Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Lion Magazine.
This copy of the Lion once again bears testimony to the wealth of talent and opportunity which enriches the Bablake community. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.
One of my hardest challenges each year is judging the Christmas card competition, and you can see some of the excellent entries in this edition. I was somewhat taken aback by the card that featured my face, something I did not remember giving permission for! When I shared this at home, my family were equally surprised; however, when I explored this further, it turns out it wasn’t my image that shocked them, rather that I was called ‘jolly’.
Our pupils continue to achieve amazing accolades in all areas of school life. Much of their success derives from inspiration, but the amount of perspiration required should not be underestimated. Dan Mousley, who is profiled at the end of this edition, is a fantastic example of this. Dan is always generous with his
Talented
Young Authors
Congratulation to our pupils who were published in the Young Writers Story Writing Anthology. They each wrote a mini story inspired by the title ‘Mission Catastrophe’.
Photo: Abhishek, Charlotte and Jaxon
time and frequently returns to Bablake to encourage others to take up cricket, but perhaps what others do not see, is the hard work that he has always put into this sport. He deserves every bit of his ongoing success.
The individuals who emerge from Bablake are fabulous young people, well equipped for life and with a generosity of spirit. The opportunities available here, many of which are documented in this edition, extend our views and understanding of the world, they teach us important new skills such as working together, they help give us balance in life, they enrich and they inspire.
At this time of economic challenge, I hope you can continue to see that making an investment in a
Bablake education is worth it. We are passionately aware of our responsibility and privilege to provide a rich and happy education for life. I wish you a very happy Christmas.
Mr Andrew Wright, Headmaster
Trips Learning Through Adventure
Arete, North Wales
Arete means ‘excellence of any kind’, and as far as our trip to the outdoor adventure centre in North Wales is concerned, everything was excellent. Although the weather could have been kinder!
For our first outing, we piled into rafts and headed out onto the lake with the wind howling and rain pouring. Suitably dressed though, we had great fun and felt a sense of achievement when we returned to the centre for warm showers and some good food.
The next four days went by too quickly. The weather improved and we enjoyed coasteering, gorge sliding, rock climbing, a visit underground into the slate mines which also included a boat trip and abseiling, zip wiring, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and bodyboarding.
Half of the pupils had been to Arete before and were returning for more thrills, which shows how popular and good the trip is.
For the attending Shells, this was our first time at Arete and although we were sometimes out of our comfort zone, we gained some amazing skills, made firm friends and will definitely be returning for more learning through adventure.
Evening activities included a visit to Caernarfon, a local walk in stunning scenery, orienteering and a variety of challenge games. The whole trip was ‘Arete’ and we are looking forward to more adventures in Wales next year.
By Daisy, Ellen, Sophia, Sienna, Ava and Darcy
Shells Kick Off the Term with Olympics Fun
The House events timetable began this year with the Shell Olympics, always a great start to a term of interhouse competition.
The event is an excellent opportunity for pupils to engage in team-based activities, cheered on by parents, carers, form tutors and house staff.
The morning was filled with a variety of unusual events, including an obstacle course, welly wangling, netball shootout, target throwing and hockey dribbling.
Despite the morning drizzle, spirits remained high. The boys’ competition was close, with just one point separating three teams, but Bayley emerged as the overall winners. In the girls’ competition, the results were more spread out with Crow winning overall.
Our House system fosters friendly competition across all year groups. Pupils can actively contribute by participating in team and individual events, earning valuable House points along the way.
Pupils earn House points for every event and the collective event points contribute towards the House Cup which is awarded at the end of the academic year.
House Events
Basketball
This term saw the launch of the House Basketball competitions, there have been matches by Year 11 and Sixth Form. Despite only having three players for two of the matches, Crow managed to win all their games to be the overall champions. Well done to Danny, Daniel and Philip for taking part and doing so well.
The other houses fought well and the overall results were 1st Crow, 2nd Fairfax, 3rd Bayley and 4th Wheatley.
