The Beacon Shining Future Programme

Shining Future

The Beacon Upper School

UPPER SCHOOL AT THE BEACON PROVIDES BOYS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO MATURE AND FLOURISH IN AN INTIMATE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT.

A DEDICATED LEARNING PROGRAMME IS TAILORED TO EACH INDIVIDUAL TO ENABLE BOYS TO FULFILL THEIR ACADEMIC POTENTIAL, GAIN GREATER INDEPENDENCE, BUILD CONFIDENCE AND ULTIMATELY DEVELOP LIFELONG SKILLS TO SHINE INTO THE FUTURE.

Shining Future

Welcome to Upper School

"The Beacon Shining Future Programme is designed to give our boys the tools to fulfil their aspirations, equipping them with lifelong skills to flourish and shine into the future." - Edward Tenison, Head of Upper School

We are committed to enriching the lives of all our Beacon boys throughout their journey at the school and beyond.

In Years 7 and 8, we channel this focus to ensure that our boys develop the skills and attributes necessary to achieve their utmost potential academically, socially and emotionally.

Our Upper School boys engage in a bespoke 2-year learning programme, driven by a team of passionate, specialist teaching staff who are dedicated to getting the most out of each individual boy's abilities, strengths and talents.

Our Shining Future Programme is designed to give our boys the tools to fulfill their aspirations, providing them with lifelong skills to flourish and shine into the future, whatever path they take.

At The Beacon, we are proud of our long-standing success with Senior School transition. Generations of Beacon boys have moved on to the top Senior Schools in the country.

As part of the Shining Future Programme, we guide our boys and their parents through Senior School selection and fully prepare boys for scholarship applications.

Upper School at The Beacon is an invaluable experience that ensures all boys leave the school as remarkable, well-rounded, confident, young men who will continue to shine throughout their life.

Edward Tenison Head of Upper School

Beacon Life in Years 7 and 8

Life Enrichment

Upper School at The Beacon is an inspiring, educational and transformative experience with an emphasis on collaboration, communication and leadership.

Over two years, our Beacon boys are encouraged to explore the subjects in greater depth, fully embrace the opportunities available to them and express themselves to be a pinnacle of empowerment to their peers and the whole Beacon Community.

Beacon Life in Upper School is an honourable, joyful and rewarding journey that enriches boys' lives for future success.

A Love for Learning

It is part of The Beacon ethos to inspire and nurture boys, fostering a love for learning, whatever age they are at the school.

Our teachers understand how boys learn and how they react positively to challenges. They are passionate about motivating boys to get the most out of their ability.

In the Upper School, our specialist teaching staff are dedicated to ensuring our older boys are mentored and developed to achieve their utmost potential academically, socially and emotionally.

Leading the Way

In Years 7 and 8, our boys are given greater responsibility and independence in making decisions. They are encouraged to mentor younger boys and to continuously act as role models throughout their final two years at the school.

Our boys are also provided with opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as Head Boy, Head of House, IT Champions, Library Monitors and Head Chorister.

Leadership is a core component of the Upper School Shining Future Programme, and a hugely beneficial life skill.

“The Beacon Upper School boys wear blue braids on their blazers as a badge of honour and as a recognised role model for junior boys”

- Mrs Nikki Olhausen, Lead Director of Studies -

Be Challenged

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships"

- Michael Jordan -

The Shining Future Programme

Cross-Curricular Approach

In Upper School, our boys engage in a two year Shining Future Programme, which is a broad and rigorous cross-curricular approach to learning, encompassing a variety of activities, challenges and enlightening experiences.

The programme combines an academic curriculum with the outstanding Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) framework. This gives us the freedom to pick elements of both Common Entrance and National Curriculum models of study and assessment.

The PSB is 21st Century education underpinned by six Core Learning Skills that focus on giving pupils the attributes they need to succeed in this new world. It encourages critical and independent thinking, among other vital qualities, that help develop a strong work ethic, intellect, individual character and passion.

