Our motto, ‘The Spirit of Opportunity’, reflects the many moments at Bablake that enrich and bring balance to the day. In seizing these moments and opportunities, pupils might just change their lives by igniting a new-found passion and seeing where it leads them.
This could happen in the classroom, on the sports field, in the theatre or during one of the myriad activities that make up a day at Bablake.
This edition of The Lion offers just a snapshot of the opportunities on offer and shows how pupils have taken part in everything from athletics to House MasterChef, achieving many impressive successes. I also encourage you to read the latest edition of The Wheatleyan, which can be found on our website, to discover even more about the rich and full school life of our pupils.
The outstanding production of Bonnie and Clyde was a superb example of our talented community, and, just as importantly, demonstrated how everyone can work together towards a common goal. The ongoing successes
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lion Magazine. Making a Splash for Culture Day
Fortunately the sun was shining for our ‘Soak the Teacher’ event.
Pupils lined up very enthusiastically to either purchase a sponge, water gun or a bucket of water.
The event was brilliantly organised by our Inc. Society and all proceeds will be used to support Culture Day.
in F1 in Schools are a delight to see and the F1 experience is a vital part of our co-curricular programme which links strongly to the engineering and automotive heritage of Coventry. I never fail to be impressed by the standard the teams achieve and the number of pupils who participate.
Probably the best part of my job is to share and celebrate these triumphs. If I am having a difficult day, all I need to do is leave my office and go and see what is going on around the School. When I talk to pupils and observe activities, I am endlessly reminded of how very fortunate we are; we work with amazing young people. I am confident that they have very bright futures, and will go on to shape a better world.
Mr Andrew Wright, Headmaster
Speed, Skills and Success in
We had an incredible time at the F1 in Schools competition, with all five of our teams achieving fantastic results.
Our two Pro Class teams competed, with Mantis Team winning Best Engineered Car.
Our three entry class teams won multiple awards, Scorpions tied for Fastest Car on Track, Fire Foxxes won Best Engineered Car and Fortitude claimed the Research & Development Award and were crowned Entry Class Regional Champions for the West Midlands.
Easter Fundraiser Raises £250
£250 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support through two fun, Easter-themed fundraising events held in the run-up to the end of the spring term.
The Easter Egg Tombola came first, followed by a NonUniform Day in April. Pupils kindly donated Easter eggs for the tombola and wore their own clothes in exchange for a donation.
This special fundraiser was held in memory of Angela, a beloved Bablake Sixth Former who sadly passed away earlier this year. Her spirit and kindness inspired the event and we are grateful to everyone who took part and supported such an important cause.
Curiosity and Discovery at the Symposium Showcase
The Symposium Showcase in April was a unique opportunity for our pupils to explore academic research and present their ideas to the Bablake community. Their dedication and hard work were evident in every project presented.
From ‘The Doomsday Clock’ and ‘British Food Throughout History’ to ‘Are We Alone in the Universe?’ and ‘Women Who Changed History’, the projects presented were each thought-provoking, thoroughly researched and engaging.
A City Shaped by History
Our History and German GCSE pupils visited Berlin to explore its history, culture and language, focusing on the Cold War and the Nazi era.
They toured the Reichstag building, visited the top of the TV Tower and had a guided tour of a former Stasi prison. A visit to Sachsenhausen concentration camp provided important historical context and a tour of a Cold War underground shelter gave insight into the era’s tensions.
Exploring Coastal and River Landforms
Our Lower Sixth Geographers enjoyed a field trip, taking full advantage of the sunshine while exploring the stunning coastal landforms at Flamborough Head and examining river processes in the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors. The students had the opportunity to see real-world geography, studying the impact of coastal erosion along the Holderness coast, which is Europe’s fastest-eroding coastline and learning about flood management strategies in Malton.
Sun, Snow and Smiles
During February half term, ninety excited pupils took part in the school’s largest ever ski trip to the stunning resort of Folgarida-Marilleva in northern Italy. With brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies every day, the conditions could not have been better for a week of skiing, adventure and unforgettable memories.
