Beachborough Newsletter 24.05.24

Head’s Blog

"With great power comes great responsibility" Spider-Man

A simplistic interpretation of this quotation might be if you have the ability to do something, make sure you are doing it for the good of others. In Spiderman’s case, uncle Ben reminds Peter Parker that despite his superpowers, he needs to maintain his integrity and make sure that he uses his power justly for the good of humankind.

Over half-term, I will have the privilege of reading the current Form VII’s application letters for the positions of responsibility in Form VIII. This is never an easy time of year; the decisions surrounding each role are incredibly difficult given the strength of all who put their names forward, and we take this process very seriously. Whilst it is exciting, as we form a new pupil leadership team, it is always tempered by a heavy heart as we watch the previous team move on.

In my many years of school leadership, the dynamic that comes from a new leadership team is always a privilege to observe. Each team forges their path with a different approach that includes a variety of strengths and ideas, but they always have the same goal; to enhance the opportunities for all members of our school community.

Interestingly, whenever I talk to the children about the leaders that inspire them, (this is often a question asked at a senior school interview) they will often mention examples close to home, parents, siblings, family members or friends are by far the more common responses than those people in the political spotlight or positions of authority. This is heartening in so many ways, because it highlights the many wonderful role models that the children have in their own households and immediate lives.

The children often tell me that the characteristics of care, attentiveness, empathy and compassion are those which they value most in an inspirational leader. I think this is significant because perhaps these characteristics are not always exemplified in the leadership role models available to young people in wider society.

At Beachborough, giving our children the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership skills by fulfilling a position of responsibility, enables them to experience what type of a leader they would like to be and importantly, as the name suggests, to recognise and understand the responsibility that goes hand in hand with these positions. We believe that being responsible is a critical component of being a strong and successful leader, as responsibility in leadership requires courage, humility, and a commitment to doing what's right, even when the situation is complicated.

Our school environment is not just about providing a safe, engaging learning space but in addition, we need to provide a “brave space,” where the children can face challenge and grow as future leaders, knowing that their voice will be heard and that their development is at the heart of all that we do. As a result, when their moment comes, they will be able to undertake their individual leadership role with confidence and truly be the leader they would want to look up to themselves. Thank you to Form VII for the time and care you have taken to write your letters; I will very much enjoy reading them.

Have a fun filled half-term; let’s hope the sun shines.

Simone

Turweston Aerodrome with PP1!

On Tuesday morning, children in PP1 visited Turweston Aerodrome. They toured the hangars and observed aircraft dating from 1904 to the present day. The visit offered valuable learning opportunities outside the classroom, enriching the children's comprehension of aviation history and technology. The pupils demonstrated enthusiasm and curiosity, actively engaging in the educational experience. Such excursions play a crucial role in bringing academic knowledge to life, instilling a profound love for learning in our pupils.

Mrs Rowe and Ms Morle

U11 Cricket Tournament...

On a gloriously sunny Sunday, the U11 boys cricket team took part in the Bedford School 6 a side tournament. This was a new style of cricket to this group, as matches were 10 overs in length (5 overs per team) and there were only 6 in a team rather than the traditional 11. On arrival at Beford, the boys were issued with their bespoke Beachborough School cricket shirts and then had some time to warm up in the nets.

It was a fantastic event and the boys were outstanding. They played some excellent cricket and every member of the team played their part. We won our group, beating Winchester House School, Spratton Hall, and Bedford School.

After lunch, we played the cup semi-final against Kings College School, Cambridge. We were put into bat having lost the toss, and reached a very respectable total of 61 from our 5 overs. It was always going to be a tough challenge for Kings, and in the end, we won the match comfortably.

The final was against a very strong MK Prep side. We won the toss and decided to field. The first two overs bowled were exceptional, only allowing MK to score 11 runs. We continued to put the pressure on and limited MK Prep to 40 runs from their 5 overs. We got off to a flying start, scoring freely and quickly. At the end of the second over, we were 20-0. A very strong third over from MK prep put the pressure back on, and with 2 overs remaining, we needed 19 runs. We scored 10 runs from the fourth over, leaving nine runs to win the tournament with 6 balls left. It was incredibly tense. Some excellent batting brought the scores level, with 1 ball remaining. It looked like we were heading for a super over, but we managed to sneak a quick single with the last ball of the game to be crowned champions.

Group stage:

v WHS – won (WHS 31-3 and BB 32-1)

v Spratton Hall – won (Spratton 47-1 and BB 48-0)

v Bedford – won (Bedford 43-2 and BB 44-0)

Semi Final

v Kings College Cambridge – won (BB 61-2 and Kings 31-3)

Final

v MK Prep – won (MK Prep 40-1 and BB 41-4)

I would like to thank all the parents for their amazing support throughout the day, but also to the boys who played some exceptional cricket. It was a real team effort, and every boy should be immensely proud of their achievements. Many congratulation to you all.

