Beaudesert Park School Magazine 2025

magazine BEAUDESERT PARK SCHOOL

AUTUMN

SCHOOL NOTES

Headmaster’s Speech at Prize Giving

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, good morning, and welcome to Beaudesert’s Prize Giving 2024.

This time last year, we had just heard our brass group playing a rousing rendition of ‘Oh, when the Saints!’ in an attempt to uplift my glum mood about Southampton’s relegation out of the Premier League. Please don’t worry, I am not going to hang my speech on my love of football again, other than to say that the boys in red and white have bounced straight back up to the big time.

And there is a lesson in that for our children.

Sometimes things don’t go as we would hope. Sometimes it is because of things we have done. Or not done. Sometimes it is because of decisions we have made, which may backfire. Sometimes it is because of mistakes. And sometimes it is because of things that are entirely out of our hands.

But what we choose to do about it is entirely in our hands. How we respond to challenges is up to us. No-one else. Our response to adversity can and will make us stronger. And especially when we respond together, as a team.

In order to study the living systems on our planet, the University of Arizona developed a biosphere (a huge dome to act as a miniature version of our planet), allowing them to adjust and control the

atmospheric and climate conditions to perfectly meet the needs of all the different plants and trees. Not surprisingly, the trees grew quickly, fed by ideal conditions and protected from harm.

But before they reached full maturity, suddenly, unexpectedly, and with no known reason, the trees started to fall.

When they investigated why, the scientists discovered that the trees were missing the wind.

When growing in the wind, you see, plants constantly move, creating stress in the load bearing structure which encourages the tree to develop a stronger wood called ‘reaction’, or ‘stress’ wood, with a different reinforced structure.

This happens in a similar way when trees bend and shape as they grow to find the best source of light for nutrition. If the light is constant they do not need to grow and strengthen in the same way to seek it out.

When faced with wind, the trees learn how to develop their roots to give them firmer foundations, their roots growing as the trees themselves grow. Without feeling the wind, trees can grow shallow roots and are then prone to falling when later faced with storms.

Our children are not dissimilar, and how we help them grow should be informed by a similar lesson. They have choices to make. The easy path, staying away from the winds of challenge, hiding in the biosphere, hoping for everything to be perfect and easy. Or choosing challenges, facing the winds from time to time to help strengthen them as they grow.

As a school, as teachers, and as parents, while giving the necessary nutrients and offering the best possible chances for happy and successful growth, we must not create a biosphere for our children.

Oh, and one other thing. The healthiest trees are often those that grow in the wind, while surrounded by other trees, sharing the same nutrients in the soil, and encouraging a healthy relationship with surrounding wildlife. So it is for our children. They are better growing together.

Our departing Year 8 children might be seen as our trees, having grown here, some of them for 10 years, having started in our Nursery. Beaudesert is most certainly not a biosphere, there are winds of challenge here, and rightly so. I can think of no better place for children to grow.

So, let’s see how our Year 8s have grown.

I normally offer some parting words of advice to our leaving children, however, I noticed that, in their Leavers’ Book, our Year 8s have answered the question: ‘What lessons will you take with you as you journey on through life?’

Let’s see what they said:

• Hard work pays off.

• Don’t get detention; it’s really boring.

• Be a team player.

• Enjoy your time at School while you are there, because it goes so fast.

• Be kind, never give up, work as a team.

• Be outdoors as much as possible.

• Mr Searson’s head is shinier in the morning.

• Friends are key to life.

• Always try your best, take a risk, be kind and smile.

• Work hard, be resilient and kind.

• Never mess with Holmsey! And when Mr Burns goes red, run!

• Enjoy sport, and realise it is not just about winning (don’t tell Gareth Southgate that!).

• Aim high.

• It’s not what you’re doing but who you’re doing it with.

• Put vegetables on your plate before you are forced to.

• Treat people the way you want to be treated yourself.

• Everyone should climb trees.

• Nothing good comes easy.

• Be kind.

All their words, and wisely said. Well, mostly.

Year 8, you have grown into impressive young people and should be ready to move on from Beaudesert full of confidence, taking the lessons you have learned here to your senior schools. They are lucky to be getting you.

But there are, of course, things our Year 8 haven’t learned.

When discussing the Cornwall trip, looking through the kit list, one member of Year 8 raised their hand.

“Mrs Austen, what’s a kagooey?” (in a French accent)

“A what, sorry?” asked Mrs Austen. “A kagooey?”

“Oh,” says Mrs Austen, “a cagoule!”

It is easy for us to take such knowledge for granted.

At our end of term Prize Giving, we give prizes to children in each Form, for attainment, effort and character.

I discovered this term that a child towards the top end of the School may not have fully understood all the prizes.

Having been awarded the Attainment Prize, their father congratulated them and was surprised that they were quite so blasé about it. It turns out that this particular Beaudesertian had been confusing

‘attainment’ with ‘attendance’, thinking it was the consolation prize for children who couldn’t be awarded anything else, but at least turned up to school on a regular basis. Having received this prize on a few occasions, they had accepted that being present was their superpower, even feeling cheated one term when, having not missed a single day of school, they didn’t receive the ‘attendance’ prize.

As well as encouraging them to ‘turn up’, we also teach our children to be independent, organised, self-governing young people. Most of the time, successfully so. But not always. Moments before their Revue performance on Thursday evening, one member of Year 8 approached Mrs Austen.

“Mrs Austen, I left my costume at home.”

“Ah, what can we do about that?”

“I borrowed one from someone else.”

“Oh, good, well done.”

“But, now I’ve lost it!”

To our leaving children, whatever you have learned at Beaudesert, and whatever you haven’t (yet), you take with you experiences and lessons that make you stronger, better people, ready for all that lies ahead.

Everything your children have enjoyed and achieved this year has been made possible by the unwavering passion, commitment and care shown by our incredible staff team. Please may we all put our hands together to show our gratitude to every single member of Beaudesert staff.

Today, we sadly say goodbye to a number of staff. I would like to take a moment to thank some of our Prep School teachers.

Lucy Furber, Connie Rutterford and Pete Washer have been the most incredible support to our children and our teachers, throwing themselves enthusiastically into every area of school life. The life of a gap/grad is varied, unpredictable, and pretty relentless, and all three have taken on everything with smiles on their faces and a ‘can-do’ attitude at all times. Most importantly, of course, the children have loved them! Lucy heads back to the University of Bath to finish her degree studies, while Connie returns to Loughborough. Peter is about to embark on his university adventure at Cardiff Met. We wish you all the very best for your futures and hope our paths cross again very soon. Thank you; you have all been utterly amazing.

This term has been the last, after an extraordinary 22 years of service to music at Beaudesert for brass teacher, Mr Gareth Rees, driving his daily commute to teach music here from Cardiff. This level of commitment is indicative of the man himself, and also the strength of the Music Department here.

Mrs Rachael Merrett joined the office team in January 2022, part of the ‘terrific two’, sharing the week with Pippa Birch. Wearing her Madonna-esque headset, Rachael’s unique style and humour has kept us all entertained, while she has been a source of immediate support for children, staff and parents. Rachael moves to a role in events management, and we wish her every happiness. No doubt we’ll still see her on the netball courts on a Monday night. Thank you, Rachael.

Since 2017, Lottie Potter has been an integral part of our Learning Support Department, helping many of our children one-to-one, while also teaching English in the classroom. We wish Mrs Potter well as she now gives a little more time to supporting her young family. Thank you, Lottie.

Mr Kirby got a taste for Beaudesert life in early 2021, spending two terms with us.

GAP and Graduate Assistants

From left to right Pete Washer, Connie Rutterford, Lucy Furber, Tom Tooth

We were incredibly fortunate that he was ready to rejoin the ranks in September 2022. Whether teaching English and Languages, out on the games field, tickling the ivories, or playing pétanque on the terrace, Mr Kirby is a natural prep school master. Unfortunately, his true heart lies in the teaching of German at A-Level, so the opportunity to do so at Cheltenham College, while running College Lawn House with his wife Caroline, was simply too irresistible. Robert, we shall miss you, but we know we pass many future OBs on to the very safest hands. If I were to choose one word to describe Robert it would simply be ‘a gentleman’. Robert, thank you.

Having first come to Beaudesert as a supply teacher in 2018, Alison Hodges soon joined the Maths Department, before taking the reins as Head of Department soon afterwards. A huge believer in Maths mindset, and developing a deep-rooted understanding of mathematical principles through practical work, questioning processes, and embracing ‘good mistakes’, Mrs Hodges has led the department excellently for the past four years. An opportunity for change will give Mrs Hodges more time for personal passions beyond the classroom, including her art and her garden. Thank you, Alison, and good luck.

An Old Beaudertian herself, Cordelia Hockin returned to her alma mater in 2019 and has brought her passion for science to children in the Prep School

since. A lover of practical science, Mrs Hockin has lit the fire of curiosity in so many of our younger children. For now, the desire to give more of her time to her daughter, Bella, has become too strong. These early years are precious and we wish Cordelia and her family every happiness. Thank you, Cordelia!

Ah, the Laytons. Beaudesert’s ‘power couple’. For the past nine years, Tom and Joey have been at the heart of all things Beaudesert. Indeed, they have very much been the heart of Beaudesert. I started listing the different roles they have fulfilled and the different areas of school life they have been involved in, but stopped for two reasons. Firstly, there is simply too much to list. And secondly, while important, this is not what has made the Laytons such a special part of Beaudesert. Schools can replace teachers, and coaches and leaders. It is harder to replace laughs, spirit and friendship. And these things have flowed in abundance from both Tom and Joey. Without them, Beaudesert will be a little less bright, and I’m not just talking about Tom’s pink trousers! Thorngrove are incredibly lucky to have the Layton family joining them, and I am sure that Tom will make an excellent Deputy Head. Good luck to you both, and thank you for everything!

Seven years ago, a year before coming to Beaudesert myself, the then Deputy Head told me that he was moving on to a headship, so was leaving Beaudesert. Thus leaving me coming as a new, first time

Headmaster, without a Deputy. Luckily, from a strong field, Jamie Holmes stood out. I remember distinctly, listening to him speaking about Beaudesert and sensing the fire within him and a total dedication to the School. I, we, have been exceptionally fortunate to have had Jamie as our Deputy Head for the past six years; six years which have brought their fair share of challenges, all of which Jamie has tackled head on, with optimism, and always, resolutely, with the interests of others driving and guiding him. He has been a wonderful support for us all.

The true measure of who Jamie is and what he has brought to Beaudesert and everyone here cannot be truly captured by my words. It is captured in the warmth and affection with which he is regarded by everyone. In the past 24 hours or so, I have lost count of the number of children and parents who have asked where Mr Holmes is, because they have wanted to personally say thank you.

After two years being torn between Devon and Beaudesert, wearing his own groove into the M5 tarmac, the time has come for Jamie to join Emma, Hector and Oscar on the beautiful Devon coast. Jamie, from everyone at Beaudesert, thank you for everything!

And so, before we move on to the presentation of this year’s prizes, I would like to wish you all a happy and enjoyable summer holiday.

C D Searson

Farewells

Tom and Joey Layton

It is never easy to say goodbye to a cherished colleague, but saying goodbye to two at once is particularly poignant. As the academic year came to a close, we have packed the Laytons off with an abundance of memories, experiences, and love as they set their course eastward to Berkshire, ready to embark on new adventures at Thorngrove Prep School. Those of us who have had the privilege of working with them these past nine years know that their new colleagues will soon feel the same warmth, joy, and camaraderie that have made the Laytons such an irreplaceable part of Beaudesert.

Jamie Holmes

Jamie and Emma arrived here in 2014 as the new Houseparents, taking over from the Armitages, having arrived from Farleigh. It didn’t take long for the Holmes’ to find their feet, and Jamie soon took on the role of Deputy Head, looking after those around him with the care and consideration we have come to know and love about him over the years.

Tom first joined us from Kenya, finding his home in Year 3 before firmly planting his roots in Year 4 and, of course, on the sports field. He even had a stint in computing, because why not? Joey joined Tom in the Boarding House, where together they transformed the space into a warm, vibrant haven for the children in their care. The boarding corridors buzzed with laughter, energy, and a deep sense of home, as Ma and Pa Layton, along with Sid and Agi, turned the Boarding House into a second family for everyone who stayed there. Homesickness didn’t stand a chance in the face of the Laytons’ funloving spirit and kindness.

As Joey’s talents became increasingly evident, she soon became a vital part of the Learning Support Department. Her dedication, energy, and compassion were felt by every child she worked with. And fittingly, she ended her time with us, sideby-side with Tom, in Year 4. Seeing them work together reminded us once again of what a dynamic duo they truly are; a joy to

work with and an inspiration to everyone around them.

Beyond their professional contributions, Tom and Joey also became integral members of the Beaudesert Park parent community. It wasn’t long before parents and colleagues alike saw the charm and fun-loving attitude that both Tom and Joey radiate, qualities that make them such wonderful friends and companions. The friendships they have forged here at Beaudesert are strong and will endure, no matter the distance.

We bid farewell to Tom and Joey with the deepest gratitude for all the love, dedication, and joy they have shared with us over the years. Thorngrove is truly fortunate to have them, and while we will miss them dearly, we know that wherever they go, they will continue to shine just as brightly as they have here.

Good luck and farewell, Tom and Joey. You will be missed more than words can say. PM

It is difficult to sum up everything that a Deputy Head has to do, but the list is long and extensive! During a school day, hidden behind the scenes, Jamie was often the man making sure staff and children were where they needed to be, along with captaining our weekly calendar. He has also been a constant when it comes to school trips, accompanying the children on trips ranging from Thorpe Park to Sauze D’Oulx.

Jamie is never one to shy away from work ethic. He is the busiest man I know; he makes sitting on a Kenyan sun lounger look stressful (which I can tell you from first-hand experience)!

But more than this, Jamie has been a support and a friend to many over his

time as Deputy, always there to help staff and children alike at school events; from concerts, to sports events, or anything else co-curricular. He has always been there for colleagues, asking how you are, how have things been, and never shying away from elephants in the room. I know that all of us will miss him, as he pops his head in on a class “just saying hi” or “to check to make sure all is ok”.

Jamie heads down to Devon to be a husband and a dad, and we will all miss him terribly come September. When he is relaxing on his boat, I’m not sure he will miss Beaudesert (or the changing rooms)! I would like to thank Jamie, for everything. He will be missed more than he will know.

Alison Hodges

Tracey Hayward

If you ask any of the boarders what their favourite thing is about boarding, many of them will immediately say “the food”! For the past few years, the lady they needed to thank for their delicious suppers was Tracey. From her homemade burgers to her heavenly chocolate torte, Tracey made sure the boarders (and the evening duty staff) were well fed.

Alison arrived at Beaudesert to do maternity cover in the Pre-Prep. A chance encounter in lunch led me to find out we had a fully qualified maths teacher in the building, which in turn led to her joining the Prep School Maths Department the following year, teaching Years 5 to 8. From the outset, she brought fresh ideas and energy to our work.

Post-Covid, she took over as Head of Department and set about with characteristic vigour, modernising and simplifying our planning processes, as well as setting up a programme of tracking and

improving attainment across the complete range of a Beaudesert child’s time here. She has taught children of all ages in her career, and this enabled her to connect effectively with those teaching Maths to younger children.

Alison has been a warm, supportive and utterly professional colleague and Department Head. She leaves to spend as much time as possible with her art studio, her garden and, of course, her dogs. I have learned a great deal from her, thank you! She leaves with the good wishes of all her colleagues.

Before moving to become Evening Chef, Tracey spent over 20 years as Head Chef, running the kitchen and producing thousands of delicious breakfasts and lunches for the whole school. She turned her hand to everything – homemade bread, incredible curries, soups, pies, crumbles and the most delicious cakes and pastries for match teas, which were very much appreciated by parents!

Tracey’s other great passion in life is her horses, and she finally decided to hang up her apron and spend more time in her jodhpurs.

Tracey’s kind and smiling presence will be hugely missed from the dining room and we wish her all the best in her new life. MP

Stephanie Melia Fleur Skuse

We say a fond farewell to Stephanie, who was absolutely brilliant at stepping in to look after Mr Figgis’ French and Spanish classes in 2022 and 2023. We very much appreciated Stephanie’s linguistic talents as a native speaker, and her assistance on the French trip was indispensable. Her ‘joie de vivre’ shone through in her lessons and with her colleagues, along with her easy going and adaptable nature. She was a great team player, and the children really enjoyed her lessons.

Stephanie is returning to teaching secondary school children in schools across Gloucestershire, who will be lucky to have her. We hope she has enjoyed her time at Beaudesert as much as we have enjoyed having her in the MFL department.

Cordelia Hockin

Gareth Rees

Cordelia joined the Science Department in 2019, braving the teaching profession and returning to her old stomping ground, as she attended Beaudesert Park as a pupil. When Cordelia first joined my initial impression was that she was very professional, very well organized, and perhaps very loud. Five years later, I believe my judge of character was spot on.

Cordelia is a kind person, a good friend, a wonderful teacher, and she really wears

We would often see Fleur driving around the school site in the little catering van, on her way to the Playing Fields to set up and serve match teas. Match teas were Fleur’s forte; she loved making everything look as appetising as possible, and enjoyed chatting to parents from behind the teapot.

Fleur’s other skill was preparing the delicious lunchtime salads. She even took the time to pick wild garlic to make fresh pesto and mayonnaise for us.

Fleur decided it was time for a change, to give her more time to spend with her grandchildren. Her happy, helpful presence will be missed by all.

After 22 years of inspirational teaching, Mr Gareth Rees will be retiring at the end of this academic year. We are incredibly grateful to Mr Rees for his dedication to the Music Department, the immense sense of fun he has brought with him, and also his support and encouragement to all. We will miss his weekly chant of “Whey hey hey…it’s time to play” in Brass Ensemble rehearsals! We wish Mr Rees a very long and happy retirement.

her heart on her sleeve. She is passionate and hardworking, and she’s done a great job with all of the children who have been lucky enough to have been taught by her. As Head of Department, I have been able to count on Cordelia to get the job done, and always to an excellent standard. We will miss her next year.

Rachael Merrett

Rachael joined Beaudesert Park in 2022, taking on the mantle of School Secretary on Mondays and Tuesdays each week. Sporting her Britney-style headset, Rachael kept parents smiling with her quick-witted humour, and was always happy to support whichever query came down the phone. Rachael had a flair for organisation (leading a refresh of our parent communication), and a great eye for design and digital solutions. She always

Heidi Hardy

For the past 9 years, Miss Heidi has been bringing grace, smiles and learning to children across Beaudesert. From Nursery, our children have had the benefit of Miss Heidi’s warmth, enthusiasm, experience and talent as she has delivered ballet classes to children of all ages. A much loved and ever popular element of our enrichment activities programme, Miss Heidi has inspired countless children in their first dance steps and routines, building their

confidence and coordination through her lessons, and successfully leading many through sequences of ballet examinations. It is with deep gratitude that we bid farewell to Miss Heidi, who is departing from her role with us to focus on her flourishing Ballyhoo Dance School. We are delighted to welcome Miss Tara from September, whom we know will take up the baton from Miss Heidi seamlessly. Thank you again, Miss Heidi.

AP

Lottie Potter

Charlotte Potter (Lottie) has been a valued member of the Learning Support department for 7 years. Having previously worked at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Lottie took maternity leave for her first born and then joined Beaudesert Park in March 2017. Her high energy levels, enthusiasm and creativity were immediately apparent. Lottie threw herself into taking CEP classes and spelling groups, as well as 1:1 specialist teaching. Lottie masterminded the Learning Support noticeboard, which graces the entranceway to the department, designed to increase awareness of neurodiversities. Lottie embraced all aspects of her role, and no challenge was too great. The department will be making good use of her lovely, colourful, homemade teaching resources for a few years to come. We wish Lottie all the best in her new chapter, as she dedicates more time to her family. We will miss her dearly.

HW brought fun to the Office, and was very conscientious of her job. She also shared her hobbies and passions with the wider community, playing netball with staff and parents each week, and running a pottery activity for our children. We will miss Rachael’s amusing anecdotes, and her love of Taylor Swift. Rachael is moving on to a role in events at The King’s School, Gloucester, and we wish her the very best of luck.

Lizzie Figgis

Lizzie Figgis was a dearly loved friend to staff and an inspiration to children, especially within our Pre-Prep from 2017 to 2023. Her children, Paddy and Megan, attended Beaudesert until 2019 and 2021 respectively, and Olly remains as an MFL teacher within the Prep School. The Figgis family have been a central part of Beaudesert life in many forms for many years, making the tragic loss of Lizzie on 9th September 2023 all the more acutely felt by our school community.

A passionate and talented musician, Lizzie brought joy to music at Beaudesert, especially through her role in teaching our Pre-Prep children and leading choirs for our youngest children. Often accompanied by brightly coloured puppets, Lizzie made music fun, giving our children a confidence in performance and setting so many young voices off on their lifelong love of music.

Lizzie’s loyal friendship and passionate teaching leaves lasting happy memories for countless past and present children and colleagues. Lizzie’s legacy will also live on through the ‘Lizzie Figgis Award’, which will be awarded annually to a child in the Pre-Prep who has displayed particular passion and motivation for their music. CS

Craig Bessant

You will remember Craig as a generous man in word and deed, larger than life, always happy to help and the ultimate team player. He was a ‘calm weaver’. It won’t surprise you to know Craig threw himself into everything he did enthusiastically; cycling to work, Taekwondo, photography, walking, drone piloting and wild camping with his son to name but a few. He even camped out by our pond one weekend in our grounds. Whenever he could, he was out yomping on the Brecon Beacons.

Originally, Craig wanted to join the army but luckily for us, during training, he missed home life too much and soon he rethought his chosen career and trained as an electrician, working with his uncle. He continued to work in the electrical world until he took a maintenance job at Calcot Manor.

When a position came up at Beaudesert, he was the clear choice of the candidates who applied. Before he joined, I remember a parent came up to me, playfully annoyed that we had bagged him from Calcot where she worked! Such was his reputation.

I know Craig loved working here, and I know we all loved having Craig with us. While there are people who were lucky enough to work with him, he will always be missed here.

Speech Day Prize List

Year 8

Rufus Baalack Prize for Sporting Endeavour, winner of the 8A Form Prize for consistent hard Cheltenham College work and cheerful determination.

Mary Berkeley Commended for: Her sunny nature, determination and resilient attitude Tudor Hall School to learning.

Sturgis Cup for Horsemanship

Natasha Berry Hervey Adams Art Prize, Harmer Cup for Academic Attainment Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Chloe Bostock

Amelie Box

Commended for: Her excellent progress in all Common Entrance subjects. Marlborough College May Prize for English, Sporting Spirit Prize

Duffy Dyer Cup for Endeavour, winner of the 8A Form Prize for her cheerful Rendcomb College spirit and impressive determination.

Finn Chilvers Commended for: Outstanding results in Common Entrance and a brilliant Tonbridge School attitude to learning.

Vincent Keyte History Prize

Sienna Cooper Commended for: Her achievements in English, Music and LAMDA. Cheltenham College

Mander Prize for Philosophy and Ethics

Leo Commended for: A wide variety of academic, musical and artistic pursuits. Dean Close School Winner of the Wallace Cup for the Arts for his tireless work on the technical side of productions and concerts.

Ottilie de Rouet Commended for: Her excellent academic progress across the curriculum. Marlborough College

Elgar Woodwind Music Prize

Bea Elliott Commended for: Her sunny disposition and contributions to many aspects Cheltenham College of school life.

Wilf Edmunds

Airey Art Prize

Sporting Spirit Prize, winner of the 8A Form Prize for being an absolute delight Westonbirt School every single day.

Griff Evans Commended for: His contributions to sport and his academic progress across Kingswood School a range of subjects.

Monty Fieldhouse Commended for: His steady and very pleasing progress across a wide range Rendcomb College of Common Entrance subjects.

Sebby Fitzpatrick Crick Drama Cup, Brickwood Physics Cup Cheltenham College

Patrick Floyd Commended for: His superb effort, engagement and attainment across the Eton College curriculum.

Rufus Isaacs English Prize

Mabel Gemmill Commended for: Outstanding Common Entrance grades. Clifton College

Stephen Henriques English Prize, Blackmore Chorister Cup

Johnny Giffard-Lindsay Austin Richardson Classics Prize, Shaw Piano Cup Radley College

Lux Goodman Commended for: Her outstanding contribution to the musical life of the Rendcomb College School.

Joint winner of the Lavery Cup for the Arts, Kulesza Technology Prize

Cassius Gordon Commended for: His academic diligence, perseverance and progress. Cheltenham College

Archibald Design Prize

Tilly Gordon Commended for: Progress and achievement in a wide variety of Common Marlborough College Entrance subjects and her contribution to sport. Winner of an 8B form prize for her steely determination.

Tahlia Hamilton Commended for: Her positive attitude. Cheltenham College

Sporting Spirit Prize

Monty Hargitay Commended for: Progress and achievement over a wide variety of Common Cheltenham College Entrance subjects.

Sporting Endeavour Award, and, for all this and corpsing in the beans sketch, the 8B form prize.

Genevieve Hurrell-Ashburner Russell Prize for Creativity in Maths, Chalmers French Prize Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Olivia Johnston Commended for: Multiple achievements and contributions in her academic Cheltenham College subjects.

Sporting Endeavour Award

Hector Kojima Commended for: His outstandingly diligent and determined approach Radley College to academics, and especially his progress in French.

Sporting Spirit Prize

Sebastian Lubin Winner of the 8A Form Prize for his impressive stoicism, sharp wit and ACS Egham super Common Entrance results.

Jack Marks Commended for: Good progress across a wide range of academic subjects Dean Close School and for his energetic and unstinting contributions to the year in sport.

Nancy McLaughlin Commended for: Her wonderful art and for her truly outstanding Cheltenham Ladies’ Common Entrance grades. College

Matthews Science Prize

Hector Meakin Commended for: His overall academic progress and in particular his Radley College achievements in English and History.

Sporting Achievement Prize

Bertie Millar Commended for: His academic progress and sunny charm. Radley College

Crick Drama Cup

George Miller Waite Shield for Strings, Cucknell Design Prize Dean Close School

Raffy Mordaunt-Hoon Commended for: French, Music, LAMDA and Computing, and for Cheltenham College making such an extraordinary success of his final year.

Duffy Dyer Cup for Endeavour

Sam Morris Commended for: His contribution to sport. Bradfield College Winner of the 8W Form Prize for his academic progress and an exemplary approach to school life.

Ivo Parkes Winner of the Block Singing Cup for his outstanding progress and achievement

Dean Close School in Music.

Capi Peppiatt Brodermann Prize for Dignity and Integrity

St Mary’s, Calne

Savannah Phillips Commended for: Her cheerful disposition, positive energy and sense of fun. Bradfield College

Sporting Spirit Prize

Barney Ratcliffe Commended for: Excellent grades across all academic subjects.

Dean Close School Winner of the Oliver Shield for his utterly outstanding contribution to the musical life of the School.

Sophie Robinson Sporting Achievement Prize, winner of an 8W Form Prize for her consistent Kingswood School effort and hard work throughout the year.

Roman Sabine Commended for: His steady academic progress and achievement across Sotogrande International a wide range of Common Entrance subjects. School

Ella Sánchez Farmar Commended for: Her outstanding contribution to the musical life of Bedales School the school.

Joint winner of the Lavery Cup for the Arts, winner of the Good Egg Award.

Louisa Shaw Commended for: Her art, and years of outstanding academic results Stroud High School especially in Maths.

Winner of the 8B form prize for her wonderful contribution to the musical life of the School.

Max Slater Commended for: Excellence in a variety pack of subjects and for his epic Bradfield College contribution to the musical life of the School.

Petyan Prize for Geography

Rupert Spooner Nott Cup for Academic Attainment, Sporting Achievement Prize Radley College

Isaac Stringer Commended for: Outstanding achievements across the full range of Eton College academic subjects – and for being curious, knowledgeable, funny; a most excellent triptych indeed.

John Keyte Maths Prize

Phoebe Talbot-Rice Commended for: Her academic progress. Marlborough College Winner of the Unsung Hero Cup for her all-round contribution to the School in an unassuming manner.

Charlie Turner Winner of the 8W Form Prize in recognition of his hard work, cheerfulness, Marlborough College positivity and excellent sense of humour.

Alasdair Vanderbrook Commended for: His positive attitude.

