One such new venture I sprung on the boys in assembly on Monday, after Ethan’s terrific violin recording and Eisa’s informative presentation on the Festival of Eid that aided all our understanding, was the ‘Could it be you?’ slide. Here, randomly selected names were drawn from the bag along with an invitation to meet with me during Monday afternoon break time. Jonathan from the Pre-Prep and Henry, Daniel, Luke and Marcus, from Years 3 - 6 respectively were the ‘lucky’ boys who trotted along nervously with their books. We all enjoyed the opportunity to share their thoughts and work with me and each other whilst the biscuits and squash certainly disappeared quickly! It was good to hear them reflect upon school and mention a wide range of subjects as their favourites and their reasons for it. It was heartening to see how they could reflect upon their best work and bits that need attention.

I also asked my amazing colleagues to outline their favourite moments in school this week. Like the boys, there were many different responses from a vast array of experiences. The boys certainly do respond to the challenges and problems that are set with vigour and interest. Skills, talents, prior knowledge and their thinking are really investigated then embedded and enjoyably developed. 

Miss Bharj then finished the aforementioned assembly with a strong and seamless link to British values. How we are all different and that we work better as a team. Which allowed us to reflect upon our own Claires Court ethos of respect, responsibility, loyalty and integrity. 

It has been a pleasure to meet with a number of parents recently, and it was good to see so many of you at the virtual ‘Future Schools Information’ presentation on Wednesday. Please do not hesitate to arrange an appointment with Mrs Henley if you would like to discuss this topic and let us support you and help guide your thoughts. A further date for the diary is the Discovery Day to be held at Senior Boys on 2 July. From the programme being planned I know Year 5 will have a wonderful adventure.

As part of our smooth transition to Senior Boys it was great to see Mr Miller (Head of Year 7) visit and get to know the boys on Wednesday and talk to colleagues about them. He left with a happy smile! I know your boys, regardless of their destination, will leave Junior Boys as confident communicators and as well prepared citizens who do contribute. 

To conclude, one of my personal highlights of the week is always to time an observational walk to be able to eavesdrop on Year 6 as they explore aided by Mr Hogg’s gentle guidance through the perils and exciting changes of moving onto Secondary School. It is always fascinating and so important to consider and respond to what the boys actually think, rather than what we think they do. 

Have a fabulous weekend.