Out of the Blue - Summer 2013

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SUMMER 2013

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out blue of the

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

Aberdovey Trip 2013

Ill Met by Moonlight

Laughter and excitement in mid-Wales

Year 6 bring Shakespeare to life!

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Head First The Summer Term has come and gone, admittedly without a great deal of sunshine – but that has certainly not deterred us from a whole plethora of activities! The children of Years 5 and 6 have undertaken major expeditions (to Aberdovey and Normandy respectively), and their younger colleagues have enjoyed a host of trips to venues nearer to hand. We’ve fitted in cricket and rounders matches galore, the odd exam or two, a visit to the Cathedral on Founders’ Day, and a glorious Summer Fête. The musicians have delighted us with their concerts and recitals, the actors with their superb performance of Ill Met by Moonlight, the swimmers with their keenly-fought galas, and the athletes with their Olympian exertions on Sports Day. It has been a busy but bracing term.

For the pupils of Year 6, of course, the time has come to say goodbye. As the year draws to a close we have been able to celebrate their many distinctive achievements, and we wish them every success as they start afresh in September. We hope very much that they will return to give an account of their Senior School careers: they will be greatly missed!

Alan Browning, Headmaster

Term Round-up Traditionally the Summer Term is, for every school, an exceptionally busy time, with all sorts of extra activities shoehorned into an already hectic calendar. Blue Coat is no different, of course - and it’s this that makes our school the vibrant community it is!

Even before term started our Ski Trip party had clearly had a fantastic time in the snow of the Italian Dolomites: it was altogether a most exhilarating experience. Equally thrilling, for the children of Year 6, was the French Trip to the Château du Broutel, which proved immensely liberating. Their appetites for snails and frogs’ legs (and roller coasters and water slides) were both whetted and - most definitely - satisfied [see full report on page 6].

The summer season of trips and visits soon got underway, with Year 2 visiting the Black Country Living Museum and Year 1 heading to Tamworth Castle. The Transition children had a great time at Ash End Farm, and the children of Reception went off to Twycross Zoo for a thorough dose of Outdoor Learning.

Transition Children enjoy the Barnado’s Big Toddle

Founders’ Day service at St Philip’s Cathedral The resolve and stamina of our Year 5 children was most certainly tested at times on their Outward Bound Trust trip to Aberdovey.

The children and staff had an absolutely wonderful time but were really battered at times by the wild Welsh weather. They returned to school much stronger and wiser, having experienced a good many new activities on what was, for the majority, their first residential trip [see page 8].

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We rounded off the first half of term with the Pre-Prep Summer Concert, the Barnardo’s Big Toddle for Buttons Nursery and Transition children, the Year 1 and Year 2 Swimming Galas and the Year 3 Viking Day. The children of Prep also made their annual visit to St Philip’s Cathedral for the Founders’ Day Service. This was an occasion full of joy and thanksgiving when we remembered God’s goodness to us over the 291 years of the School’s existence. We were

During the last few weeks of term we turned to our musical and theatrical events, with the Prep Summer Concert, the Pre-Prep Matinées, and the Senior Production, Ill Met by Moonlight [full report on page 12], all featuring prominently. Each was a magnificent occasion, with much remarkable talent on show. Our Prep Sports Days were equally exciting, with many events fiercely contested. We then concluded the School Year with a number of formal events: the two Prep Prize Giving Ceremonies, the Prep Commemoration Day Service and the Pre-Prep Thanksgiving Service. Phew!

We round off by saying farewell to our leavers, wishing them all the very best and hoping that they will take away with them many happy memories of their time at The Blue Coat School. To our returning children and parents we say, “Bonnes vacances!” We look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 4 September.

The Year 3 Viking Day

Q. What will you miss most about Blue Coat?

A. Most definitely the people! I will also miss the Chapel and the beautiful setting of the school in the grounds.

Q. What’s your most memorable moment at Blue Coat?

A. Last year’s Jubilee Party on the field, with the whole school picnic and traditional sports day, was a really fantastic celebration never to forget.

Q. How does the rest of your family feel about moving?

A. We are all very excited, but a little apprehensive about all the changes.

Q. What is your favourite food?

A. Pizza, topped with banana, pineapple, bacon, feta cheese and cheese – try it!

Q. Why do you like teaching maths?

A. Maths is magical and fun! It is full of fascinating patterns and can be used to create and solve all sorts of problems and puzzles.

Q. If you could spend a day with anyone, who would it be and why?

A. I would love to spend a day with Nelson Mandela; he is such a humble man and must have the most extraordinary stories to share.

Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?

A. When I was younger I can remember wanting to be an astronaut – I loved playing with space Lego and watching Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica!

Q. Have you ever wanted to play an instrument professionally?

A. Yes, I wanted to play the trumpet professionally when I was younger, but never had the courage to really blast out those high notes – though I could never reach them either!

Q. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would you go?

A. The short answer would be for me to say where I wouldn’t go, but top of my list would have to be Yosemite National Park, the African Rift Valley, top of Mount Everest, Angel Falls, Iceland, Antarctica and The Maldives.