Mr Stoop

Bedford U11 6 a side Champions 2024!

A message from the Bedford School Headmaster, James Hodgson:

Thank you to all those who came to the Bedford School Cricket Sixes on Sunday 19th May, such a great day (and very well done on the win!). 12 schools, playing wonderful cricket, with a smile on their faces and in a spectacular setting on a glorious day – you can’t get much better than that! If your visit to Bedford has whetted the appetite, or peaked an interest in any way, you are always welcome to come to see the whole school on any day you wish, by simply emailing the Director of Admissions, Richard Midgley, on admissions@bedfordschool.org.uk

You will be made hugely welcome. Thank you again; and well played to the boys.

TED Talk with Dr Alp

On Tuesday night, we had another brilliant TED talk from Dr. Nick Alp (Dad of William and Henry!). This engaging session, titled "How to Make New Medicine and Other Life Tips," was an enlightening journey into the world of medical research, gene editing, and personal development.

Nick captivated both pupils and staff with his compelling stories and insights from his distinguished career. His journey from education, to becoming a leading figure in medical research, was truly inspiring. He detailed the intricate process of creating new medicines, shedding light on the meticulous research and innovative gene-editing techniques, that hold the promise of transforming healthcare.

What made the session particularly memorable was the interactive nature of the presentation. Our pupils asked a series of thought-provoking and insightful questions, impressing us all with their curiosity and understanding.

In addition to the scientific knowledge shared, Nick imparted invaluable life tips that resonated with everyone in attendance. He emphasised the importance of building trustworthy relationships and the secret to fulfilling work, stressing that passion and integrity are key to success in any field. These life lessons provided our pupils with guidance that extends beyond the classroom and into their personal and professional futures.

The feedback from both pupils and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone appreciated the depth of knowledge and the personal anecdotes Nick shared, making the complex subject matter accessible and relatable. We extend a huge thank you to Nick for his time and for delivering such an inspiring and educational talk.

We are always looking to enrich our pupils' learning experiences, through diverse and insightful presentations. If any other parents are interested in delivering a talk or sharing their expertise with our pupils, please get in touch with Mrs Blithe: s.blithe@beachborough.com. Your contributions are invaluable in broadening our pupils' horizons and inspiring their futures.

Mrs Blithe

Friday night boarding!

Last Friday, our boarders experienced a carousel of activities, such as Goggle Football, Zorbing on the Front Lawn, and Glow in the Dark Dodgeball in the Sports Hall. The evening was full of laughter, exhilaration, and new experiences, and following all of the excitement, our tired but very happy children made their way to bed.

Thank you to Mr and Mrs Blithe, for organising yet another fantastic Friday night boarding party!

Tapas with FVIII...

Form VIII Spanish enjoyed a Spanish gustative experience on Monday afternoon, making their own tapas, with serrano ham, chorizo, manchego cheese, olives and crisps, just like you would have them in a Spanish bar, in the sunshine, in the heart of Madrid!

Mr Perronnet

US P P OR

DBeachborough is going to become a puppy partner and support the local charity: Dogs for Good.

Dogs for Good train and nurture puppies to enable people to overcome the challenges of disability, autism and dementia so that they can live a happier, healthier and more independent life.

When we have raised £5,000, we will be able to sponsor a puppy through training. Each puppy is expertly trained and then partnered with someone who needs help to cope when life is too challenging.

We will be able to name our puppy and follow our puppy‘s progress throughout their first year of socialising and training.

A polite reminder about our virtual pet show, which takes place after half-term.

All entries must be received by FRIDAY 7th JUNE 2024, and you can enter as many categories as you like.

You can find our JustGiving page below, and we are grateful for any donations, in order to reach our £5,000 target!

Dogs for Good: JustGiving Page

The results are in...

Tuesday 21st May

Boys and Girls U9 Jets Cricket Ashfold

U9 Spitfires

Cricket Ashfold

U9 Concordes

Cricket Ashfold

U8 Hurricanes

Cricket Ashfold

U8 Tornadoes

Cricket Ashfold

U8 Cyclones

Cricket Ashfold

Won by 56 runs Georgie D-H / Nick H

Lost by 3 runs Maggie J / Henry W

Won by 7 runs Harry H

Won by 19 runs Seb C / Elodie G

Lost by 21 runs Lily R

Won by 13 runs Lucia H / Ethan S-H / Jack S

Unfortunately, due to the torrential rain on Wednesday, the block of cricket fixtures against Spratton Hall had to be called off.

