Beaudesert Park School Magazine 2011

BEAUDESERT PARK

magazine AUTUMN 2011

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

BEAUDESERT PARK

magazine AUTUMN 2011 Vol. 10/No. 8

Contents School Notes: Headmaster’s 2 Speech Farewells 6 Prizes 8 Appointments, 10 Valete Boarding 11 Charities 12 Science 13 15 Design & Technology 16 ICT The Arts: Pottery 17 Art 18 Music 19 Drama 22 Outings and Events 26 Lectures and Debates 37 Activities 40 Prep Form Lists 47 The Pre-prep Department 48 Pre-prep Form Lists 57 Anthology 58 Sport: Rugby 64 Hockey (Girls) 68 Soccer 72 Netball 76 Cross Country 80 Hockey (Boys) 81 Cricket 82 Rounders 86 90 Tennis Athletics 91 Swimming 93 Friends of Beaudesert 94 Staff List 96

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

School Notes Headmaster’s Speech at Prizegiving

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elcome to prizegiving. I am very pleased to welcome back to Beaudesert Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester. Some years ago, when Richard was a Beaudesert parent, we had a chat about interesting speakers and I wondered whether we might get a good politician to speak to us. My challenge was that he would get the slot once he made it to Westminster. After his wonderful showing at the polls last year, I am delighted he and Anthea are with us today. We look forward to hearing from him later on. Earlier on this year, I was appraised by an ex-head of a public school and whilst this would hardly be the venue to talk about what he found, at least one interesting thing came out of it, which I can share. There is a feeling from some that my annual speech is perhaps a bit dry and that it would be enhanced if I did not read it. I am not sure I agreed about any perceived lack of humour, but I took the point about reading it, so this year it is very likely that what I say now will not be the same version you will read later in the school magazine. I am not going to go for the full Michael McIntyre, but I could very easily stray off limits and I apologise in advance if I miss out on anything I am supposed to say. First of all, I congratulate our leavers this year. Yet again they achieved excellent CE results. Grades can be confusing; each

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school has its own criteria for marking, so comparing results is never easy. Nevertheless, an average of 40% of A grades is very good going. As and Bs combined came to 80%. This compares well with other years. I like to point out departments who will feel particularly pleased with the results – Science is always very strong with over 50% A grades as is Latin with over 60%. This year the History department scored over 40% which is a fine effort. There are some who quibble about the academic status of the schools we feed. At the end of this prizegiving you will hear the range of schools our leavers go to. Cheltenham College remains a popular choice. This year, five of our CE candidates were placed in the top ten of their whole intake. If we add our three academic scholars to Cheltenham, it is clear that Beaudesert will be leading their charge to academic heights. These children could easily have been entered for schools which are supposed to be more academic. Beaudesert does not lack ambition wherever our children are heading. I can safely say if league tables existed for CE Beaudesert would be high up the rankings. A particular mention needs to go to our academic award winners. This has been a bumper year for academic scholarships. So well done to: Anne-Marie Bowring David Gibbons Tamara Gibbons Bea Holloway Genevieve James Stanley Moorsom Amy Strain Many other awards have been received for a wide range of talents. It is good to see Beaudesert children strive for excellence in many different fields. Scholarships are, of

course, the icing on the cake and all our leavers have achieved a great deal. I am now going to talk about a subject where it is very easy to ease away from the prepared script. Many of you may have read about schools introducing ‘wellbeing’ into the syllabus – it is an admirable idea if one were to think that happiness was not at the heart of everything happening at school. The ten facets which lead to wellbeing in schools were all listed in a leading newspaper and I can safely say they are all happening here at Beaudesert – all the time, every day. Happiness is central to life at school. I believe it is possible to be challenged and happy, to struggle and still be happy, to be knocked down and still be happy, to be nervous and still be happy. It is utterly worthless to attempt to quantify or judge the amount of happiness at a school. It almost seems odd having to verbalise what is natural and we take for granted. No assessment will tell you if a school is happy. However, I am proud of how we remain a very happy school. We say goodbye to some leaving staff this year: Louise Winchcombe started at Beaudesert as our Year 3 Assistant seven years ago. Whilst this has remained her role in the school she has always been keen to offer her talents elsewhere and she has been a mainstay of both the Sports and the Drama departments. During her time here, Louise has been able to qualify fully as a teacher and I am delighted she has been offered a full time teaching post in Oxfordshire starting in September, I know she will be a great success. Finding Latin teachers is becoming increasingly difficult, so we were delighted to learn that Ken Madden was looking for a part-time role whilst training for ordination. As a former headmaster, he

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

has been a solid supporter of Beaudesert and we have been particularly pleased that Rev Ken has been able to lead some of our services. He leaves us to spend more time in the parishes of Gloucester, having helped keep Latin alive for the last five years. We also say ‘goodbye’ officially to Jane Williams, who for eight years has been a mainstay in Year 3 and Year 4. She has a wonderful ability to ensure children understand the key elements of numeracy and literacy without losing a sense of fun. Children in her care have always felt very well looked after. Jane achieved a lot when she was with us, even bringing Brownies to the school. She leaves us in the happiest of circumstances and we are delighted she is enjoying motherhood so much. Carol Hawker leaves us at the end of term having been one of our Teaching Assistants in the Pre-prep for the last 14 years. She has fulfilled this important role with dedication. There are many facets to life as a Teaching Assistant. One of them is break duty. My rough calculation is that she will have supervised nearly five thousand break times in all weather conditions, so we wish her well in her warm and dry retirement. We now move onto some really longserving staff who are retiring after lengthy stints in the staff room. For twentyfour years, John Jeffreys (JJ) has graced the classrooms and playing fields of Beaudesert with an actor’s consummate skill. Recently, he has been our RE supremo, yet previously he was a key member of the English department and for many years, Head of Drama. One of his many talents has been to direct excellent performance dramas in the limited space we have available. As a sports coach his teams aspired to play champagne rugby and his football style was to attempt to play ‘the beautiful game’. I am not sure our boys quite had the skills required, but they would always try! As a local councillor JJ has always been on hand to tell us how to vote. Terry Lloyd-Williams has just notched up his quarter century at Beaudesert. To describe Terry as one of our jokers

might seem to diminish the excellence of his French teaching. The French department, under his guidance, has been one of our great strengths. Terry has always expected high standards of the boys and girls and has the ability to make language fun for the reluctant learner. This is where the sense of humour comes in. Terry injects humour into school, often because he sees it in the children. Children make him laugh and vice versa. As the boss of countless French trips, when I have a debrief, I am just as likely to hear about the amusing incidents on tour as anything untoward. Some years ago, Terry and Sue ran the boarding house and whilst Terry was not a natural games taker he did his time on the playing fields. His claim to fame is secure as having the distinction of being hit by lightning when going over to hold a stopwatch! When I am describing Beaudesert to any prospective parent I tell them that there is always a lot going on here. It is a buzzy place. This was clearly brought home when we made a short video for our new website. The cameraman was amazed at all the different activities he was able to film in just two days at Beaudesert. From Latin classes and Science experiments to Pre-prep Ballet and Reception cake making, cricket nets and mountain biking to Forest School and swimming; it is all happening here. The vast range of activities offered by the excellent Beaudesert Badge is living proof of our commitment. We are not alone in offering such a wide range of activities, however, it is vital we continue and do not stop creating these opportunities. There have been many highlights. The Art and Design display at The Blue Door Gallery in Nailsworth showed off the children’s skills to a wider audience. The Strings Concert at Down Ampney Church was a magical evening. The Year 8 play, Tale of Two Cities, was a powerful adaptation of a great story. The standard

of Drama never fails to amaze me and I congratulate all our children who have had success with LAMDA presentations. The most ambitious production was the Year 6 ‘If You Go Down To the Woods Today’, which was performed all over the school grounds. The U11 girls’ hockey team’s performance at Millfield shows that we can perform at a very high level. The U10 Rounders team deserve a mention for not having been beaten throughout the whole summer term.

I would also like to boast about some of the extra academic activities we provide. This year, we won a Salters Science Festival competition. One of our boys was placed in the top 25 candidates in the Townsend Warner History Competition, open to every prep school in the country. This year’s UKMT Maths Challenge proved yet again how well our children perform at a high level. All but one of our candidates was awarded a medal and David Gibbons was selected for the prestigious Olympiad stage of the competition. Over the past five years, Beaudesert has won 40% gold medals against a national average of 5%. Sydney Sopher won a poetry competition which was open to all schools in the south west. These are outstanding achievements. Never let it be said we don’t stretch our ablest children. Sport is often a vehicle for tremendous humour at school. I was very taken by some comments made by children about school matches. Children are asked to see games staff to explain why they are

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

not available for a match, which seems eminently reasonable. This was one such excuse: “Oh Sir, I’m very sorry about the match – Mum can’t play today.” Younger ones have many concerns before a match but this was a strange one: “If we are playing against Wales tomorrow – will the minibus have enough petrol to get there?” However, this year’s favourite was an explanation of how best to learn how to head the ball in football. This may sound surprising coming from Mike Bevan, our PSHE maestro, but he was explaining that heading the ball is a bit like giving someone ‘a Scottish kiss” or a headbutt – and he described how to lower your forehead at speed into someone’s face and break their nose. After a moment’s thought, one of our leading games players said, “Wouldn’t that be a foul sir?” The teaching profession is in the press a lot at the moment and not for the best of reasons. I can vouch for the fact that it is a demanding job and I am sure that you will agree with me that looking after children can be quite tough. Some of you struggle at times to look after one or two, we maintain control over hoards of them. However, I am very pleased there was no hint of industrial action last week. The commitment of our staff is exceptional and I would like to congratulate them. Another area where education is receiving a bad press is the expected rise of university tuition fees to £9,000 per annum. It may be less of a shock to parents used to paying for education to have to consider the cost of university, but the price is certainly surprising. Many Arts subjects offer only seven or eight hours of contact time a week. With the short terms this may well work out to be less than 200 hours tuition time in a whole year. I will save you doing the maths, but I can tell you that the Beaudesert fees are very good value in comparison. As a rough guide we should charge in excess of £60,000 a year at the same rate.

Next year we face an Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection. We have prepared all our policies and we have our paper clips lined up in the right direction, so much of the inspection should go well. However, I wonder whether the inspectors will comment on the soul of the school. How would you describe Beaudesert? I have already mentioned how happiness is vital. Which other qualities will shine out? Openness, tolerance, support for each other, would I hope be spotted. An excellent example of support was at the wonderful Jazz on the Lawn concert. The whole Beaudesert community urged the performers to do well and to feel good. Respect is a virtue which should be evident. This respect should work in every relationship in the school, most obviously between staff and children. I make it clear to staff that their position gives them authority, but they have to earn the respect of the children by their actions. Similarly, children can have all the rights they want, but they gain respect from their peers and adults by their behaviour and how they treat other people. In Michael Morpurgo’s excellent Dimbleby Lecture this year, he emphasised how it is too easy to treat children badly, to stifle them, to drum out imagination. It is imperative we can all believe that children can and will be a force for good. I am confident a perceptive inspector will understand what we are doing here. Of course, schools always like to boast about what they can do for children – offer them great opportunities – help them

build confidence – encourage them to serve others – these are admirable qualities but we cannot do everything. I was amused to hear Ranulph Fiennes when speaking to independent school Heads about the quality of challenge, say, ‘If you are born a wimp chances are you will stay a wimp!’ We end the year in a very positive frame of mind with great expectations for the future. Numbers at the school will increase next year with the Pre-prep at over 100 children. No school is immune to recessionary pressure, yet we are more than holding our heads above water. We have definite plans to provide a Nursery at the school in September 2012 and the Assembly Hall project is very close to being finalised. All building projects create a buzz in the school and I have no doubt we are heading for an exciting future. We now come to the final act of the school year. The class of 2011 are itching to become Old Beaudesertians. Before I ask Richard to hand out the ties and pins, I will embarrass him. I feel I can safely say that it has been a long held ambition to become an MP. He has worked incredibly hard and made a number of sacrifices to follow his dream, which we are all delighted he has achieved. His perseverance is an excellent role model for our leavers. They have all achieved a great deal with us and will carry the Beaudesert flame far and wide.

Gap Students

Ella Ward, Natasha Montgomery-Hribar, Anthony Knowles, Sam Daddo, Stacey Karnis (Left to Right)

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Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Farewells Terry Lloyd-Williams

Terry Lloyd-Williams retires from Beaudesert Park School this summer, after 25 years as Head of French, during the first twelve of which he also ran the full time boarding house. He has inspired and encouraged countless children in the study of French, every one of whom will have a favourite anecdote and most likely a carefully chosen nickname. Many children will also have discovered

what a wonderful listener Terry is and how, even at the toughest moments in their young lives, he has known just what to say and how to make the world seem less problematic. Alex and I both know how lucky we are to have had the great privilege of working with Terry in the French department. The last five years working for Terry have been the best of my career and I would like to thank him publicly for this as well as for the many extra years that all the laughter may have added to my life expectancy. Terry is a celebrity in our eyes, so Alex and I caught up with him at the end of term to interview him for the magazine; here are our questions and his responses: Aged 11 what did you want to be? An RAF pilot (or thin). If you were an animal which would you be? A dolphin. Favourite pudding at Beaudesert? Rice pudding. The strangest item that you found whilst clearing your classroom? A 1950s hoover! Favourite musical artist? Françoise Hardy and ELO. Memorable moment on a French trip? William Fitch being sick all down my leg

Jane Williams Jane Williams joined us eight years ago to take on a Year 3 class, having previously taught at two other Prep schools. She very quickly showed her ability in the classroom as a thoroughly organised and talented teacher as well as a being a strong educational thinker. In addition, Jane had the ability to ensure children received the grounding they needed in a calm and supportive atmosphere. I am indebted to Jane for how well she linked Year 3 with the Pre-prep, Year 4 and beyond, enabling a smooth educational passage for all children as they progressed through the school Jane was happy to be involved in extra-curricular activities and will be remembered for setting up the Beaudesert Brownie Pack. We are delighted Jane is enjoying motherhood so much. We will miss her. However, I am sure she will return to the teaching profession one day.

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and then straight into Jane Foreman’s handbag! Favourite spot in the Cotswolds? Under the willow tree in our garden. Best and worst purchases on Ebay? Worst: an old and quite rare 78 record arriving in pieces. Best: All those that Sue (my wife) doesn’t know about! Most rewarding moment as a teacher? BOD was an affectionate name given by me to a child (Brother of Don). On arriving to speak at his memorial service following a tragic car crash, the first thing I saw outside the church was a floral tribute spelling BOD. His parents told me that this was what he had always been known as and there is even a bench in the grounds of Malvern College inscribed “BOD’s Bench”. Plans for the future? Trips in the camper van and growing vegetables rather than becoming one. Our very best wishes, Terry, for a very rich, happy and long retirement, with much affection and admiration from all your friends old and new at Beaudesert.

Madame Lincoln & Madame Edwards

Carol Hawker

Today we say goodbye to Carol Hawker who will be retiring. Carol has been an anchor in the Pre-prep Department over the past 14 years and will be greatly missed. There are so many things we will miss about her.... the red pinny she always wears, the way she taps her foot when she’s impatient, her honesty with the children, and her infectious laugh. Carol, you have played an important part in the lives of so many children and will always be fondly remembered by everyone.

So just think: No more lunchtime duty now You’ll soon have time to eat that chow. You’ve said you’re ready to retire. You’ve reached the point to which we aspire! But rest assured we’ll be calling you back To keep you abreast of the fun and the flak. We would like to wish you all the best on behalf of all of us. I must quote, “Retirement is the beginning of life...not the end”. We all know that the best bit of your life is just beginning and you will be spending lots of time with your grandchildren. We wish you and Giles every happiness in the future, hoping you will stay in touch.

KSEH

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

The Reverend Kenneth Madden

Beaudesert Park was indeed lucky and truly blessed the day that Ken Madden graced us with his presence. With a professional and vocational background gained from 28 years as a Head Teacher in the independent sector, Ken brought with him in September 2006 a wealth of talent and experience as he joined us to teach Latin, funnily enough replacing one of his former pupils Jon Pinchin ex Brightlands Prep School, Newnham-on-Severn. A quiet, reflective man, and an inspiration to his young charges, Ken soon became

Louise Winchcombe Louise joined Beaudesert in September 2004 as a Teaching Assistant for the Year 3 classes. She settled in quickly and soon became a valued member of the team, helping children with their reading or working with small groups. Louise’s talent for drama started to show itself and within a short space of time she was involved in the Year 8 end of year production alongside Mrs Farquharson. Louise’s boundless enthusiasm and willingness to help wherever needed also found her helping out with Year 3 and 4 games, T-shirt designs and jewellery making activities, boarding duties and life guarding. Then four years ago, Louise decided to train to become a teacher herself. She worked hard to achieve her goal and last summer gained her degree. This summer she completed her PGCE and unsurprisingly, within weeks of passing she was offered a job to teach Year 2 at Ferndale School. The children and the staff will miss her enormously but we wish her all the best in her new career.

KH

part of the very fabric and soul of the Desert. Whilst introducing his lucky pupils to the wonders of the classics, Ken was at the same time training part-time, evenings and weekends, for ordained ministry in the Church of England. In a way we all shared in his spiritual journey and we were all so proud when Ken, very much one of us by then, was in 2009 ordained into the Church of England. Since then he has been an inspiration to both young and old, whether in the classroom or in assemblies and we have all benefited hugely from his calming presence in the school. Ken’s five years at the Desert have passed all too quickly for him and I know he feels eternally grateful and privileged to have had the the opportunity to revisit the chalk face this late in his illustrious career. He has once again had the opportunity to pass on his own classical education to

John Jeffreys September 1987 saw a dramatic (literally!) change in the way in which Drama was handled at Beaudesert. In strode a man who actually knew what he was doing! A professional actor no less! Soon we were treated to wonderful productions, such as Beowulf and The Raven who Puts Things Right. One of the great highlights was The Shepherds’ Play and The Little Heir, conducted around the school grounds and The Wakefield Mystery Plays which was nearly taken on tour. A teacher of English, John soon made his mark, helping to prepare candidates for Common Entrance and he was particularly successful at preparing girls for their 11+ exams. John’s role at school has changed many times over the years. Starting out as an English and Drama teacher, John went on to pioneer PSHE throughout the school, introducing a new syllabus for us all to follow. He followed this by becoming Head of RE

his charges in such a way, and in such a manner that many of them will remember him and his teachings for the rest of their lives. We all hold Ken in awe, not just for his inspirational teaching, but for his calm, spiritual guidance, his personal and professional integrity and his friendly, caring manner. True, Beaudesert Park was blessed the day Ken Madden came to us, and we have had the privilege these past five years to have had in our midst a remarkable man who has touched so many of us. Ken may be leaving us this summer, but he ought to know that he will be leaving behind in so many of us a renewed sense of purpose and a strength of mission, inspired by his presence here with us. He leaves the family of the Desert, not to retire, but to minister to the needs of the parishioners of Newent. How lucky they are!

MW and he leaves Beaudesert with his best ever Common Entrance results. Quite an achievement. A hard act to follow indeed. Alongside his classroom duties, John has been a caring Year 6 Form teacher for many years and was very active on the games field, coaching 2nd X1 cricket, 2nd X1 football and Colts rugby. A Yorkshire man with a dry sense of humour, strong principles and forthright opinions, John has a knack of connecting with the children in his care and establishing an instant rapport. High standards were expected and achieved both in and out of the classroom. Outside of school, John pursued his interest in politics and soon became a Councillor for Nailsworth, and then a Stroud District Councillor. We are very lucky to have had such a level headed and experienced person on the school staff to help guide us over all these years. John is leaving Beaudesert after 24 happy years and he will now have more time to indulge his great love of singing, much of which takes place in the beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey. A true family man, he can look forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and to travelling wider afield. We wish you all the best for a long and happy retirement.

PG/SH 7

BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Speech Day Prize List John Keyte Maths Prize

For excellence in maths

David Gibbons

Davis Maths Cup

For exceptional attainment in maths

James Strain

May Prize for English

For creative flair

Sydney Sopher

Stephen Henriques English Prize

For passion and enthusiasm

Frederick Vint

Rufus Isaacs English Prize

For exquisite poetry and creative writing

Lara Winfrey

Reid Science Prize

For outstanding achievement at scholarship

Anne-Marie Bowring

Matthews Science Prize

For excellence in CE science

Calum Evans

Brickwood Science Cup

For sustained effort and achievement

Mary-Jane Gardner

Chalmers French Prize

For effort and achievement

Genevieve James

Austin Richardson Classics Prize

For perseverance and achievement

Georgi Gilder

Vincent Keyte History Prize

For excelling in CE

Frederick Vint

Petyan Prize for Geography

For excellent achievement

James Battishill

Mander RE Prize

For stimulating and informed conversation

Sam Shepherd

Pope IT Prize

For honest endeavour

Andrew Howes

Mills Cup

For academic excellence

Tamara Gibbons

Hervey Adams Art Prize

For artistic endeavour

Anne-Marie Bowring

Cucknell Design Salver

For consistent effort and achievement

Stephanie Phillips

Pottery Prize

For determination and achievement

Daphne Schrager von Altishofen

Wallace Drama Award

For outstanding contribution to drama

Sydney Sopher

Crick Drama Cup

For performance drama

Hebe Field

Oliver Shield

For overall excellence in music

Amy Strain

Elgar Music Prize for Woodwind

Lydia Thomas

Waite Shield for Strings

Mary-Jane Gardner

Kellie Cup for Brass

Hamish Woodham

Blackmore Chorister Cup

Hebe Field

Arabella Knowles

Clasen Enterprise Award

Zoe Davison

For outstanding contribution to charity

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Thea Godding

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Form Prizes 3H 3H 3H 3N 3N 3N

For high academic achievement For diligence and consistenly high standards For enthusiasm, effort and a determination to succeed For all round academic achievement For superb effort For hard work and excellent manners

Ginny Lawrence Ellie Pridmore Griffin Mills Amelia Kold Lotte Scheuner Fred Walker

4B 4B 4B 4R 4R 4R 4W 4W 4W

For academic excellence and all round effort For consistently outstanding effort and performance For all round contribution and a sunny disposition For high academic achievement For sustained effort and academic achievement For excellent progress throughout the year For academic excellence and all round contribution For excellent effort and exemplary behaviour For a positive contribution to school life

Marcus Arkwright Alice Biddulph Violet Levinson Tom Jodrell Isabella Walker Marcus Hudson Bea Knight Ellie Garner Jock Catto

5JLB For academic excellence Lottie Burns 5JLB For consistently outstanding effort Daisy Mitford-Slade 5JLB For outstanding all round contribution Piers Tabor 5MB For consistent and outstanding academic excellence Sebastian D’Arcy Rice 5MB For effort and enthusiasm Lauren Dunne 5MB For enthusiastic involvement in all aspects of school life Tatiana Parr 5W For high academic achievement Poppy Stopford 5W For outstanding effort Imogen Brook 5W For an excellent contribution to school life Max Haynes 6A For academic excellence James Strain 6A For outstanding effort Jago Skelding 6A For an excellent attitude Katie Hauger 6C For academic excellence in exams Amber Dunne 6C For excellent effort and attainment Lara Winfrey 6C For all round contribution to school life Kit Penny 6H For academic and sporting excellence Mollie D’Arcy Rice 6H For a vast improvement in organisation skills Freddie Hellens 6H For unfailing positivity and kindness Georgia Martin 7G For work of a consistently high standard Ruby Sowerbutts 7G For hard work and determination Ella Pitman 7G For unflagging enthusiasm Ralph Fitch Kemp 7LW For excellent attainment Luke Pitman 7LW For consistent effort Francesca Morrissey 7LW For a kind and thoughtful manner Thea Barden 7T For outstanding attainment Emily Lowde 7T For sustained effort throughout the year Zoe Davison 7T For consistency and thoughtfulness Henry Hudson 8B For all round contribution and excellence Octavia Muir 8B For effort, achievement and a sunny disposition Elsa Waller 8B For effort and unflagging enthusiasm Georgina Bathurst 8JB For academic achievement Fraser Neal 8JB For being an all round star Arabella Knowles 8JB For being ever helpful Christian Barnes 8SM For academic achievement Hector Chamberlain 8SM For all round effort and achievement Stephanie Phillips 8SM For unfailing effort and enthusiasm Hugo Mitford-Slade Scholarship prizes For academic excellence Stanley Moorsom For academic excellence Anne-Marie Bowring For academic excellence Genevieve James For academic excellence David Gibbons Nott Cup For academic excellence Amy Strain Harmer Cup For academic excellence Bea Holloway

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Appointments Captain of Cricket:

James Battishill

Captain of Swimming:

Jessica Phelps

Captain of Girls’ Hockey:

Octavia Muir

Captains of Athletics:

Clemmie Montgomerie

Captain of Boys’ Hockey:

Hector Chamberlain

George Maxwell

Captain of Rugby:

George Maxwell

Captains of Cross Country:

Clemmie Montgomerie

Captain of Netball:

Sydney Sopher

Hector Chamberlain

Captain of Rounders:

Georgina Bathurst

Captain of Tennis:

Patrick de Barros

Captain of Soccer:

Frederick Vint

Valete YEAR 8

Fraser Neal

Cheltenham College

Christian Barnes

Clifton College

Sholto Nicolas

Cheltenham College

Georgina Bathurst

Malvern College

Jessica Phelps

The King’s School, Gloucester

James Battishill

Cheltenham College

Stephanie Phillips

Dean Close

Anne-Marie Bowring

Cheltenham College

Tommaso Ravano

Millfield College

Fergus Campbell

Sherborne

Oliver Shale

Sherborne

Hector Chamberlain

Radley College

Sam Shepherd

Radley College

Severine Comery

The King’s School, Gloucester

Sydney Sopher

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Patrick de Barros

Harrow College

Amy Strain

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Brett Dean

Winchester College

Georgia Sykes

St Mary’s, Calne

Calum Evans

Marlborough College

Lydia Thomas

Malvern College

Conor Evans

Marlborough College

Frederick Vint

Marlborough College

Hebe Field

St Mary’s, Calne

Amelia Walker

St Mary’s, Calne

Mary-Jane Gardner

Malvern College

Elsa Waller

Bryanston School

David Gibbons

Rugby School

Alexander Wilson

Rugby School

Georgi Gilder

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Max Winfrey

Cheltenham College

Mimi Haycraft Mee

Cheltenham College

Hamish Woodham

Plymouth College

Bea Holloway

Marlborough College

Andrew Howes

Sherborne

Henry Jackson

Sherborne

Genevieve James

Cheltenham College

Arabella Knowles

Cheltenham College

Henry Large

Dean Close

YEAR 6

George Maxwell

Marlborough College

Tamara Gibbons

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Rupert Milne

Radley College

Charlotte Garner

Badminton School

Hugo Mitford-Slade

Marlborough College

Hugo Neely

Marling School

Clemmie Montgomerie

St Edward’s, Oxford

Rasmus Haycraft Mee

Marling School

Stanley Moorsom

Cheltenham College

Molly Grafftey-Smith

Downe House

Octavia Muir

Uppingham School

Isobel Maxwell

Pate’s Grammar School

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YEAR 7 Florence Channing

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Boarding House As a gap student at the school, I feel very privileged to have been allowed to be a part of the boarding house at Beaudesert. The experience that the school gives the children here is varied and highly enjoyable. The boarding house is a relaxed, comfortable environment that allows the children to really enjoy their time here. This would not have been possible without the Matrons, Alice, Jackie and Christine. I have enjoyed working with them. They all play important roles in the smooth running of the boarding house. I am amazed at their enthusiasm and willingness to complete any task. Over the Christmas and summer holidays a number of the dorms have been renovated and now looking amazing! These improvements will definitely be enjoyed for years to come. At the end of the year we said goodbye to our house parents, Alex and Alan Edwards. I would like to thank them for welcoming me into the boarding house family, and l wish them all the best for the future. Nick and Polly Armitage will become the new house parents starting in September 2011. Suzie Lindley (Gap Student)

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Charities

Dear Supporter Thank you for your generous donation of £485.00 to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) raised from a collection by your school pupils from a disco, raffle and cake sale. You are now part of a vital support community that is saving and improving thousands of lives. Please pass my huge thanks to everyone who helped contribute for their wonderful gift and support. Dear Supporter On behalf of the NAS Gloucestershire’s Parent Support Branch I would like to thank Beaudesert Park School most sincerely for your kind donation of £75. It will be put to very good use – we have an activity day at Alderman Knight School for a group of children and young people with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome and it seems appropriate to put your donation towards this.

St Rose’s School Every Tuesday four girls, Bea Holloway, Amy Strain, Severine Comery and I, along with the always lovely Mrs Womersley, travelled the short distance to St Rose’s School. This school is for severely disabled children and is situated in Stroud. We spent time with the children during their rebound therapy classes and with their physiotherapist Vicky we chatted to Steph (one of the pupils) about our favourite TV programme, ‘Glee’. We made cross-stitch patterns with Kerry. Their carers showed immense kindness and they even let us feel what it was like to be lifted in a winch onto the trampoline. Subsequently some of the St Rose’s pupils came to Beaudesert to watch the Year 7 production of Roahl Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. The proceeds of the Autumn Fair raised a lot of money to go towards their new hydrotherapy pool, which has just opened. This pool will enable the pupils to exercise in the water. Overall it was a great experience. Thank you to the staff and pupils of St Rose’s. Sydney Sopher Year 8

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We have also raised money for the following charities: Hope For Tomorrow £326.55 Clothes For A Cause £101.16 Banana Tree Project £450.00 Family Haven £626.00 Sunday Times Christmas Appeal £626.00

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Science Salter’s Festival of Chemistry

Science day at Cheltenham College On Tuesday 8th February 2011 Mrs Gardner took a group of six budding scientists to Cheltenham College for their Science Day.

On May 19th 2011 Mrs Butterworth drove us to Bath University to participate in the Salter’s Festival of Chemistry. When we arrived we had tea and biscuits with the 18 other school teams who were taking part, and then we made our way to a huge impressive chemistry lab. It was where undergraduates normally worked and carry out their experiments but today it was going to be our turn! There had been a murder of one Miss Flossie Chopps. We were given samples of unknown white powders and using forensic science techniques we had to identify the murderer, who turned out to be Peter Jackson. We also had to use clues from the Police Report to support our theory. We then spent the lunchtime outside enjoying our packed lunches in the sunshine, whilst completing a complicated chemical wordsearch. After lunch we returned to the lab for another enjoyable challenge, but the teachers were not allowed to be with us! The challenge was to mix two chemicals in the correct ratio to produce an endothermic reaction where the temperature decreased by exactly 10.5°C in 60 seconds. We managed to drop the temperature by 10.6°C. No team managed exactly 10.5°C ! Throughout our practical experiments we wore awesome purple latex gloves! Finally we were shown some impressive large scale chemical reactions and some explosive ones. After a presentation where our team won a prize we set off back to school. Thank you very much for a great day, Mrs Butterworth! Genni James, Amy Strain, Anne-Marie Bowring and Sydney Sopher Year 8

The group consisted of Freddie Jodrell, Arabella Sopher, Alex Comaish, Isobel Maxwell, Oliver Pritchard and Isabella McLaughlan. We arrived and walked over to the junior science department where we were given refreshments and nametags. Then we were put into small groups. Our first activity started by going to the physics labs. During physics we were given a task to find a code using lots of experiments. These included lasers, microphones, balancing, timing, mirrors, motors, switches, momentum, distance and bulbs. After that we played around with a plasma ball. The plasma ball is really cool and scary as it looks as if you are going to get a big electric shock (but you don’t)! Then we set off to chemistry and we were given a crime scene to investigate. There were samples of crisps, sweat, rock, grime, salt, water and paint to test using our scientific knowledge. After that the teacher got out a bunsen burner and some bottles of chemicals and started spraying the chemicals into the flame which reacted to make incredible colours. Then he filled a Pringles crisp can with helium and lit it with a splint. After a couple of minutes it started to squeal and then it jumped with a loud bang. Some of the girls leapt into the air! After lunch we went to the biology labs where we talked about owls and took apart owl pellets. We dissolved them in water and took out the tiny bones using forceps and a mounted needle. We found they had eaten rats, birds, shrews and moles. We had a chart to identify all the different bones. The science day was fantastic fun and I hope future generations of Beaudesertians will enjoy it as much as we did. Freddie Jodrell Year 6

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Jonathan’s Jungle Road Show I was very excited to meet Jonathan and his jungle as I was looking forward to touching his animals and learning lots of fascinating facts about them. One of the most interesting creatures I met that day was the Tailless Whip Scorpion. This is an amazing species native to Tanzania in East Africa. They have spiny pincers that are used to catch prey. The Tailless Whip Scorpion has front legs that are much longer and thinner than their other six legs. These thin legs are special sensory legs and not used for walking, unlike the other six which are for running as well. One of the creatures I got to touch was the beautiful Royal Python named Rafiki. A snake’s skin looks as though it is going to be wet and slimy but it is actually very dry, scaly and smooth. One amazing adaptation that I learnt is that a Royal Python is able to roll itself into a tiny ball, with its head hidden in the coils of its body, which it would usually do in the wild to protect itself from predators. This is why American snake keepers sometimes call it the Ball Python. A very interesting fact I learnt on the day is that the Crested Gecko has no eyelids and must lick it’s eyes to clean them. It would be weird if humans could do that. Fynlay Hughes Year 5

I never thought I would hold a Royal Python and definitely not a scorpion. Have you? Well, one Thursday a man called Jonathan came into our science lesson with a bunch of animals. What I thought I would see was snails, slugs and a few snakes. A Tailless Whip Scorpion is a scorpion with no stinger so they are safe to hold. The scorpion is called Kate and her boyfriend is Bob. When it was my turn to hold her, she carefully walked onto my hand and up towards my finger tips where it was warmest. She was lighter than I expected and it tickled. I wanted to burst out laughing but I could not do that. Her best adaptation is her long back legs which feel even the slightest breezes. We did not hold Splodge the gecko because he was too cold to be held but he was just warm enough to climb up the wall, scary, and he managed to jump onto Oscar’s ear and Lauren’s shoulder. He jumps by staring at where he is going to jump to and then he pushes off his back legs. Splodge is orange in the night-time and a dull brown with black spots in the day. I learned that geckos can hear pretty much everything. Emma Beattie Year 5

Science Lecture Gloucester University Recently a select group of Year 7s and 8s were chosen to go on a science lecture to Gloucester University where a chemist, Andrea Sella, and a physicist, James Soper, both gave effervescent presentations about their subjects. First up was Andrea. He started off with liquid in a beaker, he described the density of ice, and how diet coke was heavier then normal coke. Then he brought out a big flask of liquid nitrogen, and placed a small bit of it in a coke can and placed it in a bin. Later it exploded and we all jumped out of our seats. He then put a bit of liquid nitrogen in a glove and passed it around the lecture hall. As time passed it inflated to the size of a football! Afterwards he chose a child from each school including ours, (he chose George Drayson), to make liquid nitrogen ice cream. James Soper came on stage talking first about gravity with the help of his handkerchief and juggling balls, then he talked about magnetism with his horseshoe magnets. Mrs Butterworth went up on stage and swung a liquid on a tray. We all secretly wanted her to get soaked. Lucky for her it did not happen. I felt that we all learnt a lot. Oliver Shale Year 8

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Design and Technology

aspire to motivate pupils to succeed and enjoy lessons whilst continuing to learn skills for life in this allencompassing subject.

Art, Pottery and Design & Technology Exhibition The Art, Pottery and Design and Technology exhibition held at the Blue Door Gallery, Nailsworth was a major success and the gallery literally came to life in an explosion of colour, imagination and talent.

Design & Technology Lessons Design and Technology is the one lesson that really combines the many skills taught in other subjects and can be implemented into real life situations, resulting in skills for life. In education speak this is called ‘cross curricular learning’. Mathematics skills are used in calculations including measuring and quantities. Language skills are used for tools, processes and manufacturing instructions. Science is incorporated with regards to materials, material properties, calculations and measurements including electronics. Art and design skills go hand in hand and ICT skills include Computer Aided Design and control, which is at the forefront of today’s manufacturing industries. As well as these academic skills the subject helps to improve communication skills, gross and fine motor skills and also teaches teamwork, risk assessment and health and safety skills.

The idea behind the exhibition was to raise the status and understanding of what we do in these subjects and celebrate the work of the children. We had many excellent comments from the hundreds of people who came through the door and who were truly amazed at the sheer quality and range of the work produced by the pupils in these lessons. The show was one of the real highlights of the year that the school and pupils were really proud of and my thanks again go to Mrs Neal who hosted the exhibition.

Scholarship Pupils This year we have had a number of pupils attempting Scholarship awards for their next school. The work this year has been outstanding, however,

the competition to gain an award seems stronger than ever. To gain an award the pupils have to produce an A3 design portfolio following the design process including how they found a design problem and using sketching and drawing techniques to show how they came up with an individual solution. They also have to sit an exam and undergo an interview at their chosen school. Products built this year include an incorporated CD holder and lighting unit by Andrew Howes, a combined radio and Ipod speaker unit produced in sheet aluminum by Conor Evans and an audio amplifier and lighting unit by Calum Evans. I am very proud to announce that Stephanie Phillips won a Design and Technology Exhibition award to Dean Close with a combined photograph frame and lighting unit. If you had the opportunity to see any of these products and folders in the Blue Door Gallery then you would appreciate the hard work, technical ability and dedication that goes into these projects. All the pupils who took part should be very proud of their achievements.