Reid Science Prize, Pope Computing Prize

Rugby School

Iris Walker Commended for: Her contribution to sport and receives a prize for Cheltenham College Sporting Endeavour.

Form Prizes

3H M Vandoorne For excellence and high academic achievement.

3H R Phillips For enthusiasm and a joyful attitude towards learning.

3H N Baxter For unfailing focus and determination to do her best at all times.

3N R Bell For a perfect balance of a quiet, hardworking character mixed in with happy, bubbly fun that has led to high achievement.

3N A Finch For achieving highly and showing patience and generosity, alongside a good sprinkle of humour.

3N V Heelis For her mature and gentle nature, growth in confidence over the year and being an utter joy to teach.

4B M Lloyd-Baker For allowing her spark and sense of humour to shine through.

4B S Jayna For knowing exactly what is needed of her and when – be it energy, fun or focus.

4B W Graham For a year of impressive growth.

4L C Wakefield For academic excellence throughout the year, making the most of the opportunities presented to her.

4L G Tonkinson For a total transformation over the course of the year; he is fast becoming the perfect gentleman.

4L A Sackville For his excellent attitude and his cheeky smile. A year in which he has shown effort and enthusiasm throughout.

4M M Scott For unfailing focus in class and always giving her best.

4M S Wells For gaining momentum as the year has gone on and bringing positivity and happiness to those around him.

4M C Gordon For her thirst for knowledge, her enthusiasm and her winning smile.

5AH E Turner For excellent manners and great work ethic.

5AH H Frost For being an all-round good egg.

5AH S Finn For excellent effort and being a team member.

5G C Pettifer For her positive attitude to all aspects of school life.

5G A Box For consistent effort in all areas.

5G O Lubin For his cheerful good nature.

5H D Settle For all-round work ethic, kindness and positive attitude.

5H J Skarda For getting stuck into everything with no fuss.

5H A Tomlinson For an amazing sense of fun.

6C B Doyle For her positive attitude in all that she does, while always striving to improve and progress.

6C S Graham For excellence and humility in all school areas.

6C S Smith For being a positive, hardworking and passionate pupil.

6TC A Curry For greater resilience as the year has gone by, pushing herself out of her comfort zone and flourishing as a result.

6TC G Gilbey For consistently setting the highest of standards and performing so incredibly well across the board.

6TC H Jones For impeccable manners, determination to improve and receptiveness to feedback.

6W J Acloque For his boundless energy, positivity and ability to light up a room.

6W R Cheetham For his diligence and fantastic effort, whilst maintaining a cheeky sense of fun.

6W I Dalrymple For her continued hard work and dedication to all elements of school life.

7B P Charlesworth For just getting involved and tackling every opportunity with such gusto.

7B G King For his quirky humour, fierce commitment and outstanding effort throughout the year.

7B H Breitmeyer For being such great company and bringing lots of fun and laughter to form time.

7C C Ellis For all round exuberance, for getting stuck into and making the most of school life.

7C H Graham For an outstanding thirst for learning and academic curiosity, both within and beyond the classroom.

7C M Stockdale For quietly getting stuck into every day, and for showing a generosity of spirit and being quick to consider the needs of others.

7H H Kinsella For her bright and talkative nature making her a pleasure to be around.

7H A Grand For immersing himself in every aspect of school life and striving to be the best he can be.

7H E Mordaunt For an optimistic outlook on life, showing a cheerfulness throughout.

Scholarships, Exhibitions and Awards

Year 8

Natasha Berry Art Scholarship

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Leo Art Scholarship and Headmaster’s Award Dean Close School

Monty Fieldhouse Sports Scholarship Rendcomb College

Sebastian Fitzpatrick Academic Scholarship and Drama Scholarship

Cheltenham College

Mabel Gemmill Art Scholarship Clifton College

Lux Goodman Art Scholarship Rendcomb College

Tahlia Hamilton Sports Exhibition

Monty Hargitay Sports Scholarship

Cheltenham College

Cheltenham College

Olivia Johnston Sports Scholarship and Drama Exhibition Cheltenham College

Bertie Millar Drama Scholarship Radley College

George Miller Carducci Music Scholarship and Design & Technology Scholarship Dean Close School

Ivo Parkes Music Scholarship Dean Close School

Capi Peppiatt Sports Scholarship St Mary’s, Calne

Barney Ratcliffe Music Scholarship and Sports Scholarship Dean Close School

Sophie Robinson John Wesley All-Rounder Scholarship Kingswood School

Rupert Spooner Academic Scholarship Radley College

Iris Walker Sports Scholarship and Drama Exhibition

Year 6

Cheltenham College

Spike Smith Music Scholarship The King’s School, Gloucester

Tabitha Wood Art Scholarship and Sports Scholarship Millfield School

Valete

Year 5

Cassius Chilton Horsley Primary School

Orlando Lubin ACS Egham

Year 6

Alice Block

Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Amarah Curry Deer Park School

Cosima Duffy Kingswood School

Thalia Duffy Kingswood School

Appointments

Captain of Rugby Monty Hargitay

Captain of Girls’ Hockey Sophie Robinson

Captain of Football Sam Morris

Captain of Boys’ Hockey Hector Meakin

Captain of Netball Chloe Bostock

Georgia Gilbey Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Zandi Gillespie St Peter’s High School

Ollo Howard The Crypt School

Layla Rawson Stroud High School

Arabella Shaw Stroud High School

Spike Smith The King’s School, Gloucester

Tabitha Wood Millfield School

Skylar Ziar Rendcomb College

Year 7

Camilla Champniss

Captain of Boys’ Cricket

Rupert Spooner

Captain of Girls’ Cricket Capi Peppiatt

Captains of Swimming

Captains of Tennis

Otti de Rouet and Sebby Fitzpatrick

Barney Ratcliffe and Tilly Gordon

BOARDING AT BEAUDESERT

The 2023/2024 boarding season has officially come to an end, and what a season it has been. We always try to make sure we make positive changes to the Boarding House, year on year, and this year has been no exception.

The major change this year is to our girls’ dorms. The children came up with wonderful ideas for our redecoration and the dorms look incredible. From LEDs to feature walls, to speakers in the corridors,

every part of the refurb had the girls in mind and we are sure it will be enjoyed for years to come.

Not all the changes have been aesthetic, and the boarders and boarding committee have come up with some great ideas too. The introduction of boarding stars to celebrate being ‘good boarders’ has been widely welcomed, and there is a definite sense of excitement when the children find out how many they have got. This may

have something to do with the fact that they get to trade these in at the occasional tuck shop. The boarding pyjamas have also been popular and allowed the children to invest in something for the Boarding House. They decided to replace the Wii with a Switch console, which has brought even more competition.

The introduction of Year 8 Boarding Weeks has also been a huge success. The children loved the chance to feel like full boarders for the week, and the staff really enjoyed getting to spend more time with the children. This initiative will be back in the Autumn Term and we are sure it will go from strength to strength. We have also had our youngest boarders staying more over the Summer Term. The Year 3s loved their taster night so much that they wanted to keep on going, so we welcomed them in on a few more occasions.

In terms of highlights, there are too many to mention; Spotlight, Boarders’ Got Talent, water fights, ‘Slip n Slide’, Wachy Special... The list goes on. However, possibly the most special moments are the quiet times. We don’t mean the holidays, but those times when nothing ‘special’ is going on. Staff and children have more time to relax, chat and connect. It makes the House feel more homely and is something all the staff, and hopefully the children, relish.

It would be amiss of us not to mention two notable people that won’t be in the Boarding House next year. Both Mr Holmes and Mr Layton will be missed by staff and children alike. Personally, they have been such an asset for us with their 10+ years of Beaudesert boarding experience, and incredibly kind and caring personalities.

A huge thank you to them, along with all our exceptional boarding staff, assistants, grads and matrons on another outstanding year - bring on September!

Oli, Debbie, Toby, Freddie and Monty Jones

BEAUDESERT AND THE COMMUNITY

This year, our children once again demonstrated wonderful support for various charitable causes and projects. As a community, we continued to raise money for national and international charities, as well as local initiatives. The children’s efforts, enthusiasm, and dedication were outstanding, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments. We hope that their involvement in such diverse and meaningful causes will help instil a lasting understanding of the importance of helping others and charitable giving.

In September, we held our annual Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning. Hosted by selected children, and through the generous contributions from parents, we managed to raise £312.50. We also continued our involvement with Stroud Foodbank, a charity that provides food for individuals and families in crisis. As a school, we collected 252.65kg of food for the charity through our Harvest Festival Service.

Our work with the OSCAR Foundation also continued with their visit in October, and there’s more on this in our Events section…

In the second half of term, we continued to support the British Legion with our Remembrance Day Service, raising £360 through poppy sales. Then, in support of Children in Need, the School held a home clothes day. A group of Year 8 children also hosted a cake sale, bringing the total money raised for this national event to £673.70.

The Beaudesert Park Charity Autumn Fair was another huge success and raised £10,000 for the charity Guide Dogs. With the money raised, we were able to sponsor a puppy through its training. Beau, a black Labrador, was born in February 2024 and the school community have been regularly updated with his journey to becoming a guide dog. In the Summer Term, Beau even came to visit!

We marked Anti-Bullying Week with our Odd Sock Day, celebrating our individual differences with multi-coloured socks and bright tights. In this year’s Christmas collection, we donated £386.67 both to the Red Cross and Stroud Choral Society, a charity offering a home for singers of all ages and abilities in a friendly and stimulating environment of music-making.

Over the course of this year, we also built a strong link with Horsfall House,

a residential home and care centre in Minchinhampton. Our children visited the residents each week as part of the activities programme. To show our support, after the Christmas holidays, we once again hosted our popular Spring Disco, and we raised £248 for them by dancing in our disco outfits.

A large group of children from Years 3 to 6 supported the Schools’ Triathlon event early in the Summer Term, hosted by Clifton College and in support of Restless Development. In total, the event raised £99,000 for Restless Development, and we were able to donate an extra £1,842 to Horsfall House as our additional charity.

Our Pre-Prep Songbirds Choir also visited The Steppes Care Home in Nailsworth during the summer months, to sing songs to the residents and give them some artwork they had produced, which made the residents’ days.

This year saw the inaugural Beaudesert Quiz night. This was a really entertaining and highly competitive evening for all who attended, and together they managed to raise £457.06 for the cancer care charity Maggie’s, and Longfield Hospice.

Thank you to all the children, parents and staff for their amazing support throughout the year. LR

ACADEMIC Learning Support

Looking back on this last academic year, it’s astounding to think of all that has happened—not least the total transformation of our department. An ingenious renovation of what had been the stairwell fitted us out with a new, light and airy teaching space as well as a new entrance way to the department. Now, with four teaching rooms available to us, we are better equipped to provide the best level of support for our students.

As ever, our display boards this year are designed to both inspire and aid our students’ learning, and with our new entrance way, we have been able to do even more! Sharing learning and revision tips in a location that is easily visible and accessible to all students is one of the many ways we have been able to bolster the learning efforts of every student,

whether they are regular visitors to the Learning Support department or not. Our ‘notable figures with neurodiversities’ display has been a real hit, serving as a reminder to our students to dream big and never let themselves feel limited.

This academic year has brought more changes to the department than just the spatial. In September, we were delighted to welcome Mrs Hayley Pillinger to the team. No stranger to these school halls, Mrs Pillinger is actually an Old Beaudesertian

(1995-1996). Enthusiastic, energetic and highly creative, she has slotted in extremely well. Her love for making games and her innovative use of resources—clothes pegs, for example—make her a real asset to the department, and we look forward to seeing what imaginative teaching solution she invents next!

While we were happily joined by Miss Pillinger, we must now sadly say goodbye to another of the department’s stars. Mrs Potter is taking a step away from teaching after seven wonderful years in Learning Support. She has been a joy to have around, and has contributed massively throughout her time here, taking CEP (Common Entrance Programme) classes, creating and sharing amazing resources, and occasionally raiding her sons’ toybox for us. We wish Mrs Potter all the best as she leaves us to focus her time on her two young boys.

Our children aren’t the only ones who have been studying hard this year. Mrs Pillinger

Curriculum, Clubs and Connection in Computing

We have enjoyed another busy year in Computing, with Mrs Packman teaching Years 1 and 2, and Mr Gillespie Years 3 to 8. In the senior years we continue to explore the Adobe suite, and divide the year into three main segments: Office applications, coding, and multimedia, as well as short regular tasks on e-Safety, coding, typing and tasks to improve independence.

The second ICT room has continued to be busy. As well as enabling other departments to use the computers, pre-test practice regularly takes place, particularly for Years 5 and 6. The iPads have been used widely by many including the animation club, and English, Maths, French, Geography (and other) departments, with the IT support team managing the busy

booking system, keeping them available. The Chromebooks, used by Years 7 and 8, continue to be used across the curriculum successfully.

Computing Club remains popular and the level of independence and imagination shown is impressive. Two that particularly stand out are Henry J and his advanced game programming in Scratch, which has been widely admired by club members, and Cassius C who has fearlessly tackled programming our new Acebot house with makecode.com. Our touch-typing results have continued to be high, and we have currently 56 pupils typing at 20 wpm or higher. Our best typist is now James B, with 77 wpm, just ahead of George K with 70 wpm, with Harry W and Nancy in joint third place with 54 wpm. JG

and Ms Powell have been studying with Dyslexia Action alongside their regular schedules, and we’re pleased to announce they have both achieved a Level 4 Award in Perspectives on Dyslexia.

One of our highlights this year was hosting another successful annual coffee morning. Parents had the opportunity to meet Learning Support staff and take a look at some of the resources we use within the department. Always a key event in the academic year, this is our opportunity to not only help parents understand more about how we support their children, but also to discover more ways that they can continue to do so outside of School.

Some of our Year 8 children leaving this year have been under our care for a number of years. It has been a pleasure witnessing their progress. They are all ready to spread their wings further, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours at their senior schools.

Design and Technology

Mr Waters has recently created a new trophy for our Design Technology prizewinner, awarded at the end of each year. The model is an original WWII 1942 trench art De Havilland DH98 Mosquito (a nod to some of our Old Beaudesertians who served in the RAF), and is made from oak and 4mm brass.

The trophy will be passed down through Beaudesertians for many years to come, and feels like a worthy prize for those who excel in Design and Technology.

ELLA SF & JOHNNY, YEAR 8, ROBOT WARS PROJECT

CAROLINE, YEAR 4, BOAT PROJECT

BONNIE, YEAR 7, PILLOW

BETSAN, YEAR 5, BAG FOR LIFE

BLUEY, YEAR 7, PILLOW

BILL PACKMAN CHAIR BUILDING WORKSHOP

SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT - GEORGE M

MAIA, YEAR 5, CAM TOY

ALBIE F, YEAR 6, COPPER COASTER

WILLOUGH, YEAR 7, MOOD LAMP

WILLIAM B, YEAR 5, BAG FOR LIFE

CAMILLA W, YEAR 7, MOOD LAMP

CLEMMIE, YEAR 4, BUG BOX

THALIA, YEAR 6, TIE-DYE T-SHIRT

ARTHUR LO, YEAR 6, TIE-DYE T-SHIRT

BEA E & LUX, YEAR 8, ROBOT WARS PROJECT

YEAR 8 ROBOT WARS BATTLE

HONOUR P, YEAR 7, PILLOW

ISABEL, YEAR 6, COPPER COASTER

YEAR 7, STEAM DAY PROJECTS

ARABELLA S, YEAR 6, GLASS JEWELLERY

OTTILIE B, YEAR 5, CAM TOY

BELLE P, YEAR 4, BUG BOX

Science

The Science Department had yet another fabulous year! It was marked by outstanding Common Entrance Science results from our Year 8 children, including our Academic Scholars. Year 4 loved their pond dipping lessons down at our school pond during the summer sunshine, and Year 6 (along with our OSCAR visitors) were treated to a full pluck demonstration, where they could see the arrangement of a pig’s organs and also got the opportunity to hold and handle various organs such as the liver, lungs and heart.

We had a colourful morning with the Year 4 Widden children – where they were taught Chromatography in the laboratories and used these skills to create bright butterflies. There were two very successful days of STEAM for Years 6 and 7 children, which included making bath bombs from citric acid and conducting their very own ‘Ultimate Biscuit Dunker’ investigation. I was blown away by the number of children in Years 5 and 6 who entered a science project into the optional Challenge Awards in the Spring Term. This has proven to be very popular and I look forward to what comes our way next year.

There is no doubt that Science continues to be a favourite subject amongst the children. Throughout the year, our children experience high quality teaching, amazing laboratories, exhilarating demonstrations and they also have the opportunity to carry out a huge range of their own investigations; using the

Bunsen burners in chemistry, scalpels and microscopes in biology and power supplies and electrical equipment in physics, to mention but a few.

I am incredibly grateful to the Science team – they work tirelessly to enthuse and encourage these young people, and to prepare them so well for their senior schools.

JB

Art THE ARTS

WILF MH, YEAR 6

OTTILIE M, YEAR 7

BLUEY, YEAR 7

ARCHIE F, YEAR 5

BRIDGET, YEAR 6

GEORGE K, YEAR 8

ISLA F, YEAR 6

SCHOLAR – LOUISA

CLEMENCY, YEAR 7

MAIA, YEAR 5

SCHOLAR – MABEL

LAUREN, YEAR 7

ROSIE, YEAR 6

THIRZA, YEAR 6

HEIDI J, YEAR 4

SCHOLAR – LEO

SCHOLAR – GENEVIEVE

NELLIE, YEAR 4

SCHOLAR – ELLA SF

VIOLA, YEAR 6

ISLA D, YEAR 6

SCHOLAR – NATASHA

CONNIE, YEAR 7

WILLA, YEAR 7

VIOLET G, YEAR 7

TABITHA W, YEAR 6

ORLANDO, YEAR 5

SUMMER, YEAR 4

SCHOLAR – BEA E

MAX SH, YEAR 7

ALASDAIR W, YEAR 4

MAX SH, YEAR 7

SCHOLAR – NANCY

WILLOUGH, YEAR 7

SAM GR, YEAR 6

Music

Some of you may recall our Years 5 and 6 choir performing ‘Can You Hear Me?’ by Bob Chilcott in our Summer Concert. When composing the song, Bob’s intention was to highlight that music can and should be a vehicle for communication and connection for all people. The choir gave a beautiful performance as they signed whilst singing. Whether composing and listening to music in the classroom, in individual lessons, or through the wide range of ensembles, choirs and performance opportunities at Beaudesert, we aim to provide children with opportunities to develop their ability to communicate through music.

Autumn Term

I am delighted that our Orchestra Morning is establishing itself as a highlight in our music calendar. This year, 35 children from Years 3 to 8 joined forces to learn and perform an arrangement of the James Bond theme. I believe that an orchestra is one of the greatest and most powerful pictures of teamwork, therefore it was very rewarding to facilitate this opportunity for children learning string, woodwind and brass instruments.

What a privilege it was for our Grade 2 and above musicians to be invited to the Music Orchestra Day at Downe House. Alongside no fewer than 250 young musicians from prep schools across the country, our musicians learnt and performed repertoire including ‘Chariots of Fire’ by Vangelis and ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’ by Handel.

Throughout each academic year, our Lunchtime Concerts seek to provide a supportive, friendly and informal platform for children to share their progress on

individual instruments. The concerts are such a wholesome way to spend a lunchtime, and when children, parents and staff come together to support our performers, I feel that the concerts reflect the best of the Beaudesert community. Well done to everyone who has performed a solo in a concert this academic year.

Accompanied by a band of professional musicians, our Year 8 production of Shrek was our biggest musical undertaking for the past few years. With a musical score influenced by a wide range of musical repertoire, and keyboards with technology to re-create the full orchestral score, this was quite an undertaking! Needless to say… Year 8 rose to the challenge and gave outstanding performances.

Our choirs led a suitably festive and special Carol Service in St George’s Church, Nailsworth. Repertoire included ‘Candlelight Carol’, ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ and ‘O Holy Night’. A special mention to Mabel in Year 8 for her beautiful solo of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.

Spring Term

For some children, an application for a music scholarship to their prospective senior school provides an ideal opportunity to focus on further extending and developing their musicianship whilst at Beaudesert. I am extremely proud of the children who applied for music scholarships this year. The success of their applications is due to their dedication to music throughout their time at Beaudesert. Many congratulations to Leo for his Headmaster’s Commendation for Double Bass, and to Spike, Ivo, Barney R and George M for being awarded music scholarships to their senior schools.

As a music team, we aim to continually provide and develop musical opportunities for all children. Whilst supporting all children, we also seek to open doors and provide additional opportunities for those who have a particular passion and aptitude for music. We were delighted when George M in Year 8 was offered a place playing cello in the National Children’s Orchestra Projects Programme. In addition, Max Sh. in Year 6 continues to enjoy learning and performing repertoire with the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain.

Alongside our performance opportunities, we have continued to develop our curriculum to incorporate a range of music technology. Our suite of new Mac minis, Novation MIDI keyboards and audio interfaces provide children with the resources for creating and developing musical ideas. This year, in addition to Garageband, children in Years 5 to 8 have learnt how to use SoundTrap. Composition tasks have enabled children to demonstrate and develop their understanding of the key elements of music.

Expertly led by Mr Chips, Recording Studio Club continues to go from strength to strength, with activities including mixing and arranging ‘Somebody I Used to Know’ and re-imagining the score for

‘The Simpsons’ opening credits, which included the use of MIDI keyboards and voiceovers.

It is always a pleasure to collaborate with Mrs Crosbee when reimagining productions and plays… We enjoy putting a unique Beaudesert stamp on our creations. This year, Year 3’s production of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ featured songs included ‘Smart Dressed Man’ by ZZ Top and ‘You’re So Vain’ by Carly Simon. All performed with much enthusiasm by Year 3.

Our termly evening concerts continue to provide a wide range of musical entertainment for the Beaudesert community and the wider community. I am delighted that children are able to

attend these concerts free of charge and hope that they will continue to be a source of inspiration for our young musicians. This year, we have been fortunate enough to welcome duo Sister Sally, Miss Lang

Scan the QR code to watch our House Shout performances

performing songs from her new album, The Truly Madlys featuring Mr Mason on drum kit and percussion, and the Adelphi Dance Band performing dance music from the 1920s and 1930s.

This year, our House Music competition was adjudicated by David Quinn, Director of Music at Bradfield College. 165 solo entries amounted to a hotly contested competition, with some outstanding solo performances, especially from the classes for children who have achieved higher grades. The House Shout brought a fitting conclusion to the competition, with Hazel winning the ‘Around the World’ song theme with their performance of ‘Waka Waka’, led by an enthusiastic Mr Jones. Willow were crowned House Music winners for 2024, retaining their title by totting up an impressive 835 points.

Featuring music by Hans Zimmer, Ludovico Einaudi, The Kinks and

Blur, our Spring Concert provided a platform for our wide range of Prep School ensembles and choirs. With original compositions, bossa nova and musical medleys, this was an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the breadth of music encouraged at Beaudesert. After some members of the Year 8 choir had exclaimed of their love for ‘Les Misérables’,

I hatched a plan to recruit some additional singers. Staff from across the School joined forces with the Years 7 and 8 choir and accompanied by a band, they performed a medley of songs from ‘Les Misérables’. A special mention to Philip Mackenzie for conducting this performance, and to Max Sh. for his mesmerising performance of ‘Bring Him Home’.

Scan the QR code to watch snippets from our Spring Concert

Summer Term

It is always encouraging to collaborate with Music departments and teachers from other schools. This year, I was delighted to attend a Prep School Directors of Music Day at Marlborough College, and to hear of the continued success of Old Beaudesertians in their Music Department. In addition, our children have thoroughly enjoyed learning opportunities at Dean Close, including a choral workshop with Apollo 5 for selected singers from Years 7 and 8, and a Strings Day led by the Carducci Quartet. Following the opening of the new Bristol Beacon, some children from Years 6, 7 and 8 chose to come on a trip to hear the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra perform a programme of film music by Hans Zimmer and John Williams. This was the most inspirational evening of music performed by one of our countries top orchestras, it was truly magical.

This year, we welcomed Mrs Sarah Loveridge to the Music Department, and she has gently and expertly inspired our youngest musicians in Years 1 and 2. The Pre-Prep Songbirds choir have raised the roof with beautiful singing in concerts and assemblies in School, and outside of School when entertaining the residents at The Steppes Care Home. All of our Year 2 musicians who performed in the Pre-Prep music concert brought such joy as they stepped onto the stage. It was truly special to see our musicians sharing this moment of their musical journey with friends and family. In addition to opportunities for individual music lessons, Year 1 violin and Year 2 recorder clubs continue to grow in popularity, and we are grateful to Mrs Clark and Mrs de Burgh for leading these groups.

Our Summer Concert brought a very fitting close to our musical year with our ensembles and choirs continuing to demonstrate their progress as they worked together to share another evening of musical entertainment. The concert featured collaborations between the Samba Band, brass and woodwind players as they

performed ‘Rio de Samba’, our Guitar Ensemble performed ‘I’ll See You in My Dreams’, Dynamite Reed performed ‘Eye of the Tiger’, and the Flute Ensemble kicked the evening off in style with ‘The Radetzky March’. As I listen to each of the performers, I am always very proud of their achievements and extremely grateful to work with such a fantastic team of colleagues.

Some of our Year 8 musicians concluded their musical journey at Beaudesert with the most poised and professional solo performances at our Prize Giving and Speeches. Many thanks to Otti, Mabel, Barney R, Johnny, Ivo and George M for providing musical entertainment of the highest standard.

This year, Ivo, Johnny and Raffy stylishly brought our Summer Concert to a conclusion with their performance of ‘Closing Time’ by Semisonic. As this academic year comes to a close, whether

your next chapter is at Beaudesert or at your senior school, may your musical journey so far provide you with the skills, opportunities and love of music to take you on to your next chapter.

Scan the QR code to watch highlights from our Summer Concert

Music Exam Results 2023 to 2024

Each term, many children choose to work towards and sit music examinations with either, ABRSM, Rockschool or Trinity College exam boards. Many congratulations to everyone who sat a music exam this year; your results are a reflection of your efforts and consistent practice.

