YEAR 7 EXPERIENCES | PG 14

I am really enjoying being a student of Bishop Vesey Grammar school. The school has a range of interesting and exciting extracurricular activities I am currently involved in the Mandarin Excellence Program, and the Speech and Drama classes. Bishop Vesey is a great place to learn and expand your knowledge. There are several opportunities to study about topics I find interesting. The teachers always encourage you to work hard in lessons and if you do exceptionally well you will be awarded a merit.

Personally, Bishop Vesey has helped me become more independent, organized, responsible and curios to learn. I always try to embody the three c ’ s (courteous, co operative and considerate) in my daily life.

Timi Sofoluwe, 7P

Tell us about your experience at Bishop Vesey's Grammar School so far.

How has it helped you as a person and as a learner?

At the start of Year 7, I was very nervous but excited, like a lot of people in my form. Finding my way around the school wasn ’t too difficult- I only got lost a few times! Now though I have settled in and love it here, especially the variety of challenging lessons and opportunities. In a short space of time, I have been playing the ukulele in music, designing keyrings in D.T and playing rugby in games lessons but this is only a handful of my experiences in the first term at Bishop Vesey ’ s.

Recently, I tested positive for Covid 19 which meant that I have had to work from home. This resulted in me needing to be a lot more organised to catch up on the classwork and homework, but the teachers were supportive of me. Another big step in my Vesey experience was becoming a school councillor for Year 7 Blue House. I was very proud to take on this role and extremely grateful to my classmates for voting for me.

Going to Bishop Vesey

’ s Grammar School has helped develop me as a person and expand my knowledge in every subject. My peers in 7B are like me in many ways because they love learning and have a thirst for knowledge. In just one term, I have become a more independent, responsible and confident person. I’ m excited to see what the future has in store for me here. My experience as a Year 7 student at BVGS has been much more amazing than what I imagined it would be. BVGS gives a spectacular education and nurtures me more with a wide variety of extra-curricular education ranging from sports to drama and speech. BVGS has extraordinary sporting facilities and gives everyone an equal opportunity. The staff at BVGS have been kind and caring. This school is a representative of British Values.

BVGS has changed me quite a lot. It has exposed me to different people from different places and cultures. BVGS has made my move from primary to secondary as it had never happened. Whilst starting at BVGS, I felt like my confidence has massively improved because I am not shy anymore to ask questions and in result, my quality and standards are becoming better in subjects like Mandarin and R.E. My writing skills have improved, and I’ ve gained extra knowledge, skills, and techniques in the core subjects.

N A T I O N A L F I N A L S O F T H E E N G L I S H S C H O O L S C R O S S C O U N T R Y C U P

The Senior Boys Cross Country team embarked on the long journey to Newquay in Cornwall for the National Finals of the English Schools Cross Country Cup on Saturday 4th December. In difficult weather conditions, with strong blustery winds, cold, rain and hail to contend with, along with a very high standard of competition, the boys performed very well to finish in 25th place. Ethan Patel was the first BVGS finisher in 65th place, with George O’Connor just nine seconds behind Ethan in 69th. Joseph McClafferty and Toby Walton also ran strongly to finish in 132nd and 135th position respectively. Unfortunately, Max McCabe suffered a hamstring injury when running on a slippery downhill section on the first lap, meaning he was unable to complete the race. A huge thank you to parents Mr and Mrs O’Connor, Mrs Walton and Mrs Wakefield for their help with organisation and transport, and for accompanying the students.

For those who are aware of music exams, it's worth noting that only the most elite musicians in the world take Diploma Exams. We are proud that Hitesh Jhall L6 has joined that group, achieving a Distinction in his Violin Music Exam.

Moonis Haider, along with his team of 5 others, represented the UK at the International Olympiad for Astronomy and Astrophysics, an online competition run from Bogota. Moonis proudly secured a silver medal. To show you how tricky the competition is, why not have a go at answering the question below from the IOAA?

MR EVERETT L 6 V I O L I N S U C C E S S

I O A A

R O W , R I D E , R U N

Charlie Stroud, 10P, has completed a gruelling, physically demanding 26 mile event, to provide over 200 gifts for the homeless of Birmingham this Christmas.

He then took to his bike, in freezing and muddy conditions to cycle the next 10 miles from home and through the beautiful surrounds of Sutton Park. Charlie still full of enthusiasm, if not a little cold, then donned his running shoes for the final 7 and a half tiring miles again around the park. It was tough going, muddy under foot and icy cold. He completed his challenge in under 4 hours.

Charlie completed this challenge to raise awareness for the fantastic work 'Have a Hart Help the Homeless' do each and every week. Sponsorship of Charlie will ensure that the Homeless of Birmingham have a little Christmas cheer this year in the form of a present from the Charity or from you!

It’ s not too late to sponsor Charlie and to help these people in need, it could not be easier. Click the following link or scan the QR code to choose a gift from the Have Hart Amazon Wish List.

Thank you to those who have already given.

G O L D S C O U T A W A R D

Oliver Swann 9P, was awarded the Chief Scout's Gold Award this month at 1st Sutton Coldfield Sea Scout group. This is the highest award that can be achieved by a Scout.

N A T I O N A L C H I L D R E N ’ S O R C H E S T R A S O F G R E A T B R I T A I N

Oliver's Scout leader, Doug Lea, is a former Bishop Vesey student. Oliver and his Scout group also recently undertook an all-night Rowathon, raising over £2,000 for Children In Need.

This term Joshua Lee, 7W, auditioned and successfully gained a place in the National Children ’ s Orchestras of Great Britain playing the trombone. He will be in the Under 12’ s orchestra and they have two residential courses planned during the year, one at Easter and the second in the Summer Holiday.