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We then enjoyed a wonderful School Fête, organised with customary dedication by the Association of Friends - and held indoors due to the inclement weather. What a lovely afternoon it was! A craft and produce show, a homemade cake stall, Beat-the-Goalie, bouncy castles and the Pamper Parlour: they were all there - and much, much more besides!

Before he headed north to take up his new position as Deputy Head of St Olave’s, York, Chloe Bissell, Charlotte Poole and Natalie Shah caught up with Mr Ferguson to find out a little bit more about our trumpet-playing, maths-teaching Deputy Head (Prep).

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Not to be outdone, the children of Year 3 had a great time at ThinkTank, and returned with many stories to tell of their discoveries there! Year 4’s trip to hear the CBSO in action at Symphony Hall was a highlight of their term, with a programme full of real-life drama and sparks of creativity, ranging from the metal-working of the industrial revolution to the bombs of WWII. Pre-Prep, meanwhile, held a Theme Week linking many of their lessons to maths activities.

In the Spotlight

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Following the half-term holiday we came back to some really lovely warm weather and flew headlong into the busiest period of the school year. Pre-Prep held their Sports Day, an afternoon of varied activities, which culminated in the highly contested inter-class relays for Years 1 and 2. Year 4 enjoyed a superb interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream from the talented actors of the Young Shakespeare Company.

And our Year 6 pupils acted as hosts to the Veteran Old Scholars, gathering once again at their old school - in some cases more than 80 years after leaving it!

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also reminded of the founding principles upon which the School was built, and of their application to our lives today.

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Classroom Connection Pre-Prep Transition - Outing to Ash End House Farm The children of Transition had a very pleasant day out at Ash End House Farm. They were able to feed the sheep and goats and bottle feed a very hungry kid. The hatchery was very interesting, too, and the children were able to look at day-old chicks and handle some older chicks and ducklings. They were also invited to choose an egg each from the hen house!

The pigs and piglets were awfully smelly! Some of the piglets had only been born that morning so they were still very tiny. The shire horse had a week-old foal with her and looked magnificent. The indoor play area was great fun, with the drop slide and wavy slide being firm favourites. All in all it was a lovely day out.

Mrs Manley Reception - Visit to Twycross Zoo Soon after arrival at Twycross Zoo sixty very excited Reception pupils were treated to a classroom session about animal colours, where the children had their knowledge about camouflage and other animal colouring tested. They also got the chance to meet and stroke Biscuit the rabbit, Nacho the lizard and a giant cockroach.

Although the weather wasn’t too pleasant the children’s spirits weren’t dampened as they toured the zoo and watched the antics of various primates such as monkeys, lemurs, gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees. A wide variety of other animals was on show, including elephants, camels, parrots, giant tortoises, leopards, penguins and flamingos. The dinosaur valley was great fun, with realistic huge, roaring and spitting dinosaurs!

Everyone had a great trip and the children were able to talk with great enthusiasm about their fun day out.

Mrs Shaw

Year 1 - Visit to Tamworth Castle The Year 1 visit to Tamworth Castle was a wonderful day and a fascinating glimpse into our history. On entering the castle, the children gathered in the Great Hall: an impressive room once used for greeting guests and hosting banquets. The children explored the Tudor and Stuart chambers, the grand Victorian Reception Rooms and even the dungeons - a particular favourite!

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Each class took part in a workshop that included storytelling and hands-on activities.

They were able to help the servant with her duties, dress a knight for battle and participate in a knight’s marching drill.

They truly got a sense of stepping back in time and experienced what life might have been like in a Medieval Castle.

Miss Barrett

Year 2 - Visit to the Black Country Living Museum To bring their history lessons alive the children of Year 2 visited the Black Country Living Museum set in the heart of Dudley.

With over fifty authentic shops, houses and workshops to explore Year 2 thoroughly enjoyed visiting this remarkable place.

The children were given a guided tour and taken to the ‘one-up and one-down’ house which would have been home to a large family of six or more! They visited shops including the General Store, the Bakery, the Hardware Store and the children’s favourite - the Sweet Shop. They discovered the delights of playtime in the last century including hopscotch and skipping. Some children even tested their skill with a cup and ball and the whip and top. 2P were thrilled to take the tram back to the coach - a super finish to a great day!

Mrs Robinson

Prep Year 3 - Visit to Thinktank Year 3 had a fantastic day at the Thinktank in central Birmingham.

Experiments with levers and pulley systems were thoroughly investigated in the Science Garden, and the children even raced wheelchairs. Learning just how small we all are in relation to the universe was all put into perspective at the planetarium, and the afternoon’s theatre trip was just fantastic, with the teachers jumping out of their seats when a rocket was launched in the auditorium.

Some of the children were invited to dress up in fabulous costumes ranging from the earth, sun and moon, to real astronauts’ suits. It was an immensely enjoyable day and the children learnt a great deal!

Mrs Stockton

Year 4 - A Midsummer Night’s Dream Although it was not quite mid-summer, a young theatre group came to Blue Coat early in June to guide the Year 4 children in their own production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. This work was a huge hit with the children, and no wonder – it’s about the world’s most popular pastime: falling in love! Taking place in mythical Athens and a magical forest, there is a handsome fairy king, a misguided parent, star-crossed lovers, a lion, a moon, a wall, and even a weaver who’s transformed into a donkey! We all had a great time acting out the parts.