I am very proud of the Design and Technology department and the work that the pupils produce at Beaudesert Park School. I will continue to

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Science and Engineering Week This year’s week was celebrated by a number of special activities. The Years 7 and 8 started the week with a talk on the history and mechanics of flight by Mr Huw Bowen of GE Aviation. Throughout the week we were able to procure a James Dyson Education Pack. The pack included the latest Dyson Vacuum cleaner and a class pack of attachments, tools and education material. The pupils watched several video clips and then took part in a disassembly project, where they had the opportunity to break the vacuum cleaner down into component parts to discover what materials were used and how they were designed to fit together and work as a unit. Everyone enjoyed the one off activity, which also involved sketching techniques and finding out how a Dyson vacuum cleaner worked. LW

ICT

Last year it was the iPad. Now it seems to be the iPad 2 that is taking the markets by storm, proving once again that Apple are market leaders and innovators. ICT underpins most of the project work undertaken in the school and it is reassuring to see so much cross curricular work being undertaken. The iMacs in the ICT Room have been a great success and it doesn’t seem a year ago that they were introduced.

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The large flat screens are a real pleasure to use, for work and for play. The school is always looking to improve facilities and to this end the Learning Support department now have the benefit of new iMacs and we have installed more Interactive Whiteboards in the main school and upgraded those in the Pre- prep. The Pre-prep hall has had a projector and sound system installed so that assemblies, drama productions and lectures can be successfully staged. PG

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The Arts decorated fish dishes, egg racks and toast racks, wheel work, slip casting and free modeling done in activities were all displayed side by side. This year the pottery prize was awarded to Daphne Schrager von Altishofen for her tenacity, hard work and desire to do everything herself. Learning to use the wheel is never easy and many fall by the wayside. Daphne showed how it should be done. As usual activities were well attended. The variety of work themes never ceases to amaze. There are always serious potters anxious to use slip moulds or try out the wheel. Alongside these are the gamers creating fantasy figures and strange machines. Whatever path they choose leads inevitably to improvement of their hand skills.

Pottery Pottery remains a firm favourite with many of the children, a chance to get hands on with the clay. This year, two exhibition dates in the calendar made additional demands on the programme. Everyone had to make a considerable effort in order to produce finished work to put on display. The first show, staged at the Blue Door Gallery in Nailsworth, featured the work of our most talented potters. Many of the comments in the visitor’s book made specific reference to the pottery. Anne-Marie Bowring’s hand made pomander in the form of a portrait bust with wide brimmed summer hat, expressing her interest in fashion, was the star piece. The second show, staged in June at the school, attempted to represent every

pupil with a piece of pottery, design technology and art. There were inevitably a few absentees where work was either not completed in time or pieces made early in the year not returned from home. The display was a great success illustrating the range of work and techniques available to our children.

In the summer term there was a boarding house taster for Year 3. Simple water lilies and lily pads with frogs were attempted. It is immediately apparent where the talent lies. Some have natural skills some others less so but all have enthusiasm. The future is bright for the Beaudesert pottery. Everyone enjoyed the evening. AP

Year 4 faces and ring holders, Year 5 Lewis chessmen and stage sets, Year 6 coil built face decorated pots, Year 7 fish tiles, Year 8 slip

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Art The Art department has continued to be a busy area of the school and with the continued less regimented style of lunchtimes the studio is being used more and more at this time. The evening remains popular with flexi-boarders and quite often particularly during the dark, winter months the department is full to capacity after tea. The Art Club still operates on a Thursday evening and continues to give younger children a chance to work alongside those working for scholarships. Again this year a healthy number of Year 8 artists embarked on their various scholarship courses. However this year no one achieved an award. This is, I believe, indicative of the times we find ourselves in when financial considerations have caused many more students to enter the scholarship race, making the competition for awards that much more difficult. However I still believe the experience gained from following the course still outweighs the potential monetary gain and I will continue to give a chance to any pupil who expresses a real drive and desire to further their artistic education in this way.

ANNE-MARIE BOWRING YEAR 8

March saw the first external art, design and pottery exhibition by Beaudesert pupils to be held. The venue was the Blue Door Gallery in Nailsworth and over 100 pieces of 2D Art plus many design and pottery pieces went on show to the public. The exhibition was very well received with over 300 people attending during the week the exhibition was on. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Anne Neal for permission to use her gallery and all the staff who helped me make this event a great success. The annual internal art exhibition took place in June. This saw the unlikely venue of the sports hall turned into a vision of colour and interest. With the newly painted walls the paintings and collages by each year group from the Pre-prep up to Year 8 looked quite spectacular and the event was again very well received by those that visited it. Over 450 two dimensional pieces and around 300 three dimensional pieces were on display and again I thank all the staff from the Pre-prep and Prep School who helped make it such a great success. The overlying thought that one was left with after visiting this exhibition was what a great deal of talented and creative children we have at Beaudesert. Long may it continue.

IMOGEN PARR YEAR 7

SH

THE ART EXHIBITION

CLEO WHITCOMBE YEAR 4

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SOPHIE DIBBEN YEAR 7

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Music Autumn Term The autumn term saw the arrival of two new music teachers: Miss Cubbin (Clarinet/Saxophone) and Mr Loveridge (Cello/Double Bass). They soon settled in and continue to make a positive impact on the music in Beaudesert. One of the first music outings of the year saw several Woodwind and Brass musicians going to Downe House for their Prep Schools’ Orchestral Day. An orchestra of about 200… an amazing sight and sound to behold. The String players were not left out as their time came with a day out to Stowe School for their String Day. Again, to see so many vibrant musicians in one place was most inspiring. Before half-term we had the Junior Lunchtime Concert and Choirs at an Amberley service, events that are always well supported by parents and friends. The pupils of Mrs Brownbill

presented ‘An Evening of Voices’ in the Drawing Room, with first class vocal performances, decked out in full evening attire. The main event of the late autumn term is the St Cecilia Concert, traditionally in mid-November. This year’s had a definite American flavour with the audience joining in with ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ and the screams on cue during the Orchestra’s exciting rendition of ‘Jaws.’ A special well done to

Imogen Mitchell for her excellent oboe solo to open Dvorak’s ‘Largo.’ The end of term Carol Service is a high point of the musical year and 2010’s was no exception. Mr Ffinch from Cheltenham College was an excellent organist, there was super singing from all choirs and a big thank you to the parents of the Year 6 Choir who hunted down Hawaiian clothing in the snows of Gloucestershire for the anthem ‘Mele Kalikimaka’!

Spring Term After such a busy autumn, the short spring term was an opportunity for lots or rehearsals in readiness for the busy summer programme ahead. Even so, there were still entries in the Minchinhampton Music Festival, music exams, Lunchtime Concerts and Choirs to Amberley.

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Summer Term In my 12 years here, I cannot recall a more busy and event-filled summer music programme. Where to begin . . . The month of May saw musicians take part in the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts with Hamish and Tamara winning Silver and Bronze medals respectively. There were the two Lunchtime Concerts, jam-packed with children keen to play. The House Music Competition was even bigger than before and the quality of House Songs continues to improve. After a hectic day of music-making, D House claimed the Music Salver once more. Dr Exon from Westonbirt School did a fantastic job enthusing the candidates with her adjudications. A few days later saw the Year 2 Summer Concert with lots of young players in the Pre-prep Hall. Many were amazed at the high quality of music performed and all the children were so professional and unflustered in their delivery – well done 2s! Two days after that saw the busiest day of the term with the Acoustic Guitar Concert in school with some

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lovely playing – thank you Mrs Mills for helping with this. Meanwhile, the String players spent the day at Down Ampney. They began with a tour of Vaughan Williams’ Birthplace and rehearsed in the church for the afternoon recital, open to parents and public. All were dressed in their fine gowns and suits and the whole day was a magical affair. With school exams out of the way, the ‘Big Push’ for the end of term was on. The Associated Board, Trinity/Guildhall and Rockschool exams saw lots of Merits and Distinctions. In late June a group of Brass and Woodwind players performed a public concert at Elgar’s Birthplace in Worcestershire and then scaled the heights of British Camp, Union Flag at the helm, whereupon they played ‘Land of Hope and Glory’

at full blast, blast being the operative word as we were almost blown off the summit by the gale. The Senior Choir spent a productive day at the Cheltenham College Choral Day, finishing the concert with Handel’s joyful ‘Hallelujah Chorus.’

to Messrs Burns, Armitage and Tiley for their renditions of ‘Eye of the Tiger,’ ‘Johnny Be Good’ and ‘Baggy Trousers’ . . . a splendid and fitting occasion to bring the Beaudesert musical year to a close. MC

The following week saw the bands take the stage in Beaudesert’s ‘Rock in the Gym’ with very confident young performers in the spotlight. Bea and Arabella rounded off the evening with ‘Someone like You,’ an excellent conclusion to the concert. ‘Jazz on the Lawn’ was the one of the best for many years. Having lovely sun and no rain was a great help but the quality of the music was just wonderful… so many children keen to participate. The Junior Choir opened with a medley of African songs… thank you Mrs Turner. A special vote of thanks

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Drama

Senior Production A Tale of Two Cities – the ‘Director’s Cut’!

them and accept the voices that were at my disposal.

Dramatising things can be an easy process and it can be a struggle. I had had a reshaped version of Dickens’ classic love story set in the French Revolution in mind for a little while and, with the Year 8 production now moved to the winter term and this particular year group available to me, I thought that now was the time to put it into action. Writing it did not take long. A sustained spell in the summer holidays saw most of it done in rough. Making best use of my own children to read it through and criticise it meant that its final shape was achieved easily and quickly. There remained one problem: when writing, I had the sound of the characters’ voices in my head and I knew that it would be a major challenge to ‘delete’

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Rehearsals started early with Tuesday’s activities being put to the sword all for the sake of drama; Thursday’s sessions followed suit after half term. It was alarming that, as we drew ever closer to the significant countdown, parts had still not been learned – a commonplace occurrence in a school but nonetheless a nervewracking one for M’sieur Le Directeur. A couple of tweaks to the text and a bit of a cast rejiggle lead us up to the final week and increasingly serious practising. With each little addition – an eightmetre French Tricolore, the fittings for costumes, tweaking the music and sound effects, the image of the guillotine – the cast became more focussed on the production. Before we knew it, the performances were upon us. At the end of a long, committing term, it was extraordinary that these young ladies and gentlemen were able to produce moving and meaningful drama of this quality. One could focus on the tiny blips in any play but to do so in this case would be small

minded. I can honestly say that I have never been more proud of any cast than this. What they managed to produce was theatre magic, as many who came to watch the production will agree. I am full of admiration for their ability to remain in role so persuasively throughout the play, be they citizens, leading characters or the mob. My personal thanks go to the cast, first and foremost, hotly pursued by Mrs Heseltine who costumed the entire cast so beautifully; then, thanks to Mr Bird on sound, Mr Daddo on lights, Mr Coombs for his magical pixilation and Mr Lloyd for being patient with me, a computer numbskull; Mr Manning and his crew for shuffling the stage around and Chinnick Theatre Services for all their help with seating, flashes and even candles. It is easy to sound like the recipient of an award at this stage, thanking anyone who has breathed in the same room as them. There are many more people to thank for their help at a very busy and tiring time of term. The play didn’t receive any awards but it will, I hope, linger in the memories of those who performed and those who watched. RT

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Year 7 Revolting Rhymes

Year 6 If you go down to the woods today . . .

My parents won’t ever forget our Year 6 play. My Dad says it took him to places he’s never been before round the school grounds. Hearing him talk you’d think he’d been heroically breaking paths over high passes, dodging tornados and braving blizzards – not just going down to the second terrace in the rain. I realise he was cold, but at least he was wearing proper clothes and had an umbrella to keep the rain off, unlike the cast . . .

Year 7 did an amazing job this year of piecing together a performance based on three of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes. They had less than two weeks from start to finish and boy, did they do a great job! They focused on the stories of The Three Little Pigs, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Cinderella. Through improvisation and amazing team work they brought each story to life throwing in their own twists and turns, modern references and creative interpretations of the characters. The pupils really embraced the process of devising their own show. They worked incredibly well as a team, constantly supporting each other in order to ‘make it happen’. As a director it is always a relief to have a crack stage management team. There is always so much to organise; props, set, lights and sound. This year the Stage Management Team was entirely made up of pupils. They were astounding! They used their initiative and they worked hard . . . really hard! The children were all real professionals and produced a show that was so much fun to watch. They entertained everyone and learnt a great deal along the way . . . what a team! NK

But we still had FUN! Miss Gilliat and Miss Hammond’s awesome script included the Famous Five (Mollie D’Arcy Rice was ‘ripping’ as George and Joss ‘wizard’ as Timmy the dog), the Apprentice with all the celebrity bears (Paddington shown to be surprisingly devious by Amber Dunne, and Hugo Neely as a far better Lord Sugar than that chap on the television), Ant and Dec (Henry and Felix energetically bouncing off each other), and Robin Hood (featuring a band of scary yet gorgeous 12th century cheerleaders). Our play revealed a new, evil side of Anne from the Famous Five, quickly masked, and something quite unexpected about Robin Hood. Now I’ve seen his pink sparkly handbag I’ll never think of him in the same way again. Other highlights included Lara as Puck and Freddie Jodrell as a knight in shining armour, and Mr Manning who reduced some people to tears as an unforgettable Rapunzel, they laughed so hard. I think Shakespeare would have approved of our setting of a Midsummer Night’s Dream on the bank under the magical giant beech tree. Our ‘bad acting’ of Pyramus and Thisbe was very believable, but Tamara made an absolutely brilliant wall! Isobel Maxwell Year 6

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Year 5 - Matilda

Year 4

The plays this term were all extremely varied and required different skills from the performers, it goes without saying that they all rose to the challenge admirably.

4R - Papa Pavnov 4R started the carousel rolling this year with Papa Panov which is a festive and touching one act play; the simple plot, originally written by Leo Tolstoy, hands out a powerful message. This year each Year 5 English set performed to the Pre-prep children their versions of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Just after Christmas we had visited Stratford to see the musical Matilda which was inspirational. The children all enjoyed it immensely and were bursting with ideas for their own mini shows for Pre-prep. Each 20 minute show was devised in just over two hours (with costumes and props) and then immediately performed to an eagerly waiting bunch of small children in the Pre-prep hall. The Year 5s really considered their target audience and aimed for each show to appeal to that age group. The Reception children, for example, were given a show in which they could call out and be part of the action; the characters really engaged with the children and made them feel part of the whole process. The Year 2 children, who were a bit braver, were asked how they thought the story should end and were all up on their feet helping to defeat Miss Trunchbull! It was a quick fire process which required lots of energy and focus for a concentrated period and all three forms pulled it off with great success judging by the huge grins on the faces of all the Pre-prep children! NK

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All the children had to be in the performance space for the whole time for this play, and under bright and unforgiving stage light, this is quite an ask. We spoke a little about Brecht and his ideas about theatre before we began blocking. Freya Saxton as the narrator took us into the harsh world of Russia, where the bleak winters make the local villagers quite cruel and unforgiving, none more so than the Count, played with great charisma by Andre Stamp - what a snarl! Jasper Lowde pulled at the heart-strings; was his much-mocked visitor ever going to arrive? There were some lovely, strong voices but it is Sam Hughes as Joseph who initially springs to mind.

4W - Macbeth I think parents of children in 4W may have inwardly groaned when they heard their children were doing Macbeth, but it seemed a good choice for the dark, wet months ahead. The children were all enthused and enjoyed the grizzly tale. They were also introduced to some Pink Floyd for their backing track; they seemed to enjoy that too! Henry Hellens was brilliant at learning all of his lines and really set the pace for the others. The witches tried really hard to convey some menace and everybody did brilliantly with the sword fighting; Annabelle Martin as Macduff was particularly convincing!

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Year 3 Play Treasure Island Year 3 did a play based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s book Treasure Island. It was a similar version to the book. Some parts were acted and some parts were narrated. There was also a puppet show done by the Year 8 scholars which told the tale of Captain Flint and the high seas. Year 3 sang several songs and Mr Castle played the piano. We would like to thank Mrs Heseltine for making all the costumes and Mrs Winchcombe for writing such a funny script. Thank you to all the other teachers for helping out. I think I speak for all of Year 3 when I say it was great fun. Tilly Woodford

4B - All Around The World The form that had the greatest challenge was 4B. It is incredibly hard to act in a classroom and with no elevated space. There was no characterization to help them along and no wings to escape into. The hardest part of All Around The World is the fact that it is full of lots of very short one-liners and this is always much harder to learn. The play is rather a strange little story of bored children having a moment of fun in a one-off History lesson. This really was a team effort; they were responsible for prompting each other and as the costume change took place under the eye of the audience, they had to help each other with this as well. They all did extremely well in supporting each other. So much talent! I am very excited about seeing them all again next year. Well done everyone! ASM

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Outings & Events Aberdovey

While Gloucestershire was inundated with rain, Year 7 headed west to Wales to find, miracle of miracles, that it was much drier there! The pupils didn’t stay dry for long, as the Outward Bound instructors are always keen on getting participants as wet as possible as quickly as possible. Having been told that being organised was part of the educational segment of the course, one boy arrived to find he had left his trainers behind – oops! Once again the dorm lists appeared to have been magically inspired so as to put all really, really messy children together and all the neatniks together. There was one exception, and Ralph Fitch Kemp deserves huge praise for getting through the week amid the chaos of his dorm-mates’ kit without losing his sanity. All the organisationally-challenged pupils raised their game fortunately and no time was lost for failing dorm inspections, as has been the case in the past. Over the course of the week plenty of old Aberdovey favourites were on view, with all groups attempting the jetty jump into much lower water than usual. Various rafts were

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built and put to good use, although somewhere in the Irish Sea Miss Gilliatt’s group’s lunches are floating around in a barrel (see earlier remarks about organisational education). Everyone had a chance to do rock climbing, although only Shackleton group had the opportunity of seeing Mr Burns dangling upside down whilst abseiling in front of the mouth of a cave. Apparently this was very funny, although I couldn’t see it myself so much. Most groups had a good pop at the challenge wall (a personal favourite of mine) and the evening activities had pupils scratching their heads over some of the team-building tasks.

Wednesday came and it was time for expeditions. Beaudesert is one of only two schools with pupils our age for which Outward Bound lay on a full on Expedition Programme, where the groups travel with all necessary kit in their packs. We were blessed with good weather (all the rain fell overnight) and the four groups had four quite different but equally rewarding and challenging hikes. Once again the instructors were amazed by the stamina of BPS pupils – “These guys are machines!” was how one of them described the children.

Other observers were also impressed by our pupils. A train conductor approached Mr Waters and uttered those words dreaded by all staff on outings, “Are those boys with you?” Mr W cautiously acknowledged that they were, and prepared for the worst. The conductor then said that the boys had spied an elderly couple and had instantly hopped to their feet and offered them seats. She said that she had never seen this happen before and that he should be very proud of them! Mr Waters, Miss Hammond, Miss Gilliatt and myself all agreed by the end that this was one of the best outward bound trips to date, so well done everyone! A special well done to the Royal Mail, for delivering Geordie Ross’s shoes on Friday, as we were about to get back on the bus to go home. KDB

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Cornwall On Monday 13th June, the whole of Year 8 gathered in the front courtyard with CE in the back of their minds. The journey was long and tiresome, (only minor casualties occurred through travel sickness). When we finally arrived at Polzeath, our accommodation was allocated and we were asked to get ready for our first surf lesson. From the outset, it was clear that most of us needed help in just standing up! Of course, there will always be those who are more experienced than others, and some managed to stand up. After this, we had a very welcome hot shower, then

set off on a walk to the Womersleys’ house, right on the cliff edge, for a barbeque. The food was perfectly cooked, thanks to Tom Womersley, and the evening was relaxing, just what we needed after CE and the long journey. After a much needed sleep, those who were mad enough were woken up at 6:45 for what was called the crazy gang. This was a 15 minute swim in the icy sea, led by Mr Wachter. There were no wetsuit items allowed, although on the first day, Mr Graham was sighted in a wetsuit and boots. After this, we were all warmed up by a hearty cooked breakfast, with hash browns, sausages, eggs, toast, baked beans and bacon. Afterwards,

we were split into two groups, one group cycling 22 miles of the Camel trail. Pretty much all the injuries incurred seemed to happen on the bike ride, although the ride itself did not seem too difficult. Afterwards we had a second surf lesson; during the surfing we went right out behind the breakers to get some clean waves. Happily, we were seated on our surfboards, waiting for the moment when we summoned up the courage to try and surf as far as we could. The other half of the year group walked 12 miles along the coastal path from Polzeath to Port Quinn to reach the rendezvous with the coasteering company ERA. After much struggling, we were all kitted up in extra-warm wetsuits, with buoyancy aids. When we had buddied up, we walked up to a cliff, where we were briefed about safety and what coasteering involved. We learnt that coasteering is about experiencing the coast from the sea which included jumping off cliffs, swimming into caves, scrambling up cliffs and rocks and then swimming to the next jumpsite. The highest jump that the year group could do was 25 feet, in other words quite high! However, if you couldn’t stomach that, you didn’t have to jump, it was completely voluntary. Amazingly, most of us overcame our fears and jumped. That evening we walked down to the Galleon, the excellent café where we ate breakfast every day, to sample their evening menu. On the following day, Wednesday, after the crazy gang had braved the cold, and warmed up with yet another of those cooked breakfasts we all loved, the year group swapped round, the group who did the Camel Trail doing the walk and coasteering

and the group who walked, doing the cycle ride. At the end of the day, we all piled into our minibuses, ready to enjoy a good meal. Soon, we were in Rock, entering the Blue Tomato. That night we feasted on baked potato with various fillings and healthy salads in the Blue Tomato. When the crazy gang had done their thing the next morning and breakfast had been eaten, we all had a surfing lesson, during which we had a freestyle competition trying to rack up the most points by doing tricks. Once this had all finished and we were all getting out of the sea, the news that we had all been waiting for had arrived and we were informed whether we had passed CE and got into our future schools. With a couple of minor changes, everyone got into their schools. The celebrations were incredible. There were people screaming, crying and laughing all over the beach. After we had got changed, there was a relaxing afternoon where we walked to Daymer Bay and just chilled out. Some of us played ball games whilst others of us dug to Australia! On the walk back we stopped for birthday cake to celebrate Alex’s 13th birthday. Then we went out for supper, this time at Carruan, a nearby farm. We ate shepherd’s pie and a few of the girls performed a couple of songs. When morning broke on the final day, the crazy gang were up and preparing to get freezing in no time at all. After breakfast we all just tidied up our accommodation and were bussed back to Beaudesert. This was an incredible trip thanks to Mr Wachter and all of the staff involved. Christian Barnes and Henry Jackson 27

BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

SKI TRIP

Day in the Life of a Beginner Skier – Easter Trip My diary starts at the ski resort Serre Chevalier (France) Staying at a really cool hotel. We have a lot more freedom than at home and I am in a dormitory with all of my best friends. Hot chocolate is on the menu when we come back from our afternoon lessons The food is delicious and it is nice to have a threecourse meal at suppertime. There is a bar downstairs where we can order crisps and soft drinks. There is a chill-out place with a sofa, a pinball machine and a snooker table. The views are beautiful and the first ski lift is a short walk from the hotel. The hotel staff are nice and helpful.

DAY ONE I found day one really hard. Snow ploughing was the first drill we were taught. I have all the instructions (received from my ski instructor) in my head but once on the snow I forgot them all. Going down a small hill I felt a sudden rush and was

extremely frightened as I realised anything could go wrong. I was so tired that when I was on the button lift I really wanted to sit down. In the evening we had a quiz, which was a lot of fun. DAY TWO The snow was really good today. Sometimes skiing too fast but feeling a lot more confident. We went on the same ski run and now I only fell once or twice instead of 10 times. We ended our ski lesson on a red run which goes to show how much our group improved. Our activity after supper was bingo – we played a lot of different versions of bingo. I had never played bingo before so it was new and exciting for me. DAY THREE Still no ski poles for the beginners. The instructor feels that we will learn quicker without them. I am now so confident that nothing worries me and I just love the adrenalin rush that one gets from going down a mountain. I just love the fact that we have two lessons per day – I am learning so much. I am so excited. The evening activity was bum boarding, which we did just outside the hotel. We went down the hill all holding hands, then in a long train – it was such fun, even one of our bus drivers went bum boarding! DAY FOUR At long last we were given poles. I had to get used to using them but once I knew how to use them properly I found that my skiing technique improved. Our normal teacher, Stephan, was ill so we had another teacher who was nice but not as playful as Stephan. The weather

was great and the sun was shining all the time. How lucky are we to have plenty of sun and snow! We heard from Mr Graham that some other ski resorts were suffering from NO snow at all. Games was our evening activity and the one that I loved the most was having to build something with a snow theme out of tin foil. We were given two sheets of tin foil and our group made a man on skis going over a jump. DAY FIVE Stephan is still sick and we have just received the news that he will no longer be teaching us. At the beginning of the week we were in the beginners’ class and now, can you believe it, we have been promoted to the intermediate class – how cool is that? Went on a very long red run and I did not fall once. In the afternoon after our ski lesson I went into town with my friends and some of the teachers. The shops were nice and I bought some presents for my mum, dad and my sisters. I was told to do a forfeit and what I had to do was carry Mrs Butterworth’s ski poles. It was her birthday that evening and we had a large cake with candles on it– we all had a huge slice. There was a dorm inspection that night – we all had to pack and tidy our rooms. DAY 6 Our last day. Really sad as I am just loving my skiing. We had a lesson in the morning and then we all met up at a restaurant on the piste where Mr Graham bought us all a drink. In the afternoon we handed in our ski equipment. After a delicious supper we loaded up the bus and left the ski resort on our way to Calais and then eventually Beaudesert. It was a wonderful trip and I would like to say an extra thank you to Mr Graham for organising the trip and to Mrs Butterworth, Miss Henderson, Mrs Abendanon and Mr Russell for making it so much fun. Oliver Pritchard Year 6

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Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

FRENCH TRIP

At the end of the spring term, 41 Year 8 pupils and 5 members of staff boarded a coach bound for Cherbourg via Portsmouth for our annual visit to Normandy. The account of our very succesful trip is provided here by two of this year’s scholars.

avons mangé du poulet et du riz et, bien sûr, le gâteau d’anniversaire de Bea. C’était très bon. Le soir nous avons pris le dîner dans une crêperie au Mont Saint Michel. Simon nous a fait une visite guidée des remparts de la ville. Il faisait nuit et l’Abbaye était illuminée. C’était impressionnant. Jeudi, nous sommes allés au marché à Dinan, où nous avons acheté notre pique-nique. Puis nous sommes partis à la vieille ville de St Malo où nous avons été étonnés de voir le premier ministre français, François Fillon. A la fin de l’après-midi, nous sommes allés à l’hypermarché. Nous avons acheté beaucoup de bonbons! Le soir nous avons vu un film français qui s’appelle ‘Neuilly Sa Mère’ et c’était très marrant. Vendredi, nous nous sommes levés à cinq heures du matin! Tout le monde

Notre visite en Normandie 2011 Le jour du départ était dimanche le vingt-sept mars et nous sommes arrivés à l’école à dix heures et quart. Nous sommes allés en car au port où nous avons attendu pendant une heure. La traversée était assez courte. Nous avons mangé le dîner dans le bateau et finalement, après un très long voyage en car, nous sommes arrivés au château. Nous avons bu un chocolat chaud qui était vraiment délicieux et puis nous nous sommes couchés.

Lundi matin, après un bon petit déjeuner français, nous avons joué au basket et au volley avec Simon, notre animateur, et nous avons préparé des questions pour notre visite à la chèvrerie de Monsieur Martin. Puis l’après-midi, nous sommes allés à la ferme. Nous avons vu les petites chèvres et nous avons bu du lait de chèvre. Le lait avait un goût bizarre! Après nous avons goûté le fromage de chèvre et nous en avons acheté pour notre famille. Mardi, tout abord, nous avons visité la Tapisserie de Bayeux. Puis nous avons vu un film au cinéma 360˚ et après nous nous sommes promenés sur la plage du débarquement de la Bataille de Normandie. C’était très émouvant particulièrement quand nous avons vu le cimetière de guerre britannique. Mardi soir, nous avons mangé des escargots. Mercredi c’était l’anniversaire de Bea. Nous sommes allés au château de la Baudonnière, où nous avons fait deux activités en petits groupes avec des animateurs français; la fabrication de pain et l’orientation. A midi, nous

était très fatigué! La traversée était plus longue, mais il y avait beaucoup de choses à faire dans le bateau. Après neuf heures de voyage nous sommes arrivés à Beaudesert! On a passé une très bonne semaine! Merci à tous les profs. Bea Holloway and Genni James Year 8

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Badminton Estate After the wash out from the previous year, fingers were crossed for better weather this time around. The Gods did not disappoint and although not perfect, we would not be getting wet this year. 46 children were accompanied by Mr Craig, Mrs Lincoln and Mrs Russell for our annual trip to the Badminton estate to see how such a vast area is managed and controlled so that future heirs or heiresses can prosper on that ground for many generations to come. Yet again there were many highlights for everyone. Getting surrounded by 100 inquisitive Jersey cows was an interesting experience. The hounds were always going to attract interest and they did not disappoint. The puppies and meat room will always stick in the pupils’ minds as the years go by, as well with the smell that goes with them. In the woods, we saw demonstrations of trees being cut down and chopped into fire sized pieces, the gamekeeper’s dog did its trick and showed us how loyal dogs can be, and at times well behaved. The lifting machines and chainsaws focussed the boys’ attention and the ability of these forestry workers impressed everyone. In the dairy farm, the group was given an in depth talk and interactive show on how to milk cows, not by hand but by machine and it was incredible to see the technology that is actually used to get all the milk into the storage vats. Overall, this was a very successful day and hopefully enjoyed by this Year 5 group, who came away with a good insight into the runnings of a very successful estate. Let’s hope for more of the same next year! EC

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Mock Trial Beaudesert brought a team to Stroud Magistrates court. We were well prepared for the day by Miss Gilliatt and Miss Hammond. We all played our parts well and two of us were in separate competitions. Charlotte Garner was drawing a picture and Tamara Gibbons was writing a report. We all went to court feeling very excited, as it was a new experience for everyone. We all learned how a court works and realised that it is a skilled job. The case was opened by the clerk (Charlie Turk) and he advised us of the following - an incident had occurred when 15-year-old Hilary Green (Serena Slatter) was knocked off her bicycle on 27th June. The lady who hit Hilary was called Jackie Jones. They were both present in the courtroom. The witnesses were PC Parsons (Hamish Delap), Mrs Hogan (Lucia Vint), Peter Lindhurst and Pat Proud. The lawyers were Arabella Sopher and Freddie Hellens, Isobel Maxwell was the barrister. Before the magistrate told us the verdict (Lucas Sopher and Amber Dunne) there was an interesting talk about the skills required, which made us all very tense. Even though we lost our case we had a brilliant day. Imogen Mitchell Year 6

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Corinium Museum

We arrived at the museum and stepped inside. We were surrounded by mosaics of all different sizes and colours. This room was called the main hall and it had a model of how if you dug into the ground you would find objects of different time periods from the Stone Age period onwards. There was a big mosaic on the floor with missing pieces and a garden with statues and Roman plants. The room after that had jewellery and a Celtic burial display and it also showed us how the Celts lived. The joint room had a Roman soldier in it with a horse and full armour. It showed what a Roman centurion looked like and that their life was very different from the Celts.

Stonar - Inter Schools One Day Event

In one of the side rooms there was a film about Roman life – life in the country and life in the towns. The room next to it showed us how the Romans slept. There was a dressing up room where we could try on Roman cloaks, shields, sashes and shirts. After having some juice and biscuits we went to the learning centre to try on Roman costumes, play Roman games and make mosaics. We had a great a time and learnt a lot of new interesting facts about the Romans. Ginny Lawrence Year 3

Cheltenham Leadership Challenge This challenge was brilliant because you get to play loads of fun games. We had to make a building out of wooden bricks and try to get it taller than a spiral staircase. The food is delicious and it is a chance for Beaudesert to get to meet children from other schools as well as Old Beaudesertians. Maddie Moorsom Year 6

A number of new competitors to the teams this year entered in the three classes.

rosettes coming 11th. Also entered were Clemmie Montgomerie and Ella Pitman on novice ponies.

In the 75cm, the team of Charlotte Walker, Willa Gravell, Sophie Shepherd and Daisy Mitford-Slade came 5th – a good achievement at this level for all the girls. Very well done. Charlotte and Willa came 11th respectively in their sections overall with 30 plus competitors in each.

In the 95cm, the team consisted of Clemmie Montgomerie, Amelia Walker, Stephanie Phillips and Zoe Davison. With Stephanie achieving a good dressage score, Amelia on a new horse, Zoe came 8th and Clemmie won her section – a fantastic achievement with best dressage score too.

In the 85cm, Jack Beattie came 9th overall, with Hebe Field doing a good double clear, but just missing out on

Well done to all and looking forward to the teams winning back the trophy next year! Amanda Montgomerie Parent

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Romeo & Juliet Shakespeare’s romantic classic has been revived with new, exciting twists performed by the always magnificent RSC. The unique portrayal proves that Shakespeare’s work is still as popular as ever. Goold’s original take on the world’s most famous love story shows the highs and lows of the play. The beautiful scenery and intricate costumes bring the characters to life. The Capulets’ exuberant ball emphasises the spontaneous relationship which forms between Romeo and Juliet. Jonjo O’Neill’s hilarious performance as Mercutio was the highlight of the play in my opinion. His witty depiction of Shakespeare’s sexual imagery fills the play with comic interludes. However “these violent delights have violent ends” and death dominates this performance. I found Mercutio’s death interesting, if slightly odd. I think the loss of this brilliant character shouldn’t have been taken so lightheartedly as the play fell rather flat after. There was a

Viking Trip - Year 4

lack of stage presence and little chemistry between other characters. In comparison, Tybalt’s death was rather insignificant and a bit of an anticlimax. The evolution of the character of Romeo is something to be admired in that he changes from an antisocial, shy little boy to an audacious, brave man. The connection between modern life and Elizabethan is represented by the costumes. At the start of the play only Romeo and Juliet are in modern clothes and the rest of the cast in period costume. At the end of the play the two lovers have changed from infantile teenagers to married adults and they die dressed in period costume reflecting this. Once they have taken their own lives the rest of the cast come out dressed in modern clothes to emphasise the change of the “star-crossed lovers.” I would rate the play 7 out of 10. Excellent performances abound marred by various odd problems such as the peculiar death of Mercutio. Bea Holloway Year 8 Dear Callum and Rowan Thank you very much for having me at Raven’s Wing. I had a great time and I really enjoyed the foam sword fight and the archery. Holding the sword was different from my Granny’s sword that weights a ton. The game when we had to pull the piece of wood out of the other person’s hands was really fun. Yours sincerely William Golesworthy Dear Callum and Rowan Thank you for having us. I loved your outdated costumes and gleaming swords. I loved holding your shields, hammers, axes and the rest of your weapons.

The Viking trip was amazing. My favourite bit was when some of us got to have a shield and Callum hit us with an axe. We all had to move around in one long line to make sure he did not hit us. If he did hit us we were out and so someone new had to come in. Another really fun bit was when we got foam swords and started hitting each other. At the end of the day I was really tired – it was a fun day. Marcus Arkwright

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The archery was the funniest because you got to shoot at things just like the Vikings did. The real arrows were stunning. The bow was huge. Sadly I did not get a gold but I still enjoyed it. I got one on the back sheet, one on the white and one on the grass. The tent was really fun. I loved the animal skins. My favourite was the cow skin as it was so smooth. It was fun when we pretended to sleep in the tent just like the Vikings did. Thank you for everything, I really enjoyed it. Beth Ransome

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Maths Challenge at Wycliffe

Wildlife Nature Quiz

The team for the junior maths challenge consisted of David Gibbons, Amy Strain, Bea Holloway and myself. We arrived at Wycliffe in the morning and went straight into the competition after consuming several chocolate biscuits for energy. The first round consisted of 10 tricky questions which we managed to get all right. The next round was a number crossword which was very difficult but luckily with lots of brain work we managed to get most of it correct. In the third round we were put into pairs. The first pair answered question one, then the answer to question one was used in question two etc. There were four questions and we did pretty well, but one of the questions was just too difficult. The last round was a relay where we had to run and answer questions. The sports hall was full of running bodies with some teams being extremely enthusiastic. Our brains were very tired by the end of the day. We came ninth out of 32 teams which is the highest position Beaudesert has ever achieved and was particularly good as we were the youngest team taking part. Thank you to Mrs Russell for taking us to Wycliffe. Anne-Marie Bowring Year 8

Longleat

At 8.30 am the whole of Year 4 set off to Longleat as a treat for finishing their exams. The trip was about four hours long and it was worth it. As soon as we got there we had a little talk about some of the animals. We saw one parrot, two pancake tortoises, two ferrets and a tarantula. We also saw some cute little bunnies, which were very fluffy. After the talk we got back into the bus to go on the safari. The first animals I saw were the giraffes and zebras and then camels, rhinos, one elephant, and some antelope. We did not want to go into the monkey madness

because the last time I went in, a monkey ripped the windscreen wipers off my dad’s car. After the safari we split up into groups. I was in Mr Russell’s group. We headed off down to the motion simulators. The first one was called the racing car experience and the second one was called the gorilla experience. They were both really scary and fun. Then the two groups got back together again and headed off back home. It was the best trip ever. Sophie Elvin Year 4

This year Beaudesert entered the Gloucestershire Schools’ Wildlife Quiz for the first time. The team comprised Oliver Pritchard, Amber Dunne, Tamara Gibbons, Isobel Maxwell and myself, Charlie Turk. We then met with Mrs Waters on Friday break times to have extra sessions to further improve our knowledge of nature. Some of us had particular strengths. Ollie’s was reptiles, Isobel and Tamara were good on flowers, Amber on butterflies, and myself on birds and mammals. The first round was held at Beaudesert in the Drawing Room, and we played against Amberley and The Croft schools. Mrs Slater came from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to ask the questions. Sometimes we had to identify specimens. The rest of Year 6 watched and it was extremely exciting because we were evenly matched with Amberley School. We finally won on a tiebreaker round, on which we scored full marks and Amberley scored 9/10. We were then through to the next round which was held at Leighterton School. After another exciting quiz we won again on a tiebreaker. This meant we were through to the Stroud Area Schools final to be held at Leonard Stanley School.We then decided to work even harder and gave up more time to learn more about tree identification, moths and butterflies. In the Stroud Schools final, we were unfortunately comfortably beaten by an excellent team from Chalford Hill, who were amazing! We really enjoyed the final match and the whole experience of taking part. We would recommend it to any future Year 6. I would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Butterworth, Mr and Mrs Waters and Mr Morris for helping us. Charlie Turk Year 6

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Declamations number from each year group to go through to the finals. However, a choice was made and Friday loomed large on the horizon. The finals took place in front of the entire school. If that were not enough to set the finalists on edge, they had to perform their poems in front of an outside judge, Mr Richard Hudson from Shrewsbury School.

