THE VESEYAN
DEAR READER,
As the Michaelmas Term ends, I want to give thanks for this amazing term, and an exhilarating 2024.
2024 has seen many brilliant highlights including an outstanding OFSTED inspection report, our ranking as the 42nd best state school in the country, the first ever BVGS community iftar, a fantastic Christmas Fayre, and the start of the building of the Learning Resource Centre! Wow!
I hope you enjoy reading about the scholarship, character and community, which underpin daily life at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School.
It is a good time to reflect on the amazing contribution of two staff leaving us this Christmas: our inspirational Director of Music, Mr Ashley Buxton, who has transformed our provision over the last 7 years, and Ms Jo Brown, our conscientious Attendance Lead We are very grateful to both of them and we wish them well.
There is so much to look forward to in the new year. With your continued financial support, we will have a new building to open in September 2025. And th on Friday 14th May 2027
Wishing you all a magic
Mr Robson Headteacher
SCHOOL LIFE
SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
PARENT POWER SUCCESS
MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL CAPTAINS
MESSAGE FROM THE PARENT, TEACHER & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
PROGRESS REPORT: THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE
SCHOLARSHIP
RESULTS & DESTINATIONS
SOUNDS HISTORICAL
ART TRIP TO THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
SLAM POETRY
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
TRIP TO CHINATOWN STEM
GEOGRAPHY FIELDWORK
A VISIT FROM JENNIFER KILLICK
CHARACTER
DEVELOPING PUPILS OF OUTSTANDING MORAL CHARACTER - BEING A YES MAN A BLUE CHRISTMAS BUT FOR HOW MUCH LONGER?
BUSINESS
SCHOOL STAR AWARD
JOHN YOUNG VARSITY RUGBY MATCH
MICHAELMAS
COMMUNITY
OLD VESEYAN NEWS
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE OVA DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
ANNUAL OLD VESEYAN DINNER
BUSINESS SOCIAL AT MOOR HALL HOTEL OV VISITS FROM THE ARCHIVES IN MEMORIAM
life SCHOOL
"School is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside."
Lon Watters
SCHOOLDEVELOPMENT PLAN2024-2027
This 2024-2027 Development Plan seeks to meet the current needs of our School community: developing pupil scholarship, character, employability skills, pupil and staff leadership and creating a more sustainable school environment, at the same time as planning for the 500th anniversary of the school in 2027.
We thought you might find it interesting to understand better how we are seeking to translate our mission of inspiration and excellence for all, into reality.
DEVELOPING SCHOLARSHIP
Further develop and embed oracy and disciplinary literacy
To develop students’ abilities to safely engage with artificial intelligence
To develop a plan for BVGS’ future use of technology
To empower staff to trial new ideas, evaluate these ideas and develop their teaching and learning
To develop a more standardised classroom environment
To further develop our Oxbridge provision
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP
To further embed menu choice training.
To empower staff to observe each other.
To enhance work sampling processes.
To establish a regular and structured programme for external review.
To create a training plan for the new MIS.
DEVELOPING CHARACTER
To foster what it means to be a Veseyan
To develop the 2027 Vesey 500 Award
To develop a more structured response to pastoral issues
To continue to raise pupil standards in all areas of school life
DEVELOPING EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
To increase employer engagement opportunities for students
To refocus work experience opportunities
DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENT
To develop a strategy for sustainability at BVGS.
PARENT POWER SUCCESS
We are delighted that, once again, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) has been ranked as one of the best secondary schools in the UK as part of The Sunday Times Parent Power league table.
The guide lists the 1000 most successful secondary schools nationally and it's wonderful to see BVGS once again featuring in the top echelon, as the 42nd highest-placed state school nationally, one of the top 1% state secondary schools nationally.
This truly is a testament to our exceptional staff and incredible School community as a whole, which enables Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School to be, not just one of the most wonderful schools to be educated, but also to be academically, so consistently, one of the top performing state schools in the country,
SCHOOL CAPTAIN TEAM
We are now drawing a close to the first term of this academic year here at Vesey, which means it is a perfect time to reflect on the events and achievements that have shaped the past couple of months This term has been full of energy, creativity, and community spirit, with something for everyone to celebrate and enjoy.
Firstly, it was brilliant to see this term full of sporting success. One of the biggest sporting highlights of this term was the John Young Varsity Rugby Match between Bishop Vesey's and Queen Mary's School. It was a fantastic night where all our players gave it their all on the pitch, and the roaring support from the sidelines created an unforgettable atmosphere We celebrated two incredible wins for the senior sides and all teams made the school extremely proud!
We would also like to applaud all the students who took the fantastic opportunity this term to give back through house fundraising events Each house organised creative fundraising activities, from bake sales and sponsored challenges to games and competitions The enthusiasm and generosity of our school community has been inspiring, raising funds for important causes and reinforcing the value of teamwork and compassion A massive well done to those who continue to build on Vesey's reputation as a pillar of the local community.
Vesey is a school that spreads the message of joy and unity by celebrating diverse cultures In November, the school came alive with the vibrant colours and lights of Diwali Week. Students and staff came together to learn about and celebrate this Festival of Lights, with activities ranging from traditional rangoli art workshops to delicious samosa sales and our informative Diwali assemblies
It is certain to say that this academic term has been a busy and productive one All our dedicated students have been working hard, and teachers have been impressed by the efforts shown across all year groups, especially as we approach the rather anticipated GCSE and A-Levels exam season The school captain team recognises and appreciates any contributions that you have given to the school, as well as balancing your academic studies
Lastly, as we approach the end of term, the festive spirit is truly in the air Christmas here at Vesey is an exciting time, where at the time of writing, we had our successful Christmas Fayre last week with a range of student-led stalls.
We look forward to our annual Christmas concerts, where our performers have been rehearsing to bring the magic of the season to life Our charity team has been working hard to achieve this year's goal for the Giving Tree annual charity project, and it is so lovely to see the school uniting to make a difference to our local community this Christmas
As we prepare for a well-deserved break, this term leaves us with memories of achievements, celebrations, and togetherness. A huge thank you to all the students, staff, and families who have contributed to making this term so special
We wish everyone a joyful and restful holiday season and look forward to more success and excitement in the new year. See you in 2025!
Amna and Sanjay, on behalf of the whole Captain Team
PARENT, TEACHER & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
The PTFA has been very focussed this term in raising money for IT provision within the new Learning Resource Centre
We have provided refreshments for sale at all the Welcome Evenings, the Christmas Fayre and the Christmas Concerts. We have also organised and hosted a successful disco for Y7 and 8 pupils from BVGS and Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls The Pre-loved uniform sales have also been very popular and provided an important service to families
Thank you to all the amazing parents who has volunteered their time over the last term! If you have any suggestions or any offers of help please contact Debbie debbie hayes68@yahoo co uk or Dal dmistry@ehb uk com
There are plenty of exciting PTFA events to look forward to in 2025:
FRIDAY 7TH FEBRUARY - 7PM
Family Quiz Night
Our very own Mr Doughty will be the quizmaster Come along and take part in the quiz and enjoy a delicious curry at the same time!
SATURDAY 28TH JUNE - 12PM-5PM
Summer Festival
This will be a fun afternoon for all the family with delicious food on sale, musical entertainment and activities for all the family. Put it in your diary!
PROGRESS REPORT: THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE
The last term has seen extraordinary progress with the building of our new Learning Resource Centre, which is due for completion in September 2025
The vision is to address critical challenges to our School estate in the run-up our 500th anniversary in 2027. These spaces will enable us to bring our School environment up to the same level of excellence as the education we offer as a top 50 UK state school
Central to our plans is a new Learning Resource Centre, set over three floors at the front of the School It will provide flexible dedicated Sixth Form study space enriched with IT facilities; a new whole-school dining room and library plus new classrooms and space adaptable to study, social activities and out of hours community use
We officially broke ground on Wednesday October 23rd 2024 with a lovely gathering with our guest of honour from America, Professor Robert Lowndes We also welcome our Shadow LRC student group, a committed collection of students interested in engineering and construction, who are following the development of the project keenly along with representatives from our QS team, Bailey Garner, and our builders, Stepnells
The progress since October has been quite emotional and momentous with the steel structure of the building now in place.
None of this would be happening without the generosity of families and Old Veseyans We are still short of funds To turn our vision into a reality, please give what you can by visiting: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/donate? cid=64312
SCHOLARSHIP
“Scholarship is to be created not by compulsion, but by awakening a pure interest in knowledge.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
RESULTS & DESTINATIONS
A big well done to our 2024 exam groups who achieved some fantastic results, placing us 6th in the Midlands state school league table and 42nd nationally. We are in the top 1 % of all schools nationally for academic performance at GCSE and A level.