The Winchester House Meeting

Beachborough’s athletics team competed in the Winchester House meeting on Tuesday against 9 other schools – Kitebrook, Magdalen College School, Pinewood, Spratton Hall, Swanbourne House, The Dragon, Thornton College, Tudor Hall and Winchester House. There were a number of standout individual performances with the following winning their respective age group event:

• Chloe L (U11 Girls High Jump)

• Fergus T (U11 Boys Hurdles)

• Alex H (U12 Boys Hurdles)

• Ian D (U12 boys Javelin)

• Josh S (U13 Boys 800m and Long Jump). Josh ran a very strong race, breaking a 20 year old meeting record in his 800 metres.

• Kit S (U13 Boys 1500m)

• Tom H (U14 Boys 800m)

In addition, a team of Josh, Kit, Lucas C and Max G-S also claimed the gold in the U13 Boys 4 x100m Relay.

Congratulations to all of the team on a really strong showing!

Mr Usher

TheL i n k

The next link meeting is on:

Monday 17th June Monday 17th June 8.15am - 9.15am 8.15am - 9.15am In the Boardman Foyer In the Boardman Foyer

Is your child part of the Learning Zone? Please do come along to the next Link Meeting.

We're excited to extend an invitation to our next Link meeting, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with parents whose children are at the end of their Learning Zone journey.

Join us for a friendly and insightful session where you can ask questions, hear about their experiences, and gain valuable top tips from parents who have navigated the Learning Zone journey before you. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect, share stories, and build a supportive community together.

We can't wait to see you there!

We had the most fantastic music event on Thursday, involving every child from FIII – VIII.

We welcomed Chris Powell, Faculty Lead for The Arts at Akeley Wood (with help from a sixth form musician) as our adjudicator. He shared in our enjoyment of the wide range of performances, and said some encouraging and valuable comments. The day started with high energy and lots of enthusiasm in our CLUB SHOUT. Every Club member sang, danced, and smiled their way through their songs, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Congratulations to Boardman who were the victors with a fantastic performance of the S-Club 7 hit ‘Reach for the stars!’

Watch our club song performances HERE!

Club Shout!

The rest of the day involved finalists in FIII – VIII, with exciting performances of an incredibly high standard and the results are as follows:

Club Shout Winners: BOARDMAN

FIII & IV winners

Overall FIII & IV winner: Jude

FV & VI winners

Overall FV & VI winners: Zach and Megan

FVII & VIII winners

Overall FVII & VIII winner: Isla

Club Music Winners: Zach, Megan, and Isla!

Congratulating Sienna!

Further to winning the Northampton Netball Under 12 league with her local team, Future Print, on 12th May, Sienna played in the Southern Netball Tournament with her new Regional Team, Eagles of Maidenhead, last weekend. After a gruelling full day tournament in the hot conditions, they were thrilled to achieve third place and come home with a trophy and medals. Her coaches were delighted with her strong defensive skills and ability to read the game play.

On Wednesday evening, during the Annual U13 Northamptonshire County Netball Awards presentation, she was awarded Coaches Player of the Season! She is utterly delighted to have her hard work and dedication recognised, especially considering most players in the squad are Year 8.

Well done, Sienna - we are very proud of your achievements!

Last weekend saw the historic promotion of Oxford United, to the EFL Championship for the first time in 25 years.

We have two OUFC families at Beachborough - my son, Johnny, whose father, Craig Short, is Assistant Manager of the team, and Zac, whose father, Sam Baldock, is a former OUFC player and currently on the staff.

We met lots of Beachborough students and parents at Wembley. Some were supporting Bolton, but many were OUFC supporters, including some former pupils who coincidentally bumped into Johnny and shook hands ahead of the match. That was so touching.

There was a victory parade on Monday in Oxford; that was magical and again saw many Beachburians.

Big thank you to Johnny’s teachers: Mrs Johnson and Mr Plowright for supporting the build up. Especially Mr Plowright, who watched the play-off semi final against Peterborough with Johnny on the Longridge trip so he didn’t miss out!

Mrs Barnes

Oxford United FC...

Dear parents,

Ultimate Activity Camps are back this summer, offering a wide range of engaging activities designed to inspire. We are thrilled to partner again, using our excellent facilities for these high-quality camps that ensure a memorable summer of adventure!

Their Ofsted registered holiday camps welcome children aged 4-14 to explore over 40 exciting sports, games, and creative activities weekly. Delivered by enthusiastic staff, these camps foster new skills, friendships, and fun for every participant.

Dates:

• Summer: Monday 22nd July - Friday 23rd August 2024 (Ultimate Survival: Monday 22nd July - Friday 23rd August 2024)

• Book by the day or week

• Drop off 8:30 - 9:30

• Collect 16:30 - 17:15

• Move dates for FREE up until 14 days before

Summer Saver Available now!

• £53 per day | Saving £4 off the standard rate of £57

• £235 per week | Saving £25 off the standard rate of £260

• Offer available until Tuesday 4th June 2024

Refer A Friend – Get a Free Camp Day!