Declamations are usually greeted with enthusiasm and horror in equal measure. For those who enjoy performing, it is another opportunity and a different discipline to explore; for those who shy away from the public gaze, it can be a source of unalloyed terror. But, there are a good number who are surprised by the pleasure of committing a poem to memory and then reciting it to an audience. In this year’s competition, it was obvious that along with those who love performing, there are a growing majority in this last category. After the class rounds came some very hotly contested semi-finals. Miss Gilliatt, Miss Hammond and Mr Tiley found it hard to choose a limited

The competition was superb not only from the performance side but from the incredible range of poets declamed by the finalists. There was a prize for the best in each year group and then an overall winner whose performance, in the eyes of the judge, outshone the others. Mr Hudson deliberated carefully and gave a brief but illuminating summary of each competitors’ performance. In the end, the winners were: Year 3 Eloise Fanshawe Year 4 Marcus Arkwright Year 5 Daisy Mitford-Slade* Year 6 Oli Pritchard Year 7 Geordie Ross Year 8 Freddie Vint *Overall winner

Jabberwocky You Can’t be That Advice from Dracula The Spider Executive I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Lewis Carroll Brian Patten Kenn Nesbitt Michael Flanders John Betjeman Maya Angelou

My thanks go to Mr Richard Hudson for his time and effort in making what was a very difficult decision, to Miss Gilliatt and Miss Hammond for their efforts in their sets and in judging the semi-finals and, most importantly, to all the pupils in the school who took the time to learn such an amazing range of verse. I have a sneaking suspicion, and a deep-seated hope, that enthusiasm for the declamations will continue to grow in the years to come. RT

Journey’s End

Maths Challenge

Year 8 Set 1 English went to see a fabulous production of Journey’s End by FC Sheriff at the Malvern Theatre. It is about life of an English officer during the First World War in France and his life in the trenches. The story occurs in the officers’ dugout and is stretched over four days. The scenery and props were so real you could picture yourself looking into a dugout and watching the soldiers struggle with the horrible conditions that they found themselves in.

On Monday 7th March, we, went to Cheltenham Junior School for a Maths afternoon. This included a Countdown numbers round, where when we answered the questions, we went up to the markers. After that, we had to run up the hall and back down again to make it fair for the people at the back of the room.

The actors were fantastic and at the end a few of us left the theatre with tears in our eyes. Sydney Sopher Year 8

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There was also a round where we were read 20 questions and we had to fill in the spots for the correct answer, a bit like an exam, but more fun! The final round was ‘The Big Challenge’, a bit like the Countdown round in that we had to go up to the markers after we answered a question and run up the hall, but we had to do the questions in order. We were given the first card with the question on, and after we answered that correctly we were given the next card. If we got it wrong, we had the choice to either try again or move onto the next card. We were put in pairs. I was with James Strain, Kit Penny with Lucas Sopher and Oliver Pritchard with Harry Morgan-Grenville. All in all, it was a very fun afternoon! Tamara Gibbons Year 6

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Field Trip to the Forest of Dean or milled and can be bought from the shop.

On May 9th Year 7s set off on a joint Science and History Field Trip to the Forest of Dean. On arriving at the Nag’s Head Nature Reserve in the Forest of Dean the year group was split into two groups. One group headed off to Clearwell Caves where we met our guide, Richard. He explained to us about the different types of iron ore in the caves as we explored and went further underground. As we descended deeper and deeper into the caves we learnt that the Victorian children had to

work in the caves carrying lumps of iron ore to the surface in a hard wooden heavy rucksack called a ‘billy’. They carried candles in their mouths for light and the candles also acted as a warning; if oxygen levels decreased the candle would extinguish. We learnt of the importance of ochre mined from the caves. Clearwell caves are one of the earliest and last producers of ochre (natural earth pigment) in the British Isles. Ochre pigment is found as a soft deposit intermingled with pockets of harder crystalline iron ore. Yellow, orange, brown, red and purple ochre is still mined here, dug by hand, using simple tools much as the ancient miners would have done. After careful sieving, the ochre is either washed

Whilst this was happening the other group remained at Nag’s Head Nature Reserve to carry out a field study comparing two types of woodland, a Pine woodland and an Oak woodland. Two guides from the field centre helped us.We started in the pine woodland where we measured the tree girths and the planting distances using a tape measure, and the height of the trees using a clinometer. To use the clinometer we stood 20 metres away from the chosen tree and aimed the clinometer at the top of it. The dial on the clinometere showed us an angle which we could convert into a height using a conversion table. We also measured the soil pH, the soil moisture content and the light intensity of the woodland using a combined meter. When we had collected our readings we had five minutes to search for as many minibeasts as we could find, noting their numbers and habitats. Then we walked to the Oak woodland and collected the same data so a comparison of the woodlands could be made. We discovered that the Pine woodland was more acidic due to the number of pine needles on the woodland floor. The Pine woodland was wetter, cooler and darker as the trees were planted more closely together. A greater number and variety of minibeasts were found in the Oak woodland as it supported a wider range of micro habitats. Creatures we found included centipedes, worms, spiders, ants, slugs, and woodlice. The groups joined together at lunchtime for a picnic at Nag’s Head, and then in the afternoon, the groups swapped over. We finally left the Reserve at 4pm after an enjoyable day. EC

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Snowdonia Stomp When looking at the ‘Welsh 3000ers’ – or Welsh Munros, if you will – one is confronted by a list of names which appear to be largely unpronounceable. However, the 14 summits do present the mountain explorer with three days of thoroughly enjoyable and differing terrains. Pupils from Year 7 and 8, thirteen of them in all, along with four intrepid fathers, Mr Waters and Mr Tiley, set off to see if we could top out on all the peaks. On day 1, we were away by eight to the start of the walk over the massive bulk of the Carneddau. It was surprisingly chilly and blustery as we trudged purposefully over the first day’s offerings: Foel Fras, Foel Grach, Garnedd Uchaf, Carnedd Llewellyn, Yr Elen, Carnedd Dafydd and Pen yr Ole Wen (see what I mean about the pronounciation?).

those two summits. The prospect of extending our battle into the wind, rain and mizzle was neither appealing nor safe, so Y Garn and Elidir Fawr went unclimbed. We descended to the Lanberis valley and our camp site at Nant Peris in improving weather. The evening had the added bonus of the Vaynol Arms so, with the weather looking up and some decent food inside us all, things were looking increasingly optimistic. Sunday morning was blue sky and sunshine but also the inevitable wind. The intention was to tackle Crib Goch from Bwlch Goch but, as earlier, a combination of wind and masses of human traffic coming the other direction meant that we got very close but not on to the summit itself – half a peak? I reckon so.

We joined the main thrust of traffic up Garnedd Ugain on to Crib y Ddysgl and finally on to Snowdon, the highest Wearily, we followed the eastern ridge of Pen yr Ole Wen down to our mountain in Wales, as ever, buffeted by the inevitable gusty strong wind. campsite. Once there, the weather really opened up: heavy rain driven by The final descent is always a long haul a savage wind made for an interesting, and the Pyg Track was no exception. But we all got down safely and that if not quiet, night. was the most important thing. In the damp, grey, blustery morning On paper, we did not succeed but that that followed, Team Beaudesert is unimportant. Everyone rose to the actually seemed remarkably chipper. considerable challenge of the walk The breakfast was scoffed, the and never complained. So it seems saturated tents stowed and we entirely right to label the expedition a were off once more. resounding success. The Glyders, or Glyderau present My thanks go to Sam Shepherd, some of the most challenging terrain Andrew Howes, Sydney Sopher, in the sequence of hills. Tryfan has Amelia Walker, Rupert Milne, Charlie a notoriety that commands respect Clark, Jack Birtles, Cosimo Amati, if the weather is or has been wild; sadly, the wind was still too strong for Jono Jamieson Black, Gus Levinson, safety. So, we turned our attention to Geordie Ross, Luke Pitman and Jack Beattie for rising to the challenge so the other intended peaks of the day. Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr present completely. Even greater thanks go to Andrew Milne, Alexander Ross, a tortured, shattered landscape of John Jamieson Black, Johnny Walker angry rock. In the wind and thick and Lee Waters for their invaluable cloud, we groped our way up Bristly support, help and sense of derring do. Ridge and were fortunate to tick RT

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Under 11 Hockey Tour to Mount House and Sandroyd

The U11 girls’ hockey team were lucky enough to go on a tour to Mount House in Devon. After three hours of non stop driving in the mini bus, countless card games and thousands of songs we eventually arrived at our destination. We were then escorted down to the boarding houses by Miss Hammond’s brother so that we could drop off our overnight bags. After a delicious lunch we grabbed our hockey sticks and raced down to the astro to warm up for our big match. Miss Hammond gave us all an extremely motivational team talk – we were now ready to win! We won our first match against their 11A team 3 – 0. The match against their U12A team ended in a draw 2 – 2. We walked off the pitch happy and tired. After match tea we went down to the dorms to change out of our sweaty games kit. Football was played in the sports hall after supper and the evening was finished off with a movie. The next morning we got into our mini bus and made our way to Crealy Adventure Park where we had a lot of fun on the rides. After the park we made out way to Sandroyd Prep School and almost immediately we were warming up on the astro. We won and the score was 5-1. On the way back to school Miss Hammond stopped at the fish and chip shop and bought us all a box of hot chips – what a lovely way to end a tour. Mollie D’Arcy Rice Year 6

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Lectures Marathon Des Sables

My granny died of cancer and my daddy decided to raise some money for the nurses that looked after her. To raise lots of money for Macmillan Nurses he decided to run in the Marathon Des Sables, 250km across the Sahara, and to make his team special, take the youngest boys to enter from the UK. Hector Turner, 16 and James Ogilvie, 17 were chosen from Uppingham School and for the next nine months trained and worked with my daddy to make sure they were ready. My daddy had to go to their school every

Osteopath

My mum is an osteopath and she came to our science lesson to talk to us about her profession. We learnt about bones, the spine, joints and posture. Good posture helps the heart and lungs and your digestive system work properly. Osteopaths treat people who have pain which may have been a result of sports injuries, birth or just from everyday life. Best of all my mum brought in jelly babies that we got to eat from a skull! Andre Stamp Year 4

month to make sure the boys’ teachers and parents were happy with their preparations. Just before they left for the race the boys came to my house to do a final kit check and run. They also cooked breakfast for themselves in the garden. Hector was not very good at cooking and his porridge was not very nice. The race was in Morocco which is very hot and they had to drink lots of water. They were running for six days and had to carry all their clothes and food and they had to cook all their meals. There were over 1,000 runners and as it was so tough over 100 people had to give up. Daddy said it was not a flat marathon and they had to go over sand dunes, mountains and then sleep in an open tent. Both Hector and James came in the top half of the field, which is amazing as the average age of the competitors was over 40. To make it worse both

How to Turn Brilliant Science into Lots of Money Professor Sir Christopher Evans gave an inspiring talk to Year 8 titled ‘How to Turn Brilliant Science into Lots of Money’. It was a fascinating lecture, telling us of his passion for science from being quite young. Sir Christopher had chemistry sets from the age of seven and his first laboratory was a shed in Port Talbot, his home town. During the inspiring lecture we learnt about the drugs he has discovered. One of his first major successes was the production of a lung surfactant which has saved, and still saves, the lives of thousands of premature babies. He made it from cabbages, eggs and alcohol! He has also worked on cancer drugs

Hector and James were really sick and said that my dad made them run when they really wanted to stay in bed. Also in the team was John Jamieson Black and Craig Jarvis: they all came to the school and gave a presentation and showed us slides of the race and sore feet with lots of blisters. There was also a video. There were lots of people at the talk and I hope everyone enjoyed the evening. The team raised over £32,000 which will pay for a nurse for a whole year, which is what my granny would have wanted. I think Hector and James are very brave for their age and I hope that one day I can do something amazing like that. The video is on YouTube if people want to see what they did. J Muir Year 6

and raised £1 billion for cancer research. He is currently working on helping stroke victims using stem cell research. Sir Christopher is also hoping to cure blindness in children by growing retinas from stem cells and continues his work on diabetes. He owns 45 Biomedical companies and employs 3,500 people. Once he and his scientists have discovered a very successful drug which has been fully tested, he sells it to a large pharmaceutical company for lots and lots of money! Sir Christopher recounted some very funny stories, one about having a private lunch with the Queen and not knowing which cutlery to use as there was so much, and another about a baby whose life he had saved being sick over Prince Philip! We felt very lucky to have heard his talk and Sir Christopher left us with this thought! “Life is a journey…. pain is temporary but failure lasts forever.” Year 8JB

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story of the Slave Trade Triangle that took black Africans from the Congo and marched them to the huge slave ships that would carry them for five weeks over the Atlantic Ocean to the West Indies. Upon arrival they were to be sold and they had to work until the day they died.

The Slave Trade On May 6th Years 5 and 6 were taken prisoner by a vicious slave trader, Kevin Hicks (the ex Warwick bowman). They became part of the

“Imagine this,” he said, gripping us with his story. “You are sleeping in your cosy bed when suddenly a sound like thunder that you have never heard before in your life wakes you up. Your father runs and grabs his spear. You run to the place where all the children and women must hide, but . . . ” Mr Hicks paused for effect and we all leaned forward to listen. “They are waiting for you and they catch you in a huge net that surrounds the entire side of the village.” He then went onto tell us how they would

Henry V - The Battle of Agincourt and the Longbow

bind the slaves to forked sticks that would restrict their movement and would give hideous chaffing to those who dared to move too much. Mr Hicks then went on to tie up some of the Year 5 girls. “The chains were really heavy and uncomfortable,” said Charlie Turk after Mr Hicks demonstrated the way they would tie the slaves up. Ben Barnes was lucky enough to have the honour of being chained with a long metal bar that would tie a whole row of slaves to the deck of the ship. We believe the talk was well presented and showed us how awful the Slave Trade was. Alex Comaish, Charlie Turk and Freddie Jodrell Year 6

the English and intercept them at Agincourt. So the Battle of Agincourt began.

asked for so Mr Hicks could show us how they fought.

Mr Hicks gave the Year 7 and 8s a great talk on The Battle of Agincourt. He made it interesting by involving us. He was dressed in a typical archer’s costume, with the English red cross on it and he had with him a long bow (which was taller than himself.) He also showed us some weapons which the French and English would have fought with. Volunteers were

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Later on Mr Hicks described the Battle of Agincourt to us as if he was one of the archers. He drew out little Henry V of England, who had led maps with his fingers and described the English into battle, had been the effectiveness of the longbow as shot in the head with an arrow on a previous date. Mr Hicks reconstructed opposed to the French crossbow. He explained how the English archers the arrow and showed us the tool were swift with their bows, turning which extracted it. Amazingly Henry the sky black, which frightened the survived, which I think gave the French cavalry so they withdrew and English courage in future battles. ended up smashing through their own army. The great advantage of the He showed us lots of different English longbow and the leadership of arrowheads and what damage they Henry V led to the English victory. caused. Some could even pierce through chainmail. Mr Hicks also Mr Hicks’ ancestors were all archers shot some arrows and managed to and some actually fought in the Battle shoot 12 in one minute hitting the of Agincourt and like other archers bull. An archer of Henry V’s army had to be able to shoot 8 per minute. would have started shooting from the age of seven as did Mr Hicks. They had regular checks to make sure they were still up to standard, especially after the army contracted dysentery at the Battle of Harfleur. The army continued to travel down the River Somme but the French followed along the east bank. The French decided to stop pursuing

The talk was very interesting. It was a great way to learn out of lessons and to get some fresh air. Thank you to Mr Standen McDougal for organizing it all! Anne-Marie Bowring Year 8

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Aviation

For Science and Engineering Week on the 10th of March Year 7 and 8 had a talk about Aviation.

The talk was organised by Mr E White from Stemworks, and Mr H Bowen from GE Aviation presented the talk. The company that Mr Bowen works for makes electrical, control and communication components. Mr Bowen started off the talk with who he was and whom he works for. Next he explained how flight/lift works. I found this the most interesting part of the talk.Then we had a very complex quiz on planes and their purpose. After that Mr Bowen explained all the things his company makes and their function. At the end of the talk we could ask questions. It was a great evening and very interesting. Thank you to the school, Mr White and Mr Bowen. Hamish Catto Year 7

Gemma Malley Gemma Malley is a successful writer and has written a series of books. Year 7 has read her debut novel ‘The Declaration’, which I enjoyed very much. This book is about the human race where nobody gets old. The two main characters are Anna and Peter. Anna is labelled as a ‘surplus’ and should not have been born. Anna’s life is about to change when she meets Peter – they are both determined to break free from this longevity programme. The Resistance is the sequel and is set in the Year 2140. We also got to ask a lot of questions and her answers gave me a better idea of the story plot and explained a lot of things that I was curious about. At lunchtime there was a chance to eat with Gemma and a chance to talk to her more. Gemma signed a lot of our books, which was a great bonus. Her visit was extremely interesting and has inspired me and surely others to write. Thea Barden Year 7

Debates This House Believes University Tuition Fees Should be Increased In the autumn term the headline in the news was the conflict between students and the government about the proposed tuition fee increase at universities. Some students were so incensed that they even resorted to rioting. Proposing the motion were Georgi Gilder and Patrick de Barros. Opposing the motion was Bea Holloway and Max Winfrey. The proposing team came up with the objectives. They said it would stop students choosing irrelevant courses such as the study of Madonna as well as the fact that instead of the typical student night out of drinking, the students who came to study for their degree would be more responsible. This point showed that people who pay for their university degree and accept the increase would not want to waste it on late nights. However the opposing team made the points that it would give students from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance to study for their dream occupation. They also came up with points that many people have the dream to have a high powered career which could possibly help the economy but that the fee rise would stop this from happening. Unfortunately the proposing team lost 16 -18 but it was a close call and good discussions were had. Georgi Gilder Year 8

This House Believes That All Research Into Cloning Should Be Abolished Rosie started the debate off with three reasons why cloning should cease. It is largely unsuccessful as it has a 90% failure rate. Very expensive – it would be much better to spend money on cheaper methods. It is not safe. There are a lot of dangers in creating cloned animals, such as large off-spring syndrome and future genetic abnormalities. The idea of us as human beings being something more than our physical selves made a lot of people concerned and somewhat scared because no one knows if clones have a personality or not. Jono Jamieson Black and Jack Beattie were opposing the motion and they lost by one vote. The final vote was 16 for the motion and 15 against. Rosie Norman and Ella Pitman Year 7

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Activities

Design & Technology The spring term activities involved two projects. The first was to design and make a paper rocket. Using a pneumatic rocket launcher we then tested the rockets by repeatedly blasting them to heights of over 50 metres. With a wide range of truly different designs and themes the pupils had great fun and learnt a lot about rocket design and aerodynamics. The second exercise was to manufacture a traditional wooden toy using tools and techniques learnt during their Design and Technology lessons. The pupils were given a free range of materials to produce a fun and exciting product. This included a classic wooden racing car by Henry Large and a military jeep and trailer by Henry Newman. LW

Gardening We began gardening at the start of the summer term. We were each given a bare patch of waste land about three metres square halfway between the cricket nets and the outdoor pool. Transforming them into gardens has given us hours of fun and made us close friends. We got covered in mud at times and soon everyone learnt the rule that tracksuit bottoms should be worn. Madame Lincoln inspired us and taught us to distinguish between the plants we wanted and weeds and those plants which had died and were beyond our help. Slowly our beds filled with healthy greenery and a riot of yellow, purple and pink flowers. Eddie had a fantastic crop of potatoes and our lettuces were wonderful. The most attractive garden was Serena and Maddie’s, the bees liked it so much that they nested in it under an old pot. We enjoyed our gardens despite the ongoing battle against weeds. We all want to continue next year and several of us have plans to take over areas of our parents’ gardens. Isobel Maxwell, Amber Dunne and Florence Evans Year 6

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Fencing Fencing at Beaudesert has gained a little more momentum this year with more matches and individual competitions entered. A good number of fencers have gained achievement awards and the overall standard has improved. Our first match of the year was at home to Prior Park. This was going to be a real test for us as we fielded three relatively inexperienced sides. Despite this, the teams put up a strong fight and were to be congratulated for their efforts despite losing to the more experienced Prior Park teams. Our second match was away to Wycliffe. We fielded a strong foil team and for the first time, an epee team. The foil team put up a strong fight but were no match for the vastly more experienced Wycliffe side. Our epee team made a real fight of it, pegging Wycliffe back as soon as they took a lead. Zoe Davison, Charlie Clark and Harry Everest showed real determination and skill. Our third match was a repeat of our first match, with Prior Park once again the visitors. With a few changes to the team we battled hard but were again unable to make it count, despite some good performances. One notable performance came from our smallest fencer, Jocasta Ferrigno. Following on from where her two brothers had left off, she produced some brilliant fencing in the face of some bigger and older opponents. Our greatest achievement was with our two star epeeists. Zoe Davison was the highest placed girl and second overall in the county under 14 epee championships. Despite not being able to fence this term, Charlie Clark picked up the bronze medal with some excellent timing and blade skills. Overall I am very pleased with the amount of hard work and commitment shown by the group. I am hoping to build on the good foundations we have laid down this year and bring more success to Beaudesert in the future. SG

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jumps which is what we all wanted to do. Instead we practised our ‘control’ and ‘speed’ in the school grounds, which proved ideal for learning basic bike control.

Brownies In Brownies we played lots of fun games outside and inside. On the fourth week we had our Brownies’ party and we got to have sweets, fizzy drinks and a lovely cake and were given our badges. A couple of weeks later we started to do some Morse Code. We got the electrical circuit from the science department and we managed to make some sentences in Morse Code. Then we did a Latin story. We dressed up in togas and read the story Winnie the Pooh in Latin (Winnie Ille Pu). It was really fun. Then we started to do some phonetic alphabet. The phonetic alphabet is a quick way to say postcodes and references. This is my name in the phonetic alphabet: ECHO, LIMA, LIMA, INDIA, ECHO Ellie Garner Year 4

Brownies is a very fun activity. In Brownies you have fun and earn your badges. To earn badges you have to do a number of exciting activities. In Brownies you can wear a uniform like leggings, t-shirts, hoodies and lots of other stuff. If you don’t want to wear a full uniform you can just wear a cap or other parts of the uniform. In the summer we go outside and play lots of fun games like Capture the Flag and Crocodiles. We also sometimes climb trees or go onto the Common. We find Brownies really exciting because you get to learn new skills and have fun. Xa Jardine and Lottie Burns Year 5

Mountain Biking After making sure our bikes were in tiptop condition, a handful of Year 8s and 7s set off for their very first mountain biking activity. Unfortunately Mr Manning had other ideas than jumping off eight foot

During the second lesson we managed to convince Mr Beardsley (gappie) to get Mr Manning to take us out onto the common, which was a lot more fun than bounding around the grounds. We were taught what gears to use at what times, which caused a problem for Ben, who never bothered with gears. Mr Manning also taught us how to repair our bikes and what height your seat should be when going up or down hill. We are all learning to read the ground before we ride it and to be more realistic in our ride planning especially when eight foot jumps are involved! Andrew Howes Year 8

Golf Golf is a great activity. It is really fun. We go to the Cotswold Edge Golf Club. When we get there we go into the shop where we get given clubs and balls. If you have your own you can use them. We have to wear our tracksuits and trainers. The Pro is a really nice guy and he knows a lot about golf. We then head off to the driving range where the Pro gives us a lesson on golf. Sometimes we go to the bunker to practise using a wedge or to the green to putt. Once we have practised then we have a competition in which we all get tested on the skills we have learnt. If you win the competition you get a free chocolate bar. The skills I have learnt over the past year have really helped me. One day I hope to beat my dad. All in all it is a really cool activity. Hamish Delap Year 6

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Polo

Photo Shoot Every Thursday afternoon, a group of us meet up for the photo shoot activity. During the activity we learnt about different techniques with cameras. For instant, one week we did painting with light where we turned off all the lights in the room, we adjusted the camera so the shutter would stay open for a long time and used torches to make shapes and spell out words that would appear in the picture. We also took our cameras out into the Preprep playground to make use of the bright colours and to work on framing shots. It has been a great activity and we were shown that there is more to photography than point and shoot. Many thanks to Miss Smith for organising it. William Cresswell Year 7

Judo

When I meet the parent of one of my new students they often say to me “I am hoping that judo will improve my child’s balance, coordination, discipline, attitude, confidence.” The list is endless, and they are right, in time judo will but judo is not a quick fix. Only a very select few players like Max Winfrey, have sufficient determination, inner strength and confidence to continue judo training during all their years including the final years at Beaudesert

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Beaudesert had an extremely successful season this year winning the National Arena indoor and outdoor championships. The first team, consisting of myself, David Gibbons, Tom Severn and Christian Barnes (Patrick de Barros was ill on the day) went unbeaten. The second team consisting of Hebe Field, Edward Walker, Tamara Gibbons and Thomas Coid (non-Beaudesertian) also had an extremely successful tournament, coming second in division two. David Gibbons was voted the best player, receiving the Player of the Tournament award twice. Tom Severn received the most promising player at Coworth Park Exhibition match. I received Most Valuable Player at the Arena Tournament. On the 9th July we will be playing against a strong team picked by SUPA at the Cirencester Polo Club. The tournaments were held at Longdole Polo Club near Birdlip. We are coached at Beaufort Polo Club by Caspar West. Thank you to everyone for being so generous in allowing us to use their facilities and also for being so helpful. Hector Chamberlain Year 8

when most of their year group friends have switched to other sports. Max represented the School many times and was the School Judo Captain. It was with a very heavy heart that I shook hands with Max for the last time after his final judo lesson. However, I expect to receive an email from Max within the next twelve years informing me that he has won his Black Belt!

judo club to complement her training at Beaudesert. The following players entered the Gloucestershire Area Championships 2011:Mixed Under 20kg; Robbie Slatter (Silver), Jack Pitman (Bronze), Sebastian Mayer 6th. U25kg; Freddie Delap (Silver), Freddie Fawcett 5th. U25kg; Alys Evans (Gold Area Champion), Tamara Nelson 4th. To become truly proficient at national U27 kg; Freddie Delap 4th, level and reach your full potential Charlie Brook 5th. in any sport you must be playing U30kg; Virginia Lawrence (Gold Area your chosen main sport at least Champion) Tilly Woodford (Bronze), twice and prior to competitions three Jessica Downton 5th. times a week. If national success is U32kg; Luke Wiles (Gold Area the objective, I would encourage Champion). parents to also enroll their child in an U34kg; Johnny McLaughlan 5th. additional judo club; there is a club U38kg; James Taylor-Kimmins 4th, locator on the www.britishjudo.org.uk Felix Taylor-Kimmins 5th. BJA website. Virginia Lawrence U42kg; Max Winfrey (Gold (Year 3) attends the University of Bath Area Champion). MM

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in coxed quads. We went out in coxed quads for the rest of the weeks, each week we were coxed by a different person. In the last week Mr Armitage took us to the Henley Regatta. First of all we looked around the river and the rowing museum. We then walked into Henley and had a tour around the Leander Club where we met current Olympic rowers and coaches. We bumped into Matt Wells – he won silver in the Mens’ Double Scull at the 2011 Munich World Cup. The boat tour took us around the Henley course and we managed to see lots of races.

Rowing Every Tuesday and Thursday a group of 10 children go down to Gloucester Rowing Club. In the first week we learnt the basics of rowing on the ergos (rowing machines) and went out on the river in play boats. The second week we went on the rowing machines and tried to beat our 100 metres times. Then we went out

Afterwards we were taken to the Stewards’ Enclosure (which is the best seating to watch the races from) where we had ice creams. Then it was back to school. Rowing is an enjoyable activity and we would all do it again if we had the chance. William Cox and Jack Beattie Year 7

Horse Riding Every Thursday after mini break a group of us head down to the front of the school where the buses are waiting for us. We take the bus down to Barton End. First we are given our horses. Some of us have our own horses, but most of us do not. My favourite horse is called Bramble. In normal lessons we just canter around the field and jump jumps. Every year in the gymkhana competition we do competitions against each other for rosettes. Last year I won Frozen Horses, which is a game where you go around the stables when the music is on and you stop when the music stops. Then we do the cross-country and that is where you go on a ride into fields and jump. Last year I came 7th in the jumping competition. Our instructor is called Tash, she is a brilliant rider. Sophie Elvin Year 4

Forest School There are lots of activities to chose from at Beaudesert, but we chose Forest School because we get to study minibeasts. The teachers Miss Bett and Mr Waters are really nice. It is a safe and quiet place. If we are lucky we get to have some hot chocolate. We even get a chance to toast marshmallows over the fire. When we get to the bottom field there is a gate that says Forest School. We are then put into numbers. We have a lot of free time where we play games and hide and seek. We have a fire when it is cold to warm up our hands. We make dens out of twigs and mud. The nice thing we do is a mud facial and paint our faces. And that is why we like Forest School. Alice Biddulph. Poppy Read and Violet Levinson Year 4

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Bushcraft There is usually a rather vexed debate about the difference between ‘bushcraft’ and ‘survival’. The difference is actually quite simple: in ‘bushcraft’, we choose to go out into the wilds, woods in particular, and use primitive skills to make ourselves comfortable. A few, basic tools are taken to allow us to do this more easily. In ‘survival’, one is plunged into an unfamiliar environment and has to utilise whatever is available to stay alive until rescue comes. Both schools rely on similar skills, a similar resilience and, above all, knowledge. In the activity, we try to master the essential skills – building or putting up shelter and making fire – through practice, repeated practice. We also indulge in the other, more esoteric skills of spoon carving, making tent pegs and wagen sticks. But perhaps the most valuable information comes from identifying some, not all, of the bits and pieces around us. Once that can be done, then we can understand how those bits and pieces can be either useful or hazardous to us. This lofty ideal lies at the core of bushcraft: it is knowledge that will help us most, not the expensive knife or fancy axe – though these, too, can be useful with practice and in the right hands! Perhaps the greatest thing about it as an activity or pastime is that you never know everything and so, are always learning. Even the highprofile media champions of the activity, Ray Mears, Les Stroud and Bear Grylls, would admit that. Every spoon or cup made will be better than the last one; trees that seem like a stack of twigs in winter become identifiable from their buds; the fire that will make the hot chocolate hot is lit more easily. Another, hidden advantage lies in the need for patience to succeed, no matter what the task. Rushed jobs are generally badly done and, at best, have to be patched up; at worst, have to be started from the very beginning again. Taking care to think about the cut, the choice of wood or site for a camp becomes second nature – with time and practice. Being able to slow down and look carefully requires observation and understanding, certainly, but also patience. So, the bushcrafters will show up at home, initially clutching weirdly shaped bits of wood and showing a deep fascination in sawdust, bark or shavings. As time goes by, the weirdly shaped sticks become spoons or butter paddles and the home fire is no longer lit with firelighters. With luck, this is the start for some of a deeper understanding of and sympathy for the natural world around them. It is a quiet, progressive revolution in which skills, once rudimentary, are honed, resilience is developed and, over time, knowledge grows. RT

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Art & Craft Art and Craft is held on Thursday afternoons. We all meet in one of the classrooms. It is a small group led by Mrs Field. This activity is really fun because we get to draw and paint and Mrs Field helps us with ideas. We use pencils, crayons and paints on paper and we generally have a sing as we work. I really enjoy this activity as we are free to draw and paint anything we want – I managed to draw in ink a few pictures of the characters from Alice in Wonderland. Isabel Dingman Year 6

Fly Fishing

Every Thursday four of us go fishing at the Wallers beautiful lake by Ruskin Mill. When we get down to the lake we set up our rods, select a good position and start fishing. I usually use a damsel nymph and a hare’s eared nymph fly. When I use a dry fly I use a grey wulf or a may fly. We had a very successful fishing season and a total of 11 fish were caught. Thea Barden caught the largest one. Charlie Turk Year 7

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LAMDA

Every year Beaudesert Park School offers private LAMDA coaching for any interested students from Year 3 to Year 8. Students work alone or in pairs, taking time throughout the year to prepare for graded examinations in Communication and Performance. This involves learning poetry, prose, monologues and duologues to performance standard. Students are then assessed on their interpretation, technique and knowledge of each piece, gaining an accredited qualification at the end of

the academic year. LAMDA coaching offers children the opportunity to explore their creative and dramatic skills. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the children to improve their communication skills and to build up their confidence in presenting themselves to the world.