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Miss Patel

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A mini-theatre designed by some members of 4J: Amara McCracken, Ruby Manhota, Alisha Narendran and Freya Stone.

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Year 6 – French Trip 2013 As the coaches pulled up the tension was almost tangible.

Suitcases were loaded on while children scrambled for the premium seats, and the excitement was such that the early morning crowd of anxious mums and dads was almost totally ignored as we left bang on time to foreign parts.

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The only slight hiccup was when French Customs started asking questions about Mr Ferguson’s South African passport; however, the native tongue of Mrs Boothroyd soon soothed the situation and we were on our way. Mr Morris and Miss Green resumed their previous roles as King and Queen of the Microphone on their respective vehicles, and their healthy mixture of hearty advice and thinly veiled threats helped guide everyone to the Promised Land of Le Château du Broutel for supper followed by Château Olympics.

Tuesday was certainly an eventful day! It started with visits to the magnificent local chocolate factory, as well as our favourite traditional farm where award-winning goat’s cheeses are made. Both provided treats for the tongue along with plenty of photo opportunities.

After lunch it was time for Bagatelle, a theme park whose rides had been cranked up to a super scary level since our last visit. Messieurs Isherwood and Hill captured the thrills on camera, but undoubtedly the bravest member of the party was Elise Beecroft who was desperately unlucky to fracture her wrist after a simple fall. However she showed immense stoicism throughout the remainder of the week, having been whisked off to hospital by Mrs Mian and Mrs LambertGreen. They ensured that she returned to the group safe and sound though with a plaster cast on her right wrist. While the three of them were otherwise engaged a tremendous castle-building competition took place on Berek’s wonderfully sandy beach.

Wednesday witnessed a day on the Somme reflecting on the horrors and sacrifices of the First World War. The tour started at the fascinating WWI museum in Albert, before encountering the deeply moving Memorial to the Missing at Thiepval. This was followed by a guided tour of the battlefield at Beaumont Hamel where so many Newfoundland soldiers lost their lives on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme.

Thursday was once again a glorious day weatherwise, and perfect for rummaging around Le Touquet market. As the children stocked up on tat for the evening disco, staff pounced on food stalls selling mouthwatering local produce with which to supplement their lunchtime baguettes. The afternoon was a mass of delighted screams as the water slides of Aqualud were given a good testing. Back at the Château the second birthday of the week was celebrated (Mr Morris’ being the first earlier in the week) as Rohan Tandon shared out a massive chocolate cake, much to the delight of all.

The final day saw a tired but happy party of children return to the arms of their parents early in the evening. It had certainly been an exhausting week for young and old alike, though for many it will stay in the memory for a lifetime. Put very simply… it was great fun!

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Mr Morris

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Year 5 – Aberdovey Trip 2013 The weather on Tuesday 7th May couldn’t have been better for our arrival at the Outward Bound Centre, Aberdovey.

After a picnic on the lawn in the sun, the children met their group instructors and were shown to their dormitories.

A quick change and everyone was ready for their first activity. Four groups departed for a Jog and Dip in the estuary, while the other three groups remained onsite for team-building games. An hour and a half later, the groups swapped round, so everyone, without exception, got a dunking in the estuary. Squeals of laughter and excitement could be heard for miles around!

Back at the centre, another two groups headed for the beach, where they used oil drums, poles and ropes to attempt to build a pair of sea-worthy vessels. These were finally launched and paddled with the tide back to the wharf, after battling the wind and waves! After lunch one of the water groups performed acrobatics in a canoe to show off their skills, whilst the second group sailed off in a motor boat, jumped overboard and swam back to shore.

Having partaken of a hearty meal, the children enjoyed an evening of fun games and challenges on site. A wonderful first day!

On Wednesday we awoke to a grey and blustery day, but having filled up on a full English breakfast, our spirits could not be dampened. Two groups set off to catch an early train from Penhelig to Fairbourne to begin a hike up to the stunning Blue Lake. Once there, we set up a base from which to go exploring. After emerging from a 20-metre-long tunnel we arrived at the disused slate quarry, which is filled with the most exquisitely blue water. We then set about building fires, heating water for hot chocolate and generally having fun. A leaf and berry quiz helped to make the walk back down to the train station more interesting.

Two further groups travelled by minibus to a bridge over the Dysinni River. They clambered some distance across a pebbly beach and boulders to a rocky outcrop at Tonfanau for a climbing session. Here the children were taught the importance of teamwork and how to use the ropes to look after each other. En route they discovered seaweed mermaids, and the rock pools were a great source of entertainment.

Crab shells, golf balls and seashells became the latest treasure, and specimens were collected with enthusiasm. And the discovery on the way back of a whale gave rise to much speculation.

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The final group drove to Abergynolwyn to begin a hike across the hills to some spectacular waterfalls at Dolgoch. There they came upon some caves and tunnels which they explored by torchlight. The final challenge came when the lights were switched off and they had to find their way out in the dark, working as a team with the use of just one lamp.

With batteries recharged from a good night’s sleep, the children appeared at breakfast next day eager to begin the day’s activities.