Our House badges:
Dodgeball
Each year group took part in house dodgeball with the following results:
Shells – 1st Fairfax, 2nd Bayley, 3rd Crow, 4th Wheatley
Year 8 – 1st Fairfax, 2nd Wheatley, 3rd Crow, 4th Bayley
Intermediates (Years 9 and 10) –1st Bayley, 2nd equal Wheatley and Fairfax, 4th Crow
Seniors (Year 11 and Sixth Form) 1st Crow, 2nd Fairfax, 3rd Bayley and 4th Wheatley
Junior Quiz
Our Junior House Quiz was a fantastic event. Each House had four team players who answered questions in fast fire timed rounds. All teams did really well answering some very challenging questions.
Shells – 1st Bayley, 2nd Wheatley and 3rd equal Crow and Fairfax.
Year 8 – 1st Bayley, whose team consisted of three of the top set maths pupils and they strategically chose Maths as one of their categories winning them the quiz, 2nd Crow, 3rd Wheatley and 4th Fairfax.
House Music
Rocks the Stage
House Music returned this term with Shells, Year 8 and 9 pupils taking part. Everyone did a fantastic job of performing their chosen song.
BAYLEY CROW FAIRFAX WHEATLEY
THE GREAT CAKE-OFF
This year we held a house competition to bake a cake in one of four categories, cupcakes, tray bake, large cake and cookies. These entries were judged by senior prefects and then sold at the Macmillan Coffee Morning. There were some fantastic entries by some very talented pupils. An incredible £790 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support.
CUPCAKES
LARGE CAKES
Play in a Day Drama
Shells came together in the theatre with collaborative and creative energy for their Play in a Day.
Pupils shared their ideas and approaches to the stimulus, which this year was focused on Black History Month.
Stand out moments in the performance included the story of Mary Seacole through the style of physical theatre as well as the full ensemble holding a moment of stillness on stage to demonstrate the significance of racial unity.
This annual event builds the bonds of imagination and responsibility within the year group and they certainly rose to the challenge this year.
So what did our Shells think…?
“Play in a Day was a great opportunity to work with others and perform in front of an audience.” Sunni
“I loved Play in a Day as there was so much variety in what we learnt and performed; it was a really thrilling day.” Sebastian
“I found the Play in a Day very interesting as I didn’t know a lot about Black History.” Archie
Friday Night Lights
A memorable evening took place on Friday 18 October at Coventry Rugby Club under lights!
An outstanding performance from our 1st XV to secure the Mike Hibbert Shield with a 29-14 victory against King Henry’s.
Rugby vs Princethorpe
The 1st XV put in an outstanding effort in a highly competitive match against Princethorpe this term. Both teams showcased exciting, free-flowing and physical rugby. It was fantastic to see a mix of U16s, U17s and U18s from both sides stepping up for the 1st XV so early in the season.
The 2nd XV also displayed great determination, scoring some brilliant team tries. Despite facing a powerful Princethorpe side and battling through injuries, the team never gave up, showing incredible resilience throughout the match.
Boys’ Hockey
Seniors
A relatively young 1st XI have enjoyed a strong start to the season, working well in training to form a cohesive unit that has played some impressive hockey. After a difficult start to the season, a hard-fought draw against KES Stratford galvanised the team and impressive victories against King Edward’s Five Ways and Princethorpe followed, demonstrating the ability within the squad.
The 2nd XI have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, with strong results against Solihull, King Edward’s Five Ways and KES Stratford. It has been great to see so many of our U16s flourish and push for places in the 1st XI. Both squads have benefitted from coaching from our professional hockey coach, Richard Major, who has also been coaching the England Hockey Ladies U55s and accompanied them to New Zealand for the Masters World were they were victorious.
