“When the brain is silent, the executive function, which is this part of the brain that makes decisions, can work much better. So, you make better decisions.” Goldie Hawn
Welcome back to my first blog of the Summer Term. It was such a pleasure to see all the children back to school on Tuesday, with such excitement and their batteries fully charged.
At our Staff INSET training on Monday, we welcomed Victoria Bagnell from Connections in Mind, to present a workshop on Executive Functioning and the impact that these skills can have on children’s individualised learning.
Victoria was diagnosed with Dyslexia aged 9 and talks openly about how she struggled throughout her education, but despite her challenges, she read Geography at the University of Cambridge, and trained to be a teacher where she developed a passion for working with neurodivergent children. She is a well-known public speaker, published co-author and Founder of the charity Connections in Mind. I first heard Victoria speak about six years ago at a Conference, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that she changed my whole way of thinking about education and still continues to influence my thinking and practice today.
So, what is Executive Functioning?
The phrase “executive function” refers to a set of skills. These skills underlie our capacity to plan and meet goals, display self-control, follow multiple-step directions even when interrupted, and stay focused despite distractions, among others. The centre for child development at Harvard University describe them like an air traffic control system helping planes on different runways land and take off safely, executive function skills help our brains prioritise tasks, filter distractions, and control impulses. As teachers knowing how we can identify executive function challenges in children and how these challenges can affect their identity, behaviour and confidence is possibly one of the most important tools for supporting children inside and outside the classroom. In addition, it is even more powerful if children know and understand how their executive functioning affects their learning and behaviour, as they can develop strategies and use this information to independently support their learning and manage everyday life.
We all remember how many classrooms work, they expect children to wait their turn, put up their hand, plan how to complete work and organise their things, all these tasks require Executive Functioning. We are not born with fully developed Executive Functioning skills, they begin to develop in the first year of life and they are not fully developed until early adulthood around the age of 26 years. Until then, all children need strategies to support these skills. This is so important, as some scientists believe that Executive Functioning is critical to successful and positive learning experiences.
At Beachborough, I am keen that the children are seen as individuals and that the staff embrace and support their differences in the classroom. We want to deliver the support that children need to build and develop their Executive Functioning skills, by being a “growth-promoting” environment providing clear routines, modelling behaviour and creating supportive, reliable relationships. In addition, we want the children to exercise their developing skills through activities that foster creative play and social connection, involve healthy exercise, teach them how to cope with pressure and stress and over time, provide opportunities for independent thinking.
All our good wishes go to the Beachbotics Team, as they attend the FIRST LEGO League Robotics UK Final at the Harrogate Convention Centre.
I am looking forward to supporting our Equestrian Team on Saturday at the Beachborough Eventers Challenge, which will take place at Dallas Burston Polo Club and to seeing many of you at the Beachborough Friends Scottish Reeling in the Whybrow Theatre.
Wishing you a restful and relaxing weekend, Simone
To get the Easter holidays off to a flying start, 53 children and 7 members of staff hopped on a plane to Sestriere, Italy.
On day 1, they were blessed with glorious sunshine, and the morning consisted of attending Ski School to assess their skiing ability. Once groups had been determined, the children were free to hit the slopes and put their skills to the test. Not only did the children partake in hours of skiing, they also had fun sledging and visiting the shops in the local town.
The food was a highlight for the children, as they indulged in delicious Italian cuisine, alongside an obligatory hot chocolate, after a long day on the mountains.
Upon their return, Mrs Mitchell received an email from the resort, to express how impressed they were with the children's behaviour; they represented the school impeccably well and we are so proud of how they conducted themselves.
We extend a huge thank you to Mr Stoop, for organising such a fantastic trip for the children. Further thanks go to Mrs Harrison, Mr Preece, Mrs Chatfield, Mr Usher, Mrs Zimmerman, and Mrs Preece for accompanying, supporting, and encouraging the children throughout.
Memories were certainly made to last a lifetime in Sestriere!
On Tuesday 16th April, we welcomed both staff and children back to Beachborough for the summer term!
It was lovely to see our Beachburians catching up with one another, and sharing fond memories from their Easter break - it seems as though everybody had a wonderful time!
We are very much looking forward to seeing what the final term has in store.
Last term, we were busy fundraising for Brain Tumour Research, in the form of a mufti day, a whole school disco, Wear a Hat Day, selling pin badges and, a delicious cake sale.
All thanks to your generosity, we managed to raise:
£2,168
We would like to say a huge thank you to the Beachborough community, for so kindly donating towards this incredible charity.