We achieved a Progress 8 Score of 075, Well Above Average
93% of our pupils were entered for English Baccalaureate
We were in the top 1% for attainment at GCSE & A Level 1%
98% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and Maths
We achieved an average grade of A at A Level across all subjects
99% of pupils stayed in education or went into employment after KS4
89 pupils attained AAA or better at A Level
& Finance, Dental Surgery, Civil Engineering, Popular Music, Music, Sports Psychology, Physics, Medicine, Aerospace Engineering, Economics, Veterinary Science, Psychology, Maths &
Medicine, Politics & Modern History, Biomedical Sciences, Accounting & Finance, Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics, History
Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, Medicine, Civil Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Industrial Economics, Accountancy, Economics & Spanish, Computer Science, Architectural Environment, Philosophy, History, Ancient History, Engineering & Physical Sciences, Finance, Design Engineering
Sounds Historical
At the beginning of this term, we had the pleasure of welcoming Sounds Historical to our school Sounds Historical are a talented group of musicians who specialise in early music, with a repertoire that spans from the medieval period all the way to the 18th century They led an engaging and immersive music workshop for our GCSE and A Level Music students. They performed on an extraordinary collection of period instruments, including Viols, Recorders, Theorbo, Baroque Flute, and many more
During the workshop, they showcased an impressive 38 historical instruments, offering fascinating insights into how these instruments were played, their evolution, and how they’ve influenced modern-day music. Our students were treated to live performances of music from different eras, while also learning about the rich and intricate journey of music through time.
With our school’s 500th anniversary fast approaching, it was particularly special to explore the music of the 16th century a period that transports us back to the era when our school was first founded
You can see a snippet of the workshop here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_tOV9gMO9j/? igsh=MWNobDV3MXV6dzVxeg==
Art Trip to Botancial Gardens
The Art department took 36 Year 10 students to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Thursday 26th September.
This was an exciting opportunity for them to practice primary observational drawing and enhance their photography skills The visit also helped deepen their contextual understanding of the natural world. The students produced impressive work and were praised by the venue for their exemplary behaviour and engagement.
The Botanical Gardens contacted Mrs Heer the next day to say, "Thank you for bringing such a nice group of students to visit us yesterday. I was extremely impressed with their attitude, maturity, manners, and respect for the animals, and we hope to welcome your school again in the future."
Slam Poetry
On Friday 13th September, Dreadlock Alien and Curly came for a Slam Poetry Assembly We got to make our own poem about school and then some people read their poems out After that, the poets made a rap on some of the students and teachers’ names. Overall, they did really well and I can’t wait for them to come back next year
H.Debas 9B
Pupil comments:
I like how they made the theme on Bully vs Banter as they are encouraging children to write poetry for a better cause
I really liked this experience. I would like there to be more sessions like this. It was great to see poetry delivered in a modern way
I found the workshop during P5 to be quite insightful. We first had to write about how we can write in various ways - not just using pen and paper! We then used this to influence our poems which we wrote in mini paper booklets
Everyone had an amazing time and it was a pleasure to meet Dreadlock Alien (Richard Grant) and Alan 'Kurly' McGeachie
Very fun and a great way to spend the hour immersed in poetry
I love these guys. They are really good and are very entertaining and enjoyable
Modern Foreign Languages
HSK3 RESULTS
In addition to our outstanding Mandarin GCSE results, with 26 out of 30 students achieving grades 8 or 9, our current Year 11 Mandarin students have also excelled in the HSK3 exam, which they took in Year 10 (May 2024) The 30 students achieved an impressive 25 Gold and 5 Silver awards, placing BVGS as one of the top-performing MEP schools nationally. The HSK3 certificate is an internationally recognised qualification, which will greatly benefit our students in their future university applications and career prospects. Congratulations to our exceptional Mandarin students on their remarkable achievements!
- Mrs Xia
LINGUIST OF THE MONTH
Well done to our linguists of the month who have really impressed us with their commitment, enthusiasm and skills.
FRENCH
Year 7 - J Soboyede
Year 8 - A. Aqueel
Year 9 - V. Dahi
Year 10 - A Sangster
Year 11 - A. Ahuja
SPANISH
Year 7 - A. Gajawada
Year 8 - J Modelo
Year 9 - R. Ram
Year 10 - N Ogbeide
Year 11 - A. Shah
MANDARIN
Year 8 - S. Vijay
Year 9 - R Chinyowa
Year 10 - B. Caddick
Year 11 - U Syed
As part of European Day of Languages on September 27, the school held a ‘Languages for Peace’ poster competition, with the aim to convey messages of unity and understanding across different languages. Mr Grant was blown away by the entries and is delighted to award top prizes to the following pupils: Shewan 8B Suhas 8B, Saim 8E, Haris 8G
Mr Grant
Year day with prov Lich club to se mou (stea wer ado god Follo cuis retu Tha stud cult D.Fi
STEM
A LEVEL CHEMISTRY
In recent A level chemistry lessons, U6 have been preparing Aspirin as part of their required practical requirement of the course. The first step in this synthesis involved carrying out the reaction to prepare crude aspirin which they will later go on to purify. Our chemists had to carry out the reaction before using Buchner funnels to filter off their product
GCSE CHEMISTRY
In Y11 students have been introduced to titrations This analytical technique helps determine the concentration of an unknown solution and introduces the students to new pieces of equipment which they must use accurately to determine their unknown concentration. Pupils used pipettes and took readings from a burette
CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD
We are extremely proud of our Year 13 students who took part in the annual Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, lots of whom were awarded an award. A special congratulations goes to M Owen who was awarded “Gold” and Y. Ahmed who was awarded “Silver”. The Challenge is set by Cambridge University and is designed to really extend students’ knowledge beyond the specification they learn in the classroom. Well done to all the students that took part and a special mention to the students below who all achieved an award: M Hijazi, A Farooq, H. Farooq, R. Samuel, C. Morgan, R. Rawbone, U Bashir , S Bains, L Gajula, O Shijo, A Shibu, B Smiley and O Oliyide.
CHEMISTRY LECTURE
Some our 6th form Chemistry students braved the cold on Tuesday evening to attend a Chemistry lecture given by Professor John Burton from Oxford University about chiral Chemistry. Students were able to see the University campus by night and got a taste of lectures as an undergraduate. Professor John Burton delivered an insightful and coherent lecture which tied in amazingly with our current work in Organic Chemistry about Isomerism and the different arrangements of molecules in 3D Space In particular, the segment of real life differences between enantiomers in regard to aroma was most fascinating which linked well with our knowledge of our body and how receptors interact with molecules All in all, a super intriguing and entertaining talk that supplemented our knowledge in the wide field of chemistry
M. Rehan L6III
Some Chemistry students and I recently attended a lecture on chirality in chemistry. It was a very interesting lecture that helped me clearly see that the theory we learn in lessons does in fact have real-world applications The lecture was heavily focused on geometry and shapes, something that we have only just started to see in Chemistry lessons in school, so it was useful to be there for a lecture on an aspect of Chemistry that does not immediately come to mind when I think of Chemistry as a whole. Overall, the interactivity of the lecture and the clear enthusiasm of the professor delivering it made for a worthwhile lecture; a great opportunity for me to learn things that may not be taught in normal lessons, but have clear connections to curricular content all the same R. Ashur L6
On Tuesday evening, a group of A-Level chemistry students had the opportunity to visit the University of Birmingham for a lecture by Professor Jonathon Burton from the University of Oxford This lecture was about chirality, the property of a molecule being non-superimposable on its mirror image. While such a small difference in the structure of a molecule may seem unimportant, the slight differences between a chiral molecule and its mirror image (called enantiomers) mean they act differently in a biological setting. For example, the infamous morning sickness medication, Thalidomide, which tragically led to thousands of children being born with birth defects, is a chiral molecule, where one enantiomer is a remedy for morning sickness, and the other leads to issues in pregnancy The lecture was a fascinating extension of what we study in the organic section of A-Level chemistry, and an amazing opportunity for A-Level chemistry students C. Fordham L6
Geography Fieldwork
CARDING MILL VALLEY
On Monday 21st and Wednesday 23rd October , the Year 11 GCSE Geography students embarked on an exciting and educational trip to Carding Mill Valley, as part of our coursework on river landscapes The day was packed with handson learning, as we applied key fieldwork techniques to measure various characteristics of the river channel to the Bradshaw Model. With clipboards, measuring tapes, and flow meters in hand, we were ready to dive into the practical side of our studies!
The focus of the trip was to investigate how the river channel changes along its course. Our first task was measuring the depth and width of the river at various points. By wading into the stream and using measuring poles and tapes, we recorded data to understand how the river’s profile alters from its upper to lower course. While the water was freezing, everyone got involved! Next, we moved on to recording the velocity of the river Using ping pong balls, we measured how quickly the water was moving at different points. This task involved standing in the river (and trying not to slip!) while we took multiple readings It was a great way to link the theory we’d studied in class to realworld examples, as we observed how the river’s speed varied with changes in gradient and width
Of course, no field trip is complete without a bit of excitement. In a funny moment, Miss Nash made a rather amusing (but harmless) slip into the river while helping one of the groups measure the depth! It had everyone laughing an already enjoyable day. much deeper understanding
BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE
On the 26th and 27th November, the Year 10 GCSE Geography students participated in an exciting and educational trip to Birmingham City Centre in order to investigate the impact of regeneration with a focus on the Bullring and Grand Central The day was composed of a number of different activities which kept us hard-working students busy, for example: examining the streets and how busy the local area was We completed these interesting tasks equipped with a lengthy booklet, a trusty pen and our brains.
