On Tuesday 17 March, Year 5 set off on an unforgettable journey to Birmingham Botanical Gardens. As we disembarked from the coach, I thought about the wonderful activities we would do and the plants we would see. I was buzzing with excitement!

I was group “A” and the first thing we could do was to explore the place. When we headed out the door, I could smell the sweet scent of orchids, daffodils, blossoms, and other unidentifiable flowers! As our group walked into the woods, a small fairy-like fountain appeared in front of us, its water shining in the soft sunlight. At last, it was time for our first activity which was “Rainforest Fun with Animals.” We climbed up the staircase to a vibrant, decorated room. We sat down and the Botanical Gardens teacher began the lesson. We kicked things off by learning about the layers of the rainforest and how plants and animals have adapted to live in the higher parts of the rainforest. Towards the end of our session, the teacher said they were bringing alive animals out! The first animal was a corn snake called Candice. Her scales were smooth and shiny and felt like a moving sausage! Then finally, it was time for lunch.

After lunch, my group had the “Rainforest Challenge!” I was the most excited about this activity because it meant we were going into the glass houses! We were taken into a room where the teachers told us what we were going to do. It sounded like a fun experience, and it meant that we would get a chance to see lots of plants! We were told to split ourselves into groups of four or five and we were given a backpack filled with clues to help us find plants around the glasshouse. The activity was simple but fun. On the clipboard would be a sheet of paper with the starting letters of the name of the plant we were supposed to find in the glass houses. As we walked into the glass houses, I felt a burst of warm air hit my face. There were two glass houses we were supposed to explore, the subtropical glass house and the tropical glass house. At the end of it all, we discovered that my group was the only one to get all the questions filled in and correct!

After a fun day at the Botanical Gardens, it was time to head back, but not before we visited the gift shop! It was a very enjoyable day, and I wish to come again.

By Jason, 5S

In assembly this week we continued our focus on being reflective by considering the benefits of being curious. Linking to British Science Week, I asked the boys to consider how being curious is the foundation of academic success and future careers. Whether it is being a scientist, an engineer, an actor, an archaeologist  or even a sportsman, reflecting on the ‘why’ is vital to developing greater knowledge and understanding. The boys learnt about how an apple inspired Sir Isaac Newton to ask questions which led to our understanding of gravity. The boys also took a closer look at the edge of a £2 coin which is inscribed with the words, ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’. These words were used by Sir Isaac Newton to describe how he saw his discoveries as being built on the curiosity of the scientists who came before. If you would like to complete some experiments at home which answer some curious scientific questions, then there are some great ideas on the Science Sparks and British Science Week websites. 

Huge congratulations to Year 4 this week who put on an ‘amazing’ performance of The Amazing Adventures of SuperStan. The pupils should be proud of all their efforts; whether singing, acting or dancing, the boys entertained the audience incredibly well. Thank you to the parents and staff who supported the boys over recent weeks. 

This week also saw football and rugby fixtures, the ESSA Swimming, U11 IAPS Chess and the Year 6 Bebras Computing Challenge. Year 6 visited Bletchley Park today and some of the Year 6 boys are also busy tomorrow at the Caldicott rugby 7s tournament – good luck boys! 

Please also read the request in the newsletter for clothes donations for the local initiative, Mary’s Merry-Go-Round, coordinated by St Mary’s Church in Warwick.  

Wishing you an enjoyable weekend, 

John Bond 

The Year 6 residential at Plas-y-Brenin has been a memorable week filled with adventure, challenge, and teamwork. From the moment the boys arrived in Capel Curig, they approached each activity with enthusiasm and maturity, making the most of the stunning surroundings of Eryri National Park. 

Across the week, groups took on a variety of experiences both above and below ground. Several boys explored the atmospheric mines, including Rhiwbach, abseiling into deep chambers, navigating narrow passages and learning about the area’s rich industrial history. Others embraced the thrills of gorge walking, tackling fast‑flowing streams, natural rock features and even dipping into icy pools.  

Boys summited a range of local peaks, from the ridges of Elidir Fawr and Carnedd y Filiast to the impressive ascent of Moel Siabod. A particular highlight of the week was the achievement of two groups who became the first from Warwick Junior School to climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via the demanding South Ridge — an outstanding accomplishment that required stamina, resilience and teamwork. 

The boys faced every challenge with positivity, supporting one another through long climbs, underground exploration and technical abseils. The instructors repeatedly commented on their progress, attitude and camaraderie.  

Throughout their time at Plas-y-Brenin, the boys have been a credit to the school, they were respectful and willing to push themselves in new environments. They return home tired but proud, carrying stories and achievements that will stay with them for years to come!

This week was another one of those weeks as a headteacher where you are struck by the range of opportunities available to the boys and the way they attack such challenges with dedication, resilience and talent.

At the start of the week, I joined Year 6 in North Wales as they started their week-long residential in Snowdonia. The boys (and staff!) were blessed with some wonderful weather as they climbed mountains, slid down gorges, explored mines and abseiled down cliffs. The boys demonstrated great enthusiasm and teamwork as they took on a range of challenges throughout the week and I am sure they will have made some lifelong memories.  

On Wednesday, some boys from Year 3 visited Westgate Primary School, one of our MAT schools, to hear from children’s author Katie Sahota. The boys impressed with their listening skills and sensible questions; it was also a wonderful opportunity for them to get to know some of the Westgate and Evergreen pupils who also attended. A huge thank you to Mr Watson, and the Westgate staff for inviting us.  

After school on Wednesday, I watched the teatime concert and it is always a pleasure to see the boys perform with such confidence. Some of the boys are still at the early stages of learning their instrument, whilst others are more experienced performers, but all of the boys should be proud of their musicality and confidence. It was also apparent how much the boys enjoyed the opportunity to perform in front of their families. Well done to all the boys who performed and thank you to Mrs Glover and Miss Hooker. 

Next week, we look forward to seeing the Year 4 play. A huge amount of work has gone into this production and I know the boys will put on a wonderful show. 

With best wishes, 

John  Bond 

On Friday 13 February, the music department was delighted to welcome Bridge Street Brass, an outstanding quintet from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, who performed a brilliant lunchtime recital for our Junior School brass pupils.

Their packed recital was delivered with style and flair, bringing our brass family together in a celebration of ensemble performance at its finest. The varied programme included Suite Impromptu (Marche) by Lafosse, a dazzling arrangement of La La Land, Gershwin’s Four Hits for Five, McKee’s energetic Highball on White Pass, and Bernstein’s Maria and Tonight from West Side Story. Each performance showcased the colour, versatility, and expressive power of brass, leaving our students captivated by the group’s precision and professionalism.

A short Q&A session offered valuable insight into how the musicians trained and the dedication required to perform at such a high level. The boys left the recital animated and inspired by the experience.

It was a fun and uplifting way to round off the half-term, and a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to experience live brass music performed at the highest level.