Beaudesert Park School Magazine 2022

BEAUDESERT PARK SCHOOL

AUTUMN 2022 magazine

Contents

School Notes: Headmaster’s Speech 2 Farewells 5

Speech Day Prizes 11 Form Prizes 13 Scholarships, Valete 14 Boarding at Beaudesert 15 Beaudesert and the Community 16 Academic 18 The Arts 23 Outings and Events 40 Alumni 50 Activities 53

The Pre-Prep Department 57 Anthology 69 Sport 81 Friends of Beaudesert 110 Staff List 111

SCHOOL NOTES

Headmaster’s Speech at Prizegiving

Perhaps the words I am about to share are not quite as monumentally significant as those of Boris, but I shall take a leaf from his book and keep it brief. So, with the clock running on a 6 minute and 12 second counter, here we go.

Good morning, and welcome to Beaudesert’s Prize Giving 2022. We come together this morning as our final act to mark the end of a wonderful year at Beaudesert, to reflect and celebrate together and to say some fond farewells. It is a time for reflection and for gratitude.

At our Year 8 Revue on Thursday evening, we were once again treated to a video reel of our leaving Year 8 children’s faces now, alongside photographs of when they first came to Beaudesert. Some in the Nursery. This physical change marks a remarkable stage of development in your children’s lives. For every member of staff here at Beaudesert, to be a part of that development is the greatest privilege. These are precious years.

Like Boris, for many of us, this is a time when we are preparing for moving on. Happily, not because we have been pushed, but because we are ready. Even if in many ways there is so much that would keep us firmly drawn to stay.

For our leavers today, their precious years at Beaudesert are coming to an end. But, as my favourite philosopher, Winnie the Pooh, wisely said:

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Today marks both an ending and a beginning. This is the end of a wonderful year at Beaudesert, full of remarkable achievements.

We have well and truly been back to firing on all cylinders and the engine has been roaring. I shan’t even begin to try to list everything that has happened; the Buzz is

awash with it all each and every week. I often find myself reflecting on how lucky I am that I get to see it all. For most in this room, you see a fraction through the window of watching your own children. Just imagine for a moment how that multiplies across all our year groups and all our children.

To pull off another year, rich with so many experiences and opportunities for your children, is the result of a wonderful team of staff who bring a limitless amount of commitment, dedication and passion. And I must say, I suspect that many of you here today really do not know quite how much.

I could not be more grateful to every member of staff here, and the countless who are not with us, for everything they have brought to Beaudesert this year and I ask you to join me now by putting your hands together to thank them all.

In my first Prize Giving speech, I reflected on what I had learned about Beaudesert during my first year. One of my memories at the end of that year was the daily chorus of ‘Thank you, Keith’ as children spilled from Keith Monkman’s minibus. At that time, our Year 8 leavers were coming to the end of Year 5. Earlier this week, one of our Year 8 boys, upon alighting the Monkman minibus for the final time, gave Keith the warmest hug of thanks. Evidence, if evidence were needed, of the warmth and strength of our relationships at Beaudesert. Relationships that grow stronger with time and which will endure long after your children have moved on.

The relationships that children form here, with one another, with their teachers, are the foundation that gives them confidence on which to build.

At our Inset meeting at beginning of this term, all teaching staff shared their thoughts about what makes good learners. The overwhelming consensus settled on

one particular word. Curiosity. I have witnessed this curiosity in abundance in classrooms and beyond throughout this year. Instilling a genuine, deep rooted joy of learning is the most important thing our teachers seek to do.

And today is also a beginning for us all, whether looking ahead to a new school year, or a new start altogether.

Parents, think back for a moment to reasons you may have had to visit the Headmaster’s Study when you were at school. I’m sure there are some pale faces as memories come flooding back.

Happily, if I were to ask children at Beaudesert, the vast, vast majority would be thinking about coming to collect certificates or for practice interviews, to share good news, or just to chat in passing. Of course, there are sometimes things that draw children to the Headmaster’s Study other than his dazzling company. I would like to briefly share three with you. All three can teach us lessons, especially for our leaving children as they look forward to new adventures.

Firstly, my Lego Hogwarts. Whatever lies ahead for you, don’t expect the best things to come as complete packages. You will need to work steadily, putting things together piece by piece. And you won’t easily see how things are going to conclude until you have put many pieces together. Through patience, you will get your rewards.

And then there is my Newton’s Cradle, which children can’t resist playing with, watching as the balls swing together in many different patterns. As we know with a Newton’s Cradle, if we drop one ball from one side, one swings out from the other. Likewise, drop two, and two emerge. So it is with life. Simply, you get out what you put in.

Do not be the person to sit back and wait, expecting good things to come to you. Leap in and grasp opportunities, give, share, smile, help others, be brave. If you put your heart into everything, you will see the rewards quickly swinging out for you to enjoy.

And third, of course, is Dougal the dog. What do we learn from Dougal? Well, that there will be ‘whoopsies’ on the carpet. We are all learning every day. None of us have everything cracked. The ‘whoopsies’ will happen along the way, but you will learn. And remember, it is in the moments of difficulty and challenge that you are truly learning, so dive on in. Just remember to have some metaphorical Dettol wipes with you just in case.

Today we sadly say goodbye to a number of members of staff, many of whom are not with us today, but some who are, and I would like to take a moment to thank some of our Prep School teachers.

Lizzie Bailey joined us in the Autumn Term of 2020, riding heroically out of retirement at a time when the MFL department was in great need. We immediately knew we had landed a complete natural. Children who have been lucky enough to have been taught by Mrs Bailey have benefitted from her wealth of experience and gentle drive.

We wish Lizzie every happiness as she returns to her retirement.

Emma Holmes came to Beaudesert in 2014, at that time stepping into the Boarding House alongside Jamie, with a 5 year-old Hector and a 2 year-old Oscar. She ran a light and happy boarding ship until stepping out in 2018 when Jamie became Deputy Head.

As well as her immense contributions beyond the classroom, Emma has always been an outstanding class teacher. She has an instinctive approach, spotting children who are facing challenges and giving them great confidence. Her move to join the Learning Support department this year has absolutely played to her strengths and those children in her care have been incredibly lucky.

Emma has always seen her role in school as being part of a big family, so it is perhaps

no surprise that in the end it is her own family that draws her away from ours. We know that Emma and her boys will be very happy in Devon, and are lucky that we shall still be seeing plenty of them as they come back to visit friends.

Good luck, Emma, and thank you.

In 1999, PC Stephen Grimsley came to speak at Beaudesert. In a conversation between him and Mr Womersley, it was revealed that a part-time Maths teaching position would shortly become available. PC Grimsley, also happened to be the Uncle of Mrs Susie Jones, who had recently married and was seeking a new role.

The rest, as they say, is history. Susie became a full time Maths teacher shortly after starting. In the 22 years since, Susie has been both a Beaudesert parent, as Evie and Sam grew through Beuadesert, and an outstanding teacher. She even took on the lofty role of managing the school stationery cupboard in 2003!

Some teachers learn how to do it. Susie however, was born to teach. She has the patience and kindness to make Maths feel safe and secure, even for those children who find it most challenging. Susie leaves us to go ‘adventure hunting’ as she describes it, and we wish her fun and happiness along the way.

Having started out as a sheep farmer on Salisbury Plain, and having been a prefect and captain of cricket at his prep school, it was perhaps no surprise that James Standen McDougal turned to teaching in 1993 and he has never looked back. He practised his art at some of the finest schools in the country before, in 2010, coming to the finest prep school as Head of History. Headteachers are often found nowadays, bemoaning the loss of the ‘proper’ prep school teacher, who gives their all and is in the thick of every corner of school life. Never grumbling about the hours, and simply putting the children first. James is that proper prep school teacher. It is only when they leave that you realise you are losing three or four different members of staff. In everything James has done at Beaudesert, it has been with a sense of calm, quiet and huge warmth. He is a

Graduate Assistants

From left to right: Aleksandra Knezevic, James Davies, Kelsey Tucker, Robert Baldwin

great friend to so many and will be greatly missed. Especially as he takes Alex with him on their adventure to Kenya to teach at Pembroke House School.

When Alex and James came to Beaudesert, George was 9, Isobel 8 and Molly 4. In Alex and James’ own words, all ‘thrived under the School’s nurturing umbrella’.

It is this understanding of what helps to make Beaudesert so special, that makes Mrs S-M such a special teacher. As well as being a brilliant English and Drama teacher, always stepping out of the limelight to let it shine more brightly on the children in her care, she has an incredible pastoral touch. All those who have sought her support have found that umbrella waiting, to offer shelter through the stormier days. Having told you that James was prefect, I am sure Alex will be cross if I don’t also share that she was Head Girl! It certainly feels like we are losing our Head Girl.

We shall desperately miss both, but our Beaudesert doors will always remain open.

Before we move on to our prizes I would like to share one story with you.

On returning from the Year 8 Leaver’s trip to Cornwall, Mr Bird shared with me his daily routine before heading out for the morning swim. One particular Year 8 boy appeared to be grappling more than others with the challenge of fighting his way into his wetsuit. Each day, 10% in, he would hop over to Mr Bird to beg his help to wriggle in the final 90%. 20 minutes later, after much squiggling and squirming, he would be in, all zipped up, and ready to brave the waters. This repeated for three days. Each day, a combined effort, between boy and Bird, of pushing, pulling and heaving. On the fourth day, the boy was determined to win the fight solo. So taking the techniques he had learned, he set to putting on his wetsuit by himself. After half an hour of relentless battle, he had won and proudly walked up to Mr Bird to show that he had achieved the feat solo. Mr Bird looked him up and down and smiled. Before saying: ‘It’s on inside out.’

Whatever your wetsuit challenge in the future, you will find help, and you will

find your own strength, and you will succeed in the end.

We cannot award prizes to all today, but I would like to congratulate every child at Beaudesert for everything they have achieved and contributed to such a wonderful year. Thank you.

I was speaking to Mrs Saunders on Thursday evening, bemoaning the fact that I hadn’t yet started writing these words. With a mother who was a headteacher, she said “My mum always wrote a poem for the leaving children.” Mmmmm, I thought, tough challenge. Then, yesterday, Mrs Packman delivered a self-penned poem at the Pre-Prep Prize Giving… So, without wishing to build up expectations too much, and mindful also of my 6 minute 12 second target, here we go.

Year Eight, You’ll be great!

Thank you and I hope you all enjoy a happy and restful summer.

Farewells

Susie Jones

Susie’s return enabled us to do something much more designed, by putting two teachers into one room.

The effect was clear in two aspects, only one of which is measurable in the usual ways. The most important is that the children come to the Maths room without any sense of dread, and instead find good humour, support, Sidney the Snail, and as many explanations as you need. Susie is extraordinarily good at creating a calm, unflustered yet productive atmosphere.

Suzy Temblett

The scene: Year 5 Maths with Mr Burns and Mrs Jones.

Mr Burns (internal monologue): I’m crushing this! No one has ever explained decimals this well! This is brilliant – I am amaz…

Mr Burns glances at Mrs Jones. In just 2.67 nanoseconds, she twitches an eyebrow, purses her lips ever so slightly, and glances meaningfully at the back row. The message is clear.

Mr Burns: Right everyone! Let’s stop all that and go back to the beginning.

An audible sigh of relief gently whistles around the room…

Susie Jones has taught all ability levels of Maths since her arrival in 1999, but she has made her specialist area the teaching of children who find it very difficult. When she returned after spending some years raising her own children, she created a role that had not previously existed, that of an in-class specialist support teacher solely dedicated to Maths. Although she soon took over teaching, to great effect, full sets in Years 7 and 8, she has continued, for about eight years now, to provide a wholly different dimension to the teaching of children in Years 5 and 6. We had always tried to do what we could to alleviate the fear some children have of Maths, but

You can’t measure atmosphere, but you can measure Maths attainment with a variety of standardised tests, and by the end of Year 8, a great many of our weaker children have become increasingly indistinguishable from those who were “above” them to start with.

One perhaps surprising thing is that Susie is a degree mathematician, a group of people which, while indisputably brainy, are not renowned for having terrific skills communicating their wisdom to those who find the allegedly simple things rather mysterious. In her second spell here, Susie has directed her considerable intellect towards creating the school timetable each year. These years have seen the return of the winter timetable and the introduction of the two week timetable, among many other changes. Year after year, she has proven equal to this mammoth task with all its potential roadblocks and unforeseen changes.

