Out of the Blue - Winter 2013

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The Blue Coat School Founded by the Church of England in 1722

The Way of the Warrior

Friday Options are a big hit

Award-winning author, Chris Bradford, visits BCS

Enrichment, enthusiasim and enjoyment in Prep

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Head First Welcome to this new edition of Out of the Blue, reporting on all that has been happening here at Blue Coat since the beginning of the academic year. Highlights have included the IAPS National Gymnastics Championships, the various Chapel Concerts and Recitals, the superb events organised by the Association of Friends (not least the Bonfire Night Fireworks, the Christmas Fayre and the Christmas Fizz Evening), and, of course, the Nativity Plays and Carol Services leading up to Christmas itself. But while all these spectacular events have been flashing vividly across our collective consciousness, a Quiet Revolution has been happening in Prep Teaching and Learning. ‘Options’ have been born, allowing the children in Years 3-6 the opportunity to contemplate Castles, wonder about World War I, think about Thunks, ponder P4C, grow green fingers, revel in their rugby, hone their hockey skills and generally expand their horizons. This has been a first-class initiative, greatly relished by the children, and we look forward to further developments next term!

Alan Browning, Headmaster

Term Round-up It has been another bumper term at Blue Coat, with a host of exciting activities crammed in for young and old alike. The academic focus of the school year started immediately with 11+ exams for those in Year 6, and although the final places are a long way from being decided the initial results look very promising indeed. As life in the classroom continued apace plenty of activities took place in both Prep and Pre-Prep.

Mid-September saw an inspection of Buttons Nursery, Transition and Reception by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. We were particularly pleased that the report noted that the provision for the children’s well-being is outstanding and that they make outstanding progress in their personal development.

for their excellent tournament win, and the Boys’ U11 Soccer Squad who finished a very creditable third in the Aston Villa Tournament – despite it being their term for rugby! The 2013 IAPS Gymnastics Championships, hosted here at Blue Coat, brought together highly talented athletes from across the country and Europe, and was another occasion when Blue Coat girls performed especially well.

Records are always there to be broken, and once again the Blue Coat family rose to the challenge by generously supporting Operation Christmas Child with a unsurpassed number of shoe boxes. The campaign was kicked off in enthusiastic fashion with a Whole School Assembly that took place in the Sports Hall. This presented a wonderful opportunity for the whole school to show off the new school uniform.

Our industrious Association of Friends has been as busy as ever, meeting on a regular basis. They not only provided an explosive Fireworks Evening but lit the blue touch paper for the festive season with the magnificent Christmas Fayre. Their end-of-term get together over Carols and Fizz saw a good time had by all.

Once again there have been plenty of visitors to the School. The History Department has been welcoming numerous guests. In Year 1 the theme of Toys was explored during mid-September, while, later in the term, Years 3 and 4 enjoyed learning about the Romans and Aztecs respectively. Doreen Gent and Eddie Webb, two BCS

As ever the Music Department has been in good form, with choirs and musicians giving their all at numerous public performances. Two Chapel Concerts as well as the splendid end of term Christmas Concert were only part of the story. Children from Years 2 to 6 entertained their peers in a series of early morning recitals in the School Hall.

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On the sports field Prep pupils have battled heroically with increasing success as the term has progressed, and the aim of “Sport for All” has seen almost every child represent the School in at least one team.

Indeed a special mention should go to the U10 Girls’ Hockey Team

Veterans, returned to share their memories of life as boarders during the Birmingham Blitz. Members of a Year 5 and 6 Options group were especially impressed by their recollections of their time spent in the on-campus air raid shelters.

In the Spotlight

Elsewhere Year 3 threw themselves into their Wall Hanging Art Workshop with a vengeance, while Year 4 headed out to the country to sample life at Umberslade Farm. The English Department arranged author visits from Caroline Lawrence for Year 5, and Chris Bradford for Years 4-6. This dovetailed nicely with the Travelling Book Fair that was a huge hit with the many Blue Coat bookworms. A performance of War Horse at the Birmingham Hippodrome was enjoyed by all ages, especially the outstanding award winning puppetry that brought to life the amazing stage production of Michael Morpurgo’s novel.

Q. What’s the best thing about having twins?

Mrs Daffurn, one of our Pre-Prep teachers, is currently on maternity leave. We thought we’d catch up with her and find out what life has been like since she gave birth to twins!

A. There is a baby each for Mum and Dad to cuddle. Also, it’s lots of fun and very cute having a matching pair!

Q. What do the boys like best at the moment?

A. Drinking milk, chewing their hands, dribbling, smiling and bouncing in their baby bouncers.

Q. What are people’s reactions when they see you with the twins?

A. I generally get one of three comments: ‘Are they twins?’, ‘Double trouble!’ or ‘You’ve got your hands full!’

Q. What have you missed about school whilst you have been at home with the boys?

A. Drinking tea during my break in the staff room (the boys never go out to play so there is no tea break!) Oh, and of course I miss all the lovely children too!