I understand that the collection of your children can be quite stressful, especially at peak times when there are a large number of cars on site within a limited period. You will remember that I wrote to you all in January explaining a few small changes, to ease the congestion at key times.
As a reminder, for parents in the Boardman please use either the Main or Mill Lane car parks for a 3.30pm or 4.30pm collection.
For children in the Manor House, we have introduced a rolling pick up to enable this collection to be smooth, it is important that your child knows what time they will be collected so that we can ensure they are ready for you. Collection can be at any time from 5.05pm through to 6.45pm. Children who are staying after 5.00pm are provided with tea, however, please note that the children are not released from tea until 5.30pm.
Please be mindful that lessons finish at 5.00pm, the children need time to collect their belongings, so they are ready to leave. Therefore, please can we ask you not to arrive and queue at school before 5.00pm for a 5.05pm pick-up, this will allow Boardman parents who have collected their children at 4.30pm to leave the site. Aiming to arrive after 5.10pm, will usually provide a calmer, queue-free experience.
The ‘drive through’ system closes at 5.30pm. All parents collecting after 5.30pm need to park in the main car parks and proceed to Main Reception. If your son/ daughter is not waiting when you arrive, please ask the Receptionist and your child will be called for using a walkie talkie.
I have been informed that there have been a few occasions when parents have been discourteous and rude to other parents and staff in the car park. Please can I ask that we show respect to the Beachborough community whilst on the school site.
Thank you for your support,
SimoneOn 4th April 2024, Mr Plowright and Miss Edwards tied the knot! We were delighted to welcome them back as Mr and Mrs Plowright, following the Easter holidayscongratulations!
To add to the exciting news, Miss Cheshire attended their wedding as a live wedding painter!
If you would like to enquire, please head to Miss Cheshire's website for further information! WEBSITE LINK
Arthur is a phenomenal tumbler, and we are delighted to share that he has been selected to join the GBR development squad! Over the summer, Arthur will attend three training camps with National Tumbing Coaches. Providing all goes well and he is selected again next year, he will be old enough to compete internationally!
Congratulations, Arthur. What a fantastic achievement!
8.15am - 9.00am 8.15am - 9.00am
Over the Easter holidays, 8 pupils from Beachborough – Lucas C in Form VII, Ralf B, Rory C, Ian D, Alex H, Rafferty P and Ben S in Form VI and Eva P in Form V – attended a Prep Schools training camp held at Tonbridge School in Kent, ahead of their participation in this summer’s Gothia Youth World Cup. The Gothia Cup is an annual event held in Gothenburg, Sweden and the 8 pupils have been selected to represent the Prep Schools Lions, after having successfully coming through the trial process. In Lucas, Ralf, Rafferty and Ben’s case, this will be the second successive year in which they will take part in this global event, having been invited back by the Prep Schools Lions set up after a successful tournament last year.
The Gothia Cup takes place a week into the school summer holidays in July, and so, the training camp over Easter provided our pupils with an opportunity to prepare for it with their respective coaches. There were strength and conditioning sessions workshops, a master class from a current Great Britain sprinter, a yoga session to teach the pupils the importance of flexibility, balance and of course stretching, multiple football coaching sessions as well as ample opportunity to be with their team mates and foster a sense of camaraderie before the excitement of this summer awaits!
Mr Usher
This morning, we were lucky enough to welcome Lydia, Emma, and Joli, the lovely 'goldador' puppy, to Beachborough!
We are launching a new charity initiative, to support Dogs for Good UK, and become a puppy partner. So, this morning, Emma and Lydia delivered an insightful assembly to the children, to explain what makes Dogs for Good so special.
A trained dog supports children and adults, who find everyday life challenging, particularly those suffering with dementia, autism, or a physical disability. Dogs can be trained to open doors, call a lift, pick up shopping, help people get dressed, bark when extra help is needed, add pressure (cuddle) when someone needs reassurance, and much more; the partnership makes everyday life possible.
We are incredibly excited to support this wonderful charity, with an aim of raising £5,000 and getting the opportunity to name our own puppy!
Form VII are going to be making amplifiers this term in Tech, and are starting their project by making little upcycled acoustic amplifiers using cardboard tubes, such as Pringles packaging.
Please can you save any of the following or similar packaging that you have and send it into school please.
Thanks so much.