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

I Fitzpatrick Prep Test Piano

C Gordon Grade Initial Piano Pass

L Lucas Grade Initial Piano Pass

J Cook Grade Initial Piano Merit

B Evans Grade Initial Piano Merit

A King Grade Initial Piano Merit

C King Grade Initial Piano Merit

S Manassei

M Peaty

C Pettifer

V Strang Steel

E Howard

O Stark

W Wright

B Millar

C Gordon

A Pitman

A McCartney

I Nettleton

M Aumonier

Grade Initial Piano Merit

Grade Initial Piano Merit

Grade Initial Piano Merit

Grade Initial Piano Merit

Grade Initial Violin Merit

Grade Initial Violin Distinction

Grade Initial Piano Distinction

Grade 1 Trumpet Pass

Grade 1 Piano Pass

Grade 1 Piano Pass

Grade 1 Flute Pass

Grade 1 Oboe Pass

Grade 1 Singing Merit

O Bohling Grade 1 Flute Merit

E Contractor Grade 1 Tenor Horn Merit

I Dalrymple

Grade 1 Clarinet Merit

A Gillespie Grade 1 Piano Merit

C Gordon Grade 1 Trumpet Merit

S Lubin

Grade 1 Piano Merit

W Mackenzie Grade 1 Trombone Merit

H Miller Grade 1 Singing Merit

A Reschke

A Shaw

Grade 1 Cornet Merit

Grade 1 Violin Merit

L Shaw Grade 1 Flute Merit

M Tom Grade 1 Cornet Merit

A Tomlinson

E Vestey

L Aumonier

S Jayna

F Lidstone

A Lucas

A Shannon

R Shuttleworth

V Strang Steel

P Elliott

G King

A Shannon

J Skarda

I Thompson

A Gillespie

W Kojima

M Shuttleworth

R Shuttleworth

E Vestey

B Doyle

R Hunter

L Shaw

M Shuttleworth

R Awbery

E Blastland

A Block

L Guise

F Lidstone

I de Horsey

B Elliott

Grade 1 Cornet Merit

Grade 1 Singing Merit

Grade 1 Singing for Musical Theatre, Performance Grade Distinction

Grade 1 Piano Distinction

Grade 1 Violin Distinction

Grade 1 Viola Distinction

Grade 1 Singing Distinction

Grade 1 Piano Distinction

Grade 1 Singing Distinction

Grade 2 Clarinet Pass

Grade 2 Guitar Pass

Grade 2 Piano Pass

Grade 2 Piano Pass

Grade 2 Flute Pass

Grade 2 Piano Merit

Grade 2 Piano Merit

Grade 2 Piano Merit

Grade 2 Singing Merit

Grade 2 Singing Distinction

Grade 3 Singing Pass

Grade 3 Singing Pass

Grade 3 Piano Pass

Grade 3 Piano Pass

Grade 3 Trumpet Merit

Grade 3 Singing for Musical Theatre, Performance Grade Merit

Grade 3 Singing Merit

Grade 3 Singing Performance Distinction

Grade 3 Singing Distinction

Grade 4 Singing Merit

Grade 4 Singing Merit

I Thompson Grade 4 Singing Distinction

O de Rouet

Grade 5 Flute Pass

J Giffard-Lindsay Grade 5 Piano Merit

H Wood Grade 5 Flute Merit

G Miller Grade 5 Music Theory Distinction

M Shuttleworth Grade 5 Singing Distinction

Rockschool

R Dalrymple Debut Grade Drums Merit

F Doyle Debut Grade Drums Merit

M Gemmill Debut Grade Acoustic Guitar Merit

M Guard Debut Grade Ukulele Merit

J Skarda Debut Grade Electric Guitar Distinction

L Goodman Grade 1 Acoustic Guitar Merit

D Richardson-Thomson Grade 1 Ukulele Merit

O Rowland Grade 1 Electric Guitar Distinction

House Music Competition Solo Classes

Piano

Beginner

M Evans, Rowan

Prep Test E Vestey, Rowan

Initial C Gordon, Rowan

Grade 1 R Shuttleworth, Rowan

Grade 2 A Gillespie, Hazel

Grade 3 M Shuttleworth, Rowan

Grade 4 & 5 F Blake, Willow

Singing

Beginner T Jackson, Willow

Prep Test M Aumonier, Willow

Grade 1 V Strang Steel, Willow

Grade 2 T Duffy, Hazel

Grade 3 & 4 F Lidstone, Maple

Grade 5 & 6 M Shuttleworth, Rowan

J Acloque

A Box

I Isa

S Marlow

E Tucker

E Thaiss

H Wood

B Ratcliffe

Grade 2 Acoustic Guitar Merit

Grade 2 Drums Merit

Grade 2 Drums Merit

Grade 2 Drums Merit

Grade 2 Acoustic Guitar Merit

Grade 3 Drums Pass

Grade 3 Drums Pass

Grade 5 Drums Pass

Trinity College London

R Cheetham

H Guard

L Leach

Z Jones

R Mordaunt-Hoon

S McCormick

S Smith

Brass

Grade 1 B Millar (Trumpet), Willow

Grade 2 W Mackenzie (Trombone), Maple

Grade 3 & 4 S Smith (French Horn), Willow

Strings

Beginner M Matheson (Guitar), Willow

Initial J Skarda (Guitar), Hazel

Grade 1 T Duffy (Guitar), Hazel

Grade 2 M Slater (Guitar), Maple

Grade 3 Leo (Double Bass), Rowan

Grade 4 I Parkes (Guitar), Hazel

The Results of the House Music Competition 2024

Grade Initial Piano Merit

Grade Initial Piano Merit

Grade Initial Piano Merit

Grade 2 Drums Pass

Grade 2 Drums Merit

Grade 3 Singing Merit

Grade 4 Drums Merit

Woodwind

Initial M Topham (Oboe), Maple

Grade 1 I Nettleton (Oboe), Maple

Grade 2 L Shaw (Flute), Willow

Drums

Initial S Layton, Maple

Grade 1 W Craig, Rowan

Grade 2 I Isa, Willow

Grade 3 A Box, Rowan

Grade 4 S Smith, Willow

Instrumental

Grade 5 & 6 G Miller, Hazel

Speech & Drama

The Speech and Drama Department has seen huge successes this year. Approximately 150 children from Years 4 to 8 have taken lessons; following the LAMDA syllabus in various disciplines, including solo and duologue acting, the speaking of verse and prose, and group acting. Children were prepared for the annual exam sessions (9th and 10th May) with two visiting examiners from the London-based drama school. Results were the best to date with 100% pass rate and 128 children achieving the top mark of Distinction. Outstanding performances by A Pitman, C Gordon, H Jones-Davies, and J Skarda were recognised by the examiners and they scored perfect 100/100 marks! Huge congratulations to all who took part.

Senior Production Shrek

Originally a fantasy comedy picture book by William Steig written in 1990, ‘Shrek’ is more widely known for the award-winning animation of 2001 starring the voices of Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz. In November, the ogre’s swamp moved to Beaudesert Park where we met the characters of Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Farquaad and his minions, and all of the fairy tale misfits in our Performing Arts Centre.

Year 8’s production of ‘Shrek, The Musical’, jointlyproduced by the Drama and Music Departments, was, without doubt, the major highlight of the year for the Performing Arts. All of the children from Year 8 were involved in the two performances on Thursday, 30th November and Friday, 1st December. There were two casts, which allowed for an increased number of children to take a lead role. This also led to a more effective way of rehearsing as children worked together on their roles; suggesting direction, and watching and learning from one another. With a dazzling set, especially designed and created for Beaudesert by theatrical suppliers, Scenetec from Dorchester, Year 8 transported us to a world where it’s perfectly normal to eat onions (whole), and happy endings really do exist.

Year 7

The Masked Play

Over a few days, we managed to put together nine pieces of acting and matched them up with songs, as well as present them to our parents. Thanks to Mrs Crosbee’s help and expertise, of course! The variety of performances was amazing and covered lots of emotions, but at the same time, kept the audience on their toes. Some examples were thrill, sadness, comedy and sympathy. The third piece was a police chase, and had comedy and thrill at the same time! I could feel the audience already excited by what was to come.

On the other side, pieces like ‘The Odd One Out’ and ‘The Comeuppance’ showed sadness and sympathy; the feeling of rejection and friendship loss made us empathise with the characters in the play. I thought it went amazingly well and was acted perfectly.

Moving on to the last of the performances, the song was ‘Copacabana’ so as you can guess, it was a wonderful way to finish off the production. The audience joined in and there were colourful outfits to go with the tropical theme. It was definitely one to remember. A thank you to the costumes and lighting, and a big thank you to Mrs Crosbee who made it all happen.

Clemency, Year7

Year 6 Peter Pan

At the end of the Summer Term, Year 6 gave a fantastic performance of ‘Peter Pan’.

Each class had their own act of the play to perform; 6TC had Act I, 6W had Act II and 6C had Act III. Most of the cast only had one week to learn their lines and to learn how to perform on set. Luckily, if

you had a larger part you were given two weeks to learn your part in full.

The backstage crew worked very hard on the lighting and moving everything in between scenes. They certainly showed themselves to be extremely nimble, as they had to change scenes at lightning speed!

There were many different sections of the cast: the Darling family, the Lost Boys,

the pirates, the mermaids, together with the main characters, which were Peter Pan and Wendy Darling, all of whom were performed brilliantly by the three classes of Year 6.

The costumes were amazing, all very carefully made by Mrs Heseltine. My favourite was the one worn by Tinker Bell, as it was so delicately put together with many sparkly scrunchies.

One of the things we had to practise the most was the scene changes. It was very hard at the start because we sometimes forgot what we were supposed to do and where we were supposed to be, but I was amazed at how smoothly we were doing them by the performance.

It was such a fun play to perform, and we were sad that we were only able to perform it once. We all enjoyed the challenge we were set to learn and perfect the play in only a couple of weeks, and we hope that next year’s Year 6s enjoy performing in their play as much as we did.

Amelie L, Year 6

Year 5 Play in a Day

‘A Play in a Day’ was one of my favourite days here at Beaudesert Park. Mrs Hutcheson made the whole thing work, she was a delightful teacher to have. First, we started off with our game, then she taught us the songs which were really fun and energetic.

The whole thing was about the Olympics and team work, which I was thought was a perfect fit. I was the coach of the athletes. Overall, I thought it was an amazing experience.

Scarlett, Year 5

4B Little Red Riding Hood

On the 2nd July 2024, 4B performed ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. We were very lucky to be able to do our play outside in the Marquee on such a lovely day.

Mrs Crosbee chose everyone’s parts to suit each individual character. Lyra made a great Little Red Riding Hood, and Aarash made an excellent Wolf, and everyone else played their parts brilliantly too.

Mrs Heseltine was very imaginative with the costumes and made every single one unique. The characters were different to what you might imagine… Three little pigs, a fox, a lizard and other unusual animals too! As well as the characters, the storyline was also different to the traditional tale. Those of you who have read Roald Dahl’s ‘Revolting Rhymes’ will know Little Red Riding Hood ‘pulls a pistol from her knickers’ and shoots the Wolf dead!

4M The Leaping Match

The process of putting on a play was hard at first but with a positive attitude and the help of Mrs

On Tuesday, 19th March 2024, 4M performed a fun and adventurous play called ‘The Leaping Match’. I was lucky enough to be cast as the main character – the frog. ‘The Leaping Match’ was very exciting, I felt like a real frog. The costumes were amazing. They were colourful and shiny. My favourite part of the play was the leaping match itself, especially when Walter’s face went into the cake! The audience rumbled with laughter! I really loved the soundtrack. Willough in Year 7 was in charge of the music. It made me feel happy inside to perform the songs because my family were there to watch me. Our Performing Arts teacher, Mrs Crosbee, did a great job of organising us, and showing us how best to perform. Being part of the play made me feel really happy. The whole class worked together brilliantly, and I thought we were amazing.

Oliver, Year 4

4L A Suitably Happy Ending

I was a witch and a Queen. I like being these characters because when I was Queen, I lost my glasses on my head. I went into the forest to look for them, and everyone was laughing at me. I was confused and a boy called Jack (Isla F) told me they were on my head!

Clemmie, Year 4

I loved our play because it was very magical to be a part of. I really liked when Marni said “I’ll be back”, and also when Cora said “I’m still not interested.” I’m glad we got to practise a lot because the costume changes were quite difficult, but it was still fun to do. Isla F really did well as Jack, but everyone else did really well too.

Nellie, Year 4

Sujeewon, Mrs Layton and of course Mrs Crosbee, we did it!

Rose S, Year 4

Year 3 The Emperor’s New Clothes

In March, we performed our play of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’. The story was about an Emperor who was very vain and some spoiled princesses, and the Empress who loves high heels.

It is almost the Emperor’s birthday. Because he is so vain, he fell for a trick that some swindlers played to get money, and the trick was they said they would make him a suit for his birthday, but they didn’t. They fooled him. All the market people were not happy, and Charlie the Carter was worried about his horses, and he said “just one of the Emperor’s hats could be enough horse feed for the whole town.” Then two magicians arrived called Magic and Make Believe, and did some magic.

My part in the play was Make Believe. I wore a red frilly dress, some leggings and a red belt. We did lots of singing and dancing. My favourite song was ‘You’re So Vain’ because I liked the actions.

The part of the show I enjoyed the most was the songs because we were all doing them together. I really liked taking part in the play and I hope I remember it forever.

Florrie, Year 3

OUTINGS AND EVENTS

Eco-Schools Report

At Beaudesert Park, our children care deeply about environmental issues and are passionate about actively protecting our planet. The Eco-Schools programme and the Green Flag Award empower our children to deliver eco-projects that make our school more sustainable, increase environmental learning, and benefit our local community.

This year we have achieved a great deal, from surveying our grounds to inspiring the community to be more sustainable.

Our four main topics this year were:

1. BIODIVERSITY

The Estates team identified some areas of our school grounds that could be better used to enhance biodiversity. Linking with the National Trust, the children surveyed the area and came up with creative and useful ideas on how to encourage more wildlife, thus ‘Project Willow Pond’ was born. The children pruned and planted willow in areas of wetland, and made detailed drawings for the future development of this area. Connecting with nature, Year 3 children also took a trip to the Beaudesert Meadow during an extended Forest School and Ecology session to learn more about biodiversity. They used sweep nets and bug finders to observe and identify wildflowers, trees, grasses and animals. Completing a survey of the area as a habitat, they were able to reflect on the role of insects, what is harming them and how we can help. Rewilding our beautiful meadow area next to the Playing Fields helps offset our carbon footprint, and will be an exciting ongoing eco-project. The children were so inspired by this that they produced some wonderful watercolours and nature journals documenting their findings.

2. CUT YOUR CARBON

The eco-committee hosted an assembly in November to encourage the school community to take part in the ‘Cut Your Carbon’ campaign; taking small steps at home to cut our carbon footprint. The children produced social media posts, and some really impressive ideas were shared by children and staff.

4. LITTER

The Pre-Prep eco-committee were concerned about litter they could see blowing around the school grounds. They decided to write to Siobhan Baillie, our local MP, and to Stroud council about how they could solve the issue. The children held a pre-loved toy sale to raise funds for litter picking equipment, and donated any unsold toys to the local charity Stroud District Kids Stuff, who provide support for local children and families. The litter pickers were used during break and lunchtimes by the committee and their friends.

3. WATER

After completing their environmental review, the children also wanted to improve the community’s use of water. The children decided to hold an ecofashion show to inform others of the harmful effects of fast fashion. The children in the Sewing Club activity upcycled outfits for the show and some of our Year 7 Drama Scholars narrated a film that was produced of the show. Other children made Bags for Life and cushions made from recycled materials in Design and Technology. Staff and children shared various water saving tips and have recognised areas for further development next year.

All of these findings will help inform our ideas for next year’s exciting projects as we continue to seek to improve our School and help save the planet.

2024 Festival of Books

The first two weeks of March saw Beaudesert Park go all out to celebrate our passion for books and reading.

We started with the traditional World Book Day Character Day, which saw an array of wonderful costumes from our youngest Pre-Prep children to our most senior staff. Years 3 to 5 were lucky enough to have a visit from author Charlie P. Brooks, who inspired us all by telling us about his route to becoming a writer, even if he was rather upstaged by Sammy, his Setterpoo, and also the central character in his latest book.

Meanwhile, in the Library, the children were treated to stories read to them by members of staff who they don’t often see. This included colleagues from Catering, Housekeeping, IT and some of our lovely minibus drivers. The adults involved seemed to have every bit as much fun as the children!

The second week saw a fabulous Book Fair, hosted again by The YellowLighted Bookshop, who supplied an amazing selection of books for children and parents to browse and buy. Over two days, every class in the School had the chance to visit the fair, and the corridors were buzzing with children excitedly discussing their choices. Throughout the fortnight, there was a bookish treasure hunt around the School, as well as the ‘Reading for Planet Earth’ initiative, where children and staff were encouraged to take a photo of themselves reading a book about the environment in a natural setting.

Of course, there is always a focus on reading at Beaudesert, but it was wonderful to celebrate it in such a joyful and diverse way.

Cornwall Trip

The Cornwall trip! Hooray! The ‘caravans’ were small trailer houses, parked in lines across the park. After we looked around our caravans, we unpacked and chose bedrooms, set up all our things and then pranced around touring others’ caravans. After another meeting at the centre of the park, we got ready for our first surfing lesson. The surfing was brilliant, and we came back heaving surfboards along the beach, brushing sand off our feet and with numb fingers from trying desperately to pull our wetsuits off.

Every morning at seven o’clock, we were encouraged to go for an early morning swim. I’d say most of the group went on the first morning, before heading back for breakfast with some friendly bickering about who would be first in the shower.

Later that day we surfed again, and in the late afternoon we were allowed to go to the shops and buy some snacks for our caravan. We also had to buy ingredients for a cooking competition that we did that evening. Each caravan would work together to cook a food of their choice, and the teachers would come round and try it, and then choose a winner among the caravans. Also, every evening, we would do something called ‘court’ where you may be fined or rewarded with money for what you did during the day.

On Wednesday my group went paintballing. There was a fine line between

the two types of paintballers that were playing. One type would run straight forward, shoot everyone they could see and do most of the work for the rest of the team. The other type of paintballer, would hide behind something and occasionally run to a different shelter, or be shooting aimlessly to try and scare off any of the other team.

Thursday, my group was doing coasteering. Luckily, the weather was surprisingly warm as we made our way to a rocky ledge along a grassy path, where we would jump off one by one into water, which was a cold shock after trudging through a field in a boiling hot wetsuit. We swam and jumped and swam and jumped again, and ventured into a cave before we made our way back, using all our remaining strength to get our wetsuits off.

On that cold, rainy last day, it was my group’s turn to go on a 10 mile walk,

which as you can imagine, we were thrilled about. Luckily, we survived and made it back just about in one piece, having seen at least five hundred snails and with all our clothes utterly soaked from the rain. We packed as best we could, did an underwhelming job of tidying and put on our remaining dry clothes. It was an eventful yet fun trip to Cornwall.

Mabel, Year 8

Children’s Mental Health Week – My Voice Matters

Each year in February, Beaudesert Park celebrates Children’s Mental Health Week, which is organised by the charity Place2Be. The charity’s theme for 2024 was ‘My Voice Matters’, so Beaudesert sought to find ways to make the children’s voices heard in the school community.

To accomplish this, children across the School were asked to think about what could be done to improve their school experience. The children then posed in a makeshift ‘My Voice Matters’ photo booth with their ideas. We had lots of great suggestions, including ‘What if we had a classroom disco every Friday?’, and ‘What if Prep School children taught in the Pre-Prep?’

While some of these ideas have proved difficult to achieve (a zip-line from the Boarding House to BoB included a litany of Health and Safety breaches), some have already been implemented. Earlier this year, the children were

delighted to see ‘Taco Tuesday’ on the menu, one of the suggestions we heard during Children’s Mental Health Week. Tacos, along with cheese, salsa, chillies, sour cream and guacamole were wolfed down with glee. We asked one child what

they thought about the new addition: “Delicious!” was declared, through a mouthful of taco shell and beef chilli.

We are looking forward to seeing more suggestions coming to fruition soon.

Chepstow Castle

Year 5 partook in a visit to Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey, in Wales. I found it really interesting that they tried to build Chepstow Castle in such a hurry to protect against the Welsh. They used stones from a nearby Roman fort, which is why some of the bricks are different colours to their surroundings.

It was fascinating to see how one of the walls, which was knocked down during the English Civil War, was re-built so quickly to protect against future counter attacks that it was re-built at an outward angle.

I liked seeing the different parts of the castle and what their function was. This included the ‘murder holes’, which were used to pour boiling oil and rocks down onto invaders. As it was built along the River Severn, most of the material was clay from the riverbanks, and there was a river gate where materials and supplies could be dropped off.

Towards the end of its use, there were 12 monks still living in Tintern Abbey when the Catholic monasteries were dissolved by Henry VIII. Tintern was then raided and the roof stolen for materials, which is why it is missing but the walls are still standing.

William B, Year 5

Equestrian Report

It has been another successful year on the equestrian front; our polo team have had some wonderful wins, we hosted our Beaudesert Polo Tournament at Beaufort Polo Club, and our show jumping and one-day eventing squads have been in the ribbons and sashes numerous times. It is always sad at the end of the year to say goodbye to those who have represented us during their time at School. This year, we lose a number of team stalwarts with whom we have shared great memories, numerous pony changes and a huge degree of success. Chloe B, Iris W, Mary, Ottilie de R, Tilly G, Savannah P, Rufus B, Raffy, Ivo, Tabitha W and Alice we will really miss you. Thank you for all you have done for the School and raising the profile of this wonderful sport.

The annual Beaudesert Summer Horse Show was an amazing day. The sun shone, tack gleamed and we had 38 ponies competing with children from Year 1 to Year 8. 63 rounds of show jumping were completed, with 38 clears. The calibre of talent is so high right now and there are some exciting new combinations who I know will go on to do great things next year.

Having come second last year, this year our eventing team went one better to win the Schools Equestrian Games ODE 80cm Championships, an incredible achievement. We also came second at the NSEA Championships in the Regional

Points League Championship. During this competition, two of our girls were chosen to represent England in the Nations Cup; a complete accolade and well deserved.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and

helpers for their support. There is a great deal of work that goes on behind the scenes to get the ponies ready for and to the competitions, and it is really appreciated.

Dartmoor

On Wednesday 6th March, Year 6 embarked on a journey to Dartmoor for a two night stay in Okehampton. The plan was to visit Cheddar Gorge and caves en route, and then to enjoy tours of Dartmoor and Lydford Gorge, whilst also visiting Dartmoor Prison.

At Cheddar, we learned loads of new things and saw some incredible rock formations! Gough’s cave was amazing. We learnt about how the discovery of a skeleton (Cheddar Man), was the oldest almost complete skeleton of our species, Homo sapiens, ever found in Britain. We also learnt about how religious Mr Richard Gough was and why he named the rock formations and caverns after religious symbols. After lunch, we went to Jacob’s Ladder which is basically a very long set of stairs. Once we got to the top there was a big tower that you could see out of, and you could see for miles! It was beautiful.

On the second day, we started by going on a tour of the moors. As we climbed towards the tors on our second day,

Pitt Rivers Trip

On Monday 18th September, Year 8 went on an art trip to The Pitt Rivers and The Natural History Museum in Oxford. In the Natural History Museum, we went around sketching dinosaurs and skeletons. It was so much fun and everyone had such different ideas and sketching styles. When we got back from the trip, we added colour and annotations to our work. After The Natural History Museum, we went to The Pitt Rivers Museum where we had a talk, and learnt all about Haida culture and what their art was about. We then spent time sketching in our books. Our favourite artefact was the huge totem pole that tells the story of who lived in the tribe that carved it. We loved the way everything was displayed in the museums and how it contained artefacts from lots of different cultures and countries. Overall, it was an amazing experience!

Lux and Bea, Year 8

we were told interesting facts about Dartmoor’s myths, history, and mainly geography. There were many springs coming down the moors. It got extremely windy. So windy that you could lean into the wind! It was so much fun! There were many crevices at the top, in between the huge rocks, that you could hide in and play in. It was so much fun and was an amazing lookout point, even though it was extremely cold and windy. Later in the day we took a bus journey from the moors to Dartmoor Prison. We walked along the outside of the prison to get to the cemeteries of prisoners who died in the War of 1812 and The Napoleonic Wars, and learned about the origins of Dartmoor Prison and also heard some entertaining stories about how prisoners have tried to escape over the years. The last time someone broke out was about ten years ago.

On the morning of the last day, we went to a massive waterfall called White Lady’s Waterfall. The waterfall was beautiful and so big! It was a great way to finish what was, overall, an amazing trip and we will remember it forever.

Skylar, Lorcan A, Alice and Flora L, Year 6

Skiing in Sauze d’Oulx

For me, the ski trip has been my favourite trip at Beaudesert so far. It was an incredible experience. Fifty or so of us including staff flew to Italy, and we stayed in a cozy hotel for five nights.

We woke up at 7am every morning to get our ski gear on, nip down to breakfast for a delicious buffet with many yummy options, and head off on the slopes to enjoy lots of time skiing. We all improved a lot. The staff were amazing and so kind and caring, and were so much fun, especially Mr Griffiths singing along with the karaoke.

In the afternoon, the teachers would come up to our dorms to do room checks, and we would put on a show for them, and then the winner would get a prize to share with the dorm. Everyone that I spoke to about the trip loved it so much and would recommend to go on it next year.

Poppy, Year 7

Rome

From October 20th to 24th, a handful of Years 7 and 8 children travelled to Rome, accompanied by a select group of staff including Mr Clibborn, Mme Bradley and Mr Haythornthwaite.

After arriving at the hotel, we had dinner where we first met the nuns that would be serving us and managing the hotel throughout our visit.

On the first day, we went to visit the Ara Pacis and the Mausoleum of Augustus. After this, we wandered around Rome and (after a quick stop at the Rome Lego store) we went to see the Spanish Steps and have pizza for lunch. Afterwards, we visited the Trevi fountain and had some gelato, before making our way to the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona.

On Sunday, after a quick visit to the Circus Maximus, we went to the Terme di Caracalla. It was an amazing experience as we were given a pair of virtual reality goggles that allowed us to experience what the site looked like in ancient times. Next, we visited the Catacombs San Sebastiano. This was where the Romans buried the dead. They had to build outside of the city but felt they still had to bury their loved ones in a respectable location. As a result,

they built a maze of tightly packed tunnels and passageways. This labyrinth goes 12m deep!

To finish the day, we spent hours touring round Ostia, which was once the most important port city on the Roman Empire. Among the site of Ostia was the Necropolis, the theatre and a number of ancient Roman warehouses used to import and export goods around the Empire.

The next day, we drove to the Basilica of San Clemente to view ancient remains of the crypt of the church. We then walked on foot to the Colosseum, it was a magnificent site. We marveled at the beauty of the former hub of Roman entertainment, and explored it from head to foot. We then travelled to the old Roman Forum, which was like a modern day marketplace. It was the heart of Roman life and where the Senate would meet to debate the latest issues, and where religious leaders came to worship.

As our final activity, we went to Piazza Venezia where we could buy something to eat and make our way to the Capitoline museums. We then headed back to the hotel where we ate our ‘last supper’.

Finn and Natasha, Year 8

Above ‘Infinity and Beyond’ Morning

Our Years 5 to 8 children enjoyed another brilliant ‘Above and Beyond’ morning this year, themed around space.

They started their morning with a presentation and talk by the Explorer Dome team, who took the children on a journey through space, learning about what stars are made from, the different colours they can be, and moving through the planets in our solar system and what

makes each of them unique. We had some brilliant questions from the children, who also answered some of Ben and Annie's questions brilliantly.

The children then spent their time in different workshops across the School. Years 5 and 6 split their time visiting the Explorer Dome, a wonderful dome with projections of the stars and space, and learning how to code their own computer games, based on landing a rover in space. In Science, they had the chance to ignite different elements that are found in space under a Bunsen burner, to see the different colours they create; helping them understand the different colours that stars can appear in the sky.

Years 7 and 8 worked with a teacher from Marlborough College and two of our Old Beaudesertians in a space crater workshop, where they experimented creating craters in cocoa and white flour with different objects, and recorded their findings. Over in the Art and DT Studios, they created their own solar systems using stencils, paint and oil pastels. SL

Forest Green Rovers

Forest Green Rovers was an educational and fun experience for all of us. We felt inspired and got to meet women and hear their stories, and the jobs they have at Forest Green Rovers. Our favourite part was sitting in the wonderful stadium, after visiting the Changing Rooms. Thank you, Forest Green Rovers! It was really exciting! Tilly and Chloe B, Year 8

OSCAR Return

It has been an honour to host the OSCAR Foundation’s UK Tour once again at Beaudesert Park School. Sixteen underprivileged boys and girls from Mumbai joined us from Wednesday, 11th to Friday, 13th October, as part of their two week tour visiting a number of independent schools who have fundraised for OSCAR. This was their first tour to include girls.

We were the seventh school on their tour, and they joined us after a busy day in Westminster meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Some of our children got to accompany them on their visit.

Over their time at Beaudesert, the OSCAR children spent time in lessons, had a dip in

the pool, performed in our assemblies, met our Pre-Prep children, enjoyed samba and dance workshops, and coached some of our Years 3 and 4 children.

The highlight of the trip was our BPS v OSCAR football matches. Parents and Old Beaudesertians joined Years 5 to 8 on the Playing Fields, as our senior girls’ and senior boys’ teams took on OSCAR. All of the players did a sterling job, and it was wonderful to see the children connect through sport on the pitches.

After a wonderful few days, the team headed on to Malvern College, their last stop before they returned to India.

We are so blessed to have hosted the team again, and to have strengthened our connections with OSCAR. Each tour is a

wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about the experiences of others, and make new friends. We can’t wait to work with OSCAR again in the future, and welcome them back to Beaudesert.

Aberdovey

When we arrived at Aberdovey, we were all split up into groups with one teacher and one or two instructors. After lunch, they told us that our first activity was something called a “jog and dip”. But there was no jogging. They had us link arms and march into the estuary, and even though it was freezing at first, we got used to it after a while. It was pretty fun splashing around in the water.

We got back and put our wet clothes inside the drying room, and we used them again to go on a gorge walk later that night. We had to use our head torches to climb up slippery rocks and between fallen logs. We enjoyed a nice cup of hot chocolate when we got back and headed up for bed.