Pupils enjoyed many hours on the slopes, making the most of the resort’s perfectly maintained pistes. Set in the breathtaking Trentino region, the ski area offered something for everyone - from gentle beginner runs to more challenging terrain for our experienced skiers. Pupils were grouped by ability and supported by professional ski instructors, helping them grow in skill and confidence throughout the week. By the end of the trip, everyone had taken on new challenges and achieved personal milestones.
Evenings were packed with après ski activities. A swimming night gave everyone the chance to unwind, while the traditional ski trip quiz tested teamwork and general knowledge.
One of the most memorable moments was the snowshoe trek at sunset, where pupils explored the beautiful alpine landscape in a completely different way.
With everyone still buzzing from the experience, attention is already turning to our next adventure: the 2026 ski trip to Artesina. If it’s anything like this year, it promises to be another incredible journey on and off the slopes.
From Dough to Dessert
Making stone-baked pizzas from scratch and baking them in a traditional pizza oven for that authentic flavour and perfecting buttery shortbread with an emphasis on presentation and finishing touches, our pupils in Food Club continue to develop their culinary skills, paying close attention to detail through some practical, cooking fun.
Sew Impressive
Our Shells and Year 8 Textile Club have been hard at work creating their own stunning fabric calendars.
So much time and attention to detail went into sewing these amazing creations which showcased their creativity and sewing skills.
Commended for Excellence
Our Lower Sixth team from Debate Club participated in the Parallel Histories International Debate Competition, competing against students from Cordoba International School in Spain.
The topics were centred on whether the British Empire had a positive or negative impact.
The Chair of the Debate praised our team for their outstanding performance, highlighting their use of language and compelling arguments.
Discovering the Sounds of the Pipe Organ
We were pleased to welcome Luke Fitzgerald, organist at Coventry Cathedral, who visited us to give a demonstration of the pipe organ. Pupils learned how the instrument works and heard a range of sounds, from powerful bass notes to light, melodic passages. The session offered pupils some valuable insight into the organ’s versatility and deepened their appreciation for its role in musical performance.
Musical Scholars on Tour
Our talented Music Scholars went on a primary school tour, sharing their passion and skills with younger pupils. During their visit to Coundon Primary School, our scholars performed on the cello, piano, trombone, trumpet and saxophone, the response from the children was brilliant.
Coundon staff commented, “Thank you so much to the Bablake Scholars for their visit. Many of our pupils have since asked if they can start learning an instrument.”
It was a fantastic opportunity for our scholars to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Spring Concert Shines with Talent and Variety
This year’s Spring Concert was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent of our musical pupils across a wide variety of genres and ensembles. From swing and rock bands to cello, brass and vocal groups.
The set list was excellent, featuring chart-toppers like Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen and Sucker by the Jonas Brothers. Our Sixth Form band delivered a brilliant rendition
of Noel Gallagher’s The Importance of Being Idle, while the Shells rock band impressed with their energetic performance of Rolling in the Deep
We had a beautiful solo performance from Izabela on the viola and our school Choir delivered a theatrical performance of Popular from the musical Wicked
Outstanding Success Across Major Chemistry Challenges
Our pupils have achieved outstanding results across four major science competitions and events recently, showcasing their passion and talent for Chemistry.
Over twenty Sixth Form students took part in the prestigious Chemistry Olympiad, grappling with universitylevel concepts including radioactive decay and Raman spectroscopy. Congratulations to Emily, Krish and Tom, who earned Silver Awards and to Emilia, Miles, Evan, Umarah, Deborah, Hayden and Laila, who secured Bronze.
Pupils from Years 9 to 11 shone in the Junior Chemistry Challenge, with six pupils awarded Gold: Izabela, Nathan, Alfie, Sascha, Atreya and Chase. Anay also performed impressively, earning a Silver Award.
Our team competed in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s ‘Top of the Bench’ Regional Finals at the University of Birmingham. After completing a written quiz and a practical titration challenge in undergraduate teaching labs, the team scored an impressive 91 out of 120, finishing 7th out of 16 schools. Their standout moment was the
practical task, where they placed 2nd overall with a near-perfect score of 34 out of 40.