Q. What would you like to have been if you hadn’t been a teacher?

A. A journalist.

The term culminated with a variety of Christmas festivities. Christmas Parties were, as ever, a huge success – as were the various Christmas Dinners. Nativity Plays were central to Pre-Prep’s activities with all years taking part in the celebrations, along with a moving Pre-Prep Carol Service. The Lower School Advent Service was another auspicious occasion. Then, having led the worship at St. Philip’s Cathedral for the Advent Procession by Candlelight, the Chapel Choir was, once again, in fine voice as the packed Chapel again hosted a poignant Carol Service which for many signalled the beginning of the festive season.

Q. What’s your favourite food?

It would perhaps be difficult to shoehorn any more into such an action-packed term. In the classroom and beyond, from Buttons to Year 6, boys and girls, staff and parents have thrown themselves into Blue Coat life. As we depart for a well-deserved holiday may we wish everyone a relaxing Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 7 January 2014.

A. I visited Tajikistan in 2012 and loved it! The scenery was beautiful and the people were friendly.

A. Fresh fruit and chocolate.

Q. What instruments do you play?

A. Piano and clarinet.

Q. What would your ideal day be?

A. A lie-in, perhaps clothes shopping or watching Arsenal win in the afternoon and a trip to the cinema in the evening.

Q. Which country have you enjoyed visiting the most? Why?

Q. Which place would you most like to take the boys when they are a bit older?

A. The boys are already well travelled and have visited England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales so far! We would love to take them to China when they are older as this is one of our favourite countries.

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Year 4 getting close to nature at Umberslade Farm

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Pre-Prep Christmas Productions Reception and Transition – Prickly Hay The Reception and Transition classes produced a marvellous Christmas production called ‘Prickly Hay’. The children and staff worked extremely hard in a very short space of time to learn songs and dances to tell the story of the first Christmas. The story told of two stable hands, Sam and Sally, who worked very hard to keep their stable clean and tidy. One special night, baby Jesus was born there and they were visited by shepherds, angels and three wise men.

Sam and Sally felt as if they were not noticed much of the time, but they eventually discovered that their job was really important, and they were able to change the prickly hay for soft new hay so that the baby could sleep. This extra special night ended with a huge celebration for the birth of the new baby!

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The children from Transition led a barn dance, swept up the stable, became animals in the barn and twinkled like beautiful stars. Meanwhile the Reception children took the parts of the main characters – Mary, Joseph, the innkeeper, Sam and Sally, angels, shepherds, wise men and donkeys – as well as leading the party dancing. The children really enjoyed learning the songs and performing in the production, making the staff and parents very proud.

Year 1 – The Night Before Christmas For their festive production this year, the children in Year 1 performed ‘The Night Before Christmas’. In this musical adaptation of the popular poem, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’, Year 1 told the story of a busy household on Christmas Eve, as the characters waited eagerly for Father Christmas to arrive. The children were all very excited; the toys were worried that they would be forgotten when the new presents arrived; and the mice took every opportunity to sneak into the house in the hope of finding a spare mince pie or carrot! Before long, the peace and quiet of Christmas Eve was disturbed by a loud crash outside. What could it be? Who could it be? The children, toys and mice couldn’t wait to find out!

This was performed beautifully by the Year 1 children. They all enjoyed narrating, singing, dancing – and getting ready for Christmas, of course!

Year 2 – The Magical Christmas Jigsaw

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This year saw Year 2 put on a wonderful Nativity Play, ‘The Magical Christmas Jigsaw’.

The nativity story was told in the traditional way but with modern-day children completing a jigsaw and showing the story piece by piece. The children spoke their lines clearly and sang beautifully – with the most captivating smiles throughout. The children pulled out all the stops and worked extremely hard to perform with great enthusiasm and maturity – we were all really proud of their achievements. Stunning new costumes this year added to the overall picture. A huge thank you to all the staff, and especially to Miss Paterson for the music and Mr Isherwood for the technical assistance! Well done, Year 2!

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Classroom Connection – Prep Year 3 – Visit from a Roman Soldier On Wednesday 23rd October, Year 3 were visited by two Roman Soldiers. The day was packed with facts and action! We learned about what it was like to be a soldier in the Roman army and how their presence affects what we do and use today. It was great fun to watch someone being dressed in full Centurion uniform, including ancient underwear and the heavy armour. We all took part in a battle and worked together as a team, using the tortoise formation with our shields. We loved being Romans for the day!

Year 4 – Aztecs afternoon Year 4 pupils were recently transported back to 16th century Mexico courtesy of our favourite Aztec visitors, the Mexicolore team.

Amazingly informative Zany presenters and Tremendous technology, this was Excitingly educational and entertaining, Colourful and creative, with Stunning sights and sounds.

That’s the Aztecs, courtesy of Mexicolore!

Years 4, 5 and 6 – Author Visit with Chris Bradford On Tuesday 19th November, the School Hall was transformed into a martial arts arena as the children of Years 4, 5 and 6 welcomed award-winning author Chris Bradford. Chris has written the immensely popular “Young Samurai” series and has just unveiled his brand new novel, “Hostage”.

