We continued to reflect on our Learning Strength of Focus this week — that ability to give sustained attention, to remain purposeful and to concentrate fully on what is in front of us. Alongside this, in assembly on Monday, we considered the importance of respect: what respectful behaviour looks like in practice and how showing consideration for others not only strengthens our community, but also contributes to our own sense of happiness and wellbeing. 

This message was brought to life wonderfully this week through the Year 6 production of We Will Rock You. Musical performance demands complete concentration — learning lines, refining movement, responding to cues and working in harmony with others — and it was a joy to see how the boys rose to this challenge. The quality of the acting, singing and dancing was excellent, but equally impressive was the teamwork that underpinned it all. From the performers on stage to the technical crew behind the scenes and the house band providing the musical foundation, every contribution mattered and reflected a shared commitment to giving their very best. 

Such performances do not come together by chance. They are the result of careful preparation, resilience and, above all, sustained focus. As we often remind the boys, progress rarely comes from shortcuts; it comes from attention to detail, listening to others and working collaboratively towards a common goal. In this respect, the production provided a powerful reminder of how focus and respect go hand in hand — recognising the role we each play within a team and supporting one another to achieve something greater than we could alone.

My sincere thanks go to all those involved in making the production such a success, particularly the staff and Miss Curle for her leadership in directing and producing the show. We are incredibly proud of the boys and all they have achieved; well done to everyone who contributed to such a memorable occasion. 

Wishing you all an enjoyable and restful half-term. 

John Bond 

Year 4 went to see Kosmos perform at Castle Hill Baptist Church on Wednesday afternoon. They were the audience for a concert that was live-streamed to more than 1,000 children.

The ensemble consisted of a violin, viola and accordion, and performed a fusion of music from around the world. The boys were particularly impressed by the musicians’ use of extended techniques on the string instruments, including ghostly harmonic sounds used to evoke Scandinavia.

The boys also learnt a Spanish lullaby, which they performed alongside the musicians during the concert. It was a fantastic opportunity provided by Leamington Music.

Our Learning Strength of Focus has remained the key theme this week, helping the boys to think carefully about where they direct their attention and how they respond when something feels difficult. In Monday’s assembly, we discussed phobias and fears, particularly the fear of the number 13 – Triskaidekaphobia - and how fears can sometimes distract us from focusing on what is important or hold us back from giving something a try. 

This message resonated particularly strongly when linked back to the recent residential, where many of our Year 4 boys showed remarkable focus and courage in taking on the zipwire. For some, fear was very real — yet by concentrating on the task ahead, listening carefully to instructions and trusting those around them, they achieved something they may not initially have thought possible. As Alexander Graham Bell once observed, “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” 

This was a wonderful example of how focus can help us move beyond hesitation and unlock personal achievement, and we saw further examples of this Learning Strength lived out across the school as the week progressed. The focus and determination shown by the boys at the swimming gala against the Prep School was impressive, with commitment evident in every race. Cricket fixtures across all year groups highlighted not only developing skills, but the importance of staying mentally engaged — ball by ball, moment by moment – and working together as a team. Meanwhile, the Micro Choir represented the school superbly at the Big Sing in Coventry Cathedral, where sustained concentration, attentive listening and commitment to one another resulted in a wonderful experience. 

As ever, all these experiences remind us that focus is not just an academic skill. It is a life skill — one that helps our boys face fears, support one another and give that little bit more, even when something feels challenging. Wishing you an enjoyable and restful weekend.  

John Bond 

Following the successful development of Foundation ski racing over the past few years, we recently offered some taster sessions to encourage more students to give skiing and ski racing a go. Using our home base of Swadlincote Snowsports Centre, sessions took place on 19 April and 10 May.

Demand far exceeded expectations, with nearly 50 Year 5–7 pupils across the foundation attending the sessions. With those who can already ski gaining a taste of basic ski racing, and many pupils hitting the beginner slopes to learn to ski for the first time, the sessions have proved a great success.