The Chemistry Race, held at the University of Cambridge and Rugby School, brought together teams of Sixth Form students from across the UK for a fast-paced, high-level chemistry competition. Our team, the ‘Compound Commanders’, performed exceptionally well, securing 10th place overall in a fiercely competitive field that included top-tier schools such as Eton College. Congratulations to Krish, Harvey, Vincent and Kim for their outstanding effort and teamwork.
Sixth Form Chemistry students also took part in Analytical Monopoly, a hands-on spectroscopy workshop led by The University of Warwick’s Assistant Professor, Sam Trouton. The experience offered valuable insight into real-world applications of analytical chemistry techniques.
Students Explore Aviation and Industry with Former Bablake Pilot
Former Bablake pupil, Mark Daffey (1983) joined the British Army in April 1984. After training as a helicopter pilot, he served in various locations around the world including Northern Ireland, Brunei, Iraq and Afghanistan, and has been fortunate enough to fly a multitude of different helicopters. He has been flying as a civilian since leaving the military in 2007.
Mark kindly offered the chance for a group of Bablake students to visit him and his colleagues at East Midlands Airport followed by a guided tour around the JCB factory.
“I particularly enjoyed talking to the lead engineer who was able to give me an insight into working life within the engineering industry. It was particularly intriguing to hear about the different pathways you can take to become a chartered engineer and the broad range of opportunities engineering opens up.” Michael
“The airline hangar was especially interesting for me, because I am aspiring to be a pilot. The chance to see the aircraft up close and speak to a pilot was an amazing opportunity, and it has further inspired me to work in the aviation industry.” Katie
Aimee’s Success in Debating Final
“The visit gave me a fascinating insight into a life of aviation and various careers the industry offers. It was an inspiring and informative trip that gave me a realworld look at the opportunities available in both aviation and business.” Sidney
Aimee in Lower Sixth took part in the prestigious Great Debate Final, held at Windsor Castle. After winning her regional round and impressing at the national semi-finals, she earned her place among just 21 finalists selected from 36 regional heats across the UK.
The question posed to entrants was:
“How does local history tell a global story?”
Aimee spoke about the Daventry Road shops - a tale of prosperity in Coventry in the 1930s neglected by the overall picture of world depression brought about by the Wall Street Crash. She used a blend of contemporary sources and historical interpretations to support her arguments.
After a highly competitive final, Aimee was placed second overall, an incredible achievement.
Bablake Hosts Brightest Young Entrepreneurs
We were excited to host the Young Enterprise County Finals. Eight outstanding teams from across Coventry and Warwickshire made it through to the finals and joined us to present their innovative business ideas.
Every team brought something unique and inspiring to the table. This included our very own teams Tag N’ Tail, who impressed with their innovative dog tag products and Emotibandz, with their wristbands addressing mental health.
We are incredibly proud that Tag N’ Tail walked away with the award for Innovation, and Emotibandz were Highly Commended.
Starting Important Conversations
As part of Life Choices, Sixth Form received a talk from Ben from the OddBalls Foundation.
Ben who is part of the University Ambassador Programme from The University of Warwick, covered key facts such as the fact that testicular cancer is the most common cancer to affect men aged 15 - 49. Students were educated about the signs, symptoms and diagnosis of testicular cancer.
Our thanks to the OddBalls Foundation and to Ben who delivered a difficult issue, in an informative and engaging way.
Finalist Honour for Shiancy in Literary Essay Competition
Shiancy (Lower Sixth) has been named as a finalist in the Northeastern University London Essay Competition for her essay titled: ‘How important is it to be able to relate to literary characters, their values and their world?’
Her essay stood out for its analysis and thorough research, offering a compelling exploration of how literary characters can shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
A Memorable Send-Off
Our Upper Sixth had a fun but emotional leavers’ morning. The theme for their fancy dress was TV and film characters - from Gru and the Minions to Austin Powers, they all made a huge effort.
Teachers and support staff are incredibly proud of them all and they
READY TO RAISE A LITTLE HELL?
FEW COUPLES HAVE MADE HEADLINES QUITE LIKE BONNIE PARKER AND CLYDE BARROW. THEIR INFAMOUS STORY OF CRIME, LOVE AND REBELLION DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION HAS INSPIRED FILMS, SONGS, AND NOW, OUR VERY OWN MUSICAL PRODUCTION.