The children were all very nervous in July as the examinations approached; however they all performed to an extremely high standard showing commitment and enthusiasm. This is certainly reflected in their marvellous results. Well done to all. LAMDA RESULTS Distinction (80+) 31 Merit (65+) 29 Pass (50+) 0

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL RESULTS Kim Wooding Challenge Cup: I Maxwell Some of the LAMDA Gold medals: I Maxwell, F Morrissey, students competed in The Cheltenham R Parker Festival of Performing Arts this year Silver medals: J Beattie, S Sopher, and were very successful. They also B Holloway took part in a presentation to parents Bronze medals: R Fawcett, T Parr, in the summer term which was a most C Reid enjoyable evening and the perfect Honours: 9 pupils opportunity to show off the skills Distinction: 16 they had acquired over the year. More importantly it was also a chance Good luck to all of the Year 8 leavers to demonstrate how much hard work and I look forward with great interest to working with the rest of you next they had put in and how much fun year. Well done everyone. they all had. NK

Drama Drama Activity is a paid activity open to all children from Year 3 to Year 8. It is an opportunity for the children to explore their sense of ‘the dramatic’ in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Over the course of the year the children engage in drama games and push themselves to discover new performance skills whilst meeting the challenge of working with others who all have ‘a brilliant idea’. This year it has been fascinating to see the different year groups working together. Each session is made up of

two year groups and at the beginning of the year they tend to stick to their own! (After all-year 4s are a bit scary if you are a brand new Year 3.) However it doesn’t take long before confidence begins to grow, skills begin to develop and personalities begin to shine and before you know it the groups are all beginning to look a bit muddled up. The presentation to parents in the summer term saw Year 3 children jumping up to improvise with Year 7s! It was a great year, brimming with ideas, laughter and some fabulous moments to remember. NK

The following are some of the other activities that are on offer to the Prep School:

• Crochet • Knitting • Origami • Lego Technic • Art • Calligraphy • Ball Games • Model Making • Animation • Chess Club • Cricket Nets • Cookery

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

I

for one, have had a huge amount of fun being a part of the Beaudesert Badge this year, not least because of the huge amounts of enthusiasm that the children involved have displayed at all times! The ‘Badgers’ as they are known, are a special breed, ready to take on any new challenge without any prior knowledge of the activity that they are about to undertake. This year, as well as continuing with themes such as tracking and archaeology with the Silver Badgers and survival, community service and team-building with the Gold Badgers, both groups developed life-saving skills thanks to a fascinating course run by the Red Cross. They learnt the basics of CPR, how to dress specific wounds as well as how to rig up a sling, which makes them useful people to have around. The highlight for all of us though must be the camping weekends, and the children were certainly hugely excited about the prospect of ‘camping out’. The Silver Badgers had a wonderful time at Thistledown, playing exciting team games led by Mrs Garlick, whilst Mr Manning’s expert tips on putting up tents came in handy with the last tent peg being drilled safely into the ground before the first drops of rain arrived. Fortunately, all tents proved to be waterproof and the rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Silver Badgers, who were then up with the dawn chorus the following morning! The Gold Badgers had to walk to their food and lodging and were ably led by Mr Tiley, complete with Ordnance Survey map and compass! Despite a couple of wrong turns, they made it to the site, just off the Cotswold Way on the edge of Standish Woods, in time to organize tents, gear and most importantly, the firewood for a huge campfire. Despite the terrifying ghost stories that were shared around the embers before bedtime, the children slept well and arose the following morning to a beautiful sunrise and a delicious cooked breakfast, courtesy of Mr Tiley and Mr Standen McDougal. A brisk walk to the minibuses at Ebley Mill was the last activity in what had been a wonderful weekend. Whilst I have mentioned a few staff names in my ramblings, my thanks must go to the whole staff room who have offered their services to the Badge over the course of the year. The Badge could not happen without them and I hope that the children appreciate what a hugely talented bunch they are! NA

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Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Form Lists 8B Georgina Bathurst James Battishill Hebe Field Mary-Jane Gardner Mimi Haycraft Mee George Maxwell Rupert Milne

Octavia Muir Tommaso Ravano Sam Shepherd Georgia Sykes Elsa Waller Alexander Wilson Max Winfrey

8JB Christian Barnes Anne-Marie Bowring Fergus Campbell Calum Evans Georgi Gilder Beatrice Holloway Andrew Howes Henry Jackson

Genevieve James Arabella Knowles Clemmie Montgomerie Stanley Moorsom Fraser Neal Sholto Nicolas Oliver Shale Lydia Thomas

8SM Hector Chamberlain Severine Comery Patrick de Barros Brett Dean Conor Evans Henry Large Hugo Mitford-Slade

Jessica Phelps Stephanie Phillips Sydney Sopher Amy Strain Frederick Vint Amelia Walker Hamish Woodham

7G Jack Beattie Jack Birtles Jack Burns Hamish Catto Oliver Fanshawe Ralph Fitch Kemp Annabel Gilder Geordie Gordon Lennox

Iona Jardine Clodagh Large Rosie Norman Raffi Parker Ella Pitman Araminta Ramsey Ruby Sowerbutts

7LW Cosimo Amati Thea Barden Florence Channing Ben Clark Charles Clark Sophie Dibben Thea Godding

Jono Jamieson Black Hannah Mather Francesca Morrissey Nell Nicolas Luke Pitman Francesca Priest

7T Ewan Beattie William Cox William Cresswell Zoe Davison Matilda Fawcett Rosie Hill Henry Hudson Harry Knight

Augustus Levinson Emily Lowde Olli McIntyre Theodore Mullen Imogen Parr Geordie Ross Thomas Severn

6A Hamish Delap Tom Elvin Florence Evans Henry Golesworthy Katherine Hauger Isabella McLaughlan Felix Milne Imogen Mitchell Maddie Moorsom

Harry Morgan-Grenville Joss Muir Henry Newman Maximilian Scheuner Jago Skelding Serena Slatter Arabella Sopher James Strain Lucia Vint

6C Benedict Barnes Isabella Brodermann Alex Comaish Isabel Dingman Amber Dunne Harry Everest Sam Fairer-Smith Charlotte Garner

Tamara Gibbons Molly Grafftey-Smith Freddie Jodrell Kit Penny Tom Smith Charlie Turk Max Verschoyle Lara Winfrey

4R William Gibson Marcus Hudson Sam Hughes Thomas Jodrell Thomas Kinsella Fergus Large Jasper Lowde Toby Melvin

6H Joshua Berry Mollie D’Arcy Rice Jack Gibson Rasmus Haycraft Mee Freddie Hellens Lara Kuropatwa Georgia Martin Isobel Maxwell

Timmy Mayer Hugo Neely Oliver Pritchard Octavia Puckett Lucas Sopher Charlotte Walker Kitty Wright

4W Alberto Amati Jock Catto Ellie Garner William Golesworthy Henry Hellens Bea Knight Annabelle Martin

5JLB Lottie Burns Will Comaish Ellie Flynn Annabel Gouriet Willa Gravell Alexandra Jardine Magnus Lawrence Finbar McConnell

Oliver McGill Daisy Mitford-Slade Edward Norman Henry North Tamsin Priest Octavia Slatter Piers Tabor

5MB Emma Beattie Charles Crabb Sebastian D’Arcy Rice Lauren Dunne Felicity Elvidge Rose Fawcett Alice Hall Oscar Henry

Fynlay Hughes John Kite Ana Mullen Tatiana Parr Sophie Shepherd TT Ward-Thomas Alfie Weston

5W Rebecca Abingdon Hugo Bailey Imogen Brook Charles Carpenter Max Haynes Katinka Hughes Columba Leeper Edward Nelson Thomas Pilsbury

4B Marcus Arkwright Alice Biddulph Thor Davey Sophie Elvin Jocasta Ferrigno Harvey Gearon Alex Haynes Luca Hyde

3H Freddie Baker Leo Biffen Imogen Cooper Ginny Lawrence Griffin Mills Guy Mitchell Thomas Morris Amber Phillips

3N Hamish Brook India Case Romey Chappell-Young Charles Davison Eloise Fanshawe Jackson Flynn Kitty Hiscox Amelia Kold Jemima Landale

Violet Levinson Ben Mather Isabelle Mayer Paolo Ravano Poppy Read Jack Tucker Cleo Whitcombe

Sophie Morgan-Rodda Lydia Newman Beth Ransome Freya Saxton Honor Skelding Andre Stamp James Taylor-Kimmins Isabella Walker

Theo Norman Marina Pitman Archie Probert Lotte Quinn Isobel Standen McDougal

Eleanor Pridmore Kiki Severn Mia Shaw Charles Shearer Harriet Simmons Felix Taylor-Kimmins Alexander Tubbs Matilda Woodford

Oliver Mullen Lotte Scheuner Ella Tuke-Hastings Zara Verschoyle Edward Walker Frederick Walker Luke Wiles Bertie Wilson

Catharine Reid Daphne Schrager von Altishofen Annabel Slatter Rebecca Smith Jemima Snell George Standen McDougal Poppy Stopford

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The Pre-prep Department

Each and every child in front of me is successful and it matters not one iota whether that success lies in the field of drama, art, music, sport or academia. Our job is to find that special something within the child: nurture it, foster it, stimulate it, boost it . . . and that child’s self-image burgeons and eventually comes to fruition. This is not rocket science! It has a special name . . . EDUCATION! To remind myself of everything that has happened over the school year, I spent a very enjoyable evening last week reading all the newsletters of the year - My goodness, what a lot has happened this year and what an amazing amount has been achieved.

Good afternoon and welcome to Preprep Prizegiving. As usual, this has been an exhilarating and challenging year and it ends at the end of my short yet sweet speech. Actually I’m trying to break my record for brevity (42 minutes from start to finish to include oration, certificates and breathing) but as we are inside rather than out I think keeping it slick is a sensible option! First and foremost, thank you! Not for coming to prize-giving this afternoon, though indeed I am very grateful that you are all here, but for all you have contributed in making this school year such a successful and happy one in so many ways. A lot has happened over the past year, marking tremendous achievement in every facet of school life: academic success, acts of worship, the arts, charity work, competitions, music, sport, curriculum development, extracurricular activities, outings, special events and visits. As always, the year has been brim-full with opportunities and wonderful experiences and absolutely every child has responded positively to the challenges they have faced and in doing so have achieved extraordinary things.

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Numerous events have taken place throughout the year. The Year 2 children have visited Westonbirt Arboretum to take part in a Storytelling & Drama Outdoors workshop; Stroudwater Textiles came to show them how to make felt; they visited the Barn Owl Centre to learn about birds of prey; and of course Year 2 wouldn’t be Year 2 without the ever successful trip to Sevington Victorian School! Year 1 children have learnt a lot about growing, including planting seed potatoes, which were harvested in early June; various vegetables and flowers were grown this term, and they also visited the Cotswold Farm Park and enjoyed watching a milking session and seeing lots of rare breeds of animals. Reception went to Slimbridge. However I must say that sometimes our expectations of the children in Reception exceed us. After spending two weeks learning all about ducks, birds and growth I overheard a boy on the bus, on the way to Slimbridge say, ‘I can’t wait until we get to Legoland’! Reception children also learnt about transport earlier in the year and enjoyed climbing into fire engines, tractors and even a helicopter! All the children went to the theatre at Christmas to see the Red Dog production of The Great Bear of The North in Stroud; snakes, giant stick insects and tarantulas were

passed around in the Pre-prep Hall during Jonathan’s Jungle Roadshow; children learnt about Indian culture, traditional clothes and how to make chapattis and biscuits from Daxa Mehta; all in all a very busy year! Academic success On my regular visits to classrooms I see high quality learning and teaching taking place. I see highly committed teachers working with highly committed children. I also see the great care, attention and respect that the adults and children give to one another. I therefore want to express my sincere thanks to all the teachers and assistants for their hard work and for the encouragement which they give to enable the children to feel happy and fulfilled in their lives. Academic results are very important to a school - we do not teach to or target SATs tests but we do allow our pupils to take similar tests as part of our assessment bank. This year we have adopted a new method of tracking pupil progress. At the start of the year we run spelling and reading age tests, with mid-year and end-oftopic assessments. We now do Maths and Literacy assessments at the end of each summer term and as a result we will be able to track progress of individual children right through from Reception to Year 8. These end-ofyear assessment results have given us the most rewarding experience, and I am delighted to report that all our results in Literacy and Mathematics have been above the national average and within the top 5% of schools nationally. After my speech all the children sitting here today will be rewarded with a certificate to recognise their own achievements. The Arts We have been highly entertained this year with superb music, drama and art displays, which are wonderful showcases for the vast talent we have amongst our children. The Year 2 musicians’ concert this term, the school art exhibition which was held recently in the Sports Hall, the class assemblies, the Nativity play,

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

the Harvest and Easter services, the Year 1 play ‘The Three Little Bears and the Big Bad Pig’, which was adapted by Miss Tranter, the Year 2 play ‘Coconut Island’, written by Mrs Lloyd-Williams; all have provided great opportunities for children to increase their confidence and I am proud of all they have achieved. A very special feature of each of these events is that every child within each year group is very actively involved and I can say that without fail every single child participates with tremendous levels of enthusiasm and commitment. With exceptionally high standards of singing, dancing and acting these have been very memorable events.

Sport In addition to the Arts being highly valued, Sport, taught by the Prep school staff, also has a very high profile. Throughout the Pre-prep the children learn ball skills, gymnastics, netball, hockey, rugby and football. Foundations are laid for the Year 2 children to progress into Year 3 and begin low key matches. Sports Day was a success and it was wonderful to overhear children saying, ‘I didn’t win anything but it doesn’t matter’, because after all it is the taking part that counts. Charity Raising money for those not so fortunate as ourselves is an important Pre-prep focus. This year we have organised events which have supported Cotswold Care Hospice, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, and doing something funny for money on Red Nose Day. All in all, £2230 has been raised this year by Pre-prep alone - a truly magnificent total;

thank you for your contributions. School is not just books, pens and pencils. It teaches you things no textbook can and in many ways the things you learn outside the classroom are just as important as what you learn inside. As a school, our prime function is to provide an environment and opportunities for learning to be maximized...learning in all its forms; intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, technologically, and spiritually. It is interesting, and no surprise that the field of education and intellectual learning is filled with building terms: we establish solid foundations for future learning, we scaffold learning as we build from a simple concept to one that is more complex, children build on what they already know, they build up their vocabulary, they construct meaning from text, they build up strength on areas of weakness, we encourage them to drill down for deeper meaning. While it is easy to apply the building analogy to children’s intellectual development, I do so for a reason. And that is because we, in the Preprep will have a building project taking place throughout the next academic year. I am delighted to announce that we are aiming to introduce a nursery for children from age 3, linked to the existing Pre-prep building, which aims to be up and running for next academic year. In addition to the nursery, there will be a freeflow outdoor area created for the Reception children, allowing children more scope for child-initiated activities. We are constantly reflecting on our work and will continue to strive to provide the very best educational experience whilst maintaining our caring and supporting family ethos. So what does next year hold for the Pre-prep? This year we will see the highest number of children joining our department for six years. With regards to staffing we have two new members of staff joining us, Miss Stasia Shearer-Manning and Miss

Lucy Barnes, who will be joining Reception as Teaching Assistants. Mrs Jan Chinnick will be moving up with the children to Year 1 to join Mrs Linda Bingham. Mrs Fiona Price will have completed her Forest School Leader training and will be qualified as of September. She will also be working in Year 2 for one day a week as Mrs Sally Cushnan reduces her hours to four days a week. In addition to the Nursery and outdoor area, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the development of your children; we will be introducing independent thinking skills to your children; we will continue Forest School, extra curricular activities, visits, outings, Music, Drama and Sport but above all we will continue to hold high expectations for your children. My special thanks I reserve for you, the children. Thank you for all your hard work, dedication to your learning and most of all for your company over the past year. I am immensely proud of you all. Enjoy the holidays - in September we will start again with, as ever, increased expectation of you all, confident that you will meet the challenges ahead with your usual resolve and good will. I must end by saying it is an immense privilege to be part of Beaudesert, to work with such exceptional staff, with such wonderful, interesting and talented children, and such supportive parents. I thank you all for an amazing year...one which I doubt I will ever repeat again....but then there is always next year! May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and relaxing summer holiday and I look forward to seeing you all in September. KSEH 49

BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Chicks

Jack and the Bean Stalk

On Monday Mrs Brown brort some chics to school and they feed on chick crumbs and porij. We had eight chics and I held a yelooi chich and it felt very soft. Evie Jones Rec B

Wonce upon a time Jacks mummy threw the beens out the window. They groo up, Fee figh fow fun Jack cllighmed the been storc he touc the gold. Ben Nielsen Rec B

The checks come to school. The cheks wer cute. Max Rowlands Rec B On Monday Miss Brown brott 8 chicks in a box. Wee gott to holldd a chick and it was black chicks. Coco Haycraft Mee Rec B On Munday Mrs Brown broft 8 hcics to scorl. Wen Mrs Brown feeded the hcics she feeds them ots Jessica Heynes Rec B The chics caym to scool. I lke the wun with brown we had 8. Orlando Clark Rec B

Tadpole The little taidpol wonted to gumpe fust they went down the strim. He met a lam. The bunny can bans, the grasshopper can gump. I am a frog, Lucy Tuke-Hastings Rec B The little tadpol woted to jump and he met the big bad fish. He jumpt bac hom. Mum I can jump said the tadpol. I am a frog now. Hector Large Rec B The litul tadpowl wontit to jump. Mumee said wach out for the big bad fish. Ella Carnegie-Brown Rec B

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Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Winnie the pooh Winnie the pooh sat down and he hird same bees and he got stung owch. He ran bac to get his hunee Beatrice Montgomerie Rec J

Bean

The Three Bears

On Wednesday 4th May I planted a been. I had a pot wit soil I gev sum wortr. Hector Adams Rec J

Goldeelocks is going to the bears hays. The bears caym bak India Hamilton-Burnet Rec J

I am a Bird I am a bard in the hool. Otte is the bard. Saskia is the rabbt. Monty D’Arcy Rice Rec J

Winnie the pooh has got bees arawnd him and he shouted down to Christopher help and he got his gun and he shot a hol in the bloon and he fell down to the grand and they hitld in the umbrel and the bee coodoont find them and they crept out and the bee didn’t find him and had a wosh and he got sum hunny and the bees caym out and he was cross and he shouted down to Christopher can you btend it was raying oh it is rayning but the bees cept busing around him. Flora Scurr Rec J Winnie the pooh went to get som hunee the bee caym acris got his gun he shot the bloon. Woody Walker Rec J

Wedding At the wendlg I sor migh sisd az a bridesmaid and I sol hu hold sum flawooz Saskia Meakin Rec J

Slimbridge Trip I went to Slimbrij. It was windee. I saw lots of gonslins. I playd in welee land. I had lunch it was yumee Holly Bullock Rec J

We went to Slimbrij on a bus. I saw a gozling and I saw a goos and I saw a swon and I sawd flmigoo. I had sum lunch Hannah Edmonston Rec J

I went on the bus and I saw a flmingo and I saw a goslin and I saw a egg and I saw a goos and I fed the dux. I sor a plegrdwnd. Molly Standen McDougal Rec J

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Lost in the Jungle One scorching sunny hot morning Beth and her friends were thinking what to do for mum’s birthday. It was just tomorrow. Then Isabella said to me, “You can buy a plant.” Just then the magic key began to glow and it took them into a jungle which was dangerous. Then they went through the jungle a bit more and then they met an angry monkey. Then the monkey started to throw fruit at Lizzie and then they saw an old rope bridge and it was creaking. If the bridge broke it would hurt us. Then we went to the dark spotty forest. It sounded scary to me and it was very very scary. Jemima saw a hairy spider and she did not like it. Then we found the lost city. We then opened the spotty doors and looked round. Lizzie was on the chair and it was spotty as well and then the magic key began to glow. Beth Tuke-Hastings Year 1T One windy day Lizzie, Jemma, Beth and Minnie came for mum’s birthday. We went to my room and the key began to glow. We went in a jungle. The jungle was very hot and steamy. We were walking and then we saw a monkey. The monkey was cross because everyone stole his bananas. We carried on walking and we saw some crocodiles who were asleep. Lizzie, Jemma, Beth and Minnie crept past and they saw a bridge. They walked on the bridge. There was a waterfall. We went through a door and saw some trees. Then the key began to glow and we went home. Elizabeth Hauger Year 1T

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Fireworks

Autumn

Rockets zoom across the sky Catherine wheels spin on the by. Colours fill the smoky night air As showers of light explode everywhere.

Autumn leaves are raining down To the ground like feathers. The cold wind whispering Through the trees like a rustling tiger. Glossy golden brown conkers fall to the ground whooshing. With their spiky jackets on. Archie Baker Year 1T

Children dance and sing and play, Having such a fun and happy day. Sparklers glow and light and sizzle. As bonfires spit, burn and fizzle. Jack Buchan Year 1T Rockets glide across the sky. Catherine wheels swirling on by Colours fill the misty night air. As showers of light fluttering everywhere. Children dance and jump and play, Having such a fun day. Sparklers glow and spit and sizzle, As bonfires crackle and fizzle. Alfie Hellens Year 1T

In the Garden One bright sunny morning as Ben and his friend were playing in the garden the magic key began to glow. When they came to a spooky cave they went inside and came out the other side. They came to a rocky mountain. Soon they got to the top and were very hot. They saw a desert and a car. Ben and his friend climbed into the car and they then went whizzing down the mountain to the desert and they were very hot. They saw an ant killer and lots of strawberries. They ate the strawberries and after the strawberry party was over Dad looked at his strawberries and said there must have been a slug about. Ben Worsley Year 1

Harvest Prayer Thank you for the fruit and the trees and sweetcorn. Thank you for the rain and the sun. Thank you for the ripe apples dangling from the trees Amen Jack Cooper Year 1T

Snowflake Snowmen are cold New snow falls over the cars and the houses. Wet puddles on the ground. Fluttering fairies in the sky Lifting snow flakes. A frosty night. Keeping warm in winter, eating hot dogs by the fire. Jemima Walker Year 1T

Spring Bunnies ran hopping in the short grass. New lambs sleeping Deer running in the wood. Bunnies sleeping in the burrows. Soft green leaves. Spring is here. Jake Holloway Year 1T

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Flowers Bluebells are blue, Sunflowers are yellow, Daisies are white and wild, And finally violets are small and blue, They are all blowing in the wind. Teo Burton Year 1W Bluebells are blue and flutterish. Daffodil just does not stop sounding their horn. Roses are red or white. Sunflower just never stops facing the sun. A rose just always wins the battle. Ollie Comaish Year 1W

Autumn Autumn is spiky hedgehogs. Autumn is red leaves. Autumn is grass. Autumn is colourful leaves. Autumn is windy weather. Autumn is cold weather. Freddie Fawcett Year 1W

How I planted my Potato

Our Class Assembly

I put the soil in the bucket. Then I pat it. Then I dig a hole. Then I put the potato in the bucket. Then I gave it some water. Then I put the soil on top. Lawrence Van de Grift Year 1W

We did a class assembly about snow. We said some old words and poems. Then we acted the snowman story and I was holding a picture. I liked it and I was in my fluffy fleece. Siena Burnett Year 1W

Letter from Grace Darling Dear Freddie, I had to save nine people in a boat. They were on the rocks and I saved nine people. I sailed back to the lighthouse. Love Grace Darling Jack Pitman Year 1W

Harvest Festival Today is our Harvest Festival. We are giving some money to help Pakistan flood victims. I brought some flowers and they were roses and smell lovely. And I bought them from a shop and they were pretty. Lucy McLaughlin Year 1 W

This morning we did our class assembly. We did it about lighthouses. We sang a song and did a dance. I was a seagull and I ate all of the lunch with my friends. And I shone a torch with Siena. Lily Beard Year 1W

The Great Race

For Sale The house in Spooky Wood in Ghost Town has long grass. Kitchen has wood and a sink. Sitting room has spooky chairs and it has scary sofas. Bedroom. There are 3 beds. Bathroom..a scary sink. Viewing…Look through the window. Jack Jefferies (estate agent) Year 1W

It was a peaceful time until all of the animals argued over who should be a leader. The Jade Emperor heard all of the noise and came down and said…..We shall do a race. They had a race…the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, pig, chicken and dog. They all went to the race. The race began in the forest… the small animals getting up ahead. The big animals were far back. At the cornfield the big animals were up ahead and the small animals were far back. In the river they were all the same. But the rat got on the ox’s back. The race ended but the lion came afterwards. He was too late. The Jade Emperor asked that the lion would lead the celebrations. Anne Flynn Year 1W

Fireworks Flashing fireworks Sparklers flash and flash, Catherine wheels go round and round, Rockets explode, Fireworks are fun. Santa Robbins Year 1W

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One day the three little bears had not gone far when they saw a horse who was carrying straw and hay. Just when they had finished making a house they saw the big bad pig coming. They ran into the house. The pig got his lawnmower and mowed the house down! Just then Hansel and Gretel came along the road holding a bowl of sweets. And the bears set off to build a house of sweets. When the bears had finished the pig came along the road. The bears locked the door so the pig got the knife and fork and started eating the house! Then a group of bobbing robins came along the road holding some twigs. “Hello, hello, hello. You look sad. Can we help?” “Please could we have some of your lovely sticks?” “Yes, yes, certainly. Have as much as you like.” “Having trouble with neighbours, eh? We hear Goldilocks is around and that nasty pig. You should do what we do….when in doubt, build up.” So the bears set off to build themselves a house of sticks. When they’d finished the pig came down the road and got a chainsaw….chopped the house down!

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Just then a rather posh fox and rabbit came down the road holding some bricks. “My dear chaps! You look positively ghastly.” “Please can we have some of your sturdy bricks?” “Yes, we’d be delighted! We are off to build another supermarket and we have more than we need.” So the bears set off to build a house of bricks. When they’d finished the pig got his sledgehammer and knocked the house down! A rat and parrot came along the road. “Hello, you look sad. Can we help?” “Please can you give us some of your concrete?” “Yes.” So the bears set off to build a house of concrete. The next day the pig got a pneumatic drill and smashed the house down. The three little bears only escaped. Just then Little Bo Peep came along the road. “Why are you crying, bears?” “Because we have no house.” I would like to help you but I have lost all my sheep. This happens all the time. At last they got the sheep. “Thank you.” So the bears made a bits and bobs house. But the pig came down the road and got a bit of dynamite. The house blew up! The bears rushed out of the house. Then a lion and leopard had some flowers. So the bears made a house of flowers. The pig came down the road. As he took a deep breath he smelled the scent of the flowers. It was fantastic! James Edmonston Year 1W

For Sale A handful of grass A sprinkle of seeds A pound of blackberries A blob of bark An orange scrunched leaf A splatter of pinecone A flutter of feathers A stir of dandelion petals Grind it all together to make an autumn scent. Grace Tucker Year 2B

Easter Time Easter is special because Jesus came alive again An Easter bunny hides Easter eggs Special hot cross buns are eaten at Easter Treasure hunts are done at Easter Easter time is back again Remember Jesus Tiny little pink eggs Ice and snow are gone My eggs are pink and blue Easter rabbits are leaping Zachary Armitage Year 2B

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

My Favourite Place

A Walk Through the Woods

My favourite place is the sunny glade in my garden. I like to eat sweets there. It’s where I go to get some peace and quiet. It is right at the top of my garden. It makes me feel special. There is a zebra swing, which I go on. Sometimes I hear a cockerel. I can see fish in my stream. I sometimes see a cat on the wall. I climb trees there. I play with ladybirds there. Millie Campbell Year 2B

I took a stroll through a dark, dark wood. I saw a slippery, slimy snail, slithering through the trees. I saw a spotty ladybird climbing on a brown log. It was getting very cold. The mud was dry and cracked. There were lots of tall trees. There were some crunchy leaves and a squidgy slug. I heard a bird chirping. There was some interesting fungus and a creepy spider. I saw a carpet of bluebells. It was the prettiest wood. Daisy Gough Year 2B

Robin

Blue Tit

I am a Robin. I have a red breast and a white tummy. People recognise me straight away. In the winter you will see me most. I sometimes nest in post boxes. It is nice and warm in there and it keeps you warm. This year I have nested in a hollow tree. It is so warm and I feel safe from predators. I hope that people will leave fruit cake out for me. I use my red breast to warn other robins that are near me that there is danger around. I watch you and if you have been naughty I tell Father Christmas sometimes! Poppy Clark Year 2B

I am a Blue Tit. I look like a bandit because I have a black strip on my eyes. I hang upside down on the birdfeeder when I eat. I have a yellow tummy and I have lovely blue wings. I like to go to this school. I like seeds and nuts. They are really tasty. I lay my eggs in a tree hole. I eat insects, grubs and worms. I can’t find food in the winter because the floor is ice. I like to pinch the top of the milk bottles. Freddie Baker Year 2B

The Pied Piper of Hamelin It all started one day when I was eating rat-eaten cereal. Hamelin was infested with rats. Then I heard a few sweet notes. The squeaking of the rats was gone! I went outside and I saw the rats following a very, very strange man, who was playing his pipe and walking towards the river. Then he went away. Suddenly the music started again. I was walking after him this time with all my friends. We went into a hole in the hill nearby. People said there had once been a hide out in that hill. When we went inside and the music stopped I realised that the legend was true! People also said that the hide out had belonged to the Pied Piper - a legendary man who could play magic music. I realised that the man we had followed was none other than him - the Pied Piper himself! The music started again. I was relieved because it was leading us out. I ran home and told my mum and my dad about the legend being true. I promised never to leave them again. Freddie Delap Year 2B

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Kingfisher

My Fantasy Bird

Annika the Alien

Hello, I am a kingfisher. I am called that because I am the master of fishing. Once I caught two fish at the same time! Once when we were building our nest we were nearly swept away but we managed to escape. It’s hard living next to a lake. We have three baby chicks. Our nest is made out of twigs and leaves. It’s hard for us to get food in the winter because the fish are all trying to keep warm so they must be hiding. One of us has to go and get food while the other one keeps the chicks warm at home. Atticus Adams Year 2LW

I am a really cheeky bird! I live in the tropical rainforest. I eat mango and kiwi fruit. I love to play with my friends. I often go to a restaurant with them! When I spread my wings out a stream of purple fills the air. My nest is high up in the tree tops. I have one egg every ten years. I am a very rare bird. My rainforest is in India. I am scared of tigers and snakes. My friends live in America. I like to eat strawberry cake with raspberry sauce and I love ice cream! Rosalie Craven Year 2LW

Annika is an alien called Violet who lives on a far away planet called ‘Planet Bunnies’. She has travelled through the universe and discovered Planet Earth. She is writing home.....

Christmas

Fresh Leaves

C hristmas trees in your house H anging Christmas decorations R osy red berries on the trees I cicles on your window S teaming candles on your fireplace T ied up presents under the Christmas tree! M ince pies on a plate A pples on the table S anta delivers presents down the chimney Flora McKenzie Wylie Year 2LW

The fresh golden leaves falling from the sky, Whooshing through the forest, Landing on a conker shell. Whooshing and twirling through the forest. Conker shells lighting up And the honey bees start to dance. Lucas Sweet Year 2LW

A Magical Woodland Adventure All around me I found I was in a deep forest surrounded by waving branches and chirping birds that would sing all through to midnight. In the hot, pale blue sky, I saw shiny green leaves growing side by side on the brown branches as thin as silk. I can smell the fragrance of bluebells on the shimmering, long grass. I took a walk and could hear rabbits playing with their friends up and down trees. I suddenly heard something move and I realised it was a deer. Suddenly I could smell wild garlic. Octavia Case Year 2LW

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Dear mummy and daddy, I have just landed on an amazing planet! It is called Earth. It has some things called trees. They say they are very important things. I landed in a place called Finland. The human beings speak a very funny language. They call it Finnish. Someone mistook me for a reindeer! In Finland there’s a movie character called Pippi. She has orange hair with plaits. Her shoes are much too big and she has a patch on her clothes. Next I landed in a place called Mexico. They call robbers ‘bandits’. Some bandits have moustaches that droop and they wear big hats. Next I went to a place called a museum all about planets. It was really boring learning about home because I know about it already! love from Violet Annika McIntyre Year 2LW

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Coconut Island The summer term came to a close with all the Year 2 children taking part in a fantastic drama production – ‘Coconut Island’. Every child took part and also helped to make the scenery and the costumes. They wowed the audience with their acting skills, amazing dancing and brilliant singing! We were whisked away into a magical adventure in which three bored princesses from the underwater world ignored the advice of their parents and went exploring. Unfortunately they met up with the infamous ‘Rock Pool Gang’, were captured by pirates and taken to Coconut Island. Would they escape…? Be assured, the ending was a happy one! SL-W

Autumn Crimson, damp leaves Crunchy bark on the ground Spiky conker shells in the crusty leaves Jagged bark on the tree stump Lichen growing on branches Slimy, brown slugs The cold autumn breeze Russet crumpled leaves Knobbly logs The fun of trick or treating! Emily Tubbs Year 2LW

Pre-prep Reception B Bonamie Armitage Ella Carnegie-Brown Orlando Clark Tilly Davey Max Dunne Coco Haycraft Mee Jessica Heynes Archie Hunter Reception J Hector Adams Holly Bullock Vaughan Byworth Monty D’Arcy Rice Hannah Edmonston India Hamilton-Burnet Ottie Landale Saskia Meakin

Evie Jones Hector Large Max Nannes Ben Nielsen Kitty Pritchard Max Rowlands George Scurr Lucy Tuke-Hastings

Beatrice Montgomerie Maximillian Morris Flora Scurr Molly Standen McDougal James Stapleton Woody Walker

1T Harry Ahearne Archie Baker Charles Brook Jack Buchan George Carpenter Jack Cooper Minnie Galton-Fenzi Elizabeth Hauger

Alfie Hellens Jake Holloway Johnny McLaughlan Isabella MorganGrenville Beth Tuke-Hastings Jemima Walker Ben Worsley

1W Lily Beard Siena Burnett Teo Burton Ollie Comaish James Edmonston Frederick Fawcett Anne Flynn

Benedict Garlick Jack Jefferies Lucy McLaughlin Jack Pitman Santa Robbins Robert Slatter Lawrence Van de Grift

2B Zachary Armitage Freddie Baker Iona Beattie Darcy Bonas Millie Campbell Poppy Clark Frederic Delap Jessica Downton

Meghan Edwards Daisy Gough Theodore Hall Guy Jardine Sebastian Mayer Zara Mayer Lily Pearman Grace Tucker

2LW Atticus Adams Octavia Case Angus Catto Rosalie Craven Nicole Dunlop Jonathan Edwards Alys Evans Sienna Hiscox Wilbur Hyde

Sacha Kapoor Jemima Keveth Annika McIntyre Flora McKenzie Wylie Tamara Nelson Matilda Phillips Lucas Sweet Emily Tubbs

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Anthology

Hawk Roosting A poem written by Alex after reading the book Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines I perch on stumps and stacks Surveying the area below. In slow, silent, slumber I scan in sleep. In perfected nooks and hooks coved in architectural perfection. Favoured by high trees and poles Directing my flight above unsuspecting dinner. I have evolved to catch the rest Over which I am the best. Talons locked in place waiting for the movement, Waiting for stupidity. Death gave me a slender torso and cold blood, For I care not for any other. The sun is on my side and so is the wind Allowing my potential to crush others in my way. My beauty draws them in and that’s their mistake, Within seconds they’re gone.

ROSIE FAWCETT YEAR 5

I challenge champions, I crush cruisers I scale unthinkable heights, I am untouchable I make the boundaries, I design law, But still I sit, I wait, I watch. Alex Wilson Year 8

Sandy Beach

Luca’s Pets

The enormous bashing waves smack against the violent rocks like a shark crunching a surf board on the beach. The seagulls are making a piercing noise. Sand is sinking and you can see the seagulls’ foot marks. The waves wash away the seagulls’ footprints. The glistening, shining, sparkling sun is beaming on the surf and the wicked wind still blows hard on the waves. The fish are swimming under the sea. Some get washed up. The hard, blowing wind makes the waves push against the fish so they jump out of the water blowing bubbles. Charlotte Walker Year 6

In his bedroom Luca kept TEN woodlice with armour plated bodies NINE pet piranhas in a huge tank EIGHT enormous rats rampaging round the room SEVEN snails growing to the size of a hand SIX overfed chickens laying eggs by the dozen FIVE flying frogs parachuting round the room FOUR apes going ape THREE ligers* made in the local zoo TWO biting mosquitos that suck and suck and suck and ONE …. guess what!!!

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*cross between a tiger and a lion Luca Hyde Year 4

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Midnight In A Graveyard

The United Kingdom

The old Norman church clock struck 12. The echo of the lonely ringing bell forced the bats high into the misty, damp sky. The whistling wind blew the mist way. When the moon gleamed the neighbourhood was full of salivating barks. A grey rat stampeded across the graveyard to its nest with a black cat chasing it. The rat made it by the skin of its teeth. The grave stones came alive with insects climbing on the moss, such as a smelly, gunky cockroach, a fiddly, wiggly centipede and a bunch of fierce red ants. The creaky doors of the church suddenly slammed shut. “What was that?” The crows shrieked loudly and the elms creaked. Sometimes the moonlight caught a gargoyle’s ugly face as it looked for the darkness once again. Jago Skelding Year 6

It is both wrong and misguided to label the United Kingdom as the worst place to grow up in Europe. Growing up from a child’s perspective involves education, health care and probably more importantly, the family unit. The education is extremely important to the growing up of a child; the facilities that the United Kingdom offers are great. All of the education for an average child is free. A lucky fraction of the children will go to a private prep school. It is the law that children must stay at school until they are 16 years old. Most children will stay at school until they are 18. A small fraction of these children will go to university to get a degree. The system is a very good one and the citizens of the United Kingdom must make the most of it. The health care system is very well run. The National Health Service will give you good care, any needed operations and most things needed to put you back together after an accident. This service is free of charge. You get to keep your credit card in your pocket as all these expensive operations are for free. Private hospitals and private doctors do cost money. The only advantage of going private is that one gets looked at immediately and sometimes the care is better than the National Health Service. Family life is the most important aspect of a child’s upbringing. Your adult life will inevitably depend on your childhood. If your parents do get a divorce the courts handle the situation very well and will sort out the child’s life as well as the parents. If the parents are unable to work, the government will give you a house to live in and money to live on. Once again this is a very well run system.

SEVERINE COMERY YEAR 8

The United Kingdom is definitely not the worst place in which to grow up and spend your childhood. As I have outlined, the education is very good and free. The health is is fantastic due to the National Health Service and once again this is free of charge. The family life is well organised. It is a safe and well-run place to be brought up in. Luke Pitman Year 7

Guilty Blue like tears from my eyes. Tastes like sour lemon sorbet from my heart. Smells like poor dead animals in the cold wood. Feels broken hearted. If you could never regret what you did is the worst feeling ever. Sounds like someone saying sorry, but I don’t like it when they never forgive you. Looks like me feeling sad as can be. Tilly Woodford Year 3 YEAR 3

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Juliet’s Tomb It no longer flowed. A stagnant river of blood against the purest snow weaving like the path of a maggot through flesh. Intricate like the web of a hairy, poisonous tarantula waiting to devour a helpless fly. These red serpents were silently slithering in the eye of a gorgeous goddess. Glistening trails like that of a slimy slug were interrupting the perfect planes of her face. A beautiful face ruined by woe. Wrapped in the finest linen stained by the most precious of warm blood, she lay like a masterless puppet. Her hand was clutching the instrument that ripped through her skin like a venomous fang, injecting death into the vulnerable victim. The tangled vines of her hair covered the lifeless chest of a world-wearied man, holding a vial that poured the liquid of the devil down his throat and burning all life from his veins. They had married the Grim Reaper and lay at their wedding reception on their long wedding night. Their guests were maggots and their brides people were bones. They were enclosed in a monster that had forced the finest meal down its throat into the darkness of its bowels. Its skin was carved into angelic creatures watching with eyes of the hawk for the next prey. This sea of detested animals waited. It was watching. Engulfing all it could. Predators devouring innocent flesh. Stripping the fairest souls of the juiciest meat. Hard. Cold. Heartless. Heads just above the ground. Waiting. Watching. Amy Strain Year 8

Worries W orries are heavy and nagging they make me feel as though I am transparent. O n they go dropping the acid on a tooth making a bigger hole every time. R eally they’re very small. Have I got my socks? Am I going to get my work right today? R un as fast as you can will just make him stick closer to you next time. I want to be happy everywhere but that isn’t part of life. E verybody has worries but most of them are not needed. S haring your worries is the best plan, oh thank goodness for mum! Amelia Kold Year 3

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The Royal Wedding The day before the Royal Wedding, Jago, Kitty and I got into the car to drive to London. We went to the Mall and camped right by Clarence House. We were in the second row but we could basically see everything. It was getting late and there were loads of cars driving past and beeping their horns and we all cheered. Suddenly Prince William and Prince Harry came out of Clarence House so we all rushed over. Kitty got there so quickly that she touched Prince William’s hand, she was so amazed. We then went back to our tents to go to sleep. Jago got two hours sleep, Kitty got three and I got eight hours sleep. My mum had to wake me up in the morning because everyone was pushing to get to the front. The next day the Royal Family went past us and they all waved. When the wedding started we could hear them talking through the speakers – we could hear every word. It was so amazing. Everyone started singing. We were so tired by the time we got home and all I wanted to do was sleep for hours. Honor Skelding Year 4

The Sunday Sword On August 1st 336 BC one of the most bloody battles that we shall know of in our life time took place. The Macedonian Army were strong and powerful but even they could not get into the Theban walls, but then one of their officers got in the walls and started fighting for his life. He was very brave indeed. Luckily Alexander, the great soldier, got over as well and helped the officer. The officer who put his life on the line was called Zarquinias. Alexander made it possible for the whole army to go forward into attack. This resulted in their final success. Now over to our witness; “It was a bloody, brutal, ferocious battle and it was so exciting. I did not know who would win at one stage. I am so glad that it was the Greeks who won, clever Alexander made it possible. It really shows us that Alexander had his father’s fighting skills and I think he is going to be a strong and powerful leader.” Thomas Jodrell Year 4

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

The Woman on the Bench I suppose I’ve never looked back to when I served Lady Greenswell. Now I’m stuck here, I guess there is nothing else to think about. I was just a young, positive soul, wanting to explore the adventures of writing books. Yet it was easier to get a job as a maid than to become a writer extraordinaire. Lady Greenswell was very nice, just not the sharpest tool in the box. It was on the day I was leaving, a smile from ear to ear spread across my face. They got me. They got me on the most amazing day of my life. Turned it into a living hell. I lay in my creaky bed, tossing and turning. At seven o’clock I took Her Ladyship’s breakfast to her room and saw her face light up as she saw me. That’s my routine, breakfast, clean, lunch, clean, supper, clean, bed. There’s something I missed out from that. Every morning I would look out the scratched window to see the same lonely face of an old woman staring at me with sparkling, aquamarine eyes. I had rather a boring childhood on the whole.

sitting on a bench gazing. I heard a creak. My door showed a sliver of light. I could smell smoke. If there was such a thing as the smell of death, it was burning. It all happened so quickly. A blanket of smoke ran before my eyes. It cast a shadowy glance at me. A white glove appeared from its body and shot a ball of fire at my face. Before it hit me, I could feel the hot air punching my face. It hit. I shrieked and fell onto the wooden floor. My blood was pulsating through my body. I lay still. It felt as if I would never move again. This must be the end, I thought. There was no way I could live. I woke in a sanitary smelling room. I couldn’t open my eyes, but I raised a weak hand to the left side of my face. It was covered in bandages.