The Beacon pioneered and continues to be at the forefront of the Pre-Senior baccalaureate (PSB).

The PSB Framework

The PSB framework is a skills-based curriculum supported by leading independent Senior Schools throughout the UK. It is an assessment model that develops the values, skills, attitudes and behaviours required for pupils to succeed in this ever-changing world.

The PSB was introduced at The Beacon to offer our Upper School boys a broad curriculum, combining robust academic learning with a tailored transformative experience to equip them for the future.

This opportunity to develop and demonstrate core learning skills integrated across subjects, coupled with a dedicated and inspiring teaching team, prepares our boys for the challenges of life as young men in Senior Schools academically, personally, socially, culturally and spiritually.

The aim of integrating the PSB framework is to enrich our boys' lives with lifelong skills that can be transferred to the workplace and life in general.

“How the next generation thinks will determine what the new world will become”

Core Learning Skills

The Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) framework is 21st Century education underpinned by six core learning skills that focus on giving pupils the skills they need to succeed in this new world.

Collaboration

PSB Matrix

The Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) model assesses six core learning skills that can be inter-linked to identify nine attributes to be successfully demonstrated and applied to different subjects or topics.

Leo Leadership

Charlie Collaborator

Independent Ivan

Theo Thinker Developing Dominic

Connor Communicator

PSP Qualification (PSPQ)

At the end of Year 7, our boys embark upon the Pre-Senior Project Qualification (PSPQ) as part of their compulsory PSB studies. A qualification that goes on to be recognised by Senior Schools, the project is underpinned by an accredited research project of their choice, completed over the course of three weeks in the Summer Term.

As part of the assessment, boys are required to showcase their project findings and effectively evaluate it in front of an audience, comprising of staff, boys and an adjudicating team. As part of this presentation, the boys will partake in a discussion of their learning journey, highlighting their research process and learnings.

The projects are very similar in style to the Extended Project Qualification many boys will take part in at sixth form level and could be compared to a mini-dissertation. It teaches independence and a range of study skills needed for the boys' future endeavours in education.

Projects of the past have included:

• Why are there so many European F1 Champions?

• How am I helping the environment by being vegetarian?

• British Sign Language – An investigation of Britain’s newest official language.

• The Trojan horse and it’s role in the Trojan war.

• Did Gun Laws and Gun Organisations affect the USA Presidential results of 2016?

PSPQ Case Studies

British Sign Language - An investigation of Britain's newest official language

What inspired you to pick the topic you chose for the PSBQ?

I wanted to do a topic that was unique. I was inspired by my brother because he is deaf and had to learn to sign to communicate with me and my parents. The topic I was familiar with, but I didn’t know a lot about it so I knew that I was going to learn something new.

What did you learn during the project that really stands out for you?

I learnt various different signs from my brother and my parents. I leant the true history about Britain’s newest language and how a coda would communicate with their parents and the world.

What core learning skills did you develop during the process?

I learnt how to communicate with my brother a lot more easily as I had found it hard when I was growing up to sit down and communicate with him just in BSL. When I was younger, I was really shy to communicate with my brother without being worried about getting signs wrong. This presentation really helped me realise that it is alright to ask for help.

What was your favourite part of the project?

Getting to ask my brother about his life growing up with my dad, how he was able to communicate with him and our sister when he was growing up. I loved that he told me that he was just the same as me when I was growing up, except for learning a different language.

What makes a photo powerful?

What inspired you to pick the topic you chose for the PSBQ? A while before the PSPQ, I had taken an interest in an old camera lying around my house and I remember liking the idea of capturing an exact moment in a frame. I decided to use the PSPQ as way to learn more about photography, and certain things that make a photo powerful.

What did you learn during the project that really stands out for you? I found a book on how to take up photography. Reading this book and learning about techniques one can use to enhance a photo was a great part of my PSPQ.