At Bablake, we set out to bring this exhilarating tale to life on stage and what a journey it was! Through months of dedication, creativity and teamwork, our performing arts pupils poured their hearts into every scene, every note and every moment. Their passion and commitment transformed this thrilling story into a performance that we will all remember.
Our production was a testament to the spirit of collaboration that defines Bablake’s Performing Arts family. From the cast and crew to the musicians and directors, everyone involved played a vital role in making this show a reality.
“A favourite moment for me was opening night, just before going on for the prologue, sharing in the moment with my friends, and just feeling full of adrenaline and excitement.”
NOAH (YEAR 11)
“Being a member of the Bonnie and Clyde cast was an incredible experience. Everyone grows to become your family and the atmosphere backstage is electric. Every moment, rehearsal and show is full of joy and camaraderie.”
EMMA (YEAR 11)
“The sense of community and being a part of a warming group of people felt amazing.”
HANNAH (YEAR 9)
“It was really an outstanding experience and a new adventure for me because it can be scary performing in front of loads of people.”
KASHMI (SHELLS)
“The weekend rehearsals were so much fun and I will remember the funny moments from it forever. I felt proud to be a part of this school production and can’t wait to audition for the next one.”
TOBY (YEAR 8)
Our House system fosters friendly competition across all year groups. Pupils can actively contribute by participating in team and individual events, earning valuable House points along the way.
Pupils earn House points for every event and the collective event points contribute towards the House Cup which is awarded at the end of the academic year.
Cooking Up Success and Creative Wins
Our House competitions have been full of talent, with pupils taking part in everything from cooking challenges to creative design.
In the Year 8 MasterChef Stir Fry Challenge, pupils impressed with some fantastic dishes. Fairfax made a tasty chicken chow mein with homemade noodles, Crow brought bold flavours with a spicy beef stir fry and Wheatley took first place with their well-seasoned garlic chicken stir fry.
Our House badges:
BAYLEY CROW FAIRFAX WHEATLEY
In the Shells House Salad competition, we saw lots of fresh ideas Fairfax served a chicken salad, Wheatley served up a mixed salad and garlic bread, but Bayley came out on top with their standout halloumi salad and their homemade chef’s hats didn’t go unnoticed!
In our annual Design a Bookmark competition, pupils showcased their artistic skills with a range of thoughtful and eye-catching designs.
Congratulations to:
• 1st place: Elizabeth (Crow) – The Reader
• 2nd place: Willow (Bayley)
• 3rd place: Aamna (Wheatley)
• 4th place: Karen (Fairfax)
Boys’ Hockey
Cross Country
At the Coventry Schools Relay competition, our U14 and U13 teams delivered outstanding performances. The U14 boys secured an impressive 2nd place whilst the U14 girls claimed a brilliant 3rd. In the U13 category our teams were equally impressive with our teams finishing a strong 3rd and 5th.
Our Hockey 1st XI had an incredible opportunity when they headed over to The University of Birmingham to train and play alongside the men’s hockey team. It was a fantastic experience for our team and pushed their skills to the next level.
Boys’ Basketball
In the Coventry Championship, our U14s finished as runners-up after a thrilling final, losing 50-46 to Caludon Castle. The U12 and U16 boys had narrow semi-final losses but played brilliantly throughout the tournament. Both our U12 and U13 boys progress in the Junior NBA play-offs, the U13s losing out to an outstanding Thomas Telford Team and the U12s playing St Bedes.
Athletics
The first event of the season brought success to many Bablake athletes who have qualified for the West Midlands Schools T&F Championships. Special congratulations to Isla (200m and Long Jump), Lara (800m and Shot Putt), Elisa (Javelin), Zoe (300m), Lyla (Javelin), Lauren (High Jump), Chioma (Shot Putt), Elliot (Hurdles and Long Jump) and Niki (800m) who all won their events.
Girls’ Netball
Our Netball teams had a brilliant day of netball against Nottingham Girls’ High School, with six matches played across different age groups. Our teams showed skill and determination, securing five wins out of six. The U18A team dominated with a 41-26 victory, while the U18B followed with a strong 34-20 win. The U15A team claimed a 31-15 victory, and the U15B impressed with a 24-9 result. The U14B team also secured a win, finishing 21-14 and our U14A team fought hard in a close match but narrowly lost 27-32.