Anger Anger is red like a flaming fire Anger tastes of red-hot chillies Anger smells of a filling stink bomb Anger is hurtful The sound of me stomping up the stairs Anger looks like someone shouting. Griffin Mills Year 3

After that they left me in a folks’ home. I was only eighteen. I wasn’t old, but I could not take the bandages off. I am stuck here for all eternity. My dreams have been crushed by the woman on the bench. Lara Winfrey Year 6

That night I lay, having endless visions of that poor woman, just

WILLIAM GIBSON YEAR 4

A Frightening Walk In The Wood As I crept through the eerie wood an owl hooted and a wolf howled. The trees brushed up against me like hands trying to grab me and drag me into the night. A rustle in the bush made a shiver shoot up my spine like an arrow. I turned a corner and the path became narrow and windy with shrubbery lining the path. Creepers climbed the trees and hung there like bats. A gust of wind brushed past me. I turned. It felt as if there was someone or something nearby. Then a huge man stood over me like a sky

scraper. He had a murky green eye, brown curly hair and breath like a filthy swamp. He spoke to me in a deep, sad voice. He seemed almost scared and lonely. I approached him with great caution. He swung his arm at me and I retreated. He ran. I thought that maybe he could help me get out of these woods, so I followed him for a while but then stopped because he was too fast for me. So it was almost over. There was more light and

the path was straighter and better. Now leaves danced down with great delight. The trees were not trying to grab me anymore now. I know that the terrifying walk was over and now I am almost out of the wood. Sunlight shimmers through the leaves, lifting my spirits with great strength. Henry North Year 5

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

A Secret Place One sunny morning Theo Norman woke up at seven o’clock on the dot. He said to himself, “It’s my birthday. I hope I get some lego.” Theo was nine today. Theo loves lego. He has nine small boxes and one big box. He remembered that mum, dad, the dogs, Rosie and Eddie were going to do a surprise at 7.30. Later on after Theo had opened all his presents he went outside by himself and he walked to his den and said, “I am going to make another den.” So he walked a bit more and he saw something that you would never see. It was a big lego man disco in a secret den!! Two days later, Theo ran to the secret den and he asked the lego man to help him make a lego mansion and he said, “Okay.” The lego man made the most lovely mansion ever. Theo took a film about the lego man building it. Every day he went there. Theo was hoping to make the lego man come to life. Eddie followed Theo into the secret place and Eddie found out about it and told everyone. So it wasn’t a secret place anymore. Theo woke up and it turned out it was all a long dream. Theo was very sad because it would have been nice if it was true. Theo Norman Year 4

The Beach The sun rises over the beach, shimmering silently on the sea. Like a coward running from a battle, the tide, terrified by the light, scampers back to where it belongs. As the diminutive waves slide across the sand, the crowds start rushing in, all wanting to grab the best spot to enjoy the sun. In no time at all, nearly every single grain of sand is crushed like ants, under the masses of bodies. The claustrophobic sea is left gasping for air as more and more waves of figures swarm noisily into the worried water like flies to a dead animal. The sea is drained of its colour due to the many different coloured swimming costumes filling up what used to be blue water. After hours of thundering throngs of deafening children had ruled the waters, the sickened sea and suffering sand were finally free. As the last of the crowds left, the beach could emit a sigh of relief. Like a prisoner just released from years of prison life, the traumatised beach was free at last. As the sun went down, the sea crawled its way up the shore. Engulfing every grain of sand on its way, the emerald, blue vastness seeped silently through the sand, working its way slowly but surely up the beach. Tomorrow it would be dreading the sight of the sunrise. Fergus Campbell Year 8

Survival It was the cold that woke me. I remembered that I was in the middle of the war. I had no food and was on my own. All of a sudden I heard footsteps. I knew I was in danger. I was going to investigate. I was in the garden with three men standing in front of my eyes. I jerked to my left and ran for my life. I looked back and saw the three men still running towards me. If I go into the forest I might lose them, I said to myself. I dodged in and out of the trees and hid in a bramble bush, gritting my teeth and crouching as low as possible, and I waited and waited. Later I peeked out of the bramble bush to see if the coast was clear. It seemed all right so I climbed out of the prickly bush and started to walk home. A bit later I was pushing the jet black, rusty gate open. I walked up the winding path and stepped on the doormat. I was beginning to see that the darkness was creeping up on me, so I slowly staggered up to my bedroom and sat on my bed. I looked around and sighed. I walked over to my only teddy that was sitting on a wooden chair. I picked up Mr Ted and walked back over to my bed and got in. INDIA CASE YEAR 3

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Tomorrow will be another day. Poppy Stopford Year 5

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

The Desert The desert sun shines on the sand. Occasionally men in turbans pass by on panting camels. The stars unravel and the sun fades away. The moon rises up and gleams like a torch. The desert is absolutely silent, there is nothing to hear or see for miles. The barren, bare, sandy land is silent. The air fills with a cold wind which would send a chill down your spine. The freezing night air seems like it is permanent. Slowly but surely the moon and stars fade away and with it the cold wind. The sun takes its place in the cloudless sky. It shines on the sand making it look like tiny gold balls. The sand rustles about making a sound like the sea. The sunlight is blinding to any living thing. The desert is bare. The sun dims and the clouds start to fade slowly as the stars unravel. A paralysing chill fills the air. Sand dunes keep shifting from day to day. There is no sense of place nor time. Alice Hall Year 5

Spring Slow little breezes blow the cherry blossom Pretty little shoots rise up from the ground Rabbits jump out of their burrows, lambs play Interesting colours of daffodils and tulips found in the garden borders New life like tadpoles, fish and foals Green grass grows tall and needs to be cut. Hamish Brook Year 3

The Moon Gliding through space, elegant and slim White, bright and beautiful. Gazing out, peacefully onto the depths of the universe. She comes to a halt, realising that the earth is in her way. Looking down disgusted by its presence. As her darkness shadowed the Earth’s surface, Silence. She released the howling of the wolves, and the screeching bats. As she disappeared behind the murky mist, she was finally satisfied. Raffi Parker Year 7

Bored Bored stiff like cardboard, Luke sat zipping his pencil case up and down. Luke could hear the drone of Mrs Nielsen’s voice as she explained written addition. He looked across just as Eloise fell to the ground with a thud because she was swinging restlessly on her chair. Temporarily everyone’s concentration moved away from the white board. Mrs Nielsen soon called the class back to order and the drone continued. There was a strong smell of pva glue mixed with fish and chips and the damp air from outside. Luke began to feel queasy. At that moment Mrs Yates-Round popped her smiling face round the door. “Special delivery for 3N,” she said. “Oh wonderful! It’s the playmobile hospital,” replied Mrs Nielsen. Edward Walker Year 3

The Russian Meteorite “Aghh! what is going on?” I asked myself. I was terrified, massive chunks of heavy meteorite were crashing down through the earth’s atmosphere. All around me humungous dips were made. I was so scared that I was tempted to leave, but as well as being terrifying it was truly magnificent. Massive fireballs were shattering down like snow in a snowstorm. Twenty miles of blinding dust was chucking itself down behind the meteorite making the ground very grey. As the massive chunks fell, the surroundings around me wobbled and cracked. The sound of it pierced my ears, almost deafening me. It roared fiercely like a lion but about 60 times scarier. It was just 10.38 in the morning and a booming, crashing meteorite was smashing down around me at about 31,000 miles per hour. The spectacular explosion of light was blinding me alive for this meteorite was brighter than the sun!! The heat was burning up like an oven, my skin dying because of the blasting heat around me. It was like being at the equator but just a bit warmer. However, the sound was a lot more terrifying than the heat, for the people could hear it 200 miles away. Even though it was loud and hot a sudden calm moment went by and I looked up at the falling spear-like meteorite, and thought they looked like fireworks, bursting all around me on that magnificent Monday. Sophie Elvin Year 4

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Sport

1ST XV

Team: H Large, B Dean, Co Evans, Ca Evans, H Mitford-Slade, S Shepherd, R Milne*, F Vint*, T Ravano, J Battishill*, G Maxwell (capt)*, F Neal, O Shale, H Chamberlain*, S Moorsom, G Levinson, C Clark, J Beattie D Gibbons *denotes colours Results: v The Downs, Wraxall v Tockington v Clifton v Dean Close v Prior Park v Pinewood v Abberley Hall v St John’s v Monkton Combe v St Hugh’s

Rugby

Lost 0 - 15 Won 17 - 7 Lost 19 - 40 Won 31 - 7 Won 61 - 17 Won 31 - 7 Lost 0 - 15 Lost 5 - 31 Drew 17 - 17 Lost 10 - 43

Pinewood 7s - Lost in semi finals to Swanbourne 7 - 21 The first game against The Downs was a cracking defensive display by our boys. Heroic tackling resulted in only three tries being scored against us. The centres, Shale and Battishill, Milne at scrum half and Maxwell at the back stopped try after try from being touched down. So we knew that we could defend, but our try scoring ability was yet to be tested. Against Tockington, we struggled to get away from their tough tackling and physical confrontation. Some good tries from our backs and some pounding from our forwards brought about our first victory of the season. Poor Fraser Neal was to feel the effects of a massive hit and ended up off the field with a spinning head. The Clifton match was much closer that the result showed. Three quick tries were scored by their flying winger as we were still waking up. The second half brought about a change of fortune from some well taken tries by Shale, some darting runs and superb tackles from Chamberlain, Vint and Calum Evans making the hard yards and Shepherd in the middle of everything, just stirring things up. Our trip to Dean Close in the past has always been filled with trepidation. We looked at the Dean close team running out. You could hear murmurs of,’They are not too big!’ but then the Man Mountain stormed out and their jaws dropped. From the off we pounded them. Our smallest team member, Milne, took out the giant time and time again. His tackles brought out gasps from the crowd. Gibbons, Dean and Calum Evans also helped prevent him going too far and Maxwell was often there to rip the ball off him. Our boys were up for the challenge and scored some tries through Maxwell, and Shale. The final nail in the coffin came from our prop Hugo Mitford-Slade, who decided to pick the ball up and run from 30 metres, slicing through their defence – not normally what a prop forward does! Anyway with the good

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conversions from Tommaso, the score of 31 – 7 was a most satisfying performance. The next fixture against Prior Park brought an easy victory. The positive side of things was that every member of the back line scored a try from some good forward work winning the ball. Our youngest members of the squad, Jack Beattie and Charlie Clark finished off some good movements and scored some opportunist tries but the highlight of this match was seeing David Gibbons chase an up and under, smash their full back who spilt it and then one of our back line pick the ball up and race under the posts. Against Pinewood, the play wasn’t stunning but we won the ball in the forwards, passed it out the backs and scored some good tries. It was simple rugby but on this day most effective and again the efforts of Milne, Maxwell, Battishill and Chamberlain were duly noted as they led from the front and played with skill, determination and confidence. So after a couple of good victories under our belt the next couple of matches were going to test the mettle and resolve of all the first XV members. Abberley Hall were up first. Their defence was well organised and they dealt well with Ravano’s breaks and Maxwell’s strong runs. Vint made some powerful runs ably assisted by Henry Large but it just was not going to be our day, and the three tries to nil was a fair result. The team were then up against Monkton Combe. Players stepped up to the mark and got stuck in to the physical side of the game with Conor Evans, Gus Levinson, Milne and Shepherd throwing their bodies into the opposition. So the match went forwards and backwards for all the 50 minutes. Beaudesert were five points behind and we were pounding their line when finally, the player of the season – George Maxwell - burst through and scored in the corner. 17 – 17 , the conversion was taken but missed and the whistle sounded. A great game

was had by all, with the highlight coming from Henry Large putting a monumental tackle in on the big centre. We were then to face St Hugh’s. Our tackling was lack-lustre, the boys couldn’t catch and we scored some very lucky tries from their mistakes. St Hugh’s played very well and showed us how to play in poor conditions, they were more determined and hardy while we wilted away, hoping the whistle would blow so we could get into a nice, warm shower. We still had three games left. Unfortunately, the Arctic weather came in, the ground turned to concrete and there was no way we could play these matches. A disappointing way to end but all in all, the positives certainly outnumber the negatives. This was a season where development was the key word. They not only improved their skill level, but their physicality certainly made great strides forward over the season. They began to understand the importance of team play and that scoring tries is only a small part of the game. The camaraderie was evident in this team and most importantly, the boys appeared to enjoy the training sessions and loved playing the matches. You win some, you lose some but the most satisfying point was the enjoyment factor. To end this report, George Maxwell, Rupert Milne and James Battishill went off to test their skills against other South West Prep school pupils competing for a place in the Barbarians side. It is very important to test their skills against players of a better standard. All received raving comments about how they played. George Maxwell shone through and made the grade to represent the South West Prep School Barbarians. Well done to you all but especially to George for his passionate play and captaining the side in a very mature and inspirational way. EC

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

2ND XV Team: G Gordon Lennox, O Fanshawe, H Catto, B Clark, H Large, T Severn, S Moorsom, A Wilson, J Jamieson Black, P de Barros, J Birtles, C Amati, L Pitman, J Beattie, J Burns, J Drayson, H Woodham, R Fitch Kemp Results: v The Downs, Wraxall v Clifton v Dean Close v Pinewood v Abberley Hall v St John’s v Monkton Combe

Won 28 - 10 Lost 5 - 10 Won 12 - 10 Won 56 - 0 Lost 7 - 19 Lost 5 - 17 Draw 5 - 5

Home Away Away Away Away Home Away

2010 kicked off with a great win against The Downs. For the first occasion in many years, we seemed to be physically, evenly matched to our opposition and ran through four good team tries. Was this to be the season of all seasons? Arriving at Clifton, tails up, we were keen to maintain our winning start. The forwards rucked well but were beaten in the scrum, the backs tackled well but were beaten for pace. We needed a plan! The next few practice sessions which included the usual fitness, skills and drills saw the birth

of what was to become our team’s trademark move – the “Banana Split”. Spearheaded by our team captain, Geordie Gordon Lennox, we were quite excited to test it out against Dean Close. After a gruelling first half, we found ourselves 5 -10 down. Digging deep, the forwards managed to work the ball to the edge of the Dean Close 22 yard line before we were awarded a penalty – the call was “Banana Split”! Quickly the forwards lined up at a slight diagonal, shoulder to shoulder with their backs to the opposition, the ball at the scrum half’s feet. Whistle blown, Jono tapped the ball, popped it up to the first forward in line who passed it to Geordie. This was followed by a series of dummies to the end of the line until Oli Fanshawe, crouched over with an imaginary ball in his arms, took off across the field…and the entire opposition followed, leaving Geordie to turn around and run a simple try in underneath the poles. Victory – 12-10! This became a very popular moment in every match played throughout the season, to the point that some of our supporting parents were even shouting “Banana Split” and a try was scored in each of our final five matches. It wasn’t all easy going and we did take a few losses over the season, but week after week, the boys played with passion and true commitment. A massive “well done” to all involved and good luck next season. JLB

3RD XV Team: G Ross, G Drayson, W Cox, S Nicolas, H Knight, C Barnes, F Campbell, H Woodham, T Mullen, W Cresswell, A Howes, E Beattie, M Winfrey, O McIntyre, H Jackson, H Hudson, J Drayson Results: v The Downs, Wraxall v Dean Close v Prior Park v Abberley Hall v St John’s v Monkton Combe

Lost Lost Won Lost Lost Lost

0 - 51 Away 10 - 44 Home 58 - 10 Away 29 - 39 Away 12 - 45 Home 5 - 68 Home

Not having the numbers to play 15-a-side the 3rd team matches fielded 12 or even 10 players. The team never managed to put the same side out twice as illness and injury replacements were needed for the senior teams. Throughout the term they showed character and courage by putting on a stoic effort often against the odds. They trained hard and all made progress, developing their handling skills and understanding of their positions. The tackling was always a problem, a number of players tried their hardest to set an example to others but it was our undoing on several occasions. Confidence builds confidence; time and again rampaging runs from deep in our territory led to tries being scored which encouraged others to do the same; all good practice for next year. It was an enjoyable season with plenty of enthusiasm and a sense of fun. JSSM

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

COLTS A Team: L Sopher, H Newman, A Comaish, O Pritchard, S Fairer-Smith, H Delap, T Elvin, J Muir, K Penny, J Gibson, T Mayer, F Jodrell, J Kite, F Milne, R Haycraft Mee, B Barnes

Results: v The Downs, Wraxall Lost v Tockington Won v Clifton Lost v Hatherop Won v Dean Close Lost v The Elms Won v Prior Park Won v Pinewood Lost v Abberley Hall Lost v Llandaff Lost v St John’s Lost v Monkton Combe Lost v St Hugh’s Drew

14 - 26 56 - 0 17 - 40 57 - 0 19 - 26 12 - 10 50 - 14 0 - 14 5 - 14 5 - 28 14 - 40 14 - 40 14 - 14

Away Away Home Away Home Home Home Home Home Away Away Away Home

conditions against St Hugh’s. In a ferocious match in which no quarter was given, the boys fought back to draw and deservedly celebrated as if they had won! NA

COLTS B

COLTS C & D

Team: A Comaish, H Everest, O Pritchard, H North, C Crabb, J Skelding, W Comaish, G Standen McDougal, T Smith, C Leeper, K Fairgrieve Pick, M Verschoyle

Team: J Berry, F Hellens, H Neely, H Everest, J Strain, A Weston, E Norman, O McGill, F McConnell, M Lawrence, W Comaish, E Nelson, M Haynes, C Carpenter, M Scheuner, F Hughes, O Henry, S D’Arcy Rice, H Bailey, H Morgan-Grenville, H Golesworthy, K Fairgrieve Pick, M Verschoyle, C Turk

Results: v The Downs A, Wraxall Lost v Clifton Lost v Dean Close Lost v Prior Park Lost v Pinewood Drew v Abberley Hall Lost v St Margaret’s, Calne Lost v Monkton Combe Lost v St Hugh’s Lost v Wycliffe Lost

7 - 21 0 - 47 14 - 21 0 - 14 0 - 0 7 - 27 0 - 14 0 - 40 7 - 14 0 - 7

Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Home

This was a term of highs and lows for the Colts B team. The highs came during their training and the lows during their matches. Despite the results not going in their favour, this was a very enjoyable term of rugby with a great, enthusiastic group of boys. Training was always a pleasure, with the boys putting 100% into every skills drill, fitness session and task presented to them. However, ultimately this enthusiastic, good natured group of boys might have lost a few of the closer matches not because of their lack of ability but because of their polite and courteous play. One memorable occasion when playing, Harry Everest tackled the prop about five yards from our line and then, worried about his well being stopped playing and helped him up to his feet. This then allowed the opposition to recycle the ball and they then scored a fine try in the corner. This is in no way a criticism, it is just a snap shot of what polite and kind boys we had in the Colts B. Alex Comaish led the side from the front for the entire season and was never downbeat throughout. Well done everyone who represented the Colts B ‘Gentleman’ 15. AME

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With only two boys having played Colts A rugby last year, we knew that this year’s team was going to have to embark on a steep learning curve. The first game against The Downs provided the boys with a stern test. After going 0-26 down in the first half, the boys fought back in the second, where they scored two cracking tries and were held up short for a couple more. Such fighting spirit set the tone for the rest of the season, with a number of close matches, notably a thrilling win over The Elms, with the two teams separated by a sole conversion. Our pack often dominated, with Joss Muir marshalling from scrumhalf, while Kit Penny pulled the strings for the backs at fly-half. Timmy Mayer was one of the finds of the season, moving very effectively from second row to inside centre. Sadly, though, our tackling often let us down and only too often we conceded ‘soft’ tries. The boys did improve in this area and what was to be our last game of the season was a nail-biting affair in Baltic

Results: v Clifton Lost 5 - 26 v Dean Close Lost 7 - 17 v The Downs, Wraxall Lost 7 - 17 v Prior Park Won 29 - 20 v Pinewood Drew 14 -14 v Abberley Hall Lost 0 - 19 v Monkton Combe (1sts) Lost 0 - 14 v Monkton Combe (2nds) Won 27 - 0 v St Hugh’s Won 35 - 25 v St Mary’s Lost 15 - 30 v The Downs, Wraxall (1sts) Won 20 - 5 v The Downs, Wraxall (2nds) Lost 10 - 23

Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Home

Rugby teams are usually a mixture of stereotypes. Our Colts teams were no exception. We had the small, but ferocious scrum half, determined to show any forward on the opposition side that he could flatten them and any forward on his own side that they had no idea how to maul by letting the opposition use his head as the ball when he personally ripped the proper ball out on our side. Our wingers were pacy and elusive when running with the ball and also in defence! Most of our forwards were short of pace, but still felt they could out run the opposition if they got any

where near the try line. They certainly weren’t letting our backs have the ball, however big the overlap was. Over the course of the season grudging respect between forwards and backs was earned. When in trouble the backs looked to our second rows to off load the ball to, as they knew they would drive forward and not lose it. The forwards began to appreciate that, with so many talented runners in the backs, if we could get the ball to them quickly we could score tries. Others started to realise that team glory was better than individual failure and started to move the ball quickly through their hands and then support the runners. We certainly had enough talent when attacking to win any match. Alas, our defence belongs to a different team; the curse of Beaudesert. We have a friendly school and well-behaved boys, so polite that when the ball is loose they let the opposition have the first chance to pick it up. And too nice for a full blooded tackle (please note opposition referees however, the off-side line does not run through our scrum-half.) Even the frankly ludicrous attempt by the master in charge to toughen up the team by offering to give a credit to any one who could reduce an opposition to their knees by the ferociousness of their tackling was doomed to failure. Would any psychologist out there let us know how to release the inner Neanderthal in our boys? Still, we could all enjoy games such as the one versus St Hugh’s when the combined try count of 12 was greater than the number of tackles made in open play by either side; we still won. MB

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

UNDER 9s A Team: A Stamp, S Hughes, J Catto, P Ravano, H Gearon, A Probert, A Amati, M Arkwright, W Gibson, T Kinsella, A Haynes Results: v Tockington Won v Clifton Drew v Hatherop Won v The Downs, Wraxall Drew v Pinewood Won v St Hugh’s Won v Dean Close Lost Severnside Festival: The Downs Lost St John’s Won Wycliffe Won Cheltenham Jnr Lost

35 - 0 20 - 20 20 - 0

Away Away Home

20 - 20 20 - 0 20 - 15 0 - 30

Away Home Home Home

0 - 5 5 - 0 10 - 0 0 - 0

B Team: J Taylor-Kimmins, T Melvin, W Golesworthy, J Tucker, T Jodrell, T Davey, B Mather, H Hudson, F Large, M Morris, H Hellens, T Norman, L Nixon-Malure, C Drayson, L Hyde, J Lowde Results: v Tockington Won v Clifton Won v Hatherop Won v The Downs, Wraxall Won v Pinewood Won v St.Hugh’s Lost v Dean Close Lost Severnside B Festival Played 4 Won 2

20 - 0 25 - 20 15 - 0

Away Home Home

15 - 5 30 - 5 15 - 25 10 - 30

Away Away Away Home

Lost 2

St Hugh’s Festival: Winners Prior Park Won 15 - 0 Bilton Grange Won 15 - 0 Swanborne Won 25 - 0 St Hugh’s Drew 0 - 0 What a fantastic season this has been for all the U9s! Without a doubt there has been terrific team support, effort and unity throughout the teams and this has contributed to a very successful season.

UNDER 8s

It was clear from the outset that there was strength in depth in the year group and all the children regularly took to the field. Inter changing players was relatively straightforward, and this highlighted the belief that the teams had in each other. Wins against Pinewood, St Hugh’s and St John’s coupled with draws against Clifton and The Downs were testimony to how well the boys played. We were tested against very strong Cheltenham Junior and Dean Close teams and we sadly lost but it did remind us of the level to which we aspire.

Team: H Brook, F Baker, C Davison, L Biffen, J Flynn, G Mills, C Shearer, E Walker, A Tubbs, F Taylor-Kimmins, F Walker, L Wiles, B Wilson, O Mullen, G Mitchell, T Morris

There are too many stars to name but the highlight of the season was winning the trophy at St Hugh’s against some fine rugby playing schools outside our normal area. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the A team was their desire to improve and put practice into action in matches, great hands and strong forward play. The Bs were very much developing and there were many fine individual performances although a few benefited from outings with the A team. Congratulations to all! GR

For the boys in the Under 8s, the rugby term is the first time they represent Beaudesert at any sport, so understandably there was great excitement at the beginning of the autumn term. Being a fairly small year group has enabled the boys to become a close knit team rather than an A or a B. They have become a squad with everyone playing their part in a very successful rugby term. The skill levels of the boys have been impressive throughout the term and due to hard work in lessons and determination during games, the boys have continued to improve and individual skills have translated to team skills both in attack and defence. If I had to sum up this group of boys, competitive would be the word, from getting changed the fastest to crossing to the pitch first and finally winning the practice games. This translated to match days and the results were very favourable with only one loss in the entire term. I always find it hard to pick out individuals as rugby is very much a team game but Hamish Brook had an outstanding term of rugby, training with determination and performing very well on match days. Edward Walker has vastly improved his skills from the beginning of the term to become a good little player. Well done to all of you – everyone performed with great determination. AME

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Hockey

1ST XI Team: O Muir (capt)*, G Bathurst*, A Knowles*, S Sopher*, H Field, S Phillips, S Comery, L Thomas, F Channing, Z Davison, F Priest, G James, A-M Bowring *denotes colours

Results: v The Dragon v St Hugh’s v St John’s v Dean Close v The Elms v Pinewood v Abberley Hall v Clifton v Cheltenham Ladies’

Lost Won Drew Won Lost Won Lost Lost Won

0 - 1 Away 7 - 0 Home 3 - 3 Away 1 - 0 Away 0 - 1 Away 5 - 0 Away 1 - 3 Away 1 - 3 Away 3 - 0 Away

Cheltenham Jnr Festival - Won 3, Drew 1, Lost 3 Cheltenham Ladies’ Festival - Lost in the finals. IAPS U13 Millfield Tournament - reached the quarter finals.

This season has been very exciting, with many close matches and lots of highs and lows. In every match we had great support from the parents who encouraged us on the sidelines whatever the weather. The team had lots of talented players in all areas of the pitch which helped us to some great wins. With only a few game sessions at school we went straight into the Cheltenham Jnr Festival with a good range of results. The closest match of the season was against Dean Close when both teams were goalless until we scored in the last minute, winning 1 – 0. The Cheltenham Ladies’ Tournament proved how well the team could play. We won all our pool games and played Clifton in the final. Both teams proved to be strong. It was 1 -1 at half time but in the second half Clifton scored a goal and they won 2 – 1. Unfortunately the season was cut short by the freezing weather and we were unable to play the few final matches of the term. It was, however, clear to everyone that all the players improved immensely during the course of the term, with strong stick skills from most areas of the pitch, quicker passing and quicker decision making which made our games a lot faster. Of course we were not able to achieve this ourselves – this was all made possible by the great coaching from Mrs Baber-Williams and Mrs Wingrove. Octavia Muir Year 8

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2ND XI Team: A-M Bowring, M Haycraft Mee, C Montgomerie, S Dibben, H Mather, A Gilder, I Jardine, R Sowerbutts, E Waller, C Large, G Gilder, E Pitman, Z Davison, G James, F Priest

Results: v The Dragon Lost v St Hugh’s Won v St John’s Won v Dean Close Won v Tockington Won v The Elms Won v Pinewood Won v Abberley Hall Lost v Clifton Won v Cheltenham Ladies’ Won

0 - 2 5 - 0 6 - 1 4 - 1 3 - 2 2 - 1 3 - 0 1 - 2 3 - 0 3 - 0

Away Home Away Away Away Away Home Home Away Away

Severnside Tournament – 3rd place

The 2nd XI have been an amazing team, working well together as well as having strong individuals. The toughest match of the season was our first match. We put up a good fight but unfortunately lost 0 – 2. We had a very good win against Dean Close playing 11s. Sophie Dibben and Clodagh

Large had the ball under control and did not panic when they received it. Our defence was strong, keeping the ball at the attacking end. The best win of the season was against Clifton. We were the only Beaudesert victors that day. Elsa Waller was exceptional on the wing, so nearly scoring a goal after dodging round all the defenders. Clemmie Montgomerie was also reliable as wing and sometimes centre forward helping set up some goals. Our goalie Annabel Gilder did not let a single ball go in. The goal of the season was at the tournament hosted by Clifton. I posted up to create space which Zoe Davison ran into, receiving a lovely slap from Iona Jardine. Zoe dodged the defenders and passed to Mimi Haycraft Mee who hit the ball very hard into the goal. Mimi was our top scorer. At the back Iona is like a brick wall, not allowing any balls past her. Francesca Priest as a wing or centre forward was very good, creating space and scoring many goals. We worked really well as a team, only losing two matches – a brilliant result. Mimi Haycraft Mee and I made up the team motto ‘SDS’ – Strength, Determination and Skill. Anne-Marie Bowring Year 8

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

3RD & 4TH XI Team: A Walker, A Strain, J Phelps, B Holloway, M-J Gardner, I Parr, E Lowde, R Hill, M Fawcett, N Nicolas, T Godding, A Ramsey, E Pitman, R Parker, R Norman,T Barden

Results 3rd XI: v The Dragon v St Hugh’s v St John’s v Dean Close v Pinewood v Clifton v Prior Park v Cheltenham Ladies’

Won Won Won Won Won Lost Won Won

2 - 0 Away 2 - 0 Home 2 - 0 Away 6 - 0 Home 2 - 1 Home 1 - 3 Away 5 - 0 Away 1 - 0 Away

Results 4th XI: v The Dragon v Dean Close v Pinewood v Clifton v Cheltenham Ladies’

Won Won Won Lost Lost

2 - 1 Away 8 - 0 Away 5 - 2 Home 0 - 3 Away 0 - 4 Away

What an exciting and exhausting season!! The 3rds and 4ths had some fantastic results, losing just three matches. Some of them were incredibly nail biting and real end to end thrillers. Our first match was the dreaded away trip to The Dragon, a fixture we are normally apprehensive about as they are tough opposition. However Amy captained the first match to a victory. The 4ths saw Thea Barden excel in her first match for Beaudesert. Both Rosies proved to be great goal keepers, making many saves.

UNDER 11A Team: M D’Arcy Rice, A Sopher, K Hauger, K Wright, I McLaughlan, L Vint, T Gibbons, O Puckett, L Winfrey, M Moorsom Results: v St Edward’s Won 5 - 2 Home v St Hugh’s Won 4 - 1 Away v Dean Close Won 5 - 1 Away v The Elms Won 4 - 1 Home v Pinewood Won 8 - 0 Away v Abberley Hall Won 3 - 0 Away v Clifton Won 8 - 2 Away v Prior Park Won 5 - 1 Home Prior Park Tournament - Champions Tour at Mount House - 11A Won 3 - 2 - U12A Drew 2 - 2 Tour at Sandroyd - Won 5 - 1 IAPS Tournament - Quarter Finalists Severnside Tournament - Champions Country Tournament - County Champions South West Final - Winner of Group (7th overall) As is clear by the results table above, it was an extremely successful season, without any losses during the school fixtures and some exceptional performances in the wealth of tournaments we attended – highlights include becoming the

Georgi took the helm against St Hugh’s in what proved to be an exhausting match on the grass. Both teams had to battle not only against each other but around the wind and the rain (the parents very sensibly taking refuge in the pavilion!). Both Jess and Georgia scored brilliant goals, with the whole team working well as a unit to get the ball into the D. The St John’s match saw Mary-Jane captain another victorious team. Amelia shone on the wing, upsetting St John’s rhythm. To continue the success, both teams went on to wrap up easy wins against Dean Close, the 3rds winning 6-0 and the 4ths a resounding 8-0! Jess started the run of goals out on the wing before moving into the centre to control the game, feeding the ball out wide to the wings. Both Raffy and Thea were inches away from scoring on several occasions. Pinewood at home brought the next wave of the bad weather matches as the wind and rain made things that little bit more difficult. Nevertheless both teams battled hard to get another two wins on the board. The wake-up of the season came away to Clifton. An evenly-matched game took hold early on for the 3rds with Clifton scoring first. A fight back ensued, resulting in an equalizer but sadly Clifton were quick on the attack and finished victorious. Raffy and Imo played extremely well on the wings to help the 4ths. Both the girls have showed outstanding improvements over the term, with Imo earning herself a place on the 3rds by the end of term and helping to clinch a 1 - 0 victory against Cheltenham Ladies’ (possibly the coldest, wettest and windiest game of the season).