Susie has had a great many roles in her time here – Maths and Science teacher, form tutor, games taker and school parent among them. I think her most lasting legacy will be the hundreds of children she has taught who will grow up remembering that, even if Maths was hard, it was never something to be afraid of. Thank you for everything you have done for us.

Suzy joined us at Beaudesert in the Autumn Term 2021 to take on the mammoth task of School Secretary in the School Office. Smiley and confident with a South African lilt, she settled in quickly, taking on parent queries and always being a friendly face for visitors as they arrived. Suzy had a good knowledge of school administrative systems, and as a former graphic designer, she had a great eye for designing show programmes and tickets. Suzy has moved on to an exciting new opportunity, which will allow her to have more time with her family and her dog Jet. We wish her all the best in whatever comes next. SL

Louis Mander

Louis said farewell to Beaudesert in October 2021, as he sought to focus upon his work as a composer. He was instrumental in forming the Beaudesert Piano Quintet who performed Mozart’s Piano Quintet in G minor to pupils and staff in the Autumn Term 2020. His enthusiasm for composition is infectious, and we are grateful to Louis for encouraging and inspiring our young musicians to create their own music, whilst also aiming to be the best pianists they can be.

Lola Lagomarsino Lisa Nicole

to being our cover on a Friday, which worked really well. She was always reliable, conscientious, hardworking and very much an asset to the Boarding House.

Lisa was familiar with Beaudesert as her four children had attended years before, until they moved on to their senior schools. She had a good sense of humour and was good fun, which you certainly need working with children! Lisa didn’t like waste and would often do mend and repair work on uniform, telling us that it was the ‘Northerner’ in her! Anyone who has visited Highgrove may even have seen Lisa, as she has worked as a tour guide for the gardens.

Lively and lovely and firm and fair.

Older than her years in experience, but forever the baby of the department and a perennial spring chicken of just 21!

Leaving Pre-Prep after nine years.

Acrylic nails, eyebrow shaper, nit checker and vintage clothing enthusiast.

Lover of reading and books; the darker and more thrilling the better.

Always a straight-talker, candid, direct, and therefore rarely misunderstood!

Going to leave big boots to fill (although actually has very tiny shoes).

One of a kind, unique and original.

Multi-talented and capable.

‘Au Revoir’ NOT goodbye.

Reception TA extraordinaire, who is both romantic and pragmatic.

Safeguarding champion, advocate and upholder.

Interesting first aid practitioner, who is squeamish of both vomit and blood…

Not afraid of a good hug. Nice (but ever so naughty sometimes too), with a beautiful smile and contagious laugh.

Onward… To Hereford. To marriage. To life’s next adventures.

Bee happy. Bee lucky. Bee missed. Bee Lola. Always.

Lisa joined the Matrons’ team in May 2017, working two afternoons a week, although she eventually changed her hours

Lizzie Bailey

Lisa leaves us to pursue another new venture which I am sure will be successful. We all wish Lisa well, and the best of luck in her next endeavours.

JAE

Day at Malvern College; being a native speaker herself, she has done extra oneto-one sessions, either with pupils with parents who are native speakers, or with those with years of experience of living in a francophone country; she has given up valuable free time to practise for the CE oral exam with her Year 8 set.

Lizzie joined the MFL Department at very short notice nearly two years ago. Since then she has taught French, as well as Latin, to Years 7 and 8, preparing pupils for Common Entrance. She soon instilled high expectations, good discipline and a mature work ethic. As well as being a conscientious teacher, Lizzie has proved to be a committed colleague. For instance, she took an elite Year 7 group (‘la crème de la crème’) to a challenging Languages

Having relinquished her retirement in the autumn of 2020, she has now decided, entirely understandably, that retirement beckons once again, presumably permanently this time! The prospect of reclining in the Spanish sunshine at her new home in Menorca proves too alluring. I hope she will keep in touch, perhaps sending us occasional photos in sunny climes (probably during the drab winter months chez nous!). Lizzie’s professionalism, organisation and mild yet good-humoured demeanour will be much missed. We wish her the best of luck, all health and happiness for the future, and my sincere thanks for all you have done here, Lizzie.

James and Alex Standen McDougal

Lesley Hale

James and Alex arrived in 2010, having worked previously at Ludgrove, St Anselm’s and Sunningdale. James was being headhunted vigorously by other schools at the time and we were lucky to get him. He was never one to make his mark with noise or bombast though. Teaching History and Sport, and especially as a Year 8 Form Tutor and Head of Year 8, he led with a quiet authority that quickly made him trusted and turned to by children, staff and parents. As part of his History teaching, he developed a range of annual trips. The Purbeck trip for Year 6, as well as the delights of camping, always included some educational diversions to places such as the Bovington Tank Museum. There were regular Year 8 trips to HMS Victory and Warrior in Plymouth, and a variety pack of castle visits including to Chepstow. Over the years a number of his keen History students did very well indeed in the prestigious Townsend Warner History Prize, which was always a source of great satisfaction. A talented games player, James has been an exceptional coach, particularly of rugby and cricket, where he was always a leading light in Rats and staff fixtures. For a man defined by an air of calm, he has no shortage of competitive spirit! Year after year, he organised the brilliant Cornwall week for Year 8 after their exams, and what wonderful memories the children have of these.

Alex’s roles for many years were as a Year 4 Form and English Teacher, plus drama across the whole of the Prep School. Her Year 8 productions displayed levels

of creativity which amazed audiences year after year. In the early days, the apparently unpromising space afforded by the Sports Hall would be transformed for the children to display their talents more freely. Termly Year 4 plays remained a constant highlight. Alex branched out into teaching English further up the School, enthusing children with a love of reading and writing, while paying close attention to the necessary fundamentals of good grammar and structure. Having always been a teacher to whom children naturally gravitate when troubled, it was a perfect fit for her to become involved in the formal processes around safeguarding, and then Head of Girls.

Listing off the details of what roles Alex and James have held in their time at Beaudesert does not even begin to scratch the surface of what their presence has meant to us. The Standen McDougal family, including George, Issy and Molly, have been central to the life of the School, setting standards and perpetuating the unique atmosphere that we value so much. Every organisation ultimately runs on trust and goodwill, and every organisation wants to have, at the heart of it, people who can be relied upon to help, support, cheerlead, organise and be there for each and every member of the community. Since the announcement of their departure to Kenya, the warmth and affection for Alex and James has been loud and sincere. They leave behind memories of a multitude of happy times, and our thanks go to them with all our best wishes for the future!

Lesley Hale has brought many years of dedicated care and guidance to our Music Department at Beaudesert. Her piano pupils have benefitted from her thorough grounding in music, both technically and theoretically, and she has always challenged her pupils to aim for their very best. In addition to her piano teaching she has also been a dedicated advocate for learning the recorder, and has taught so many Beaudesert pupils their first instruments as they joined the Pre-Prep Recorder Ensemble in Year 2. We wish Lesley a very happy and long retirement as she enjoys spending more time with her grandchildren and travelling the world. RS

Matt Richardson

During the summer holiday Matt Richardson chose to bid farewell to us at Beaudesert. After a few years teaching piano to many pupils we wish him the very best for the future; and we are sure that he will continue to enjoy performing lots of music with his Barber Shop Choir, as a Musical Theatre Director and as a pianist.

KDB

Jackie Excell Andy Robinson

At the end of the Christmas Term, we said farewell to Jackie Excell, our Head Matron since 2018. Jackie started life at Beaudesert in 1999, helping in the kitchens. She made the move upstairs in 2003 when she was employed by the School as a Matron. She used to stay over on Saturday nights to look after the full time boarders, amongst other jobs around and about the Boarding House. Jackie saw six sets of Houseparents and four Head Matrons, before she took

Debbie Royston

up the role as Head Matron herself when the Laytons arrived.

The number of Beaudesertians that have looked to Jackie for help over the past 24 years are countless. When recently asked to sum up Jackie in one word, one current boarder simply said, “marvellous”. Whether it was molding a mouth guard, making a bed, mending a nametape or clearing up sick (!), Jackie was always on hand to help. She wasn’t just helping the children, but the parents and the staff, with a smile on her face. She will always remember the children’s names, and the parents too, and she will take some delightfully funny stories with her. We will miss her warmth, her passion for the job and the School, as well as her unmatched knowledge of all things Beaudesert.

It is, though, out of the frying pan and into the fire for her as she starts her retired life as part-time Granny. She will continue to do all she can to help children within her care, however, this time it is her own family. We want to extend a huge thank you from all of us within the Beaudesert community, and send a hugely fond farewell to one of Beaudesert’s longest standing, most enduring members of staff.

Andy joined Beaudesert in the spring of 2021, just as lockdown was lifted, and was integral to getting the kitchen back on its feet and tantalising our taste buds once more. Andy worked tirelessly to reinstate culinary normality, always with a ready smile and a corny joke. He particularly enjoyed chatting with the boarders to discover their favourite foods, and to tempt them to try something a little different. Andy left us after in order to pursue a career in environmental operations, a subject very close to his heart.

Support Teacher. A marriage, a name change and almost 3,500 days later, and Debs (now Royston) has moved on to pastures, fields, country tracks, and presumably many a dog walk, new.

TL

cupboard, around the department, the wider school, on the sports field or on many a class trip.

To précis her time at Beaudesert is easy; genuine, helpful, lovely, kind, approachable. These are words that are repeated again and again from colleagues, parents and pupils. In fact, from anyone lucky enough to have met her. Both professionally and personally, people recall her with genuine affection.

Back in September 2012 just as Andy Murray won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and excavators announced they had found the remains of King Richard lll of England beneath a car park in Leicester, a certain Mrs Debs Gent joined the Pre-Prep as the Learning

Even if you did not know her, you should get a very clear picture of her character and qualities, and how much she was valued here at Beaudesert. Debs was never too busy to offer her advice, support, warmth, oodles of patience, compassion, empathy and kindness, whether in her Pre-Prep

It has been our privilege to know her at Beaudesert Park. To sum her up, I have borrowed a small quote from the wonderful Maya Angelou (another marvellous and insightful female), who reminds us in her poem ‘I’ve Learned’ that a skilled teacher must be aware of the emotional valence of their words and actions: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

No matter our abilities, Mrs Royston made us all feel individually special. Debs, you have been a learning support angel, and we salute you and all you have done for us here. You are a truly lovely lady. HP

MP

Gemma Crane

From the day she started work, Gemma Crane had a genuine and unreserved passion for teaching Reception children. This was evident to anyone fortunate enough to have visited her classroom, or witnessed her lessons over the last eight years.

Awesome. Wonderful. Passionate. Considerate. Generous. Committed. Funny. Lovely. ‘Crazy legs!’ Amazing. Professional. Warm. Genuine. Helpful. Kind. Super. Sometimes there just aren’t enough words, but to put it simply; children adore her, parents respect her, and colleagues admire her.

Once upon a time (September 2014), in a land not too far away (Let’s call it Beaudesertia?), a beautiful lady with long lustrous locks started to work in the lower levels of the Pre-Prep palace.

Emma Holmes

A co-worker recently said that whatever the lesson, “Gemma would know exactly what to teach and 20 different ways to teach it.” If you ever needed help, Gemma would always give it. If I happened to mention to her what our next topic was

going to be, I would receive emails or texts with useful links, and resources would mysteriously appear on my desk overnight. The downstairs end classroom (and I’m sure every storage centimetre of her home) was an endless land of treasures that she was always happy to share. Generations of Reception children have been furnished with Miss Crane’s treasures, trinkets and gems, including many of mummy Crane’s knitted pumpkins and poppies. Her love of teaching and professionalism (alongside a sense of fun), were evident throughout her online teaching. Who could forget her colourful Harold the Parrot costume or Friday discos?

It is almost impossible to imagine Early Years without her. Miss Crane has been an absolute gem, and she leaves us all with memories we will treasure. May she and her prince live happily ever after. HP

Whilst Minchinhampton and the surrounding area has open green spaces, enchanted forests, and views that can only be experienced, not described; it is the sound of the ocean waves and the salty sea air that has won Emma’s heart, and we bid her farewell as she raises the jib, sets the bow to South West and sails off down to the glorious beaches of Devon.