Day Two was the wharf day. We all climbed into waterproof suits and carried

canoes down to the shore. After pulling them through the water, we connected them all with wooden spars, climbed in, three per boat, and rowed back to the wharf. We were understandably quite tired afterwards, which is why it was refreshing when they let us jump off the jetty and then get ice cream.

Day Three was probably the best day of the trip. One of the first things we did was slide through the river, and then we slid down a mini waterfall. We got to go underneath the waterfall too. After sliding around a bit more, we got to a massive waterfall that was like a slide, and one of the instructors grabbed us by our legs and threw us down it.

Day Four was the day most of us had been fearing. It was the hike. We grabbed our backpacks and headed out the door after picking up the supplies –the camp shelter, the map, the poo tube, and all the food for lunch.

The mountain was steep, to be sure, and even though it was a painful trudge, when we looked down at the fields below, we were pretty proud. We hiked along the mountainside, stopping for snacks multiple times. After eventually reaching the top, we were close to the end of our journey, and with one final stop for lunch, we went back down the mountain.

After one final breakfast, we got into climbing gear and headed for something called Jacob’s Ladder, and it was huge. We all worked together on this one, with two people in each trio holding the ropes, and the other person climbing to the top. Eventually it was our turn and even though Jacob’s Ladder was really shaky, we reached the top.

Finally we collected all our stuff, said goodbye to the instructors, and got on the coach home, all with smiles on our faces.

Hugo G and Max St., Year 7

An Illustrious Shipping Career

Tim Hartnoll (1964 – 1968)

Tim Hartnoll attended Beaudesert Park from 1964 to 1968. He was born and educated in Singapore until he was 9, before becoming a boarder at Beaudesert Park.

While at Beaudesert, Tim is noted to have been in the 1st XV rugby team and the 1st XI football team, and excelled in diving and swimming as well as shooting and acting. Tim won the Snowden Diving Cup and the Norem Swimming Trophy, and the 1968 school magazine notes that Tim won the School’s individual swimming race of two lengths “in a very fast time of 18.15 seconds.” Tim’s quick lengths were a product of very competitive swimming races against his sister, who was a star swimmer.

Tim says, “I wasn’t very academic at school. In fact, when my father came to visit me once, he demanded to see my exercise books and was horrified by the contents. I was put under the wing of Vincent Keyte who kept a close eye on me, and I still remember him affectionately.”

“Alec Chalmers was also a ferocious Latin teacher at the time. You learned quickly to work hard in his classes, and I subsequently came first in our Latin CE mocks.”

Tim moved on to St Edward’s in Oxford after passing Common Entrance, and then proceeded to study Engineering at Warwick University. Tim’s early career included time in the North Sea working for Brown & Root (a heavy construction,

power and engineering company), and in Thailand, working on a submarine pipeline. In 1982, he started supporting his father Christopher’s work at Sea Consortium, starting up their WAKL feeder business. After a brief stint away, he returned to work for his father permanently in 1985.

Sea Consortium (now called X-Press Feeders) was founded in 1972, as a container-shipping group operating out of Singapore. It is responsible for transporting goods from port to port, in large shipping containers. Today, the company is one of the world’s largest independent common carriers, with a network that covers most of the globe. By the end of 2022, the company was operating 100 containerships, 85 services, calling at 71 countries and carried 6 million TEUS (twenty-foot equivalent cargo units).

Over the past 50 years, Tim (and previously, his father, Christopher) navigated a multitude of shifting global pinch points, adapting their business to suit the market. Working in a transnational business means navigating ever-changing geo-political landscapes, changing geographies, economies, weather, currency shifts, wars, regulation changes and piracy.

“Going to boarding school definitely built my resilience and independence from

a young age, especially at a time when you would only see your parents once a year, and receive a letter once a week. It encouraged me to adapt to new and changing circumstances.”

Tim took over the family business as CEO in 1992, and has three children, who were educated in Singapore. He continues to exercise every day, a habit he has kept from his days at Beaudesert, and enjoys sailing and playing tennis (“badly”).

Tim has a few words of advice for our current Beaudesertians, “Make sure to take chances in life, and be adventurous. There is a world of opportunity out there; grasp it with both hands. I feel very fortunate to have done so myself.”

X-Press Feeders, is one of the largest container shipping companies in the world.

Tim in 1967

A Collection of Memories

Michael Burrowes (1958-1964)

Teaching methods have changed since the 1950s and 60s. I was taught for a while by Mr Chalmers. One conversation in the classroom was as follows:

Mr C: “Burrowes, can’t you see you’ve spelled that wrong!”

Me (a mild dyslexic): “No Sir. If I could see that I had spelled it wrong I wouldn’t have put ...Oww” (due to a smart clip round the ear!).

Mr C also used to invite pupils to meet with him for ‘Coffee and Cakes’; a polite description of a chance to meet up outside classroom hours and go through work he considered to be substandard!

News of dyslexia probably had not reached Beaudesert; you were just classified as idle, or classed as a ‘por spelar’.

Some things have not changed since the late 50s. The Playing Fields are still on flat land across the Common. The coaching, however, probably has. I recall some small boys being told off for having clean knees at the end of a rugby game, and then having to rub dirt on them before the start of the next game.

Another memorable event on the Playing Fields happened when Sgt Major Maclean was demonstrating the correct technique for high jump when he stood awkwardly on the edge of the pit and collapsed without any sound.

S/M Maclean: “You boy, go and tell the Headmaster that I think I have broken my ankle.”

Boy rushes off to the 1st XI pitch where Mr Austin is umpiring a practice and repeats the message.

Mr Austin: “Can’t you see I’m busy! Go and tell Mr Vincent… Play on.”

Boy rushes off to Mr Vincent, who stops his practice and starts a rescue plan for the S/M.

I was a boarder in Stable Cottage for one year. A select few boys slept, not in the main school, but under the care of an Assistant Matron in the houses belonging to Mr Barton Richardson and Mrs Marjorie Richardson.

I remember it as a long cottage, with Mrs Richardson at the far end and the boys and the Assistant Matron at the near end. I think there were two bedrooms on the first floor and a bathroom, off an old porch, and the Matron’s room downstairs. There was a further room (for three?), to which I was allocated. This was accessed through Mrs. Richardson’s rooms. This room had

no water, so a jug of hot water was taken up for washing before bed, leaving enough to wash in in the morning. As there was no heating, as far as I can remember, this allowed a thin film of ice to form on some winter mornings!

I would also like to thank Assistant Matron Miss Pollard for teaching me how to thread a needle and sew on a button; a life skill I have not forgotten!

Michael Burrowes

Michael remembers being taught in the ‘Loggia’

Michael in his school days

Alumni Wachy Special Match

On Saturday, 18th May 2024 we welcomed a contingent of former pupils, staff and parents back to Beaudesert to play a match of Wachy Special in the sunshine.

While some revellers took straight to the banks to have their go at batting, others strolled the school grounds, or spectated in deck chairs or on picnic rugs along the terraces. A ‘Wachy match tea’ kept our players fuelled for the afternoon’s events.

While current staff and Wachy extraordinaires Euan Craig, Jayson Bird and Kingsley Burns umpired the matches, the event was spectated by a number of our former staff members, including Wachy himself, Miles Watcher.

We hope to make the event a regular alumni event. Please do sign up to receive our emails if you would like to attend our next match.

ACTIVITIES

Circus Skills Club

The Circus Skills Club has been a whirlwind of excitement and creativity, as the children dived into learning a variety of skills. From juggling and crafting balloon animals to mastering poi, diablo, and yoyo, the club offered a vibrant and engaging environment where children could explore their talents. One child described it as, “the most fun time of the week.”

“We learned loads of new skills,” a boy from Year 5 said. The balloon animal sessions were particularly popular, with a Year 4 child saying, “My friends all asked me to make them balloon animals, which I loved.”

Skipping and Hula Hooping

Every Tuesday, Miss Winkworth and Charlie take us to the Rose Garden. We do skipping patterns like ‘Teddy Bear’ or the one we made up called ‘Friends’, or even running through the rope and over the other side when it is moving! It is also a good opportunity to chat with friends and play charades against Miss Winkworth. I love this club because it is a time to chill out and play with your friends.

Nellie, Year 4

Horsfall House Report

Each week, a group of Beaudesert children visit the residents at Horsfall House Care Home as their Thursday activity. At Horsfall House, we usually start with a game called the name game. You start the name game by saying your name and then doing an action with your hands, for example, I might say ‘Reuben’ and do jazz hands. We continue until everyone (visitors and residents) has said their name once.

Then you have the opportunity to mingle with the residents and have a conversation

with them. Miss Mulliner encourages us to bring in photographs, reading books and board games to share with or show the residents.

I really enjoy participating in this activity. I hope it is an option next year and I would recommend it for anyone who is close to their grandparents, or anyone who is not! I really hope more people do it next year, so the residents have more company to enjoy.

Reuben, Year 6

Hamma beads

Hamma beads is a fun and creative activity suitable for all ages. We start off by picking a template and choosing our colours. We can choose from pastel, normal and even neon! Mrs Blackmun puts some nice and relaxing music on and puts up a PowerPoint with creative designs that we can copy. Once you have completed your design you can put it on Mrs Blackmun’s table where she irons it for you. At the end of the activity, if your design did not manage to get ironed or if you did not finish it, it gets put up on the top of the cupboard ready for you to carry on with it the following week. At the end, everyone is on their hands and knees looking for any Hamma beads that have escaped onto the floor.

Willough, Year 7

Fashion Illustration Club

Fashion Illustration is all about letting your imagination run wild with different ideas for clothing, shoes, and accessories. If you have any questions or do not know how to add some extra details just ask either Miss Furber or Miss Snow, they’re amazingly talented at picking just the right thing to do.

For the first week of Fashion Illustration, we got our illustration books (they are like little journals), and we drew or printed people or fashion designers that inspire us on the front cover.

In the second lesson, we had to try and sketch our first designs, using iPads or our Chromebooks for inspiration. In our third lesson, we explored more mark making and textures such as zips, buttons, threads, and distinct types of material.

Lacrosse Report

Lacrosse is so fun because I get to do it with my closest friends. I also love lacrosse club because we all get to go outside and learn a new sport that none of us have played before. It is funny playing against each other because we are very new to the sport so we are always making mistakes. We have lots of laughs. Every Tuesday, I cannot wait to get through lessons so that I can have some snack and run down to the lower banks. Now that we have done quite a few sessions we have got halfdecent, so when we play against each other we can throw and catch the ball without worrying if we’re going to catch it or not.

Eve, Year 7

In the last lesson, Ms Snow and Miss Furber printed photos of celebrity outfits and cut them up so we could make silly combinations. We all had lots of fun!

That is what we do in Fashion Illustration Club. It is great fun, and we do interesting and different things each time. I cannot wait to continue!

Delphi, Year 7

Creative Writing Club

Creative Writing Club allows children to write stories completely from their imagination with no limits to what they can create. It allows children to express their ideas and go crazy with what they write and create. It lets children of all ages set up a good vocabulary and helps them with important life skills like creativity and focus. It allows them to take what is on their mind and express it in a calm and helpful atmosphere.

Cora and Annabelle S, Year 4

Origami

Origami is a wonderful club if you like getting creative and exploring different things you can make. It is a lovely club where you can sit down after a long day. Sometimes we listen to music while we create amazing pieces of origami art. In origami, we can make very complex things like a swan with a variety of colours, in different shapes and sizes. It gets hugely exciting when someone makes a gigantic version or a multicoloured piece of origami art. I have loved origami this term. It has taught me how to make so many fabulous things and it has also taught me how to be very neat with paper. Our wonderful teacher Mrs Hockin is so talented and kind, she makes us feel joyful and confident.

Viola, Year 6

PRE-PREP DEPARTMENT

There are so many things that make being an educator, and particularly being an educator in our wonderful school, such a privilege.

Teachers have a unique opportunity to support children on their journeys and help to shape young minds and contribute to their future success.

We can broaden, extend and deepen their experiences through the curriculum that we develop, and the opportunities we weave into their learning.

We have the chance to get to know families, gain insights into their lives, and build trusting relationships that can enrich our perspectives and our community.

We work in establishments dedicated to learning, not just for our children, but for adults as well, requiring us to always think about not just what we do, but how we can strive always to be better and ask ourselves at each point – are we being our best and is there a better way?

And of course, working at Beaudesert, we also have the very good fortune to be placed in an utterly idyllic setting that inspires and elevates simply through its beauty.

However, I believe that what the vast majority of my colleagues would eventually admit to is that the real reason that we love our jobs is because of our children. Being able to spend each day

with inquisitive, humorous, creative and sparky young people, who are loving and giving, and who challenge us to think deeply about learning and learners, including ourselves, is I think what motivates us most of all.

And while I can use these words to describe our children collectively, it is their absolute individuality that is at the heart of what makes for a truly wonderful school. Each child brings their own uniqueness, passions, frustrations, abilities and areas for growth. Each child requires something subtly different from us, and each child deserves to have those differences recognised, supported and celebrated. Teaching young children is all about being aspirational, responsive and compassionate, about seeking out the hidden talents and the hidden hurdles for each of them, and giving them what they need when they need it.

To this end, I would like to take a moment to say a few words of gratitude to our excellent Pre-Prep team. The group of ladies who welcome your children each day are some of the most caring, dedicated, responsible, adaptable and generous spirited ladies you could imagine. They hold deep respect and affection for each child in their care and the conversations on a daily basis about how we can help, enrich and encourage at each point are too many to count. Thank you, splendid ladies.

Nothing that we achieve with our children is possible without our parent community and I am hugely grateful for the incredible levels of support and communication that you offer us as a parent body. From our Year Group Reps, to our parent helpers, to all those who attend workshops and information sessions, to those who share information about their child’s interests at home, to those who jump in and help each other out with the day to day logistics juggle that is all too real – your warmth, community spirit and support are tremendous and make such a huge

difference to the lives of our children – and are so appreciated by our teachers as well.

So back to the start again – it is really about the children for all of us. The wonderful, hilarious, kind-hearted, constantly curious children. I have written a poem this year that speaks to the individuality I mentioned earlier – and here it is.

Difference

If everybody looked the same, We’d get tired of looking at each other. So isn’t it some relief to us all That sisters can differ from brothers.

That you can be different from me And that I can be different from you And that each of us can seek out and find

Our own unique colour and hue.

The athlete whose drive and whose passion, May be genes that were passed down to him,

All make him stupendously speedy And frequently able to win.

The musician whose ear seems attracted

To sounds that can make her heart soar And whose fingers race up and down keyboards

To the sound of most rapturous applause.

The quiet soul who can sometimes feel daunted

By the asking of questions in class

But whose mind can solve problems so quickly

It would cause most amongst us to gasp.

The whirlwind of chatter and laughter

Who cheers all his friends every day

With his kindness and friendship and gestures

Helping others join in with his play.

The scientist who’s always thinking About all that which makes up the world Using reason and logic and research

So her questions are slowly unfurled.

The writer who creates magic stories And can conjure a scene in our minds

Taking his friends on a journey And leaving their classroom behind.

That we all can differ so wildly In the way that we look and behave And in some ways remain oh so similar Because some things we, each of us, crave.

The Nursery

It’s to simply be seen for ourselves And be valued for being that ONE And all that we are and are not, And all that we may yet become.

To ignore the fact that we’re different To yearn for homogenous soup Is not at the heart of what we’re all aboutIndividuals make up a group.

So let us all celebrate difference

And find what it is in our heart

That truly makes each of us happy And totally sets us apart.

Some hide their light under a bushel

Some sing it from way up on high

But it’s our job to help all our children

Find their wings and take to the sky.

SAVANNAH K

ARLO J

CECILIA P

INDIGO VS

JUDO DEMONSTRATIONS

OTTILIE CJ

PADRAIC

OTTILIE L

ROMILLY

Year 1

ATTICUS G

OLIVIA N

CASEY

EVIE S

HENRIETTA

HENRY R

A Letter to Darwin

Dear Mr Darwin,

My name is Gaige. I love to explore lots of fascinating creatures. And I love to learn more about fossils.

Why are there different species? How long did Darwin live for? How long did it take to sail to Africa? How can we identify a bird from its nest?

Gaige

TRISTAN

WILLIAM P

RAFE

Forest School

Forest School promotes holistic development through nature-based, child-centred activities. Each season brings unique learning opportunities that foster not only academic growth but helping to develop emotional resilience, self-confidence, teamwork and a deep connection with the environment.

Here are some of this year’s highlights throughout the seasons.

Autumn

Tree ID: Leaf and tree identification, and creation of art with fallen leaves, enabling children to appreciate the seasonal changes.

Storytelling: Sharing stories around the fire promotes imaginative play as well as developing language skills and exploring cultural traditions.

Seasonal Crafts: Making items like elder bracelets, willow wands or pinecone animals to foster fine motor skills and imaginative play.

Forest School Principles

• Child-Centred Learning: Forest School emphasises learner-centred processes where children explore and discover at their own pace.

• Long-Term Process: It involves regular sessions over a long-term period rather than one-off visits, allowing deep connection with nature.

• Holistic Development: Activities support social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

• Nature-Based: Learning occurs in natural environments, fostering a connection with nature.

• Qualified Practitioners: Sessions are led by trained Forest School practitioners.

• Risk Management: Activities are carefully managed to allow beneficial risk-taking, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills.

Winter

Tracking: Identifying animal tracks and trails in snow and mud, learning about wildlife habits and observation skills.

Bushcraft: Learning to use tools safely for whittling and hedge building, enhancing our fine motor skills.

Winter Shelter Building: Constructing shelters that protect against the elements has been great for teamwork and demonstrating practical survival skills.

Spring

Plant Identification: Children have learnt to identify plants and flowers, fostering observation skills and our connection with nature.

Mini-Beast Hunts and Bird Watching: Searching for insects and small creatures teaches us about biodiversity and ecological roles, enhancing our understanding of wildlife.

Pond Dipping: Visiting our big pond area to learn about ecosystems and food chains.

Summer

Den Building: Constructing dens and shelters using natural materials has promoted teamwork and mathematical reasoning.

Foraging and Fire Lighting: Gathering edible plants and learning about their uses has enhanced our knowledge of natural resources and helped develop our understanding of fire safety.

Forest Bathing and Haname: Children learn about other cultures and traditions whilst immersing themselves in nature, developing patience and mindfulness skills.

Year 2

An Autumnal Poem

Cute, fluffy squirrels

Digging, digging, digging For nuts in the ground.

Little, scary trick or treaters

Knocking, knocking, knocking On the doors getting treats.

Bushy, orange foxes

Looking, looking, looking For their prey.

Autumn is here.

Emily

ALEX M

MIMI

LOUIS

Our Jar of Courage

A cup of curiosity

A bucketful of bravery

One drop of kindness

2 big hugs from Mummy Oodles and oodles of care

One cup of love

A pinch of joy

2 slices of hope-apple

12 buckets of sportsmanship

A spoonful of smiles

2 teaspoons of resilience

A piece of patience

A scoop of happiness

Leave it in the sunshine for 3 hours until it bubbles.

My Autumn Poem

Leaf falling off from a tree

Leaf swaying in the breeze

Leaf twirling, whirling through the wind

Leaf smoothly spiralling to the ground

Leaf scrunching, crunching underfoot

Leaf in the deep dark woods

Leaf red, orange, and brown

Leaf red like lava

Leaf spotty, dotty, like a cheetah Martha-Mary (with help)

OSCAR P

BEN ANGUS

LILLIAN

ANTHOLOGY

The Daydreamer

“That’s another engine down! We can’t stay airborne for much longer!”

The captain’s voice was like a foghorn; big, booming and proud. Another bang. The side of the ship was torn off, hurtling 35,000 feet back to the Earth’s surface.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve with you all,” the general saluted. They heard the sound of a laser and the ship exploded.

“Alright, 20 minutes left, that’s halfway through,” called the teacher; her double chin was a scarf around her neck. Solomon blinked and stared down at his empty piece of A4 paper. English creative writing: the worst. He looked around, dazed in surprise, his comrades around him having already written half their paper. Pen firmly on paper, a wave of inspiration crashed into his mind when…

“Prepare to die youngling.” Before him stood Darth Vader. The towering colossus of darkness and power charged at him. Instincts kicked in and Solomon drew his lightsaber, the blue light dazzling him as the scarlet red clashed with it, creating the most beautiful display of colours. Adrenaline coursing through his veins, he charged through the mountain of snow, and beat back against the dark lord. Elegant stroke after elegant stroke, he pushed him back until finally, Darth was left helpless on the blood-splattered ground.

“Any last words?” Solomon declared.

“Yes,” Vader mouthed, any sound drowned out by his erratic and uncontrollable breathing. “You have 5 minutes left, better start scribbling something down.”

“Darn conscience,” he thought. Startled, Solomon looked up, dazed and surprised. He stared down at the blank sheet of paper, he then glanced at the guide paper next to him.

“Which title to choose?” he thought to himself, “A change of heart, speech to not turn off the internet, description of a library, or, oh, the day dreamer, that could be interesting.” The title firmly on his page, he was ready to start writing when Solomon looked out of the window, a passing plane catching his eye.

“This is US Airways Flight 1549, and this is your captain speaking.” He got a little butterfly feeling in his stomach, his first time as captain! Settling into his seat, he took a sip of coffee. Solomon had always dreamed of being a pilot and it was finally his chance! All was smooth for a good couple of minutes when all of a sudden, a flock of Canada geese flew by, hurtling into the engines, bird blood spilling everywhere, creating the most unpleasant sight for the people in the window seats.

“Sir, engines are down,” came the voice of his co-pilot, an older lady with a double chin. The sound of geese was deafening. “Honk, honk, hooonk,” sounded the birds.

The alarm sounded: the test was over. Solomon blinked and then looked down at his blank piece of paper. In his daze, he had appeared to have drawn what looked like a gerbil giving birth to a shoe.

“Time to hand in your papers now, everybody.” The teacher’s voice echoed around the hall. Reluctantly, Solomon handed over the paper. She smiled. English writing was never really his strong point.

Finn, Year 8

A Christmas Poem

Santa’s sleigh, is zooming high While little children fall and cry.

The bitter wind cut through the air like a knife, Even now the floor was full of life.

Foxes prowled all around, Leaving their footprints marked in the ground.

The frost glistened on the lake, Like a layer of delicate, snow white cake.

The luminescent moon hung way up high, Like a glowing lantern in the night sky.

Albie F, Year 6

A Wedding Scene

As family and friends start to take a seat, someone walks up to a large wooden door decorated with all sorts of patterns. They pull it open. The beautiful bride stood there as still as a statue. Gracefully, Pandora walked up the aisle, passing the guests. As she walked, she got a waft of perfume which tickled her nostrils. As the groom stood there, he smiled and lit up the room happily. The bride walked up and stood facing her future husband. They both took a deep breath, and as the vicar started to talk almost everybody smiled. As soon as the vicar stopped talking, the bride and groom looked very relieved, and were happier than ever. Marina, Year 4

Bonfire Night is…

Viewing the glowing orange roar of the fire as the heat stings my eyes.

Listening to the whistling rockets as the sound pierces my ears.

Tasting crunchy toffee apples, sweet and sticky on my tongue.

Smelling ketchup hot dogs and whiffs of onion tickling my nose like a fluffy feather.

Feeling the warmth of a hot chocolate mug in my hands, comforting like a hug from mum and dad.

Bang!

Milo L, Year 3

The Heavens are your Dreams

The heavens are your dreams

The mountains have visions

And the birds whistle in your ears

But the clouds follow the wind

And the leaves whisper around the earth.

Io, Year 5

ALEXANDER, YEAR 3

The Suitcase

Milton Smith was a detective, and a good one at that. He and his assistant Edgar Ross had been called into Manhattan to investigate a crime.

“What are we going to Manhattan for?” asked Edgar.

“Some guy called in to report his neighbour lying dead on her couch,” replied Milton.

Edgar seemed to tense up when he heard this.

Eventually, they reached the building where the call had come from, and saw a man sitting on the building steps.

“Officers! Thank goodness you’re here!” he said shakily. “I only went in to give her a parcel, and she was dead, and then-“

“Settle down, sir,” interrupted Milton. “The law is here, we’ll handle it.”

“She’s in Apartment 8, on Floor 2,” stammered the man.

Milton and Edgar walked to the room, and opened the door. Inside, the woman’s corpse was sat on the sofa, with a brown suitcase next her.

“A suitcase,” said Milton, “that means she was about to go somewhere.”

“No it doesn’t!” snapped Edgar. “People often leave their suitcases about. Don’t even open it, it’s probably empty, there isn’t anything to investigate. I’m going to search the rest of the apartment. You wait here or outside; that would be better.”

Edgar ran down the hall leaving Milton to wonder what was wrong with him.

Milton looked back at the suitcase. Something about it just seemed off, so he opened it. Inside were: some clothes, a cell phone, 400 dollars in cash and a sun hat. Nothing too interesting. However, behind the clothes, there was a passport and a sealed envelope. Thinking it could be evidence, he opened it, and it read:

Dear Edgar,

I’m sorry to have left you so abruptly, but we can’t go on. You’ve made it clear how little you care for me, so I’m leaving you and moving to Hollywood. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t contact me.

From Janet.

“Hey Milton,” said Edgar.

Milton looked up, only to see the side of a baseball bat coming towards him…

Hugo G, Year 7

A Scene at Sunset

As night was approaching, a dark, gloomy cloud folded over the sky like a blanket, getting darker and darker every minute. Just under the horizon, a warm orange and red beam of light shot through the valley as the sun softly and slowly fell out of sight. At the edge of the valley, all of the trees, flowers and grass swayed violently in the wind. A little later on, a man was sprinting through the jungle, leaping through holes in branches. He was hunting, and had his eye on a parrot. He threw his spear at the bird, but it missed and struck a tree.

Max T, Year 4

The Final Straw

My eyes flickered. A deep shade of grey smothered everything. Fingers intertwined. Slowly, creeping up the tip of my hand, a violet creature, like liquid, seeped through my veins.

The soft, cold moss rested on my palm. Sap trickled through my fingers. My heart rapidly increased as it moved up, up, up. My eyes, bloodshot, slowly became faintly unfocused. I could feel my fingertips numbing.

As if in slow motion, I started to run. The numbing increased. My breath was raspy and faint, my scream of pain cluttered and broken.

The creature kept coming. Soon my whole arm was numb. My veins, all a deep purple, slowly starting to crush my arm. I ran on.

My vision was blurred and the screaming in my ears would not leave me. I clutched my arm in agony.

I could feel it reaching my heart. The pain increased, I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my soul. My lungs were twisting, twisting…

Ella SF, Year 8

The Way Home

It is different at night, the wind harsher and the cold more bitter. It’s a whole different place in the light, with coloured petals straining out of the soil and the sky a pale blue with not a single cloud. Now, it’s grim and spooky, almost unsettling. The looming trees reach across to others as though whispering a secret. The faint outline of bushes fill the corners of my eyes, and the moon lights a path ahead of me. The sound of the wind howling a song echoes in the air. The quick bites of cold at my neck startle me, and make the hairs on my neck jump up in fright. Although it is night, the lights from the houses can be seen from where I am, but they don’t make it any easier to see. The smell of smoke from somewhere in the distance tells me I am nearly in the village. Smoke mixes with the wet bark I have been smelling from the beginning of the woods, which does not smell very sweet. Crunching autumn leaves and twigs crackle under my feet, and wisp away into nothing, as each foot takes another step forwards. The only light is the one from the moon, as it illuminates everything in its way. As I finally reach the end of the trees, I can only think one thing: “which way is home?”

Clemency, Year 7

A Jungle Scene

Slowly, as the fluffy clouds floated away, the amber sunset’s glow disappeared into space. While the pretty, blooming flowers drooped, the animals living on the steep, towering hills went to bed. The jungle smelt damp, like rotten leaves, because of all the rain that had fallen throughout the afternoon. Suddenly, out of the trees, making a horribly noisy sound, a man leapt. It made all the birds in the jungle hurry away, their wings flapping like mad against the indigo blue sky.

Sabrina, Year 4

A Place I Know in the Dark

I could just hear the running water from the cold but fresh spring, and the crickets chirping. I could see, just over the horizon, the sun going to sleep and the sounds of the cows lying down to sleep too. But just below the horizon in front of me, I saw lights from the houses in the distance. The little woods looked dark, dangerous and daunting. I felt a breeze whoosh past me, it felt like a sense of reality.