The focus of the trip was to investigate how Birmingham has changed post regeneration with a focus on social, economic and environmental impacts. Our first task was counting the number of pedestrians that were walking from A to B in 5 minutes, we did this in 3 different locations. We split into 2 groups, all standing in different places, 1 person timing for 5 minutes and the other members of the group were counting every individual walking towards and away from the Bullring. Then we began to fill the booklet with our results.
Next, we moved on to inspecting the streets for litter, graffiti, noise, safety features and change to the surroundings as part of an environmental quality survey Finally we conducted a land use survey by walking down the street and working systematically to compare how the units on ground level have
changed post regeneration. This task involved researching on our phones and using secondary data from photographs It was a great way to see how the investment has increased the standard of Birmingham making it more enticing for people to visit the city, which brings more income to the area helping Birmingham council climb out of debt
After lunch we visited the library and went up on the roof terrace to see the regeneration from above – luckily most of us weren’t scared of heights! A trip to the museum exhibition ‘Made in Birmingham' was insightful as the display explores some of the people, places and things which make the city what it is New and familiar artworks displayed with a focus better reflecting the city's personality and future Of course, no field trip is complete without a bit of excitement. So, before we headed back to the Birmingham New Street Train Station, we paid a visit to the German market as a treat for all our hard work. This was nice as we were able to enjoy the festivities of Christmas It was a fun and welldeserved end to the trip. Miss Meredith
A Visit from Jennifer Killick
Jennifer Killick came to visit BVGS on Thursday 7th November. She spoke to yr 7 and yr 8 about her books, her life, her influences and what it was like to be an author. Jennifer is the writer of the Crater Lake and Dread Wood series’ which are popular reads in the library and on Accelerated Reader After each talk students bought books and met Jennifer to get books signed There was a great atmosphere for both sessions. Jennifer tweeted the following:
Some comments from students included:
Jennifer explained her story really well and I'm looking forward to continue reading her Dread Wood series
Very fun, Jennifer is very nice
I found the visit really fascinating and uplifting as it reminded me that whatever you want to be, you can do it if you work hard For example, Jennifer would’ve laughed if you’d told her what job she was going to get, and that really inspires me
Overall, I think it was a very entertaining visit and I really enjoyed it
I think Jennifer's 18 metre long parasite should be brought into every visit because it was weird, gross and funny at the same time
Best bits from students included:
When Jennifer passed around the hall how long the tapeworm in the person was it was so fun and intriguing!
When she read some of her book
Guessing if it was fact or not
The best part was getting Jennifer's newest book signed by the author herself!
The rock, paper, scissors remix
My favourite part was the book signings as I got to actually talk to the author herself
Our next author visit in on Friday 7th March – Matt Oldfield Miss Brown
CHARACTER
“The greatest test of a person’s character is their tongue.”
Oswald Chambers
DEVELOPING PUPILS OF OUTSTANDING MORAL CHARACTER – BEING A YES MAN.
Our mission statement says this: “through our curricular and extracurricular provision, we want to develop students of excellent character, responsible global citizens, who will make the world a better place through their kindness, thoughtfulness, confidence and resilience.”
When I re-joined the school in September 2024 as Deputy Headteacher, I was mandated with the responsibility of overseeing ‘character education’ in all its various forms in order for us to fulfil this mission What an endeavour! But I relish a challenge
I have felt on my journey through this term, I have had to be a ‘Yes Man’ You may know the film, in which Carl Allen (played by Jim Carrey) a withdrawn and pessimistic bank loan officer is encouraged by a motivational seminar to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity.
Bishop Vesey students compel me to say yes When M Jimoh (U6), R Das (U6), S Arun (U6) and O. Shijo (U6) came to see me, wanting to put together a series of charity events to raise money and awareness for UNICEF, I was compelled to say yes How could I not!
When S. Sivaraj (10W), N. Jaglan (10G) and S Ashok (U6) came to see me about revitalising the Hindu celebrations in preparation for Diwali, how could I say anything but yes.
Y Ahmed (U6) and A Faulkner (U6) are our charity captains this academic year I
have been a demanding task master and they have also stepped up into the role, mobilising support for events such as the Giving Tree, Charity House weeks and the Christmas Fayre
I have been impressed with the commitment of students to support charitable causes this academic term At the Christmas Fayre, 11G’s stall made over £100 from a simple basketball hoop game, incentivised by the tasty treats the students had baked themselves using their food technology skills What was superb was the way they collectively generated interest and enthusiasm They have certainly responded to our call to step up and show support of this event.
Likewise I have been ever so demanding of our U6 House Coordinators in the planning and organising of our House events. These events foster a sense of community and belonging. They encourage good competition, participation, fair play and esprit de corps Thank you L Salmon (U6), M Robson (U6) and S. Bains (U6) for being fantastic and stepping up every time.
Measuring good character is often difficult, but it can be noticed in simple every day acts of kindness, empathy and consideration of others. Students are expected to be courteous, cooperative and considerate of others, and this is modelled by our wonderful staff body Students at Bishop Vesey’s do care about one another and when prompted to support each other they show willing to help
Students are encouraged to show gratitude towards their teachers, and are periodically prompted to write a card of thanks to the staff that support them
Equally, staff are prompted every week to record their praise of students The comments shared with students and parents through ‘Friday praise’ are popular amongst both staff and students and it fosters a sense of who we are We are proud of our students and we want to tell them about it.
At times, I deal with situations where our students fall short of our expectations Well guess what, we are all human, we all get cross and frustrated sometimes, we all make mistakes. But what takes character is admitting that you hav made a mistake and having the co to take steps to put things right It a requires forgiveness and a willingn move on and give a fresh start. I ha seen this in action this term, and it fill me with pride to see how studen and staff value a positive, strong wo relationship, unified by a common purpose.
Leading character education has b bit about being a ‘yes man’ but it h been also having those expectation our young students. They sometimes have to say ‘yes’ – even when it is d to do so.
‘Will you step up and do this for me
‘Will you make this right?’
‘Will you help?’
‘Can I count on you?’
‘Yes sir’
Mr Brocklebank, Deputy Headtea
A BLUE CHRISTMAS BUT FOR HOW MUCH LONGER?
The House Competition continues…
Throughout the Michaelmas term, the houses of Blue, Emerald, Gold, Red, Purple and White across the school have engaged with the house system in the hopes and dreams of every student to win the House Cup at the end of the year However, on their journey to the zenith of achievement and accolade, they have been faced with an avalanche of sporting, academic and creative house events.
The competitions have demanded Herculean effort Student’s determination in sporting events like House Rugby and the Swimming Gala has been admirable Students have been stretched to their academic limits in the high-stakes showdowns of the House Quiz and Spelling Bee – all in front of captivated audiences. Students have also been pushed to their creative limits with the inception of House Art and House Horror Story reading in Year 7, 8 and 9
All of these events have showcased great skill and ignited a competitive spirit amongst the houses to capture the prized hundred points in each year group event, but which house tops the table heading into the Christmas holidays? The results… (Drum roll please)
1st: Blue – 2200
2nd: Gold – 2070
3rd: White – 2000
4th: Emerald – 1760
5th: Purple – 1710
6th: Red- 1580
Although the first term has drawn to a close, there’s still vast mountainous terrain for competitors to climb with events coming up including House Hockey, House Maths, House Chess, House Cross-Country, House Basketball, House Football and so much more in the New Year The task at hand may seem daunting, but after all, mountains are there to be climbed. We wish all competitors the best of luck to tackle the events with the same intrepid nature and enthusiasm they have shown this term on their quest to winning the eternal glory of the House Cup.
M.