Netball Friday Night Lights
The 1st VII enjoyed an unbeaten run until a tight loss to King Henry’s at the Friday Night Lights contest. The U13s drew 16-16 in an end-to-end contest.
Girls’ Basketball
Girls’ Hockey
Both the U15 and U13 teams battled through tough County Tournament groups to reach the semi-finals. It was a brilliant achievement, playing some of the best teams in the county.
The U16 girls are Coventry Champions beating Barrs Hill in the final 43-29. Emily was named MVP and Issy received special recognition for outstanding sportsmanship.
Easter Fun
The children had a wonderful time celebrating Easter with a blend of learning and fun. Rev. Slavic visited to talk to the children about the meaning of Easter and the special items we often see at this time of year. The children remembered a lot from their Religious Education lessons and loved the Easter treats.
Year 1 and 2 had a fantastic time flipping pancakes on Pancake Day.
Our Reception children have thoroughly enjoyed Construction Club. By exploring the large-scale equipment outside, they have built bridges to transport animals over the river, working brilliantly together and sharing their ideas.
Our Early Years children had a wonderful afternoon with their mums for Mother’s Day. They sang songs and spoke confidently about what they loved most about their mums. It was a very special afternoon.
Our little gymnasts took part at Tribe Gymnastics event, showcasing the skills they have been practising in the gymnastics club. They confidently performed their floor and vault routines with excellent technique and control. The children represented our school with pride and determination.
The school was a sea of red on Red Nose Day. The children came dressed in their favourite red clothes and accessories. During the day we discussed the importance of the charity, about the work they do and the money that is raised every year.
World Book Day was full of enthusiasm and excitement, the most amazing costumes arrived at school. The children created their own book reviews, character creations and we had a fashion show in assembly to parade their brilliant costumes.
Walk Around the World
Our children took part in Hits Radio’s ‘Walk Around the World’ in our beautiful grounds on a bright sunny day to raise money for Cash for Kids. Everybody was full of enthusiasm, not just for walking, but for helping others. We raised £470, a brilliant effort by everybody involved.
Junior School News
Welcome to Simba.
This year, our young lions and lionesses have embraced the Spirit of Opportunity, stepping into new experiences and growing in confidence and character. From musical performances and historical adventures to multicultural celebrations, they have explored the world around them with open minds and spirited hearts.
Alongside this, they have taken real strides in thinking about their thinking, becoming reflective, independent learners and fine oracists who speak with clarity and purpose. Our pupils have learned not just what to think, but how to think, strengthening their ability to reason, question and connect.
Living by our values of Responsibility, Reflection and Respect, they have embraced challenges and celebrated their individuality. We are incredibly proud of them all.
Mrs Catherine Jeffcoat Head
Forest School
From Birdsong to Campfires
In Forest School, pupils have explored the birds and trees of the spinney, developing their knowledge of local wildlife and habitats. They have also embraced their creativity through forest art, using natural materials to produce imaginative pieces.
Alongside this, they’ve learned valuable practical skills such as building shelters, lighting fires safely and even basic forest school first aid. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for hands-on learning and teamwork.
Music Update
Our Young Voices Choir (Years 3 - 6) had the exciting opportunity to take part in the world’s largest children’s choir event at the BP Pulse Arena, singing alongside thousands of other young performers in an unforgettable celebration of music.
The Junior Choir and Rock Band took to the stage for the first-ever whole-school Spring Concert, performing alongside Senior ensembles for a truly memorable evening of musical collaboration.
Pupils in Years 3 and 4 attended a live concert by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, where they enjoyed a programme of well-known classical and film music.
Our much-loved Rush Hour Concerts showcased our pupils’ musical talents helping them grow in confidence and musicianship.
We are proud to be encouraging interest in endangered instruments such as the bassoon and clarinet. It has been a delight to see some of our Junior pupils begin lessons on these instruments and make such impressive progress already.
A new exciting addition is our Courtyard Piano. This outdoor piano is available for pupils to play during breaktimes and lunchtimes, encouraging music-making and collaboration. Alongside our beloved ‘Jenny Maude’ grand piano in the foyer, this new instrument ensures even more opportunities for pupils to explore their musical interests in a fun and social setting.