Gloucestershire champions and reaching the quarter finals in the South West tournament. The girls have earned the respect of a number of teams and many coaches have commented on not only the talent of the Beaudesert girls, but also their encouraging and determined team spirit. They really are a credit to the school. The overnight hockey tour to Mount House followed by a fixture at Sandroyd was hugely successful and the girls returned unbeaten and full of stories of new friends and singing the tour song, ‘Blame it on Beaudesert!’ Our sticks are always dancing, playing with the ball. It wouldn’t be a bad thing if we scored more goals. We spent the night in Devon in every kind of heaven. From that night we had an unbeatable tour. Don’t blame it on the Sandroyd, Don’t blame it on Mount House Don’t blame it on hockey Blame it on BEAUDESERT! There have been so many notable performances this season by all of the girls. Mollie D’Arcy Rice has lead the charge of the attack. Katie Hauger continues to develop into an enormously talented player. She has used her speed and skill to run around the defence, down the wings and right around the base line. Kitty Wright’s strength has become increasingly apparent this

Snow cancelled the last match of the season but I think at this point we were all grateful for a rest! Well done to all the players and good luck to the Year 8s in their next school. LS

UNDER 12s Team: F Priest, Z Davison, S Dibben, I Jardine, C Large, H Mather, E Pitman, R Sowerbutts, T Barden, A Gilder, F Morrissey

Results: v The Elms Lost 1 - 4 Away v Bromsgrove Lost 1 - 3 Home Cheltenham Ladies’ Tournament - 5th place

The Year 7 girls, as well as playing alongside the Year 8s, had a few opportunities to play with and against their own year group. The girls have improved so much this year, being encouraged and guided by their Year 8 peers. The Cheltenham Ladies’ tournament was a great experience and the standard of play for Year 7 was extremely high. Iona has been solid in defence and Hannah Mather and Francesca Priest worked well together in attack. Ella Pitman has proved a valuable and versatile player, having the ability to play both in goal and in the field. Sophie Dibben is another player who has in particular benefited from playing with the older girls. She has become more and more confident throughout the season on the wing and will be one to watch for next year. Florence Channing has been a regular member of the 1st team squad and continues to develop her skills and understanding of the game. SW season and this combined with her unfailing courage has enabled her to score some powerful goals. On the right wing, Arabella Sopher has worked well with Katie and Mollie using her tactical awareness to set up some excellent attacking positions and she has used her bravery in scoring straight off the goalkeeper’s pads. The solid defence, in the form of Lucia Vint and Bella McLaughlan, has left some attackers feeling bemused! Lucia’s powerful strike has often helped the Beaudesert girls to quickly turn a defence position into an attacking one. Bella has tackled with confidence and strength stopping attacking forwards in their tracks, using her skills to dodge and then send the ball up to the attackers. I continue to be completely amazed by the concentration and determination of Tamara Gibbons, who as goalkeeper, has not often seen the ball and yet on the odd occasions she has encountered a strike at goal she has been poised on her toes ready to send the ball right out the circle and down the wing. It would be wrong to finish this report without finally thanking the parents for their unfailing support and encouragement, despite some fairly miserable weather conditions at times. It always makes such a difference to have you all there on the side line, so on behalf of the girls and myself, thank you so much! JH

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

UNDER 11B Team: G Martin, C Walker, C Garner, S Graham, O Puckett, A Dunne, I Dingman, I Brodermann, L Kuropatwa, L Winfrey, I Mitchell, M Moorsom

Results: v The Downs, Malvern Won v St Edward’s Won v St Hugh’s Won v St John’s Lost v Dean Close Won v Tockington Lost v Pinewood Drew v Abberley Hall Won v Clifton Won v Prior Park Drew v The Dragon Lost v Cheltenham Jnr Drew

2 – 0 2 – 0 3 – 1 2 – 3 7 – 0 3 – 4 3 – 3 8 – 0 8 – 2 3 – 3 0 – 3 2 – 2

Away Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Away

This was a fantastic season for the U11Bs. From the very beginning of term the team demonstrated their enthusiasm for the game and this continued right until the icy cold afternoons in December. The score record really speaks for itself, demonstrating the talent and ability of the girls to only lose three matches all season, two of which were totally nail biting to the very last whistle! Particular highlights were the enormous victories over Clifton and Dean Close. In these matches the girls played very strong hockey, working tightly in defence to make sure that no goals were concededamazing! In goal Sapphire Graham was determined and brave, making some super saves. The backs were a strong unit of tough tacklers, especially the fearless Charlotte Garner, who often landed on the floor rather than let the ball past her. The huge hits of Charlotte Walker were also a secret weapon of the U11Bs. This deadly strike could quickly turn defence into attack before the other team could even say ‘hockey’! The midfielders were enthusiastic and energetic and their passing improved during the term. On the wings Ottie Puckett and Lara Winfrey were skilful and dangerous, swiftly flying up the sidelines to surprise unsuspecting goalies. However, the most pleasing aspect over the term was the growing team spirit and commitment that made coaching sessions really fun. Their attitude enabled great progress in their skills to be made, and promotion for some to the As during the term. Well done, girls, on a superb season! RG

UNDER 10 A

UNDER 10 B

Team: T Priest, E Flynn, A Gouriet, S Shepherd, K Hughes, F Elvidge, T Parr, W Gravell

Team: P Stopford, R Abingdon, A Mullen, L Burns, X Jardine, A Hall, C Reid, D Mitford-Slade, R Fawcett

Results: v St Edward’s Lost 0 - 3 v St Hugh’s Drew 0 - 0 v St John’s Won 2 - 1 v Dean Close Won 3 - 0 v The Elms Won 1 - 0 v Pinewood Won 2 - 0 v Abberley Hall Won 5 - 0 v Prior Park Won 3 - 1 v The Dragon Lost 3 - 4 Severnside Tournament – 1st place Badminton Tournament – 3rd place

Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Away Away

After a shaky start the girls got to grips. The tournaments were fantastic; we came third in the first one and in the Severnside we came first. In the first tournament we had to do a goal rush, when one player from Beaudesert and one person from your opponents’ team stand in the goals at either end. When the whistle was blown they would dribble down the middle and the first player to score for their team wins the match. The team has really worked well together. When the team is determined that they can win, they play outstandingly well. The Dragon was undoubtedly the toughest team we have ever played. Sadly at the end of the season a few matches were cancelled because of bad weather. Tamsin Priest Year 5

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Results: v St Edward’s v Tockington v Berkhampstead v Pinewood v The Dragon v St John’s v Abberley Hall

Won Drew Lost Won Lost Lost Lost

2 - 1 1 - 1 0 - 3 6 - 0 1 - 5 0 - 1 2 - 3

Away Away Home Away Away Home Away

Our team is united because we are all good friends and we know what tactics to use. We are very grateful to Miss Gilliatt because she has coached us very well. We sometimes lose

but we still congratulate the other team. On the coach to St Edward’s we were very nervous as it was our first match but as we started playing, our confidence built up and we won 2 – 1. At Pinewood we approached the game with a positive frame of mind and in the end we won 6 – 0. Unfortunately we lost a couple of matches but that has not let our spirits down. Catharine Reid is a talented right back. Xa Jardine is a very tactical left back. Alice Hall is very good at running up the wing and shooting at goal. Lottie Burns and Daisy Mitford-Slade are very good centre halves and Ana Mullen is always there to help. Rose Fawcett is extremely fast up the wing. Rebecca Abingdon is a very clever goal-keeper. Poppy Stopford is an amazing centre forward as she is always dribbling up with the ball. Catharine Reid Year 5

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

UNDER 10 C Team: I Brook, L Dunne, E Beattie, J Snell, R Smith, TT Ward-Thomas, D Schrager von Altishofen, L Burns, R Abingdon, A Mullen

Results: v The Dragon v St John’s v Tockington A v Clifton

Drew Lost Lost Lost

1 - 1 0 - 3 2 - 4 0 - 3

Away Home Away Home

We try our hardest and we have very good team spirit. Every person has a different skill at a different position. We have won, lost and drawn a good variety of matches but at each of them we have had courtesy, respect and good sportsmanship. We switch around positions so that every person gets to play the positions they want to play. Emma Beattie normally plays wing or centre forward. Daphne Schrager von Altishofen plays wing or back. Rebecca Smith plays back. Jemima Snell plays goalkeeper. TT Ward-Thomas plays back and centre forward. Lauren Dunne and Imogen Brook play at the wing. Lottie Burns (sometimes in the C team) plays centre half. Rebecca Abingdon (sometimes plays in the C team) plays goalkeeper. L Dunne Year 5

UNDER 9 B Team: A Biddulph, J Ferrigno, V Levinson, C Whitcombe, P Read, S Morgan-Rodda, E Garner, M Pitman, L Quinn, I Standen McDougal

Results: v Berkhampstead Lost 0 - 6 v Pinewood Won 4 - 0 v Clifton Won 2 - 0 v The Dragon Lost 0 - 6 Severnside Tournament - 7th place

Home Home Away Home

The B team was thrown into the deep end at the beginning of the term with their first matches being the Severnside Tournament. Unfortunately all our matches were against A teams so the final placing does not reflect their enthusiasm and hard work. The next match was against Berkhampstead‘s A team who turned out to be very strong, the girls did their best but the experience at playing such excellent opposition put them in good stead.

UNDER 9 A Team: S Elvin, I Mayer, L Newman, B Ransome, F Saxton, H Skelding, I Walker, B Knight, A Martin

Results: v St John’s Lost v Dean Close Drew v Pinewood Lost v Clifton Lost v The Dragon Won v The Downs, Wraxall Won

1 - 4 1 - 1 2 - 3 0 - 2 4 - 0 5 - 4

Away Home Home Away Home Away

Severnside Tournament - 4th place

The girls had an enjoyable hockey season with mixed results. In the first match against St John’s, defensively we played very well, but unfortunately although determined and full of enthusiasm, the girls were on top of each other and struggled with their spacing. The next fixture was the Severnside Tournament where we turned up feeling excited but apprehensive at such an early point in the term. Our first game of the tournament was against St John’s

and we were delighted and surprised to beat them 2 – 0 after our defeat a few days ago. This lifted the girls’ confidence and we were extremely happy to win our next two matches and then the group stage. In the semi – final unfortunately Clifton beat us in a close but very exciting match. With their concentration fading, Dean Close got the better of us in the play offs, leaving us in a very creditable 4th place. As the season progressed the girls started to gel as a team and their spacing, passing and attacking the goal improved with each game. Our first win of the term was on a bitterly cold afternoon against The Dragon and the girls showed their strength and character to battle on through tears and win quite convincingly, although the smiles did not appear until after a hot shower! The girls played strongly again against The Downs, Wraxall and with another win under our belts we looked forward to the next matches. Unfortunately the weather turned against us and our last two matches were cancelled. A special mention must go to Bea Knight for her determination and the scoring of many goals this term, also to Isabelle Mayer and Sophie Elvin for being such fantastic defensive players and to Honor Skelding for her excellent positioning. SF/GBW

The girls’ first win of the term was against Pinewood with Alice and Ellie scoring the goals and Lotte playing very well in defence. With their confidence growing and their positioning and passing improving we were delighted with another win against Clifton. The girls were excited to be playing The Dragon and to meet their old team player Fabia Veelenturf, but were less impressed with the icy cold winds that descended upon us. At the beginning of the second half the whole team, even the goal keeper, were crying. I knew it was going to be a tough battle and they were all very relieved when the match finished. However, they enjoyed catching up at match tea with Fabia! The girls were disappointed that the last couple of matches were cancelled because of the snow, especially as they had started to improve in all areas. A special mention must go to Isabelle Standen McDougal for progressing well, to Cleo Whitcombe for her determination, to Alice Biddulph for scoring lots of goals, Sophie Morgan-Rodda as goal keeper and to Lotte Quinn for being a strong defender. SF/GBW

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

1ST XI Team: G Gordon Lennox, H Chamberlain, F Neal, G Maxwell, J Beattie, F Vint (capt)*, J Jamieson Black, J Battishill, R Milne*, T Ravano, P de Barros, G Levinson. *denotes colours

Results: v Tockington v Clifton v Pinewood v Abberley Hall v The Elms v Wycliffe

Drew Lost Lost Lost Lost Drew

2 - 2 2 - 3 1 - 5 1 - 4 2 - 3 2 - 2

Home Away Away Home Home Away

The season started off with promise. A draw against Tockington showed that there was skill and determination in the team. At Clifton we went two goals up against a very skilful side, only to lose out by one goal. The playmakers, Jono Jamieson Black and Rupert Milne, worked well together and were able to thread the ball through to Tommaso Ravano and Patrick de Barros up front. All looked good! It was therefore a bit of a shock to go down to Pinewood by our heaviest defeat of the season. Despite playing well, our defence was constantly being split and the opposition were able to make full use of the almost full size goals. A slow start against Abberley Hall saw a similar situation arise and we were thankful to have Geordie Gordon Lennox in goal and we rallied to have a fantastic second half. It was the

2ND XI Team: H Large, C Amati, G Maxwell, S Moorsom, S Shepherd, J Burns, C Clark, L Pitman, F Campbell, R Fitch Kemp, O Shale, H Hudson, B Dean

Results: v Tockington v Clifton v Pinewood v Abberley Hall v The Elms v St John’s v Wycliffe

Drew Lost Lost Won Won Lost Won

0 - 0 0 - 2 0 - 4 2 - 0 2 - 0 1 - 3 2 - 1

Away Away Home Home Home Home Home

All the pre-Christmas fixtures were cancelled due to the weather and there was little opportunity to do much practice. The first match in the New Year was against Tockington

3RD XI Team: A Wilson, Co Evans, H Woodham, W Cresswell, A Howes, H Mitford-Slade, O Fanshawe, O McIntyre, Ca Evans, C Barnes, C Amati, H Catto Results: v Prior Park v Clifton v Pinewood v Abberley Hall v St John’s

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Won Won Drew Won Lost

3 - 2 3 - 2 0 - 0 5 - 0 1 - 2

Soccer

Home Home Away Away Away

same story against The Elms, a slow start but we looked sensational when we got going. Our last two matches were probably our best and we were unlucky to lose in the last few seconds to St John’s. Victory was grasped from us at Wycliffe when we had the upper hand! It is always tough at first team level but it was pleasing to see progress being made by Jack

Beattie and the captain, Freddie Vint who was a stalwart throughout this very short season. There was no doubt that the team had skill and looked very good when in full flow. We were, however, slow to start and this cost us dearly on several occasions. GR

and with 75% of the possession and territory we should have secured a convincing win. Unfortunately we could not score, either failing to hit the target or popping it rather obligingly straight to their keeper. Chances came our way at Clifton but again we did not convert them; even a penalty went begging. The pitch was wide and long - this gave the teams space which they used well. This was not the case at Pinewood. The very small pitch cramped our style and constricted those faster players. Careless errors and a breakdown in teamwork led to an unfortunate scoreline that did not reflect the ability of the team. It was only after this defeat that we started playing to our potential. Abberley Hall proved a turning point with George Maxwell scoring twice - being in the right place at the right time. His speed enabled us to attack from the defence and then cover back. (He disappeared to the 1st XI after this match). The Elms was a similar match. They played attractive

football but were less hungry. St John’s were too strong and played the best football we faced. The 1 - 3 score against us was proof that we defended well and took our chance when it came. The final match was against Wycliffe and fittingly it was the best football we played all season. We used our pace on the ball and width of the pitch to create opportunities. The first goal came from a corner; beautifully taken by Luke Pitman, it was headed it in at the far post by Brett Dean, captain for the day. I have often thought a ‘headed’ goal should count as two, this was worth three or four! Ralph Fitch Kemp scored the second from open play, just reward for plenty of effort throughout the season. It was an enjoyable season with honours even by the end. The Year 7s will have learnt a lot and gained valuable experience for next year when hopefully they will take revenge on their losses from this term. JSSM

This season has been an extremely enjoyable one. The team played some very attractive soccer, scoring freely and above all having fun in the process. It was clear right from the start that the 3rd X1 was going to contain some real characters that in many cases were unlucky not to play at a higher level. Defensively we were very strong with William Cresswell marshalling a defence that only conceded five goals all season. In midfield Conor Evans worked tirelessly, running from box to box for the full seventy minutes. Our main goal treat came from Hamish Catto and Hugo Mitford-Slade who both contributed a hatful of goals. A special mention has to go to our ‘secret weapon’ Ollie McIntyre who time and time again, made important tackles and managed to break up the opponents’ attacks. AME

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

COLTS A Team: K Penny, R Haycraft Mee, T Mayer, O Pritchard, A Comaish, S Fairer-Smith, F Jodrell, T Elvin, J Muir, F Milne, J Skelding, J Strain

Results: v Prior Park 7 a side Won v Tockington 7 a side Won v St Hugh’s 9 a side Lost v Pinewood 9 a side Lost v Wycliffe 7 a side Won v Abberley Hall 7 a side Lost v The Elms 7 a side Drew v St John’s 11 a side Lost v Wycliffe 11 a side Lost

7 - 2 2 - 1 0 - 3 2 - 3 2 - 1 0 - 2 1 - 1 0 - 2 1 - 2

Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Away

The under 11As had a mixed but very enjoyable season. With a large proportion of hard working and hard tackling players, we were more akin to Stoke City than Barcelona. The team adopted the maxim ‘if in doubt kick it out’. Then in order to play to our strengths, we usually used a lone striker, a packed midfield and defence with a sweeper and then an excellent goalkeeper, Rasmus Haycraft Mee, behind them. The sweeper position was played with considerable aplomb by Timmy Mayer who specialised in last ditch tackles, including one notable incident, when he took the ball and two of the opposition out in the same challenge. Our

most natural footballer, Kit Penny, scored most of our goals when we won the ball and counter attacked quickly. Our two most memorable games were at home to Wycliffe when they spent most of the game pounding our defence only to lose to two break away goals, and at home to St John’s who had succeeded against most opposition with a skilful passing game and a strong physical approach. After the fourth attempt to try and pass the ball from their defence and being harried out of possession by our team, they settled for trying to match us for physical presence. Only an unfortunate injury which reduced us to 10 men prevented what would have been a highly entertaining nil-nil draw. Injuries were not usually a problem for us, as any of the opposition brave enough to attempt a fifty- fifty tackle usually finished up airborne. U11 Prep school football is also setting a greater ‘mathematical’ and team strategy challenge with FA guidelines persuading some schools to play 7-a-side (no offside, both Year 5s and 6s), 9-a-side (offside and presence of Year 5s open to negotiation) and 11-a-side (only Year 6s and offside). As can be seen from our results the need to change between different numbers and for players to quickly adapt to different strategies handicapped us against schools that had one set format. In the long term, however, this need for greater flexibility can only have improved our players. MB

COLTS C Team: M Verschoyle, H Morgan-Grenville, M Scheuner, F Hellens, J Gibson, H Neely, T Smith

Results: v Tockington Lost v St Hugh’s Won v Abberley Hall Lost

0 - 4 3 - 1 0 - 4

Home Away Home

The Colts C team, or as I prefer to call them, ‘The All-Stars’, turned up week after week, practised hard and always tried their very best. Although only three fixtures could be put together for them this year, in each of those three fixtures, the boys did Beaudesert proud. The highlight of their season had to be the St Hugh’s match. Having already conceded 4 goals in the opening game and not even making it out of our half, when Hugo buried that first goal, the team was suddenly revived. ‘High-Fives’ and congratulations soon spread throughout all of the players. This was their moment! A good display of control by the midfielders and an attacking effort by the forwards, not forgetting the support from the defence, left the boys 3-1 up at the end of the match. Chests out, they were the victors for the day...and that’s all that mattered! JLB

COLTS B Team: J Skelding, H Newman, L Sopher, O Pritchard, H Everest, C Turk, J Berry, A Comaish, H Delap, H Golesworthy, H Neely, B Barnes

Results: v Prior Park v Tockington v St Hugh’s v Abberley Hall v The Elms v St John’s v Wycliffe

Won Lost Lost Lost Won Won Lost

2 - 1 1 - 4 1 - 5 1 - 7 2 - 1 3 - 1 1 - 4

Home Home Away Home Away Away Away

Rugby fever had barely been shaken off before we were full swing into the soccer season. The one aspect that I really love about a B team in any sport is the fact that you can always count on the children putting in a massive effort with the hope of possibly moving up at some point. The boys this season were much like our typical Beaudesert bunch - small, reasonably balanced, but with tremendous heart and determination. Practice after practice, the boys worked hard to develop their skills and confidence with a football at their feet. Regularly playing short practice matches against the Colts A was an enormous benefit to the team and they certainly improved as the season went on. A solid performance against Prior Park to kick off the season was followed up by three tough matches against Tockington, St Hugh’s and Abberley Hall. Beaten for pace, aggression on the ball and a precision finish, things were looking tough! But as the typical Beaudesert record shows, our boys never throw in the towel and the two wins that followed against The Elms and St John’s rounded off an excellent season of football. Well done to all of the players for their hard work and commitment to the team throughout the season and a special well done needs to go to Alex Comaish, our team goal keeper. Alex worked very hard throughout the season and very often a goal keeper gets overlooked when it comes to summing up the performance of a team. Although conceding numerous goals during the season, had it not been for our very brave goal keeper, that goal count would have been easily doubled. JLB

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UNDER 10 A Team: H North, C Leeper, P Tabor, J Kite, T Pilsbury, G Standen McDougal Results: v Prior Park Won v Abberley Hall Lost v Wycliffe Won v Wycliffe Lost v Berkhampstead Lost v Clifton Won v Wycliffe Drew

4 - 2 2 - 7 3 - 1 0 - 6 1 - 5 2 - 1 2 - 2

Away Away Home Away Home Away Home

This was a very busy fixture list for this group of boys but it was full of excitement with some good wins and disappointing losses. It took some time to find our goal keeper but eventually, Henry North was recruited to this difficult position and this really made a difference. It was a shame he only played the last two matches! In defence the hard tackling Columba Leeper threw himself around and never gave an inch to the opposition. George Standen McDougal, the most improved player of the season, ran, blocked and smashed the ball away to good effect on many an occasion. The silky skills of Johnny Kite, Piers Tabor and Thomas Pilsbury created many chances and many quality goals were scored by all three of them. So after a good start, a frustrating middle part and a great finish to the season, all in all, I was very impressed by the quality of their soccer but also by their attitude never to give up when things got tough. EC

UNDER 10 C Team: A Weston, F McConnell, O McGill, H Bailey, E Nelson, C Crabb, O Henry, F Hughes Results: v Abberley Hall Lost v Wycliffe Lost v Berkhampstead Won v Clifton Lost v Wycliffe Won

0 - 5 0 - 2 1 - 0 0 - 1 8 - 0

Away Home Home Away Home

Games were won, games were lost. The most important thing was that these boys got a few games of soccer where they could compete against other schools and compare their skills. It was great to see them charging around giving their all, with smiles on their faces and clearly enjoying the matches. This is what sport is about. EC

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UNDER 10 B Team: M Lawrence, W Comaish, C Carpenter, E Norman, S D’Arcy Rice, M Haynes Results: v Prior Park Won v Abberley Hall Drew v Wycliffe Won v St John’s Lost v Wycliffe Lost v Berkhampstead Lost v Clifton Lost v Wycliffe Drew

1 - 0 3 - 3 1 - 0 0 - 7 0 - 7 1 - 4 0 - 2 2 - 2

Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Away

This was a testing season for this group of boys who won and drew some good games but then lost heavily in others. With many people chopping and changing between the teams, every week produced a different formation and therefore this team lacked the consistency to get the results. There were many positives, with the whole squad giving their all in each match; the colour of their faces after the games showed that the effort level was there. Their skill level and positional play also got better as the season progressed and by the end, the team had gelled and were playing as a unit. EC

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

UNDER 9s A Team: J Catto, A Amati, A Haynes, H Gearon, J Tucker, M Arkwright, P Ravano B Team: W Gibson, S Hughes, A Stamp, A Probert, T Melvin, B Mather, M Hudson C/D Team: T Davey, T Kinsella, J Lowde, F Large, J Taylor-Kimmins, T Norman, W Golesworthy, T Jodrell, H Hellens.

Results: v Prior Park A team B team

Won Drew

2 - 0 2 - 2

Home Home

v St Hugh’s A team B team C team D team

Lost Won Lost Lost

0 - 4 2 - 0 0 - 2 0 - 1

Home Home Home Home

v Pinewood A team B team C team D team

Drew Lost Lost Won

2 - 2 0 - 2 0 - 1 1 - 0

Away Away Away Away

Lost Won Drew Lost

3 - 6 3 - 1 0 - 0 0 - 1

Home Home Home Home

Won Lost Drew Lost

5 - 2 1 - 3 0 - 0 1 - 2

Home Home Home Home

Lost Won Won Lost

3 - 5 2 - 1 2 - 1 1 - 2

Home Home Home Home

v The Downs Wraxall A team Won B team Drew C team Lost D team Drew

4 - 1 1 - 1 0 - 2 1 - 1

Home Home Home Home

v Clifton A team B team C team D team

3 - 1 2 - 3 0 - 1 2 - 1

Home Home Home Home

v Berkhampstead A team B team C team D team v St John’s A team B team C team D team v Wycliffe A team B team C team D team

Won Lost Lost Won

A team festival at Hatherop (Semi - finals. Won all group matches) A and B team festival at Tockington (A team - runners up. B team 3rd place) A team festival at Clifton (round robin format) A, B, C, D soccer festival at Cheltenham Junior (round robin format)

Overall, a successful season for a strong sporting year group. They have been keen to improve their football skills and the development they have shown has been good to see. We have had several school matches and both results and performances have improved considerably. The A and B squads have played in a number of tournaments and have enjoyed and been competitive in all of them. The festival at Hatherop was a particular highlight, Beaudesert only losing on penalties in the semi-final. DR

UNDER 8s Team: H Brook, F Baker, C Davison, L Biffen, J Flynn, G Mills, C Shearer, E Walker, A Tubbs, F Taylor-Kimmins, F Walker, L Wiles, B Wilson, O Mullen, G Mitchell, T Morris After a scintillating rugby season everyone involved with the U8 soccer squad was very much looking forward to another successful term on the pitch. It became clear from the very beginning of the spring term that there were some talented players with good individual skills. We worked on progression of these skills and concentrated on core-skills, passing and moving, defensive and attacking movement. Positional play proved to be the most

challenging coaching aspect as a prementioned competitiveness and the need to be in control of the football overrode positional play a great deal of the time. This in turn really affected our strategic play and confusion reigned. However it was not all doom and gloom with both positive results against Cheltenham Jnr and Wycliffe and a very strong performance against St John’s. It is hard to pick out individuals but Freddie Baker scored some lovely goals this term and Guy Mitchell is a very much improved player. From a coaching point of view it was disappointing not to see a straight line of progression, but this consistency will come with hard work and the realisation that the team is what counts! AME

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

UNDER 13A Team: G Bathurst*, A-M Bowring*, M Haycraft Mee, G James, A. Knowles*, O. Muir*, S Phillips, L Rogers, S Sopher* (capt) *denotes colours

Results: v Abberley Hall Won v St John’s (half match) Drew v Dean Close Won v Pinewood Won v Bromsgrove Lost v The Downs, Malvern Drew v The Elms Won v St Hugh’s Won v Wycliffe Lost v Cheltenham Jnr Won v Prior Park Won v The Dragon Won

17 - 5 2 - 2 20 - 7 18 - 6 8 - 18 11 - 11 16 - 6 19 - 12 9 - 11 18 - 4 20 - 17 14 - 13

Netball

Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Home

IAPS Regional Won 4 lost 3 Severnside 5th Our first match was against Abberley. Being the first fixture of the season we went up feeling nervous and apprehensive. Last year’s match had been cancelled because of the snow so we had no idea how it might go. The game was fast paced but goals were slow to come. At the end of the first quarter there were only two goals in it. A quick pep talk fired the girls up again and Octavia and Genny’s shots became consistent whilst Sydney and Anne-Marie acted like a brick wall, making Abberley’s shooters struggle to get near the post. Our first disappointment of the season came against Bromsgrove, a match I had to watch from the sidelines on crutches. Bromsgrove had brilliantly timed dodges, consistently outwitting us in the first half and never allowing us to get started.

UNDER 13B Team: H Field, M Haycraft Mee, A Strain, E Waller, M-J Gardner, B Holloway, A Walker, J Phelps, S Comery, C Montgomerie, S Phillips, G James

Results: v Tockington Won v Dean Close Won v Bromsgrove Lost v Cheltenham Ladies’ Won v Clifton Won v Cheltenham Ladies’ Won v Wycliffe Won v Cheltenham Jnr Won

17 - 5 19 - 2 8 - 15 20 - 2 22 - 17 19 - 7 25 - 4 14 - 6

Home Home Home Away Away Away Away Away

Severnside 2nd VII Tournament: Played 5 Won 5, Tournament Champions It was not entirely evident from the early games sessions how good a team we would be able to field this term. Fresh from a long hockey season, netball skills were rusty, footwork was sloppy and the weather perishingly cold. What a team needs under these circumstances are the essentials in order to compete in matches: a good mid-court

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Following that slight disappointment everyone was ready for the next match against Dean Close. Once again the ball was flying from one end to another at a blistering pace with all three centre court players (Lydia, Arabella and Georgina) linking effortlessly to both ends of the court. A win was well deserved. A frustrating loss against Wycliffe fired the team up ready for the IAPS regional tournament. Expectations were tentative with a group full of unknown schools - except Millfield! Our first match seemed quickly decided as Chafyn Grove took a strong lead in the first half but the girls fought back hard to bring the goal difference to one. Sadly for us that was when the full time whistle went. The next few matches saw the

girls really pick up the pace and pull off some convincing wins. Millfield were a well drilled side and we walked off thrilled with a 4-10 loss! We knew the final match of the day against Taunton would be the decider for us but it wasn’t meant to be. We were relying on other teams to do badly for us to go through! The season finished with a flurry of exceptional wins against tough opponents. Prior Park had had only one other loss in their season so the standard of play was excellent for the team to have achieved a win against them. Well done to Sydney for captaining such a resilient side and to Stephanie and Mimi for battling hard all season to earn places in the A team - much deserved! LS

player, a good defender and a good shooter. Our first match against Tockington showed that we had exactly that, and more. Hebe, Bea and Mimi filled the ‘essentials’ categories, while the other girls provided pace and quality all over the court. From this first match the style of play was established - uncompromising and energetic in defence, and lightning quick in attack. Mimi and Amy used the space in the circle as if they had been playing together for years rather than days. Mimi’s finishing was lethal, a factor which went a long way towards establishing the team’s success over the term. A good looking victory over Dean Close was followed by a loss to Bromsgrove for which we were missing three front-line players (I know – excuses, excuses!). The best match of the season for me was an end to end encounter with a skilled and fast team away at Clifton. In a way, one passage of play summed up the team’s season. Clifton launched a fight-back in the final quarter, scoring four goals on the bounce. They then attacked again and put together 15 or 16 passes in a row without being allowed to get a shot away. Bea finally intercepted, and three quick passes later Mimi was under the post shooting a goal. We scored again within seconds of our centre pass, and the Clifton comeback was over.

The tournament at Wycliffe was obviously the highlight of the season. When we drew with Clifton in the third game it was evident that the whole result could come down to goal difference. In the next game we converted an unpromising 1 – 0 lead into a final score of 8 – 0. As we won the tournament by scoring 23 goals to Clifton’s 22 this was a crucial half! Over the course of the season several girls left the ranks of the B team to play for the A squad with great success. Mimi and Stephanie went up permanently, but others played a game when required. Hebe stayed at the heart of the team, planning centre passes, calling out advice (and always saying “please”, not the most commonly heard word in sport) and generally keeping everyone motivated. Our team, unusually for successfull netball teams, was not particularly tall, quite the opposite, but our ‘twin towers’ at the back, Bea and Amelia, were very effective. Amelia would be even more imposing if she could stop apologising to the opposition when she’s made a great play! Throughout the season the girls supported each other, trained cheerfully and gave everything in matches, coming from behind in key games and showing real character. Well done, everyone! KDB

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

UNDER 13C Team: J Phelps, G Gilder, S Comery, M-J Gardner, A Walker, G Sykes, A Strain, C Montgomerie

Results: v Tockington Won 8 - 6 Home v Cheltenham Ladies’ Lost 5 - 9 Away v The Dragon Won 18 - 9 Away

The U13 C team had three matches to show off their skills as a team, and most of the girls played matches for the B squad and even for the A team as well! Although the weather was never great for practising the girls continued to play at a high standard and improved as a team. It was a pleasure to work with this amazing group of girls and be able to see them grow and flourish as netball players. They were always willing to take advice and playing well was always the main priority. Their teamwork and good sportsmanship, the foundations of all good sportswomen, were evident throughout the term and in all their matches. Their first two matches showed good all-court play, with particular strength at the back. As the girls became more settled in positions our attacking play became more effective and they wholly deserved the wonderful result at the Dragon. The U13 C team worked hard for the results they gained and deserve to be congratulated on the brilliant attitude that was shown at every games session and all matches in which they were involved. It is safe to say that these girls have a very bright future ahead of them and I encourage them to continue with their attitude towards sport, especially netball. LR

UNDER 12B/C Team: R Parker, M Fawcett, S Dibben, N Nicolas, E Lowde, R Sowerbutts. I Parr, R Norman, R Hill, T Godding, T Barden, A Ramsey, A Gilder

Results: v Abberley Hall B Lost v Dean Close B Won v Pinewood B Won v Bromsgrove B Won v Cheltenham Ladies’ B Lost v Cheltenham Ladies’ C Lost v Clifton B Lost v Clifton C Won v Wycliffe B Lost v Wycliffe C Won v The Dragon B Lost v The Dragon C Lost v Cheltenham Jnr B Lost

5 - 22 9 - 8 11 - 9 9 - 3 3 - 13 2 - 18 5 - 17 6 - 3 6 - 12 6 - 5 12 - 23 2 - 18 4 - 12

Away Home Home Home Away Away Away Away Away Away Away Away Away

Returning to school in the spring term can be a weather lottery. Will the courts be white with snow or baked in sunshine? This year the early snow had disappeared on our return and after a few practices the girls faced tough opposition, Abberley Hall away. The opponents

fielded several Year 8 girls who used their height advantage well around both Ds. Although the girls suffered a decisive loss, the bar had been set high for the rest of the season. The squad continued to put a lot of effort into their practices and as a result were rewarded with higher skill levels, a stronger understanding of the game and more importantly more enjoyable playing. As a coach it is so rewarding to see players respond and progress, in particular Rosie Hill who developed her blocking skills with great success on court and in addition used her height to counter-attack effectively. Ruby Sowerbutts was our player of the season and towards the end of the term was duly promoted to the A team along with Sophie Dibben who also continued to raise the standard of her play. Imogen Parr and Raffi Parker are two further players who evolved on court. Imogen learnt the importance of movement around the D and Raffi used her height successfully in defence. A pleasing term against some tenacious opposition. SW

UNDER 12A Team: H Mather, F Priest, S Dibben, Z Davison, F Channing, F Morrissey, I Jardine, C Large, R Sowerbutts Results: v Abberley Hall Lost 9 - 11 v St John’s Lost 8 - 13 v Pinewood Won 20 - 0 v Bromsgrove Lost 11 - 14 v The Elms Won 8 - 5 v Wycliffe Lost 7 - 14 v Cheltenham Jnr Lost 12 - 24 v Prior Park Won 15 - 13 v The Dragon Lost 10 - 21 Severnside Tournament - 4th

Away Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Home

The Under 12A team has matured and developed greatly over the course of this season although this is not entirely reflected in the results table. The determination of the girls to improve and hone skills was reflected by their attitude both in training sessions and during fixtures. There have been a number of notable performances. The shooters, Hannah Mather and Francesca Priest, have worked well together in the attacking circle and by the end of the season were able to move quickly around the circle to outwit some strong defence, both shooting impressive goals. Sophie Dibben has really improved this season. Zoe Davison has worked hard at centre to bridge the gap between the attack and defence. Her agility and stamina have helped her to run the length of the court, both marking and finding space to support the defenders and enable the attackers. The strength of Florence Channing as a defender has resulted in the frustration of some attackers trying to out-dodge her! She has worked well with Iona Jardine in the circle to mark shots, catch the rebounds and send the ball out of the defending third. The defence was further strengthened by the deftness and confidence of Francesca Morrissey. Performances by the talented and skilful Ruby Sowerbutts helped the team to cope with some strong opposition, whilst Clodagh Large’s speed and dexterity bolstered greatly the attack. As always, the support from the parents has given great encouragement and confidence to the girls and I would like to thank you all for braving some terrible weather conditions to come and cheer the team along. It really does make such a big difference. Well done girls – another thoroughly enjoyable season. JH

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

UNDER 11A

UNDER 11B

UNDER 11C

Team: M D’Arcy Rice, K Hauger, C Walker, G Martin, O Puckett, K Wright, I McLaughlan, L Vint

Team: I Dingman, A Sopher, M Moorsom, S Slatter, L Winfrey, I Brodermann, M Grafftey-Smith

Team: F Evans, I Maxwell, T Gibbons, I Mitchell, A Dunne, C Garner, L Kuropatwa, S Graham

Results: v Abberley Hall v Dean Close v The Dragon v Pinewood v The Elms v Clifton v St Hugh’s v Wycliffe v Prior Park

Won Won Won Won Won Won Lost Lost Won

4 - 1 6 - 4 7 - 6 16 - 3 14 - 6 21 - 7 7 - 18 8 - 10 19 - 11

Home Home Away Home Home Home Home Home Away

IAPS Tournament - Lost 2, Drew 1, Won 3 Severnside Tournament - 3rd Prior Park Tournament - 3rd in group

The U11 A Team got off to a fantastic start, winning their first six matches. The girls faced some extremely tough opposition and every game was very close. With their determination and resilience they played some slick, fast-paced netball, proving to be a difficult team to defend. Our movement around the court and timing of runs was our strength. The team listened carefully to the coaching advice and took on board new tactical ideas, which took them from strength to strength. We were lucky enough to take part in three tournaments this season, which enabled us to play against different opposition and at times some very tall and tough teams. We went away to Stonar School for the IAPS tournament which presented a great challenge for the team with six matches to play in a very competitive group. It was a true team effort, with our defence of Isabella, Georgia and Lucia and Kitty having a battle on their hands which they relished in never giving up and at times putting their body on the line! Our attack of Mollie and Otti was dynamic, which enabled our shooters Katie and Charlotte to display confidence around the circle, shooting from anywhere. Even though we didn’t manage to finish winners in any of the tournaments we displayed a great attitude throughout and learnt from the experience of having to play high tempo netball consistently. We finished off the season winning very convincingly against Prior Park putting all our skills learnt over the season into play. This season was a real team effort with each individual person playing their part in the success of what has been a superb display of netball and utterly enjoyable for both myself as the coach and the children playing. Special mentions must go to Isabella for her relentless effort in defence, making outstanding, dynamic interceptions and Otti for her energy and speed over the court, making great feeds into the circle enabling the team to score numerous goals. Well done girls! GB-W

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Results: v Tockington v Dean Close v The Dragon v Pinewood v The Elms v Clifton v St Hugh’s v Wycliffe v Cheltenham Jnr v Prior Park

Lost Won Lost Won Won Drew Drew Won Lost Won

8 - 14 5 - 2 0 - 8 11 - 1 5 - 1 3 - 3 3 - 3 9 - 3 6 - 8 13 - 6

Home Home Away Away Home Home Home Home Home Away

UNDER 10s Results: v Abberley Hall Won 14 - 6 v St John’s Lost 8 - 12 v Dean Close Won 9 - 4 v The Dragon Won 3 - 2 v Pinewood Won 13 - 2 v The Downs, Wraxall Won 12 - 8 v The Elms Won 9 - 2 v Clifton Lost 5 - 7 v Wycliffe Won 11 - 6 v Cheltenham Jnr Drew 3 - 3 v Prior Park Lost 3 - 6 Severnside Tournament 5th

Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away

B Team: R Abingdon, I Channing, L Dunne, A Gouriet, X Jardine, D Mitford-Slade, S Shepherd, A Slatter, O Slatter, J Snell

Results: v Abberley Hall v The Dragon v Berkhampstead v Clifton v Berkhampstead v Cheltenham Jnr v St John’s

Won Lost Won Won Won Won Won

7 8 7 5 7 7 7

- 1 - 12 - 4 - 4 - 4 - 2 - 6

Home Away Away Away Home Home Home

Lost Won Lost Drew Lost Lost Lost Won

4 5 3 1 4 1 6 9

- 6 - 2 - 14 - 1 - 7 - 6 - 10 - 3

Home Home Away Home Home Home Home Home

This year we had a fabulous time in the Cs. We had amazing defenders who all played brilliantly. Our attackers were full of enthusiasm and determination. Our reserves were always very encouraging while off the pitch. Sapphire became a very good shooter as time went by and we were lucky to have her in our team. Amber, our centre, could charge up and down the pitch for what seemed like forever. When times were tough, we always had the gappies to reply on, encouraging us to improve our footwork and never giving up however many times we ran with the ball. They gave us tiny tips throughout the term. We had eight matches this term and although we did not win every one we had a good time and everyone went home smiling. Isobel Maxwell and Florence Evans

Our Under 11B netball team have had a great netball season. We had brilliant shooters in Izzi and Molly, who never missed a goal. We had Serena, Lara and Maddie in our attack and fabulous defenders in Arabella and Isabel who were always intercepting the ball. Our best win was against Prior Park. We won 13 to 6. We had five wins and three losses and two draws, but if we won or lost, we always had plenty of fun. We would not have won all the matches we did with out the help of our amazing coach Miss Gilliatt – thank you. Lara Winfrey and Izzi Brodermann

