Beachborough Newsletter 26.04.24

Head’s Blog

“The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” (Japanese Proverb)

This Japanese proverb sums up teamwork, the group is valued over the self. In Japanese culture, this is the concept of Wa or harmony and is considered integral to Japanese society.

For my first assembly of the Summer Term, I decided to focus on the importance of teamwork. I found inspiration from the bestselling book “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown, which tells the true story of the remarkable eight-man rowing team who represented the United States in the 1936 Olympics. After many barriers and challenges, the team ultimately won the gold medal in Berlin, narrowly defeating boats from Germany and Italy in a photo finish.

The Boys in the Boat offers profound insights into how to forge a winning team from disparate parts and the value of teamwork, trust, and leadership.

In the book, rowing is described as the ultimate team sport, as unlike other team sports, a Lomu, or a Messi can't carry an entire team to victory through individual excellence. In rowing, if just one person is out of sync, the shell becomes sluggish, and each rower feels the full weight of the boat in every stroke. However, when the team row as one, creating the same rhythm and power, the shell feels lighter than air. In the book, this is called "the swing," and this exists when all eight team members are rowing in unison, as then the boat runs fluidly and gracefully between pulls of the oars. This is ultimate teamwork.

The notion of a ‘team’ has so many examples within school life, and without them, we would not enjoy the wonderful variety of activities that we celebrate at Beachborough on a daily basis.

At the weekend, our Beachbotics Team returned from representing us at the National Robotics Final in Harrogate, finishing in the top 15 out of 74 competing schools. On Monday, we celebrated Club Maths, and on Wednesday, Club General Knowledge, and we saw seven cricket teams represent the school superbly well. These are just four examples of teamwork that permeate school each day - there are, of course, hundreds more.

My question to the children in assembly was “Why is teamwork important?" Firstly, it enables better problem solving, creativity and innovation. Teamwork also enhances personal growth. By sharing information and skills, each individual member of a team can flourish, appreciating their own strengths and weaknesses and hopefully also becoming better listeners along the way. When people with different views and perspectives come together, innovative ideas can rise to the surface, as long as the communication is open and collaborative.

Teamwork is also about working hard to achieve a desired goal, whether it’s an orchestra performance or a science practical, to exemplify this point, I shared with the children the analogy of a colony of ants. Ants have definitely got Wa! You will notice this if you have ever watched a group of ants carrying items such as leaves or grasses from one place to another. Individually they are strong and can lift items that are much heavier than their own weight, because they have a high muscle-to-body-size ratio. However, by working together, as a team in a coordinated fashion, they can move much bulkier items than a single ant can manage. In this way, they get things done much faster, and with less personal effort. So, when you next see a modest ant, just think about the value and importance of teamwork. My key message to the children to start the term was that we must learn from one another, trust in one another, and each play our part in committing to the overall goal. Because when we do, there's no telling how far or fast we can go!

Wishing you a fun-filled family weekend,

Simone

Hockey Success!

On Sunday 21st April, Eva P played for Buckingham Girls U10 hockey team at the Southern Central finals, at Reading Hockey Club. They got to this event by winning the county competition a few weeks ago. The team were magnificent, coming second in their group on goal difference to Henley. They beat Hazelmere 1-0 in the semi-finals, and then had to play Henley again in the final. Having drawn 0-0 with them in the group stages, it was always going to be a close affair. That said, the team showed incredible grit, determination, camaraderie and resilience, to beat Henley 1-0 in the final and were crowned Southern Central U10 winners. Eva played brilliantly and was a real credit to Beachborough.

Mr Stoop

Beachbotics Team Shines at First Lego League UK National Final...

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Beachbotics recently competed in the UK National Final, after emerging victorious in the regional competition! The journey to Nationals was filled with dedication, hard work, and countless hours of preparation, and we couldn't be prouder of our team's achievements.

Departing on a Friday night, our team journeyed to Harrogate, where they stayed overnight in anticipation of the big day ahead. With an early start, they dove straight into the competition, ready to showcase their skills and innovations.

The day began with three intense robot games, and while the first two didn't go according to plan, our team remained resilient and focused. It was the third game where everything fell perfectly into place, propelling us up the leaderboard to an impressive 15th place finish. This moment was a testament to the team's perseverance and problem-solving abilities.