Juniors
Our junior teams have started the season positively and it has been great to see so many players training after school to improve their skills. Although hockey for the boys takes priority after Christmas, the U15s and U14s have enjoyed fixtures against KES Birmingham, KES Stratford and Lawrence Sheriff School. The U13s enjoyed a triangular tournament
Rugby vs Lawrence Sherriff
U12s - Bablake lost 25-5. It was an improved performance, fierce defence from the home team but LSS had strong runners. The final score was not a true reflection of the game but both teams were extremely respectful and big smiles after.
U13s – 20-20 Draw. Impressive performance with many B team boys stepping up against a physical LSS side. LSS scored last play to earn a well-deserved draw but both teams displayed great skills and passion throughout.
with Warwick and King Henry’s and showcased real potential. The U12s have shown excellent enthusiasm; it has been great to see so many Shells on a Thursday evening learning the game. Their enthusiasm is evident with so many boys also taking the opportunity to join local clubs.
Girls’ Hockey
The 1st XI girls’ hockey team, led by captain Sophie, has experienced a season marked by both highs and challenges. Their standout moment came in a commanding 9-1 victory over Leicester Grammar, highlighted by Maisie K’s remarkable seven-goal performance. While tough losses against Princethorpe and Malvern College tested their resilience, the team’s consistent improvement bodes well for their remaining fixtures.
The 2nd XI, captained by Roop and supported by an injured Sheen, has had a series of tightly contested matches. They celebrated a well-earned win over Nottingham High School but faced narrow defeats to Princethorpe College
and Bloxham School. Their strong team cohesion has made them a joy to coach and play for.
The U15 A team kicked off the season on a high note, securing impressive victories against Malvern St James and Nottingham High School. Their dedication to weekly training has been evident in their continuous improvement since September.
The U14 A team notched an exciting 2-1 win against Leicester Grammar but were held to a goalless draw in an end-to-end match against Bloxham School. With talent and potential to spare, this team is set to shine as they advance with their hockey.
All Shells and Year 8 pupils have proudly represented Bablake in matches this term, boosting overall participation. Despite weather challenges limiting fixtures for the U13 A and B teams, the A team secured a solid 2-0 win over Nottingham High School and a 2-2 draw with Bloxham School, demonstrating great promise. Although the U12 A-D teams faced strong opposition and tough losses, their ongoing skill development and strategic understanding have been commendable.
Netball
The netball season began with excitement around the Sister n Sport competition, engaging all age groups. Highlights include the U14s being crowned Coventry School Champions, remaining undefeated in their city-wide tournament. They will join the U19s in the National School County Tournament this November.
Swimming
We are proud to share that some of our senior netball players have been selected for the prestigious National Pathway League:
Alex
NPL U17 Loughborough Lightning
Megan
NPL U17 Birmingham Panthers
Summar
NPL U19 Birmingham Panthers
This term marked the return of competitive swimming, with hopes for many more galas to come.
The U13 and U15 teams participated in the regional qualifiers for the ESSA at Warwick School last month, competing in both the Individual Medley and freestyle relays. Each team placed third in their respective heats, a commendable achievement given the high standard of competition. Special thanks to Isla, Lara, Anastacia, Lauren, Harriet, Amelia, Catherine and Amy for their efforts.
Additionally, Scarlet has been selected for the U15 County Academy, with JoJo (U13) and Daisy (U15) (pictured above) set to represent Warwickshire Netball.
Cross Country
A round of applause for Lauren, who finished 2nd at the Coventry Schools Cross Country held at Finham Park on a brisk Monday evening.
The U13 team collectively secured 5th place, with Sophia impressively finishing 6th individually.
Scholars Concert
Bablake Senior School
Music Scholars performed to an appreciative audience at St John the Baptist Church.
Music scholars from Shells to Upper Sixth delivered accomplished performances on an array of instruments which included piccolo, cello, viola and clarinet.
The repertoire featured a variety of musical styles, ranging from rock and classical to traditional and video game music.
Sleepout for Charity
Upper Sixth took part in a charity sleepout in the science quad at Bablake.
Thankfully the weather was relatively mild and stayed dry, which allowed the
Life Drawing Masterclass
Our A Level Art students participated in a life drawing masterclass led by local artist Donna Trim.