Robson U6
SEX, LIES & LOVE PROJECT
Libby Flenley from the ‘Sex, Lies and Love Project’ delivered an insightful talk to Year 11 students about the negative impacts of explicit content During the session, students delved into how online explicit material can be addictive and detrimental to both the physical and psychological functioning of the brain. They also engaged in meaningful discussions about consent, its significance, and the importance of healthy relationships Additionally, the session highlighted how societal changes have led to increased exposure of young people to dangerous online content The workshop concluded with a focus on sexual harassment and strategies to eliminate it from society. Year 11 students participated actively and handled these serious topics with maturity
Year 11:
The founder of the SLLP project said “Year 11 students engaged exceptionally in an interactive session with The SLLP, demonstrating a clear understanding of the impact of modern-day explicit content and pornography on shaping unhealthy views of sex and consent. They vocalised the pressures young men face regarding body image due to unrealistic portrayals online and how pornography may set false expectations around sex Students also highlighted the potential for violent pornography to normalise violence in relationships and stressed the importance of continuous communication around consent
Students emphasised the need of discussing these topics in RSE, especially growing up as a teenager in this modern digital world The session remained fun, light-hearted, and interactive, with mature and insightful views shared by many students"
Year 12 RSE talk: Libby Flenley also delivered an informative and impactful session to Year 12 on the importance of consent in relationships She spoke passionately about establishing trust and open dialogue, and how to recognise coercion within relationships. If any students have been affected by any of the issues discussed, we encourage them to speak with a member of our pastoral team
This Year 12 talk focused on educating about consent as they transition into adulthood Key points included: Understanding Consent Intimate Image Sharing
Online Pressures
Alcohol and Sexual Activity “Revenge Porn”
Sexual Violence Definitions and Support
The talk emphasised the rising rates of sexual violence, particularly against women and girls, and the dangerous normalisation of violent behaviours due to pornography The goal was to empower young people with knowledge about consent, help them confidently communicate their boundaries, and prevent them from unintentionally engaging in abusive acts
Junior Soloists
This year ’ s Junior Soloists Competition was a wonderful display of the musical talent we have here at BVGS. From violin to piano to vocals we had some incredible performances from Year 7 -10 pupils.
After much deliberation, our adjudicator made the very difficult decision of choosing the top 3 performers
In 3rd place we had J.Lee who played Gröndahl Trombone Concerto 1st Movement by Launy Gröndahl on the trombone
In 2nd place we had K Irvathraya who played a captivating piece on the Classic Guitar
And in 1st place we had Y.Zhao who played Great Fairy Fountain from the Legend of Zelda on the piano
Thank you to Mr Buxton and Mr Lenthall for organising and hosting such a wonderful evening for parents.
Christmas Fayre
The festive season arrived in grand style at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School as we held our second-ever Christmas Fayre yesterday. The event was a resounding success, with the school brimming with Christmas cheer, creativity, and community spirit.
Our talented pupils showcased their ingenuity by organizing an array of exciting stalls and games, each designed to raise funds for worthy causes. From penalty shootouts to thrilling remote-control car races on a specially designed track, the stalls were a testament to the students' creativity and hard work.
The Charity Team’s Giving Tree initiative stood out as a beacon of generosity. This effort collected a wide variety of thoughtful gifts for those in need this Christmas, thanks to the incredible support from parents and visitors. Meanwhile, the PTFA added to the festive atmosphere by offering delicious treats, including pizza, samosas, ice cream, and other refreshments, creating a feast for all attendees.
Parents were also actively involved, participating in competitions and enjoying the festive spirit alongside pupils and staff It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season, bringing together our school community in celebration and giving.
Mr. Brocklebank, who masterminded the event, shared his thoughts: "What a fantastic event! Thank you so much to all those that contributed to make this event a success. From standing out in the rain collecting tickets, to chaperoning, stall management, musical performances, press-up challenges, and much more! Some stalls raised well in excess of £100, and we also received substantial donations to the Giving Tree stand from some generous parents!"
Mr. Robson added his praise, saying: "Absolutely brilliant. Great to see us building on last year’s event with a really excellent celebratory Fayre—the best Christmas Fayre ever So much to be proud of I loved it! Lots of pupil creativity, imagination, and planning in action too!"
This year’s Fayre truly exemplified the spirit of Christmas, bringing joy, community, and generosity to the forefront A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who contributed to this exceptional event, especially our wonderful pupils and Mr. Brocklebank for his exceptional leadership. Here’s to more festive celebrations in the future!
Lamda Success
Centrestage are delighted to announce that the LAMDA examination results for the end of last academic year are fantastic. 98% of pupils have passed with Merit or Distinction! We are so proud of all the pupils who took part They have shown excellent determination, talent, and perseverance, improving skills such as modulation, confidence and clarity of speech
A special mention to our nine Year 13 students who took their Grade 8 LAMDA exams, and all achieved a Distinction mark!
We really hope that all our wonderful pupils enjoyed taking part in these exams and are feeling incredibly proud of themselves
If you would like more information about Public Speaking and Speech lessons with Centrestage, please email admin@centrestageschool org uk
Speech Recitals
On Tuesday 26th November around 180 Students in Years 7 - 9 performed in the Centrestage Speech Recital at Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
The pupils in Year 7 performed poems on the theme of "Space and Aliens". Pupils in years 8 and 9 performed poems all about "Nature"
Speaking in public is no easy task and all the pupils involved demonstrated huge amounts of confidence They showcased the skills they had been learning in Speech lessons, such as clarity, projection and modulation. As with all live performance events, not everything went to plan, but the pupils proved their determination and resilience The event was a huge success and we had some wonderful feedback from parents and carers who came to watch. The Centrestage team are hugely proud of all the pupils who took part
Mr Robson said, "I was so impressed yesterday to see 180 (80 Y7 and 100 from Y8/9) involved in the Centrestage public speaking recital. Huge numbers of children involved Watched by a packed Lowndes Hall in two separate performances between 4.30 and 7pm. The quality of speaking was really impressive – clear and confident"
If you are interested in Speech, Public Speaking, Drama or Acting classes for your child, inside or outside of school, please do not hesitate to contact Centrestage: admin@centrestageschoolorguk
Y7 Residential
Our Year 7 pupils have had an incredible time this week at Whitemoor Lakes, taking part in a variety of exciting activities From abseiling and climbing to watersports and fencing, they've embraced every challenge with enthusiasm.
Business & Charity Interns
After a busy start to the academic year for the new Year 12s, we are pleased to announce the start of the 2024-25 Interns Programme! After sending through their CVs and attending interviews, a record number of interns have been recruited: 17 Business Interns and 21 Charity Interns! Congratulations to everyone who has been recruited
The Intern Programme allows Year 12s to have formal interactions with various businesspeople who are all very supportive of charitable endeavours, something BVGS is passionate about. This will allow the Interns to consolidate their CVs as well as make contacts that may prove useful for future employment opportunities.
This term, Business and Charity Interns participated in their first workshops as part of their internship On Monday, the Interns received a Networking Skills workshop, delivered by Corporate Partners Vanessa Harrison (Floraljazzonline) and Ben Davis (Enoch Evans Solicitors). During this session, the Interns were asked to try out the Elevator Pitch, during which they had to discuss who they are and what they want to achieve in their careers Interns were also given general advice about how to make conversation and how to be a friendly and approachable face!
On Tuesday, the Interns received a workshop from Corporate Partner and OV Paul Palmer (Coppice HR) about how to write an effective CV and cover letter when applying for jobs For example, explaining how the skills listed in the CV and cover letter make them the perfect candidate for the role, and making sure the CV is easy to read Interns will be able to take this advice forward when writing their CVs and cover letters for prospective Year 12 work experience, or for when they apply to jobs both now and later on in their careers
The Business and Charity Interns also attended the Business Social Event at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa This gave them the opportunity to practice the networking skills they had learned in a friendly environment with some of Vesey’s Corporate Partners.
E. Marshall, L6 VIII
COP29 Event
Working with other countries, devising environmental plans and questioning Birmingham Councillor, Majid Mahmood: the Business Interns visited the Birmingham Council Chambers last week Thursday to attend a COP29 mock event, in tandem with the real COP29 negotiations happening in Azerbaijan
Arranged into teams representing Uganda, United Arab Emirates, and China, the Interns and Sustainability Officers put forward their country’s plans to move towards a sustainable future and collaborated with students from other schools to create environmental policies Two of the four policies passed were made because of Uganda’s negotiations!
There was also an opportunity to showcase Bishop Vesey’s own plans for sustainability, including the new bin system that has been newly implemented around school to ensure zero waste is taken to landfill with our new company Fortress, as well as plans to create a biodiverse garden Now that the Interns have had an experience of what environmental negotiations look like as well as hearing about what Birmingham Council want to do to improve the city’s sustainability, they can begin to work on their Business Intern Plan 2024-25 of how Bishop Vesey’s can become a more sustainable school and achieve our goal of becoming Net0 by 2030 The new bins are only the beginning!