Emma’s Beaudesert career has been colourful and her love and kindness has

been felt in all corners of the School. As a family, Emma joined Beaudesert to take up the reins of Houseparent in the Boarding House. Emma, Jamie, Hector, Oscar and not forgetting the lovable Labrador, Digby, quickly settled into the family environment and created a calm and caring atmosphere for those staying overnight. Not only was Emma mum to her boys, she adopted every child in her care, every night, to ensure that they felt that the House was a home away from home. Her door was always open and her ear was always available to bend. Emma then joined the teaching staff in Pre-Prep, and spread her love and patience further afield to the youngest of the school cohort. After a short stay with the little people, Emma then moved up to Prep School where she spent the next few years as a Form Tutor for Year 3 and Year 4. As a Form Tutor, Emma proved just how loved she is by the children. She has a wonderful way of making all those in her care feel secure and safe, enough to allow them to express themselves in whichever way they felt comfortable. If you walked by her classroom, there was always laughter, song and discussion. It was about doing for

Emma; getting the children to experience and learn through making and actions. Her incredible artistic talents were drawn upon regularly and there was always a model of something on the children’s desk. Even through Lockdown, Emma was constantly delivering online lessons with art and craft – an Anglo-Saxon boat….a rainforest diorama.

More recently, Emma moved into the Learning Support department where her incredible understanding of and patience for children’s learning has enabled the children in her care to make substantial progress across all areas.

Emma has a knack. It is not learnt, practised or rehearsed. She has been a wonderful colleague, and friend, and the corridors of Beaudesert are going to be much quieter without her. We know that she will remain a part of the community, and we will look forward to the weekends when she returns for visits. We wish her the very best as she starts to carve out her permanent home in Devon. Thank you all so very much for the fun, laughter and memories. PM

Jay Stephenson

Mark Fitch Kemp

(Baron von Mylius)

The loss of Mark Fitch Kemp was felt acutely by the whole Beaudesert community, a reflection of the man and his character. As both a former parent, a grandparent, a colleague and a friend, Mark touched the lives of so many. Always on hand to share a good story, to offer words of kindness and support, or to help others in whatever way possible, Mark lifted us each and every day. Whether driving his bus, enjoying watching the children play sport, or sharing a sandwich and a cuppa, Mark did it all in the very best of spirits. A man of immense warmth, modesty and kindness, Mark will be greatly missed, but his impact never forgotten.

Jay joined us at Beaudesert less than three months before we transitioned into one of the biggest IT changes to affect education –remote learning! Jay proved that he could quickly up-skill, adapting to the new challenges and became a trusted source of help and guidance to many during an incredibly unique time.

As part of the IT Support Team, he has been instrumental to projects such as our one-to-one device launch; that saw our Year 7 proudly receiving Chromebooks to further their individual learning and personal responsibility.

Jay brought energy and fun to the role that perfectly countered the grumpy IT stereotype. His support and kindness will be missed by all. He takes a developed skill set into a fantastic opportunity that is closer to home and we wish him the best of luck.

CH

CDS

Speech Day Prize List

Year 8

Tom Bell

Commended: Maths, Computing and Geography Cheltenham College

Isla Casey Commended: Art, English and her Trinity College Bronze Arts Award St Mary’s, Calne Brodermann Prize for integrity, decorum and poise; Kulesza Technology Prize

Sasha Castilho Blow Commended: Art, Music and Geography Bedales School

Caspar Chadwick Commended: Art, Chemistry and Rugby St Edward’s, Oxford

Scarlett Cooper Commended: French, Latin and English Cheltenham College

Tom Cooper Commended: Maths, Computing, English and French Cheltenham College

Lauren Cuellar Commended: Maths, English and Tennis Tudor Hall School

Hari Dhillon Commended: Maths and Sport Cheltenham College

8SM Form Prize for his endless reserves of determination, optimism and good humour

Lily Floyd Commended: Science, French and Geography St Mary’s, Calne

8SM Form Prize for Outstanding Common Entrance Results across the board, and winner of the May Prize for English

Indigo Gordon Commended: Maths, Latin, Science and Geography Cheltenham College

Joint winner of the Hervey Adams Art Prize

Jemima Gordon Commended: Maths, French, Science and her Trinity College Marlborough College Silver Arts Award

Nott Cup for Academic Attainment; joint winner of the Airey Art Prize

George Graham Commended: Maths, Science, Computing and dedication to Sport Radley College

Paddy Grand Commended: Science, Computing, Design and Technology and his Cheltenham College Trinity College Silver Arts Award

Russell Maths Prize for Natural Flair in Maths

Zoe Halpern-Lande Commended: Art, Science, English and her Trinity College Bronze Cheltenham College Arts Award

Joint winner of the Blackmore Chorister Cup

Max Hargitay Commended: Geography, Maths and contribution to Sport Cheltenham College Good Egg Prize

Felix Haynes Commended: Maths, French and Latin Radley College

8B Form Prize for displaying talent, perseverance and high quality performances across academics, music and sport; winner of the Elgar Music Prize for Woodwind

Lochy Hazell Commended: English, Chemistry and Sport Radley College

8SM Form Prize for his all-round contribution to 8SM and his cheerful demeanour

Esme Hodson

Hugo Hodson

Hector Holmes

Commended: Science, English, Maths and Design and Technology St Mary’s, Calne Reid Science Prize; joint winner of the Airey Art Prize

Commended: French, Science, English and Geography

Radley College Crick Drama Cup

Commended: Maths and Geography Ivybridge Community College 8A Form Prize for his sunny nature, steady determination and being a fantastic team player; winner of the Lavery Arts Cup for Music, Art and Drama

Hector Howard Commended: Drama, Latin, Computing, Maths and Geography

Rafe Hudson

Harry Hughes

Commended: Excellent attainment across the board

Rufus Isaacs English Prize; Vincent Keyte History Prize; Archibald Design Prize

The King’s School, Gloucester

De La Salle College

Commended: Maths and all-round contribution to Sport Cheltenham College

Jack Hulbert Commended: French, Maths, Geography and History Cheltenham College

Sam Hunt Commended: Drama and his Trinity College Bronze Arts Award Kingswood School Harmer Cup for Outstanding Academic Attainment; John Keyte Maths Prize

Wilbur Hunter Commended: Drama, Latin, Art and Sport Radley College

Katie Johnston Commended: Science, Latin, English and Design and Technology Cheltenham College Joint winner of the Hervey Adams Art Prize

Avery King Commended: Science, French, English and Geography Cheltenham College Mander Cup for Philosophy & Ethics

Florrie Leslie Commended: Maths and French Tudor Hall School 8B Form Prize for years of determination and perseverance leading to a great finish to Year 8

George Lewis Commended: Excellent attainment across the board Radley College Chalmers French Prize; joint winner of the Wallace Prize for Performing Arts

Hector Llewellen Palmer Commended: Maths, French, Science and English Harrow School Clay Award for the highest Geography Common Entrance Result; winner of the Petyan Prize for Geography

Theo Maculan Commended: Art, Maths, French and Design and Technology Marlborough College

Algie Meakin Commended: Geography, Biology and Sport Radley College Joint winner of the Wallace Prize for Performing Arts; Maths Progress Prize

India Medina Commended: Maths, Speech and Drama, progress in French and Cheltenham College the Boarding Prize

Lola McIntyre Commended: Maths, Geography and French Tudor Hall School Stephen Henriques English Prize

Fred Millar Commended: Drama, Computing and History Radley College 8A Form Prize for his lovely manners, quiet helpfulness and consideration for others

Monty Miller Commended: Art and an Outstanding set of Common Dean Close School Entrance Results Brickwood Physics Cup; Shaw Piano Cup

Digby Moxon Commended: Maths, French and History Cheltenham College

Oscar O’Carroll Commended: Maths, French, Science and English Winchester College

Amelia Oldman Commended: Science, Drama and Art Marlborough College Waite Shield for Strings; joint winner of the Blackmore Chorister Cup

Sophie Ratcliffe Commended: Fantastic effort and attainment in all of her subjects The King’s School, Gloucester Matthews Science Prize; Cucknell Design Salver

Ellis Robinson Commended: Science, English, Drama and his Trinity College Kingswood School Silver Arts Award Oliver Shield for Music

Isla Ross Commended: Art, French and Sport Bradfield College Maths Progress Prize

Otto Sánchez Farmar

Commended: Science, Latin, Computing and Music

St Edward’s, Oxford

Johnnie Stockdale Commended: Progress in French, Music, Physics and Clay Marlborough College Pigeon Shooting

Will Sturdy Commended: Outstanding academic attainment across the board Bristol Grammar School Austin Richardson Classics Prize

Sid Sturgis Commended: Maths, Geography and the Boarding Prize Stowe School Duffy Dyer Cup for Endeavour

Charlie Talbot Rice

Commended: Maths, Geography and Science Eton College

8B Form Prize for an eternally inquisitive mind and a deeply individual approach to life; winner of the Pope Computing Prize

Charlie Vernon Commended: Computing, French and Geography Radley College

Tinks Walker Commended: Maths, English and Equestrianism Cheltenham College

Max Worsley

Commended: Maths, Drama and Philosophy and Ethics Westonbirt School

8A Form Prize for a delightful demeanour, positive attitude and excellent progress with commendations

Edward Williams Commended: Maths and Geography The British School of Montevideo

Form Prizes

3B E Contractor For his incredible thirst for learning and curiosity about his world around him.

3B T Grieves For her kindness and empathy for others alongside her excellent academic efforts.

3B W Goldfinch For his fun-loving attitude, beautiful manners and all round kindness.

3H A Reschke For always being eager to learn at every opportunity and giving 100%.

3H A Fitzpatrick For his constant curiosity and interest in the world around him.

3H M Keay For her unique spirit and inner strength.

3N M Matheson For high achievement and being a wonderful friend to all.

3N A Wall For consistent diligence and gentle care towards others.

3N I Robinson For hard work, determination and being the very best help that a teacher could ever ask for.

4L G Gilbey For academic excellence across the board.

4L J Acloque For 100% effort in all that he does.

4L L Guise For a smile that lights up a room and being a positive influence on those around her.

4M R Cheetham For his enthusiasm towards everything both in and out of the classroom.

4M P Casey For continuing to build his resilience and develop his growth mindset.

4M I Dalrymple For unwavering enthusiasm, always accompanied by the brightest of smiles.

4S T Cade For her positive attitude, outstanding effort in everything and her deeply kind nature.

4S A Shaw For a truly fantastic year both in and out of the classroom.

4S A Bedford For staggering progress in his reading.

5EH L Biddle For her conversation, joyfulness and general politeness.

5EH B Pettifer For fantastic effort and love for all aspects of school life.

5EH R Awbery For 100% effort and positivity in all he does.

5H T Bradley For a cheerful and enthusiastic approach to school life.

5H E Tucker For his imaginative solutions to daily question time in Form Time.

5H E Mordaunt For her sustained effort throughout the year.

5G A Grand For his positivity and great magic tricks!

5G O Holmes For his quiet good humour and friendly nature.

5G C Raphael For her enthusiastic cheerfulness.

5S B Tubbs For her happy and enthusiastic attitude towards all aspects of her work and school life.

5S M Shuttleworth For being a proactive and ambitious pupil who strives to achieve in all areas of school.

5S B Richardson-Thomson For being a positive and kind character.

6C P Floyd For outstanding academic achievements throughout the year.

6C E Sánchez Farmar For always being a positive, happy and smiley character.

6C M Gemmill For all her contributions to school life.

6TC S Fitzpatrick For his boundless enthusiasm and academic achievement.

6TC L Da Rosa For his kindness, maturity and empathy for others.

6TC P Talbot Rice For her insatiable positivity, enthusiasm and sense of fun.

6W K Forbes For sustained effort throughout Year 6 and her cheerful approach to all elements of school life.

6W T Gordon For her perseverance and positivity when faced with a challenge.

6W R Spooner For his boundless positivity and enthusiasm in both his academic and sporting endeavours.

7B N Robinson

For consistently outstanding academic achievement across all subjects.

7B C Longsdon For always giving her very best effort.

7B B Hulbert For a fantastic effort and positive contribution to school life.

7C E Wood For her stand out performance of the year, embracing school life and all it has to offer.

7C H Biddle For being the most responsible member of the form, outstanding conscientiousness and support of all areas of school life.

7C E Skarda

For quietly getting on with it without making a fuss, excellent academic progress and achievement in all three terms.

7SM H Douglas-Pennant For consistent high academic achievement across all subjects.

7SM I Adams For her high standards, both moral and academic, and intuitive ability to ‘read the room’!

7SM A Ellis For his understated, easy charm and courtesy.

7W H Ahearne For consistently outstanding academic achievement across all subjects.

7W O Raphael For outstanding effort and progress across the curriculum.