The workshop focused on enhancing their understanding of anatomy and strengthening their observational drawing skills.
students to stay warm as they toasted marshmallows to pass the time.
The event raises money for the Coventry Foodbank which distributes food packages through 16 satellite centres across the city.
An incredible £2,410 was raised and Coventry Foodbank came into school to collect the cheque.
Our sleepout heroes will be taking a tour around the Foodbank soon to see this amazing operation.
Empowering Change
I was a finalist in a competitive fellowship organised by Leaf, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering exceptional teenagers to make a positive impact in the world.
Through their five-week course, I discovered numerous unconventional pathways to meaningful change, often more impactful than traditional career routes. Leaf also introduced me to “effective altruism”- a concept focused on identifying and implementing the most effective ways to address pressing global issues.
For a weekly challenge, I decided to give an assembly on effective altruism at Bablake. In it, I discussed areas where this concept applies, from animal advocacy to AI and politics. I felt this message was particularly relevant for Sixth Form students, who often only see conventional career options and may not realize the potential for impactful, alternative paths.
The feedback from teachers and peers has been positive, and I’m grateful for the chance to inspire my classmates. This experience feels like a meaningful first step toward making a difference. I look forward to taking further steps with even greater impact.
By Kanishka
Beyond Bablake
Our Sixth Form enrichment programme has got off to a flying start, featuring the first of our inspiring Beyond Bablake lectures from members of the wider Bablake community.
Students heard from Jonny Thompson, CIO and Founder of Isabella Capital Management, Andrew Smith, Director and Technical Specialist at Elsense Limited, and Saira Roper, a Lawyer at Family Law Consultants.
In the Upper Sixth, we combine our weekly sessions with expert talks from external speakers. A standout moment was hearing from Alex Hibbert, a renowned Polar Explorer, whose stories left everybody inspired.
This term, our Upper Sixth students have started their second rotation of new weekly sessions. Alongside popular favourites like Survival Cookery, British Sign Language and Woodland Conservation, there were new classes including Jewellery Making and Music Technology.
The variety of activities that we offer ensures there’s something for everyone. Our students are engaged and have thoroughly enjoyed this term’s sessions.
From Bablake to Broadcasting House
After a chance meeting with Martine Croxall, BBC News Presenter on College Green, Westminster, I was invited into BBC Broadcasting House, London to spend an afternoon in the live studio.
Martine Croxall, a former Bablake pupil, now a proud Wheatleyan, invited me to Broadcasting House in August and I was given the opportunity to be shown around all the live studios and introduced to studio engineers and BBC journalists.
Standing Out In the Crowd
Emma Goodman, CV and Interview Mentor returned once again to Bablake to deliver a seminar to the Lower Sixth.
Students were given advice about how to write a CV and covering letter to make them stand out from the crowd. Emma also shared some interview tips and questions which will be of great benefit as students prepare for life beyond Bablake.
I spent the afternoon in the live news studio whilst Martine read out the news and interviewed guests.
This was an invaluable experience into the world of journalism seeing first hand live news coming into the studio and being broadcasted.
By Joshua
Bablake Alumni Mentors
We were delighted to welcome back former students Ben (Mechanical with Automotive Engineering, University of Bath), Archie (Electronic Engineering with Artificial Intelligence, University of Southampton), Erin (Mathematics, University of Cambridge), Bianca (Philosophy and Sociology, University of Birmingham), Sophia (English, University of York), and George (Law, University of Lancaster).
They shared valuable insights about university life and the UCAS application process, offering practical advice, personal anecdotes and answering questions to help them feel more prepared for the journey ahead.
Their guidance shed light on academic expectations, social opportunities and the importance of a strong application, leaving students both informed and inspired.
Creative Christmas Competition
A big congratulations to everyone who participated. The competition was incredibly tough this year, and Mr. Wright had a hard time choosing a winner from so many outstanding entries. The selection here shows just how challenging it was to pick the final winners.