Eloise M, L6 VIII
Careers
WORK EXPERIENCE AT WEIGHTMANS
We are pleased to announce that two of our students have successfully secured additional work experience placements at Weightmans, a prestigious UK law firm with a history dating back to the early 19th century. Recognised for its 146 specialisms and 453 experts listed in key legal directories, Weightmans offers a comprehensive range of services to built environment enterprises, large corporate institutions, health organizations, insurance companies, public sector bodies, owner-managed businesses, and individual private clients
Anaisha K (Lower Sixth) and Qazim H (Year 10) were selected from 150 applicants to participate in a work experience placement at Weightmans during the October halfterm break Various opportunities are highlighted to students via Teams and the daily blog, enabling those who take advantage of these opportunities to establish valuable connections with potential future employers. Read on for the reasons for which they applied for their placements:
“I applied for this law work experience because I’m really interested in how the legal system functions and want to explore potential careers in law I have always had an avid passion for it and it's always been a dream of mine to pursue a law based job, like a barrister or para-legal. I believe that the experience will give me a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities in the field and help me develop key skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication It will also be a great way to meet professionals in the field and learn from their experiences ” Qazim, Y10
“I have a developing interest in the legal profession and would welcome an opportunity to explore that interest in more detail to see the range of career options available and start to get an idea of the route which I will follow in the coming years Currently, I’m studying A-Levels in Psychology, Maths and PE. Psychology is a particular favourite as I’m interested in how and why people behave the way that they do. I’m logical in my approach and enjoy the challenge of problem solving as well as applying theory to reality Equally, hobbies and interests pursued through school and extra-curricular (such as teaching, playing netball, karate etc) have allowed me to develop a range of soft skills including communication, team work, analysis, resilience and adaptability. I believe these traits are well suited to succeeding in the legal field and I look forward to continue growing and evolving with your support ” Anaisha, Y12
CAREERS INSIGHT DAY AT GOOD HOPE HOSPITAL
A group of students attended a Careers Insight Day at Good Hope Hospital this month. They received valuable information about careers in the medical and healthcare sectors The event provided students with insightful details about the various career paths available in these fields Below are some quotes from students who participated in the day:
“The Insight into NHS event, at Good Hope Hospital, was a very interesting and informative experience There we explored the various different careers into the NHS, delving deep into certain aspects, such as financial roles, and different careers intertwining within the NHS as a whole We also explored the history, and looked at all the NHS’s achievements, especially in the last few years. We also had lots of visitors, including junior doctors, and medical students explaining what they love about their jobs In addition to this, we had lots of hands-on activities, including a fun escape room, and how to stay clean in clinics Overall I found the experience really valuable, and it was a great time for development ”
M. Jasper 10W
“We did 5 different events in the insight day:
1
An opening class in a lecture theatre w/ the schedule for the day, the different departments in a hospital, different career paths into medicine, including a new apprenticeship path. We also were taught what the UHB (University Hospitals Birmingham) was, and what it included. We also were shown the typical day of a doctor, how they got into their speciality and some tips for people who want to be doctors They showed us some statistics on what they did in 2023 and also did a Q/A
2
An escape room was included in the insight day, in this we had to unlock different code-padlocked boxes where the codes were given in question from the first lecture.
3
We went into depth on handwashing, why it was important and how to properly do it We also learnt how to do basic hospital tasks such as changing the bedsheets of a patient without moving them off the bed
4. W. Hitke 10E
Finally, we had a final lecture on the non-medical departments of Good Hope hospital, such as the finance department, Catering department and also had a few more specialists such as a radiologist and 2 midwives come in alongside 2 medical students and 1 junior doctor ”
School Star Award
When I was in Year 10 (2022), my journey with the Inspiring Minds program began after my selection as being one of the first four ambassadors Inspiring Minds is an outreach program that aims to raise awareness of the PSHE/RSHE curriculum within disadvantaged primary schools in the Sutton Coldfield area.
Along with the team, I have delivered numerous sessions in topics including: First aid (performing CPR, treating bleeding and asthma and many others), relationships and online safety. This opportunity helped to discover my interest in contributing to the community and to develop mentoring and leadership skills. This program won the Grammar School Head’s Association (GSHA) awards for innovation in 2023 where I was invited along with the other pivotal ambassadors to deliver a speech on the importance of this program to 140 Grammar School headteachers at the RAF club Piccadilly, London.
As recognition for my work to the community and the Bishop Vesey’s PSHE department, I was nominated by Miss Orlandini for the Birmingham Civic Society ‘School Star Award’ 2024 I was then selected as a winner amongst Birmingham’s other primary/secondary school teachers and students. It was a true honour to have received this award from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham (Councillor Ken Wood) at the Next Generation awards event I would like to sincerely thank Miss Orlandini for this remarkable opportunity
M.Balasubramanian
John Young Varsity Rugby Match
This term saw the first ever John Young Cup between Bishop Vesey's and Queen Mary's School. It was a fantastic night between two schools, played in great spirit with incredible amounts of support. The night saw some fantastic junior rugby in Year 7, where Queen Mary's took home two wins Onto the main event, and the first order of business was to welcome Aaron Dane, our new 2nd Team Kit Sponsor Aaron has kindly donated to ensure the 2nd Team had their own kit, with special mention to Mr Cragg. The night ended with two wins for the senior sides Thank you to all those attended, Veseyans Rugby Club, Professor Robert P Lowndes, the referees and all parents who facilitated the students attending on the night!
MICHAELMAS TERM SPORTS REVIEW
HOCKEY
A great first term of hockey for the students at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School With lots of fixtures for all year groups, the hockey teams have done extremely well showing huge progress due to their commitment to training sessions and hard work on and off the pitch
The year began with three of our senior teams (1’s, 2’s and 3’s) playing fixtures against Newcastle-Under-Lyme school The teams set the tone for the year by winning in every fixture coming away with a total of 20 goals across the three games. With the new additions to the sixth form and new Year 11’s stepping up to senior hockey this was a promising first round with everybody excited for the year to come. The stand out performance was the 3rd Team result winning 12-0 in a dominant display of talent on the pitch
The following week saw our junior teams taking part in their fixtures with a week of games vs KES Birmingham School Our talented Year 10’s put on a good show with all teams winning showing the quality that the year group possesses. An introduction to 11-a-side hockey for our Year 9 teams saw some narrow results with competitive competition being shown in all game A great experience for the boys as they learn new skills in the sport. The standout performance however came
on the Thursday with the Year 8 A Team winning 12-0 in an action packed game of hockey All teams played in competitive games, scoring goals galore in each fixture
To end September we introduced the new Year 7’s into their first competitive fixtures with a tournament at Solihull. A great experience for their first taste of hockey games playing against Solihull School, KES Birmingham School and Warwick School The boys worked incredibly hard with both A and B teams coming away with good results and having had a great time away from school So good to see so many students buying into the hockey culture of the school This was a perfect way to follow up two great results from previous in the week against Queen Mary’s school where our Year 8’s put on a dominant display of hockey once again winning both games and scoring plenty of goals.
The month of October saw the build up to Cup competitions for the senior 1st Team, starting to get high level competition and put in the work ready for after Christmas Games against Trent College, Repton School and Queen Mary’s produced three competitive games which saw the boys work incredibly hard adapting to new structures and learning from our specialist hockey coach MrIrfan Lots of travelling paid off as the team look to be a strong outfit moving forward throughout the season.
The highlight for October has to be our Year 10 and 11 tour to Holland. The boys took part in a three day tour of Holland playing against local clubs in high level hockey fixtures and working on their technical skills with intense training sessions. Amongst the 2 teams (A and B), wins from 3 out of the 6 games played produced tense yet amazing fixtures showing off the skill of our hockey students and the hard work they have put in since joining the school. To make the experience whole, trips to the Johan Cruyff Stadium and Efteling Theme park gave the boys a taste of what Holland has to offer and some crucial down time from hockey on the trip. To top the tour off (and MrLacey’s favourite part) we visted HC Rotterdam to what a professional league game vs Den Bosch The boys even got to watch an England international show his talent in Tom
Sorsby, even if Mr.Doughty and Mr.Lee struggled with the speed of the game!
Hockey started the month of November with a bang welcoming KES Birmingham to another visit to the school. This time it was the turn of Year 7 to take part in their second round of fixtures for the school Scoring an astonishing 32 goals in 4 games, the boys walked away with a well-deserved 4 wins out of 4! The improvement of hockey skill and understanding of the sport has been drastic showing very promising signs as we look forward to the rest of the year The year 7’s work continuously hard completing lunch time sessions every day with Mr.Irfan and taking on board the knowledge of the sport during after school training sessions with MrLacey With the addition of a few stern words from Mr.Howell, the boys are absorbing every bit of information from the hockey team at BVGS
To top off the first term in style, of course we handed the baton back to our Year 7’s to take into fixtures against Queen Mary’s. Nothing like a local derby to get the boys up for their last fixtures of the term Once again the boys showed amazing determination but this combined with their newly developed hockey skills meant they were becoming serious teams. A thrilling game for the B team produced 7 goals. However, to keep MissGroves on her
toes, the boys left it late, producing a last minute winner to come away victorious and top off their first term in style
After Christmas
Once the Christmas break has been enjoyed (hopefully not too many mince pies), the boys will begin to take part in Cup competitions both in the Independent Schools competition and the England Hockey National Cup Cup competitions for the Under 14’s, Under 16’s and U18’s will make for a very busy term Alongside cup competitions, Year 7 and 8 will take part in their county tournaments with aspirations of making the regional competition, competing against the best schools in the Midlands
A very exciting term ahead to back up the exciting first term of hockey!
RUGBY
The first term here at Bishop Vesey has proven a fantastic example of rugby can play an integral part of school life for our students There has been countless enthralling wins, as well as many narrow losses We have also had students join rugby who have previously never played the sport, and are loving it!