7W H Moffatt For approaching all aspects of school life with enthusiasm and a smile on his face.

Scholarships, Exhibitions and Awards

Indigo Gordon Art Scholarship

Cheltenham College

Jemima Gordon Academic Scholarship and Art Scholarship Marlborough College

Paddy Grand Academic Scholarship Cheltenham College

Zoe Halpern Lande Academic Scholarship Cheltenham College

Max Hargitay Sports Exhibition Cheltenham College

Hugo Hodson Drama Scholarship Radley College

Hector Howard Sports Scholarship

The King’s School, Gloucester Sam Hunt Academic Scholarship Kingswood School

Katie Johnston Sports Scholarship Cheltenham College

Avery King Sports Exhibition Cheltenham College

George Lewis Drama Scholarship Radley College

Theo Maculan Sports Scholarship Marlborough College

Monty Miller Academic Scholarship Dean Close School

The King’s School, Gloucester Ellis Robinson Music Scholarship Kingswood School

Sophie Ratcliffe Design Technology Scholarship

Valete Appointments

Oscar Holmes Newton Ferrers Primary School Year

Year 5

6

Henry Baker

Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, Bristol

Florence Jones Cheltenham Ladies’ College Kitty Forbes St Mary’s, Calne Lena Spall Arts Ed, London

Captain of Rugby Theo Maculan

Captain of Girls’ Hockey Jemima Gordon

Captain of Football Wilbur Hunter

Captain of Boys’ Hockey Max Hargitay

Captain of Netball Katie Johnston

Captain of Boys’ Cricket Algie Meakin

Captain of Girls’ Cricket Isla Ross

Captains of Cross Country Algie Meakin and Tinks Walker Captain of Swimming Katie Johnston

BOARDING AT BEAUDESERT

Well, I think it is fair to say that we have finished our time in the Boarding House on a high. It has been a hugely positive year, and although slightly hindered by covid in the early stages of the Autumn Term, it has, on the whole, been so lovely to be able to get on with business as usual and put the number limitations and bubbles behind us.

One of the main joys of being Houseparents is that one gets to know the children in a home from home environment, where the pressures of daytime routines are put behind them. The flexi system that we run brings out the best in so many of the children when they board, because they want to be there. As a result, the children can always be relied upon to bring their ‘A Game’ up to the Boarding House. When the clock strikes 6.00pm, and the end of prep is called, that is the time when the children can relax and enjoy the activities that are in store, as well as some down time upstairs, before settling down for the night. And what a fantastic selection of activities we have had this year! From baking biscuits to Scottish Reeling, and Laser Tag to rocket making in the winter months, to Wachy Special and Astro fun, time in the outdoor pool and Year 8 discos in the summer, there have been a seemingly infinite number of ways for children to enjoy themselves through boarding activities, to grow and nurture friendships and to also develop themselves both personally and emotionally.

As our tenure in the Boarding House comes to an end, we cannot help but look back on our time over the last four years with incredible fondness. It has been such a fantastic pleasure and a huge privilege to run the Boarding House and we have so many happy memories to take with us as we continue on our journeys. Sid and Agi, Tusker and Banksy will have to adjust to their new home without the pitter patter of feet from the girls’ dorms above us or the sounds of laughter coming from the boys’ dorms next door. I’m not sure we will miss

the late night wake ups or the unplanned fire alarms, but they are part and parcel of the job. It has been a job that we have absolutely loved and it has formed a huge part of our family dynamic. Thankfully though, it is not a permanent goodbye, as we will continue to help in the Boarding House with duties going into next year, and we wish all the luck to the Jones’, who will, no doubt, do an extraordinarily good job at the helm.

Tom and Joey Layton

BEAUDESERT AND THE COMMUNITY

During this academic year, our school community once again came together on a number of occasions to help support different charitable causes and projects. As a community, we continued to raise money at our annual events but there were also a number of new initiatives and charities that we supported. The commitment and efforts shown by the children in both the Pre-Prep and Prep School was superb, and we are very proud of their efforts. We hope that their involvement will help them to foster a lifelong understanding of the importance of helping those who need it.

In the Autumn Term, we held our annual Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning and through the generous contributions from parents, we managed to raise £398. This was soon followed by a new event run by a group of enthusiastic parents in support of the Brilliant Breakfast, Women Supporting Women for The Prince’s Trust. In their first year, they raised an astonishing £902 for this worthy cause.

In October, we continued our support of local charity, Stroud Foodbank, providing food for people in crisis, and through our Harvest Festival Service we collected 351kg of food. Also in October, with the help of our former Head of Science, Jenny Butterworth, we once again supported the charity Homestart. Over Half Term,

children and their families collected over 50 pencil cases filled with stationery, which they donated to support disadvantaged children in the area.

It was also at this time that Eleonora in Year 6 took part in the prestigious Shetland Pony Race at Olympia International Horse Show in support of the Bob Champion Cancer Trust. She raised £2,903, which was a fantastic achievement.

In November, with our Remembrance Day service, we continued to support the British Legion raising £392. Later in the month, in support of Children in Need, we had a ‘Wear your House Colours’ day which raised £488.

Other initiatives involved the Art Department, who donated over

£200 worth of oil paints for the local Gloucestershire charity ‘Art Shape’. They run art courses and projects with a specific focus on disability issues and social inclusion. In support of SOS Kit Aid, Jackie Abendanon organised a large donation of Old Beaudesertian sports kit, who, with the support of World Rugby, distributes second-hand and new rugby kits to disadvantaged youngsters all over the world.

Through our annual Christmas Jumper Day, in December, we ran a jumper swap scheme, which raised £154 for the charity ‘Final Straw’. They work with businesses and communities to improve ocean health. Our annual Santa Fun Run was another great success, and through the support of so many families, we raised £371 for the care hospice Horsfall House.

Finally, in the last week of term, children in Year 4 supported the festive initiative by Gloucestershire Bundles by collecting numerous boxes of toys and gifts. This charity does some amazing work in providing emergency packs of toiletries, clothing and equipment to pregnant women and families in Gloucestershire.

In the Spring Term, we once again held a ‘Dress to Express’ whole school nonuniform day, in support of the mental health charity Place2be. A group of Year 7 girls also hosted a cake sale where they raised £200. The money they collected went to Kids on Track, a charity that provides activity camps for children in the school holidays.

Through the amazing work of some of our parents, during the first half of term we also saw a great community effort in support of the refugees who had left Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. Boxes of essential items were sent to Poland on minibuses. The response by so many of our families was amazing.

In May, we saw the biggest charity event of the year with 121 children taking part in a

Triathlon organised by the charity Restless Development, and hosted by Clifton College. The event was a huge success and from the efforts of all our families involved, the Beaudesert community managed to raise an astonishing £16,004. As part of this initiative, each school was able to send a proportion of the money raised to an additional charity of their choice. We gave £2,000 to the charity The Pied Piper Appeal. In its 30th year, it is the leading children’s charity in Gloucestershire. Their mission is to make a difference to the lives of sick and disabled children in the county, including funding the children’s centre at Gloucestershire Royal Infirmary. We also donated £2,092 to the charity Capital Kids Cricket. They are a youth development charity using cricket as a tool to improve the lives of London’s most disadvantaged children and young people. They hosted a ‘Bowl Out Racism’ House event for children in Years 3 to 8, raising the profile of the need to eradicate racism and discrimination in cricket, and in society.

It has been an amazing year. Thank you to all the children, parents and staff for their incredible support.

Beaudesert’s New House System – Stronger Together

While it is undoubtable that our A, B, C and D House System served Beaudesert well over the years, the time came this year to reinvigorate the House System, and launch a new initiative. With much voting, meetings and shield designs submitted the previous year, in September we launched our brand new Houses, complete with new names, colours, competitions and leadership opportunities.

Our four new Houses are named after trees which are commonly found within the school estate. Trees have always been at the heart of communities. They help to root us to place and watch over

generations as they come and go, acting as a constant to offer a sense of home, belonging and reassurance. The life of trees are one of nature’s many miracles, emerging into life, growing with patience and surety, and always reaching upwards, seeking light.

LR

Our four Houses are: HAZEL, ROWAN, MAPLE and WILLOW.

All staff and children in the Pre-Prep and Prep are part of a House family now, with older children available to support, lead and mentor younger ones. The new Houses are at the heart of the children’s lives, offering countless opportunities

to connect with one another across the School in fun, engaging and exciting ways.

This year we have held a vast range of House competitions, including spelling competitions, general knowledge quizzes, a cross country run, music competitions, House Shout, ‘the Big Draw’, swimming races, debating, creative writing, maths challenges as well as a plethora of sporting events.

Whether encouraging individual growth, collective community and support, or looking beyond oneself, our House System ensures that we are stronger together.

ACADEMIC

ICT

It has been good to have a normal year at school again. In the Autumn Term, we covered Office applications, and also e-Safety, and began to remind people about touch-typing, which in many cases was a little rusty. We also continued to encourage independent learning and thinking in Computing. Miss Barnes shared her enthusiasm and knowledge with Years 1 and 2 with great success in

e-Safety

As ever, this year has been another important one from an e-Safety point of view. There has been lots going on as we have made a return to normal school routines over the last 12 months. This year, we were thrilled to roll out the Chromebooks to children in Year 7, but with this came an added responsibility to ensure that our e-Safety programme was as polished as ever. Like in previous years, during lessons in both Pre-Prep and the Prep School, the children learnt about different ways to ensure they stay protected and safe in their online world. They have done this through a variety of different ways, using resources from Google’s

the ICT Suites in the Prep School.

During the Spring Term, we focused on Coding. Different year groups used a combination of programming applications. Year 8 enjoyed making a zombie game in Scratch, while Year 6 made a rocket game.

The Summer Term has been busy as always, and younger years have worked

Interland, ThinkUKnow or CEOP, as well as programmes such as Gooseberry Planet. Our message has remained the same, make sure you have a trusted adult to speak to if (and when) you make a mistake when you are online. We encourage responsible and safe use of the internet on all the different platforms that our children use, but know full well that mistakes may be made. It is important that children know what to do and how to handle them, and we have continued to emphasise this.

At the end of my piece in last year’s magazine, I mentioned that we looked forward to resuming our programme of guest speakers and experts who could come and educate us, and I am thrilled

on their projects using a range of applications, which is a great chance to problem solve and use a selection of programs together. Years 7 and 8 have worked on Photoshop, Photopea and Wick Editor, while Year 6 have enjoyed using Sketchup, a 3D modelling program, and Pivot is popular among all years.

to say that, slowly but surely, we have welcomed external speakers to speak to the children about the relevant issues that our young people have faced over the course of the year. In the Autumn Term, PC Mark Weedon, from the Gloucestershire Constabulary School Beat programme, came in to speak to the children of the Prep School about the dangers of online trolls, and in February, to celebrate Safer Internet Day, we had Alan Earl speak to other members of the Prep School about the issues we face around social media and fake news.

As ever, looking ahead to next year, we will continue to explore new avenues and themes, ensuring we keep up to date with any sites or apps that become relevant for our young people. As well as this, we shall seek support from external speakers to help with our delivery as we continue to cover such an important topic.

Thinking like Mathematicians

Visualisation. Reduce the data sample. Look for a pattern. Substitute for the unknown. What’s the same…what is different? Think like Mathematicians. These are all problem solving strategies that our pupils become familiar with as they progress through the Maths curriculum here at Beaudesert.

Developing a mathematical mindset in the pupils is the focus in the Maths department at Beaudesert. We believe everyone can learn Maths to any level, and Maths is about depth, not speed. We teach children to become resilient problem solvers, and teach them to be able to deliver elegant mathematical solutions to problems. They learn that everyone gets stuck at some point and it is an honourable and positive state. The best preparation for the future is being stuck now. Children learn the value of marvellous mistakes; they are the golden nuggets of learning and moving forward. We link this to the latest brain research on how our brains grow, embracing the struggle and letting our synapses fire!

The process of preparing children to confidently tackle a GCSE paper, or similar form of assessment, involves developing their readiness to conjecture, hypothesis and problem solve. Maths is not about a series of random, disconnected facts… It is a beautiful pattern of interconnected

pathways. It is true that there are core skills that a child must learn, but the shift away from formal regurgitation of facts to deeper problem solving, and the strengthening of subsequent transferrable skills, is welcomed in the GCSE focus and now the ISEB 13+ curriculum which precedes it. We teach using ‘Intelligent Practice’; spot what’s different, interrogate the reasons why that might be, and explain your reasoning.