Several of the beginners are aiming to prepare before going on school ski trips next winter and this training hopefully will provide them with the basic skills for when they reach the snow. Of those students who have skied before, a number have the potential to join our existing race teams! This should result in a stronger Foundation presence at forthcoming Regional and National school ski races.

We hope to be able to offer more sessions for all in the very near future. Watch this space for news of more taster sessions in the autumn too!

From Wednesday 6 May to Friday 8 May, Year 3 and Year 4 pupils went on an unforgettable residential trip to the Mount Cook Adventure Centre in Derbyshire. With plenty of sunshine, the two-night trip was filled with plenty of fun and learning.

The Year 3 boys engaged in a variety of exciting activities, including land karts, indoor climbing and the 'Game of Tribes'. They also participated in fire-lighting, shelter construction, archery and throwing. The evenings were equally adventurous, where the boys made a bow drill around a campfire and built rockets. Throughout these activities, the boys worked together and supported each other through challenges.

Year 4 pupils took on more challenging pursuits, such as high ropes, ziplining off the top of the accommodation block, off-site orienteering, scrambling, and rock climbing. Their evenings were filled with abseiling and the 'Mount Cook challenge'. The boys showed remarkable independence as they tackled each activity with enthusiasm and determination. Their ability to communicate effectively and take responsibility for their actions was evident throughout the trip.

The boys stayed in dormitories of 4 or 6, which led to some late nights filled with laughter and bonding. Despite the excitement, they made the most of every opportunity presented to them, demonstrating creativity and reflectiveness in their approach to the various activities.

The food at Mount Cook was a highlight for the boys, which gave them all the energy needed for their action-packed days. The staff at Mount Cook were brilliant, offering support and guidance throughout the trip.

The trip was a resounding success, with the boys not only having fun but also developing important skills. The combination of excellent weather, fun-filled activities, and supportive staff made this an unforgettable adventure for everyone involved.

A heartfelt thank you to all the staff who made this trip possible. Their dedication and hard work ensured that the boys had a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience. The boys returned home with wonderful memories, having had a fantastic time at Mount Cook.

Our Learning Strength this week continues to be Focus — that ability to give sustained attention, to persevere when something is challenging, and to remain purposeful even when there are distractions all around. This week, that message felt particularly apt as our Year 3 and 4 pupils headed off to Mount Cook for their residential adventure, and I was fortunate enough to visit them on Thursday. 

Stepping away from familiar routines and comforts offers a powerful test of focus, particularly when it can be the first time the boys have stayed away from home. Whether tackling the zipwire, lighting fires, building shelters, navigating routes through orienteering, or scrambling and climbing over unfamiliar terrain, the boys were required to concentrate fully on the task in front of them. Success did not come from rushing, but from listening carefully, working methodically and trusting both themselves and those around them. In each activity, it was heartening to see how focus translated into personal achievement and growing confidence. 

Equally striking was the way teamwork underpinned every challenge. Focus was not an individual pursuit; it depended on encouragement, cooperation and problem-solving as a group. The boys learned the importance of resilience when things did not go perfectly first time, adapting their approach, supporting one another and learning from experience. These moments — often small and easily overlooked — are where real development takes place. 

Residential experiences such as this create memories that last far beyond the week itself. Long after the kit bags are unpacked, the boys will remember the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming a fear, mastering a new skill, or contributing meaningfully to a team effort. Above all, they return with a deeper understanding that focus, confidence and perseverance are qualities that extend well beyond the classroom and will continue to serve them throughout their lives. 

Links with the community continue to thrive with the Year 3 pupils helping with the design of a Junior School ‘peace tree’ for the Warwick Peace Festival being held at St. Mary’s Church in Warwick this weekend. Our tree, alongside those designed by the Prep School and other primary schools in Warwick will be exhibited at St. Mary’s and the College Garden this Saturday. Click here for more information.

Wishing you an enjoyable weekend with your family and friends, 

John Bond