We now have over 280 students taking part from U12D Team to 1st Team Rugby A fantastic feat, and one which Mr Cairns will continue to grow This term has involved Saturday blocks against Loughborough Grammar School, Princethorpe College, Bromsgrove, Newcastle under Lyme, Kings Worcester and KES Birmingham There has also been some outstanding events such as the John Young Varsity Cup against Queen Mary’s and our Charity Match where our current 1st Team face last year’s 1st team We have made new connections with schools such as Tettenhall College in assisting them with their developing rugby program and we have seen touring schools such as Westonbirt visit Bishop Vesey!
Two of our stand out teams thus far have been the U13A Team, led by Mr Doughty and our U14B Team led by Mr Brooks. Both teams have put in some tremendous shifts to overcome some fantastic opposition The U13A Team have recorded 9 wins in their opening 12
matches, and have become a serious powerhouse to be reckoned with! This is no small part to their dedication to training and high standards they hold themselves to It has been a pleasure to them develop over the term along with seeing student such as S. Laird and G. McWilliam lead from the front.
Our U14B team arguably have been the most improved, by winning half of their 8 fixtures so far this term, they have really showed vast improvements on the pitch! Within the Year 9 cohort, there is fierce completion for places, with no less than 52 students competing for places! The strength and attitude of those students who have played in the B Team is having a knock on effect to the quality of rugby the year group are producing!
Within rugby this year, we have looked to focus on the students individual skill set and tactical knowledge of the game Our 1st Team have demonstrated on a regular basis this year just how easily they can develop their rugby knowledge and translate that onto the pitch even when playing the best opposition As Head of Rugby, I am extremely proud of how much every student has bought into the ethos and standards we set here at Bishop Vesey.
As mentioned, our 1st Team have played some brilliant rugby this term, despite the tough start they endured! Week after week, the team worked tirelesly and improved, however with limited joy by way of results! They were rewarded however by conituning Bishop Veseys run of winning the John Young Cup against Queen Mary’s at Veseyans RFC A result and evening they should be very proud of as it will live long in Vesey rugby memory.
Special thanks to Veseyans RFC for hosting, the match officials and Ed Pitt who helped organise the evening
What proved to be a tough start given the level of opposition they face in the first few weeks, the U12A Team have really proven their ability to learn, absorb and apply information onto the pitch! A special mention to Mr Brooks who has taken the team this year, and whilst being assisted by Mr Roach, he has proven instrumental in getting the most out of the students! This was all
proven when on the 6th December, the Greater Birmingham Tournament came calling! The team were to face many of the schools they had previously lost to. However at the end of the afternoon, with over 10 tries scored in 5 matches and only 4 conceded, they were crowned Greater Birmingham Champions of 2024! A feat only achieved by 1 other Veseyan team in 3 years!
Overall, it has been a very successful term of rugby and it has demonstrated to the students how well they can play on their day! The have applied themselves, learnt and applied themselves. With 5 weeks of rugby left after the new year, it will no doubt end up being a strong finish!
coach of the month
SEPTEMBER - MR CRAGG
OCTOBER - MR BROOKS
NOVEMBER - MR DOUGHTY
DECEMBER - MR BROOKS
2nd Team
1st Team
SPORT AT VESEY
This term has been a fantastic showcase of sport at Vesey, with countless competitive sporting fixtures across all year groups in a wide range of sports It has been particularly exciting to see so many year 7 students embracing new sports and quickly developing their skills. Highlights of the term include the inaugural John Young Varsity Cup in where the 1st XV Rugby team triumphed over Queen Mary’s in a thrilling, floodlit match accompanied by music, food and an exhilarating atmosphere. The hockey tour to Holland provided a great opportunity for our teams to challenge strong opposition while strengthening team bonds Finally, it has been great to see so many students enjoying the table tennis club, the newest extracurricular offering in the sports hall As the term concludes, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of all students and coaches and hope for more sporting success in the new year
Congratulations to those awarded Sports Performer of the Term
Y7- James B
Y8- Theo C
Y9- Miren R
Y10- Christos H
Y11- Seb C
Y12- Bethan G
Y13- Perfect C
CROSS COUNTRY
This term saw the cross-country team competing in the West-Central Regional Final at Bromsgrove school. Each and every runner put a great show on display, in particular the year 9 and 10 boys who have successfully qualified for the National Cross Country cup finals. This is an excellent achievement made possible by some outstanding results from the first 4 scoring runners home: MRandhawa in 5th, OGunther in 9th, TKarra-Betts in 17th and ASangster in 19th, all supported by E.Wright in 48th and T.Halstead in 75th. It was also great to see a girls team competing for the first time in several years, with an impeccable run from Mariah Taha who finished 15th in a difficult field of some top-level athletes. There are some exciting races coming up in the new year and good luck to the junior boys at the finals in March!
Emily S (Sports Officer)
Kian E (Sports Captain)
COMMUNITY
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
Mother Teresa
FOUNDER’S DAY
The last week of Half Term 1, we celebrate our annual Founder’s Day, a tradition dating back hundreds of years to honour the school’s founder, Bishop John Vesey. Since 1527, the school has recognised this special day to remember Vesey's legacy. Although in the past the entire school attended the event, our growing number of pupils means that only Year 7 students and school officers now make the journey to Holy Trinity Parish Church for the celebration.
This year’s ceremony was a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity, honouring not only the school’s rich history but also its vibrant diversity. The event featured a reading by School Captain G Oliyide and religious reflections shared by J. Kearsley, U. Bashir, and A Singh, representing a broad array of backgrounds and beliefs within the school community
Reverend Becky Stephens also gave an inspiring address, reminding everyone of the importance of caring for our environment
In keeping with a cherished tradition, the youngest member of the school had the honor of laying flowers at Bishop Vesey’s tomb, which rests within Holy Trinity Parish Church This gesture serves as a symbolic link between the school’s early beginnings and its bright, inclusive future
You can see more here: https://www instagram com/reel/DCHXB RQs89S/?igsh=NHc2c2c2aDZubWV2
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
This October, we marked World Mental Health Day with a vibrant splash of yellow, raising awareness and fostering conversations about mental health. Our assemblies focused on what mental health truly means, how it can affect anyone, and the vital importance of reaching out for support when needed. It was a meaningful opportunity to highlight the power of understanding and caring for our mental well-being
UNICEF FUNDRAISING
Thank you to M. Jimon, O. Shijo, R. Das and S. Arun for organising such a wonderful week of charitable activities to raise money for UNICEF! Throughout their fundraising week they hosted Dodgeball, Penalty Shootouts, a Samosa Sale as well as a non-uniform day!
We are very proud to share that BVGS raised a grand total of £1019 46 for UNICEF!
DIWALI WEEK
This term has seen us celebrate Diwali week for the second year in a row! It has been a wonderful week with colourful decorations, vibrant assemblies, traditional music and delicious Indian food. Thank you to the Hindu Society who organised a fantastic week of celebrations and treats for pupils and staff alike Thank you also to all of the parents who got involved
HALLOWEEN HORROR STORY COMPETITION
This Halloween we held our very first House Halloween Horror Story Competition, a thrilling event that brought together the entire year group With Mr Chadwick as our lively host and Mr Brocklebank measuring audience reactions with his decibel reader, the atmosphere was electric as students cheered for their favorite spooky tales
The top storytellers captivated the audience with their readings, showcasing an impressive command of language and exceptional oracy skills. Our judging panel, including Miss Hearn, Mrs Cragg, and the Heads of Year, evaluated each story along with the decibel readings to select the winners.
Those who took home top honours were awarded Amazon vouchers, a book, and sweets a fitting reward for their creativity and mastery of English. It was a fantastic event that celebrated our pupils' talents and brought Halloween spirit to life in our school
The winners were as follows: Year 7
1st - Emerald House – H. Mukattash with The Other Side
2nd - White House – R Preece with The Caretaker
3rd - Red House – Y. Baig with Lost Year 8
1st - Blue House - S. Rathnapala with The Whispers of Blackwood Mansion
2nd - Blue House - T Scrivens with The Phantom Portrait Year 9
1st Blue House – O. Nashipudi with Timor
Joint 2nd Emerald House – R Nanglu with The Graveyard of Death
Joint 2nd White House – D Chen with Darkness
BREAKING GROUND CEREMONY
This term marked the beginning of a very significant event for Vesey: the beginning of the LRC being built! This newest addition of the school is set to be unveiled in September 2025 and will include multiple new features designed to enrich the learning of students here, such as a brand-new library and new Sixth Form facilities.
To celebrate the construction finally ‘breaking ground’, students from the Shadow LRC project as well as members of the Officer team were invited to see the progress that the builders have made thus far Several Vesey alumni and partners were also present to commemorate the start of the construction work. After some lunch, the spectators were taken outside to see the progress that has been made up close Of course, photos were taken, including photos of Mr Robson and Bob Lowndes breaking ground themselves!