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We began with a dynamic introduction to the first book in the Samurai series “The Way of the Warrior”. The children

sat in awe as Chris explained and demonstrated many martial arts moves and introduced us to his very own Japanese samurai sword.

He showed the children his skills with the sword, narrowly missing some of the children on the front row! Chris encouraged the children to try some martial arts and to take every opportunity to try something new. The children all agreed that it had been a wonderful afternoon!

Sport Report The Blue Coat pupils have been exposed to a huge variety of sport this term. Some travelled to Twickenham to see the England v Argentina autumn international; others triumphed in the woods at RGS The Grange at a cross-country event; and four pupils, Ruby Couzens, Joseph Day, Maya Graves and Daniel Hindle have successfully made it through to the British Schools Modern Biathlon Championships, to be held at the Olympic Park in April 2014.

Our major sports of rugby and hockey have had mixed fortunes. In rugby the Year 4s have demonstrated determined progression in terms of the physicality of the game. A well-earned victory against RGS The Grange at the end of term highlighted their development and their sense of achievement. It has certainly been a challenging season but one with lots of positives to take forward.

In hockey the girls have worked together really well in their respective age groups. The Year 5s were undefeated when winning their U10 tourament at RGS The Grange and the Year 6s had two outstanding victories at home against Winterfold House and Hallfield. This progress has permeated through all the age groups and we aim to promote and develop hockey’s prestige in the coming seasons.

IAPS Gymnastics Blue Coat took great pride in hosting the IAPS National Gymnastics Championships, the most prestigious event in the association’s calendar. Many schools travelled great distances to be here, including two from Belgium and The Netherlands.

The weekend was a huge success – with almost 250 competitors from seventeen schools.

Aston Villa Soccer Tournament This annual tournament was once again hosted at The Blue Coat School, and thirteen U11 teams from the surrounding area pitted their footballing wits against each other. The Blue Coat squad achieved a highly respectable third place with a blend of attractive and disciplined football. This was all the more remarkable since the team had not kicked a ball in anger since a weather-disrupted season last spring!

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“What are you doing for Options?” echoed down the corridor one Friday in September. Every Friday since has been filled with excited voices as children set off to their groups. Enrichment, enthusiasm and enjoyment are the name of the game in these specially selected co-curricular activities that happen at the end of a busy week. Providing opportunities for children to discover areas of interest they did not know they had or talents that were hidden is our aim. Science and gardening come together in Green Thumbs, while Philosophical questions are discussed in P4C. Crafts, History, Sports, Debating, and General Knowledge Quizzing are just some of the Options available.

As the term comes to a close, children in Prep are starting to think about what they might want to do next term. “What are you going to do for Options?”

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Charity Check Thanks to the very generous giving and enthusiastic efforts of so many people this term, we have been able to give a variety of gifts and help to many in need both on our doorstep and further afield.

It will certainly feel like Christmas when our 365 Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes arrive at their final destination in Kyrgyzstan. This is a new school record. Well done, everyone!

Somewhere in India, 3 lepers, in the care of the Leprosy Mission, will receive a donkey and a cart funded by our weekly chapel collections.

It is difficult to appreciate how much this will transform their lives, bringing hope and joy.

Thousands of miles away in Zimbabwe we look forward to hearing of the arrival of desks and chairs in the Logos High School for Girls.

These have been funded by our joint sponsored walk with Edgbaston High School which raised £1600 from the EHS girls and £600 from our Rag Bag collection. Funds from our Helping Hands stall at the Christmas Fayre has enabled us, once again, to give the children of St. Agnes Children’s Home a Christmas Party.

Nearer to home we were delighted to give the Salvation Army £300 to help their work across the city. Children in Need was a huge and delicious success: thank you for all of your generous donations and a wonderful cake sale after school organized by The Friends. Our grand total of £995.82 is truly fantastic! Our Remembrance Service collection gave us the opportunity to send £78 to Help for Heroes and support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Parents of children in Buttons Nursery and Pre-Prep made generous donations of food and toiletries which were gratefully received by the Karis Neighbourhood Scheme which supports families in Birmingham.

Thank you for your outstanding generosity and support.

Key Dates for Spring Term 2014 Term begins at 8.30am Tuesday 7 January

Prep Entrance Tests Wednesday 29 January

Open Morning Saturday 18 January 10-12.30pm (Please arrive by 11.45am)

Music Scholarship Tests Wednesday 29 January

Half-Term holiday begins Monday 17 February Second half of term begins Monday 24 February Term ends Friday 4 April

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The Blue Coat School, Somerset Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B17 0HR S

The Blue Coat School Founded by the Church of England in 1722

Telephone 0121 410 6800

Fax 0121 454 7757

Email info@thebluecoatschool.com Website www.thebluecoatschool.com The Blue Coat School Birmingham Limited, company number 1152244, is Limited by Guarantee and Registered in England