In addition to the robot games, the Innovation Project judging was a highlight of the day. The team confidently presented their amazing app to the judges, explaining its functionality and potential impact. Their creativity and ingenuity were evident to all, leaving a lasting impression on the judges.

Throughout the entire competition, our team embodied the core values of the Lego League, demonstrating teamwork, respect, and gracious professionalism. Their positive attitude and sportsmanship were commendable, earning admiration from fellow competitors and organisers alike.

Furthermore, James and Megan had the opportunity to be interviewed during the event, and they impressed everyone with their confidence and articulation. Their ability to communicate effectively under pressure showcased their leadership qualities and added to the overall success of our team. Please watch the video, here

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for their outstanding performance and unwavering dedication. Each member has contributed significantly to our success, and their hard work has paved the way for a bright future ahead.

As we reflect on this incredible experience, we are already looking forward to next year's competition. With the valuable lessons learned and the skills acquired, we are confident that our team will continue to excel and make us proud.

Once again, congratulations to our amazing Beachbotics team. Your achievements inspire us all, and we cannot wait to see what great things lie ahead for each of you!

A special thank you goes out to our dedicated mentor, Gary Foote. His guidance, support, and expertise have been invaluable throughout this journey. Gary’s unwavering commitment to our team has helped us navigate challenges, refine our strategies, and strive for excellence. Thank you for believing in us and for being an essential part of our success. We couldn't have done it without you!

Mrs Blithe

CLUB CREDITS

The Southam Triathlon

On Sunday, a number of athletes representing Beachborough and Brackley Triathlon Club took part in the Southam Triathlon. We had some great results in a tough TS2 category (11-12), with Jenna finishing in equal 4th place, Eliza 10th, Darcey 12th and Gracie 14th. In the youngest category, TSS, Jack and Hermione flew around their course and each came home with a brilliant first place trophy! Well done everyone, on a fantastic start to the season!

Mrs Springett

Beachborough Eventer Challenge

On Saturday 20th April 2024, the annual Beachborough Eventer Challenge took place, at Dallas Burston Polo Club.

We were joined by over 100 competitors, representing schools across the country, with Sam H, Jack J, and Edward C representing Beachborough. They did fantastically well, coming 38th in Class 1, 11th in Class 2, and 15th in Class 3.

Those who qualified, will compete at the NSEA Eventers Challenge Championships, at Hickstead, in May.

We extend a huge thank you to Mrs Cowley, for organising this event, once again, so brilliantly. We are hoping for another great turnout next year!

Club Maths Challenge

Huge excitement on Monday, when The Happy Puzzle Company came into school to run our Club Maths event. Each year group from FIII – FVII had an hour of problemsolving activities, ranging from pirate penguins which we had to balance on a pirate ship, to building calculation towers. Everyone showed superb collaboration and perseverance skills, and thoroughly enjoyed a very different type of maths lesson. It was after all also a Club event, so there was an element of competition with points being awarded to the first three clubs to complete each activity. By the end of the day, Carder took first place, followed by Chappell, Boardman, then Sprawson. Well done to everyone who took part, you were amazing, and our thanks to Lauren from the Happy Puzzle Company, for delivering such engaging activities which kept us all challenged and entertained in equal measure.

Mrs Berrington

*The Happy Puzzle Company have kindly generated a discount code, valid until Thursday 2nd May at 23:59: BEACH10. This is valid on all purchases from www.happypuzzle.co.uk (excluding gift vouchers).

PP1 go to the British Motor Museum!

On Monday, our PP1 class began the week with a trip to the British Motor Museum, which is home to the world's largest collection of historic British cars!

Our children received an interactive museum walk, with a wonderful tour-guide, and were taken on a journey through time. PP1 experienced what it was like to own one of the first cars, and even got to dress up as they went along the 'time road'. They explored the extensive collection of 150 historic vehicles, including the 1920s London bus, and learnt how the development of the motor car has changed throughout the last century.

The children had a fantastic time delving into the wonderful world of cars, and seeing how the motor industry has significantly advanced over time.