Problem solving is a cornerstone of our Maths teaching here at Beaudesert, right from the start in the Pre-Prep. We teach the children to “have a think, have a go”, and teach them that we all see Maths differently, and to value and respect all the ideas put forward.

Our Year 3 and Year 4 children have challenged themselves with a new ‘First Maths Challenge’ run by the Primary Maths Challenge team – a super start to their career in Maths competitions.

Our Year 5 and Year 6 children put themselves in that exact position when they attended a Maths Challenge Day at Cheltenham College in the Spring Term. They were faced with a range of problem solving rounds, team and individual challenges, and worked against schools from nearby counties and London. It was

agreed that we all had a great day and our brains certainly grew!

Our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils took part in the annual UKMT Junior Maths Challenge Competition. This year they won 8 Gold awards, 8 Silver awards and 8 Bronze awards. A total of 24 awards for 28 candidates, which was an amazing achievement.

Finally, all our pupils in Years 5 to 8 regularly take part in Gloucestershire Schools Maths Competitions via our online adaptive learning platform ‘Sumdog’. As I write this article, we are currently sitting in the top two spots on the leader board – go Beaudesert!

Remember, it is only a problem if you cannot do it straight away. Reflection on the problem is paramount. Do not let the unfamiliar intimidate you. Think like Mathematicians! AH

Learning Support

This year has seen us welcome and then say goodbye to Mrs Emma Holmes. Mrs Holmes took to the role of Learning Support teacher like a duck to water. She will be sorely missed. Mrs Layton has been in two places at once for the last term as she has taken on-board the responsibility of Learning Support in the Pre-Prep, after we said goodbye to Mrs Royston at the end of the Spring Term. It is a good thing Mrs Layton has the super powers to cope with being so busy. Talking of ‘superpowers’, this is how we celebrate learning differences, by helping our pupils to discover what they are good at, not necessarily an academic skill, and call that skill their ‘superpower’. Superpowers include model making, bird identification and creating imaginative stories.

Mrs Potter has been very creative with model making. Her ‘Forks and Corks’ creatures made learning the ‘or’ sound enjoyable and memorable. Our pupils have all been hands on with Play-Doh, ping pong balls, Wikki Stix, and many other resources to ensure that their learning is multi-sensory and fun.

Hands on learning can also involve the use of technology. This year we introduced Widgit, a programme which uses easilyrecognised symbols to support written text. This has been particularly useful for creating science notes with technical vocabulary. When writing creatively, some pupils find dictating their ideas helps them with sentence structure. We use ‘talking tins’ and dictation apps on iPads for this. Some pupils are also using Office 365’s immersive reader function and dictation facilities, and we aim to make this more cross-curricular next year.

The Autumn Term saw us celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Week, with videos

and PowerPoints watched by pupils in form time. Educating the wider school community to understand dyslexia and other learning differences is part of our role, and our coffee mornings in September and April this year gave parents the opportunity to share their experiences, and for us to share our expertise and resources. Make sure you do not miss the next one! HW

Design, Technology and Engineering

This year our Year 8 pupils had the opportunity to take part in a new project “BBC Micro:bit Robot Wars”.

Pupils have been learning to use computer code from an early age in the ICT room. This project was designed to demonstrate to the pupils the practical side of coding. The pupils learnt to program and download code onto a BBC Micro:bit circuit board. The written code makes the robots move and turn as instructed.

We used BBC Micro:bit circuit boards and the open source website https:// makecode.microbit.org/ to design and build the coding. Anyone can access the website and it even has an online simulator to make sure the code is

working correctly before downloading it.

We used the School’s laser cutter to cut out a basic MDF chassis that the motors and controller would connect to. The pupils then had free choice of tools and materials, and used skills taught from Year 4 to design and build weapons and armour to protect their robot. Many children built ramps to flip over their opponents robots; however, the most successful weapon was an electric motor with spinning rotary weapon mounted to it. The pupils experimented with methods to protect their robots including making wheel guards and bumpers to deflect impacts. The final robots were highly decorated using Posca paint pens.

In the Year 8’s final lesson at Beaudesert Park, we held our own “Robot Wars” competition. An arena was set up in the

EMILIE, YEAR 7, MOOD LAMP

DT Studio, the robots were lined up and the start buttons pushed. The robots cycled through the code and went about attacking the opposition robots and retreating.

In the resulting chaos, we saw robots falter, weapons fail and armour disintegrate. The noise from the pupils was deafening as they enthusiastically cheered their robots to victory and protested as they waned. We all thoroughly enjoyed the action-packed ending to a year-long team project.

I wish all of Year 8 pupils the best of luck, and hope they continue to be enthused and enjoy their Design, Technology and Engineering classes in their senior school.

LW

LUX, YEAR 6, TIE-DYE T-SHIRT

HARRY A W, YEAR 5, BAG FOR LIFE

ARTHUR L, YEAR 4, BOAT PROJECT

RUPERT, YEAR 6, GLASS PROJECT CLOVER, YEAR 7, PILLOW PROJECT

CECILIA R, YEAR 5, CAM TOY

BBC MICRO:BIT ROBOTS

Science

We have had another jam-packed year in the Science Department.

This year saw the re-introduction of the Year 4 Science Enrichment programme. For eight weeks of the Spring Term, the children were asked to carry out a fun activity or investigation at home each week and report on their findings. Those who were really committed and completed each activity were rewarded with a crystal growing kit to enjoy at home.

As usual, Jonathan’s Jungle Roadshow was back to accompany our Year 5 work on Adaptation. The children were enthralled by some of Jonathan’s creepie crawlie friends, including snakes, scorpions, and giant stick insects. You can visit his website for some close up pictures of his ‘extended family’, https:// jonathansjungleroadshow.co.uk/

Our older years enjoyed a World of Work Afternoon in February listening to three eminent speakers who work in the STEM industry. Sarah Ratcliffe spoke to the children about her work creating sustainable buildings, Tom Keith-Welsh talked about his work in BioPharma at GlaxoSmithKline, and Chris Drye introduced the children to his exciting work at Vertical Aerospace, and the different career opportunities appearing in the new industry of ‘urban air transport’. Later in the year, the Prep School children listened to an insightful talk by Mr and Mrs Skarda about the aquatic unmanned

vehicles their engineering firm are designing for the military.

Years 6 and 7 took part in fantastic STEAM days this year. Our Year 6s made bath bombs and carried out bath bomb dissolving investigations, and our Year 7s took part in some biscuit dunking investigations to aid their product business plans.

Our Year 8 Common Entrance results were excellent and this is thanks to a brilliant team effort from the Science Department, the parents and our very hard working children.

We are looking forward to another hugely successful year with more experiments, learning and fun in September.

JLB

Art THE ARTS

SCHOLAR – ESME EMILIE, YEAR 7

ALFIE E, YEAR 7

JOHNNY, YEAR 6 BEA E, YEAR 6

HEIDI, YEAR 5 HOPE, YEAR 5 FLORA M, YEAR 5

CLOVER, YEAR 7

ELLA, YEAR 6 LIBBY, YEAR 7 FLORENCE J, YEAR 7

CAPI, YEAR 6

LYRA, YEAR 4

MABEL, YEAR 6 TILLY, YEAR 6 NATASHA, YEAR 6

SCHOLAR – INDIGO G

SAVANNAH, YEAR 6

RUBY, YEAR 7

CHARLIE T, YEAR 6

ROMY, YEAR 5 ALBIE F, YEAR 4

SCHOLAR – KATIE

WYLDER, YEAR 7

SCHOLAR – JEMIMA

PUMPKIN SCULPTURES, YEAR 6

SCHOLAR – KATIE

TABITHA W, YEAR 4

SCHOLAR – JEMIMA

SEBBY F, YEAR 6 SCHOLAR – INDIGO G

Music

As I reflect upon this last academic year there are so many highlights that come to mind, but the overriding one is of immense joy as we have once again experienced live music to its full capacity at Beaudesert. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as memories are made and musical hopes and dreams realised is such a privilege. As musicians and teachers, it brings us the greatest joy to support and enable young musicians as they explore a wide range of music whether through performing, composing or listening.

Autumn Term

At the start of the academic year, we welcomed professional musicians who provided us with an inspirational evening of musical entertainment. The concert of two halves featured pianist and composer James Oram and singer-songwriter Natalie Holmes. Inspired by the natural world and our connection to it, James performed repertoire from his EP ‘Water’, a duet ‘Motion’ for piano and hang alongside Andrew Ford and his score ‘Swan Song’ which won Best Original Score in the International Symbolic Arts Films Festival. Having composed music for the Calm app and with a passion for encouraging reflection through music, Natalie performed repertoire from her album

‘Piano Places’ and her EP ‘Songs I Made When the World Changed’.

Throughout the academic year, many pupils have performed solos in lunchtime concerts. Whether beginners or our more advanced musicians, every performance has brought much joy to our audiences in these informal settings and we have also enjoyed listening to a wide range of music from musical theatre and classical, to pop and rock.

The Autumn Term saw the Performing Arts Centre transformed into a jungle as a vast array of tropical trees and plants were arranged in and around the set. The music for this production of ‘The Jungle Book’ was composed by internationally

acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe. The music encapsulates his fresh 21st century signature jazz sound and witty lyrics whilst further referencing the gypsy jazz rhythms reminiscent of the more familiar songs from the Disney film. From the opening driving rhythm of ‘Jungle Blessing’, to the witty lyrics of ‘Raw’ and the uplifting and hopeful ‘Who I Am’, Year 8 gave fantastic performances as the songs helped to bring the story to life. A staff band featuring violin, cello, piano, guitars and a range of pitched and unpitched percussion accompanied the chorus and soloists as they presented this new musical score with confidence and gusto. A special mention to Hector Hol., our Mowgli, also Hugo H as Baloo and Sasha as Bagheera, who performed outstanding solos as they explored messages of identity and belonging through the music.

This year the carol services were held in the Performing Arts Centre and featured performances by Year 4, and our Year 5 and 6 and Year 7 and 8 Choirs. Zoe opened both of our services with beautiful acapella performances of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. I was keen to provide an opportunity for our school community to come together to sing carols, Christmas songs and celebrate the end of the Autumn Term. With this in mind, a staff band was formed with Andy Jones, Ben Cipolla, Eleanor Lang and Lucy Hughes; together we led children, staff and parents in a

mass sing-a-long of Christmas hits. The weather was predictable, as many outdoor concerts and festivals are in this country. Even though the heavens opened, we were determined that the rain and mud would not silence the dulcet tones of the Beaudesert community. Congratulations to everyone who did not let the rain dampen their spirits!

Spring Term

After exploring the timbres of the symphony orchestra in the Autumn Term, many pupils in Year 4 came along to The Forum in Bath to experience hearing a live orchestra. As we watched ‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi’ on a gigantic screen, the orchestra performed the familiar John Williams score as the action unfolded. The descriptive power of an orchestra is truly remarkable and it was thrilling to watch the ensemble perform orchestral music in such a relevant and inspiring format. Truly, this is the best way to enjoy a film.

The much-anticipated Spring Concert did not disappoint and, having patiently waited to host our big concerts, for me, it will take a lot to relive the concerts this year. As Director of Music, it is a pleasure to see the school community come together to celebrate and share the musical achievements of Beaudesert pupils. From the opening number of ‘Despacito’ performed by the String Ensemble, to ‘The Monkees’ medley from Year 4 and ‘Seven Nation Army’ performed by Year 6 band, 100 Degrees, much fun was had by all.

Our choirs led the way in demonstrating our music for all philosophy, as they performed music by Green Day, Leonard Cohen and from the film Moana accompanied by staff bands.

Maintaining our record of approximately 150 solo entries set in 2021, many children chose to compete in the House Music Competition, representing the newly formed houses of Hazel, Maple, Rowan and Willow. After listening to 147 solos over two days, the events culminated in the highly competitive House Shout. Hazel opened the afternoon with an ambitious arrangement of ‘Footloose’, Maple entertained with an energetic performance of ‘Eye of the Tiger’, Rowan performed ‘9 to 5’ with gusto, and Willow’s performance of ‘I’m Still Standing’ was complete with air guitar solos. We were so fortunate to welcome Dominic Franks, Director of Music at Dean Close, who offered warm, generous and wise words of encouragement. Guidance from such an outstanding jazz musician should be heeded by all Beaudesert musicians now and in the years to come.