Two different groups went to the Blue Lake whilst another group set off to climb at Tonfanau. One group went rafting, another walked from Abergynolwyn to Dolgoch and, of the last two groups, one took the train to climb at Barmouth slabs, whilst the other group took a scramble/hike along a high ridge.

Our final day at Aberdovey brought about more new challenges for all the children. Three groups visited the mines and Dolgoch Falls. One group built and sailed a raft from canoes and poles, before a visit to the slate mines.

Another group was challenged by the infamous ‘Leap of Faith’ and went on to explore a nature trail and build a dam to test their engineering skills.

The final two groups were ferried by a high-powered dinghy across the estuary to a nature reserve where they learnt about the local environment and had endless fun in the sand dunes.

Upon returning to the Centre, one group enjoyed some abseiling, whilst others took part in additional onsite challenges.

The last activity was a debrief session with the instructors. The children were asked to reflect upon the things they had enjoyed and those they had found to be challenging. What had they learnt about themselves, their strengths and weaknesses? The answers were thoughtful and illuminating!

Finally, a cooked meal and fond farewells to our instructors saw us on our way home, tired, but happy and proud of our achievements, with many memories to treasure.

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Mrs Nordan

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Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse, and the rain began straight after breakfast. In spite of several layers of clothing and heavy-duty waterproofs, all the groups were affected by strong winds, which made the going tough. However, all activities carried on regardless and the children are to be congratulated on their determination and willingness to make the most of the opportunities available to them. The Outward Bound staff did a superb job in keeping spirits high in spite of the weather, and a good time was had by all.

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Art and Design Technology Gallery Buttons Nursery

Pre-Prep

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Young Enterprise

Prep Year 3 Rhino

Year 4 Junk Modelling

Year 5 Figures

Year 6 Surrealism

Year 5 Food Art

Year 5 Wood Carving

Year 4 Architect Day

Design Technology

Year 6

Year 5 Year 3

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Year 4

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Year 6 Production – Ill Met By Moonlight Every midsummer night should surely be enhanced by such a dream as this… Year 6 brought to life Shakespeare’s most enduring classic with clear diction, joyful song and energetic dances. The fairy kingdom was in turmoil, as Oberon (Sachin Subramonian) and Titania (Celine Dass), supported by their elf and fairy followers, argued and the mischievous Puck (Seher Ahmed) became embroiled in the affairs of humans. Refugees from the Court of Athens, Hermia (Evie Wynne) and Lysander (Suyash Poshakwale) vowed to run away and find happiness together… until Puck’s magic deflected Lysander’s affections onto Helena (Elise Beecroft). She believed both he and Demetrius (Abnash Sian) were mocking her as they vied for her attention. Eventually, however, Oberon’s magic restored the balance and a triple wedding – with Duke Theseus (Harjan Boora) and Hippolyta (Francesca Fernando) – ensued.

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Meanwhile, a group of workmen were rehearsing a “suitable” play to perform at the wedding: the “most lamentable comedy” of Pyramus and Thisbe! The ever-confident Bottom (Dylan Poole) was set to play the lead – indeed, he was keen to play as many parts as possible – when he was transformed into a donkey by Puck and Titania fell madly in love with him! The workmen, led by Quince (Shoaib Aftab), deserted him and Bottom enjoyed a new life, with obedient fairies

to scratch his itchy ears and to charm him to sleep – the haunting “Lullaby” beautifully delivered by Maddie Williams.

Mistakes mended and charms completed, the catchy “Hunting Song” awoke the dreamers and set audience toes tapping, with solos from Bradley Williams and Francesca Fernando, before the final scene: the play of Pyramus and Thisbe. No Shakespearean

Farewell to John Edwards, Old Scholar John Edwards was born in 1912 and attended The Blue Coat School just after the First World War. The school was very different in those days (porridge for breakfast and bread and jam – no butter – for tea, with corned beef on Sundays) but John was always grateful for the education he received and the foundation it gave him. He was a regular visitor to our Old Scholars’ Veterans’ Day each summer.

audience can have been better entertained, as Freddie Goodrham introduced his ebullient Wall, Millie Berry presented a nervous Lion, and Lily Bradshaw’s Moon shone determinedly on!

Nathaniel Dass’s Thisbe was a delight, and vied with Pyramus for the most prolonged death scene!

The magic of the eve will live on!

Mrs Redfern After a long life packed with many achievements, adventures and hardships, having lived through two world wars and the great depression of the 20s, John died in May 2013, aged 100. At his funeral there were many wonderful words spoken about his life – he always had a twinkle in his eye when he smiled, and was a very good friend to us all here at Blue Coat.

Headmaster’s Awards Mr Browning has been thrilled to award Headmaster’s Awards to the following pupils during 2012-13:

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Charles Illif Lydia Jin Kyran Johal Maddy Kane James Kendall Ismah Khan Carola Kirchhof Kodie Murphy (3) Phoenix Murphy Aryan Parekh Rohit Ramachandran Samuel Reason Thomas Redfern George Roberts Kheera Sandhu Vimaldev Sanger Freya Stone Francesca Ward Bradley Williams (2)

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Yusuf Aggour Shivanii Arun Beatrice Beardmore Chloe Bissell (2) Amelia Bradley Jacob Carr-Simms Molly Davies Laure-Camille Didier Jennifer Ellis Thomas Evans Francesca Fernando Turan Gardiner Ania Gissen Maya Graves (2) Claudia Grocutt Michael Heneghan (2) Daniel Hindle (2) Georgia Hubbard Jessica Hutchinson (2)

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Sport Report Cricket It has been encouraging to see all the cricket teams making progress and individual and team performances improving as pupils have gained a greater understanding of the intricacies of the game. A large number of games have been completed although a couple fell victim to the weather.