Invite a friend to join your child at camp and earn a free day for every booking at Ultimate Activity Camps or Ultimate Survival. It is that easy! Learn more and claim your free day here.

Booking Information:

Book your dates at Ultimate Activity for any duration, from a single day to a full week. You can change your dates without charge up to 14 days before the camp starts, depending on availability. They accept all childcare vouchers for added convenience.

May Half Term Multi Sports Camp.

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 CricketBoys & 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

STEM

Family Challenge

2024

Tuesday 11 June

1st Prize: 3D Printer Kindly RSVP by Friday 24 May to:

The STEM Family Challenge is an exciting and engaging after-school event designed to raise awareness of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and to show families the Oakham School DT facilities and opportunities.

We wou ld like to invite pairs (consisting of 1 Year 6 or Year 7 pupil plus 1 adult) to use problem solving, communication and teamwork skills to participate in a competition consisting of fun hands-on activities - no prior STEM knowledge necessary!

The DT challenge will start at 4.30pm, followed by a BBQ and will finish by 7.30pm.

JerwoodSchoolofDesign,OakhamSchool, Kilburn Road, Oakham LE15 6QL

Triathlon England South Central Region Club of the Year 2023

Hester Pollock, Junior Coach of the Year 2023

Childrens Event of the Year 2023

THURSDAY 23RD MAY V WINCHESTER HOUSE

THURSDAY 23RD MAY V WINCHESTER HOUSE ((venue tbc) venue tbc)

FFRIDAY 7TH JUNE V SWANBOURNE HOUSE

RIDAY 7TH JUNE V SWANBOURNE HOUSE ((venue tbc) venue tbc)

SUNDAY 23RD JUNE V BEACHBOROUGH STAFF

SUNDAY 23RD JUNE V BEACHBOROUGH STAFF Beachborough School Beachborough School

THURSDAY 27TH JUNE V STOWE PARENTS

THURSDAY 27TH JUNE V STOWE PARENTS (venue tbc) (venue tbc)

The Art Department are embarking on an exciting project and are looking for donations of any unwanted/old pencils and colouring pencils. No matter how small, any length, any shape or size! We need shades of Greens, Blues, Greys, Browns, Yellows, Whites, and Blacks please.

Please send them in with your children to the collection box in the Manor House Front Hall.

Thank you!

Brackley Tennis Club

OPEN DAY

Sunday 9 June @ 2PM - 5PM

Schedule Highlights

Pickleball: 2-5pm

Social tennis for all levels: 2-5pm

Junior sessions: 2-5pm

Walking tennis: 2-3pm

Cardio tennis: 3-3.30pm

Meet the coaches: 3.30-4pm

Clash of the coaches - Ariadne vs. Paul: 4-4.30pm

ALSO...

Racquets to borrow

12 months membership for the price of 11*

(*offer only available on the day)

More information:

https://brackleytennisclub.co.uk

Hilary 07769700410

Paul 07591251628

What's on after Half Term?

Monday 3rd

8.00am School opens Form VIII Final Exams

2.00pm – Governors Meeting (Ed. Tech.)

Tuesday 4th

Form VIII Final Exams

Tutor Team Meeting

2.00pm – Governors Meeting (Finance)

2.30pm - Mixed Boys’ and Girls' Cricket: U9 Jets, Spitfires and Concordes v Winchester House (H)*

2.30pm - Mixed Boys’ and Girls' Cricket: U8 Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Cyclones and Wildfire v Winchester House (A)*

Wednesday 5th

Year Group Assembly

Form VIII Final Exams

9.00am – 12.30pm – Form VII Wetlands Morning

9.45am - Boys' Cricket: U10A at the St Edward's Festival (A)*

2.30pm - Girls' Cricket: U13A and B v Winchester House (A)*

2.30pm - Girls' Cricket: Colts A, B, Cavaliers and Tigers v Winchester House (H)*

2.30pm - Boys' Cricket: 1st XI and 3rd XI v Winchester House (H)*

2.30pm - Boys' Cricket: Colts B and D v Winchester House (A)*

2.30pm - Boys' Cricket: Colts A v Winchester House (H)*

2.30pm - Boys' Cricket: 2nd XI and 4th XI v Winchester House (A)*

Thursday 6th

Form VIII Final Exams

8.00am – 8.45am Nursery & Kindergarten Parent Coffee & Connect*

Friday 7th

8.35am – Assembly – D-day

11.00am – IAPS East Area Regional Athletics Championships (select Forms VI, VII and VIII pupils) at Bedford International Stadium

12.30pm – 4.30pm – Form VIII Post Final Exam Party (Off Site)

Saturday 8th

IAPS National Swimming Finals (for those who have qualified)