Thought-provoking speeches were given by headteacher Mr Robson and Professor Bob Lowndes, OV Bob reminded us that “The school has always been a strategic thinker”, and that the new building marks an exciting chapter in Vesey’s nearly 500-year-old story Mr Robson also thanked those who have donated to the LRC project; the impact those contributions will have on the building and therefore Vesey students’ education is immense, both now and many years into the future
The Shadow LRC project members will soon be invited for tours around the site with a focus on the architecture We look forward to watching the progress of
the LRC throughout the rest of the academic year!
Eloise M, L6 VIII
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has generously supported this project While we still have a journey ahead to reach our fundraising goal, your support has been truly uplifting Together, we’re building the future of BVGS!
If you would like to donate, please follow this link: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/do nate?cid=64312
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
On Monday 11th November, Bishop Vesey’s came together to commemorate Remembrance Day, in a moving service that included speeches and the reading of poetry I asked E Winterbottom (L6 IV) to share his perspective on the service and the importance of Remembrance Day as a whole
“Bishop Vesey’s Act of Remembrance started on Middle Field as it does most years, gathering over 1000 students, teachers and Governors in a combined and respectful act of Remembrance The service began with a moving speech about war and how it affected the school with the middle field being used as a training ground during WW1. The indiscriminate effect of war on men, women and children alike was also remembered, and we were reminded that during WW2 students and staff would have to prepare the school for blackouts every day We then offered prayers in Sanskrit, English, Punjabi and Arabic highlighting not only the diverse and inclusive nature of Bishop Vesey’s but also reflecting the effect of war over all races and cultures.
We were also honoured with the presence of Captain Breen who read ‘In Flanders Fields’, which was shortly followed by the ‘Last Post’ and the 2 minutes silence shared across the country and the world to honour and respect all those who have given their lives in conflict both past and present ”
SUSTAINABILITY
As climate change worsens and we start to see the effects, we all need to begin to seriously think about the impact we have on the climate and the environment around us. Even here, it is estimated that schools produce over 30 tonnes of waste a year, releasing 90 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Previously, BVGS has only recycled paper waste and all other waste ends up in landfill, polluting the ground for decades However, as of Monday 25th November, the eco committee with the help of Ms Stackhouse have terminated our waste collection with Birmingham City Council. We have now signed a new contract with sustainable waste management company Fortress - a carbon neutral company
This is an amazing opportunity as now, 0% of our waste will go to landfill! You will soon start to see two new types of bins around school - food waste bins and packaging bins. Any type of food can go into the food bins (minus the packaging) and everything else can go in the packaging bin. When Fortress comes to collect our waste, it will get sorted out into different categories like metal and plastic and then any materials that can be salvaged are separated out and prepared to be turned into new products Any waste that can’t be recycled and would usually go to landfill gets sent to Fortress’ energy recovery facility and is turned into energy to be used in schools, businesses and homes meaning nothing is wasted. We will also continue to have blue paper bags in classrooms for paper and cardboard as we feel this is already working well
Having none of our waste go to landfill is an amazing achievement as we are preventing the release of over 90 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. This is something that as a school we should all be proud as not many schools can claim this achievement As the new bins start to arrive in school it is essential to get into the habit of putting food waste in one bin and packaging in the other If we all do this, we can do our part in combating climate change and help to create a brighter future.
L. Tyler L6
staff VESEY
“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work.”
Vince Lombardi
VALETES
As we conclude 2024, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional members of our staff who have dedicated decades of service to Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, both collectively and individually. As they embark on new journeys beyond Vesey, we bid them farewell with warm wishes for success and happiness Their presence will be deeply missed, and their legacy will continue to inspire us
Ashley Buxton,
Director of Music
This Christmas has seen the last 4 concerts of ‘Buxmas’ as we say goodbye to the marvellous musical maestro, Ashley Buxton.
Mr Buxton joined us in 2017 and quickly made an impression. As Ciaran O’Donnell, the then Head of the Birmingham Music service (SFE) put it: “Huge ambition and transformation at BVGS Over 200 young people involved in a concert full of diversity and creativity”
That was just the start of a whirlwind of activity Music tours to France and Italy Choral evensong at St Peter’s College, Oxford Visits from inspirational musicians, breathtaking Founder’s Day and Speech Day performances, Junior Soloists, senior Soloists, Rock Nights, Piano Evenings, Charity concerts, alumni concerts not just one but 2 Spring concerts, Summer showcase concerts, 4 Christmas concerts and even Lessons and Carols at Holy Trinity Church
This whirlwind did not stop even in for a global pandemic. Instead, Mr Buxton always found solutions. Outdoor concerts in winter live-streamed to parents? No problem. Socially distanced summer concerts. Easy. Forced to go virtual by Omicrom with 24 hours notice. Solved!
The fruits of this endeavour are for us all to see There have never been so many Veseyans having music lessons or playing in ensembles across Birmingham Above all, a music community, a family, has been created giving so many pupils a sense of belonging and skills for life have been honed It has been beautiful to see the progress that has been made
Of course, it takes a team to do this. The Services for Education, other Music teachers, supportive parents and pupils have all helped to make this happen.
But the leadership of Music has been really significant. Mr Buxton is not just a brilliant indvidual. What marks him out, is the very positive legacy he leaves us, which Mr Lenthall and Mrs McCausland will continue to build on And this is because he is a brilliant leader No wonder that BVGS has been nominated three times for having the best Music department in the country!
Thank you sir for everything We will miss you But of course we wish Team Buxton well with the next exciting set of adventures!
Jo Brown, Attendance Officer
Mrs Joanne Brown joined BVGS in 2018 as a Post-16 pastoral care and attendance officer. She quickly impressed building excellent relationships with staff and pupils alike She set high standards, making sure the Upper Sixth kept focussed in study periods, and over time developed really excellent pastoral relationships with the pupils Many a pupil benefited from a positive kind word and encouragement
The school really benefited from Mrs Brown’s expertise in managing attendance She raised standards significantly in this area with BVGS regularly charting in the top 10% of schools for attendance nationally – not an easy thing to do when we were all reeling from the impact of a global pandemic However, Mrs Brown’s fair and firm approach to attendance has reaped dividends in student engagement, and was praised by OFSTED inspectors when we were visited in May 2024
It is now time for Mrs Brown to enjoy other adventures in life She will be greatly missed. But we look forward to receiving postcards from warm far-flung countries as we enjoy the highs and lows of a Birmingham winter!!
IN MEMORIAM
Brian Portsmouth
25TH SEPTEMBER 1948 - 26th SEPTEMBER 2024
it is with great sadness we report the passing of Brian Portsmouth, much-loved invigilator here at BVGS Brian was a huge character and an inspiration to all who met him He was a wonderful invigilator, taking time to get to know the students by name and making them feel calm and relaxed in their exams through his fantastic character and humor He definitely made my role much easier with his support, encouragement, songs, impressions and jokes
Below you can find one of Brian’s poems called Confessions of an Invigilator I hope you love it as much as we do H.Pritchard
- Exams Officer
I’ve been breaking all the invigilator’s rules I thought they’d never find out, the stupid fools I’ve left the labels on the kids’ Evian water And not collected in their phones like I oughta
I’ve left exam papers lying for all to see
Allowed the kids to go out unaccompanied for a pee, I’ve let some students stretch and turn around And done nothing when others made funny sounds
I’ve switched the place cards to cause confusion And told science students the meaning of diffusion
I’ve deliberately not handed out their calculators And invited ‘class teachers’ in to be spectators
I’ve given dictionaries to those that couldn’t spell And allowed smart watches in But what the hell!
I’ve written the finish times wrong up on the board And told the kids what I think they’ve scored.
I’ve talked to everyone very loudly during English Lit And helped a lad with vulgar fractions in Maths a bit
I’ve deliberately worn very squeaky shoes And spent the night before out on the booze
I’ve even left the room during a one to one And crossed out answers after the students have gone
I’ve read Fifty Shades during a Biology exam
That’s just the sort of invigilator I am! They promised they’d go easy if I come clean And I told them everything they hadn’t seen I do feel better now I’ve got it off my chest
Because next summer I could do with a rest
To me a year’s ban seems a little bit severe
But afterwards I’ll be ready to revive my career
As an invigilator It’s not a job, it’s a vocation For I’m safeguarding the children’s education
OLDVESEYAN
news
“I think the success of any school can be measured by the contribution the alumni make to our national life.”
John F. Kennedy
DEAR READER,
Merry Christmas from the OVA!
Thank you all, for your continued support and engagement in Old Veseyan life. Many choose to stay up to date through the magazine and others also attend the many OV events throughout the year including the OV dinner, the Shaggy Dogs tea party, the quarterly catch ups and the Annual Dinner
Through these events I have personally made many new friends and reconnected with several from my own time at BVGS. This has also given me the pleasure of witnessing other OV's sharing the same opportunity. It is fascinating to learn about other BVGS experiences and tales.