What core learning skills did you develop during the process? I’ve learned quite a few new things during the PSPQ, but independent learner and thinker most likely as the core skills. I learned about camera settings and what angles to use for different situations, like slow shutter speed for pictures with light trails, or making every part of the photo count.

What was your favourite part of the project?

My favourite part of the PSPQ was definitely re-creating photos of guitars I found online. I really liked trying different angles to get the photo as much like the original as possible.

Charles SW Johnny

Chanel catwalk fashion from 2019-2020 and changes due to covid (Spring wear)

What inspired you to pick the topic you chose for the PSBQ?

I picked this topic simply because I really enjoy fashion. I knew that if I picked something I enjoyed, I would be able to write a lot about it. Another thing is because fashion is always changing, I knew if I picked this topic it would be something I could look back on and see how fashion has changed and progressed and how covid has affected it.

What did you learn during the project that really stands out for you?

I learnt quite a bit from the PSPQ and I think it was a very beneficial project. The skill that really stood out to me was how to properly research and not to believe the first thing you see. That is a really crucial skill that children growing up need as the world is progressing technology-wise.

What core learning skills did you develop during the process?

The core skills I learnt throughout the PSPQ project are independent thinking and learning, I am a reflective learner and I set a good example. The reason I think I learnt these is because this was an independent project which helped me learn and think in ways of which would improve myself.

What was your favourite part of the project?

Researching the outfits as I had the opportunity to research and explore all the different abstract outfits. If I had to do the project again, I would personally spend more time researching, it was super enjoyable.

Should golfers play in the Saudi backed LIV tournament?

What inspired you to pick the topic you chose for the PSBQ?

At first, I did not choose this topic, I chose a question about how golf equipment has progressed over the years. As I researched it, the LIV tour and sport washing kept coming up. When I looked further into this, I was extremely interested. I wanted to have a subject I could talk a lot about and would also be interested in.

What did you learn during the project that really stands out for you? When we started developing the PSPQ, we had a lesson on study skills. We learnt about what websites we could trust and how to construct the project. During the project, I learnt about sport washing and how that is represented in sport.

What core learning skills did you develop during the process? I did a lot of research for the project, so independent thinking and learning is definitely a core skill I developed. I really enjoyed finding out more about the new topic I chose as it something that really interests me.

What was your favourite part of the project?

My favourite part of the project was creating the video presentation and interviewing people at my local golf club. As part of the project, I interviewed people at a LIV event - it was good fun seeing what other people thought of it.

Viva Assessment Discussion Presentation

During Self & Society lessons, our Upper School boys are assessed using vivas as a method of assessment for the PSB framework. A viva is an oral examination based on the content of the curriculum they have been learning.

Due to the discussion-based nature of Self & Society lessons, a viva assessment process is ideal to inform the examiner's final decision. They have the opportunity to explore any issues in detail and provide inspiring advice. It gives our boys an opportunity to defend their work, as well as validate it and demonstrate their skills by participating in a discussion.

Our Year 7 boys answer questions on discrimination and racism, whereas Year 8 study ethics and morality. All boys prepare a speech that they are required to present confidently to our Head of Self & Society, Upper School Teachers and our Headmaster.

The viva format develops a structure for the boys to carry out independent research utilising a wide range of sources. articulating their opinions, debating and presentation skills surrounding this research topic.

"Older pupils speak articulately with flair and mature vocabulary for their age, when explaining their views or opinions. They have an excellent knowledge of subject specific vocabulary, such as that needed for science or mathematics"

- ISI Inspection Report 2022 -

The Beacon MBA Enterprise Education

We are thrilled to launch a brand-new entrepreneurial initiative for our Year 8 boys to undertake during the Summer Term 2023 and moving forward. The BeaconMBA is a fun and engaging enterprise educational programme that is based around the topics of an adult MBA with an aim to foster business skills and entrepreneurship.

Real-World Business Skills

The BeaconMBA provides our boys with the unique opportunity of being introduced to all aspects of running a business, empowering them to develop real-world business skills at a young age.