The results of the House Music Competition 2022:

Hazel 37 solo entries Maple 32 solo entries Rowan 34 solo entries Willow 44 solo entries

Singing

Beginner H Miller, Willow Grade 1 B Hulbert, Maple Grade 2 L Guise, Hazel Grade 3 M Shuttleworth, Rowan Grades 4 & 5 E Skarda, Hazel

Piano

Beginner E Turner, Rowan Prep Test W Kojima, Rowan Pre-Grade 1 J Skarda, Hazel Grade 1 J Giffard-Lindsay, Hazel Grade 2 N Berry, Rowan Grade 3 E Skarda, Hazel Grade 4 & 5 M Miller, Hazel

Strings

Beginner A Box (Guitar), Rowan Debut & Initial H Baker (Bass Guitar), Maple Grade 1 O Rowland (Guitar), Willow Grade 2 H Holmes (Guitar), Willow Grades 3 & 4 G Miller (Cello), Hazel

Drums

Beginner A Grand, Rowan Debut & Initial H Gordon, Hazel Grade 1 E Thaiss, Rowan Grade 2 S Smith, Willow Grades 3 & 4 J Lucas, Willow Grade 5 O Bullock, Hazel

Brass & Woodwind

Beginner I Thompson (Flute), Rowan Grade 1 S Smith (French Horn), Willow Grade 2 B Ratcliffe (Oboe), Willow

Woodwind

Grade 3 O de Rouet (Flute), Hazel Brass

Grade 3 R Gifford (Cornet), Maple

Brass & Woodwind Grades 4 F Haynes (Saxophone), Willow

Summer Term

After we had enjoyed much live music in the Spring Term, the children in the Prep School were excited for the performance opportunities offered in the Summer Term. All the pupils in Years 5, 6 and 7 spent the majority of the term working towards their class band performances for ‘Rock on Summer’. Demonstrating excellent teamwork, the children supported one another in learning new instruments and improving their current musical skills. The concert featured performances of ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’, ‘Budapest’, ‘500 miles’ and ‘Hey Brother’. Year 7, led by Kasper, closed the evening with a rousing performance of ‘Sweet Caroline’, with the audience up

on their feet, singing and clapping along. Live music was truly back at Beaudesert.

Year 2 musicians continued to provide delightful performance opportunities for our audiences as they shared some of their musical achievements in their concert. Featuring a wide range of solo performances, the Recorder Ensemble and the Pre-Prep Choir, our youngest musicians demonstrated excellent progress after their first year of learning musical instruments.

The Summer Concert was a fitting celebration of music this year as our instrumental ensembles, choirs and bands provided another evening of joyful musical entertainment. When reflecting upon their performances

and the standards achieved through rehearsals in break times alone, the evening was a small reflection of the commitment to music of so many. Leading the way, the Year 7 and 8 Choir gave a memorable performance of ‘Hello’ by Adele, and the Year 8 boys ended the evening on a high with a flawless performance of ‘Supersonic’ by Oasis. Once again at the Year 8 Revue, the bands provided joyful musical entertainment for all, and Ellis gave an assured and musically outstanding performance of ‘Photograph’ by Ed Sheeran, complete with impeccable management of a loop pedal…the work of a true music scholar. To bring this musical year to a close in style, Year 8 pupils Amelia, Zoe, Felix, Monty M, and Ellis gave excellent performances at Prize Giving.

Before the end of term, the Department for Education published a document, ‘The Power of Music to Change Lives’. I wish we could bottle up and share with others many of the powerful musical moments at Beaudesert this year. I am most grateful to the team of music teachers at Beaudesert, and I know that they join me in looking forward to the future as we wholeheartedly aim to continue to demonstrate the power of music to change lives. RS

Music Exam Results 2020 to 2021

Trinity Rock & Pop

P Johansen Grade 1 Drums Merit

S Smith Grade 1 Drums Merit

D Dickins Grade 1 Drums Distinction

S Smith Grade 2 Drums Merit

P Johansen Grade 2 Drums Distinction

Trinity College

S McCulloch Grade 4 Trumpet Merit

Rockschool

S Marlow Debut Drums Distinction

J Skarda Debut Drums Distinction

M Slater Debut Electric Guitar Distinction

J Acloque Debut Acoustic Guitar Distinction

G Hurrell-Ashburner Debut Acoustic Guitar Distinction

L Slater Grade 1 Drums Pass

A Forbes Grade 1 Drums Merit

M Slater Grade 1 Electric Guitar Merit

I Parkes Grade 1 Acoustic Guitar Merit

L Da Rosa Grade 1 Acoustic Guitar Merit

J Acloque Grade 1 Acoustic Guitar Distinction

J Stockdale Grade 2 Electric Guitar Merit

H Wood Grade 2 Drums Merit

A Marwood Grade 2 Drums Merit

T Greig Grade 3 Electric Guitar Merit

B Ratcliffe Grade 3 Drums Merit

J Thompson Grade 4 Acoustic Guitar Merit

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)

L Rawson

J Skarda

H Kinsella

B Elliott

E Blastland

F Lidstone

Prep Test Singing

Piano Prep Test

Piano Prep Test

Initial Grade Violin Merit

Initial Grade Piano Distinction

Initial Grade Violin Distinction

L Shaw Grade 1 Piano Pass

I Dalrymple Grade 1 Singing Pass

R Hunter Grade 1 Singing Pass

A Lucas Grade 1 Piano Pass

B Ratcliffe Grade 1 Piano Pass

P Elliott Grade 1 Clarinet Pass

A Nicholas Grade 1 Violin Merit

T Settle Grade 1 Singing Merit

L Guise Grade 1 Singing Merit

I de Horsey Grade 1 Singing Merit

C Lloyd-Baker Grade 1 Singing Merit

F Lidstone Grade 1 Singing Merit

B Tubbs Grade 1 Piano Merit

T Hamilton Grade 1 Piano Merit

R Awbery Grade 1 Trumpet Merit

S Smith Grade 1 French Horn Merit

G King Grade 1 Guitar Merit

P Floyd Grade 1 Piano Merit

B Elliott Grade 1 Violin Merit

R Spooner Grade 1 Saxophone Distinction

P Elliott Grade 1 Singing Distinction

G Gilbey Grade 1 Singing Distinction

W Edmonds Grade 2 Saxophone Pass

H Wood Grade 3 Flute Pass

W Goldstone Grade 3 Flute Pass

S Fitzpatrick Grade 2 Piano Merit

N Berry Grade 2 Piano Merit

E Robinson Grade 2 Tenor Horn Merit

E Wood Grade 2 Piano Merit

B Ratcliffe Grade 2 Oboe Merit

I Thompson Grade 2 Singing Distinction

M Shuttleworth Grade 2 Singing Distinction

E Robinson Grade 3 Guitar Pass

W Goldstone Grade 3 Piano Pass

O de Rouet Grade 3 Flute Pass

E Skarda Grade 3 Piano Pass

F Haynes Grade 4 Saxophone Merit

E Skarda Grade 4 Singing Merit

P Johansen Grade 4 Violin Merit

M Miller Grade 4 Piano Pass

G Miller Grade 4 Cello Distinction

Drama

Senior Production The Jungle Book

Year 8’s production of ‘The Jungle Book’, jointly-produced by the Drama and Music Departments was without doubt the highlight of the year. Beaudesert premiered the school version of the production, and this caught the attention of both the composer and some of the original cast, who became avid fans of the production on Twitter. Enjoyed by sell-out audiences of 180 people per night, this exciting new version of the story written by Jessica Swale, with music by Joe Stilgoe, was a celebration of diversity and the power of family, no matter what form it takes. A story for the present day, Swale’s adaptation reminded audiences of all ages that our differences only divide us if we let them.

So, when thinking about how to create a new setting for this reimagined production, the children and I were drawn to the idea of a “concrete jungle”. We were also struck by an image we had seen of the high-rise towers of Chernobyl, empty and desolate,

yet beginning to come back to life with plants and animals. Choosing to set our version of the story in Chernobyl, demonstrated a unique fusion of mankind and the animal kingdom, much like

Mowgli’s story. The over-arching concept of nature’s ability to rejuvenate and renew was the focus of our production and one which we believe was fitting for the times.

Year 7 A Masked Anthropology III

A Masked Anthropology, performed by Year 7 on Thursday, 10th and Friday, 11th March, demonstrated the impact that the new ‘mask curriculum’ has had on the pupils. The presentation showed the passage of learning from neutral mask to ‘velate’ (or veiled mask)

and larval masks (all styles of theatre originating from Europe). Two different presentations were given by the children, in which devised scenes were performed to music, in masks from the ‘Trestle Theatre’, a British physical theatre and mask company from St Albans. Musical

Year 6 Alice in Wonderland

“Off with her head!”, that was my favourite line in the Year 6 play of ‘Alice in Wonderland’. I noticed as the play went on, things only got ‘curiouser and curiouser’.

The style of our play was a promenade, and we used our space very cleverly, walking through different spaces for different scenes. It started on the top terrace (the grounds were a perfect backdrop) where Alice and her sister were reading a book together. It then proceeded to the marquee, where Alice fell down the rabbit hole, then onto the Foyer of the Performing Arts Centre where

she met the Caterpillar. Finally, we moved into the centre of the PAC, where Alice attended a tea party, and played a rather dramatic game of croquet with the Queen of Hearts.

A piece of set that took my breath away was the set of the tea party scene. All of the cups, kettles and cutlery were so bright and colourful with fabulous patterns, made out of papier-mâché.

Throughout the rehearsals and shows, each form acted as a mini theatre company.

inspiration ranged from Blondie’s ‘The Tide is High’ to the theme tune from ‘Benny Hill’. The children captured the full spectrum of emotions and audiences were left spell-bound, and in some cases, moved to tears. CC

There were the teachers, who directed the rehearsals, there were the crew (children), who oversaw music, lighting and props, and there was the cast, who helped each other with lines. Learning a play in a very short time was a challenge for everyone, but when all the students and teachers worked together, the Year 6 play of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was a successful production, and fun too.

Mabel, Year 6

Year 5 Play in a Day

Year 5’s Play in a Day, written and directed by Suki Hutcheson, took place on Monday, 7th and Tuesday, 8th February. ‘Battle of the Trees’ was an original, concentrated project for which children learnt lines and songs, and performed to an audience of 60 parents at the end of each day. The theme of the play was friendship, where the children’s gangs (the ‘Rocking Legos’, the ‘City Cousins’, the ‘Itbits’ and the ‘Pyjama Lemons’) realised their strength and potential in numbers, rather than battling to dispute their differences. It was a marvellous example of collaboration as the pupils worked creatively to produce a polished piece of theatre in just four hours. CC

Year 4 Orpheus The Deer Theatre Company

Speech & Drama

The Speech and Drama Department has seen huge successes this year. Over 130 pupils from Years 4 to 8 have taken lessons; with one of the largest uptakes by Year 4 pupils to date with 24 new boys and girls starting lessons in September. Pupils have followed the LAMDA syllabus in various disciplines including solo and duologue acting, the speaking of verse and prose, public speaking and group acting. Children were prepared for the annual exam session (5th and 6th May) with two visiting examiners from the exam board. Results were extremely impressive.

LAMDA Exam Results

Distinction 76% Pass 100%

Pupils from Years 5 to 8 were also prepared for the Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival in November, in disciplines such as Duologue Acting and Verse Speaking. Our Speech and Drama enthusiasts performed fantastically in the Duologue Acting categories, winning the following awards:

Duologue Acting Year 7

Duologue Acting Year 9 and Under

ASM

The Summer Term is always a tricky one for productions, with children being pulled hither and thither to their various commitments. It was therefore, with some trepidation that we ploughed forward with a piece of performance poetry. Orpheus, by Ted Hughes, is a beautiful poem, but the nature of it not being a straight forward play, and the Greek Theatre aspect of it, made it a challenging choice. The group did a splendid job, and worked collaboratively as a team to pull it off, despite the added nerves of having to perform outside. Well done, all!

A Christmas Carol The Hedgehog Theatre Company

Before Christmas break, 2021, we staged a play of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. Pip C, was the star as Ebenezer Scrooge with the three ghosts, Archie T, (past), Xander (present) and Thomas (future). And don’t forget Asher as Marley’s ghost! I played Mrs. Cratchit in Scrooge’s vision of Bob Cratchit’s (Chips) Christmas. The play was of selfish Ebenezer Scrooge who hates Christmas (and everyone else!) being visited by four ghosts. Marley, his selfish old pal, meets him first to show him the “chains of greed”. He is followed by The Ghost of Christmas Past, who shows him his former boss’ kindness and why his love broke up with him. The Ghost of Christmas Present shows him what people think of him and how even those unfortunate can be happy. Ghost of Christmas Future shows him what will happen if he continues his wrong doing. In the end, Ebenezer is finally happy and full of kindness for all. The production was made possible by hard-working Mrs Standen McDougal who helped us learn our lines and taught us how movement and sound can be really effective.