There have been some notable performances this term especially with the ball. Suyash Poshakwale has been a regular wicket-taker for the U11As. This included a 5-wicket haul against Hallfield. Arnav Tyagi has also proved to be a valuable strike bowler for the U10As. With the bat, there have been some promising performances and the boys’ confidence has steadily improved.

Rounders Rounders has been the major summer game for the girls. All teams enjoyed successful seasons with some excellent individual performances. Girls worthy of a special mention for their batting are Amelia and Harriet Bradley (Year 4), Amreece Mangat (Year 5), and Celine Dass (Year 6).

Our most successful team was the Under 9A’s who were unbeaten and performed well under pressure, with sharp fielding and good batting. Francesca Ward and Maddie Williams (Year 6) should be congratulated for their fielding performances throughout the season, and Jemima Wyatt (Year 5) played very well as bowler for the Under 10A’s. The highlights for the U10’s were victories for both the A’s and B’s against Bromsgrove and RGS The Grange.

Well done to everyone.

The 16th MISGA Championships Sixteen years ago we were delighted to host the inaugural Midlands Independent Schools Gymnastics Championships, and we have continued to do so ever since. Some 340 competitors converged upon The Blue Coat Sports Centre for this year’s Championships.

Our highest-achieving team was the Under 11 Novice Twos. These girls were all one year below the age limit and Jenny Ellis took the individual bronze medal for her set floor routine, and vault.

The rest of the team put in solid performances and earned their 2nd place on the podium and silver medals. Commendations should also go to Isabelle Bryans and Georgia Hubbard who stepped up from Year 5 to compete in the Under 11 Advanced team and achieved superb results.

Also worthy of a special mention were the Pre-Prep team of Under 7s, and the Under 9 Advanced team, three from each team being one year under age and showing a great deal of promise for the future.

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Mrs Nordan

Year 1 and Year 2 Swimming Galas

Year 2 medal winners

Years 1 and 2 proved what good all-round swimmers they were. This gala was a celebration of all that the children had achieved during the year in their swimming lessons, from whatever their starting point. Everyone was cheered, clapped and congratulated by parents, teachers and class mates as they strove to complete their heat. Whether the children were swimming widths or lengths they gave of their best.

Our Year 6 boys swimming team at the national finals in Sheffield

Prep Sports Days

Pre-Prep Sports Day

Both of the Year 3 and 4 and Year 5 and 6 Sports Days were exciting for competitors and spectators alike with a number of school records broken. The field events took place in the morning on both occasions with exciting competitions across a number of events including throwing the cricket/ rounders ball, javelin, long jump and a new event, the Endurance Relay. The track events on each of the afternoons were such exciting and fiercely-fought encounters.

Congratulations to all of the children.

Sports Day opened with the whole of Pre-Prep involved in a baton relay. All the children then took part in six varied events before the finale of the Year 1 and 2 class relays (not group) which the younger children were thrilled to witness.

All of the children had a lovely afternoon and we were so lucky that the rain stayed away. It finished with a “Pre-Prep Parade� where each class walked past the parents down the length of the track to cheers from everyone.

New School Records set in June 2013 Kodie Murphy Ania Gissen Kodie Murphy Maya Graves Kodie Murphy Charlie Iliff Maya Graves Amelia Bradley Daniel Hindle Daniel Hindle Amelia Bradley Harriet Bradley Joe Day

Boys Javelin Girls Shot Putt Boys 300m Girls 600m Boys 600m Boys 800m Girls 300m Chest Throw 150m 300m 300m 600m Standing long jump

20.44m 6.93m 52.91 sec 2:11.90 sec 2:00.88 sec 2:38.42 sec 56.44 sec 7.34m 25.08m 57.00 sec 1:01.05 sec 2:14.49 sec 1.76m

Ski Trip to Folgaria, Italy

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The intermediate and advanced skiers perfected their techniques as they negotiated blue, steep red, and even black runs. All the children were presented with their graded certificates and Scuola Italiana Sci badges. Buonissimo!

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Blessed with wonderful conditions, and revelling in the beauty of the mountains, the 2013 Ski Trip was a triumph, enjoyed by parents, children and staff. The beginners delighted everyone with their achievements and soon progressed to the long tree-lined pistes.

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Musical Notes It hardly seems a year since the Chapel Choir, accompanied by members of the Blue Coat School Choral Society, jetted off to Umbria for our second choir tour. We sang in some beautiful cathedrals, the most impressive being the Upper Basilica at Assisi. The choir sounded wonderful in this amazing building and we were privileged indeed to perform at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Closer to home we have enjoyed morning recitals and chapel concerts aplenty. Our young musicians have entertained us royally throughout the year. Over sixty per cent of pupils in Prep now learn to play an instrument, and they certainly make the most of the performance opportunities afforded to them. Many of our children represent the School in musical groups and ensembles outside school, too.