The sky was like a canvas painted a dark navy. It was almost black, but as if a child came with a bucket of white and silver paint and started splatting the paint everywhere.

It was a full moon, and the light shone right down and into the valley, which made the trees look petrifying. The trees’ figures were printed onto the ground in black and dark shades of grey.

I could hear some cars on the road behind me, but it seemed as if they were never there before, with the noise of their worn out engines. But I could still hear the noise of the trickling stream.

Eve, Year 7

A Tree

A tree stands there, Big and beautiful, whispering in the shadows of light.

No one knows what it has seen or heard.

But the moon will always know.

I stand wondering what it has to say.

Eloise, Year 6

Inspirational People

David Goggins

David Goggins was born in Buffalo, New York, in the United States. He was educated and lived in Williamsville. David is famous for being a long-distance runner, completing over 60 ultramarathons, doing lots of fitness challenges, setting a record of 4,030 pull ups in 17 hours, and completing the longest swim. He is also known for writing lots of books. I have chosen to write about him because I find him inspiring. When he was a child he was 136kg, and he had the mindset to come back from this and join the Navy SEALs, and is now known as one of the toughest humans alive.

In David Goggins’ childhood, he received a lot of abuse for his learning difficulties and his weight. His childhood was tough. He had a brother called Trunnis Jr and parents, but his mother had to leave because his father was abusive, and eventually moved to Brazil. David Goggins very sadly saw his friend in a tragic accident.

David has retired from the Navy SEALs and is the only person in the armed forces to complete SEAL training. When he was in the Navy SEALs, he was deployed in Iraq with a team of five. In 2005, during the Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan, 12 Navy SEALs were killed, and he knew all of them, and he was close to them.

He is really into running long distances. One day he entered himself into a 24 hour race and he ended up running 100 miles without training at all.

David Goggins currently does work on meditation, but is also a part-time firefighter in British Columbia. Even though he does not do as many fitness challenges as he used to, he still spends around two hours stretching which is preventing injuries, and relaxing all the muscles. He also works as an advanced emergency technician in a big city emergency room.

Hector M, Year 8

Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart is known for being the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. She was also the first woman to fly an autogiro.

She was born on the 24th July 1897 in the United States of America, and died on the 2nd of July 1937, aged 39. She went missing while attempting to fly around the world. Her plane was said to have run out of fuel in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Neither she, nor her plane, were ever found.

Amelia Earhart’s father was a railroad lawyer, and her mother came from a wealthy family. She had a younger sister who was called Muriel, they enjoyed playing together. After the death of her grandparents, the family struggled financially.

Amelia Earhart improved the public acceptance of women in commercial flight. Amelia Earhart was described as adventurous, ambitious, curious and determined.

Amelie B, Year 8

David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough was born on May 8th 1926 in London, England. That’s only a few weeks after Queen Elizabeth II was born! He grew up in Leicester and as a child, Attenborough was extremely interested in animals and nature. He spent many days hunting around for fossils, then he went on to study the natural sciences at Clare College, Cambridge University. He received a Masters’ degree from there in 1947.

Attenborough began working at an educational publishing house in 1949. In 1952, he started training at the BBC and became a television producer. Two years later, he started a television series called Zoo Quest, which was very popular. In 1965, Attenborough was given control of the BBC’s new second television channel, BBC 2. He helped produce several highly regarded series that discussed art and science.

He then resigned from the BBC so he could write and produce his own TV series. He wrote and also narrated a number of award-winning television series on anthropology and natural history. These included ‘Life on Earth’, ‘The Living Planet’, ‘The Private Life of Plants’, ‘The Life of Birds’, ‘The Life of Mammals’ and ‘Life in Cold Blood’. Attenborough also worked on ‘Blue Planet’, an exploration of the world’s oceans.

Sir David was knighted in 1985. He won Emmy awards for his narration of ‘Blue Planet II’, and ‘Our Planet’. He has also won many other awards for his work, including dozens of honorary degrees from universities.

Another honour for him has been in naming some extinct and living animal species. A few are the sirdavidia, zaglossus attenboroughi, and the platysaurus attenboroughi.

He is famous for devoting his life to animals and the natural world, and his very educational TV programmes. He is currently working on a new series called ‘Mammals’, even at the age of 97!

Georgia G, Year 6

Martin Luther King Jr

Martin Luther King Jr was born on the 15th January in Atlanta, in a home shared by his parents and grandparents. Martin was a paperboy and wanted to be a fireman when he grew up. His father was a Baptist Minister, and he was in charge of his children’s religious education, and teaching them to be good people. From the time Martin was born, he knew that black people and white people had different rights in parts of America. Martin showed signs of leadership at a young age as he was a quarterback for his American football team.

As an all-black university, Morehouse College was a safe place for Martin, who entered the College early in 1944 at the age of 15. Martin got a degree in sociology (the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society) from Morehouse College.

In his first protest, Martin led the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This started when Rosa Parks didn’t give up her seat on a bus for a white man. She was arrested. As a result, Martin started a protest by not using the bus. It lasted over a year! He was arrested and his house was bombed, but in the end he won. Segregation on buses in the area was over.

On 28th August 1963, in front of a crowd of 250,000 people spread across the National Mall in Washington DC, Martin delivered his now famous “I have a dream” speech; one of the most famous speeches to this day.

Martin Luther King Jr will be remembered as one of the best black rights activists for breaking down the segregation barrier, and the concept that black people are inferior to whites. Sadly, on 4th April 1968, Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated on the balcony of a hotel in Tennessee by James Earl Ray.

Zachary, Year 6

The Christmas Truce

Guarding the deep, dark trenches, the barbed wire was as sharp as razors. Down below, soldiers were huddling for any heat that could be found. Breath formed clouds in the cold night air, as James and his troops settled down. Standing to attention, a ladder led up to no man’s land, which no one dared to climb. Suddenly, singing lit the air, and different languages became one. A mellifluous melody had now begun!

Amber, Year 5

After Dark

There’s a place my family and I go in the peak of summer. We have gone to this fabulous place many times, but my favourite part is when the sun goes down and everything starts to come to life.

It is a beautiful house on a beach, so when it’s dark, you can hear the elegant seals wailing their song out in the glistening ocean, with the strong rays of moonlight reflecting its beauty on the water. You can smell the fresh, salty breeze coming from the farthest part of the ocean. There is a comforting feel to it when you walk out on to the beach, with nano-grains of sand swimming through the gaps in your toes, and the swaying of the trees like a slow dance with the wind. The massive boulders on the beach at night look like sea monsters coming straight at you. From the tiny barnacle to the biggest star fish, it all makes the beach feel magical. When the seagulls squawk and circle around, you know where you are.

Isla P, Year 7

The Woods after Dark

The sprawling, sleepy forest behind my house after dark seems to wake up. It is a magical place. The moon shines in the small streams filling the area in an eerie silver glow. The tall trees watch the badgers and foxes pad past with ever growing curiosity, so much so that some have lowered their giant trunks to such an angle that they might topple over in a light breeze, just to watch the animals hunt, scavenge and play beneath. A deep, dirt path slithers its way through even the dense legs of the forest, with the trees’ gnarled toes bursting from every side. The ground is layered in a plush carpet of autumn leaves. The reds, yellows and oranges almost glow in the dappled moonlight that slips through the cracks in the now depleted canopy. A cool midnight breeze rattles through the droopy branches like breath escaping from raspy lungs.

Moss clutches to everything like a lover refusing to let go. It hangs from the trees like a thick beard, and wraps itself around large rocks like a green jacket, keeping the rocks warm in the cool night.

Otis, Year 7

Land Ahoy

Captain Fred stood tall at the helm of his ship, The Sea Dragon, as it sliced through the waves of the ocean. It had been weeks since the ship had left port, and the crew’s spirits were beginning to sink.

“Land ahoy!” cried the scout from the crow’s nest, his voice echoing across the deck. Fred’s heart beat with excitement, as he peered into the distance… There it was! A faint smudge against an endless horizon.

“Man the sails, ready your stations” he bellowed, and the ship came alive with men scampering up the rigging and shifting planks.

As the Sea Dragon sped towards the island, Fred noticed a low fog around the island. Then, just as they were 500 metres from shore, the fog broke and Fred saw a spine-tingling sight. The beach was littered with dead bodies, mauled until almost unrecognizable.

Fred raised his hand, about to give the order to turn around, when a spear thudded into the deck. The captain yelled “turn around!” and the Sea Dragon lurched around. Behind their ship was the scourge of the Seven Seas and the terror of men… It was the Black Pearl. They were trapped.

Isaac, Year 8

A Description of an Evacuee

A ghost of a girl, forcing down a burden of unshed tears, sensed the pain and cries of other children – but only sensed it, for the fish hook-like pain burnt and seared her chest and heart. She was a slightly built girl, with long, neatly plaited hair flowing down her back, which tickled Flora’s neck. She had small, neatly placed eyes and a gentle, afraid face. Salty tears finally got the better of her, trickling down her face and landing on her highly polished shoes.

Iris B, Year 5

Rain in the City Centre

The city lights illuminated the wet streets in a warm, yellow glow. People were doing day to day things in the cold and miserable streets. The streets were wet with a tsunami of black umbrellas, keeping important businessmen in grey suits dry. The shops on the street kept busy with the usual hustle and bustle of customers. The tired rain tricked down the windows like rain that does not want to be there. Coffee shops were packed with lonely citizens, eager to get out of the rain. The sky reflected its grey dullness on to the tall office blocks, with the occasional meeting going on for hours.

The miserable weather sucks every inch of life out of you, until you see the occasional child splashing in the puddles, making the most of the dreary rain. Silver briefcases drift along the street like they are floating in the shining rain all around them.

The coachman at the station blows his whistle in his red jacket, as another train screeches gently out of the station. The next green train pulls in as businessmen fold away their umbrellas to meet another raindrop soon.

Occasionally, you hear the wailing of an ambulance, racing to pick up an injured cyclist, or a double decker bus chugging along in the streets.

Barney

R, Year 8

A Typical Summer’s Day

Darkening skies – what a beautiful day it was. The sun was shining, the sun beds were out. It was perfect. With an ice cream in my hand, I thought to myself “why couldn’t it be like this every day?”

As I went inside to get some sun cream, a gentle breeze picked up. I came back out and peered up at the sky. A mammoth cloud had blocked out the sun, out of nowhere!

“It will pass” I thought, but that was where I was wrong. This monster of a cloud was closing in on us, black as the night’s sky. It covered the sky like a canvas blocking out the light, clearing anything in its path. An unbreakable force. How had it changed so quickly? I sprinted around, trying to put everything somewhere safe. The sky looked so dark now. What was it going to do? But then I got my answer.

The sky erupted into an orchestra of thunder, each one louder than the last. Then came the rain. Unforgiving as ever, it poured down on me. I ran inside, frantically trying to close the windows to little success. The rain seeped in, washing away everything. The roof was the only thing that was able to keep this monster at bay. However, little did I know that was only the start of this nightmare.

Down came the lightning. Like a truck, it annihilated anything that dared to cross its path, flashing down from the sky. What did I do? I didn’t dare go outside. However, I didn’t exactly feel safe in the house either, not with these colossal trees surrounding me. I was like an ant to them. Then I heard a sound. A massive branch plummeted from the sky and crunched into my house! Luckily it had hit the other side of my house, but I had still lost half of my house! And if that was only a branch, what could a whole tree do? What do I do?

Barnaby P, Year 7

The Black Crow

Solitary black crow

Sitting on the grass, I tried to get through him but he wouldn’t let me pass.

Sorry little black crow What is it you’ve done? I hope to see you again, But please can you budge?

I’m sorry that I scared you, But that’s all I’ve done, And now you will run, Further than far.

Cosima, Year 6

A Wedding Scene

As dusk settled like a blanket, guests arrived at the doors of a grand villa. They seated themselves waiting for the ceremony to start. Gracefully, the serene bride glided down the flower filled aisle with her white silk dress flowing behind her. Without a sound, candles flickered around the beautiful bride.

F, Year 4

Lyra

FLYNN, YEAR 3

The Door

Go and open the door.

Maybe outside there’s a pond or a fort,

A home, Or a new dimension.

Go and open the door. Maybe an eagle is soaring, Maybe you’ll see a child, Or an adult, Or the shadow Of a shadow

Go and open the door.

Even if there’s only light getting dimmer and dimmer, Even if there’s only a spark of fire, Even if nothing is there, Go and open the door.

At least there will be joy.

Martha, Year 5

The Mage

He stood in the corner of the room, lonely, and his mind brewing over who to send on the pilgrimage to find the long, lost spirit of the clan. The mage’s cloak was long, concealing his worn shoes. His voice was hoarse and shrill, as he muttered ancient languages, unheard of for centuries. Thick strands of hair pierced his mask, finally revealing his personality, and his hood draped wearily over his head.

He walked over to his desk, unaware of me, standing by his twisted door, and with that began to write. The mage was notorious for his old, dark stories. His quill dashed smoothly over the parchment, scratching ink monsters deep within the pages. He was the mage.

Sam Gr., Year 6

An Excerpt from Document 17

An excerpt from Chapter 9 of Document 17, a short story co-written by Mr Kirby’s Year 7 English set under the pen name Slog Wormsley.

Johnny, confused about his whereabouts, needed to find Hamish but that seemed impossible to Johnny, as he was probably dead by now. No matter what, he needed to get back to London. After asking directions from a local, Johnny hopped on the back of a wagon hoping it was going in the direction of a train station. As he was inspecting his surroundings, he noticed a familiar figure hiding in the shadow of a building staring at him. Johnny could not make out the man’s face, but he was wearing a long black cloak covering his face, and he was also clutching a cane. Johnny somehow knew the man. He rubbed his eyes, and the man was gone. He did not think much of it and carried on.

Johnny later came across Oxford train station and snuck off the wagon. Concealing his face with his hat, he made his way through the door and out to the platform. The train station was packed with people, frantically trying to get to the train, and policemen were dotted around. Johnny knew he could not get past them and besides, he could not buy a ticket with the couple of shillings in his pocket. He needed another plan, and fast, before it left. He quickly ran through the back door and out behind the station.

“Train to London Paddington is leaving now!” announced the train driver.

A shock ran down his spine. “This is my only chance,” he thought. He looked around to see if anyone was there, and the mysterious man was there again. He did not have time for this, so he quickly threw himself onto the oncoming carriage.

Johnny explored the single carriage he was in. There were barrels stacked high and chained up boxes scattered across the floor of the train. He stuck his head out of the window to see a huge steep cliff edge. It took Johnny by surprise, they had only just left Oxford. As he turned around, he felt cold metal touch his neck.

“You might not want to move,” said a familiar voice in a dark tone.

Johnny glanced behind him to see Randoll T Coon holding a knife to his neck. Randoll T Croon led him to the end of the train; with the knife still by his throat and Johnny tight in his grasp…

Trying to Catch a Thought

My mind sways back and forth

Trying to catch a thought

Branches stretch across my mind

Pain lays on me

Their children gushing down the good times Love is built into me, buzzing around me, Age cuts me down.

Thomas, Year 6

Rainstorm in a City Centre

Thunder roared, while the clouds aggressively cloaked over us, as if they were about to attack. Large rain droplets launched down at the people, exploding on impact, with the occasional bits of hail pecking at the ones who weren’t well prepared for the storm.

I was lucky enough to be indoors, while I looked up I could see rain trying to seep through the cracks in the opening of the then closed windows. All it could do was drizzle down two or three feet, before coming to a very immovable halt.

The thunder scared all of the nearby dogs, and the owners were too scared and empathic to leave them home alone, with fast but common flashes of lightning that came and went even scaring some of the more vulnerable and sensitive people.

The storm spread across the whole city, and the only noise you could hear through the thunder was the crying of babies, the groaning of adults who wanted to get back home from work, and the children arrogantly laughing at the afraid people and the groaning adults. Speaking for the majority of the people, it wasn’t scary, and it wasn’t funny, it was just cold, wet and boring.

Roman, Year 8

Nature’s Beauty

Tall silver tree

On banks as many as three

Long finger-like branches

I can’t bear to walk past it

Long strips of towering ivy

When I see it, it makes me smiley

Tall ivy climbing a tree

I want to pick it but I must leave it be

Tall tree

Towering ivy

You’re so beautiful to watch

So I will draw you in my diary

A Collection of Haikus

Warrior Cats

The moon rose slowly

Shadow clan arrived to charge Thunder clan was ready

Spring

Spring is approaching Eggs are slowly hatching, soon Summer will arrive

The Colour Purple

The colour purple, Lavender flowers grow much like Grapes on a green vine

Dragon Prince

A dragon egg like Sparkly sequins, shimmers like The starry night sky

Amarah, Year 6

Tabitha S, Year 6

DELPHIE, YEAR 3

A Recipe for Winter

You will need:

• Some fluffy earmuffs

• A warm coat

• A pair of waterproof gloves

• A pair of waterproof boots

Method:

Firstly, collect freezing snow for a snowman. Next, swirl in magical morning mist with a nippy breeze. Pour in blue skies with grey leaden clouds. Sprinkle in feathers from a robin’s breast. Add a spider’s web, glinting with frost. Later, sit by a gently crackling fire. Finally, snuggle into bed with a hot water bottle.

You have made a mystical winter’s day.

Mattie M, Year 3

RUFUS P, YEAR 3

Old Times

I remember the way we raced along the flowering meadows, feet bare in the long grass and the sweet air filled with the sound of children’s glee. We jumped and sang and swirled, in what seemed an endless summer of light and growth. I remember chasing children across playgrounds, with every day being a new adventure to tackle. The old times, when being sent to bed was not a reward but a punishment, and we spent our time daydreaming about the wonders this world had to offer, being masters of our flowering minds, and being afraid of nothing but the dark. We were philosophers of the soul, and left no moment without something learned. We finished our wondrous days with talk of tomorrow, always waiting, waiting for the future that shone so brightly over the horizon ahead of us.

Yet the grass was always greener, on the other side. We do not play and laugh as we used to, and the bitter cold of winter is harsh on our raw skin. We had crossed the horizon, only to find an endless night. We no longer think of the future, only the past, for we have grown out of our proud giggles, and now use our voices for talk and maturity. The days are shorter and darkness is always creeping from the shadows of trees. Our minds have shrunk, shaped for work, not thought. The music no longer plays, and summer doesn’t seem to return. Yet, although it is not the same, I still cherish the magical days I spent prancing with pure, young joy, and I know I will not forget the old times we shared. For the true danger was never the dark, but the rush to leave our youth.

Mabel, Year 8

The Hollowed Wood

As the wind whispered through the hollowed trees, a timid boy rustled in the leaves. He wore a dark cloak, with bruises all over his pale, white skin. His hair was as white as the snowy covered plains. He was an escaped slave called Timmy. A strange, all-consuming ringing noise filled his ears, and with a sudden burst of tears, Timmy ran for cover. Without realising it, he ran into a hollowed out tree and shut his eyes, letting the pitch black nothingness slowly consume him. The anxious sound of his heart beat like a drum. When he opened his eyes, he was met with a slumbering dragon, capable of terrifying everything in its wake!

Sandy, Year 5

The Legend of the Hare

Long, long ago in the fern forest, lived a small girl. She was foraging one day, when she found an ill hare with a broken leg. The girl picked up the rabbit and took it to her hut. The scared hare was very ill, but the girl worked night and day, using up her winter supplies and medicine to nurse the hare back to health. Once the hare was better, the girl had to send it back to the wild, but the hare noticed the girl’s sadness and came back. The girl tried to urge the hare to go and live in the wild, but it refused again and again, until soon it became the girl’s soulmate. The girl and the hare did everything together, until one day the girl was selfish and did not feed the hare. But the hare realised the girl’s mistake and forgave her, and the bond still hasn’t broken 112 years later.

Isabel, Year 6

Sport Rugby

1st XIII

The 1st XIII have played with spirit and determination throughout the season. The team was ably led by Captain Monty H and ViceCaptain Rupert S. Although not blessed with lots of size, they were a team with plenty of skill and courage.

It was a difficult season results-wise, however, the team put up some great fights and were unlucky to come out on the wrong side of some very competitive fixtures. Wins against The Elms and Cheltenham College were two of our highlights, as well as some outstanding 7s in the annual tournaments at Dean Close and Pinewood.

Player of the Season, Monty H, stood out with his immense tackling and strong runs. This work rate and physicality was backed up by Rufus B who showed a bravery and work rate beyond compare. The team often relied on these boys and they never took a backwards step! It was in attack that the team thrived the most, and they scored some fabulous team tries. Rupert S and Hector M regularly pulled the strings and brought our illusive runners into the game, in the form of Sam Mo., Barney R, Isaac and Sebby F.

Hard work around the field from the likes of Bertie M, Leo, Wilf E and Hector K formed the engine room of this side, and everyone fulfilled their role. The team was also buoyed by the physical presence of Monty F when illness and injury allowed.

The boys were a pleasure to coach and should be commended for how they approached training and fixtures with high spirits and determination. The future is bright for these boys at their next schools.

2nd XIII

The Beaudesert 2nd XIII displayed commendable teamwork throughout the rugby season, culminating in a satisfying victory against Cheltenham College. Their cohesive performances were evident in notable wins against St Hugh’s and The Downs, Wraxall, showcasing their resilience and skill on the field. Alasdair V emerged as a standout player, consistently demonstrating exceptional prowess, power and leadership.

Contributions from key players like Finn C, George M, Cassius G, Jack, Raffy, Johnny, Patrick, Roman, and Charlie T were pivotal in their various capacities. Their collective efforts complemented each other well and they were an enjoyable group to coach throughout the term. Their individual personalities helped establish a well-rounded team dynamic, and I hope they go on to achieve great things at their next school.

JL

UNDER 12A

The U12A rugby team had a very successful season. The signs were good from early performances at the Cheltenham Festival and winning the Cokethorpe Festival. A resounding home victory against Pinewood (4-1) was also a great sign of things to come. Two narrow losses to Cheltenham and Dean Close St John’s were backed up with wins against Wycliffe and The Downs, Malvern.

The team was really starting to settle and the backline of Harry G (who moved from Wing to Scrum Half), Barnaby P (Fly Half) and Otis (Centre) formed the glue of this side. George K was able to cover a number of positions (including working as Assistant Coach). Ethan consistently demonstrated magical footwork and both Max Sh. and Tahha really started to improve as this backline worked together and played well on both sides of the ball. The forward pack of Captain Arthur G, Frederick B and Hugo Gr., AKA ‘The Bomb Squad’ were excellent, and really began to improve in their approach to contesting the ball. Arthur G won the title of ‘Jackal King’ for the season!

Following a hard fought Severnside Festival, the team travelled to Dean Close. This ultimately proved to be the match of the season. Dominant in defence and ambitious in attack, the team saw a brace of tries from Tahha, George K and Otis, and also saw a kick chase try from Barnaby P, with Ethan running on to touch the ball down. This saw Beaudesert run out comprehensive 9-3 winners in a magnificent victory. A further example of this was a try against St Hugh’s when every member of the team touched the ball in the build-up to a try in the corner, and a victory which included seven individual scorers. A special mention must go to Harry AW, Harry W and Rollo who all played several A team fixtures and showed, alongside Bluey and Max Stockdale, that the squad had real depth. It was a great season and I very much look forward to seeing the team develop moving forwards.

UNDER 12B

This was a baptism of fire for many of our players as they stepped up to senior prep school rugby. With illness and injuries in both teams throughout this term, the boys were challenged with chopping and changing their line-up. Well done to those boys who turned up regularly, week in and week out. All of the boys tried their best, and fought to the end in some very competitive fixtures.

In training, the boys worked hard, learning skills through practice and repetition, transferring this into match play where they could. A number of players graduated to the A team for a few games to test their skills out at a higher level, and did themselves justice in these situations.

The boys got a lot of competitive rugby games throughout the season, so they know what has to be done to improve upon next year. Nearly 40 tries were scored by us against other schools, with some of these tries showing an outstanding skill level.

While our results didn’t always reflect the team’s hard work, the boys have progressed significantly in their understanding of the finer points of the game. They did their best when the opportunities arose, and I am very happy with the way they approached this sporting season.

UNDER 11A

What an absolute pleasure it has been to coach the U11A rugby team during the Autumn Term. Their commitment to training and matches has been nothing short of excellent. Their collective pride in representing the School and the joy they derived from playing the game was heartening. The boys had an impressive season that showcased their prowess in attack and their unwavering determination in defence. The journey began with a challenging trip to Ledbury for the Border Shield, where, despite the adverse weather conditions, the team exhibited promise for the exciting season that lay ahead.

As the season progressed, the boys secured close victories against formidable opponents such as Pinewood and Cheltenham. Their resilience and skill were further evident in triumphant performances at Clifton and Malvern, setting the tone for what would become a remarkable run. A highlight of the season was the Severnside Festival, where the boys demonstrated cohesion and showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship throughout.

The season concluded with a commendable victory away against Dean Close. Although the final game against Cheltenham proved challenging, it does not diminish their incredible achievements throughout the term.

Xander proved to be a magician on the field, showcasing quick feet and exceptional balance that allowed him to break through tackles effortlessly. Sam G emerged as an excellent leader for the team, demonstrating powerful running skills and a remarkable ability to work seamlessly within the team. Alfie G’s progress throughout the season was remarkable. His hard-running style in attack showcased significant improvement, and he consistently gave his all on the field. Ollo’s strength at the breakdown made him a crucial player in the team’s structure. The quartet of the players, consisting of Jasper, Arthur L, Algy, and Archie T, displayed unwavering commitment at both ends of the field. Titus consistently proved himself to be a fierce competitor, relishing the physical battle at the breakdown. Albie F emerged as a tremendous attacking threat, leveraging his great vision and awareness to find and exploit spaces on the field.

As their coach, I am immensely proud of the contribution each player has made to the team. The camaraderie, sportsmanship, and sheer determination displayed by the boys have set a standard. The U11A rugby team can hold their heads high, knowing they have left an indelible mark on this season and have laid a strong foundation for future years.

UNDER 11B

The U11B rugby team showcased a season of triumphs and growth. Their dominant wins, including a remarkable 40-0 victory against Pinewood away, highlighted their skill and teamwork. Despite losses to strong opponents like Cheltenham College and Wycliffe, they adapted and showed resilience. A valiant effort in a rematch against Pinewood on home turf demonstrated their unwavering spirit. The season closed with a commendable 35-10 win against St Hugh’s. I can only but praise their dedication and progress, emphasising their evolving skills. This team’s journey, marked by wins and learning, sets the stage for promising seasons ahead.

UNDER 11C

The U11Cs worked hard this season. Through team inconsistencies and difficult matches, individuals within the group steadily found their form, and they worked hard on developing their tackling.

On the wing Milo J, picking up from last year, made burning runs. Izzy improved enough that the B team snatched him just as he was getting good; a play maker who put together many of our tries. Asher provided much needed power and muscle in attack, and Henry J slowly found his confidence. By the end of the season he was penetrating opposition defences like a battering ram. Arthur B and Lorcan A provided strong support work particularly in the scrum and at the breakdown, while Chips scanned at the back for trouble ahead. New to the sport were Oscar L and Jarvis, both unsure and uncertain to begin with, they steadily grew into the game finding confidence in attacking runs.

UNDER 10A

Sport is about enjoyment, resilience and making friendships, and all of those have been evident this year in the U10A team. Although there have been some tricky fixtures this term, the way the team have come to every session with a smile on their face, improvement on their mind and a positive attitude is a testament to the boys’ motivation and enjoyment of the sport. What has also been fantastic to see is the number of children who have stepped up and played for the A team. After watching House matches, there are certainly even more children that are capable of representing the School at this level.

There have been a few stand-out moments during the season, particularly the tournaments. Even though we all got thoroughly drenched at the Border Shield Festival held by Malvern, it was an awesome event for all the children. We also had our best performance of the year at the Hatherop Festival, where the boys showed a huge amount of skill and understanding by attacking the corners and scoring some beautiful tries. It was also lovely to see a much-improved performance on the last match of the season against Cheltenham, where the progress was obvious to see.

An incredibly enjoyable season was had by all.

UNDER 10B

In battering wind and sideways rain, the U10s began their campaign at the Clifton Festival, testing the waters against a host of different schools and getting an early look at some of their opponents for the season to come. The signs were good.