I look forward to meeting many of you in 2025 at some of the occasions shown on the next page. For more information please get in touch.
Ed Pitt
Chair of the Old Veseyans Association
ebwpitt@hotmail.co.uk 07806668312
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
As we strive to expand our alumni network and offer increased opportunities for networking, mentoring, and social engagement, our event calendar continues to flourish. Below, you'll find dates for all upcoming confirmed events Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for additional events highlighted in our monthly OV Newsletter.
THURSDAY 6TH MARCH
Informal Catch Up
Station Pub
FRIDAY 7TH MARCH
OVA Centenary Rugby Match
Veseyans RFC
THURSDAY 5TH JUNE
Informal Catch Up
Station Pub
SATURDAY 28TH JUNE
Veseyan Summer Festival
BVGS Pavilion
TBC
Shaggy Dogs Tea Party
TBC
THURSDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER
Informal Catch Up
Station Pub
SATURDAY 8TH NOVEMBER
OV Annual Dinner
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER
Informal Catch Up
Station Pub
If you would like to come along to any of these events, please contact Chair of the OVA, Ed Pitt, at ebwpitt@hotmail.co.uk.
ANNUAL OLD VESEYAN DINNER
This year’s Old Veseyan Dinner was a great success and brought a fabulous array of 115 alumni together to reconnect and reminisce, especially for those OVs returning to celebrate their 10th, 35th, 45th, 50th and 60th anniversaries since leaving BVGS
It was also fantastic to see some of the current students taking part and assisting with the formalities on the night. We hope they will return in years to come as they join the OV family.
The evening began with the OVA drinks reception in Old Big School, a room that currently serves as a multipurpose space full of Vesey memorabilia The guests then headed down to Big School for a delightful dinner which was intertwined with toasts from Mr Brocklebank, Ed Pitt and our School Captains, Freddie and Gbemi.
Freddie and Gbemi delivered an entertaining and informative speech providing an update on the school’s sporting achievements, house system, charity initiatives and trips that students have been on recently.
Thanks to the generous donations of the OVA committee and those who attended We look forward to welcoming more of you along to our OV Dinner 2025
BUSINESS SOCIAL AT MOOR HALL HOTEL
Moor Hall Hotel and Spa saw the arrival of the record number of Interns for their first networking experience! They were given the opportunity to network with some of Vesey’s Corporate Partners
Whilst the Corporate Partners wine-tasted, the Interns enjoyed a selection of food before beginning to network, including with the Governor of Bishop Vesey’s himself!
Business Intern Jess HK (L6 IV) said that despite not finding anyone that is in the career she is interested in, she still found it insightful to hear how each Corporate Partner got to their positions, and that there is “never one way to do a specific thing” She also found that it was easy to initiate conversations due to the relaxed setting, especially as there was a large turnout of Corporate Partners to speak to.
Charity Intern Nyla B (L6 I) found that it was a great opportunity to get advice from experienced professionals, as well as share what the Charity Interns have been up to She said that she has found the Intern program to be great practical preparation for the future, and that the event left her feeling “inspired and excited to keep learning and growing”!
The next Business Social event will be March at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Congratulations to all Interns on completing their first event!
E. Marshall L6 VIII, Business Intern
OV VISITS
PROFESSOR ROBERT P LOWNDES
We were honoured to welcome Professor Lowndes this term to both present a trophy at the John Varsity Rugby Match as well as officially break ground for our new Learning Resource Centre We are very grateful to Professor Lowndes for his generosity in giving back to the school and his great presence as a friend of the school.
JEEVAN BRAICH, OV 2022
Former student Jeevan Braich visited BVGS on Monday, 18th November, to share his experiences and insights about Starlight Express Now a West End star, Jeevan plays the leading role of Rusty in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical
Starlight Express is an iconic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber This new production is staged in the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre Audiences are transported into a world of speed, song, and storytelling as a talented cast of performers whizz around and above them on roller skates The story revolves around a child’s train set that magically comes to life, with the engines racing to become the fastest in the world. Rusty, the steam train, initially has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’
During his visit, he delivered an inspiring assembly to all of Year 9, focusing on future careers and the joy of pursuing one’s passions. He emphasised the importance of hard work, resilience, and seizing opportunities.
Reflecting on his time at BVGS, Jeevan highlighted the value of engaging with the school’s offerings and utilising the support available After the assembly, he met with students from Years 7 to 12 who are interested in careers in drama, singing, and acting. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of our Veseyans and the thoughtful questions they had for Jeevan.
As a school, we are immensely proud of Jeevan’s achievements and look forward to watching his career continue to flourish
ROHIT JAKHU, OV 2024
Rohit Jakhu came into school this term to speak to a small group of students about his career path.
ADITYA MUTHUKUMAR, OV 2024
Former School Captain, Adi, gave six hours of his time for high quality interviews of students in Year 13. Thank you Adi!
CAPTAIN BREEN
On our Remembrance Day Service, we welcomed back Captain Breen who read 'In Flanders Fields' before our School Captains and Officers read prayers for peace from their different faiths.
CAMERON BAILEY & EVIE CHALLONER-MILES
Cameron and Evie came into school to present assemblies about apprenticeships to current pupils It was a fantastic way for pupils to see the benefits of different paths into work.
HELEN MCCOOK
Helen McCook, is an artisan hand embroiderer, designer, teacher, published author and historian specialising in all aspects of traditional and contemporary hand embroidery and embellishment We were honoured to have had her come into school this term to speak to pupils about working in this field and give an interview which will be featured in the next Veseyan magazine.
JAMES CUTTING, SEB BRECHON, NAV AHMED & ADAM HEXLEY
We were lucky to have in James, Seb, Nav and Adam to talk to our pupils about language learning this term. The OVs discussed the benefits of language learning in applications for university and career progression as well as the exciting opportunities and adventures it can present
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Delving into the archives of December 1934.
IN MEMORIAM
Peter Farrell
1952-2024
My close friend Peter (OV 1964 -71) passed away in July I met him in the first year at BVGS and we forged a strong and lasting friendship Like his two elder brothers Peter was big for his age and whilst the majority, if not all, of us attended school in grey shorts in the first year he was one of the first to don long trousers. He is remembered by his contemporaries for his sense of fairness Hence he used his physique to good effect when he considered it right to do so and would intervene if he encountered bullying which had gone too far
He was a good athlete , ultimately settling on the 100 metre hurdles as his main event He was also a good rugby player and followed in his brother Michael’s footsteps by playing in the centre for the school 1st XV In earlier years he and I regularly played in the centre together and Peter would always accept my invitation that he marked and tackled the bigger of the two opposition centres!
We both lived on the same side of Sutton Coldfield, so for several years in our early teens we would cycle to school in the company of Kevin Ellis and Tim Osborne This would be in all weather conditions and frequently involved using one of those fairly dangerous wind affected yellow capes in the rain and then having to sit through lessons in wet socks and trousers. We also spent a lot of out of school time at each other’s house and were welcomed in each other’s family.
In 1967 at the age of 14 we managed to persuade our respective parents to allow the four of us, myself Peter Tim and Kevin to undertake a cycling holiday to Lands End and back. I spent many hours with Peter studying appropriate scale maps, planning cycle routes and booking youth hostels for each night of the 3 week tour. Our chosen route to Lands End was via south Devon & south Cornwall, returning via the northern coasts
I am still surprised that we managed to persuade our parents that this was a good idea at such a tender age [as parents & grandparents today I am sure that we wouldn’t allow it and if we did I can imagine the howls of protest and allegations of parental negligence] There was clearly some adult concern In fact my parents planned to holiday in Salcombe Devon that summer in order to meet up with us for a couple of days That didn’t happen as my father passed away in May which was a couple of months prior to our trip. Nevertheless the cycle tour went ahead; we enjoyed a fantastic eventful holiday and we made it home with no major mishap. We did in fact arrange to meet up with a BVGS teacher during our tour as “Smiler” Clarke was holidaying with his young family in Padstow so he generously spent a day with us on the beach and bought us a fish & chip supper
I enjoyed several other summer holiday ventures with Peter including the following year when a camping holiday in Woolacombe Devon with Kevin Ellis and Geoff Bate concluded with a final day 145 mile bicycle ride from Ilminster to Sutton Coldfield Oh to be young fit and carefree!
Our shared holiday ventures came to an end as, in due course, more romantic relationships blossomed for both of us I was privileged to be Peter’s best man when he made what was undoubtedly the best decision of his life to marry Cheryl. I would conclude this personal memory with a tribute to her and their two daughters for how they cared for Peter in his later years when he needed them most It is also worth mentioning that the camaraderie engendered by BVGS & the VRFC was exemplified by the regular care & attention provided to Peter by Brian O’Reilly, David Bramble & other old OV friends.
RIP Peter, I know that you are fondly remembered by those Old Veseyans who knew you at school and after school for your good humour and nature
David West
BISHOP VESEY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL
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