Currently we have six choristers in Birmingham Cathedral Choir, as well as several children who are members of the National Children’s Orchestra, the CBSO Junior Chorus, and the Central Birmingham Schools instrumental ensembles.

and running and we’re delighted that two boys recently took their Grade 1 Bassoon examinations. We look forward to the next two children starting to learn this wonderful instrument next year.

It is great to summarise by saying that music is alive and well here at Blue Coat and that we are extremely proud of the achievements not only of the children, but also of the very talented Visiting Music Teachers who so ably and professionally support and encourage the pupils in their endeavours.

In June, Year 4 attended the CBSO Schools Concert: Birmingham History at Symphony Hall. The pupils enjoyed learning about our wonderful city and how the River Rea meanders its way around and under the city centre. The orchestra was on hand to help tell the story and the children enjoyed music by Beethoven, Mussorgsky and Walton, to name but a few.

We welcomed Mr George, our new brass teacher, and Mrs AckersHeinen our new cello teacher. Mrs Mayne, our new bassoon teacher, has helped to get our ‘Endangered Species’ instrument project up

Pre-Prep Summer Concert Amid some rather unseasonal weather, the children managed to bring the sun out at the Pre-Prep Summer Concert, with some truly wonderful performances. The Suzuki Group, ranging in age from four to seven years olds, demonstrated some fantastic performance skills under the direction of Mrs Carey and Miss Eastwood. The recorder group next got everyone’s toes tapping with ‘I’ve got the EBGBs’, which was great fun! The Year 2 Choir then sang their hearts out to ‘High Hopes’ and the aptly-named ‘Sunshine, Showers and Rainbows’, accompanied expertly by Henry Trevis (2B) and Mr Gough on guitar. There were also some very accomplished individual performers. This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening!

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Miss Paterson

Mr Nicklin

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Examinations Instrument

Grade

Result

Instrument

Grade

Result

Yusuf Aggour

Piano

1

Distinction

Premjeet Kang

Piano

2

Pass

Seher Ahmed

Singing

2

Merit

Pratham Kaushal

Guitar

1

Merit

Jonathan Anderson

Clarinet

4

Merit

Beatrice Kendall

Clarinet

1

Pass

Shivanii Arun

Piano

5

Merit

Thomas Macalino

Violin

3

Pass

Shivanii Arun

Singing

1

Merit

Amara McCracken

Singing

1

Merit

Saran Bahia

Clarinet

1

Merit

Harry McGuirk

Piano

1

Pass

William Barron

Cello

4

Merit

Tyler Micklethwaite

Piano

1

Pass

Emilia Berry

Singing

2

Merit

Alisha Narendran

Piano

2

Pass

Amelia Bradley

Clarinet

2

Pass

Alisha Narendran

Violin

4

Merit

Harriet Bradley

Cello

1

Distinction

Arjun Narendran

Violin

5

Merit

Sanjana Cherukad

Singing

2

Merit

Melanie Page

Cello

1

Pass

Celine Dass

Singing

3

Pass

Ishani Patel

Cello

2

Distinction

Nathaniel Dass

Piano

3

Merit

Jahnvi Patel

Cello

1

Merit

Isha Dau

Violin

3

Distinction

Samuel Reason

Cello

1

Merit

Sofia David

Violin

3

Merit

Nikita Saini

Piano

1

Merit

Rosa Day

Piano

1

Pass

Kheera Sandhu

Singing

1

Merit

Nicholas Draisey

Trumpet

4

Distinction

Bhavesh Sharma

Singing

1

Merit

Rory Elliott

Violin

4

Pass

Bhavesh Sharma

Piano

1

Merit

Rory Elliott

Alto Saxophone

3

Distinction

Amar Singh Gill

Violin

1

Distinction

Jennifer Ellis

Piano

1

Pass

Daniel Slater

Cello

1

Merit

Lotti Gabriel

Singing

1

Distinction

Sanjana Sudeshkumar

Singing

3

Merit

Turan Gardiner

Piano

2

Merit

Arnav Tyagi

Guitar

2

Merit

Emily Geoghegan

Singing

2

Pass

George Vaughan

Flute

1

Pass

Rishit Harsh

Alto Saxophone

2

Pass

Bradley Williams

Piano

2

Merit

Michael Heneghan

Trumpet

5

Pass

Madeline Williams

Singing

3

Distinction

Georgia Hubbard

Flute

1

Distinction

Luke Wilson

Alto Saxophone

2

Merit

Jessica Hutchinson

Clarinet

2

Merit

Tristan Wong

Violin

2

Distinction

Gaurika Jaswal

Clarinet

3

Pass

Tristan Wong

Piano

1

Merit

Lydia Jin

Violin

5

Distinction

Jemima Wyatt

Flute

2

Distinction

Maddy Kane

Clarinet

2

Pass

Evie Wynne

Singing

3

Merit

Results for the Summer Term 2013. Associated Board examinations were unavailable at the time of print.