Cam Hodgkinson
Date: Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th May 2024
Time: 10am-3pm. Wraparound care available from 9-10am and 3-4pm (£10 per session)
Venue: Beachborough School, Westbury, Brackley. NN13 5LB
Cost: £90 for 2 days, £45 for 1 day. 10% discount for 2 days if paid before Friday 3rd May 2024
Incrediball Cricket -
Boys & Girls (Years 2-4):
Two days of highquality coaching looking at the key fundamentals of batting, bowling & fielding for junior cricketers through drills, skills and game play.
Rugby - Boys & Girls (Years 5-8):
Two days of intensive coaching with a specific focus on the skills and fitness aspect of rugby and rugby 7s. As we are out of season this will be ‘non-contact’.
Hockey - Boys & Girls (Years 5-8):
Two days of bespoke coaching focusing on the key skills required for the 7 a side game of hockey through skills, drills & game play . This will also include goalkeeping coaching .
For more information or to book your child(ren) onto the camp
please email us at: sjssportscoachingcamps@gmail.com
The sessions will include the fundamentals of boxing and team-based games, and also incorporate boxing-themed workouts to make it fun for all involved.
Some of the benefits of boxing are:
- Improves self-confidence
- Increases hand-eye coordination
- Teaches discipline and respect
- Improves physical fitness and agility
This exciting boarding night is open to regular and non-regular boarders (FIII-VIII). If you would like to come along, please email s.blithe@beachborough.com - it’s going to be a hit!
CLUB MUSIC:
CLUB SHOUT:
Open to all children in FIII-VIII, with credits gained for every entry! You can enter 2 times within the following categories: SOLO GROUP
Form VIII children from each club will choose a song to teach to the rest of their club. Dance moves, harmony and performance props may be added. You are able to rehearse in morning assembly time.
Finals take place on:
Thursday 23rd May 2024
The Adjudicator is: Chris Powell, Head of Arts, at Akeley Wood School
Please sign up for Club Music with Mrs Chatfield or Miss Sutherland!
We invite you to join us for an evening of
Saturday 20th April, 7-11pm
The Whybrow Theatre, Beachborough
What: With the guidance of a caller, we will all learn how to dance several traditional, Scottish reels
Who: Open to all parents and staff, and pupils in years 3-8
Bring: your own picnic supper or purchase one in advance from Westbury café (details to follow).
Drinks: refreshments will be available to purchase on the night
Dress: dress for a party with comfortable shoes!
Tickets: Adult Ticket £10/ Child Ticket £5
Reeling is great fun and the perfect multi-generational activity. Don’t panic if you don’t know your Dashing White from your Eightsome Reel, no previous experience is necessary! Have a look at www.londonreels.co.uk for some helpful videos.
www.londonreels.co.uk
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Purchase tickets here; https://www.pta-events.co.uk/ beachboroughfriends/index.cfm?event=event&eventId=75547
Mary’s Meals will benefit from any profits raised by this event.
here!
Monday 22nd
No assembly
FIII – FVII Club Maths
All Day - PP1 – Trip to the British Motor Museum
Tuesday 23rd
Whole School Pastoral Meeting
Form VIII Final Exams Begin (History, Geography, French, Spanish & Latin)
3.30pm – 4.30pm – Form IV Longridge Parent Information Evening (Form IV Classroom)*
3.30pm – 4.30pm – Form III Cuffley Parent Information Evening (Form III Classroom)*
Wednesday 24th
Form VIII Final Exams (History, Geography, French, Spanish & Latin)
Forms III-VIII – Club Assembly
Form III - V Club GK (Boardman Foyer)
Form VI – VIII Club GK (The Whybrow Theatre)
2.30pm - Girls' Cricket: U13A and B v Bilton Grange (A)*
2.30pm - Girls' Cricket: Colts A, B, Cavaliers and Tigers v Bilton Grange (H)*
2.30pm - Boys' Cricket: Colts A, B and C v Ashfold (H)*
2.30pm - Boys' Cricket: 1st XI and 2nd XI v Ashfold (A)*
Thursday 25th
Form VIII Final Exams (History, Geography, French, Spanish & Latin)
8.00am – 9.00am – N/K Parent Coffee & Connect*
8.30am – 9.30am – Year group reps meeting – dining room
10.00am – 12.00 – PP2 (Group 2) Trip to Featherbed Farm
5.00pm – Tennis – Select U13 Boys’ & Girls’ v Winchester House (A)*
Friday 26th
Ski Trip assembly
Form VIII Final Exams (History, Geography, French, Spanish & Latin)
All Day - Form III Trip to The Living Rainforest