A Team: I Brook, F Elvidge, R Fawcett, E Flynn, W Gravell, K Hughes, T Parr, T Priest, C Reid

Results: v Abberley Hall v Dean Close v The Dragon v The Elms B v Clifton v St Hugh’s B v Wycliffe v Cheltenham Jnr

C Team: E Beattie, L Burns, A Hall, A Mullen, D Schrager von Altishofen, R Smith, J Snell, P Stopford, TT Ward-Thomas

Results: v Dean Close Won v Clifton Won v Berkhampstead Won v Cheltenham Jnr B Drew

7 6 7 1

- 2 - 2 - 4 - 1

Away Away Home Home

Well done to the U10 girls for a successful season of netball. It was great to work with such an enthusiastic and determined group. Much progress was made, especially with the speed and accuracy of passing and movement on court. The shooters in all three teams improved their consistency and accuracy. One thing they need to continue to work on is their movement and communication in the circle. In defence Katinka was great at intercepting the ball and Catharine and Sophie demonstrated tight marking. The most improved players of the season were Rose and Ellie for the A team, Lauren as centre in the Bs and Jemima with some great shooting in the Cs. Player of the season was Tati who was consistently accurate as goal attack for the A team, showing great speed and determination around the court. Well done to all three teams, especially the Cs who were unbeaten. TP/ RG

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

UNDER 9A Team: B Ransome, F Saxton, H Skelding, B Knight, L Newman, S Elvin, I Mayer, A Martin

Results: v St John’s v Dean Close v Tockington v Pinewood v The Downs, Wraxall v Berkhampstead v Wycliffe v Prior Park

Drew Won Won Drew Drew Won Won Won

3 - 3 Home 14 - 3 Away 3 - 2 Home 4 - 4 Home 10 - 10 Away 11 - 0 Home 3 - 2 Away 19 - 2 Away

Severnside Tournament 2nd Place

As you can see from the very impressive results, the girls have had a successful netball term. They have made fantastic progress this season with their footwork, passing and shooting. They are a determined and enthusiastic bunch who concentrate and work hard right to the end of every match. Bea has been an amazing centre who flies around the court at great speed, I always felt slightly sorry for the person who had to mark her! Freya has been a consistent shooter and Honor an excellent attacking player. Beth and Isabelle have been very versatile, playing well in defence and attack scoring many goals. Annabelle’s interception skills have made her a strong goal keeper. The girls enjoyed all their matches but our toughest was against The Downs. In the first quarter they were four goals down, but the girls never gave up and slowly clawed their way back to draw 10-10. It was an exciting match to watch and the parents certainly had an afternoon of great sport. The Severnside Tournament was another exciting afternoon where we only lost one game against The Downs who eventually went on to win. In our last match against Prior Park they were determined to go out on a high and in the first quarter we were six goals up. They were very happy with another win and hopefully they will take all their skills, enthusiasm and determination through to next year. SF/GB-W/LS

UNDER 9B Team: A Biddulph, J Ferrigno, V Levinson, C Whitcombe, P Read, S Morgan-Rodda, I Walker, E Garner, M Pitman, L Quinn, I Standen McDougal

Results: v Tockington v Pinewood v Berkhampstead v Berkhampstead

Lost Won Won Won

3 - 10 Home 15 - 1 Home 9 - 2 Away 8 - 0 Home

The B team has also had an enjoyable and very successful term of netball. The only match they lost was their first one against Tockington’s A team. The girls’ netball skills, knowledge and understanding of the game have improved enormously throughout the term. A special mention must go to Violet for her consistent shooting, and to Lotte who has been very good in attack and defence and helped score many goals. Sophie Morgan-Rodda has been a strong determined defending player. All the girls have been enthusiastic and have grown in confidence as the weeks progressed. It is a shame they did not have a few more matches towards the end of term. Well done! I am sure you will have an exciting netball season next year. A big thank you to all the parents that have supported us this term I am sure your encouragement has helped the girls in their matches. SF/LS/GB-W

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Cross Country

Squads U9: I Walker, I Mayer, C Whitcombe, B Knight, A Amati, B Mather, M Arkwright, H Gearon, B Ransome, A Martin, P Ravano, A Haynes, A Probert, J Tucker, L Quinn, A Biddulph, V Levinson, T Kinsella, H Skelding

U11: M D’Arcy Rice, C Walker, F Elvidge, O Puckett, S Shepherd, C Leeper, P Tabor, H Newman, S D’Arcy Rice, G Standen McDougal, J.Muir, W Gravell, T Parr, C Carpenter, L Sopher, I McLaughlan, G Martin, K Penny, C Clark, A Comaish U13: C Montgomerie (capt)*, F Morrissey, H Field*, S Dibben, S Phillips, H Mather, F Channing, G Bathurst, A Walker, H Chamberlain (capt)*, J Birtles, S Shepherd, J Beattie, L Pitman, O Fanshawe, H Mitford-Slade, F Priest, Z Davison, A Knowles * denotes colours This was another good season for the cross country team. They excelled in most events and despite not quite capturing the accolades of last year, they did prove that on a national stage they could compete with the best. This was certainly the case for the girls who rounded their season with 2nd place in both the U13 and U11 categories in the National Preps at Malvern. Clemmie Montgomerie finished a fine 3rd and Mollie D’Arcy Rice was 5th in each age group respectively. There were many fine performances from our seniors, in particular Clemmie had an outstanding season, winner of the county title, going on to represent the South West in the London Mini Marathon. The seniors were ably backed up by Francesca Morrissey and Jack Birtles both of whom made big improvements highlighting their true potential. In the juniors, Mollie D’Arcy Rice was the pick of the crop and Columba Leeper showed grit and determination to finish well up the field at the Nationals with another year in that age group. The younger ages have shown huge potential and with wins from Bea Knight and Harvey Gearon, the future looks bright for the team. There are a host of youngsters ready to break through but this is a tough sport and only the tough succeed. This will only happen if the enthusiasm is maintained in the face of the increased choice of sports that the children face as they go up through the school. Many thanks go to Mrs Frapwell for her enthusiasm and efforts with the girls teams who would not have achieved such high performances without her guidance. Also well done to all the athletes who competed on many miserable days in all conditions to fly the flag. GR

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Match Results:

U9 at Wycliffe v Tockington Boys 1st at Dean Close Mixed 1st at BPS v Wycliffe v Tockington Boys 1st at Tockington (Relays) Boys 2nd

Girls B team Girls Girls

1st 2nd 1st 1st MR

U11 at Dean Close at Pinewood at Tockington (Relays) National Preps Severnside

Mixed 1st Boys 4th Boys 2nd Boys 19th Boys 3rd

B team Girls Girls Girls Girls

3rd 2nd 1st 2nd 1st

U13 at Pinewood at Tockington (Relays) National Preps Severnside

Boys Boys Boys Boys

Girls Girls Girls Girls

2nd 1st 2nd 1st

4th 3rd NT 3rd

County Representatives: F Morrissey, J Birtles, H Field, C Montgomerie South West Representative: C Montgomerie Individual Winners: B Knight, H Gearon, M D’Arcy Rice, C Montgomerie Notable Peformances: F Morrissey, J Birtles, C Leeper, H Gearon, I Walker

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Hockey - Boys 1ST XI

Team: F Vint, S Shepherd*, J Beattie, J Battishill*, F Neal*, R Milne*, H Chamberlain (capt)*, G Maxwell, S Moorsom *denotes colours Results: v Cheltenham Jnr Drew 3 - 3 Away v St Hugh’s Drew 4 - 4 Away v Prior Park Drew 4 - 4 Away v The Downs, Wraxall Won 7 - 4 Away v Pinewood Won 4 - 3 Away Severnside Tournament - Drew 2, Lost 1 and Won 1 Hockey is sometimes seen as a forgotten sport for the Beaudesert boys. It is played in a very short term, which is shared with some soccer fixtures. However this year it has been possible

for the boys to play more hockey than ever. The reason for this is that the hockey activity was well attended and also hockey is part of the school PE syllabus. Both of these factors have had a real impact on the boys’ core skills. This group of boys showed great determination and commitment to improve their hockey skills both individually and as a team before the hockey season started and this in turn translated

Clifton, who had been playing hockey all term, and from Year 5. Their new astro pitch was wonderful – wide and spacious. A Team: W Cresswell, Co Evans, C Amati, The first half was very close, Clifton scored C Clark, H Mitford-Slade, F Campbell, T Ravano in the last few minutes before half time. O Shale, B Dean, H Hudson, J Burns. Sadly the team talk at half time did little to inspire them and the final score was B Team: O Fanshawe, A Wilson, S Nicolas, 0-5. The efforts of the team should not B Clark, H Catto, O McIntyre, H Jackson, go forgotten, they worked tirelessly and H Woodham, H Large, A Howes, created chances that to our cost were M Winfrey, G Levinson. not taken. The 3rd XI had a similar result although it Results: mirrored the earlier score of the 2nd XI. v Cheltenham Jnr A Lost 1 - 5 Away They took the first half to get accustomed v Cheltenham Jnr B Lost 0 - 6 Away to the surface and let in 4 early goals. v St Hugh’s A Won 1 - 0 Away Finally losing 1-5. v St Hugh’s B Won 1 - 0 Away The 2nds squad played above themselves v Clifton 2nd XI Lost 0 - 5 Away at Prior Park. The A team winning 5-2 and v Clifton 3rd XI Lost 1 - 5 Away the Bs winning a very convincing 7-2. v Prior Park A Won 4 - 2 Away Jack Burns and Tommaso Ravano linking v Prior Park B Won 7 - 2 Away very well and constantly causing problems v The Downs A Lost 0 - 2 Away to the defence. Brett Dean was ever ready v The Downs B Lost 2 - 5 Away to slot the ball in at the far post. Conor v Pinewood A Lost 3 - 4 Away Evans, with his intimidating stature and v Pinewood B Lost 0 - 6 Away stick skills, covered the ground at the back effectively. Only one match was arranged as an 11-a-side game; the rest were 7-a-side usually across the The Downs were the next match and the 2nd squad was weakened considerably by pitch. The enjoyment the boys received from illness and absence. Having watched the hockey was very evident from the first session 1st squad win both their matches the and although they do not show their best 2nd teams both went down fighting. hockey skills in practise they come to the fore Hugo Mitford-Slade continued his massive in matches, far exceeding their expectations. work rate and enthusiasm. They lost Their stick skills and knowledge of the game 2-5 and 1-5 respectively. It was an ideal were very advanced far the amount of hockey opportunity to give those members of Year they played. 7 and 8 to play a hockey match. The first match, after only one games session, The season was wrapped up at Pinewood. was against Cheltenham Junior School, sadly The teams were mixed as the Year 7s could this was a comprehensive defeat on paper for both our teams in the 2nd Team squad. They all not travel away. The 3rd team won at home 4-0 but the 4th team went down played well and never gave up, 100% effort. The second match was against St Hugh’s. It was 0-7, outplayed but not down hearted. on grass and the pitch looked like a battlefield It was a very successful, short season. and the game resembled The Somme, a war of There is plenty of talent in the team and their efforts paid off time and again. Well attrition. Both sides won with 1-0 victories. played to all those who played. The 2nd XI came down to earth with bump at JSSM

to a highly successful season. The season started with South West of England Severnside Tournament. Unfortunately the team missed out going to the National Finals by one point. Our first fixture was against Cheltenham Jnr (who had qualified for the National Finals). The match was played at a frenetic pace with great interpassing and movement from our midfield. James Battishill had an excellent game, combining well with Hector Chamberlain and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Defensively Jack Beattie was a very strong man marking and snuffing out Cheltenham’s defence. The game finished three all – we were unlucky not to win. This great result was followed by a 4 - 4 draw against St Hugh’s in another highly entertaining game of quality hockey. Our two final fixtures ended in a draw and a win - this was a culmination of all the effort everyone had put in during the season. A special thank you must be given to Mr Wachter for all the hard work he has put into boys’ hockey both before and during the hockey term. AME

4TH & 5TH XI

2ND & 3RD XI

Team: M Winfrey, C Barnes, F Campbell, A Howes, H Jackson, H Large, H Mitford-Slade, H Woodham, W Cox, H Knight, O McIntyre, T Mullen, G Ross, B Clark, E Beattie It was always going to be tough for our hockey players but with exposure to the game beginning earlier in the term than usual the teams were better prepared and more aware of the requirements of the game. The teams fluctuated considerably depending upon whether we were paying VIIs or XIs and therefore there was a lack of consistency in the teams. Tough matches against Cheltenham, Clifton and The Downs saw the teams lose narrowly but not without effort. The boys enjoyed their outings and will have gained valuable experience before moving on to their new schools or just in preparation for next year. GR

COLTS By the time that the boys reach Year 6, they are itching to start playing hockey, and this was certainly the case this year! With a number of them having taken part in the excellent hockey activity the previous term, we had a core of players who had mastered the required skills, while the other boys soon picked up the basic elements of the game. Tough games against the hockey powerhouses of Clifton and Dean Close were nonetheless great experiences for the boys, teaching them the importance of slick, accurate passing and marking. Whilst the teams had a number of close games, undoubtedly the highlight of the season was our trip to Prior Park, where the As came away with an excellent 6-4 win, the Bs triumphed 1-0 and the Cs earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw, against far more experienced opposition. Every member of the Colts team has played with real commitment this season, but special mentions must go to our four goalies: Lucas Sopher, Hugo Neely, Joshua Berry and Henry Newman for the huge determination and improvement that they have all displayed as the season has progressed. Well done all. NA

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

1ST XI Team: J Battishill (capt), J Jamieson Black, G Gordon Lennox, C Clark, F Neal, L Pitman, R Milne, R Fitch Kemp, J Beattie, G Maxwell, P de Barros, S Moorsom, H Chamberlain

Results: v Prior Park v Clifton v Wycliffe v Abberley Hall v Cheltenham Jnr v Pinewood v St John’s v The Elms (U12A) v Tockington (U12A) v St Hugh’s v Dean Close

Lost by 4 wickets Home Lost by 110 runs Home Won by 10 wickets Home Lost by 92 runs Home Lost by 8 wickets Away Lost by 6 wickets Away Won by 4 wickets Home Won by 8 wickets Home Lost by 14 runs Away Won by 7 wickets Away Won by 8 runs Away

Looking at our pre-season line up, I made a decision to pick a young team and try to develop them in preparation for a fine season next year. Nets got under way and it soon dawned on me how much work needed to be put in. The trouble with younger cricketers is their lack of conviction, not due to limits in skill or technique, but rather their hesitancy and fear of getting out. When Suresh Raina notched up a century in his Test Match debut, he said that he was terribly nervous but Sachin Tendulkar’s pep talk helped settle him. “Yes I was nervous when I came to bat but Sachin said “Just enjoy yourself, this moment will never come again, you are playing your first Test match, just enjoy,” Raina said after the fourth day’s play. The step up from colts cricket to senior cricket is massive. The Year 8 boys are usually, physically much bigger, stronger and faster and our first match was a baptism by fire. With the ball flying around the field in our first match against Prior Park, it was clear to all of the boys playing 1st XI cricket that this was going to be a very tough season.

Credit must however be given where due and after an absolute belting from Clifton, the team was in desperate need of some inspiration. It came in the form of our two opening bowlers, Jack Beattie and Jono Jamieson Black – taking 8 wickets for 23 runs between the two of them. This was then supported by a fantastic captain’s innings of 44 not out to secure a 10 wicket victory against Wycliffe. Things were looking more and more positive as the season unfolded and although a few very tough games found us out, the boys were beginning to play with more conviction. They were looking more and more hungry to score runs and to take wickets.

2ND XI Team: S Shepherd, H Catto, O Shale, O Fanshawe, H Hudson, W Cresswell, J Burns, S Moorsom, F Vint, H Mitford-Slade, F Campbell, C Amati Results: v Clifton v Wycliffe v Cheltenham Jnr v Pinewood v St John’s v St Hugh’s v Dean Close v Prior Park

Lost Won Lost Won Won Won Won Won

Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Home

What a term of cricket we have had this summer. Excitement, runs, wickets, wins and losses. Who ever said that cricket is a boring game did not see Beaudesert 2nd X1 play.

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Cricket

This very successful team was ably led by Oliver Shale who with his own particular style, ensured that this group of boys performed at their very highest level in all the games they played. At the beginning of the term the team selection was a little unsettled with movement from the 1st team to the 2nd team. When the boys came up against a very strong Clifton team, the loss dented their confidence. However, a good win against Wycliffe really set the tone for the rest of the season, with only one other loss against Cheltenham Junior and five victories. I find picking out individuals from a team a little difficult as everyone contributed but I have to say that with the bat Freddie was extremely consistent and his innings against St Hugh’s undoubtedly won us the match. Our all rounder Hugo spun the ball prodigiously and scored a hatful of runs and opened the batting with Freddie. The bowling award goes to Oliver who took wickets in every game and

There were numerous notable achievements over the course of the season. These include: Winning the Wycliffe 6s Tournament (with an U12 team and a Y6) James Battishill – 47 vs Dean Close Luke Pitman – 4 for 16 vs St John’s and 6 for 13 vs St Hugh’s Jono Jamieson Black – scoring over 300 runs including 3 50s and a best of 72 not out against Dean Close as well as taking over 30 wickets with a best of 7 for 49 against Tockington. JLB

also scored important runs for the team. Congratulations to everyone involved and I hope you all continue to enjoy your cricket. AME

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

3RD XI Team: H Woodham, A Howes, W Cox, G Levinson, W Cresswell, H Large, O Fanshawe, C Amati, J Birtles, J Burns, Ca Evans, Co Evans, B Dean, T Ravano, S Shepherd, F Campbell Results: v Clifton v Wycliffe v Cheltenham v Pinewood v St John’s v Dean Close v Abberley Hall

Lost by 7 wickets Drew Lost by 9 wickets Won by 82 runs Lost by 6 wickets Lost by 7 wickets Lost by 7 runs

Home Away Away Home Home Away Away

The 3rd XI were up against some very stiff competition this year and the results reflected this fact. Despite some good individual performances we lacked depth and poor fielding skills let us down

Results: v Clifton - Home Beaudesert 216 - 8 (K Penny 110*) Clifton 219 - 2 Lost by 8 wickets v

Wycliffe - Away Beaudesert 28 Wycliffe 31 - 2 Lost by 8 wickets

v

Cheltenham Jnr - Away Cheltenham 116 - 8 Beaudesert 94 Lost by 22 runs

v

Pinewood - Away Beaudesert 118 - 7 Pinewood 121 - 4 Lost by 4 wickets

v

St John’s - Home St John’s 205 - 4 Beaudesert 120 Match drawn

v

The Elms - Away Beaudesert 61 The Elm’s 62 - 0 Lost by 10 wickets

v

St Hugh’s - Home St Hugh’s 140 - 2 Beaudesert 110 - 9 Match drawn

v

Tockington - Away Beaudesert 180 - 7 Tockington 63 - 8 Match drawn

v

Dean Close - Away Dean Close 177 - 7 Beaudesert 165 - 8 Lost by 23 runs

v

Prior Park - home Prior Park 44 Beaudesert 45 - 2 Won by 8 wickets

on several occasions. We put on 107 runs against Clifton but failed to despatch their openers who made 107 very quickly and this seemed to be the trend for the season. There were several occasions when we put on good scores but a lack of attack in our bowling prevented more wickets from being taken in several matches. Perhaps our best outing was at Wycliffe where we put on 206 runs in 28 overs but failed to get the opposition out as they scored only 53 runs. The highlights in this game were a 53 by Tommaso Ravano on loan from the 2nds, 48 by Calum Evans and a solid 47 from Alex Wilson. Despite the results, much enjoyment was had in the matches and the team will have learned a great deal about the tactics of the game. Hopefully this will spur them on for next year. GR

4TH XI Team: F Campbell, T Mullen, H Jackson, A Howes, M Winfrey, J Birtles, W Cox, E Beattie, G Ross, H Knight, B Clark Results: v Clifton v Wycliffe v Cheltenham Jnr v Dean Close

Lost by 8 wickets Won by 24 runs Lost by 8 wickets Lost by 25 runs

Away Home Away Home

This was a short season for the 4th XI who suffered from a lack of available bodies throughout the season. This was particularly the case on weekend matches when several players were unavailable for one reason or another. Unfortunately we drew the short straw, in that very few schools could not field a 4th XI, so we ended up playing very strong teams from the bigger schools. Despite this the boys did enjoy their outings and did not give up when on the field of play. GR

COLTS A Team: K Penny, J Muir, F Jodrell, T Elvin, T Mayer, F Milne, J Skelding, C Turk, S Fairer-Smith, A Comaish, L Sopher, J Strain, H Newman, B Barnes, O Pritchard, R Haycraft Mee, J Gibson Clifton was always going to be a difficult side but with only one net session and one middle practice before the game, we were relying on experienced players to do their job. And what a good job they did. We batted first and having lost a wicket very early on Kit Penny was joined by Joss Muir and they put on 170 runs together. Penny scoring 110 before being retired, Muir, playing the supporting role and scoring 29. The remaining batsmen pushed the total up to 216 for 8. Our bowling and fielding did not live up to our batting, chances were missed and opportunities were wasted. They reached our total with relative ease and plenty of time to spare. 435 runs scored in an afternoon! Next it was Wycliffe whose bowling attack demolished our openers and left the other batsmen floundering. Once they had reached our total we played on and made the most of the afternoon, giving the team and especially our bowlers time in the field. Cheltenham Jnr loomed and a swift change in our approach was needed. The toss was won and we elected to bowl. The fielding was a step up from previous efforts and the bowling accurate. Only two of their batsmen got into double figures in their total of 116. Our batting showed more resilience. We ended up being 22 short of the target. Pinewood proved to be our closest game and due to our generous declaration (118 - 7 at tea) they were able to reach our score with the loss of 6 wickets. In hindsight, batting on would have perhaps saved the game as a draw had not helped us win it. St John’s provided the best opening batting display of the season; control, poise and skill were demonstrated. The openers put on 130 before one of them was run out. The other continued to show his class scoring a century, retiring and declaring soon afterwards. Kit Penny, scoring 74 quick runs, attacked their bowling; it did not match their high standards of batting but a tense finish occurred when we lost 4 quick wickets and

our number 11 needed to survive the last two balls, which he did. Match drawn. A wet, soggy day at The Elms did not show off our best cricket. Due to rain we played a 23 over game; a very slow start with our openers made us struggle from the first few overs and we scratched our way to 61 - 5, a score easily reached by their opening batsmen. St Hugh’s had a shaky start, losing two quick wickets but soon recovered and the next two put on a stand of well over 100. They declared on 140 - 2 at tea, Milne and Penny having picked up the two wickets. An encouraging start to our batting saw an opening partnership of 50 with Penny scoring 35. Little resistance was put up by the middle order and we slumped to 70 - 8 when Alex Comaish and Sam Fairer-Smith put up some resistance and when they were out Ben Barnes had to survive the last ball, which he did. Timmy Mayer had carried his bat and had shown resilience and technique. Tockington saw us bounce back and although it ended in a draw the game was competitive and gave us a chance to build confidence in our batting,180 -7 (Penny 40, Mayer 21, Muir 22, Milne 29). The bowlers, however, failed to remove the last two of the Tockington batsmen having only scored 63. Match drawn. Dean Close very nearly threw away a commanding position by ill discipline in the field. Having batted well, scoring 177 off 25 overs, their bowlers strayed in line and length. Penny, Muir, Milne, Comaish all made very useful contributions and got us within 12 runs of the target after our overs. Prior Park was our final fixture. The toss was won and we elected to bowl. A wicket with the first ball set the tone of the match and we dismissed them in 14 overs for 44. Our openers struggled but Penny came in and reached the total with some mighty blows. Well done one and all. JSSM

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

COLTS B

UNDER 10 A

Team: J Strain, L Sopher, O Pritchard, H. Newman, H Delap, H Golesworthy, H Morgan-Grenville, M Scheuner, B Barnes, H Everest, T Smith, M Verschoyle, J Berry, J Gibson, F Hellens, H. Neely, T Elvin

Team: H North, S D’Arcy Rice, H Bailey, T Pilsbury, A Weston, E Nelson, P Tabor, J Kite, C Carpenter, C Leeper, M Haynes

Results: v St John’s St John’s 124 - 3 Beaudesert 91 - 7 Drawn v Pinewood Beaudesert 111 - 8 Pinewood 113 - 5 Lost v Clifton Clifton 161 - 5 Beaudesert 93 - 7 Drawn v Cheltenham College Cheltenham 176 - 3 Beaudesert 57 - 7 Drawn v Wycliffe Wycliffe 131 - 3 Beaudesert 95 - 5 Drawn v Dean Close Dean Close 207 - 4 Beaudesert 131 - 2 Drawn v St Hugh’s Beaudesert 132 - 3 St Hughes 133 - 3 Lost v The Downs Downs 140 - 6 Beaudesert 125 - 8 Drawn Limited overs match v Prior Park Beaudesert 93 - 4 Prior Park 95 - 2 Lost

This was the season of the draw. It is said that Americans cannot understand cricket because you can play for five days and still not have a result. A view I suspect shared by a mother of one of our opposition teams this year who wondered why we didn’t play a little longer as it was obvious which side would eventually win! If sport is to be as character building as some of us think, then I would suggest that drawn cricket matches provide much of what Sir Alex Ferguson called “squeaky bottom time”. Only if a result is in doubt is any pressure put on players. In schools’ limited overs cricket the outcome of most matches can be accurately predicted within the first three overs of the second innings and usually a lot earlier. When a draw is possible, batsmen are fighting to survive, or to win and bowlers are desperate to take wickets. Good fielding becomes essential or nerves fray and fielders under pressure throw wildly at the stumps. Draws are like the weather in this country, they come in many guises and are the source of endless discussion. Look at the results above to spot the heroic draws with tail enders fighting for their lives; winning draws where bowlers could not quite take the last wickets; or “batting paradise” draws where batsmen dominated bowlers. So despite the lack of a win, the Colts B had an enjoyable season. Intelligent cricket was played thanks to the direction of a good captain, James Strain. Fun was had by all because our wicket keeper Lucas Sopher continually and loudly encouraged the bowlers and fielders whether they deserved it or not. Progress was made as slowly more of our batsmen got to double figures in an innings and our bowlers bowled fewer wides and no balls. We even managed 3 maiden overs out of a total of 212 overs bowled this season. More catches than normal stuck. Well done to Oli Pritchard for a series of fine catches. Fine weather, sympathetic umpiring, decent wickets, great teas, and matches that kept you guessing the result right to the end. Americans, you don’t know what you are missing! MB

UNDER 10 B Team: O McGill, F McConnell, C Crabb, W Comaish, O Henry, E Norman, M Lawrence, F Hughes, G Standen McDougal Results: v Wycliffe v Pinewood v Monkton Combe v Tockington v Dean Close

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Draw Draw Lost by 8 runs Won by 52 runs Lost by 16 runs

Away Away Away Home Home

Results: v Wycliffe v Cheltenham Jnr v Pinewood v St John’s v Monkton Colts B v The Downs v Dean Close

Draw (Kite -53 not out) Won by 70 runs Won by 80 runs Won by 81 runs Lost by 6 Wickets Won by 132 runs (North 52 not out) Won by 18 runs

Home Home Away Away Home Home Away

This was a great season where only one game was lost against a strong Monkton Combe Colts B side. There were many highlights with Kite and North getting 50s against Wycliffe and The Downs. There was some superb bowling by D’Arcy Rice and Kite who were both our leading wicket takers. They both nearly achieved the great feat of three wickets in a row. These bowlers were ably supported by Tabor and Pilsbury who surprised many of the opposition batsmen with their speed and accuracy. Haynes and Carpenter also chipped in with important wickets and dramatic fielding attempts and Leeper behind the stumps was fearless and an inspiration with his athletic stops. Finally and most importantly, the team had Weston, Bailey and Nelson, who at times were not necessarily involved in the bowling and batting action but when given a chance, responded positively and very effectively. This was a most encouraging season where hopefully the team’s confidence should be high and taken through into Year 6 where they will certainly find things a lot tougher. I am sure they will respond to the challenge. Well done for all your enthusiasm and efforts shown throughout the season. EC

This was a season where all boys got a number of competitive games against other schools and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Playing paired cricket, everyone bowled and batted a set number of overs and it was great to see the improvement in game understanding as the season went on. Some great batting by McConnell, McGill, Hughes and Crabb often set the tempo of the game and at times it was their scoring which led to the draws and wins. The bowling was a little erratic this season but Lawrence, Comaish and McConnell were our most effective wicket takers, while Norman and Standen McDougal were busy in the field. I think special mention must be made of Fynlay Hughes who during the last game captained the side in a very mature and competent manner. His leadership qualities came out and he led from the front. In this age group this is a difficult thing to do and all were impressed by his motivation and encouragement. Well done to all boys who were involved in this short but entertaining season. NA

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

UNDER 9A

UNDER 9B

Team: A Haynes, A Amati, J Catto, M Arkwright, J Tucker, P Ravano, A Probert, H Gearon, W Gibson, A Stamp, B Mather Results: v Clifton Won v The Downs, Wraxall Won v Cheltenham Jnr Won v Pinewood Won v Wycliffe Won v St John’s Won v Dean Close Won v Prior Park Won

Home Away Home Away Away Away Away Away

An unbeaten season! This was a very successful term for a talented year group with all matches won and some fantastic individual and team performances. The penultimate game versus a very strong Dean Close side was perhaps the highlight, a tight encounter coming down to the last over, with Beaudesert holding their nerve for the hard fought victory. It has been great to see the boys play with such commitment and enthusiasm and the will to win has been very evident! With a strong B team too, we have been able to use a large number of players in the school fixtures, to give as much exposure as possible to playing with a hard ball. Well done all. DR

Team: S Hughes, J Taylor-Kimmins, T Davey, M Hudson, F Large, W Golesworthy, T Jodrell, T Norman, T Melvin Results: v Clifton Lost v The Downs, Wraxall Won v Cheltenham Jnr Won v Pinewood Lost v Tockington Won v Hatherop Won v Tockington Won v St Johns Lost v Dean Close Won v Prior Park Won

Away Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Away

This was a very successful season for the side, with only three of ten fixtures lost. The team have improved tremendously and several boys have played a number of times for the A team, acquitting themselves very well. The boys have been keen to learn and improve their game and have worked hard in the nets and at practice to further their cricketing skills. A very strong sporting year group, the team has played with real spirit and endeavour throughout. Well done to everybody. DR

UNDER 8s This has been a fantastic term of cricket for the Under 8 teams and everyone has improved in their skills and techniques and dare I say in the results as well. Every member of this year group has shown great determination and commitment and eagerness to improve their knowledge of the game of cricket. I have enjoyed teaching them and wish them all the best for the Under 9s. AME

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Rounders

UNDER 13A Team: G Bathurst (capt)*, G James, A Knowles, M Haycraft Mee, C Montgomerie, O Muir*, S Sopher, L Thomas, E Waller. * denotes colours Results: v St Hugh’s Won 34 (one innings) – 16 Home v Pinewood A Won 4.5 – 1 Away v The Downs, Wraxall Won 7.5 – 4.5 Away v Bromsgrove Won 34 – 7 Home v Cheltenham Jnr Won 29.5 – 12.5 Away v The Elms Won 17 – 15.5 Home Severnside Tournament - Winners

Jet Team: G Bathurst ( capt), G James, A Knowles, M Haycraft Mee, C Montgomerie, O Muir, S Sopher, L Thomas, F Priest, R Sowerbutts Results: v St John’s v Cheltenham Jnr v Badminton

Won 29 (one innings) – 17 Won 26 (one innings) – 18 Lost 16.5 – 28.5

UNDER 13B Team: A-M Bowring, S Comery, H Field, M-J Gardner, G Gilder, B Holloway, J Phelps, S Phillips, G Sykes, A Strain, A Walker

Results: v Tockington A v St John’s v Wycliffe v Pinewood v Bromsgrove v Cheltenham Jnr

Drew Won Won Won Won Won

7.5 – 7.5 14.5 – 11 8.5 – 8 13.5 – 10 13.5 – 10 22.5 – 16

Away Home Away Away Home Away

The B team had a wonderful unbeaten season, drawing only to the Tockington A team. The team had strength in depth in both the field and with the bat. Stephanie Phillips bowled consistently well and along with Mary-Jane Gardner and Elsa Waller made up a formidable triangle. Elsa was duly promoted to the A team and Severine Comery stepped up as our new back stop. All the girls improved so much during the season, in particular Georgia Sykes and Amelia Walker in the field; both these girls also contributed many full rounders to the team’s tally. Hebe was a pillar of strength on 2nd post, clearly encouraging and calling to her team. TP/SW

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Well done for a great season with only one match lost to a very good team from Badminton, who finished 3rd in the Jet tournament. Batting has been a strength for both teams; a special mention must go to Georgina and Genni as highest scorers for the As. Genni was awarded a rounders bat for her fantastic ten rounders in one innings against St Hugh’s.