TheL i n k

The next link meeting is on:

Monday 13th May

Monday 13th May

8.15am - 9.00am 8.15am - 9.00am

In the Manor House Library

In the Manor House Library

Come and join us for a coffee and a chat!

Come and join us for a coffee and a chat!

Nursery & Kindergarten Bug Hunt

Every day in Nursery and Kindergarten this week, we invited all of our Mummies and Daddies to join us in the big woods for... a Bug Hunt!

The children and their parents searched up high and down low to look for different minibeasts! The children thoroughly enjoyed their Bug Huntticking off each find! It was a wonderful opportunity for the parents to gain a small insight into our forest visits... including the Big Run! A huge thank you to all of our parents for taking the time to join us for this wonderful event!

Mrs Plowright and Miss Andrews

The results are in...

Date

24/4/2024

Team

Boys 1st XI

Result Player(s) of the Match

Cricket Ashfold Won by 8 wickets Thomas W

2nd XI

Cricket Ashfold Won by 133 runs The Team

Colts C

Cricket Ashfold Colts B Lost by 15 runs Archie T

Girls U13A

Cricket Bilton Grange Lost by 14 runs Isabella G

U13B Cricket Bilton Grange Lost by 38 runs Bethany D / Lily V

Colts A

Cricket Bilton Grange Won by 48 runs Isabella B / Kitty G-S / Emilie S

Colts B

Cricket Bilton Grange Won by 6 runs Poppy R

Unfortunately, the weather put pay to matches for our boys’ Colts A and D sides, and our Colts girls’ Cavaliers and Tigers teams.

Our U11A girls' cricket team, following their win against Bilton Grange on Wednesday afternoon.

Reel for a Meal

Last Saturday, Beachborough Friends hosted their first Reel for a Meal Scottish dancing event.

25 families joined us in the Whybrow Theatre to throw caution to the wind, and learn a new skill. Under the direction of our kilt clad caller, we learnt the Flashing White Sargent, Strip the Willow, and the Eightsome Reel. It was so much fun; a great way to spend time with your family, the kids loved it, the grown ups really loved it, it was such a good work out!

We raised a modest £150 for Mary’s Meals. Huge thanks to Ellie Colby-Butcher and Liv Syrett for introducing Reeling to the school, and for their help with the organisation.

Watch this space for further events.

Beachborough Friends

A Tech round up...

The children in FIII-FVIII have been super busy in the TED Suite, and have now completed many of their fabulous projects. Let's take a look!...

Form III made little Roman inspired pen pots, using CAD for the first time to make the mosaic pattern:

Form IV made LED Mandala lights, going to town with the electric saw to create background scenes to match:

Form V have made both 3D printed ball bearing games and completed their Infinity mirrors, soldering the LED light strips to go between the two mirrors as well as making the wooden frames:

Form VI have completed their Sellotape holders, inspired by the Memphis design movement:

Form VII have made their table tennis bats, 3D printing the handle as well as laser cutting the foam and vacuum forming the packaging:

Form VIII have completed their food related clocks:

Tennis at Winchester House...

On Thursday evening, our U13 boys and girls played in a tennis fixture at Winchester House School. There were a number of competitive doubles matches, with Winchester House just edging us out by 10 points to 6 on the boys’ side, and the girls narrowly losing by 9 points to 7. Congratulations to the boys’ first pair, Jackson T and Tom H, and the girls’ first pair of Bhim P and Eva M, who both won 3 out of their 4 matches.

Mr Usher

Box Box Box & & Board BBoard oard

Ms Boardman is choreographing this wonderful show, and would love to see our Beachborough community to get involved!

Pre-register for the Nativity the Musical Presentation Evening! We are so excited to launch our next production - Nativity the Musical - at our Presentation Evening on Tuesday 30th April 2024, where adults and children (aged 8+), are invited to join us to discover all the details about the show and how they can take part!

To save time during the sign-in process, and to receive an email link to the audition material first, you can pre-register to confirm your attendance at the Presentation Evening now! Simply fill out the form at the link below and come along on the night.

Pre-register for the Presentation Evening:

https://forms.gle/uM51u8G1BJD63ayG7

Nativity the Musical Presentation Evening

Tuesday 30th April 2024 7.15pm to 9.15pm

Christopher Rawlins Primary School, Adderbury

£5 per person

For more information, please visit: www.AvocetTheatre.co.uk/nativity

SJS 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

M u s i c F i n a l s & C l u b S H o u t !