Highly commended:
1st Place
1ST 2nd Place Willow, Year 8 2ND
Lindsay, Shells
Jacob, Shells
Highly commended: Abhishek, Year 8
Highly commended: Amy, Year 8
3RD
3rd Place Chloe, Year 8
Highly commended: Dominik, Shells
Ian Murphy Art Workshop
Our Year 9 and Lower Sixth Art students participated in a fantastic art workshop with British fine artist Ian Murphy.
Ian, a contemporary artist who first gained initial success in 1985 with his selection for the British Young Contemporary Artists, is renowned for his powerful tonal drawings and atmospheric mixed media oil paintings of architectural places.
The layered surfaces of his large-scale drawings and paintings bare all the marks and textures that were very much reminiscent of the scarified and etched walls and doorways of the factories, coal mines, canal locks and railway goods yards he explored for his research.
During the workshop, Ian brought some wonderful pieces from his collection and offered advice and one-on-one tuition. Our students were inspired and gained valuable knowledge about the artistic journey from sketchbook drawings through to mixed media art.
“Working outside of my home or school, just became a habit for me, I really enjoy walking to new places and winning the technical challenge when I draw places in my sketchbooks. When I look back at my career, I realise the importance of the time and effort I dedicated to my drawing at school. It really set me up for the challenges ahead.” Ian
Junior School News
Welcome to Simba.
As I settle into my new role, I’m constantly inspired by the diversity and imagination that thrives in our school community. This term has been filled with growth, both in our achievements and in our journey together.
One highlight was the celebration of our ICONS award, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our pupils and staff. We’ve also made strides in metacognition and oracy, equipping our pupils to think deeply and communicate effectively. Most importantly, we’ve seen
Peace and Reconciliation
After many months of collaboration with Coventry Cathedral and deepening our understanding of peace and reconciliation, we are proud to announce our achievement as an International Cross of Nails school.
Our ICONS ambassadors played a vital role in leading our celebration service, which included singing, readings and liturgical dance.
We are honoured to be part of the Cross of Nails network and look forward to sharing our ideas to build bridges and help our pupils find peace and reconciliation in their own lives.
remarkable confidence and personal development among our pupils, which reflects their dedication and enthusiasm for learning.
Of course, starting a new term brings its own set of challenges. New classes, fresh expectations and the transition back to school life can be demanding. Yet our pupils have shown resilience, curiosity and an inspiring growth mindset, embracing every challenge.
Looking ahead, with our committed and resourceful teaching staff, we will continue to nurture and develop our pupils’ skills. Together, we’re poised to foster even greater accomplishments in the terms to come.
Catherine Jeffcoat Head
Junior School News
Celebrating Language Diversity
Bablake Junior School celebrated the European Day of Languages with a day full of fun and learning. This annual event promotes language learning and cultural awareness, and the children and teachers embraced it enthusiastically.
A Musical Journey into SpanishYears 3 and 4 explored Spanish by learning family vocabulary through songs and scenes from Encanto.
A Multilingual Carousel for Older Pupils - Years 5 and 6 took part in a language carousel, discovering Romanian, Welsh, British Sign Language and Portuguese.
“I discovered that I can learn new languages and enjoy doing
I had a great time.”
Forest School
A Magical Start to the Autumn Term
It’s been wonderful having the children back at Forest School this term. Our new Year 3 pupils have loved exploring the Spinney for the first time.
In Years 4-6, the focus has been on tool skills. Year 4 used loppers and knives to craft hazel bows and arrows. Year 5 worked together to make guiros, starting with bow saws and billhooks, then refining their knife skills. Year 6 have been perfecting their whittling, creating beautiful wooden objects with accuracy and care.
Alongside these projects, the children have loved learning new games, which have become a hit at playtime, building teamwork and fun all around. It’s been a fantastic term, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Artistic Expression Inspired by Europe - In a Europe themed Art lesson, pupils created artwork inspired by famous landmarks, showcasing the continent’s rich cultures.
it.