UNDER 12A/B

In the field for the As Georgina took some lovely catches and showed a great awareness of the game, coupled with quick reactions, often leaving the opposition flat footed. Genni was a very reliable steady bowler not giving anything away to the opposition. Our deeps all had accurate, strong throws and were quick to the ball. If there was a prize for running the fastest rounder it would have to go Arabella, who always sprints at full speed between the posts. Very well done to all the players for working so well together. TP/SW

talent and refreshingly sporting attitude – they have certainly gained a very positive reputation for themselves and the school. Team: F Priest, E Pitman, F Morrissey, Z Davison, There has been some movement between the T Godding, R Sowerbutts, I Jardine, F Channing, two teams due to the wealth of talent in this C Large, S Dibben, H Mather year group and there have been some notable performances in both teams. It is possible to Results: mention exceptional play from all the girls in v Millfield Lost 13 - 6 Away this year group, but due to the constraints of v St Hugh’s Won 20 - 10.5 Away space, I am limited to just a few comments on v St John’s Won 18.5 - 17 Home individuals. Francesca Priest continues to impress v Wycliffe Won 16 - 11.5 Away with her tactical awareness. She has varied her v Bromsgrove Won 26.5 - 3 Away bowls to outwit some very strong batters and has v Cheltenham Jnr Won 23 - 6 Home moved around the posts supporting the team v The Elms Won 12 - 8.5 Home to stump out players. Emily Lowde, the B team bowler, has also developed the ability to change her bowling pace and bolster her teammates on Team: A Gilder, E Lowde, I Parr, T Godding, the posts. Ruby Sowerbutts has been a confident H Mather, R Parker, A Ramsey, T Barden, and tenacious second post, working well with Z Davison, N Nicolas, R Hill, M Fawcett, R Norman the team to stump out a vast number of strong batters. Starting the season as a novice, Raffi Results: Parker set about learning the intricate rules of v The Downs, Wraxall Lost 12.5 - 14 Away the game. She has played with great aplomb v Pinewood Won 13 - 9 Home and has proved a strong third post for the B v Wycliffe Won 18.5 - 14.5 Away team, making some exciting catches. It is always v Bromsgrove Won 15 - 8 Away important to have a reliable catcher and thrower v Cheltenham Jnr Won 20.5 - 11.5 Home at second deep. Iona Jardine has coped with v Prior Park A Lost 9 - 9.5 Away some exceptionally hard hits out into the field and has made some very accurate throws into the The Under 12 girls love rounders! Every training posts from great distances in crucial moments of session they arrive keen to play matches and to the games. hone the skills they need to conquer their next As always, we must thank the parents and opposition. Both the hitting and ball skills of all the supporters for coming out in all weathers to cheer girls have vastly improved this season due to their the teams along. It always inspires the girls and diligent approach during games lessons. They are makes an enormous difference. determined, enthusiastic and great fun too! Coaches Well done girls – you have really impressed this year. from other schools frequently remark upon their JH

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

UNDER 11A

UNDER 10A

Team: K Hauger, M D’Arcy Rice, K Wright, L Winfrey, S Slatter, L Vint, I McLaughlan, A Sopher, C Walker, I Mitchell

Team: T Parr, T Priest, F Elvidge, W Gravell, A Gouriet, E Flynn, C Reid, K Hughes, R Fawcett, S Shepherd, I Brook

Results: v The Grange, Worcester Won 22 - 12 Away v St Hugh’s Won 26 - 12 Away v Pinewood Won 16 - 9.5 Away v King’s Hawford Won 25.5 - 9.5 Home v Swanbourne Lost 11 - 11.5 Away v Cheltenham Jnr Won 9.5 - 9 Home v Prior Park Lost 9.5 - 12 Away v The Elms Won 14.5 - 12 Away Severnside Tournament - 3rd

With an established bowler / backstop / first post combination of Lara, Mollie and Katie, this team’s first ambition in the field was always to get the opposition out. Kitty and Arabella at second post and deep respectively ran the centre of the pitch with good calling and catching. Our deep fielders Charlotte and Bella made some fine catches and threw the ball in well. Serena, Lucia and Imogen all contributed with good ball stopping skills and made some spectacular catches! Our hitting was outstandingly powerful at its best but it was too intermittent, especially in the away games when we always took too long to get going. We had a good run in the national JET knockout competition, losing narrowly to Swanbourne in the third round having led after the first innings. In the Severnside tournament we lost two matches by just a half rounder in each and finished third which was a tad deflating! On the whole, however, the team played exciting, dynamic rounders to entertain themselves and our loyal band of supporters, and mostly won. We saved the most exciting game for last when some excellent batting and fielding was needed to prevent a come-from-behind victory by The Elms. It was nail-biting stuff, but the Beaudesert girls prevailed. Well played, all! KDB

UNDER 11B Team: A Dunne, I Brodermann, M Moorsom, M Grafftey-Smith, C Garner, O Puckett, L Kuropatwa, T Gibbons, I Mitchell, I Maxwell, I Dingman, F Evans, G Martin Results: v Tockington v Pinewood v Wycliffe A v Bromsgrove (two teams) v Cheltenham Jnr v Prior Park v Millfield v Berkhampstead

Lost Won Lost Won Won Won Won Lost Won

7 - 15 13 - 12 12 - 21 9 - 8 14 - 8 16 - 13 10 - 5 9 - 15 15 - 1

Away Away Home Home Home Home Away Home Home

Results: v St Hugh’s Won 22.5 - 19.5 v St John’s Won 17.5 - 11 v Pinewood Won 12.5 - 4.5 v The Downs, Wraxall Won 6 - 5.5 v Wycliffe Won 17 - 13 v Bromsgrove Won 15.5 - 13.5 v Cheltenham Jnr Won 20 - 8.5 v Prior Park Won 8.5 - 4 v The Elms Won 8.5 - 6.5 Severnside Tournament - Winners

Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away

What a fantastic rounders season we have had! As you can see from the results we have had an impressive unbeaten season. The girls’ teamwork and enthusiasm were exceptional as well as their consistent fielding and batting. We started with convincing wins against St Hugh’s and St John’s; the girls went from strength to strength from then on. We played in a triangular match against Pinewood and The Downs in awful weather conditions. This did not put us off and we batted really well, with Tati scoring three whole rounders, hitting the ball powerfully into the gaps. We went away to Bromsgrove and had a slow start due to very long bus journey. It was the first time we had played an all out innings and you would not have known, as we did really well, with Rose getting three people out from clean catches and at 1st post. Cheltenham Junior was our next match; this was one of our best performances, a fantastic all out innings. We only batted for one innings and scored 20 rounders with Katinka scoring 5 of them. They had 2 innings and we got them all out for 8 1/2. Great team effort, everyone playing their own individual roles brilliantly. Still on a high from that match we played Prior Park, but unfortunately only played one innings due to the weather. We won 8.5 - 4, we fielded

tightly and Tati and Rose got six people out from backstop to first post. Tati demonstrated a hard, precise overarm throw to Rose who caught and stumped the majority of Prior Park out. Having a good set of results behind us we set off to the Severnside Tournament at St John’s on a very hot day, hoping to come back with some silver wear. We played 5 matches of 25 good balls. We batted and fielded maturely, didn’t take any risks and made good decisions throughout. We had won every game convincingly but had St John’s as our last match. We batted first and scored 9 rounders which was a great start. The pressure did get to us when going into field and we started to make some silly errors which was very unusual for us. St John’s batted well and made it difficult for us to stop. The final score was 9 - 8.5, a very close and nail biting finish! We eventually came away the winners which was thoroughly deserved, we were definitely the best team on the day! Our final game was away at The Elms. We were very nervous about this match as we were going into it as an unbeaten team, as were they. The nerves were there but we did not let this show and it was a faultless performance. Tamsin controlled the game, bowling fantastically and only giving away 2 ‘no balls’ the entire match. Both teams’ fielding was clean and precise; it was going to come down to the batting skills. We took our chances and risked it when it mattered; Ellie scoring two whole rounders helped us on our way. The end result was well deserved we won 8.5 - 5.5 and finished our season unbeaten! This U10 team has impressed me more and more as the season has gone on. They have been strongest when fielding, making calm, precise, methodical decisions always working together as a team and supporting each other. From a coach’s point of view they have been such a pleasure to work with as they are keen, determined and so eager to improve. Special mentions must go to Tati, Tamsin and Katinka who have all played consistently well throughout the season, showing fantastic skills when both batting or fielding. Well done to everyone and good luck for next year! GB-W

This fantastic B team worked extremely hard from the outset. As the season progressed, the team’s striking ability improved steadily and full rounders were notched up with increasing regularity, especially by Molly, the team’s top scorer. However, the girls’ fielding was their real strength and in the latter half of term they impressed, achieving on occasion the Rounders Holy Grail – the faultless fielding innings! Amber (backstop), Izzi B (bowler) and Molly (1st post) were a triangle of terror punishing those who failed to hit the ball. Special mention should go to Amber for her mighty throws to 2nd post, crushing any ambitions the opposition held of scoring a cheeky half from a backwards hit. Maddie at 2nd post was a safe pair of hands throughout the season, catching consistently well. Our deep fielders, Charlotte, Imogen, Ottie and Lara were alert and reliable when stopping the ball. Ottie, the pocket rocket, dashed to the ball with lightning speed as 2nd deep and Lara, at 3rd deep, pulled off some mighty rounders-saving throws. Tamara, Isobel, Issy and Florrie kept a close eye on 3rd and 4th posts, backing each other up and moving between posts and close fielding positions to make life difficult for the opposition Many thanks to Georgia who, despite having a broken arm for most of the season, ran tirelessly between posts in training and contributed to the end of season victory against Berkhampstead. Well done girls and thank you for a great season! LG

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UNDER 10B

UNDER 9A

Team: X Jardine, TT Ward-Thomas, S Shepherd, J Snell, A Mullen, L Burns, A Slatter, O Slatter, P Stopford, A Hall, E Beattie, L Dunne, D Mitford-Slade, R Abingdon, I Brook, D Schrager von Altishofen, R Smith

Team: S Elvin, J Ferrigno, I Mayer, L Newman, B Ransome, F Saxton, H Skelding, E Garner, B Knight

Results: v St Hugh’s v St John’s v Cheltenham Jnr v Berkhampstead

Lost Lost Won Lost

11.5 - 18.5 7 - 14.5 21 - 7.5 9.5 - 10.5

Home Away Away Home

In their second full season of Rounders the girls have made great progress. Although training and matches were somewhat hampered by the weather, they remained a committed and energetic group of players. Their catching and throwing skills have seen significant improvement that, combined with their increasing awareness of match play tactics, have made them a good opposition to face. The defeats against St John’s and Berkhampstead were narrower than the scores reflect, and the girls did well in the very wet and windy conditions. Particular mention must be made of TT Ward-Thomas and Daisy Mitford-Slade who persevered well to adapt their bowling to significant crosswinds! A fantastic win was achieved over Cheltenham Jnr, and in the bright sunshine the girls’ talents really shone! All season Lauren Dunne proved to be a very reliable backstop and improved her over arm throwing significantly. The team also benefited from some ‘big hitters’ in the form of TT Ward-Thomas and Daphne Schrager von Altishofen - well done, girls! The U10B1 and U10B2 teams have grown in their understanding of the tactics of rounders; this bodes well for next season in the U11s. They have worked hard this term and have had a lot of fun, even in the rain! RG

Results: v The Downs, Wraxall Lost 15.5 - 16.5 Away v St Hugh’s Won 11.5 - 3.5 Away v St John’s Won 12 - 10 Away v The Downs, Wraxall Lost 4.5 - 8 Home v Pinewood Lost 4.5 - 7 Home v Wycliffe Won 24.5 - 11.5 Home v Cheltenham Jnr Won 14.5 - 10 Away v Prior Park Won 10.5 - 4 Home v Berkhampstead Won 18.5 - 8 Away Severnside Tournament - The Downs, Wraxall - 3rd on rounders scored The U9A team has had a superb term of rounders and has produced a very good set of results. The girls have all worked extremely hard and they have progressed in all areas. The first match against The Downs was very close and this gave them confidence and areas to work on. Isabelle Mayer has been an excellent bowler and very strong batter throughout the term. Sophie Elvin is a very reliable backstop and has a very strong throw which has been a good asset to the team.

UNDER 9B Team: A Biddulph, V Levinson, C Whitcombe, P Read, S Morgan-Rodda, I Walker, A Martin, M Pitman, L Quinn, I Standen McDougal Results: v Tockington v Pinewood v Cheltenham Jnr v Berkhampstead

Lost 15 - 15.5 Away Won 19.5 - 14 Away No score-coaching game Away Won 19 - 1 Away

The B team has improved enormously and they have all worked hard and have been enthusiastic both in matches and lessons. Jocasta was the bowler at the start of term and progressed well and was promoted to the A team. Violet

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The girls have all worked very hard on their throwing and catching skills, and have impressed everyone on numerous occasions whilst catching people out during matches. Special mention must go to Beth Ransome on second post and Honor Skelding, who has a remarkable over arm throw and was a fantastic deep fielder. Through lots of work the girls gradually became more consistent at batting and their decision making became quicker and more accurate. Isabelle, Beth, Honor and Freya have been our strongest batters whilst Bea speeds around the pitch startling the fielders and scoring! The Severnside Tournament is always an enjoyable but competitive afternoon and this year it was no different. The girls started off well in their first match against Wycliffe and won by one and a half rounders. Next they played Clifton and as they had not played them during the term they were slightly anxious. The girls played well but made a couple of wrong decisions which resulted in us losing by one rounder. We went on to win the next two matches against The Downs and St John’s. We were placed joint first with Clifton and The Downs so the overall position was decided by the number of rounders scored. This left us in third position with The Downs winning. The girls were slightly disappointed but tournaments can sometimes be frustrating for players and coaches! SF/GBW stepped into Jocasta’s position and became a very consistent bowler and also excellent at catching. Lotte proved to be a very strong back stop and threw accurately to the bowler and second post. Isabella has been a very reliable on second post and is very consistent with her catching and decision making. The girls’ batting has steadily progressed through the term, with Alice being our strongest batter and scoring many rounders. The girls have all enjoyed taking part in matches and each match has helped improve their decision making and understanding of the game. It has been a real pleasure to teach the girls this term and with their determination and competiveness I am sure they will have lots of success in the autumn term. Thank you to all the parents who have supported us in matches through rain and shine! SF/GBW

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Year 3 Girls’ Sports Hockey On the 17th October we played at a festival at St Hugh’s. We had such a great time playing hockey. We won all five matches that were against Wycliffe, Bristol Grammar, St Hugh’s, Cheltenham Jnr and Clifton. On the 7th of November Beaudesert held a festival. We lost one and won three matches. When we were not playing we were supporting the other Beaudesert teams. On the 28th November we went to Cheltenham Jnr. We unfortunately lost 4 – 5. Afterwards we had hot chocolate, jacket potatoes and baked beans in the dining hall which was covered with Christmas decorations that looked really good. We were all then taken to meet our parents. The rest of us travelled home in the disco bus with Mrs Winchcombe. Harriet Simmons and Tilly Woodford

Netball On the 31st January we played against Pinewood away. We scored 5 goals. We won by 2 goals. We had two teams, the As and the Bs. It was a lot of fun and it was good to visit another school. Afterwards we had French fries, sausage rolls and orange squash. Tilly Woodford It was a hot afternoon on the 2nd March when we arrived at Wycliffe. We got out of the bus and we walked onto the astro. We went to our positions and started to play hard. We won 9 - 4. We then went back to school and told the others about our game. Ellie Pridmore and Kiki Severn On the 5th March Beaudesert hosted a festival against lots of schools. It was very cold when we played. At the end of the matches we were freezing so we all warmed up near to the pavilion where we had a drink and some food. There was no scoring but I think most teams had a great time and we learnt a lot about netball. Kitty Wright On the 19th March we had a match against Prior Park. We had to wait a long time to play. Finally we did and we played three matches and won all of them. Mrs Winchcombe rotated us round so we all had a go at different positions. After we had a lovely match tea. It was a super day and lots of our parents were there to support us. Harriet Simmons

Rounders On the 18th June we attended a rounders festival at The Downs, Wraxall. Some of us came direct from school and some from home. We all met in the sports hall and were told to gather round. The staff then told us the rules. There were two pitches. Our first match was against The Downs. We lost this match by two points. We won the rest against Bristol Grammar, Cheltenham Jnr and Clifton. Ginny Lawrence

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GIRLS’ TENNIS Teams: U13A: O Muir*, G Bathurst*, L Thomas, E Waller, M Haycraft Mee, H Field, C Montgomerie, M-J Gardner U13 B: G Sykes, S Comery, A Knowles, A Walker, S Phillips, J Phelps, A Strain, A-M Bowring, G Gilder U12: H Mather, T Godding, F Priest, F Channing, E Pitman, Z Davison, A Gilder U11: K Hauger, K Wright, A Sopher, M D’Arcy Rice U10: E Flynn, F Elvidge, T Parr, T Priest U9: I Mayer and S Elvin Results: U13 Severnside 1st Pair 5th 2nd Pair 5th U11 Severnside 5th U10 Severnside 3rd U13 v Cheltenham Ladies’ 7 - 9 Lost U12 v Cheltenham Ladies’ 0 - 9 Lost U13 v Pinewood 5 - 4 Won U11 v Pinewood 0 - 2 Lost U13 v Dean Close 5 -13 Lost U11 v Dean Close 0 - 4 Lost U10 v Dean Close 2 - 2 Drew U12 v St Hugh’s 3 - 4 Lost U11 v St Edward’s 2 - 2 Drew U10 v St Edward’s 1 - 1 Drew U9 v St Edward’s 1 - 1 Drew U13B v Clifton 4 - 5 Lost U13C v Clifton 3 - 6 Lost School Competition Year 6 Girls: A Sopher v M D’Arcy Rice Winner: M D’Arcy Rice

BOYS’ TENNIS Teams: U13: P de Barros* (capt), T Ravano*, O Shale*, G Maxwell*, R Milne,*denotes colours U12: L Pitman, J Jamieson Black, G Gordon Lennox, C Amati, H Hudson, J Beattie, C Clark, T Severn U11: F Jodrell, F Milne, J Muir, J Strain U10: C Leeper, P Tabor, T Pilsbury U9: P Ravano, A Haynes, H Gearon, J Tucker Results: U13 Severnside 1st Pair 2nd in group 2nd Pair 3rd in group U11 Severnside 5th U13 v Pinewood 7 - 2 Won U11 v Pinewood 2 - 2 Drew U12 v St Hugh’s 5 - 10 Lost U11 v St Edward’s 0 - 9 Lost U10 v St Edward’s 2 - 2 Drew U9 v St Edward’s 3 - 1 Won School Competition Year 8 Boys: T Ravano v P de Barros: Winner: T Ravano Year 7 Boys: J Jamieson Black v H Hudson Winner: J Jamieson Black Year 4 Boys: A Amati v P Ravano Winner: A Amati

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Tennis

MIXED DOUBLES Results: St Edward’s U10 Tournament: 2nd in Plate Tournament

HOUSE TENNIS Junior - B House Senior - A House Overall Winner: A House

A busy term for tennis this year and more importantly it has been fantastic to see some Year 4 tennis stars being able to get involved with some of the fixtures. Many of the Year 7s and 8s demonstrated excellent commitment and improvement by coming to the development sessions and could frequently be seen on the courts in the evenings. The Severnside tournament happens, very early on in the term so rackets were dusted off quickly. For the first time, in the girls’ tournament, U10s were invited along with the U11s and U13s. As always the competition was incredibly tough but thoroughly enjoyed by all. Both U13 teams then went on to claim victory over Pinewood. At the same time the U11 boys (Joss, Freddie, Felix and James) walked out onto court for their first competitive match. They quickly began putting some tactics into their game and walked off with a fantastic 2-2 draw. Other highlights of the season were seeing Isabelle and Sophie (both in Year 4) play against St Edward’s Year 5 players; watching Tamsin, Piers, Columba and Felicity compete in their first mixed doubles tournament and finally witnessing some brilliant competitive play in the schools’ competition - particularly in the Year 4 boys’ competition. There are definitely some names to watch in that year group as they go up the school! A great season and I look forward to next summer! LS

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Athletics

Teams: U9 E Fanshawe, G Lawrence, G Mills, C Davison, F Walker, A Kold, L Scheuner, F Taylor-Kimmins, H Simmons, K Severn, F Baker, H Brook, K Hiscox, I Cooper, L Wiles, O Mullen U10 A Stamp, A Amati, H Gearon, A Haynes, A Probert, M Arkwright, I Walker, I Mayer, F Saxton, B Knight, B Ransome, S Elvin, B Mather, T Jodrell, P Ravano, V Levinson, L Newman U11 H Bailey, S D’Arcy Rice, C Leeper, J Kite, P Tabor, T Pilsbury, L Burns, S Shepherd, P Stopford, T Parr, F Elvidge, T Priest, W Gravell, C Carpenter, F Hughes U12 K Penny, F Jodrell, L Sopher, J Muir, J Strain, B Barnes, M D’Arcy Rice, C Walker, I McLaughlan, K Hauger, K Wright, L Winfrey, T Mayer, C Garner, A Sopher, J Gibson, T Smith, L Sopher U13 J Birtles, J Burns, J Jamieson Black, L Pitman, H Catto, Z Davison, F Channing, F Morrissey, G Levinson, F Priest, G Gordon Lennox, C Clarke, H Mather, R Parker, A Gilder, S Dibben U14 H Chamberlain*, H Mitford-Slade, G Maxwell* (capt), F Neal, O Shale, A Knowles*, C Montgomerie*(capt), H Field*, G James*, G Bathurst*, L Thomas*, O Muir, A Walker, Ca Evans, Co Evans, S Sopher*, A Walker, A Wilson, R Milne * denotes colours

Results U10, 12+14 v U10, 11+12 v Severnside Mercia Preps National Finals

Pinewood, The Dragon, St Hugh’s Monkton, King Edward’s, The Downs, Clifton, Hazelgrove No team competition No team competition No team competition

(A)

Probably more than any other year, this one was blighted by poor weather. A tremendous competition at Pinewood saw the team, once again, go down narrowly to The Dragon by 12 points but well clear of our other rivals. There were tremendous performances from many of our athletes and a brilliant 1st and 3rd place for the U14 girls’ A and B relay teams respectively. Once again we were narrowly pipped at Monkton by a strong Hazelgrove side who dominated in the field and perhaps showed our weak area! This was not to detract from the superb performances by all our competitors. Among the successes were wins for both the U10 and U12 girls’ relay teams. The Severnside competition was the next opportunity to get in some much needed experience with the Mercia event after half term. There were many fine performances and perhaps the best was a hotly contested long jump where Genni James set a Severnside record just pipping Hebe Field by 1cm. The wind affected the sprint times adversely this year but didn’t prevent some excellent displays and head to head competition. At Radley we emulated last year’s efforts by getting seven athletes through to the National Finals. The only disappointment was the failure of the U14 Girls’ relay team for whom we had high hopes. That said, the opposition was extremely tough in what is a very difficult and highly competitive region. Qualifiers are listed above but a mention to those who just missed out is deserved. Genni tied with Hebe in the long jump but the decision

2nd/4

(A) (H) Radley College Birmingham

2nd/6

Winning Performances: A Stamp, B Knight, I Walker, I Mayer, A Haynes, L Quinn, F Elvidge, K Hauger, M D’Arcy Rice, L Thomas, F Hughes, A Knowles, G James, C Montgomerie, H Field, G Bathurst, S Sopher, F Morrissey, G Maxwell

National Finalists: C Montgomerie (2nd 800m), S Sopher (2nd/3rd Shot/Discus), G Maxwell (5th Hurdles), G Bathurst (4th Javelin), H Field (5th Long Jump), M D’Arcy Rice (9th 800m), K Hauger (8th 100m)

Records: B Knight F Elvidge G James C Montgomerie S Sopher

U10 U11 U14 U14 U14

Girls’ Girls’ Girls’ Girls’ Girls’

800m Long Jump Long Jump 800m Shot/Discus

went to Hebe on count back. Lydia Thomas just missed a spot in the javelin as did Felicity Elvidge and Florence Channing in the long jump. Francesca Morrissey and Arabella Knowles just missed out in the hurdles. Many others made the top eight of their events. The Nationals proved to be a very exciting day with the cream of the Prep Schools on display and in some cases those who placed highly in the English Schools Finals a few days earlier. This only spurred our athletes on to excel as we picked up three medals and narrowly missed out on several more. Sydney started the day with a magnificent silver in the shot behind the national champion, throwing well over 11m for the first time. Georgina placed 4th in the javelin by a mere 2cm. Hebe excelled to finish 5th in the long jump. George was unlucky to hit the second last hurdle whilst in a medal position before coming in 5th. We had to wait until near the end for our remaining medals with Sydney picking up a bronze in the discus and her second school record of the day. Clemmie picked up a well deserved silver in the 800m in a new school record, eclipsing the mark set by Amy Dunstan the year before when winning the same race. This was all the more amazing as Clemmie had been nursing an injury all term. Well done to Mollie and Katie who both finished in the top half of their events, gaining valuable experience. This was another short but successful season. Many thanks to all the staff involved, from the work done in PE lessons to the Games sessions, for their hard work. Also, well done to the athletes for their enthusiasm and desire to compete. GR

2m 48.2s 3.89m 4.42m (Severnside) 2m 28.0s 11.24m/29.28m

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Sports Day

U14 Events 100m 200m 800m Long Jump Discus Shot Javelin 100m Open Consolation

G Maxwell G Maxwell C Montgomerie G Maxwell Co Evans S Sopher G Bathurst A Howes

13.25s 27.08s 2m 37s 4.74m 22.08m 10.20m 27.79m 16.77s

U13 Boys 100m 200m Long Jump Discus Shot

J Burns J Birtles J Burns G Gordon Lennox H Catto

14.63s 29.87s 4.59m 21.02m 7.86m

U12 Boys 100m 200m 800m Long Jump Cricket Ball

J Muir J Muir M D’Arcy Rice K Hauger C Turk

15.38s 31.55s 2m 45s 4.29m 42.70m

U11 Boys 100m 200m Long Jump Cricket Ball

J Kite P Tabor F Elvidge T Pilsbury

14.68s 31.79s 3.74m 34.82m

U10 Boys 100m 200m

A Stamp B Knight

16.24s 32.25s

U14 Girls 100m 200m 800m

C Montgomerie C Montgomerie C Montgomerie

14.34s 28.37s 2m 37s

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Long Jump Rounders Ball

G Maxwell G Bathurst

4.74m 45m

U13 Girls 100m 200m Long Jump Rounders Ball

F Morrissey F Morrissey J Burns I Jardine

14.65s 29.56s 4.59m 32.59m

U12 Girls 100m 200m Long Jump Rounders Ball

K Hauger K Hauger K Hauger A Sopher

14.93s 30.65s 4.29m 30.45m

U11 Girls 100m 200m Long Jump Rounders Ball

F Elvidge F Elvidge F Elvidge I Parr

15.16s 33.16s 3.74m 28.44m

U10 Girls 100m 200m Long Jump

B Knight B Knight L Quinn

15.96s 32.25s* 3.46m

Form Relay 4 x 100m 4 x 100m 4 x 100m 4 x 100m

Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8

5MB 6A 7G 8B

64.87s 66.38s 60.87s 56.15s

Year 3 Form Races 60m 60m 60m 60m

3H Boys 3H Girls 3N Boys 3N Girls

F Taylor-Kimmins K Severn C Davison E Fanshawe

10.69s 10.55s 10.16s 10.89s

* denotes broken record

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

Swimming Squads: U8 E Fanshawe, K Hiscox, K Severn, A Phillips, C Davison, H Brook, F Walker, L Wiles, F Taylor-Kimmins, M Shaw U9 A Stamp, J Tucker, J Catto, A Haynes, M Arkwright, P Ravano, A Probert, B Knight, A Martin, I Mayer, L Newman, C Whitcombe U10 P Tabor, H North, T Pilsbury, S D’Arcy Rice, H Bailey, J Kite, W Comaish, G Standen McDougal, M Lawrence, C Crabb, F Elvidge, R Fawcett, S Shepherd, K Hughes, T Priest, L Dunne, C Reid, E Flynn, I Channing, D Mitford-Slade, I Brook U11 T Smith, K Penny, C Fairgrieve Pick, T Elvin, H Newman, J Muir, J Strain, B Barnes, A Comaish, F Jodrell, T Mayer, L Sopher, I Brodermann, M D’Arcy Rice, G Martin, C Walker, M Moorsom, K Wright, A Sopher, K Hauger, I McLaughlan, I Maxwell, M Grafftey-Smith U12 C Clark, G Gordon Lennox, J Beattie, J Burns, H Hudson, Z Davison, F Channing, E Lowde, F Priest, H Mather, S Dibben, F Morrissey, E Pitman U13 F Neal*, H Chamberlain*, J Battishill, H Mitford-Slade*, D Gibbons, A Walker*, O Muir*, G James*, G Bathurst*, J Phelps (capt)*, L Thomas*, C Montgomerie, S Sopher* *denotes colours

Another exciting year in the pool! The results show how well all the swimmers have done over the course of the year, culminating with Zoe Davison, Emily Lowde, Georgia Martin and the U12 girls’ medley relay team (Florence Channing, Francesca Priest, Emily and Zoe) all qualifying for the National Finals. Georgia ranked 1st in the back-stroke going into the finals but unfortunately had to miss the finals due to a shoulder injury. Zoe swam a fantastic race to come second overall in the 50m breast-stroke, a superb swim and a massive improvement from last year’s 5th - well done! The year finished on a high by winning the Severnside tournament where we saw some great races. A particular mention must go to Fraser Neal, Georgina Bathurst, Zoe Davison, Mollie D’Arcy Rice, Tom Elvin and Charlie Clark for competing in the 100 metre events. Just like last year the overall results depended on the relay races at the end of the event.

Results:

v v v v v v v v v v

Clifton U13, U12, U11 Wycliffe U10, U9, U8 Clifton U11, U10, U9 Cheltenham Jnr U13, U12, U11 Cheltenham Ladies’ U12, U13 Berkhampstead U10, U11 Cheltenham Jnr U10, U9, U8 Wycliffe U13, U12, U11 Clifton U9, U10, U11, U12, U13 Cheltenham Ladies’

Won 293 - 263 Won 120 - 92 Won 104 - 75 Lost 94 - 114 Won 67 - 63 Won 116 - 99 Won 152 - 111 Lost 124 - 125 Lost Lost

Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Away

Severnside - Winners IAPS Finalists G Martin, Z Davison, E Lowde, F Channing, F Priest Severnside Individual Winners U13 - A Walker, Z Davison, J Phelps, J Battishill, H Chamberlain U9 - A Stamp, J Catto, I Mayer, A Martin, C Davison, B Knight House Swimming - Winners B House

It was a very exciting finish, with Beaudesert winning by 8 points. It was brilliant to see some of the Year 3s become involved in a few of the matches. There were some excellent swims by Charles Davison and Eloise Fanshawe, who swam in the U9 age group in the Severnside tournament. Well done to all the swimmers for committing their time and hard work over the course of the year! An extra thank you to all those swimmers who stepped in at the last minute or who swam a race they weren’t expecting to! TP/ LS

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Friends of Beaudesert On behalf of the Friends of Beaudesert I would like to welcome all the new children and parents to the school this year.

the Scavenger Hunt and survived the hail storm at the end of the afternoon. The ice creams from the Winstones ice cream van are always a winner.

The Friends of Beaudesert is a Committee of parents including the Headmaster. All parents automatically become a Friend once they join the school and are welcome to attend the AGM which is held in January. The role of the ‘Friends’ is to enrich the general education of the children by providing various different activities outside of the school curriculum throughout the school year. In doing so this is one way in which the relationship between the staff, parents, and pupils is extended with a huge element of fun.

Year 4 had a successful afternoon learning to juggle, spin plates, walk on stilts and spin the diablo during the Circus Skills session. Yet again the ‘It’s a Knockout’ event is a big hit with Years 5 and 6. The weather was kind and in spite of the rain earlier in the day the evening remained dry.

For the first time this year we had a fundraising coffee morning and cake sale which welcomed all the mums and dads after drop-off in the morning at the beginning of the autumn term. It proved to be a great success and a good opportunity to catch up with friends after the long summer holidays and to meet new parents too. The next large event we organise in the new school year is the fireworks party in November. This year it was very well attended and we were blessed with a fine evening. Many thanks to Matthias Hauger and his crew of parent volunteers for organising the excellent fireworks display. Also thanks should go to the other committee members for their help in selling toffee apples, candy floss and the glow sticks. The secret mulled wine recipe is a favourite amongst the adults whilst the children enjoyed the hot-dogs. At the end of the long autumn term the Pre-prep children always enjoy the Christmas party with a visit from Father Christmas. This gets them into the Christmas spirit before breaking up for holidays. In the Easter term we sold the first of the Beaudesert umbrellas and water bottles; these have proved popular and the umbrellas have even been used during the summer term during cricket matches with the inclement English weather! At the end of the Easter term the Easter Bunny bounces his way to see the Pre-prep children which is always a good source of excitement and many thanks to the Easter Bunny for helping us out. The summer term is the main term for children’s events in the Prep School. Firstly the Year 3 children all enjoyed

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To round off the school year the Year 7 and 8’s managed to ‘strut their stuff’ at the leavers disco on the last night of term. Robbie the DJ did a fantastic job of getting the girls and boys onto the dance floor to dance to the music they had chosen on their playlist. We have had several committee members retiring this year, Georgina Newman, Sarah Jackson, Gabi Sopher and Jane Winfrey who has also retired as secretary. Many thanks to them all for their support and work on the committee. Do please look at the Friends page on the school website to find out about forthcoming events. If you have any ideas or want to help with any of the events please do not hesitate to contact me through the school office. We are always keen on feedback from parents and children to help us review and update the events. Finally thank you to all those committee members and volunteer parents who have helped support the events throughout the year. It is a valuable contribution to the children’s life at Beaudesert Park and one which we hope will continue to be supported. Wigs Catto Chair, Friends of Beaudesert

Autumn 2011 BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE

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BEAUDESERT PARK MAGAZINE Autumn 2011

Staff List 2010-2011 Headmaster JPR Womersley

BA (Hons), Durham; PGCE Oxford

Deputy Head POM Wachter

RMA Sandhurst; BEd (Hons), Bristol Head of Latin

Director of Studies KD Burns S Heafield

BA (Hons), McGill, Montreal Head of Maths; Year 8 Form Teacher BEd (Hons), Keele Head of Art

Senior Management Miss L Gilliatt G Russell

BA (Hons), Oxford; PGCE, Oxford Brookes; Year 7 Form Teacher; Head of English BEd (Hons) Crewe and Alsager College; Director of Sport; Head of PE; Maths; Year 4 Form Teacher

Head of Pre-prep Miss KSE Henderson

BA (Hons) York; PGCE Edinburgh, TEFL

PREP STAFF Mrs L Adamson N Armitage Mrs G Baber-Wiliams Mrs C Bevan M J Bevan J Bird Mrs J Butterworth M Castle J Coombs E Craig Mrs K Duffy Mrs L Dyer A Edwards Mrs A Edwards Mrs L Field Mrs R Gardner Mrs D Garlick P Graham Mrs K Hale Miss J Hammond JT Jeffreys Mrs C Lincoln T Lloyd-Williams KU Madden RPT Morris Mrs R Nielsen Mrs T Phelps Mrs M Poll Mrs S Russell Miss L Smith

BA (Hons) Post Grad Dip SpLD; PGDE, Cirencester; Learning Support BA (Hons) UEA; PGCE Cambridge; Year 6 Form Teacher; Maths; Year 4 Humanities BA (Hons) UWIC; PGCE Gloucester; Sport BEd (Hons), Exeter; Year 4 Form Teacher BEd (Hons), St Luke’s Exeter; Year 5 Form Teacher; Maths; Head of PHSE Dip Ed, University of Natal; Year 5 Form Teacher; Science BSc (Hons), Oxford Polytechnic; PGCE Oxford; Head of Science, Year 8 Form Teacher BA (Hons), Birmingham; PGCE, Roehampton; LTCL (Mus Ed); ISI Inspector, Director of Music BEd Exeter; ICT BA (Hons), Northumbria; Head of Geography; Year 6 Form Teacher BEd (Hons),Nottingham; Post Grad Dip SpLD; Head of Learning Support BSc (Hons), London; PGCE, PG Dip SpLD Learning Support Houseparent; Sport 1st Degree Lille, France; PGCE Bath; French; Houseparent BA (Hons) Fine Arts, Sunderland ATC, Art BA (Hons) Oxford, PGCE Bristol, Science BA (Hons) Primary Education Lancaster; Year 4 Science BA; Cert Ed, Durham; Cert ICT, Cambridge; Head of ICT BEd (Bath); Head of Year 3; Year 3 Form Teacher BA (Hons) Primary Eduction UWE; MA UWE; English; Year 6 Form Teacher MSc (Oxon); Cert Ed, Leeds; Dip Drama, Newcastle; Head of RE BA (Hons) Southampton; PGCE Open University; French BA (Hons), Swansea; PGCE, Leeds; Head of French; Year 7 Form Teacher BA, Durham; PGCE London; Latin BEd, Worcester; HND (Agric) RAC; Science Technician BSc (Hons), Cardiff, PGCE Exeter; Science, Year 3 Form Teacher BEd (Hons), London; Girls’ Games; PE; Maths BA Ed (Hons) Exeter; Learning Support BSc (Hons), Manchester; PGCE Manchester; Maths BSc (Hons) Gloucestershire; PGCE Exeter; Sport; Numeracy Support; Girls Games PE

MATRONS Miss AM Burr Mrs C Dowell Mrs J Excell SISTER Mrs L Johnstone Mrs D Davies

Senior Matron

RGN; MBRA RGN; RSCN; NNEB

MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS P Manning R Ward K Gardiner M Carter J Kret

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Mrs A Standen McDougal Mr J Standen McDougal R Tiley L Waters Mrs L Winchcombe

BA (Hons), Chelt & Glos, College; PGCE, Reading Dip Ag, Lackham Agriculture College; PGCE, Roehampton Head of History; Year 8 Form Teacher BA (Hons), Anglia Ruskin; PGCE Kent; Dip Arts Admin, NCFE Level 3 Bushcraft Instructor; Year 7 Form Teacher; English BSc Civil Engineering, Glamorgan; PGCE, Exeter; Head of D & T; Year 5 Form Teacher; Forest School Leader Award BA (Hons) Education, Gloucestershire, NNEB; Year 3 Assistant

PRE-PREP STAFF Miss P Bett Mrs L Bingham Mrs S Brown Mrs J Chinnick Mrs S Cushnan Mrs C Hawker Mrs A Joyce Mrs S Lloyd-Williams Mrs F Price Mrs G Price Miss S Tranter Mrs V Wicks Mrs W Woodham

BA (Hons), Lancaster; PGCE Chelt. & Glos College; Year 2 Form Teacher STAR, Open University; Year 1 Assistant Cert Ed, Roehampton; Reception Form Teacher Playgroup Leader (NVQ Level 2); Reception Assistant Cert in Residential Care of Children; Year 2 Assistant NNEB; Reception Assistant Cert Ed, Rolle College; Reception Form Teacher Cert Ed, Lincoln; Year 2 Form Teacher NNEB, Clifton College; Year 2/3 Assistant BA (Hons), Aberystwyth; FISTC Swimming BA (Hons), Chelt & Glos College; PGCE, London; Year 1 Form Teacher Cert Ed, London; Year 1 Form Teacher BEd (Hons), Froebel College, Roehampton Institute; Literacy Support

VISITING STAFF Mrs M Brownbill ARMCM Voice Miss A Cubbin BA (Hons) Bath Spa; Clarinet & Saxophone AGSM in Performing & Teaching; Dip NCOS M Coldrick Guildhall School of Music & Drama; Drumkit Mrs S Frapwell Girls’ Games R Gardiner BTec in Contemporary Music; Electric Guitar S Garley Fencing Mrs N Gaunt BEd (Hons) Brighton; Learning Support Mrs L Hale BEd Bath College; Piano & Recorder J Harris MA, Cardiff; Harp, Acoustic & Electric Guitar Mrs F Heseltine BA (Hons) Birkbeck College, London; Head of Wardrobe Mrs N Kirkwood Speech & Drama British Judo Association and BJC 4th DAN M Maidment (Competition Grade); Judo B Mason BA; ARBS; HDFA; Drumkit Mrs N Mills BSc, Birmingham; PGCE, Bristol; Acoustic Guitar M Morris LRAM Royal Academy of Music, London; Clarinet & Saxophone Dr A Peacey PhD Liverpool; Pottery G Rees Dip. Welsh College of Music & Drama; Brass D Robinson BA (Hons), Thames Valley University; Sport Mrs H Shaw Cert Ed, York; Piano R Smith BA London, CTABRSM; Piano Miss A Summers BA (Hons) Buckinghamshire, PGCE Reading; Piano & Piano Accordion Mrs J Tewson BA (Hons) Bristol, PGCE Bristol, Advanced Dip. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama;Strings D Thompson BA (Hons) Anglia Ruskin University, MA Bournemouth University; Piano Mrs S Thornton BA Reading; RCSLT; Speech Language Therapist Miss N Tomlinson TC & Dip RAD; AISTD; Ballet & Dance Mrs B Turner Music Degree, N Virginia College, USA; Flute Mrs G Waters BSc Leeds; Ecology; Girls’ Games Mrs S Wingrove

GOVERNORS Chairman RS Trafford N Acland T Ahearne ADMINISTRATION D Battishill Mrs J Abendanon BA Witwatersrand; Librarian Mrs E Cowen K Lea Operations Manager M Fawcett B Lloyd IT Technician T Howard Mrs P Munn Headmaster’s Secretary Mrs A Melvin Mrs S Radford Administrative Assistant Mrs R Pitman Mrs C Royal Bursary Assistant N Priest GE Wingrove Bursar M Pyper Mrs F Womersley Marketing; Child Protection Officer; SJ Radford Head of Girls J Walker Mrs T Yates-Round Registration; School Secretary TRANSPORT C Screen L Mills

Retired Headmaster, Dragon School Oxford Former Parent; Company Director Parent; Managing Director Parent; Company Consultant Former Parent; Barrister Parent; Company Director Old Beaudesertian; Architect Parent Parent; Chartered Surveyor Parent; Chartered Accountant Retired Headmaster, Gordonstoun Former Parent; Company Director Headmaster, Abberley Hall

Beaudesert Park School Minchinhampton Gloucestershire GL6 9AF Telephone: 01453 832072 Facsimile: 01453 836040 email: office@beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk Website: www.beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk Design, Artwork & Print by Qwertyop.co.uk