CLUB MUSIC:

Open to all children in FIII-VIII, with credits gained for every entry!

You can enter 2 times within the following categories:

CLUB SHOUT:

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!

FREE BOOKS FOR YOUR SCHOOL WHEN YOU BUY AT THE BOOK FAIR!

LAST YEAR, YOUR SUPPORT HELPED TO DONATE OVER £5.3M BOOKS TO SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE

A HUNDREDSBOOK-STOREPOP-UPWITH OF BOOKS FROM JUST

2.99

Date: Monday 13th May - Thursday 17th May 2024

When: School pick-up times - 3:30-4:30pm, 4:30-5:30pm

Where: Whybrow Theatre

Who: Reception - Form VI

Payment details: There is a QR code to scan, so payment can be done online at the event or visit - bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/pay

Every book you buy earns free books for the school!

Scan the QR code to pay online!

Illustration from Nina Peanut is Amazing © Sarah Bowie, 2024.

C H A R L T O N

B I G B I K E

R I D E S A T U R D A Y J U N E 8 T H , 1 0 . 0 0 A M O N W A R D S C H A R L T O N P L A Y I N G F I E L D S I N A I D O

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A: DIGITAL L E A D E R ?

DIGITAL LEADER ROLE:

What is a Digital Leader?

A digital leader is a pupil who is part of a digital leaders’ team within Beachborough, their role is to support the use and further the development of computing and the use of mobile technology in school. Digital leaders have a fantastic opportunity to take on new responsibilities and learn new skills.

As a Digital Leader, your responsibilities are:

Support the use of laptops in lessons

Learning how to use key software, so that they can be a help to others

Assist teachers and pupils in understanding applications.

Have a good understanding on how to stay safe with technology and share with others.

Trialling potential new software and websites, then demonstrating them to other children and teachers

Solving problems for / giving help to teachers, parents, and pupils with computing

Set up equipment in classrooms for teachers

Helping to lead the school forwards within the subject of Computing.

What's on next week?

Monday 29th

Digital strategy Filming – Day 2

8.30am – Assembly – Kate Solomon – Script Writing Challenge

6.00pm – 7.00pm – Chamber Choir Pre-Tour Concert (The Whybrow Theatre)*

7.00pm – Box and Board begins

Tuesday 30th

Tutor Team Meeting

8.00am – 8.45am – Form III & IV Show & Share*

9.00am – PP2 Residential to Woodrow departs

9.00am – 5.00pm – String Day at Bloxham School (selected String Players)

11.30am – 1.00pm – Chamber Choir rehearsal

2.30pm – Mixed Boys & Girls' Cricket: U9 Jets, Spitfires, Concordes and Cessnas v Swanbourne House (H)*

3.00pm – Governors Meeting (H&S)

Wednesday 1st

Year Group Assembly

11.30am – 12.30pm – Chamber Choir rehearsal

2.30pm – Boys' Cricket: 1st XI, 3rd XI and 4th XI v St Hugh's (A)*

2.30pm – Boys' Cricket: 2nd XI v St Hugh's (H)*

2.30pm – Boys' Cricket: Colts B and E v St Hugh's (A)*

2.30pm – Boys' Cricket: Colts A, C and D v St Hugh's (H)*

12.45pm – Girls' Cricket: U10A at the St Edward's Festival (A)*

2.30pm – Girls' Cricket: Colts A and Cavaliers v St Hugh's (A)*

2.30pm – Girls' Cricket: U13A and B v St Hugh's (H)*

No PP2 Clubs after school

5.00pm – PP2 Residential to Woodrow returns

6.00pm – 7.00pm – Digital Strategy Information Evening (1-2-1 devises) (The Whybrow Theatre)*

Thursday 2nd

8.00am – Chamber Choir Tour to Belgium departs

8.00am – 8.45am – Form III & IV Show & Share*

9.30am – 12.00pm – PP2 (Group 3) Trip to Featherbed Farm

Friday 3rd

Saturday 4th

Sunday 5th

6.00pm - Chamber Choir Tour to Belgium returns