Merit

Arushi Kulshreshtha

Drums

1

Pass

Archie Ryland

Drums

1

Pass

Sachin Subramonian

Drums

1

Merit

Elise Beecroft

Grade 6

Merit

Elliot Clarkson

Primary

Distinction

Charlotte Gabriel

Primary

Distinction

Emily Geoghegan

Grade 3

Merit

Beatrice Kendall

Primary

Distinction

Libby Whitehouse

Primary

Distinction S L OO CH

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1

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Drums

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Kyran Johal

The Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Examinations

17

Rockschool Examinations

17

The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art Speech Awards Speaking Verse and Prose (Prep) Yusuf Aggour

Preparatory

Aditi Ajithkumar

Preparatory

Zaki Almallah

Preliminary

Philip Angelopoulos

Preparatory

Shivanii Arun

Distinction

Arjun Narendran

Entry

Ayotunde Ogunremi

Entry

Distinction

Melanie Page

Preliminary

Distinction

Distinction

Ishani Patel

Preliminary

Distinction

Preliminary

Distinction

Jahnvi Patel

Preparatory

Distinction

Saran Bahia

Entry

Distinction

Charlotte Poole

Entry

Merit

Aran Bansal

Entry

Distinction

Erin Quinn

Preparatory

Distinction

Elliot Clarkson

Preliminary

Distinction

Naina Reddy

Entry

Distinction

Gian Dhillon

Preliminary

Distinction

Thomas Redfern

Entry

Distinction

Paarus Gill

Preliminary

Distinction

Sachin Subramonian

Preliminary

Distinction

Riyaan Haroon

Preliminary

Merit

Aryan Sudeshkumar

Preliminary

Distinction

Isobel Heagren

Entry

Merit

Sanjana Sudeshkumar

Grade 1

Merit

Harris Hussain

Preparatory

Distinction

Dhiren Tandon

Preliminary

Merit

Elizabeth James

Entry

Distinction

Rohan Tandon

Grade 1

Merit

Pratham Kaushal

Preparatory

Distinction

Simran Thandi

Preliminary

Distinction

Muwahhid Khan

Entry

Merit

Abigail Tomlinson

Preliminary

Distinction

Bronagh Lee

Entry

Distinction

Aaryan Tyagi

Preliminary

Distinction

Amreece Mangat

Preliminary

Distinction

Arnav Tyagi

Entry

Distinction

Amelia Mohammed

Preliminary

Merit

George Vaughan

Preparatory

Distinction

Phoenix Murphy

Preliminary

Merit

Christopher Yu

Preliminary

Merit

Maya Narayan-Hull

Entry

Merit

Gaurika Jaswal

Entry

Merit

Distinction

Distinction

Merit

Reading for Performance (Prep) Maya Graves

Entry

Distinction

Rishit Harsh

Entry

Distinction

Introductory (Pre-Prep) Introductory

Distinction

Maya Kapil

Introductory

Distinction

Maya Ahmed

Preparatory

Distinction

Saru Karanam

Preparatory

Distinction

Ayaan Ali

Preparatory

Merit

Bryneet Kaur

Introductory

Distinction

Zakirah Aslam

Introductory

Merit

Anne-Laure Kavanagh

Introductory

Distinction

Roshan Bahia

Preparatory

Distinction

Tanya Leech

Preparatory

Distinction

Avneet Bajwa

Preparatory

Merit

Prisyn Pagliuca

Introductory

Distinction

Emma Burns

Introductory

Distinction

Shayan Patel

Introductory

Merit

Deyuan Chen

Introductory

Distinction

Ryan Raeiszadeh

Preparatory

Merit

Mustafa Dar

Introductory

Pass

Daleep Rai

Introductory

Merit

Karishma Dar

Preparatory

Merit

Sophie Reason

Introductory

Distinction

Josh Dhillon

Introductory

Distinction

Sareena Sharma

Introductory

Merit

Jovan Dhillon

Preparatory

Distinction

Nitara Sharma

Preparatory

Merit

Millun Gill

Preparatory

Distinction

Kairav Singh

Introductory

Merit

Pia Grewal

Introductory

Distinction

Rosabella Sung

Preparatory

Distinction

Morgan Heagren

Introductory

Distinction

Charlotte Tomlins

Preparatory

Distinction

Jeevan Johal

Introductory

Distinction

Zoe Willcox

Preparatory

Merit

Laila Johngir

Introductory

Merit

Tristan Wong

Introductory

Distinction

Amrita Kang

Preparatory

Distinction

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Arooj Ahmed

Scholarship Awards and Examinations Success to Senior Schools Academic Scholarships In total, 33 awards were offered to Blue Coat School children, reflecting their high performance, but 28 were declined in favour of alternative offers.

