UPPER SCHOOL Pupils at The Beacon mature and flourish in a familiar, intimate and inspiring environment. The Shining Future learning programme is tailored to each individual to enable them to fulfill their potential academically, socially and emotionally. beaconschool.co.uk
SHINING FUTURE PROGRAMME Why The Beacon?
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Upper School at The Beacon is an invaluable transformative experience with an emphasis on collaboration, communication and leadership. The Beacon is committed to enriching lives. In Years 7 and 8, we channel this focus to ensure that our pupils develop the skills and attributes to achieve their utmost potential academically, socially and emotionally. We strive to ensure our pupils leave the school as remarkable, well-rounded, confident individuals who will shine throughout their lives.
21st Century Education
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We combine 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 underpinned by nine Core Learning Skills. The assessment model has at its heart the development of values, skills, attitudes and behaviours required for pupils to succeed and flourish in this ever-changing world.
LIFE AFTER THE BEACON
Scholarships and Exhibitions
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Our long-standing success with senior school transition, and the formidable reputation of scholarships achieved is a culture we are thrilled to preserve here at The Beacon. In recent years, pupils have been fortunate to receive Academic, Music, Drama, Performing Arts, Art, Design Technology and Sports scholarships at some of the most highly esteemed independent senior schools.
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Senior Schools offering Beacon Boys Scholarships or Exhibitions 2019-2025
Destination Schools
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The Beacon is proud to be partnered with leading destination schools where our pupils take the next exciting step in their educational journey, fully prepared.
Top 15 Independent Senior School Destinations 2019-2025
BEACON LIFE IN YEARS 7 & 8 Leavers’ Programme
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During the final six weeks in Year 8, pupils enjoy a multitude of activities and challenges that are carefully planned to strengthen life skills in a fun and memorable way with their peers. These include a residential trip abroad, a day trip to Thorpe Park, Redbull STEMX, Laser Quest, London museums, Harry Potter World and a Food Tour in Spitalfields Market. Pupils also compete in sporting events such as a Beacon Triathlon.
Shining Future Programme
Leadership Roles
Pupils engage in our two-year learning programme designed to provide invaluable experiences and skills. It is driven by a team of passionate, specialist teaching staff who are dedicated to ensuring each individual’s strengths and abilities are developed.
Pupils at The Beacon are given greater responsibility and independence in the Upper School. There is an opportunity to take on leadership roles, such as Head Boy, Head of House, Library Monitor and Head Chorister.
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Beacon Reading Certificate
Enrichment Programme
This initiative was launched to enrich our pupils’ learning through igniting a passion for reading. The aim of the programme is to create a ‘buzz about books’ by encouraging children in Years 7 & 8 to broaden their repertoire of book choices and genres, to develop their literacy skills as well as creating a life-long love for literature.
Upper School pupils enjoy weekly workshops covering a range of real world topics to enrich their learning and prepare them for the future. Key topics include Movember, Financial Literacy, Communication skills, Women’s History Month, Earth Day, Careers, VE Day and World Refugee Day.
Beacon Young Reporters
Reading Buddies
Year 8 pupils act as roving young reporters for the day. In pairs, they agree a news story angle using a current news topic as inspiration. With a tight deadline of going to press that day, the children work as journalists, setting up interviews, planning and writing columns.
Upper School pupils mentor younger years and continuously act as role models throughout the final two years at the school. They frequently meet up with Lower School pupils to listen and support with their reading.
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CREATIVE ARTS
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
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Each year, children in the Upper School have the opportunity to participate in a large production performed to our Beacon Community at the school, such as Guys & Dolls JR, The Revengers and Archie Dobson’s War. The level of skill and enthusiasm displayed in Upper School has proudly enabled us to take such performances to Edinburgh Festival Fringe bi-annually over a number of years. We were thrilled to sell out performances at the Festival in 2025 with Sister Act Jr.
Art
Design & Technology
Art in the Upper School aims to discover and nurture every child’s unique creative talent, encouraging self-expression through a wide range of media including clay, willow sculpture, collagraphy, printmaking, batik and photography.
The Design and Technology department is exceptionally well-equipped, providing an inspiring and dynamic learning environment.
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Gifted pupils are supported in preparing portfolios for Art scholarships, with access to a dedicated Art Scholarship Club. They enjoy artist visits and collaborations in community projects, local and national competitions.
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Pupils develop both hands-on practical skills and advanced computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities, preparing them in Upper School for further study at GCSE, A-Level and beyond. Our 3D printers and laser cutters allow pupils to bring ideas to life with precision and creativity.
Performing Arts Awards
Come Dine With Us
Talented Upper School children compete in our annual ‘Beacon Bard of the Year’ (Drama) and ‘Beacon Musician of the Year’ (Music) Competitions. Along with families and special guests, reputable external adjudicators attend the final events to select a winner.
Winners of our annual MasterCook Competition showcase their culinary skills to parents and teachers with an exclusive Come Dine With Us event where pupils take ownership of a specific course, from canapés to dessert. Other pupils support as front of house staff.
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beaconschool.co.uk | 01494 432 764