Year 3
Exciting Egyptian Adventure
Year 3 celebrated Egyptian Day where the children stepped back in time to explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt.
They learned about the process of mummification and how the ancient Egyptians preserved their dead. Pupils built their own miniature pyramids, practiced traditional Egyptian dance,
Year 3
Hazard Alley
Our Year 3 pupils had an exciting and educational trip to Hazard Alley, an interactive safety centre designed to teach children how to stay safe in real-life situations.
During the visit, the children participated in hands-on activities, where they learned essential life skills, such as how to react in emergencies, fire safety and the importance of road safety. The trip was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to build confidence in making responsible decisions and how to apply these valuable lessons in their daily lives.
Junior School News
Year 4
Ahoy there, me hearties!
Year 4 set sail on an incredible Pirate Day adventure.
The day kicked off with the children creating Wanted posters for their own pirate characters, using aged paper to make them look authentically worn.
The children played a pirate-themed maths game, spoke like pirates, shared pirate jokes and did a treasure hunt which added to the high-seas atmosphere. It was a fantastic day of creativity, learning and adventure.
“I
loved learning how to speak like a pirate.”
Zumra
“My
Year 4
Fun-Filled Exploration of Teeth and Eating
Year 4 have been diving into the fascinating world of teeth and eating. Through hands-on experiments, they’ve gained a better understanding of how our bodies work. One of the highlights was recreating the digestive systemusing bananas, biscuits and some old tights, we got to see digestion in action!
The children also took on the role of young dentists, closely examining their own mouths. For one day only, they were even asked not to brush their teeth before school. With mirrors in hand, they counted milk and adult teeth, then used disclosing tablets to reveal the hidden plaque. After some close observations, they brushed thoroughly, leaving their teeth clean and minty fresh!
wanted poster was for Captain Chump Bucket. The bounty on his head was 10, 000 gold doubloons.”
William
Year 5
Guerrilla Workshop
We welcomed Dave Bowden, ‘Word Guerrilla’ an inspiring poet for a day of language and creativity through performance poetry.
The day was filled with beatboxing, rap, singing and belly laughs!
There were workshops, tailored to each year group, which involved the pupils writing and performing their own collaborative poems.
Year 6 Uncovering the Secrets of World War II
Year 6 took a journey back in time to Bletchley Park, the iconic British site where codebreakers worked tirelessly to intercept and decode enemy communications during World War II.
It was an exciting opportunity for pupils to delve into history, technology and the achievements that helped shape the modern world. They learned about the secretive work conducted here and how the codebreakers’ success ultimately shortened the war by up to two years, saving countless lives.
During the day, the pupils enjoyed trying on costumes, pretending they were codebreakers themselves, working in one of the many cold and dimly lit offices for hours in secret.
It was a brilliant day, with plenty of both fun and learning to be had.
Junior School Sport
Cross Country
With beautiful sunshine and cheering crowds, the House Cross Country was the perfect event. All pupils demonstrated determination and persistence. Wheatley House came through to be champions, well done everybody.
Boys’ Rugby
This term, every boy had the chance to represent the school.
The addition of Mr. Clarke to our coaching team has led to multiple victories. The U8s showed great progress with their defence, while the U9s maintained an undefeated record. The U10s, strengthened by new players, celebrated wins, especially over King Henry’s, and the U11s triumphed over Maidwell Hall and King Henry’s. It’s been a fantastic season for Rugby.
Rounders
We hosted an exciting Coventry School rounders tournament with 16 local primary schools. Our four teams showed impressive skill and sportsmanship.
The U10 A team faced the U11 A team in a thrilling final, with the U11s emerging victorious. It was a fantastic display of talent and teamwork from all involved.
Junior School Sport
Girls’ Hockey
The girls have had an enjoyable and successful hockey season, with notable wins against Warwick, The Croft, King Henry’s and others.