The season proper began at home against a strong Pinewood team, with both sides going all out for the win. Despite a narrow loss, there was a lot to be optimistic about as the boys played some flowing rugby and scored some wonderful tries, as well as gaining their first real impression of what they might work on moving forwards.

Next up were St Hugh’s, away – a rip-roaring affair. Both sides once more traded blows until the final whistle. On this occasion Beaudesert came out on top, with Albie H, Wilfred M and Rory I all showing their class in attack.

A trip to Cheltenham, followed by The Elms A team, offered opportunities to learn from very strong opposition. Despite finding it hard at times in both games, the boys acquitted themselves magnificently, developing a ‘never say die’

UNDER 9s

attitude which would stay with them for the rest of the season. This was, in hindsight, a turning point and the catalyst for the wonderful rugby to come.

A comfortable win against Clifton, where Henry F captained the team expertly, was followed by a narrow loss to Cheltenham and draws against Pinewood and Dean Close, before rounding off the season with a resounding victory over St Hugh’s, and a particularly pleasing final win against Cheltenham.

Special mention must go to Barney T who made the step up from the C team midway through the season, and really set the tone in terms of energy and defensive work. By the end of the season, with Barney T’s pure effort and bravery, supported by Rory I, Henry F, Cassius C, Albie H, Wilfred M, Joey and Harry JD’s relentless try-scoring; and the likes of Douglas, Lorcan I and Teddy J, who played with real heart and determination each week, becoming the glue the team needed, the group had developed into a cohesive and effective rugby team and should all be proud of the progress they have made. I’ll look forward to seeing them continue to enjoy their rugby next year.

TC

UNDER 10C

The mighty U10C team enjoyed a very good season, ending in a beautifully symmetrical Won 4 Drew 1 Lost 4.

The Cs endured a tough start, losing their three opening matches at Clifton College on a very cold and wet day in Bristol, then Pinewood and Berkhampstead. However, those setbacks were soon forgotten with fine home and away victories over Cheltenham.

Teddy J, Edward C and Marcel were especially strong and brave in their forward runs and defensive tackling. Meanwhile, the speed and agility provided by Sam M, Lorcan I and Bertie G helped build up the try count. William W provided good midfield coverage and helped boost team spirit.

The Cs worked extremely hard overall in some poor, muddy conditions and finished the season on a high with a closely contested home victory over Cheltenham once again.

As the autumn leaves fell and temperatures dropped, the U9 boys embarked on a thrilling rugby journey that marked their first experience with contact rugby. The season was filled with excitement, growth, and a deepening understanding of the game’s principles. The transition to tackling brought both challenges and triumphs, as the boys learned to navigate the physical aspects of the sport as well as talking with a mouth guard in. Coaches and parents alike witnessed the development of resilience and teamwork, as the boys faced opponents during rugby festivals at Cheltenham, Clifton and The Downs.

The journey to rugby sessions became an adventure in itself, with the boys crossing the Common with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Some even managed to run the entire way, embodying the spirit of the game both on and off the field. These moments of camaraderie and shared excitement fostered a strong sense of team spirit among the players.

The boys were divided into those playing contact rugby and those engaged in touch rugby. Those participating in contact rugby continued to refine their tackling prowess, while their counterparts in touch rugby focused on catch and pass skills; vital components of the game. Throughout the season, it was evident that the boys not only enjoyed the sessions but also invested a tremendous amount of effort in both training and matches. As the Autumn Term concludes, the U9 boys can reflect on a season filled with growth, teamwork, and a shared passion for rugby. The foundation laid during these months sets the stage for further development, ensuring that the boys will return in Year 5 with even more skills and enthusiasm for the game they have come to love.

1ST VII

The first team has had an absolutely awesome season, marked by remarkable growth in their own understanding of the game, and a commendable commitment to giving their all. They have displayed unwavering effort and enthusiasm, both in training sessions and fixtures. This dedication translated into some brilliantly executed team goals, showcasing the effective implementation of tactics honed in Games sessions.

Versatility and fluidity have been key strengths for the team, evident as nearly every member contributed to the score line throughout the season. Notably, Savannah P, Chloe B and Iris W emerged as the top goal scorers, complemented by the relentless effort of Sophie R, Otti and Tahlia H in creating the opportunities.

The season has been full of highlights, including their performance at IAPS where Isla P and Tilly joined the team. Being knocked out in the quarter finals was a great disappointment, as the girls certainly had more to give. The pinnacle of their achievements came in the final games of the season. With a loss against Cheltenham Prep in the first leg away, the girls were raring for the rematch. Sophie R and Olivia J rallied the team with pride and passion. The rematch proved to be a thrilling 5-4 victory to Beaudesert, showcasing the team’s determination and progress.

For the final game, the girls faced the formidable Dean Close. They approached the game with confidence but with understandable trepidation. The defensive trio of Bea E, Olivia J and Capi held strong, allowing forward players to quickly carry forward. With some of the best hockey seen at Beaudesert, the girls dominated with a 4-0 lead at half time. The team managed the game impeccably, securing an impressive 5-1 victory to end the season.

The season culminated in a resounding success, demonstrating the team’s growth, resilience and ability to rise to challenges. What a truly excellent season, well done!

Girls’ Hockey

2ND VII

This has been a most enjoyable and successful term of hockey with a group of talented and committed girls. Fantastic wins against Pinewood, Cheltenham, Clifton as well as emerging victorious for the first time in many years at the prestigious Severnside tournament were particular highlights.

With places in the squad at a premium, our practice sessions were competitive and hard fought, and it was testament to the girls that

they maintained their enthusiasm and desire to improve right through the long Autumn Term. Our defensive unit, marshalled superbly by Tilly, was the backbone of the side. With the skill and tenacity of Mabel, Willa and Poppy in midfield, we were an attacking team that, when in full flow, were a joy to watch; and with the running and hardworking Isla P up front, goals were never hard to come by. The Year 8 girls set a fine example throughout, and with a good number of the team returning next year, the future looks bright. My thanks to all.

3RD VII 4TH VII

The 3rd team had a thoroughly enjoyable hockey season. Fifteen different players represented the team at various points throughout the term, and the collective attitude and effort in training and matches was excellent.

The team’s success was built on an outstanding defence. Amelie B showed great skills as goalkeeper, while Ella SF, Mary and Natasha did a fantastic job in frustrating the opposition and disrupting their attacks. Together they were impressive and all consistently delivered strong performances to secure a number of clean sheets.

Willough led the midfield and was key with her link up play in attack. Wingers Genevieve, Nancy and Phoebe displayed impressive stick skills out wide, and great determination to get the ball into the D to take a shot on goal.

Eve played an important role on and off the pitch. While in matches, she would drive the ball forward in attack, scoring some great goals, but it was the positivity she showed on each and every occasion (and the amazing support she gave others) which deserves a special mention.

I was hugely proud of everyone involved. It was a privilege to be part of the season, thank you for such a fun and memorable season. LR

The 4th girls’ hockey team etched their mark in the annals of Beaudesert sporting excellence with a stellar, unbeaten season.

The season kicked off with an emphatic 3-0 victory away against Pinewood, setting the tone for what would be a series of triumphs. The home clash with Cheltenham saw the team secure another 3-0 win. A resounding 5-0 victory away against Bromsgrove solidified their status, and raised expectations for the weeks ahead.

One of the standout moments was a hard fought away match against Clifton, where the team emerged victorious with a slender 1-0 score. This encounter showed the squad’s ability to cope under pressure, showcasing not just skill but also mental strength.

The girls continued their winning streak with an impressive 8-0 victory against Wycliffe, followed by an equally convincing 8-2 win away against The Downs, Malvern. The team’s mettle was truly tested in a final home fixture against Cheltenham, which ended in a tough 4-2 victory, and tested even further in the nail-biting final away match against Dean Close. They rallied from a 5-2 deficit with just 9 minutes left, to secure a dramatic 6-5 win, culminating in a winning goal with the last touch of the season.

The consistent thread throughout was the players’ unwavering effort, determination, and continual improvement. They really were a genuine pleasure to coach!

SW

UNDER 11A

It has been an absolute pleasure to coach the U11A hockey team this term. This group of girls have had an excellent season, not losing a match all term, with 10 wins and 1 draw. They won two tournaments and got through to the IAPS Nationals. It has been a season packed with fixtures and tournaments, starting off with a competitive hockey tournament hosted by St Edward’s, Oxford. The team showed such enthusiasm and a hunger to win every game. We faced St Piran’s in the final which ended in a 0-0 draw which meant it was penalty flicks to decide the winners. Three brave girls, Georgia G, Tabitha W and Amelie L stepped forward to take the flicks and calmly slotted them past the goalkeeper. Tabitha C saved one of St Piran’s penalties, which resulted in us winning the trophy.

The next few matches against Pinewood and Cheltenham College were fiercely competitive. We came away with a 4-2 and 3-0 win, with lots of goals being scored by Tabitha W and Rose J. The team were starting to link passes together and work more effectively.

The highlight of the season was coming second in the Regional IAPS qualifying round. We came second, which secured us a place at the Nationals at Millfield. At the IAPS Nationals, we were entered into a highly competitive and strong group. The standard of hockey was exceptional. We fought hard all day and did not give up, but unfortunately we didn’t progress any further from our group. It was a fantastic experience for the girls and they learnt a lot. To get to the Nationals is a fantastic achievement in itself.

We continued working hard in training and focused on movement off the ball, possession and patterns of play. The girls put the IAPS disappointment behind them and went on to win the Severnside Tournament for the second year in a row.

To finish our tremendous season, we won against Cheltenham and Pinewood again, and won our last game 3-0 against Dean Close. Every girl has played such a vital role in the team’s success. Tabitha C has demonstrated exceptional quick reactions in goal, and has had a clean sheet for the majority of the term. Our strong defence of Amelie L and Petra have linked so well with the midfield of Rosie H, Georgia G and Isabel. Tabitha W and Rose J have worked as a unit, always giving 100%. The passion and enthusiasm they have shown has been fantastic.

The girls have a bright hockey future ahead of them, well done.

UNDER 11B

The U11Bs had a great start to the season, winning the first two matches and scoring 10 goals, only conceding one. After a couple of defeats against strong opposition, quicker decisions, accurate passing and positioning needed to be worked on. They finished the season with just 6 defeats over 17 matches, including the tournament.

A highlight of the season was winning the B team Severnside tournament, beating Cheltenham 1-0 in a very exciting final. Cheltenham gained a short corner in the last seconds of the match but luckily, the girls defended it successfully. All of the team played their very best hockey, working together nicely to set up some great goals.

After the high of Severnside, the next match against Pinewood was tough, ending in a defeat. The girls seemed very tired and found it difficult to link play together. However, they soon bounced back with a great finish to the season with 2 wins and a draw. They played some of their best hockey against St Hugh’s. Lyra G scored a hat-trick and Imogen de H played her strongest match in defence. Flora Li. and Cosima were consistently strong all season, gaining Player of the Match on many occasions. Bridget, Tabitha S and Thalia D all made very good progress over the season. Maggie was always solid as low defender, making good decisions, particularly in the matches against The Downs and Tockington. Isla D was our very enthusiastic goalkeeper, making some good saves and gaining confidence in her skills over the season. Well done to the whole team for an enjoyable season.

UNDER 10A

What a pleasure it has been to teach the U10A team this term. They have worked incredibly hard during training sessions and matches, and most importantly have had fun whilst doing it.

They have had a super busy term, with 13 matches and one tournament. Week in, week out, they played with dedication, determination and as a team, which led them to an unbeaten season! It has been amazing to see them progress each week and work together. A superb effort.

A special mention to our most voted Players of the Matches; Immy and Annalisa.

Annalisa is our ‘cool cucumber defender’ who lets nothing, and nobody, phase her. She will make every single tackle, and take the ball forward, even scoring some goals. Immy played left wing this term, and her stick skills have improved every week, scoring and setting up lots of goals. Well done to every single girl who played for the U10A team this term, you have been outstanding and should be very proud of what you have achieved. PS

UNDER 11C

The U11C team had a fun season with a mixture of wins, draws and losses, but ultimately lots of experience gained and lessons learnt. The team were very fluid in their positions, happy to change, try new areas of play, and discover where their preferences lay.

Eloise, Iona and Skylar headed up the forwards, working well together and learning to pass to each other to drive the ball up the pitch. Thirza worked well on the wing, becoming

more confident to go in for tackles, and then starting to take the ball up the side to pass into the circle. Viola started in defence, but in later games proved herself to be very versatile and also enjoyed being up front, scoring two of the goals in our amazing 8-0 victory against Cokethorpe. In that game, Iona scored one, Bridget two and Eloise scored an incredible hat-trick and was awarded Player of the Match. Alice was also very useful on wing, reading the game well, and Layla, Arabella S and Amarah were brilliant in defence, also taking it in turns to play in goal. Well done, girls.

UNDER 10B

‘Versatile’; to do many different things or to adjust to new conditions.

This above sums up the U10Bs this season, playing in a number of different positions throughout every game, with the majority of the girls stepping up to play in goal, whilst also playing in attack and defence. This highlights not only their ability individually, but also as a team, slotting into different positions to achieve a win.

The season started well against Kingswood Prep, with Evie T ruling the midfield area, contributing to the 5-0 win against them. With a narrow defeat to Berkhampstead, we were back on form for the next two fixtures, with a closely fought battle against Pinewood, winning 4-3 and then another win against The Richard Pate School.

Coming into our fixture against Cheltenham Prep, the girls were starting to implement practice into game play. Iris B performed a lovely ‘banana run’ down to the baseline before playing it back into the D, while Chloe P drew the players away before driving into space to receive the ball.

The girls lost their way a little bit in the middle of the season, yet came back strongly against both Clifton and Wycliffe with a 5-1 and 7-1 win. These matches saw Tabitha G hold her position when playing centre forward, and Io’s confidence rocket as she controlled the wing.

The highlight of the season came at the Severnside U10B tournament, where the girls really demonstrated their ability to be versatile. With a number of key players missing, the girls had to step up. Bestan had energy to burn, attempting to cover a number of positions throughout each match, which saw us through to the final. The girls ended joint first with Wycliffe.

The final game of the season found us facing Dean Close. After beating them in the tournament yet remembering a tough game against Wycliffe, we weren’t ready to sit back. Amelie R played some lovely balls through the centre, which enabled our attacking players to get on the end and finish the season on a 2-0 win. It was a great end to the season.

HB

UNDER 10C

It has been a strong season for the U10Cs, with the girls playing with determination and high energy in every match. From the very first fixtures of the term, their optimism and fighting attitude have earned them many wins; remaining unbeaten for eight matches in a row until a narrow loss to Pinewood.

Due to the strong and resilient efforts of our defensive players (frequently led this term by Margaret) the girls let very few goals in, with Matilda B playing extremely well in goal for our most recent fixtures. Likewise, Ottilie B and Honor G have done extremely well throughout the season, playing collaboratively as centre half and centre forward, with Maia scoring some impressive goals in recent matches too. Scarlett and Kaia have both developed hugely throughout the term, and finished the term as strong wing players.

It has been an exciting and proud experience watching the girls improve across the season. They always remained optimistic, well-spirited and full of energy. I’ve hugely enjoyed taking the team this term and I wish them all the best with their future hockey endeavours.

UNDER 9s

We have had an enjoyable term of hockey and all the girls have progressed well. The Tigers and Lions had a roaring start, with a great win for both teams against Pinewood. The girls have all grown in confidence, and enjoyed the novelty of travelling on the minibuses and having sociable match teas.

Over the term, we gradually settled into our three teams, who all had a mixed set of results. With each match, it has been a pleasure to watch their skills and their teamwork improve.

In our last match against Dean Close, it was impressive to see the Panthers come away with a great win, and a special mention must go to Marina for her goal scoring. Nellie also scored a couple of lovely goals for the Tigers against Dean Close, to finish off the term with a draw. For the Lion team, Heidi J and Sabrina worked well together, with Annie playing strongly in defence for a draw against Dean Close.

They all have loved being in a team, and it has been a fantastic experience for them to play against different schools. Well done.

The scoreboard does not always tell the full story in sport and this has never been truer than when looking at this year’s 1st XI.

The season got off to a flying start at The Winterfold 6-a-side tournament, as the team secured a resounding 7-0 victory over Bedstone College, before grinding down a resolute Malvern team to win their second match 1-0. The third game appeared to be the tournament decider against the hosts, Winterfold. An incredible performance from Wilf MH kept the team in the game, and chances to snatch victory just went the wrong side of the post.

Next up were The Elms where, despite dominating possession and play, the boys were caught on the counter-attack and then fell foul of the short match lengths, falling to a second successive 1-0 defeat. They rounded off the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Moor Park to claim third place overall. Special mention has to go to Barney P, as he scored seven goals across five games and it set the tone for the season –one which was punctuated with excellent football.

Games against RGS Worcester and Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital went against us, but the team fought hard in both matches.

The third game was at home against Pinewood. By now, the team was really taking shape, with Barney R making the step up from the 2nd XI and with the core of Isaac, Rupert S, Hector M, Barney P, Sam M and Charlie T being ably supported by the likes of Monty H, Max Sl., Wilf E, Hector K and Griff, the team looked destined for victory. Despite dominating possession, territory and chances created, Beaudesert were twice caught on the counter-attack to find themselves 2-1 down and chasing a late equaliser. Having seen chances whistle agonisingly wide and over, they were caught again late on and had to settle for a desperately disappointing 3-1 loss.

With one game to go, things surely had to change. And change they did! Rufus B was brought up from the 2nds to add extra grit in defence, and Charlie T and Sam M swapped roles so that Charlie could get on the ball more, and Sam could use his devastating pace and shot to run in behind and bag some goals. At home again, this time against Clifton, the boys were at it from the first minute, playing free-flowing football which brought admiring comments from the home and away fans alike. A 5-1 win was the least this team deserved for their efforts over the season, and a fitting way for many to round-off their Beaudesert football careers. I wish them all the very best for the future, and hope to hear that they are continuing to enjoy ‘The Beautiful Game’ whenever they get the chance. It was a pleasure to coach them.

Football

2ND XI

Resilience and enjoyment were the key goals for the 2nd XI this term, and both were achieved in an exceptional way.

The team seemed to enjoy every minute of training and matches, even when playing against 1st teams. The teamwork, encouragement and solidarity they showed throughout the season was fantastic to see. The team ethos was even more evident when having these challenges, and no matter what

3RD XI

The 3rd XI football team’s season was marked by resilience and teamwork, despite not securing some much deserved victories.

Facing formidable opponents like Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital and RGS Grammar School, the boys played with good spirit and sportsmanship, supporting each other through every challenge on the field. While the outcomes may not have been what they hoped for, the team’s ability to persevere and maintain a positive and fun attitude throughout the season serves as a testament to their character.

Well done, and good luck next year.

happened, the team worked hard and never gave up. A few particular mentions for some stand out players; Rufus B was a solid rock at the back, Barney R was a formidable winger, and Ivo was a consistent threat in front of goal. Harry W must also take a lot of plaudits in goal, as he kept us in many matches. It was a truly enjoyable season, and every member of the team should be proud of their efforts. Well done!

4TH XI

It would be fair to say that we had a jolly fun time during our football season. Mr Dill (or should that be ‘Mr Drill’) ensured that all our skills were greatly improved through a series of activities at the beginning of each session. We worked hard on our ability to implement these in games, and there was no lack of effort from any of the boys.

Matches against other schools were always going to be challenging and so it proved. We can be proud of the determination and ‘never give up’ attitude displayed, and very proud of the goals we scored.

All in all, it was a most enjoyable season, if difficult, with a great group of boys who were determined to stay positive and enjoy themselves – what more could a coach ask for?

UNDER 11A

The Beaudesert U11A Football Team had a good season, characterised by teamwork, individual brilliance, and some impressive team performances. One standout moment was right at the start of the season, reaching the Winterfold tournament semi-finals. This was an early sign of the team’s ability and cohesive play.

Another stand out success came at the Severnside Tournament at Wycliffe in early March, where Beaudesert emerged victorious. In addition to this, the team’s resilience shone in the hard-fought 3-2 win against Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, showcasing determination until the final whistle. Individual players like Xander, Titus, Archie T, Sam G, Spike, Albie F, and Algy made significant contributions during the season, demonstrating skill and enthusiasm for the game. Notably, a special mention needs to go to Reuben for his outstanding goalkeeping throughout the season.

This team can look back with pride on a successful season and excitement for the future. They work really well together, and were a pleasure to coach.

JRG

5TH XI

It was an eclectic range of talents that took to the field back in the cold, dark afternoons of January. Little could anyone predict at the time that what seemed like a rag tag array of performers would ultimately come together and work with the elegance and cohesion of a well drilled orchestra.

In defence, Finn stood a giant among boys, daring any would be attacker to take him on. Supported at the wings, by Harrison and Jake, the trio formed a seemingly impenetrable

buttress. If, by chance, the opposition broke through, they were met only by the wall that was Max St. in goal; big hands, big heart, the drumbeat of our team. In midfield, Edward T, Monty F, and Johnny made short work of opposition defences, sliding and gliding their way with a silky smoothness that would have had Cadbury’s reaching for the recipe. Johnny was our Captain, like Alexander at Granicus, he led only from the front. Up front Max Sh., a boot more accurate and deadly than a swarm of cruise missiles, shredded opposition goals. The whole team did a great job, and played throughout the season admirably.

UNDER 11B

This was a spirited team, displaying much skill and enthusiasm, and accordingly won more games than lost.

Alfie G was often formidable in goal, pulling off some very good saves to ensure we stayed in the game at all times. The rock of our defence and midfield was Wilf MH, who I labelled ‘the hoover’, and whom inevitably got promoted in the last game to play for the As for his prowess. The skilful wing play of Zandi was another consistent feature of this side.

The other individuals not specifically mentioned all played their parts admirably, and with lots of enthusiasm. How might they improve? They lost their shape at times when in the heat of the battle. However, they are to be congratulated for playing fun and enjoyable football. Well done, boys.

UNDER 10A

This has been an enjoyable term of football with an enthusiastic and capable group of boys who have persevered and given of their best throughout. Whilst victories in our school fixtures have proved somewhat elusive, the all-round improvements from the team in all aspects of their game have been plain to see.

It has been great to see the enjoyment and determination of the boys in our practice sessions, which included shooting and passing drills, and small sided games. They have been contested in a competitive and positive way. The boys always tried to play the ‘right’ way, looking to pass the ball out from defence, using their teammates and trying to create shooting opportunities. This will stand them in very good stead moving forwards on their football journeys.

The victory over Tockington was certainly a highlight. It was a confidence boost for the squad and showed what they can achieve with their exceptional team spirit and desire to be competitive. Well done, all.

DR

UNDER 11C

It was great to see the boys play a number of competitive fixtures. They received a mixture of results but it was all about getting out there and showcasing their skills and development from game to game.

Arthur B and Izzy shared the goal keeping duties, and both performed heroically to keep the matches within our grasp. Henry J and Lorcan A were solid in defence, and did their bit to clear the constant threat of the opposition attacking force.

Chips and Jarvis ran the midfield area and were full of energy when playing matches, with Jarvis scoring some very good goals. Up front was Asher, who scored the majority of our goals, with the highlight being a 30 yard free kick to draw the match with Pinewood.

This was an enjoyable season with lots of progress being made on the field of play. EC

UNDER 10B

Beaudesert’s U10 boys had a difficult start to the football season, with three difficult away matches. Although we scored first on all three occasions, we allowed our opposing teams too much freedom in the box and came away without wins. Our boys performed much better in our first home game against Tockington Manor, putting on a powerful display of attack and strong defence and finishing 9-2.

We lost on our next home game against a strong, physical Cheltenham side, but managed to beat Pinewood the following week.

The next home game against The King’s School, Gloucester proved to be one of the most entertaining games I have ever witnessed. The game swung backwards and forwards, with both teams leading at various stages. However, two handballs by King’s in their own box gave away two penalties, both of which were converted, leading to a narrow 7-6 victory to our boys!

Unfortunately, the final game of the season was against another tough team, but I am proud of the effort and resilience the boys showed over the season.

UNDER 10C

The U10C team had a fantastic season of football. We started the season slowly, losing by a close margin for the first few games. Halfway through the season the boys started to improve and they managed to get over the line with a win against Cheltenham. We continued to have close games for the rest of the season. It was great to see the boys play as a team, passing the ball to teammates out of defence, so they could try and create a shooting opportunity.

The team always came to training with high energy and a willingness to learn new skills and techniques. This resulted in excellent progress throughout.

It has been a pleasure to coach the group this year, and I wish them all the best for next season.

RK

UNDER 9s

The boys of the U9s football team have had a remarkably successful season, showing grit and courage to get good results over the course of the term. The boys enjoyed their time on the Playing Fields, worked hard during practice sessions, and thoroughly enjoyed representing the School during fixtures.

We came up against strong opposition, which tested our nerve and our companionship at times, but the boys never gave up. The improvement over the course of the season was exceptional. This was capped off with a marvellous display against Wycliffe in the final week of the season, where we comfortably won against them, having lost to them in our first week of the term. A huge well done to all the boys involved, and a huge thank you to the coaches for making such an enjoyable and successful season for them.

Girls’ Football

Here at Beaudesert, girls’ football has come a long way. I know that lots of girls are keen to enjoy football again next year. Last year, we had a couple of matches against other schools. It is so nice to get to know girls in other years, and everyone bonds together as if we are all in the same year. We all played our part and especially Mr Robinson. He was so great at bringing us all together. Even when it was raining he lifted our spirits and that would help us win the game. It was a very successful and fun football year thanks to him. We have all made some lovely memories together, and it is something we will never forget.

Poppy, Year 7

UNDER 13A

The U13A team had a quick start to the netball term, with the Severnside Tournament in the first two weeks of term. The girls played excellently and came second overall; it was clear we were going to have a strong 1st team on our hands.

All of the girls put in heaps of effort during training. We worked on position specifics, movement, passing and defending. A couple of weeks later we had our IAPS qualifiers. It was a shame that we didn’t get the results we wanted at IAPS, as we were more than capable of getting through to nationals, but the girls should be really proud of their performance and getting through to the quarter finals.

In the second half of term, we fine-tuned the way we drive onto the ball, hold our space and work seamlessly as defensive and attacking units. The team has a great set of match results to show for it. All of the girls are turning out to be super netballers, I hope to see them playing for clubs in the future!

Each week we have kept a note of the Player of the Match (voted by other schools), and Players’ Player (most voted by teammates). This year our Player of the Year was Chloe B, and our Players’ Player was Sophie R. Well done. PS

UNDER 13B

This team’s play was characterised primarily by speed in attack. With coordinated and planned centre pass moves and a highly direct approach to getting the ball up the court, the girls showed great footwork and good passing skills. Our shooters improved their movement around the D throughout the term, becoming more and more dynamic and difficult to mark. We never played the same seven players, so all the girls needed to be good netballers, rather than just being good at one position.

We had a mix of results, and a couple of games were lost due to what became our ‘second quarter curse’! We had some early tournament success at Wycliffe and then some good wins against some proper netball schools, including a day against The Downs when everything clicked and we seemed unstoppable. I think our best game was actually a narrow loss against the A team from Dean Close St John’s in which we played excellent, controlled, high-tempo netball against a very good side.

I have really enjoyed returning to sport to coach these girls. They are fun, cheerful, competitive and coachable, and a real credit to Beaudesert. Thank you, one and all! KDB

Netball

UNDER 13C

It has been an incredible season for the U13Cs. Their commitment, energy and enthusiasm has led them to dominate in their matches, and they finish the term with a huge number of wins!

Our defensive players (Natasha as GK, and Ella SF as GD) have fiercely prevented the opposition from scoring through rapidly launching the ball down to our D, where our incredible shooters (Genevieve and Lux) have scored over 70 goals between them this season. Our central players (Amelie B and Louisa) have been reliable and

active, and proved to be a real force to be reckoned with!

The team’s speed, positive mindset and teamwork have made them a challenge for the other teams to face, and it has also been great watching them alter their tactics when facing stronger teams, and still leave the match with a win. It has been a pleasure to take the U13Cs this term, and I wish them all the best in their future netball endeavours at their next school.

UNDER 12A

The U12A team have matured and developed swiftly over the course of the season, winning a lot of their matches. They started off the season with the Severnside Tournament at Cheltenham Prep and the St Hugh’s Tournament. They played against some very strong teams and came away in third place in both competitions. The next few matches saw the girls start to play some very impressive, fast-paced netball resulting in some great wins. Their strengths this season have been their intercepting, and movement in and around the circle which has given our shooters lots of scoring opportunities.