Saffron Dass

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Luca Laroiya-McCarron

Priory School

Claudia Grocutt

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Sanjana Sudeshkumar

King Edward VI High School for Girls

Entrance to Senior Schools Shoaib Aftab

King Edward’s School

Arushi Kulshreshtha

King Edward VI High School for Girls

Seher Ahmed

King Edward VI Handsworth

Oscar Laight

King Edward’s School

Elise Beecroft

King Edward VI High School for Girls

Luca Laroiya-McCarron

Priory School

Emilia Berry

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Iman Mahmood

King Edward VI Handsworth

Navraj Bhamra

King Edward VI Five Ways

Harry McGuirk

King Edward VI Five Ways

Harjan Boora

King Edward VI Five Ways

George Morris

King Edward VI Five Ways

Lily Bradshaw

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Benjamin Murphy

King Edward VI Five Ways

Scarlett Brunning

King Edward VI High School for Girls

Nikhita Nijjar

Wolverhampton Girls’ High School

Anusha Chandra-Paisley

King Edward VI Handsworth

Aryan Parekh

Solihull School

Sanjana Cherukad

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Girls

Catherine Perry

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Thomas Corbett

King Edward’s School

Nina Piotrowska

Oldbury Academy

Celine Dass

St Paul’s School for Girls

Dylan Poole

King Edward’s School

Nathaniel Dass

King Edward VI Five Ways

Suyash Poshakwale

King Edward’s School

Saffron Dass

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Isabel Protheroe

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Molly Davies

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Haris Rahman

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Rosa Day

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Girls

Navun Rai

St George’s School

Arjan Dhinsa

King Edward’s School

Nick Draisey

King Edward VI Five Ways

Neena Saini Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls Vimaldev Sanger

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys

Abnash Sian

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys

Francesca Fernando

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Armaan Singh

King Edward VI Aston

Emily Geoghegan

King Edward VI High School for Girls

Mamta Sohal

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Freddie Goodrham

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Sachin Subramonian

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys

Claudia Grocutt

Edgbaston High School for Girls

Sanjana Sudeshkumar

King Edward VI High School for Girls

Michael Heneghan

King Edward’s School

Anil Suglani

King Edward VI Aston

Alexander Hindle

King Edward’s School

Rohan Tandon

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys

Samuel Hope

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys

Varsha Thirumalaikumar

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Girls

Armaani Hussain

King Edward VI Five Ways

Avanish Tiwari

King Edward VI Five Ways

Charles Iliff

King Edward’s School

Shreyas Tiwari

Handsworth Grammar School

Zayn Islam

King Edward VI Five Ways

Francesca Ward

King Edward VI High School

Michael James-Thomas

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys

Bradley Williams

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys

Gaurika Jaswal

King Edward VI High School for Girls

Madeline Williams

King Edward VI High School for Girls

William Jones

King Edward’s School

Luke Wilson

King Edward’s School

Krishan Kaushal

King Edward’s School

Evie Wynne

King Edward VI Camp Hill for Girls

James Kendall

King Edward’s School

Usmaan Yaqoob

King Edward’s School

Pavan Khatkar

King Edward’s School

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Kaela Ferguson Manor Church of England Academy, York

19

Charity Check The term’s Charity activities began with a whole school assembly at which Chaplain’s account of her visit to Kyrgyzstan to help with the distribution of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child gave us all food for thought. Mrs Elphinston certainly experienced the joy of those who live in the midst of suffering and who share unconditionally even as they experience real deprivation.

The great British weather meant that, for the second consecutive year the annual Blue Coat School Fête was held indoors. Thanks are due to the Association of Friends for organising a really funfilled afternoon, despite the weather! A bumper sale of raffle tickets and the stalls and events resulted in a very successful fund-raising day. The enthusiastic fund raising of St. Philip’s boys enabled us to contribute towards the cost of Miss Ward’s summer trip to Malawi where she will be helping to train local teachers. The ‘Sweetie Stall’ was laden with tempting goodies and skilfully manned by members of the Year 3 Helping Hands Club. The money raised there will be much appreciated by those who care for the children of St. Agnes Children’s Home, Gokwe. Meanwhile the guide dogs were out in force to support the Pre-Prep fund raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

hard for others can be a really fun way of raising money. Thank you St. George’s, this was certainly a Bob a Job well done!

Buttons Nursery children were joined by the Transition children on the annual Big Toddle. All of the children and staff were resplendent in their nursery rhyme and fairy tale costumes as they made two circuits of the field, thereby raising a lot of sponsorship money to support the work of Barnardo’s.

Please bring your unwanted clean clothes, shoes and handbags to school so that we can help raise funds to equip classrooms in the Logos Girls High School, Gokwe.

Additionally our very first ‘Bob-a-Job’ week was initiated in style by the boys of St. George’s. It is really satisfying to find out that working

Buttons Nursery children enjoying the Barnardo’s Big Toggle

Finally, through our very generous giving, chapel collections enabled us to provide our usual support for Christian Aid.

Looking ahead...

Thanks to Mrs Lynn’s inspiration we have installed our very own UNWANTED CLOTHES BANK situated in Saint Margaret’s.

SAVE YOUR SHOEBOXES! When you buy any new school shoes this summer PLEASE SAVE THE BOX! We will be aiming to set a new school record for the number of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes that we fill for our Harvest Collection!

Key Dates for Autumn Term 2013 Term begins at 8.30am Wednesday 4th September

Half-Term holiday begins Thursday 24th October

Open Morning Saturday 5th October 10-12.30pm (Please arrive by 11.45am)

Second half of term begins Monday 4th November

Term ends Friday 13th December

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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