U8s: had their first match against Warwick and played brilliantly, especially the A team, who won by a large margin.
U9s: Despite challenging conditions, they secured a 5-3 victory over Crescent and gained further wins, draws and a loss throughout the term.
U10s: Both U10 teams won against The Croft and showed strong teamwork.
U11s: Their season included solid performances, including a victory over Solihull and memorable matches against Eversfield.
IAPS Hockey Regional Finals
The U11A squad travelled to Loughborough for the regional finals, playing 16 schools. They had a fantastic start, drawing 1-1 against Repton, followed by a 2-0 loss to Bluecoat. They secured a 1-0 win over Leicester Grammar and advanced to the Plate Finals, where they narrowly lost to The Croft. A remarkable performance from all the girls.
U9 Dodgeball Festival
Our Year 4 pupils participated in the U9 Dodgeball Festival, competing against 20 schools. The event highlighted outstanding sportsmanship, with our team demonstrating respect, honesty and teamwork. It was a memorable experience for all.
U11 and U10
Swimming Gala
At the U11 and U10 Swimming Gala in Warwick, our teams competed against schools from the Midlands. The swimmers showed skill and determination, with strong finishes in relay races. The U11 Boys placed 7th, U11 Girls 5th, U10 Boys 6th, and U10 Girls 7th. Congratulations to all.
Bringing a Taste of China to Coventry
Our Year 8s recently participated in a Chinese cultural workshop, delivered by the team from the Confucius Institute at Coventry University (CICU) and led by Dr. Emily Xiao.
CICU is a collaboration between Coventry University and Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, one of China’s top universities for finance and economics.
As the only Confucius Institute in the West Midlands, CICU brings a taste of China to Coventry. It serves as a platform for local businesses aiming to enter the Chinese market and encourages Chinese investments in the region. CICU also actively engages with the local community and educational institutions to promote the study of Chinese language and culture.
The workshops included an Introduction to Martial Arts, as well as sessions on the art of Chinese paper cutting and calligraphy.
Beth Shalom – House of Peace
For over 25 years, Bablake Year 9 pupils have been visiting the only Holocaust Memorial Centre in Europe.
Every year the pupils have benefited from the incredibly informative museum, engaging in interactive workshops and reflective walks around the memorial gardens.
All the pupils were captivated by Malka Levine, a holocaust survivors’ remarkable story. In Ludmir, a town in the Ukraine,
there were 25,000 Jews when the German army arrived in November 1942 and only 30 alive when they left. Malka and her two brothers survived because of her mother’s courage, resourcefulness and the help of strangers.
Our pupils had many thoughtful and pertinent questions for Malka who finished with some excellent advice: “Be yourself, don’t follow the crowd and be brave.”
Top of the Bench Chemistry Competition
A team of four pupils from Year 9 to Year 11 (Gideon, Rian, Michael and Anay) represented Bablake at the preliminary round of the Top of the Bench Chemistry Competition at Coventry University, finishing in joint third place. Usually the top three teams enter the next stage of the Competition at the University of Birmingham in January.
The first part of the day consisted of question papers to be completed in
Viva España!
pairs. The papers were challenging due to the small amount of time given and included content not tested on the GCSE specification.
The second section of the day consisted of a longer, more difficult group paper that involved graph plotting and interpretation of data. All members of the team had to exhibit communication and the ability to work as a team under pressure.
Our eagerly anticipated trip to Spain at half term did not disappoint! Pupils were able to test their Spanish skills in a variety of contexts, from an authentic meal in a tapas restaurant to the excitement of the F1 Circuit de Catalunya.
For the non-linguists on the trip, we saw the stunning architecture of Antoni Gaudí, with visits to the Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà and Park Guell.
Our final day allowed us to relax in the sleepy town of Tossa de Mar with some sightseeing and shopping before our return.
In the final section of the day the team visited the University’s Biomedical lab, Chemistry lab and a Forensic Research lab. After the tour, all schools were gathered and the results were shared.
