with pointers and feedback to ensure that safeguarding our pupils remains the highest priority – and is done in line with best practice for all. Some of your children will have been asked to chat to Jonathan about their experiences in school, and we are grateful to them for being so engaging and polite with this important visitor.
Sport
This week has seen tennis, cricket and athletics competitions for boys and girls against a range of other schools.
Best of luck to the cricketers who are playing West Buckland both at home and away on Saturday.