The initiative is in conjunction with the internationally recognised awarding organisation and business education sector specialist: ABE endorsed KidsMBA.

The enterprise education concept was devised to stimulate imagination and creativity, encouraging pupils to think about opportunities and challenges, taking into consideration how they can apply ingenuity to build a viable business.

ABE is an established award-winning international exam board regulated in the UK by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).

Practical Role Play Learning

The programme’s practical role play style of learning stimulates imagination and creativity whilst demonstrating to the boys how the subjects they learn are interlinked. Lessons are taught through a combination of lecturing, activities, role play and discussion.

Pupils are introduced to key concepts in business, providing a solid foundation for financial literacy, including: > Business ideas and USP

Business plans and financials

Brand naming and design

Copywriting and patents

Pricing and business finance

Marketing and sales

Customer service

Book-keeping and tax

Leadership and operation

Pitching

“Unleash the talent of future entrepreneurs”

Certification of Achievement

There are twelve modules (45-minute sessions) carried out over a three-week period, with each session ending in a practical activity or game.

The culmination of The BeaconMBA is a Dragons’ Den-style pitch scenario whereby boys independently pitch their business ideas. The judging panel will comprise of local businesses and parents. The winner of the best business idea and pitch will be awarded The BeaconMBA Star Performer Trophy.

At the end of the programme, all pupils are awarded a personalised and numbered Certificate of Achievement for successfully completing all tasks within the course, certified by ABE endorsed KidsMBA.

International Entrepreneurship Competition

Exceptional Beacon boys can be put forward for the ‘Future Entrepreneur of the Year’ competition, competing against the brightest budding entrepreneurs internationally.

The prestigious competition is independently judged by a panel of international business experts.

- Albert Einstein -

"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think"

21st Century Education

As the world transforms, so must education.

With so much technology and an unprecedented amount of information available to pupils today, 21st Century education cultivates skills to focus more on making sense of the information, sharing and using it in intelligent ways.

It bridges the skills gap lacking in a traditional content based curriculum.

The Beacon is proud to adopt this skills-based, pupil-first approach ensuring that foundations laid are built upon in later life. The experience does not stop in Year 8. The school has a reputation for developing remarkable young men who continue to shine into the future, from their Senior Schools, working life and beyond.

Once a Beacon boy, always a Beacon boy!

Inspired Be

“The Beacon is a dynamic, busy and above all, happy place”

- The Good Schools Guide

Curriculum Subjects

Creative Arts (Art, DT, Cooking & Nutrition)

Art, DT, Cooking and Nutrition are all taught by specialist Teachers within three incredible, purpose-built, fully-equipped studios. The subjects aim to provide a wide, varied and enjoyable curriculum to inspire boys and encourage creativity. Many boys achieve scholarships in Art and DT to top Senior Schools.

Classics & Latin

Classics and Latin are studied in Years 6 to 8. In Classics, boys are first introduced to Greek mythology then Roman history. In Latin, boys have an opportunity to encounter the language and make connections with English and other European languages, while some undertake a more intensive study of grammar and syntax to prepare for Senior School entrance and scholarship exams.

Computing & Innovation

In Upper School, boys learn to design, use and evaluate computational abstractions that model the state of behaviour of real-world problems and physical systems. They leave the school confident and independent in technical skills. We aim to help our pupils become enthusiastic creators, preparing boys for the future we can only imagine.

Science

We promote a popular scientific culture that fosters an appreciation of Science and its contribution to the world around us, to give the boys the skills and knowledge to prepare them for the future. We aim to make Science an engaging and exciting part of the curriculum.

English

Our English curriculum is constantly reviewed and revised to implement new ideas and to accommodate specific needs. We inspire boys to become creative thinkers, speakers and writers. Upper School classes are organised in sets to give all abilities opportunities to flourish. Additional enrichment experiences are incorporated to inspire boys.