The team are now reviewing where they missed out marks and are optimistic about facing even tougher papers later in the year.
Young Enterprise Team Shines
Our Year 9 Young Enterprise team reached the Grand Finals of the National Careers Challenge 2024 held at Doncaster racecourse. The team pitched their idea to the judges and their presentation was strong enough to take them through to present on stage.
Congratulations to Anastasia, Anaiyah, Bella and Daisy for finishing runners up, with their idea of the Scorpion, sponsored by JCB. Their prize was a tour of JCB.
Lest We Forget
Our Remembrance Assembly was a moving reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.
Reverend Sacha Slavic, Headmaster Andrew Wright and our school captains delivered poignant readings which resonated with us all.
Special thanks to our choir and musicians for their moving performances
Our Bablake community honoured those who served and sacrificed with dignity and gratitude.
Shells Faith Walk
One of the many positives about a Bablake education is its inclusivity and diversity.
This is reflected in the city of Coventry as a whole, and Shells were able to experience this first hand on a day-long faith walk, which also took in elements of Bablake’s incredible 680-year-old history.
Pupils were hosted by the Shree Krishna Temple, enhancing their knowledge of the Hindu faith, learning about worship and the characteristics of the many Hindu deities.
Major
Milestone for Michael
Congratulations to Michael on his selection to the British Wheelchair Basketball England Pathway Central.
Being chosen for the England Pathway is a remarkable achievement that reflects his commitment to excellence and his potential to excel at the highest levels of competition. This opportunity will provide him with invaluable experiences, training and support to further develop his skills.
We are very proud of his accomplishments and excited to see what the future holds for his sporting career.
Anay in Table Tennis Success
Congratulations to Anay, who has been selected to play for National Cadet League Table Tennis from November until March next year. He will be playing multiple matches during these months competing with other players at national level.
Anay has been playing Table Tennis Leagues for three years and has represented Warwickshire multiple times. In this term’s league he has so far won every match he has played.
Pickleball Success
Year 11 pupil, Aaron attended the National Pickleball Championships in Bolton. He played seven games of doubles with his partner Stephen. The pair made it to the final to take the silver medal. Well done Aaron.
Bablake Alumni
From Bablake Beginnings to England Cricket Glory
By Andrew Phillips, Head of Academic PE
On Friday 7 September 2012, during Games, a Shell pupil told me that he would play for England. Just over 12 years later, that dream became reality and Dan Mousley made his England debut against the West Indies in an ODI 50 over match.
It has been a pleasure to see Dan develop and grow as a cricketer. After playing his first hard ball game at 4 years old, he made his Warwickshire U10 debut at 8 years old and then proceeded to win the WCB Junior Player of the Year Award on numerous occasions.
During his time at Bablake, he represented the 1st XI in Year 8 and in Year 9 he was selected a year early to represent the Midlands at the prestigious Bunbury Festival. This was
his first opportunity to showcase his skills in front of the England selectors.
A couple of years later, whilst in our Sixth Form, he signed his professional contract with Warwickshire, balancing his A Levels alongside representing the England U19s in the World Cup and touring Bangladesh and India.
The late Terry Patchett, Bablake School Master, who taught at Bablake for 39 years before retiring in 2003, recognised that Dan was an
outstanding talent and supported him with a cricket scholarship throughout his time at the school. I know Dan would have spared a thought for Terry as he received his England Cap.
As a school, we are incredibly proud of Dan’s achievements and the outstanding role model he has become to our current young athletes. His relentless dedication, hard work and perseverance is a reminder to all of us to follow our dreams!
Photo credit: Mark Woodward
Open Mornings
Junior School
Tuesday 4 February 9.30am – 10.30am
Bablake School
Coundon Road, Coventry CV1 4AU
Senior School
Thursday 27 February 9.30am – 11.00am
024 7627 1200 info.bablake@csfoundation.org.uk | bablakeadmissions@csfoundation.org.uk
@bablakeschool @bablakejunior
Artwork by Frankie, Lower Sixth