Catherine, Year 4

The Yellow Road The Hare Theatre Company

A drum roll introduced the unveiling of our Spring Term play, ‘The Yellow Road’. It was met with loud whoops and hurrahs until everyone realised we had the shortest term to produce something special.

With character roles decided and scripts handed out, many breaks were filled with a flurry of classmates getting together for extra practices to run lines. We knew we had to work our socks off and produce a brilliant play.

After eight weeks of solid practice and much to everyone’s delight, it was finally time to reveal the costumes. They went from munchkins wearing simple blue and red shirts, to witches wearing complicated wigs, and scarecrows looking rather funny in straw hats. The fluffy lions were particularly amusing.

One of the unforeseeable difficulties for the cast was having to learn the Box Step in time with each other. There were plenty

of bumped shoulders and trodden on toes to contend with!

Finally, performance day arrived. The PAC was transformed into a forest with green helium balloons representing trees and large blocks to add height for the cast to use. The lighting was magical and the sound effects echoed around the room. The audiences’ rapturous applause indicated any nerves had been conquered and the play had been a success!

Year 3 Just So Stories

Year 3 put on a production of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Just So Stories’. 3N’s play was ‘The Elephant’s Child’. It was about an elephant who asked ever so many questions. That was because he had insatiable curiosity. The Elephant’s Child had only a trunk that was just about as big as a boot. He ended up with his small trunk stretched by a crocodile.

Our stage had beautiful, sparkly and colourful African pillows laid perfectly across the stage. Up above us were white sheets acting like a bedroom tent. There were also shimmering fairy lights that were acting as stars in the night sky. The stage had patterned rugs that parents brought in and the rugs covered up all the space on the stage. It looked really cool. There were all sorts of props such as a washing basket, blue confetti, real bananas, fake ivy, a book and lots more. We sang as well. Our song was called ‘Questions’. It was my favourite because it was very jazzy and made me want to dance. We sang a song called ‘Dig a Little Deeper’ and ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’. I loved all of them.

The entire play was hilarious. My favourite bit was when Bertie G, the Hornet, in the yellow and brown stripey jacket, chased the Elephant’s Child round in circles. I also enjoyed the bit when Dulcie, Bertie G, and Immy came in with water pistols and sprayed us.

I was really, really sad when we walked off the stage, but I will have happy, amazing memories. I very much enjoyed doing the play and loved everything. Every time I practised, it always put a big smile on my face. What a wonderful play!

Martha, Year 3

OUTINGS AND EVENTS

Aberdovey October 2021

Covid, covid and more covid was never going to stop us from going to Aberdovey. We boarded the bus and made our way to Wales. Everyone was really excited and apprehensive at the same time, as we didn’t know what to expect. After a four hour drive with a stop enroute, we got there. The centre was next to a picturesque estuary and the sun was beaming down on us.

We were allocated our teams and shown to our rooms. I was in a group called Tenzing (named after the Sherpa who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to first climb Mount Everest), which was epic. We got changed into our swimming things and a t-shirt, and did an activity called ‘jog and dip’ –it’s in the title; run to the estuary for ten minutes and then jump into it. Yes, it was as cold as it sounds, but all good fun.

The food was fabulous with a lot of choice. My favourite night was Thursday night as we had spaghetti bolognaise and jelly, which was delicious. Breakfast was scrambled eggs and bacon or a boiled egg. Toast and cereal was always on offer. Every day we had a packed lunch and were able

to choose what we wanted which was so brilliant.

The highlight of the trip was the camping night, where we slept on Cader Idris Mountain in tents. We cooked ration packs on gas camping stoves and chatted under the stars.

We started the week uncertain, but came back as confident as ever, wanting more!

Kasper, Year 7

Our Visit to Chedworth

We jumped into the BPS mini buses and travelled along the Fosse Way to see a Roman villa. Sam was our guide. Did you know that archaeologists believe that the owner was a rich Celt? The villa was discovered by a gamekeeper in the Victorian times. He sent his dog after his ferret and tesserae were unearthed. I liked seeing the latrine. We learned that they used sponges on sticks. The kitchen had an oven like a pizza oven, and they ate roast dormice and snails. We also saw the private bath. It was a great day and I hope to go again.

Lorcan, Year 3

Above and Beyond Morning with Bart Gee

In February, as part of our Above and Beyond programme, children in Years 5 to 8 spent an inspiring morning with motivational speaker Bart Gee. Bart was born with a rare physical disability called Arthrogryposis which means that he has weak muscles and stiff joints. After Bart was born, doctors said he would never walk and may not even have the strength to be able to sit up independently. Bart started to walk when he was 3 years old, and has learned to drive, play the piano and has participated in multiple triathlons for charity.

Bart spoke to the children about how, to him, words like ‘difficult’ and ‘hard’ meant ‘possible’, and encouraged the children to

think the same when they faced challenging situations.

The children partook in a number workshops throughout the morning designed to challenge their perceptions of ‘difficult’ and ‘hard’, including orienteering, a long distance relay, building marble runs, working through puzzles in an escape room, programming LED lights and learning to write in the same way that Bart does.

It was a motivating morning ‘breaking limits’, and the children will hopefully embrace situations with a new mindset in the future.

House Declamations Competition 2022

All children in Years 3 to 8 entered our House Declamations competition. They chose and learned a poem from the Poetry by Heart collection, which they then recited to their class. Year 3 and 4 Form Teachers and Years 5 to 8 English teachers selected our finalists and Mrs Poll, a former member of the Beaudesert English Department, adjudicated our finals. We heard a lovely variety of poetry from writers including John Masefield, Philip Larkin, Edward Lear and Walter de la Mare. Congratulations to all the finalists who spoke with poise and understanding.

The winners were:

M Keay (Year 3) ‘The Potatoes My Dad Cooks’ by Joanne Limburg

T Settle (Year 4) ‘My Brother Bert’ by Ted Hughes

R Awbery (Year 5) ‘Something Told the Wild Geese’ by Rachel Field

L Goodman (Year 6) ‘The Trees’ by Philip Larkin

M Breitmeyer (Year 7) ‘Jabberwocky’ by Lewis Carroll

H Hodson (Year 8) ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ by Wilfred Owen

Well done to all the children. English Department

SL

Wilderness Centre

It was my first school trip… and I loved it. I had so much fun! We were split into four groups. My group’s first task was to build a huge catapult using wooden planks and rope. When we had finished, we fired some teddy bears into an open field. My teddy bear flew almost the length of a tennis court. Next, we did some teamwork challenges. I went with my group and did a low-ropes challenge. Then we did some orienteering. Our

Cornwall

Just after the week of Common Entrance, we were lucky enough to go to Polzeath in Cornwall, where we had a lot of opportunities to do tonnes of exciting activities such as kayaking, coasteering, surfing, Masterchef and a coastal walk.

Scarlett C, Year 8

Kayaking and Coasteering

It took a long time to get ready, firstly getting into our kit, then travelling to the beach. After getting ready, we had a quick tutorial on how to paddle and steer efficiently, after that we went on our way. It was not a race and there was no pressure to go fast, we were all put into groups of two. We stopped a few times on the way and splashed around, giving our arms a break. Just before we went back to our starting point, they gave us a hot chocolate and some biscuits as a snack. When we got back to the beach we had a long break, took our gear off and had our lunch before going coasteering.

In my opinion, the most enjoyable part of the trip, after the kayaking, and lunch,

total amount of points was 552 points. The final task was to drop eggs from the roof of the building. We spent our points on materials to stop the eggs from cracking. Amazingly, all of our eggs survived the agonising fall! Then most of us fell asleep on the way home. I really enjoyed the trip and learnt that teamwork, kindness and friendship helps you become a better person.

Sam, Year 4

was the coasteering. There was a lot of gear: wetsuits, wetshorts, wetboots, helmets and a buoyancy aid. We got into the water after a short walk and then split into two groups. We scrambled across the rock faces and started jumping off from different heights before swimming around in the cold sea. The final jump was approximately 30 feet tall. It was quite scary and, once I had jumped, it felt like I was in the air forever, but it was very fun and gave me a boost of adrenaline. It was the most fun I had in Cornwall.

Edward W, Year 8

pudding… We also made the judges a pot of tea but by the time the teachers (the judges) had come, the tea was cold and the chicken went hard.

Tinks, Year 8

Surfing

Masterchef

We were given £10 to spend at the Spar in Polzeath. My caravan attempted to make fajitas but that was a fail as we didn’t buy enough chicken fillets, so we could only have one piece of chicken per wrap! So we resorted to Pot Noodles and rice

One of the highlights of the Cornwall trip was surfing. We learnt the steps to stand up and had many competitions, my favourite of which was on our last day. We divided into groups and had a competition on who could do the best tricks. My group did not do very well but it was definitely a close match. For my favourite trick, you had to sit cross-legged, having caught a wave, then you had to lie down, get up and sit cross-legged again. The ‘dancing part’ was an extra part me and Paddy liked to do; you stand on your board after sitting and do as many 180s as you can.

Hugo H, Year 8

Going for Green

This year saw the School get involved with the largest educational programme on the planet; the Eco-schools initiative. The aim is to empower young people all over the world to drive change and improve environmental awareness in their school and local communities. There has never been a more important time for schools to lead in all aspects of sustainability and for children to know they can make a difference.

As a student-led programme, we formed an Eco-Club in the Pre-Prep and a committee of keen children from Years 3 to 8 in the Prep School. We conducted an Environmental Review to see how the School was doing across ten topics, and then had the tricky task of deciding which three topics we would work on this year. Biodiversity, waste and litter were the areas where there were lots of energy and ideas.

Eco-Club got to work finding out about all their favourite meals to try and combat food waste, and spread the word about why a clean plate is good for you and the environment. They also made sure some cake didn’t go to waste. The Prep School team baked some cakes (there is a theme here!), and gathered seeds and plants from the school community for a fantastic fundraiser which funded bat

and bird boxes, along with a donation to the World Wildlife Fund. The DT Scholars also made some bird boxes for the grounds from wood from the School. We then made sure the grounds were safe for wildlife with some summer litter picks!

It is fantastic to be able to say all this effort has paid off and we have been awarded Eco-school status! No time to rest though, as the new term approaches, the process starts all over again. We will build upon our successes, and know there is still so much more we can do to reduce our impact alongside embedding care for nature and the environment in our curriculum and ethos. GW

Equestrian Report

It has been one of the busiest years to date for the Beaudesert Equestrian Team and, as the 2021-2022 season draws to a close, I would like to say ‘thank you’ to those who have competed for us over the year and who will be going on to pastures new in September. Tinks and Isla R have been stalwarts of the team since they were in Year 3, Jemima not long after and, more recently, Esme and Indigo G have been wonderful additions to the squad.

The season started with a fabulous win for the 80cm team at the Cheltenham

Ladies’ Show Jumping weekend at Rectory Farm, qualifying them for the NSEA Championships at Keysoe. Eleonora and Rufus B were also placed in the top three of the 70cm and 80cm classes, qualifying them as individuals, and we had teams qualify for the Grassroots and Plate Championships which were held in December.

The winning streak continued and at the Dean Close Arena Eventing competition at the end of October, our 70cm team came second and the 80cm team once

again took the top spot along with the top three individual placings going to Iris W, Rufus B and Ottilie, qualifying both teams and individuals for the Hickstead Championships in May.

Throughout the Autumn and Spring Terms, teams competed at Rectory Farm for the Pinewood JwS, West Wilts for the Dauntsey’s SJ, Kings Bromyard for the Grassroots Championships at which Amelie L came 5th in the 50cm, Keysoe for the NSEA Championships at which we came Team 7th and Ottilie de R was 6th individually, both of which were amazing, and numerous other outings to Allen’s Hill, Rectory and West Wilts at which we always came home with a wonderful number of placings.

The start of the Summer Term saw our biggest number of children competing to date, with 42 entries for Rendcomb’s Show Jumping Competition. We came home with team and individual placings in every class from the 40cm to the 90cm. In Half Term, the Arena Eventing squad headed to Hickstead for the Championships and all rode brilliantly, gaining a wealth of experience and memories from their trip. We were not placed, but there were some wonderful clears over a very long, big, technical course.