Self & Society (PSHEE & RS)

Self & Society is a unique and pioneering subject with the understanding of identity at its core. In the Upper School, focus is on self-understanding and responsibility alongside in-depth topics such as attitudes to success and failure, ethical dilemmas, understanding belief systems, and learning how to have healthy relationships.

Performing Arts (Music & Drama)

Boys develop their acting, singing, instrumental work and performance skills through Drama, choirs, ensembles, clubs, workshops, productions and concerts. They can also learn Music or stage technology and Music theory. These subjects provide exceptional opportunities to develop creative, communication and collaborative skills.

Games & Physical Education

All Beacon boys are coached and encouraged to develop a love for Sport that will last a lifetime. They learn individual and team skills to apply tactics appropriate to age and ability. Boys gain vital skills including teamwork, creativity and a 'can do' attitude with a 'never give up' determination.

Geography

At The Beacon, Geography is brought alive with a series of engaging topics highly relevant to our modern society, using current affairs and global issues as anchor points for boys' comprehension. The world is explored through enquiry-based teaching and their skills are put into practice through hands-on field work, residential trips and workshops.

Modern Foreign Languages

Beacon boys are taught French or Spanish throughout their journey at the school. Teaching is topic-based using a wide range of media for listening practice, independent work and interactive assignments. By the end of Year 8, boys are furnished with sound knowledge of language acquisition.

Maths

In Maths, we interweave the traditional National Curriculum set out by the Government's National Strategies with new ideas adapted from different curriculums that will interest, inspire and challenge our boys. They are encouraged to tackle open-ended problems and investigations. Participation in national competitions have shown exceptional results.

History

Our History syllabus is based on the National Curriculum guidelines and tailored to meet the demands of Senior School entrance exams. Upper School boys follow a chronological course of study, beginning with the Battle of Hastings. In Year 8, boys study WWI including crosscurricular work on WWI poetry.

MasterCook Competition

Our annual MasterCook Competition allows our budding chefs to step up to the plate to show off their outstanding culinary skills learnt in Cooking and Nutrition lessons.

Each year, special guests are invited to support and judge the finals. In 2022, we welcomed Laurie Gear (Chef Patron of the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Artichoke in Amersham), and Charlie Baxter (Co-Founder of Pluma restaurant in Amersham).

Our Upper School boys showcased superb skills and inspiring creativity with their dishes, all of which can be seen in our MasterCook 2022 Cookbook.

“It was such a pleasure to be part of the MasterCook Competition. The standard of competence within these young boys is an inspiration; cooking is a life skill and these boys not only embraced this but pushed far beyond that of what you would expect from such young students. I am certain some have a spark within them ignited by this event.”

- Laurie Gear, Chef Patron at The Artichoke, Amersham -

BBC Young Reporters Competition

In English, Year 8 boys participate in a BBC Young Reporters initiative, acting as News Reporters for the day.

They begin by familiarising themselves with current affairs happening around the world, researching newspapers and digital media sources.

In pairs, they work together to agree a new angle for a story using a current news topic as inspiration.

With a tight deadline of going to press, the boys get to work as journalists, setting up and recording interviews, planning and writing columns.

They are required to submit engaging news stories with catchy headlines, supported by imagery and video content, via a digital portal by the end of the day.

Remembrance Service Event Leadership

Our Year 8 boys take on the responsibility of planning and leading our annual Remembrance Service, attended by parents and the school community.

During English and History lessons, our boys learn about WWI and are tasked with writing their own war poems to read aloud during the service as well as a commemorating relatives who served in the war.

Poems are collated and proudly presented within a Year 8 WWI poetry book professionally printed for families to enjoy.

Battlefields, Belgium Residential Trip

To continue their learning of WWI, our Year 8 boys go on a Residential Trip to Battlefields in Belguim.

The insightful trip comprises of visits to major cemeteries and memorials in the Ypres, Somme and Arras areas.

The boys feel privileged to attend a service and lay a wreath at the Menin Gate.