The U12A girls have impressed me with their work rate on the court. The defensive duo of Isla P and Lauren has been key to the success of this team. Willa, Cecilia R and Violet G have used their speed and skills around the court with passion and determination. The shooting in the circle from Poppy, Clemency and Eve has helped the girls beat teams such as Pinewood and The Downs convincingly.

The improvement and work rate throughout the season has been fantastic to see and it has been a pleasure to teach such a talented team. Well done.

UNDER 12B

The U12Bs have been a force to be reckoned with this year. A tough start at the St Hugh’s Tournament in no way dampened their spirits, and instead allowed the girls’ determination and supportiveness of one another to shine through.

After some hard graft in training, the U12Bs were back out with a dominant performance against Pinewood. We emerged victorious after some sharp shooting from Captain Connie, and a feisty defensive performance from Delphi D.

The girls continued to prevail against a range of competitors, including Dean Close and Clifton College. This was thanks to maximum effort being put in by our centre Willough, who managed to appear everywhere on the

court ready to receive a pass. Tabitha B and Bonnie came together to form a spectacular wing pairing, always ready to provide a passing option as well as a lot of laughter.

Our season came to a close against Westonbirt, where the girls were fired up to secure a win for their last game of the season. After going 4-0 down in the first quarter, incredible shooting from Ellie B and passionate defence by Hope meant they were winning 6-5. The last 8 minutes of the season were looking tense. The girls dug deep to produce a 9-6 win!

I have looked forward to every training session and match this term; the girls have been brilliant. I hope they continue to provide amazing performances as they move into Year 8.

UNDER 12C

The ‘Dream Team’ have had a great season of netball this year. Confidence and team work has been a real pleasure to watch.

The defensive work of Heidi B, Flora M, and latterly Parker, has been excellent, and has provided opportunities for Honor P, Ottilie M and Aurelia to demonstrate what they can do in attack. The season started with a tournament at St Hugh’s, where we were a little short of game time. However, a superb victory away at Dean Close was followed up with a 6-all thriller at home against Cheltenham College.

The victory away at Clifton College was undoubtedly the highlight, with Camilla C playing superbly, and Cleo also producing a great performance as wing attack. A special mention to both Flora M and Honor P who captained the ‘Dream Team’ extremely well during the season. Well done, all, and good luck next season.

UNDER 11A UNDER 11B1 UNDER 11B2

The U11As showed significant improvement throughout the season, truly finding their rhythm in netball. They adeptly transitioned between 5-a-side and 7-a-side formats, showcasing impressive adaptability.

The girls’ persistence and determination were evident as they clinched victories in several games during the final quarter. A standout moment of the season was their participation in the IAPS Tournament at Millfield, where they qualified second in their group and progressed to the cup competition. They faced strong opponents, but demonstrated lots of resilience in their gameplay. The season concluded on a high note with a decisive victory against Berkhampstead. Well done to the team in their efforts and good luck next season. EH

What a wonderful bunch of girls I have had the privilege of working with this term. They have played well, listening to the coaching skills they have been taught and trying to put them into practice during matches. We have had a very successful season, with some convincing wins, notably against Rendcomb and Pinewood, which we won 16-2 and 16-1 respectively. We did concede two losses, so not a totally clean sheet, but they were incredibly close; one of the matches was against an U12 team which contained one of our own players to make up their numbers… Which surely does not count.

The U11B2s have had a successful season, demonstrating both individual and team strengths.

The majority of our games have been with five players, but, on occasion we have played a 7-a-side match. The team have been brilliant, adapting to the new areas, with some of the girls starting to shine in certain positions. I have been chuffed to see a few of the girls move up to play in the As at the end of the season. Their determination and teamwork afforded them this opportunity and they did not disappoint. Well done, everyone.

JDS

Their shooting, led from cohesive teamwork to work the ball down the court, has been a particular strength as they faced difficult matches throughout the season. Even with stiff competition, they have secured victories by significant margins, including an impressive 8-goal win against Clifton College. Their collective efforts in setting team goals and reflecting on their performances have been instrumental in their improvement and readiness for their upcoming 7-a-side matches.

EH

UNDER 10A

The U10As have made a great start to 5-a-side netball. They quickly learnt the positions and developed their footwork, passing and shooting. In matches, they soon got used to rotating positions every quarter, and adapting their skills in attack or defence.

It was a busy and successful season, playing 9 matches and 2 tournaments. The highlights were winning both tournaments, St Hugh’s and the Severnside. Each team member shot well, and made some great interceptions. The passing down the court was slick, with quick passes and well-timed dodges.

The girls always enjoyed choosing a Players’ Player, and it shows the power of this team that each of the girls was chosen by the opposition team over the season. Arabella M and Annalisa were always very speedy around the court, making some flying interceptions and snatching all 50-50 balls. Immy was consistent with her shooting, scoring some impressive edge of the D shots. Martha and Amber were strong in defence, using tight marking and making many interceptions. Betsan must have a special mention for her excellent attitude and hard work in training, which really paid off in matches. Well done to all the girls, and good luck for next season.

UNDER 10B1 UNDER 10B2

Our season has encountered some wins and some losses but when the U10B1s won, they really went for it. The team overall have been defensive delights, taking back possession from our defending end, centre court and attacking third. The team’s season highlight came at the Clifton Tournament, where they won five of their games and drew one, leaving them joint winners on the day. The whole team have improved their footwork, and they are showing a much greater determination to get in front of their players. A brilliant season, well done!

The U10B2 netball team showed great progress this season. Well done to all players for their hard work and dedication. The team demonstrated versatility by adapting to different positions on the court, showcasing their all-around skills. Their shooting confidence grew significantly, resulting in more accurate and consistent goals. Their teamwork, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship have been commendable. Keep up the fantastic work, and let’s continue building on this success for the next season. Great job, U10B2! MC

UNDER 9s

We have had a great term playing Bee netball. Over the term, it has been a pleasure to watch all three teams’ progress. Although we do not focus on results at this young age, it has been exciting to see them playing competitively against other schools and making new friends over match tea. Each team was involved in a very busy afternoon festival away at St Hugh’s where they played six different schools. I was impressed with their confidence and concentration throughout the afternoon.

The girls have impressed me with their hard work, both in practice and matches. It has been a pleasure to see the girls’ accuracy with shooting improve gradually throughout the term, and how they started linking together some fast passes to score in their matches.

They now have a very good set of netball skills to take forward as they move on to ‘High 5’ netball next year. Thank you to all the parents that have supported us this term.

1ST VII

What. A. Season.

The boys set themselves up perfectly for a strong season, with practice in extra sessions outside of school and during a few friendly matches. This was needed and incredibly valuable as they set out for their first fixture, which was also the IAPS National Qualifier. On the day, effort, tenacity and teamwork ensured them qualification to the National Finals. This was an incredible feat for the first fixture, and they wrote themselves into the Beaudesert history books.

The positive season continued, and so did the victories. Possibly the best day of the season came at the Malvern Hockey Tournament. The boys won their group and put in an excellent performance in the semi-final to qualify for the final against St Hugh’s. It was a close fought game ending 1-1 after extra time, which meant it would be down to shuffles. The boys were spectacular, particularly Wilf E in goal, and this ensured that Beaudesert was going to be engraved on the trophy for the first time.

IAPS National Finals day was a highlight for the team. They started incredibly well, drawing with the eventual winners 1-1, and winning against another strong side 3-0. Beaudesert qualified for the plate competition, meaning they were one of the top 16 schools in the country. The quarter final ended 1-1. Unfortunately, the penalty strokes went against Beaudesert on this occasion, just losing 3-2. A truly awesome and hugely enjoyable season. Well done to all!

2ND VII

The 2nd boys’ hockey team faced a challenging season against strong opposition, but their unwavering enthusiasm and love for the game never faltered. Despite the tough competition, they played each match with smiles on their faces and an admirable sense of sportsmanship.

As the season progressed, the team made noticeable improvements in key areas (notably, tackling and ball retention), and their determination and hard work were undeniable. Every player gave their all, and the team’s positive attitude and effort were the real highlights. They demonstrated that, win or lose, playing for the joy of the game is what truly matters and as a result I consider it to have been a most successful season.

Boys’ Hockey

3RD VII

It was an interesting season for the 3rd VII, with seven losses and one win. Defence was an area that we really struggled with, and our goalkeeper worked exceptionally hard in two- or three-onone scenarios. Positional play can be difficult to coach at this age, with the boys often caught

out ball watching, and they had to work on their awareness through match play and practice.

They were all really keen though, and they worked very hard over the course of the short season. Results aside, I do believe that they thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done! JB

4TH VII

The 4th hockey team has wrapped up an exhilarating season filled with growth.

Our journey began at Monkton Combe, where George M showcased remarkable defensive capabilities, setting the tone for a season characterised by solid defence. Against Malvern College, Roman demonstrated his striking prowess, delivering powerful and accurate shots to secure a victory for Beaudesert. Meanwhile, in a closely contested match against Pinewood, Cassius G exhibited exceptional distribution from defence, fuelling the team’s attack. Bertie M and Arthur G’s relentless energy and work rate in midfield were instrumental in driving the team forward, while Raffy’s growing confidence between the posts saw him making crucial saves.

The boys showcased their spirit and determination in an away match against Clifton College, with George M earning the title of Player of the Match, and George K sealing the victory with a fantastic goal. Facing formidable opponents in Cheltenham College, the team displayed exceptional stick skills, with James B and Bluey leading the charge from the wings. Roman’s last-minute goal seemed to secure victory, only for Cheltenham to equalise in the dying moments of the game, resulting in a dramatic draw. Throughout the season, the 4th team exhibited courage and resilience, making themselves and their school proud.

5TH VII

Whilst they may not have won all of their games, this team embodied grit, perseverance and determination. From the first pass of the season, the boys left it all on the pitch, fiercely contesting every ball and never letting their heads drop.

Their tireless work ethic and eagerness to learn could not be faulted and, by season’s end, they were nearly unrecognisable from the squad that started the term, each developing their skills to a point where they could confidently pass, dribble and defend, whilst each continued to work on the power of their shooting. Roman, already a wizard at dribbling with the ball, sharpened the accuracy of his shooting and

Alasdair V, Patrick and Monty F used their defensive skills to create countless turnovers. Meanwhile Arthur G, Bertie M and Jack’s nonstop engines drove the team forwards and Max St. and Edward T offered width in attack and vital cover in defence. Hugo G’s performances in goal came on leaps and bounds as the season progressed, and he saved us countless times. Each did their part.

However, the greatest achievement of this group was the team spirit they developed. For some it will be their last hockey matches for Beaudesert, and I wish them well moving forwards. For the Year 7s involved, strong foundations are in place for a successful Year 8.

6TH VII

From the clatter of sticks and the thump of shin pads that gathered in late February, emerged a force of hockey players that inch by inch, pulled itself into a proper team of passers and runners, rather than the smashers and grabbers as they had begun.

Jake donned the armour to go in goal and despite taking many a battering, proved his steely worth, a braver keeper a team cannot hope for. In defence, Harrison and Finn kept careful watch intercepting attacking moves with slick panache. Patrick in midfield was our standout play maker, putting in the pass that put the man in for the goal. That man more often than not was Youssef, who relentlessly pursued goals like a hunting dog in the chase. Max Sh. in the centre floated like a beguiling spirit, appearing as if from nowhere to whip away balls from dumbstruck opponents and put them into play for the rest of the team. As ever, Johnny GL played Caesar to our legions, leading his team into battle at every occasion. It was a hard season, and one in which the entirety of the team grew. BC

UNDER 11B & 11C

Throughout the second half of term, the U11B and C hockey teams have shown remarkable progress. They have shown both determination and enjoyment in their sessions, and their development of skills and teamwork has been impressive. This was especially evident in competitive matches against opponents such as The Elms and Clifton. Jasper has been a standout performer for the Bs, playing up front and scoring some crucial goals. He was well supported by other crucial players such as Archie T, Spike and Arthur L. The B team’s 4-0 win against The Elms was one of their finest shows of strength and cohesion.

In the Cs, Izzy turned himself into a rock at the back, laying the foundation for this determined side. Milo J showed heart and courage down the right wing every time he played, which was pleasing to see. The duo of Hugo MH and Asher provided much needed power and strength in the middle of the pitch.

This is a group of boys that have shown much promise for the future. With further coaching, matches and effort, they will go from strength to strength next year.

JG

UNDER 11A

This was another fun-packed season for the U11As. Like every year, the team consisted of a mixture of boys who played for clubs outside of School and those who had only done so in activities.

The team’s success was built on the excellent attitude and effort shown in both training and matches. In a short space of time, they learnt so much, developing stick skills and their positioning on the pitch. From their approach, they not only beat the opposition in some epic matches, but also won the Cricklade Hockey competition as a season finale.

Individually, Zachary epitomised everything about the team, working hard in his development as goalkeeper, and putting in some notable performances as the season progressed. Sam G, Ollo and Alfie G did a great job in defence, breaking down the opposition attacks and clearing the ball. Titus led the midfield, linking up with the forwards, while Xander, Algy and Wilf MH, were tireless on the wings, doing so much in both defence and in attack. Striker Albie F was so impressive in the D, receiving the pass from midfield and scoring an abundance of goals.

To have so many highlights in a short space of time was fantastic, and the boys should be proud of everything they have achieved. Thank you for such a memorable season. LR

Cross Country

It has been another successful and enjoyable term of cross country, and despite the disappointment of the national races at Malvern being cancelled due to inclement weather, this was a season to remember.

Training, as always, started in earnest in September, with the ever popular cross country activity. Running in glorious autumnal sunshine, spirits were high as the group bounded over the Common, sprinted up the school banks, or scrambled through Box Woods. The Wycliffe Severnside match and Pinewood fixture were our primary targets after Christmas, and it was great to see good numbers of runners from Year 4 through to Year 8 ready, willing and able to give of their best in this tough and most demanding of sports. Dominant performances from both U11 teams led the way at Wycliffe, with standout runs from Cosima, Tabitha W and Xander, excellently supported by the rest of the team. These three in particular ran superbly judged races, gauging their efforts to perfection on this deceptively demanding course to gain podium places. This was a testament to the effort they had put in over the winter months.

The high quality Pinewood event on their exceptionally wet and boggy course was a real challenge, and a cross country purist’s delight! I was incredibly impressed with how the team responded to both the talented opposition and the nature of the course, and they all did themselves proud. Very well done, all. Cross country running is in fine fettle at Beaudesert, and long may this continue.

1ST XI

The Beaudesert Park 1st XI have had a highlight packed season this year. The consistency of the squad of players has been testament to the team spirit that Captain Rupert S and Vice-Captain Hector M have fostered over the course of the season.

The new ball bowling partnership of Sam M and Max Sl. has been nothing short of excellent, containing the opposition with some extremely frugal spells at the top. Fielding and bowling as a unit has been of an extremely high quality this season, with the Year 7 boys Barnaby P and Ethan leading the way with some game changing moments over the season.

Alongside the opening bowling pair, Wilf E has become a very competent off spinner, with Ivo and Monty F both contributing with bat and ball across the season. Whilst we suffered a very narrow loss to Dean Close (off the last ball), wins against St Hugh’s, The Elms, The Downs, Malvern and a convincing 131 run victory against Westonbirt were excellent. The surprise package of Rufus B in the middle order was great, and his ability to strike the ball fiercely and move the game on was great to see. The batting order was very flexible, with Hector K often having to face the pressure of the new ball. It has been a real team effort this season, with all players contributing at various times, and it has been a pleasure to see the desire for the team to stay in the fight in their games. I wish all the team the very best for their future cricketing endeavours.

SH

2ND XI

For the 2nd XI, our 2024 season was one filled with great bowling, but slightly less batting success. They were a young team, predominantly consisting of Year 7s, all with lots to learn, and more cricketing skills to develop this year.

They were a keen bunch who worked hard, and demonstrated enormous potential in the nets and playing against their peers. They faltered against unknown opposition, but I have no doubt that each of the top order batsmen is capable of scoring many more runs than we saw in fixtures. With hard work, concentration and determination, their attacking spirit will come on tenfold by 2025.

I look forward to seeing their progress again next year.

Boys’ Cricket

3RD XI

The 3rd boys’ cricket team, affectionately known as the ‘Gentlemen’s Eleven’, enjoyed a memorable season, characterised by camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a passion for the game. Playing cricket for the sheer joy of it, and remembering that a quick game is a good game, the team managed to win more matches than they lost, proving that playing with a smile on your face can yield great results.

What truly set the Gentlemen’s Eleven apart was their inclusive approach. Every member of the team had the opportunity to bowl and almost always got a chance to bat, which fostered a

sense of unity and shared responsibility; it is hard to blame someone else when you are out first ball!

Fielding was a mixed bag for the group. While everyone made their share of mistakes and some catches were dropped, there were also moments of brilliance with some spectacular grabs made.

Overall, the Gentlemen’s Eleven embodied the true spirit of cricket. They played with heart, and enjoyed every match. Here’s to a season well played.

UNDER 11A UNDER 11B

This has been a most exciting side to coach and manage. The season has been remarkable not only for the fact that the team was unbeaten (Marlborough 8s semi-final aside), but for how many of the victories were achieved with considerable ease as the season progressed. The last game of the season was a real competitive teaser against The Elms which we excitingly won, under pressure, by 7 runs!

We were often able to post good batting totals with Sam G and Albie F’s skilful batting – but not exclusively so; Alfie G and Spike were often useful contributors, Ollo rescued us at The Elms with 35 runs, whilst Titus, Algy and Xander also played an important part.

With the ball, we often strangled the opposition. The opening combination of pace and either Ollo’s slow left arm or Zachary’s leg spin, always brought at least one wicket in the first two overs. It was a simple strategy and started the rot for the opposition. The fielding was tigerish and the opposition coach in one match commented on the intent shown by the boys in the field. They showed the spirit of a side who wanted and knew how to win.

Sam G, Albie F and Algy were outstandingly reliable bowlers, whilst Jasper and Arthur L’s medium-pace bowling picked up wickets in the middle of the innings.

The spirit was good and the awareness of fair play was often in evidence. Alfie G, for example, demonstrated how to accept LBW in good grace, or to accept it was not his turn to bowl. Sam G (and Albie F) understood how to try to let everyone in the team get an opportunity.

One highlight? Spike’s six over cow corner being caught by his dad, ten yards beyond the boundary!

The nature of a B team means it is often fluid, with players coming and going as they are afforded chances in the As or swap out with players from the Cs. In previous years, I have noted it can be quite tricky to build a true sense of camaraderie. Not so this year. The sporting strength of this year group has meant that, on the whole, the B team has remained fairly consistent with only a few swaps up and down. Because of this, the boys were able to develop a close knit bond and develop their style of play.

It became obvious fairly early in the season that we were a bowling team. Sebastian M, Zandi, Reuben and Archie T all bowl with impressive accuracy and they were joined later in the season by Jarvis, who added another weapon to the attack, and by Wilf MH, who showed his all-round skill by bowling beautifully, having kept wicket for a lot of the season (a role he shared with the equally impressive Pip C). This effective pace attack was complemented by the flighted leg-spin of Arthur B, tight line-and-length deliveries of Izzy, and by the ever-improving

Asher. With impressive cameos from the likes of Henry J, Hugo MH and Thomas, a strong B team was established. Special mention has to go to Izzy who, having started the season in the C team, ended it as one of the first names on the team sheet thanks to his solid bowling figures, technically sound batting and cat-like reflexes in the field.

Some boys were less confident with the bat but the team were still able to put together some solid totals, earning a handful of victories. The stand out performance was saved for the final game, away to The Elms, and was put in by Arthur B. Having successfully stepped in to cover as wicket keeper, he put in a swashbuckling innings with the bat and finished as top scorer, almost carrying his team to a victory despite have played with two fewer fielders!

Overall it was a great season, and the boys all seemed to enjoy developing their skills and getting used to the T20 format. Many were inspired to join cricket clubs and that is surely the greatest sign of success.

UNDER 11C

The U11Cs had a mixed season of cricket. The opening game, away at St Hugh’s, was a damp squib in every sense, under a grey sky, with both sides decidedly rusty and the standard of batting and bowling on both sides a little below par. A draw was a fair result.

A run of away matches continued with a trip to The Downs, Malvern where our luck and the weather changed. A win by 10 runs on a blisteringly hot day was well deserved, with Thomas, Henry J and Hugo MH all hitting several boundaries on a fast artificial pitch.

Our first home match versus Pinewood was sadly lost by a close margin, but there was promising play from Jarvis, Chips, Lorcan A and Milo J.

Another away game followed against Berkhampstead, played at Cheltenham Cricket Club. This was a fine victory which included several fours and sixes from our big hitters; Henry J, Thomas and Hugo MH, on a relatively small pitch.

The final game of the season, at home to Hatherop Castle, proved one to forget. After a great innings of 273, Hatherop looked unlikely to catch up after a poor start to their innings, but it became evident that they had saved their best batsman until last. After several fours in the last couple of overs, they pipped us by a couple of runs to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Overall, the U11Cs showed a great attitude in training, and always played with pride and a smile during matches. They were a credit to the School. IH

UNDER 10A

The U10A cricket team had a season full of enthusiasm and hard work. The players showed great skills, especially in their bowling and fielding, setting a solid standard for future seasons. The team’s dedication to the game was clear in every match, making this season an enjoyable one.

Despite narrow losses to Cheltenham and Pinewood, where they put up a strong fight but fell just short, the team achieved good wins against Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, Wycliffe, and RGS. These victories highlighted the team’s progress and strong teamwork.

Bowling and fielding were certainly standout aspects for the team. The bowlers consistently applied pressure on the opposition, with tight lines and lengths, while the fielders supported them with sharp catching and agile ground fielding. The players also excelled in running between the wickets, often turning ones into twos and putting the opposition under pressure.

Several players made significant contributions to the team’s success. Harry JD, Alby W, Rufus T and Sandy demonstrated powerful batting and consistent bowling. Henry F turned himself into the leader of the attack with his ever developing bowling, whilst William B showed great control with his off spin. Rory I, Albie H, Douglas and Monty D all contributed during the season and the team was lucky to have William M as their wicket keeper and a proactive batter.

The hard work and passion of the U10As was evident, laying a solid foundation for future success. Well done to all the players.

UNDER 10B

The U10B cricket team had an enjoyable season, showcasing progress in fielding, batting, and bowling. From the first practice session to the last match, the team’s growth has been excellent. We’ve seen the boys evolve from enthusiastic beginners into confident players.

In the field, our team made tremendous strides. Early in the season, it was an area where we needed to find improvement, with a few dropped catches and overthrows giving away easy runs. But by the time we reached our final games, our fielders were pulling off diving catches and sharp run-outs that would make any coach proud.

Batting was another area where the U10Bs shone. Initially, we had a few instances of ‘interesting’ shot selections—reverse sweeps on the first ball and wildly ambitious six attempts.

But with practice and patience, they started playing more mature and calculated shots, and running between the wickets with urgency. The highlight of the season was the final two games against Hatherop Castle and Berkhampstead, where our batsmen displayed grit, finesse and improvement.

Bowling saw a similar transformation. The team worked hard on their technique, and the results were spectacular. By the season’s end, our bowlers were consistently hitting the right spots, mixing up their deliveries, and keeping the opposition guessing.

It has been a season filled with laughter, learning, and lots of cricketing fun. Here’s to many more such successful and enjoyable seasons ahead.

UNDER 10C

The U10C cricket team has shown remarkable improvement throughout the season through their hard work and enthusiasm for the game. Starting the season off with a nail-biting close loss in the opening match against The Grange, Worcester, the team continued to work hard in training, focusing on their technique when bowling, and improving their accuracy and consistency.

The batting and running between wickets were outstanding throughout, with some big innings scored after hitting many boundaries per game. This improvement in their bowling and batting led to the boys bouncing back, achieving impressive wins against Hopelands School and Berkhampstead School.

The boys continued to work hard in training on their fielding, improving their knowledge of fielding positions and taking some outstanding catches and run-outs in the games. Overall, the U10Cs have had a season full of growth and development.

U9 BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CRICKET

The U9 cricket season was an unquestionable success, with both boys and girls showcasing their emerging talent and deepening love for the game. Throughout the season, the children eagerly participated in sessions that focused on batting, bowling, and fielding, whilst also gaining a broader understanding of cricketing rules and tactics. Their enthusiasm and team spirit was evident in every match, as they embraced the wide range of fixtures with determination. Progress was visible in all aspects of their play, with each player growing in confidence, skill, and understanding. This season hopefully fostered a genuine enjoyment and lifelong passion for cricket, and we look forward to seeing these players develop further next summer.

1ST XI

The girls’ 1st XI had a great season, which was full of highlights and memorable moments. The effort every player put into training and then matches was first class, and the support for each other was excellent. While many players started the season focussed on their preferred discipline, they continued to develop their skills and became more confident cricketers in all three key areas of the game. So many members of the squad contributed to the accomplishments throughout the season; it really was a team effort.

Bowling was particularly strong within the team, with all players taking wickets. Iris W bowled with pace and accuracy, while Savannah P and Chloe B consistently bowled a great line-and-length limiting the runs at some important times in matches. Captain Capi led the way with some superb bowling figures, often taking key wickets in her first few balls, while Willough bowled some memorable spells of spin. Poppy and Otti both grew in confidence over the season, with their efforts culminating in match winning performances in the last few games.

When batting, Tilly consistently scored some important runs, ably supported by Sophie R. Everyone made important contributions with the bat in different matches, both in run chases or when setting a target.

The team’s approach was epitomised by their efforts in the field. With some impressive catches, key runouts and support for the bowler, many close matches went in our favour. Fielding close in, Tahlia and Olivia J deserve a special mention, as does Sophie R for keeping wicket so well.

It was great to see how the team developed over the term, and the joy they had from playing. The IAPS tournament day will live long in the memory, especially with the third place celebrations that took place following Capi’s last over. We were very proud of their achievements. Well done, and thank you.

WN & LR

Girls’ Cricket

2ND XI

This has been a most enjoyable and successful season, with a talented and committed group. Playing a mixture of hard ball pairs cricket and T20, the girls have shown a fantastic attitude throughout, playing with wonderful camaraderie and spirit. Whether in the field or at the crease, they have performed to the best of their ability.

Training sessions with the talented 1st team squad have stood us in excellent stead for the challenges faced in our school fixtures, and it has been great for the girls to be able to hone their skills in such an environment.

We have been lucky to have regular use of the 1st team square, and our Games lessons have proved competitive; those precious places in the 1st and 2nd team squads have been battled for.

With our high quality ground fielding and catching, we’ve proved a match for anyone in the field and this, with the consistency of the team’s bowling, has been our greatest strength. The batting has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few weeks, with the importance of valuing one’s wicket and looking to build an innings coming to the fore.

My thanks to everyone.

3RD XI

The 3rd XI have had an enjoyable term of cricket, working well together, and showing great team spirit. Over the season, they won three matches and narrowly lost three; an even split.

They worked hard in training improving their bowling, accurate throwing and catching. Some of our standout players included Heidi B for her great attitude, making many tricky catches in matches, and Natasha for her great pace and good line bowling, gaining the players’ ‘Bowler of the Match’ on more than one occasion.

The batting was a bit slow to get going, but after a few sessions in the nets, improvements were made. Ella SF was very consistent, hitting many fours in matches, and did particularly well at the Pinewood match, scoring off most balls. The girls enjoyed transitioning to hard ball towards the end of the season, and for their last match. Violet G, Clemency and Lauren adapted quickly and made great progress, playing some matches for the 2nd XI late in the season.

Well done to the team for making the season fun, and working hard to do their very best. TP

4TH XI

Fuelled by stickers and immense levels of team cohesion, the 4th team have had the most fun of any team this year, and maybe in the history of Beaudesert.

The team’s hard graft in training has resulted in cricket excellence that would not look out of place in the Oval. Namely, Parker with an incredible catch after fast bowling from Ottilie M. The dynamic duo of Camilla C and Delphi also came together to produce not only a maiden over, but taking two wickets in the process.

Cleo inspired a revolution in the team and thus the phenomenon of “being Lezlee” was born. For

some context, Lezlee is our wonderful Head of Housekeeping, so we took inspiration from her using a hoover to remember to slide our bat over the crease. Honor P and Aurelia are a daring pair of runners and avoided many a run out by releasing their inner Lezlee and sliding their bat over the crease.