Year 3
Sweet Dreams and S’Mores
Year 3 had memorable school sleepover. They made s’mores at Forest School, played games and enjoyed a cosy movie night. The hall was set up with sleeping bags and torches and for many, it was their first night away from home. They all showed great independence and teamwork.
Year 4
Conquering Caythorpe Court
What an unforgettable adventure our Year 4 pupils had at PGL Caythorpe Court.
From lake swims and mastering raft building, to scaling dizzying heights on the high ropes, abseiling and trapeze, our brave adventurers rose to every challenge.
‘Heads for Heights’ tested their courage, while the sensory trail, problem solving and orienteering boosted their teamwork and brainpower. The sunshine was glorious, the food was fantastic and even the sleep was surprisingly restful. Most of all, the trip was a brilliant boost in independence and resilience.
Year 5
Buzzing with Excitement
Year 5 visited the British Beekeepers Association to learn about bees and their importance to the environment. They explored the bee lifecycle, took part in practical activities and observed bees in their hives. A favourite moment for the children was trying on a beekeeper’s suit and seeing what it is like to care for bees.
Year 6
Adventures at Calshot
Our incredible Year 6 pupils had the adventure of a lifetime on their residential at Calshot in Southampton. Mornings on the beach set the tone for days packed with action –from scaling climbing walls and mastering orienteering, to conquering sea kayaks, fun boat sailing and whizzing down the dry ski slope on ringos.
Their resilience and determination were truly inspiring as they faced new challenges with such determination. Along the way, they explored the coastline, built lifelong memories and strengthened friendships that will last well beyond Year 6.
Junior School Sport
Girls’ Netball
Our Under 11 girls showed incredible determination at the regional Netball Finals, a 5-a-side game requiring players to rotate through all positions. Their efforts earned them a place at the National Finals in Dorset. After an overnight stay in Poole, the team proudly represented Bablake Junior School at the IAPS Finals at Bryanston School, competing against the top netball schools in the country. Despite nerves and injuries, the girls played brilliantly, finishing joint 13th nationally - a fantastic achievement.
Boys’ Hockey
Highlight of the term was the U11 team’s trip to the IAPS Hockey Midlands Qualifier, where they played in a series of competitive matches and had the exciting opportunity to meet Olympic gold medallist Giselle Ansley.
Indoor Rowing
Our Year 6 pupils proudly represented us at the Coventry School Games Indoor Rowing event. Our girls’ team put in a fantastic performance, rowing an impressive 2,254m to qualify to represent East Coventry at the county finals - competing against top schools from Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire. They gave it everything, improved their distances and held their own against the very best.
Sports Hall Athletics Victory
Our incredible Year 5 and 6 Sports Hall Athletics team ran, jumped and threw their way to a fantastic victory in the Coventry School Games competition. Their teamwork and determination helped them overcome strong teams from across the east of the city. A brilliant performance from all involved.
Out of School
Dan’s Mission to Make a Difference
Sixth Former Dan recently delivered an assembly on the importance of rest and mental wellbeing. Motivated by his personal experiences and a passion for promoting positive mental health, he launched a fundraising campaign in support of Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.
As part of his mission, Dan set himself the challenge of running the Coventry Half Marathon on April 27, aiming not only to raise funds, but also to spark conversations about mental wellbeing within the school and the wider community. He trained with determination, setting his sights on a new personal best. He completed the race in a record time and exceeded his fundraising goal, raising almost £650 for the charity.
Global Football Adventures
Lara in Year 10 has been making incredible strides in her football career. Playing for Leicester City U16s, she attended the Top Talent Day run by the Women’s England Talent Pathway.
This year she will also represent Coventry at the International Children’s Games in Estonia, the only England representative city among 60 countries worldwide. She will also be travelling to Sweden for the Gothia Cup, the largest youth football tournament in the world.
Bablake’s Annual Iftar Celebration
We celebrated our annual Iftar meal, bringing together so many members of the Bablake community including parents, pupils and staff. Guest speaker, The Rev Canon Nitano Muller from Coventry Cathedral shared thought provoking insights, highlighting unity and friendship.