Be Yourself

- ISI Inspection Report 2022 -

"Pupils have excellent selfknowledge, self-confidence, and self-belief"

"Our Residential Trip to Newquay in 2022 gave our boys the chance to create a lasting memory with their peers. It enables them to express themselves fully with challenging activities, have lots of fresh air and fun times"

- Mr Edward Tenison, Head of Upper School -

Year 8 Leavers

6-Week Activity Plan

During the final six weeks of The Beacon journey in Year 8, our boys are taken off timetable to enjoy a multitude of activities and challenges. These are carefully planned to strengthen the life skills developed and to provide a fun and memorable last few weeks with their peers.

Below is an example representation of highlights based on the Year 8 Leavers' Programme from our Summer Term 2022.

Beacon Young Musician of the Year

Each year, our Upper School boys can audition to participate in The Beacon 'Young Musician of the Year' Competition, whereby boys perform independently by singing or playing an instrument of their choice.

A visiting Music-industry professional adjudicates the competition after finalists have been selected in the preliminary rounds by the Music Teachers at the school. Boys perform their final piece in front of a live audience comprising of staff and parents, striving for a place in the top three exceptional musicians awarded in first, second and third place.

The winner is presented with a trophy as a reward for his efforts, and is accredited with a prestigious accolade to add to his portfolio of achievements.

"The performances showcased in our Beacon Young Musician of the Year Competition 2022 were outstanding. It is a superb initiative for our Upper School boys to be accredited for their exceptional musical talent"

-

Dr Gavin Lockley, Head of Music -

Beacon Bard Award Excellence in Drama

The Beacon Bard is an annual event hosted at the school, where boys in the Upper School perform excerpts selected from Shakespeare plays to compete against one another for The Beacon Bard Award.

Following an initial audition, finalists are selected by the Performing Arts team to compete in the final heat of the event.

The final takes place with a live evening performance in the Spinney Theatre for our Beacon Community to enjoy.

An independent industry professional is invited to judge the competition, selecting the winner based on their live performance on the night.

This highly esteemed award is recognised for excellence in Drama as a valuable and credible achievement.

-

"Our Beacon Bard Award is a superb opportunity for our Upper School boys to demonstrate their potential and to support Senior School Drama Scholarship applications."

Mrs Zenelle Oosthuizen, Head of Drama -

Year 8 Production Edinburgh Fringe

Each year, our Upper School boys have the opportunity to participate within a large production performed to our Beacon Community at the school, such as The Lion King (2021) or Guys and Dolls (2022).

The level of skill and enthusiasm has proudly enabled us to take such performances to Edinburgh Festival Fringe bi-annually over a number of years.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture in the world. Not only do our boys perform within large venues in front of live audiences on consecutive days throughout the week, they also work together as artist management for their own show, marketing the productions on The Mile in Edinburgh, competing against thousands of other shows vying for the same audience within a competitive environment.

The experience is invaluable, particularly for our budding young thespians, and The Beacon Boys have been superb in selling out highly rated performances at the event.

Beacon Voices Performances

Upper School Beacon Voices is the flagship choir of the school. They are involved in key events throughout the year, such as Remembrance Day, Speech Day and Christmas Carol Concerts. They have toured on many occasions, including concerts in Europe. Future collaborations include choral events at highly regarded Senior Schools.

Head Chorister

The leadership role of Head Chorister is awarded annually by our Head of Music to a Year 8 singer that shows exceptional vocal talent and commitment to Performing Arts.

The Head Chorister performs as a featured soloist throughout the year and assists the Head of Music, acting as a responsible team leader.

Be Prepared

"Pupils are academically well prepared for entry to their future schools with most gaining places at local grammar and independent schools with competitive entrance criteria"

- ISI Inspection Report 2022 -

- ISI Inspection Report 2022 -

"Pupils’ abilities to hypothesise and synthesise information so effectively are a result of well-planned and paced lessons which encourage these skills, and the excellent attitudes pupils have in wanting to learn and be challenged learning"

Destination Schools

We are proud to have successfully prepared our boys for entry into the top Senior Schools in the country.