To finish, some wonderful leaders have emerged from this team. Tabitha B and Flora M have not only shown incredible skill over the season, but have been beacons of encouragement for their peers and brought an incredible atmosphere to the whole team.

UNDER 11A

From early on in the term it was clear to see we were going to have a very strong U11A team on our hands. Heaps of talent, along with hard work and competitiveness has led to a fantastic season of cricket, with some great results; the girls missed out on being IAPS Regional Champions by just a few runs.

It has been a pleasure to coach them this term. Every girl has worked hard, listened well to feedback and has shown lots of drive to improve and succeed. It has been rewarding seeing the girls put their practice into action and play in lots of hard ball matches. A highlight of the term was when we were playing an extremely close game against Pinewood. As we went into the final over, Georgia G bowled a wicket to win us the game. All of the girls were so focused in the field and were backing each other up brilliantly. Most importantly they were all very supportive of each other, cheering everyone on, which was lovely to see.

I wish them all the luck for their future seasons as I know we have some superstars in the making!

UNDER 11B

The U11B cricket team has had a mixed season, winning four matches and losing three. They have made excellent progress throughout the term and have worked really hard on their bowling and batting.

They played their first match against a strong St Hugh’s team and even though we played well, we also played with caution. We were unlucky not to win as it was a strong bowling performance from the girls and they fielded tightly.

For the next four games, the girls began to gain more confidence and they managed to win four matches in a row. The game against Cheltenham Prep was a standout match that saw the girls win by 10 runs. It was a close game, with both teams bowling and batting well. We worked hard in the field and bowled with consistency. Imogen de H managed to get three wickets, and Skylar faced some powerful bowling but still managed to connect and hit plenty of fours.

They have impressed me with their enthusiasm and attitude, which has enabled them to improve their skills each week in practice and matches. It has been an enjoyable term and a pleasure to teach them.

UNDER 11C

The U11C team had a progressive cricket season, consistently improving each week. In their practice sessions, the girls had a fairly solid batting contingent, but their fielding came on leaps and bounds over the term. Each girl worked hard to improve their bowling too, which I’m sure will continue to develop next year. The girls handled tough competition with resilience, securing several well-deserved victories, including wins against Hopelands Prep and Berkhamstead. Their strong team spirit was the driving force for their enjoyment throughout the season, and I am really pleased with the development they displayed. Congratulations to the team!

UNDER 10A

Our U10A team have worked hard this year, showing lots of resilience in their matches and practice.

It was a tough start to the season for the team, facing the Berkhampstead U11s, but it was a great learning curve for what was to come. From there, we only went from strength to strength. The Teddies Tens Festival was a brilliant day full of cricket, with the girls winning two games, drawing one, and narrowly losing to a fierce Dragon team. The day saw wickets from Immy, Martha, and Evie T, as well as a six from Arabella M and fours from Issy and Amber. As the season progressed, the wins kept coming, with the team winning three games in a row, including a fabulous win against Cheltenham coming down to the last over.

In true Beaudesert style, they maintained their momentum until the end, finishing with a convincing victory against Kingswood by scoring 100 runs. There were more great performances from Annalisa, Amelie R, Chloe P, and Iris B. The team has an exciting cricketing future ahead.

UNDER 10B

Whilst it was a soggy start to the cricket season, nothing could dampen the spirits of the U10B girls’ cricket team.

With some incredibly strong batting from the girls this term (notably from Matilda B, Ottilie B and Io), the team have totalled many runs this season, resulting in many impressive wins during fixtures. Likewise, from match to match, our fielding and bowling got stronger and stronger. We have had some incredible bowling from the girls, with many bowling the opposition out multiple times in one innings.

It has been a pleasure being with the team this season, and I hope that they carry their everlasting positive attitudes and joy for sport through to their future sport endeavours.

It was another great summer of tennis, with our children taking part in matches, coaching sessions, and the school tennis tournament. The term concluded with the exciting Year 8 and staff mixed doubles competition.

Under 13 Boys. Under Captain Monty H, the team had a thrilling win against Dean Close, clinching victory in a shootout tie-break. Well done to Monty H, Barney R, George M, and Charlie T! Despite a strong effort in singles against Cleeve School, they faced tough competition and lost 4-2.

Under 12 Boys. The Year 7 boys started strongly in the LTA league with a 4-2 win over Sir Thomas Rich’s, followed by a solid victory at Westonbirt, thanks to standout performances from Ethan, Rollo, and the two Harry Ws. The season ended on a high with a win at Winchcombe, with newcomers James B, Frederick, Harry G and George K.

Under 13 Girls. The girls began with a challenging match at Pate’s Grammar School, where Olivia J and Tahlia secured a doubles win, but the team fell short against strong opponents. In another close match against Dean Close, Captain Tilly and Capi put in strong performances but narrowly missed out in a shootout tie-break.

Under 11 and Under 10 Teams. Although there was no formal competition, 24 children played in a friendly doubles match against Pinewood, with Beaudesert winning the tie. It was great to see so many children enjoying the game and giving their best.

Year 8 and Staff Tennis. The Year 8 and staff mixed doubles competition was a fantastic event, held on a warm midsummer evening. The level of play was high, and congratulations go to Monty H and Miss Winkworth, who defeated Capi and Mr Naish in a close final. It was a wonderful evening celebrating our Year 8 leavers!

Severnside Girls Competition. Well done to all the U10, U11, and U13 girls who competed in the Severnside Competition. Despite tough opposition, they played with great determination. Special mentions to Annalisa, Evie T, Petra, Tabitha W, Capi, Tahlia, Tilly, and Olivia J for their efforts.

The Beaudesert Tennis Championships featured closely fought singles matches from children in each year group. Well done to all who took part, and congratulations to the following winners and runners-up.

Congratulations to all our players for a memorable tennis season.

Tennis

Beaudesert Tennis Championships Results

Year 5 Girls:

Runner Up: A McCartney

Winner: A Tomlinson

Year 5 Boys:

Runner Up: R Tomlinson

Winner: A Wall

Year 6 Girls:

Runner Up: I Thompson

Winner: T Wood

Year 6 Boys:

Runner Up: A Turner

Winner: X Hamilton

Year 7 Girls:

Runner Up: E Mordaunt

Winner: P Charlesworth

Year 7 Boys:

Runner Up: R Awbery

Winner: B Pettifer

Year 8 Girls:

Runner Up: O Johnston

Winner: T Gordon

Year 8 Boys:

Runner Up: S Morris

Winner: M Hargitay

Swimming

This year, children in Years 3 to 8 have all participated in Swimming Galas, providing a great introduction to the excitement of competitive swimming for our Year 3 children, and marking the culmination of the swimming journey of our Year 8 children at Beaudesert. This year’s swim Captains, Otti and Sebby, have led the team with pride.

Throughout the year, the senior team has clinched victories against Cheltenham College Prep, Dean Close and Wycliffe, while the junior team triumphed over Westonbirt and Dean Close.

Autumn Term

Our Year 3 boys made a very promising and enthusiastic start to their rugby lives in the Prep School. Every session was approached with real energy and they were a pleasure to coach. Although a small group in numbers, this was more than made up for with the positive mindsets and evident ability within the year. This was ably demonstrated in fixtures against Pinewood, Clifton and St Hugh’s. The boys played a mixture of tag and touch rugby throughout the term, and they will no doubt look forward to the next step when they begin contact next year.

The Year 3 girls thrived in their hockey season, with lots of smiles in their first introduction to competitive sport at Beaudesert. With a brief introduction to hockey in Pre-Prep, the Year 3 girls were raring for the season ahead. They listened well in training, and impressed us with their ability to pick up new skills. Throughout the season, the girls showed great support and encouragement to one another, creating a fun and buzzing environment. It was wonderful to see the girls compete in their first hockey fixtures for Beaudesert, playing Pinewood home and away, Cheltenham College Prep, Clifton College and St Hugh’s.

The Summer Term featured the IAPS National Finals, with an impressive eight qualifiers: Georgia G, Rose J, Bridget, Eloise, Poppy, Sophie R, and Otti, who all ventured to the London Aquatics Centre for the event. The day was filled with progress, as each swimmer improved their position from the qualifying rounds. Georgia G achieved a superb Personal Best in the 50m backstroke, earning her a spot in the finals.

Overall, it has been an exciting year of swimming. Well done to all involved!

Year 3 Sport

Spring Term

The boys took on football in the Spring Term, which was marked by their enthusiasm and commitment to improving their skills. They practised hard, focusing on passing, dribbling, shooting, and tackling, and their work was evident on the pitch. They played with enthusiasm and determination in fun fixtures against Pinewood, Cheltenham, and Hatherop Castle, showing clear progress as the season unfolded. Every match was filled with smiles, and it was a pleasure to see their confidence and teamwork grow.

Our girls enjoyed an action-packed netball season, and showcased their skills by taking on Pinewood, Clifton, St Hugh’s and Hatherop Castle over the term. We saw their dedication shine through on the court, as they oozed confidence and managed a competitive environment. They were always hungry to learn, and relished the opportunity to learn new skills, particularly shooting! It will be an exciting netball journey ahead for the girls.

Summer Term

The Summer Term means cricket for both our boys and girls, who embraced new skills with positivity and enthusiasm. They all showcased their progress during their Cricket Skills afternoon in May, and later in internal matches.

The boys played very well and it was great to see their development and passion for the game. Their enthusiasm translated into significant improvements in batting, bowling, and fielding, and we are excited to see them continue this journey in Year 4, where they will play in paired matches.

The girls are equally well-prepared for Year 4 and the busy season of fixtures it brings. Their progress culminated on a sunny Thursday afternoon with their internal cricket festival. The afternoon showcased all they have learned during their games sessions, and there was lots of excitement as wickets were taken and fours were scored.

Well done on a great year!

We have had another wonderful term of athletics, with plenty of enthusiasm, determination and enjoyment shown by the children, culminating in a fabulous school Sports Day. This was a memorable year!

With our regular Tuesday and Thursday sessions, there was plenty of time for the children to work on throwing techniques, achieve those all-important personal best times in the running events, as well as perfect their team relay changes. As always, the children’s efforts to do their best has been fantastic to see. With the added bonus of House bragging rights up for grabs, competition was fierce throughout!

With a large team selected for the Regional Championships at Stourport, hopes were high for a good number of athletes to achieve qualification for the Nationals, which this year was back at the magnificent Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. The squad did not disappoint; we had a large number of qualified athletes, and it was with a good deal of excitement that we arrived in Birmingham to pit ourselves against the best independent school athletes in the country. This is a very high-quality event, and competition is extremely tough across the board. It is testament to the children that they competed to an exceptional standard, performing to the best of their ability when it really mattered.

Special mentions must go to Isla P and Tabitha W. It was their first experience of athletics on this level and they raced with confidence, navigated their rounds and fought for their places in the finals. Chloe B also ran twice under 27 seconds for 200m to gain a national medal two years in a row. Congratulations to our two bronze medalists from the Championships: Chloe B in the U14 200m, and Sam G in the U12 shot put.

The whole team did themselves proud. It is great that athletics is in such fine fettle at Beaudesert, and long may it continue. DR

Athletics

The annual Sports Days of 2024 once again provided a fitting conclusion to our sporting calendar. The festivities began with the Pre-Prep Sports Day on a serene Friday afternoon. From egg and spoon to sack races, our youngest children eagerly participated in a variety of events, each designed to test different skills and abilities. The children received enthusiastic support from staff and family members alike as they moved from station to station. The day featured seven distinct events, each presenting a unique challenge. The excitement culminated in the House relay races, where teams sprinted around the track in a display of teamwork and determination. Not to be outdone, the parents’ relay that followed was fiercely competitive, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day. As the event drew to a close, the children indulged in well-deserved treats (ice cream, pizza, and

Sports Day

a bouncy castle, organised by the Friends of Beaudesert) to cap off a perfect afternoon of fun and sportsmanship.

A week later, it was time for Years 3 and 4 to shine. The children represented their Houses with pride as they competed in an array of track and field events. The afternoon was filled with outstanding performances, with every point earned contributing to the overall House scores. Mr Layton made his debut as the event’s announcer, keeping everyone informed as the results unfolded throughout the day. In recognition of their efforts, certificates were awarded to select boys and girls in each form, chosen by their Form Teachers. The scores were carefully recorded and eagerly awaited as they set the stage for the Years 5 to 8 Sports Day the following morning.

The Years 5 to 8 Sports Day, held on Saturday, 29th June, was the grand finale of the sporting season. Children threw themselves into the competition with enthusiasm, representing their Houses in at least three different events. The Playing Fields buzzed with energy and excitement, further amplified by the beautiful weather, and the Winstone’s ice cream van. This year’s Sports Day was particularly special as it saw several new school records being set—a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes. The day ended with a ceremony in front of the Pavilion, where the Headmaster presented the coveted House Athletics Trophy to the winning House. It was a fitting end to a year filled with sporting achievements and memorable moments.

Sports Day 2024 Results

House Results

YEAR GROUP 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH

Years 3 and 4

Years 5 to 8

Hazel Rowan

Rowan

OVERALL Rowan

U14 Boys

Willow Maple

Hazel Willow Maple

Hazel

100 G Evans 13.47s

200 G Evans 29.47s

800 I Stringer 3m10s

Hurdles G Evans 11.64s

Long S Morris 4.21m

High G Evans 1.40m

Discus H Meakin 16.77m

Shot M Hargitay 7.80m

Javelin M Hargitay 21.62m

U14 Girls

100 C Bostock 13.37s

200 C Bostock 27.05s*

800 G Hurrell-Ashburner 3m35s

Hurdles C Bostock 11.64s*

Long T Gordon 3.75m

High M Gemmill & O de Rouet 1.25m

Discus S Robinson 19.70m

Shot S Robinson 8.38m

Javelin S Robinson 24.55m

U13 Boys

100 L McCormick 13.87s

200 L McCormick 28.67s

800 G King 3m15s

Hurdles M Shuttleworth 12.55s*

Long B Pettifer 4.66m

High O Rowland 1.50m*

Discus L McCormick 20.10m

Shot O Rowland 9.80m*

Javelin O Rowland 25.75m

U13 Girls

100 L Biddle 14.17s

200 W Jones-Davies 31.03s

800 L Biddle 3m14s

Hurdles P Charlesworth 12.2s

Long F McCulloch 3.58m

High W Jones-Davies 1.25m

Discus D Dickens 13.05m

Shot W Jones-Davies 6.75m

Javelin P Charlesworth 17.35m

U12 Boys

100 X Hamilton 14.65s

200 A Forbes 30.19s

800 X Hamilton 2m38s

Willow Maple

Hurdles X Hamilton 12.44s*

Long A Forbes 4m

High S Smith, X Hamilton, A Turner & Z Gillespie 1.10m

Discus S Graham 17.60m

Shot S Graham 7.54m

Javelin T Baalack 22.07m

U12 Girls

100 T Wood 14.79s

200 T Wood 29.62s

800 T Wood 2m49s

Hurdles G Gilbey 13.5s

Long R Johnston 3.13m

High T Wood 1.22m*

Discus G Gilbey 15.96m

Shot A Lucas 5.98m

Javelin T Wood 24.29m*

U11 Boys

100 A Hurst 14.8s

200 D Settle 34.38s

800 D Settle 2m56s

Hurdles H Frost 14.08s

Long C Chilton 3.31m

High W Mackenzie 1.05m

Discus A Fitzpatrick 19.67m*

Shot B Tonkinson 4.86m*

Vortex W Mordaunt 36.07m

U11 Girls

100 M Matheson 15.42s

200 A Box 34.57s

800 M Matheson 3m24s

Hurdles A Box 13.1s

Long I Robinson 3.31m

High M Matheson 1.05m

Discus A Tomlinson 16.25m*

Shot I Robinson 5.03m*

Vortex A Shaw 23.89m

* denotes a new school record

Friends of Beaudesert FRIENDS

Staff List 2023–2024

HEADMASTER

Mr C D Searson BA (Hons), Warwick; QTS, Warwick

DEPUTY HEADMASTER

Mr J Holmes BA (Hons), Middlesex; PGCE Exeter History

HEAD OF PRE-PREP

Mrs A Packman BA (Hons), Manchester; PGCE, UCL

ASSISTANT HEAD, ACADEMIC

Mrs H Bradley BA (Hons), Warwick; PGCE, York French; Spanish

ASSISTANT HEAD, PASTORAL & DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Mr L Robinson Bsc (Hons), Newcastle; PGCE, UWE Head of PSHCE; Science

ASSISTANT HEAD, CO-CURRICULAR

Mr T Layton BEd (Hons), Plymouth Head of e-Safety; Year 4 Form Teacher

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Mrs T Scrivener BA (Econ), Manchester; ACA

PREP STAFF

Mrs R Austen MA (Hons), Oxford; Cert TEFLA, Cambridge; PGCE, Open University

Head of English; Year 8 Form Teacher

Mrs G Baber-Williams BA (Hons), UWIC; PGCE, Gloucestershire Girls’ Sport; PE

Mrs E Barr BA (Hons), University of Wales, Aberystwyth; PGCE, Cambridge University Art (Maternity Cover)

Mr J Bird Dip Ed, University of Natal Head of Science; Year 7 Form Teacher

Mrs L Blackmun BA (Hons), Cardiff Metropolitan University; PGCE, University of Buckingham Year 4 Form Teacher

Mrs N Braune BSc (Hons), RAC Cirencester; Teaching Assistant, Year 3

Mrs H Burnford BA (Hons), Exeter; PGCE, Exeter; QTS Year 3 Form Teacher

Mr K Burns BA (Hons), McGill, Montreal Maths; Year 8 Form Teacher

Mr B Clibborn BA (Hons), UCL; PGCE, Buckingham Head of Classics; Year 7 Form Teacher

Mrs A Conway BSc (Hons), University of Wisconsin Learning Support

Mr E Craig BA (Hons), Northumbria Head of Geography; Year 6 Form Teacher

Mrs C Crosbee BA (Hons), Middlesex Head of Drama, Speech & Drama; LAMDA; Dance

Mr T Curr BA, Butler University, USA; PGCE, University of Gloucestershire Head of History; Year 6 Form Teacher

Mr M Davies Design and Technology Technician

Mrs J Davies-Smith BA (Hons), Exeter; PGCE, Roehampton Maths; Geography

Mr N Dill BA, Wales; QTS, Gloucestershire Head of PE

Ms B Dismorr MA (Fine Art), UWE; PGCE, Buckingham Head of Art

Mr O Figgis BA, Leeds; PGCE, Roehampton Head of MFL

Mr J Gillespie BA (Hons), Leicester; MA, Kent; PGCE Plymouth Head of ICT; Year 5 Form Teacher

Mr J Griffiths BSc (Hons), Exeter; PGCE, Buckingham Director of Sport; Assistant Houseparent; Geography; Theology, Philosophy & Ethics

Mrs K Hale BEd, Bath Head of Year 3; Year 3 Form Teacher

Mr I Haythornthwaite BSc, University of Central Lancashire; PGCE, Liverpool Hope University Maths; Year 5 Form Teacher

Miss E Hobbs BSc (Hons), Gloucestershire; PGCE, Buckingham Head of Girls’ Games; Assistant Head of PE; Head of Pre-Prep Sport; Year 5 Form Teacher

Mrs C Hockin BSc (Hons), Manchester; PGCE, Bath Science; Ecology

Mrs A Hodges BSc (Hons), Oxford Brookes; MSc, Exeter; PGCE, Wales Head of Maths; Year 5 Form Teacher

Miss L Hughes BA (Hons), Cardiff University; PGCE, University of Bristol; CELTA, Cambridge; Dip, ABRSM French; Spanish

Mr O Jones BSc (Hons), Exeter Head of Boarding

Mr R Kirby BA (Hons), Manchester; PGCE, Bath University French; English

Mrs J Layton BEd (Hons), Plymouth; Dip (Level 5), Dyslexia Action Teaching Assistant, Year 4

Miss P Mulliner BA (Hons), Oxford Brookes; PGCE, Kingston Head of Year 4; Year 4 Form Teacher; Academic Co-ordinator

Mrs R Nielsen BA (Hons), Cardiff; PGCE, Exeter Year 3 Form Teacher

Mrs C Potter BA (Hons), East Anglia; PGCE, Canterbury Learning Support

Ms C Powell MA (Hons), University of Glasgow; PGCE, University of London Learning Support

Mr D Robinson BA (Hons), Thames Valley Sport

Mrs R Saunders BMus (Hons), Cardiff University; PGCE, University of Wales Director of Music

Ms L Snow BA (Hons), UWE; PGCE, UWE Art

Mrs P Stevens BSc, UWE; PGCE, Buckingham PE and Games

Mrs M Sujeewon Teaching Assistant, Years 3 and 4

Mr L Waters BSc Civil Engineering, Glamorgan; PGCE, Exeter Head of Design and Technology; Forest School Leader Award

Miss S Weaver Teaching Assistant, Year 3; Assistant Houseparent (Girls)

Mrs H Winchester BSc (Hons), Aston; Dip SpLD, Hornsby, TEFL; Special Teacher Assessor (OCN Level 7) Head of Learning Support

Mr S Winchester BA (Hons), Trinity, Dublin, TEFL Maths; English; Year 7 Form Teacher, Head of Scholarship and Challenge; Year 8 Form Teacher

Miss K Winkworth BSc (Hons), Exeter; PGCE, Buckingham Head of Girls’ Pastoral Care; Science; Year 6 Form Teacher

PRE-PREP STAFF

Miss L Barnes BA (Hons), Oxford Brookes Reception Form Teacher

Miss S Barber Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Teaching Assistant, Year 2

Mrs A Barnett BA (Hons), Edinburgh College of Art; PGCE, Plymouth Year 2 Form Teacher

Miss P Bett BA (Hons), Lancaster; PGCE, Chelt. & Glos. College Year 2 Form Teacher

Mrs J Chinnick NVQ Level 2

Teaching Assistant, Year 2

Mrs K Danks NNEB, Norland Diploma Nursery Teaching Assistant

Miss M Hatherall Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Teaching Assistant, Reception

Mrs S Jackson NNEB Diploma

Teaching Assistant, Year 1

Mrs D Jones BA (Hons), University of Bath; PGCE, Bath Spa University Houseparent; Teaching Assistant, Year 2

Mrs E Limburn BA (Hons), Cardiff; QTS, London French

Mrs J Lore Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Teaching Assistant, Nursery

Mrs S Loveridge BMus (Hons), University of Birmingham; PGCEi, Birmingham City University Music

Miss C Maher BA (Hons), UWE; PGCE, UWE Year 2 Form Teacher

Mrs G Naish BA (Hons), Surrey; PGCE, Exeter Year 1 Form Teacher

Mrs H Payne BEng (Hons), Plymouth Level 2 Supporting Teaching & Learning Teaching Assistant, Year 1

Mrs H Pillinger BSc (Hons), University of Gloucestershire; PGCE, University of Gloucestershire; Level 4 Award in Perspectives on Dyslexia Learning Support

Mrs F Price NNEB, Clifton College Forest School Teacher; Nursery Teaching Assistant

Mrs H Searson BA (Hons), Exeter; PGCE, Bath Spa Deputy Head of Pre-Prep; Year 1 Form Teacher

Miss S Shearer-Manning BA Early Years, Open University; NVQ, Level 3 Forest School Leader; Eco Co-ordinator

Mrs R Weinberger MA (Hons), St. Andrews; PGCE, London Nursery Teacher

Mrs E Whitworth BA (Hons), Oxford Brookes University; PGCE, Bath Spa Reception Form Teacher

Mrs H Wittig BA (Hons), Southampton; PGCE, Southampton Teaching Assistant, Reception

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Mrs H Bloodworth BA (Hons), Manchester Metropolitan University Sport

Mrs M Brownbill ARMCM Voice

Mrs C de Burgh BMus (Hons), Goldsmiths, University of London Oboe

Mr B Cipolla BA (Hons), University of Gloucester Guitar & Ukulele

Mrs W Clark ARAM; LRAM; GRSM (Hons) Violin & Viola

Mr M Coldrick AGSM Dip NCOS, Guildhall School of Music & Drama Drumkit

Mrs A Cubbin BA (Hons) Bath Spa Clarinet & Saxophone

Mrs S Frapwell Sport

Mr S Garley Fencing

Mrs H Hardy AISTD BIB, NB Dance, Ballet

Mrs F Heseltine BA (Hons) Birbeck College, London Head of Wardrobe

Mr S Houghton Level 2 Coaching Rugby, Level 3 Coaching Cricket Sport

Miss S Hutcheson BA Durham LAMDA

Mr A Jones BA (Hons), Middlesex University Acoustic, Electric and Bass Guitar, Ukulele

Miss E Lang BA (Hons), University of Manchester Guitar, Ukulele and Bass Guitar

Mr M Maidment British Judo Association and BJC 5th DAN (Competition Grade) Judo

Mr P Mackenzie BA (Hons), Bath Spa; Postgrduate Conducting, RCM Piano

Mr B Mason BA; ARBS; HDFA Drumkit

Mrs L Pearce Coleman BA, Colchester Uni; PGCE, Bath Spa; LTCL, LTCL Mus Ed Voice

Mrs T Phelps BEd (Hons), London Sport

Mr G Rees Dip. Welsh College of Music & Drama Brass

Mrs I Seth-Smith BA (Hons) ARCM Cello; Double Bass

Mr Sharp BMus (Hons), Cardiff University Piano

Mrs H Shaw Cert Ed, York Piano

Mrs C Shilling BSc De Montfort, RCSLT Speech Language Therapist

Mrs E Toseland BA (Hons), University of Exeter; PGCE, Liverpool Hope University Piano

Miss C Tucker Mountainview Theatre School; LAMDA, London LAMDA

Mrs B Turner Music Degree, N Virginia College, USA Flute

MATRONS

Mrs A Owens Lead Matron

Mrs S Gardiner

Miss K Thomas

SCHOOL NURSES

Mrs D Davies RGN; RSCN; NNEB

Mrs E Powell BSc (Hons) Registered Adult Nurse; SCPHN

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Ms J Wilson MA, University of East London; PGCE, University of Lancaster

MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS

Mr T Attwood

Mr J Chytry

Mr K Gardiner

Mr L Gardiner

Mr R Niblett

Mr J Scarlett

TRANSPORT

Mr R Bryan

Ms K Ellis

Mr K Monkman

Mr M Newman

Mr M Rutter

Mr R Toon

ADMINISTRATION

Mrs E Allen School Office Administrator

Mrs P Birch School Secretary

Mrs M Bliss Finance Assistant

Mr W Eatwell IT Support Technician

Mrs J Grech BSocSc (Hons), Manchester; Headmaster’s PA; Registrar

Mr A Hale Estates Manager

Mr C Harvey IT Manager

Mrs W Jenkins HR Manager

Miss S Lodge BA (Hons), Cardiff; Head of Marketing and Communications

Mrs R Merrett BA (Hons), Southampton; School Secretary

Mrs A Platt Domestic Manager

Mrs F Shufflebotham Librarian

Ms C Thomas BA (Hons), Durham; MIS and Cover Manager

Mrs C Turner AAT Advanced Diploma, Level 3; Accounts Assistant

GOVERNORS

Mr S Jones Retired Headmaster (Warden), St Edward’s Oxford Chair

Mr T Ahearne Parent; Managing Director

Mrs S Block Parent; Consultant

Mr C Casey Parent; Non-executive Director

Mr A Collins Second Master; Dauntsey’s School, Wiltshire

Mr S Elliott Parent; Corporate Financier

Mr P Evitt Headmaster; Highfield School, Hampshire

Lady Ford Former Head of Pre-Prep; Educational Consultant

Mrs K Holloway Former Parent; Business Owner

Mrs H I’Anson Parent; Solicitor

Mrs C Kay Former Parent; Solicitor

Mrs C Lough Retired Head; St Christopher’s School, Hampstead

Mrs Z Lucas Parent; Business Owner

Mr J Massey Parent; Company Director

Mr J Nettleton Old Beaudesertian; Architect

Dr J Thompson Parent; Doctor

Mrs E Walker Former Parent; Counsellor

Beaudesert Park School

Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL6 9AF

Telephone: 01453 832072

Email: office@bps.school www.beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk

@beaudesertpark

@beaudesertparksch