The majority of boys leave The Beacon to go to local independent day schools, such as Berkhamsted Boys' School and Merchant Taylors' School, or to one of the many highly regarded boarding school options, including Bradfield College, Eton College, Harrow School, Marlborough College and Oundle.

The criteria for entry into Senior Schools differs per school. At The Beacon, our cross-curricular approach and strong professional relationships with destination schools allows us to prepare our boys accordingly for the schools they desire to move on to.

Below is a bar graph showing the top destination schools our Beacon boys have gone to over the past 4 years.

Top Destination Schools 2018-2022

Scholarships, Exhibitions & Awards

We are thrilled that our Beacon boys have been offered some fantastic Scholarships, Exhibitions and Awards that recognise and support their outstanding talent.

Over the past few years, many have received Academic, Music, Drama, Art, Design & Technology, Sports and All Rounder Scholarships and Exhibitions, amongst other awards.

The top five schools where Scholarships and Exhibitions have been offered in the past five years includes Berkhamsted Boys' School, Haileybury, Harrow School, Merchant Taylors' School, and Shiplake College.

Senior Schools Offering Beacon Boys Scholarships, Awards & Exhibitions

Uppingham

MarlboroughSchool College BradfieldCollege Stowe Winchester CollegePangbourneCollege Charterhouse Ampleforth

RugbyWellingtonCollege

King'sSchoolWorcester

In a world of targets and assessments, we strive to keep the love for learning and discovery burning brightly in all our boys to shine on in to the future. They benefit from a truly balanced, relevant and engaging curriculum.

Over 100 boys receive weekly LAMDA tuition, and there are extracurricular Drama clubs and workshops. In Years 7 and 8, boys perform in playlets and a main performance, which is regularly taken to Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the latest being our production of Guys and Dolls which was a sell out in 2022.

As an alternative to acting, our Upper School boys can act as tech crew, gaining a fascinating insight into technical theatre. Drama is one of the most awarded subjects at The Beacon for Senior School scholars

Our Performing Arts team thrive on watching boys visibly grow in confidence and creativity throughout their Beacon journey.

Design & Technology

Beacon boys learn how to transform imaginative ideas, first into detailed plans using the latest CAD/CAM technology, and then into actual products from clocks to wooden keepsake boxes.

Our ethos at The Beacon is 'Sport for all'. At whatever level, boys are coached and encouraged to develop a love for Sport which will last a lifetime. The Beacon regularly reaches national schools' finals in rugby, hockey, cross country and athletics and has an admirable track record in tennis and swimming.

At The Beacon, we believe playing sport promotes self-esteem and confidence, helping the boys build strength in perseverance, resilience, teamwork and leadership.

All Rounder

Boys who are strong performers in a variety of disciplines across the board can receive an all-rounder scholarship or award for their achievements.

They must perform strongly in academic examinations as well as demonstrate a range of other aptitudes, such as sporting, musical, artistic and dramatic qualities.

Year 8 Speech Day

Leavers’ Celebration

Speech Day is a wonderful celebration of boys' achievements throughout their journey at The Beacon. For Year 8 boys, it is an emotional and heart-warming event full of memories with peers and teachers, and a great way to end the year embracing togetherness as a community.

The ceremony comprises of an inspiring professional speaker, video montage of The Beacon highlights, The Beacon Voices and Year 8 show performances, celebratory speeches, Headmaster and Head boy address, prizegiving and awards.

Book An Individual Tour

Extensive Bus and Car Routes

The Beacon is proud to operate a wide variety of minibus routes to travel to and from The Beacon. We have also introduced a chauffeured car service for boys aged 6 and under with routes from Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St Peter, Seer Green and Beaconsfield New Town. All our under 6 cars are fitted with ISOFIX car seats.

All other bus services include routes to High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross and surrounding villages.

The Beacon is situated in Chesham Bois on the A416 between Amersham-on-the-Hill and Chesham.