The Dean Close and The Elms competitions in June brought out lots of our Grassroots jumpers, starting off their journey within the team, and we finished off the year with our annual Beaudesert Horse Show which was a great success, with 45 ponies and 39 children competing against and supporting each other at Rectory Farm; always one of my favourite days of the year.

The last thing for me to say is a huge ‘thank you’ to all the parents for their continued support and efforts when it comes to getting the children and ponies to the shows; there have been some very long days and journeys, and it is really appreciated.

French Trip

Bonjour! Year 7 were lucky enough to have a week away in Normandy. The trip started off with a bus ride to Portsmouth to board a ferry which took us to Caen. We arrived at a hostel in Bernières-sur-Mer at around 10pm.

On Day Two, we were all given ten euros to spend in Courseulles-sur-Mer (at the market), which was extremely chaotic as the whole street was flooded with excited and confused Beaudesertians. After, we went to a World War Two cemetery, where we paid our respects to many French, Canadian, English, and German soldiers. We all went around in threes or fours to find certain soldier’s graves that the staff had researched about. Next (as it was D-Day week), we went to Arromanches (D-Day landings) where Mr Curr gave us an excellent lesson on the events of D-Day and we watched a film in the 360 degree cinema about the soldiers.

The next day, we took a trip to Mont Saint-Michel. It took a long time to get there but it was absolutely worth it for all the amazing shops and beautiful views. We were all given twenty euros to spend on souvenirs and also told to buy a postcard and stamp so that we could write in French to our families about our experience. We all bought such weird and wonderful gifts to bring back home and

I’m sure all the families were grateful (and maybe a bit confused, I know my family were).

On Thursday, we all took a trip to a French school where we were put into groups with three Beaudesert children and two French children. Everyone was super nice and friendly, and I think everyone had an exciting time connecting with the pupils. After we visited the school, we went to see some goats on a French

goat farm. The farmer’s name was Tony Leblanc, and he was very nice and talked to us in French a lot to help us speak more French and expand our learning of the language. We all fed the goats and bonded with them, then we tried milking them. It was so fun. Then we got back onto the coach and headed to the crêperie, which was our last treat before heading back on the ferry the next day, and sailing away back to home sweet home.

Iris A, Year 7

Olympic Hockey Skills Session

This year our Sports Department welcomed three members of the men’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Great British hockey team for a Q&A and hockey skills masterclass with girls and boys in Years 3 to 8.

Chris Griffiths (Forward), Liam Ansell (Forward), and Rupert Shipperley (Midfielder/Forward) spoke to the children in Years 5 to 8 about their experiences at the Tokyo 2020 Games. They explained what it was like to play at an international level, how they prepared, and how they felt about their final match against India in the quarter-finals.

The children were eager to ask questions about what the Olympic Village was like and what the squad had been doing since they returned. Each of the Olympic players then led hockey skills workshops with different age groups.

Chris and Liam, both bronze medallists at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, led sessions focussing on attacking skills, shooting techniques and stick skills. Rupert, captain of the Welsh hockey team, worked with the players on movement with passing, and one-on-one attacking and defending.

All of the children had a wonderful afternoon and a few were lucky enough to get their sticks signed by the players.

SL

Trip to Pitt Rivers Museum and Museum of Natural History

On a sunny morning on the first week of term, the Year 8s set off to Oxford for the Natural History and Pitt Rivers museums. We are currently studying Haida totem poles in art and we are going to be making some of our own. Haida totem poles originate from Native North American history, so we went to familiarise ourselves with their tribal art and culture. We also visited the Museum of Natural History to examine a variety taxidermy and dinosaur skeletons. One of the best parts of the day was sketching the animals. I sketched an Albatross. I tried to include the intricate feathers of the bird which was challenging but a lot of fun. After lunch we then entered the Pitt Rivers museum and were immediately greeted by a huge totem pole that looked about 50 feet tall. We were treated to a talk of Haida art by one of the museum’s curators. We learnt about how British

Egyptian Day

We had a complete day of history! Dr Worrall set up some boards and we discovered facts about Ancient Egypt. I found out that the last Pharaoh was Cleopatra and the first pyramid was the Great Pyramid. Next, we read hieroglyphs

colonialists had stolen the totem pole and many Haida artefacts. We then practised sketching the Haida art in the museum. I drew parts of the totem pole. It was very complex and it featured many creatures like eagles, frogs, monkeys and bears. My favourite part of the totem pole were the watchers on top. They were humans that were supposed to look out to sea to look out for invaders. My favourite part of the trip was the Museum of Natural History because I love animals, and I saw creatures that were entirely new to me. The museum trip helped me acquaint myself with Haida artistic style that I find very vibrant, with bright primary colours which draw the eye. Some of the animals at the Museum of Natural History inspired me to include them on my totem pole design. What a great day out. Our first trip out since Year 5!

Rafe H, Year 8

and then we played an Egyptian game. I loved it! After lunch, there was a mummification table. I thought that Dr Worrall was going to mummify me! But soon I knew that she was not going to. She had a doll called Jeff. Issy and Margaret washed Jeff. Then Dr Worrall took a hook and stuck it up Jeff’s nose and

mushed up his brain. Next, she took the organs out and put them in Canopic jars. Finally, we played a hunting game. There was a hippo, and a crocodile that scored twenty points. My team won! We had such a good day. My favourite moment of all was the mummification because it was so funny!

Immy, Year 3

Year 8 trip to Devon

After a brief delay due to covid testing, five buses headed south down the motorway to Devon. After a quick pit stop at Taunton and a further hour’s drive, we arrived at Haytor on Dartmoor. The weather was glorious; the view from the top was breathtaking. We enthusiastically tucked into our packed lunches of rolls, crisps and fruit on the top of the tor before heading off to Plymouth to look around the National Marine Aquarium.

We arrived at Battisborough House in time to see its wonderful location looking out over the sea before the sun set. After

an excellent supper of pizza and chips with plenty of salad, everyone settled down to a good night’s sleep. The fire alarm before breakfast made sure everyone was there on time. A ‘Full English’ set us up for the day. We headed off to Dartmoor – this time to Princetown. We walked a mile or so up to a tor where we did some scrambling on some of the lower rocks before finding a suitable place out of the cool breeze for our lunches. We had an appointment with HM Prison, Dartmoor. Their museum was full of memorabilia and the guides, who were ‘prion warders’, had plenty of stories; some amusing and others shocking.

Another hearty supper was followed by a General Knowledge House Quiz; Mr Burns did a fine job as compère. Again, everyone was keen to get into their beds after a day on the moor.

We did not have to rise as early as Lawrence, the dairy farmer, who showed us around the farm. It was an enthralling insight for many of the group who had not been to a dairy farm and seen how they operate. It turned out to be a cross-curricular exercise: the Science Department got excited about how they used heat transfer to cool the milk and warm the water to wash the parlour; the Maths Department had to work out percentages and profit margins, and the Geography Department looked at the climate of Britain and found out why Devon is so well suited to dairy farming. The highlight of many was to taste the award winning Surfing Cow ice creams, with varieties ranging from Devon Dairy Choc Chip to Rum and Raisin.

In the afternoon, we headed off to Mothecombe Beach, and after a while hunting for crabs in the rock pools or playing rugby on the beach, they were set a House Challenge of building the best sandcastles. Awards were given for the best design, best artistic flare, best use of resources and the overall winner. After dark, Spotlight was played before heading up to the dormitories for a good sleep knowing we had a busy day ahead of us.

After another delay, we set off up to Yeovilton to The Fleet Air Arm Museum. Time was not on our side, we could have spent all day in the four hangars but sadly, we had a fraction of the time. It is amazing how quickly the Age of Flight developed; 50 years after the Wright brothers flew, men were on the moon.

We jumped into the minibuses and headed for home. Four days, three nights and plenty of food later we arrived back at School. A big thank you for everyone who was involved, supporting the trip and making it all possible.

Year 6 Trip to Chepstow and Tintern Abbey

On the penultimate day of the Summer Term, the Year 6s were taken to Chepstow to visit the castle and then after a short drive, a walk around the ruins of Tintern Abbey.

We arrived in good time and were very fortunate to see a display of weapons and armour. The children loved being able to pick up and handle the weapons as well as putting on chainmail and helmets.

We wandered around the castle, quickly understanding the strategic position the castle holds on the cliffs above the River Wye. The features that had been studied in lessons were pointed out; round towers, portcullis groves, murder holes, arrow loops and the Great Hall.

After our packed lunch, we moved onto Tintern. The old monastery is situated in a tranquil setting further up the valley from Chepstow. The Year 6s were free to

wander in the grounds of the Abbey and find out information on how the monks lived their lives and the building in which the community existed.

Aberdovey June 2022

The Year 8s returned to school in high spirits following an exciting (if much delayed!) trip to Snowdonia National Park with the Outward-Bound Trust. Based in a secluded part of Wales around the Dovey River, the students participated in many tasks designed to help with character building and team communication. During the course of the week, the students were encouraged to partake in a number of challenging activities to find a deeper awareness of themselves and their abilities.

These activities included raft building along the estuary, abseiling, and an overnight hike through Snowdonia National Park, where students had to climb Tarrenhendre, one of the mountain peaks along Snowdonia, and then spent the night in tents by a mountain lake.

Some of the us also took part in the Jacob’s Ladder challenge where we climbed up a series of suspended logs and our fellow

climbers had to assist us in order for everyone to make it to the top.

The best part of the week for many of the group was definitely the team sailing on the estuary in a nine-man cutter boat. Each participant had their own individual role to play on the boat so the entire crew could sail smoothly and safely. This without a doubt made our week. After both teams started an informal race; both

The trip was finished off, on this very hot day, with a refreshing ice cream before heading back to School.

JSSM

worked their hardest to win in this friendly competition.

I felt that this week was a great success for all, as we all returned from Wales more confident and happy than we were before. Perhaps this trip will help us all as we start our senior school careers. Thank you to all the instructors and teachers that made this week happen.

Rafe H, Year

ALUMNI

Surviving and Thriving with Life Changing Injuries

David Higgs (1969–1974)

To be face down in water unable to move is an unnerving experience. It was the 27th June, 1986, shortly after my 25th birthday. Having completed 2 years training at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth and then at sea, including time in a Hong Kong patrol ship and a Leander-class frigate, I had flown to Toulon to join HMS Kellington as the Minewarfare Officer.

The ship had stopped at Portimão on its return to our home base at Rosyth. An afternoon at the beach was a welcome break from the busy routine on the ship, but on diving into the sea I had badly misjudged the depth and hit my head hard on the seabed, breaking my neck.

You often hear the phrase ‘life changing injuries’. I was about to find out what that meant. I spent 9 months in the specialist spinal unit in Salisbury receiving the best possible care and preparation for life in a wheelchair, paralysed from the chest down, with limited movement of my arms and no use of my hands.

Having briefly worked in the legal profession before joining the Navy, I was fortunate to have an alternative career to fall back on. After 2 years at Bristol Polytechnic completing the Law Society exams, I was taken on by Osborne Clarke in Bristol as a litigation solicitor.

For the following 11 years I enjoyed a varied career, mainly dealing with matters in the financial services and property sectors, the highlight being a 10 day trial in the House of Lords.

In 2004, I took a role as an in-house solicitor with the Bank of Ireland in Bristol, which presented many interesting challenges, not least working through the consequences of the financial crash of 2008.

In 2018, I decided that it was time to find a different challenge, hopefully involving an interest outside of work. A chance meeting with the Chairman of the Cotswold Canals Trust later that year meant that my offer to be their volunteer legal advisor was readily accepted. In 2020, I became the Trustee and Director responsible for the charity’s legal and governance matters.

The phased restoration of the canal, which connects the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal with the Thames, is a massive but exciting undertaking, hugely reliant on the wide range of skills of the charity’s many volunteers as well as of the support of its members.

The first phase of the restoration was to restore the section which runs through Stroud. The next phase is to restore the section between Stonehouse and Saul Junction, where the canal will join the existing Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, and so link to the national canal network.

The restoration and continuing maintenance of the canal will need many volunteers and supporters. So please join us in restoring the canal, but please don’t dive into the water.

www.cotswoldcanals.org

ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE DARTMOUTH 1984 (NEAREST THE CAMERA)

DAVID WITH HIS WIFE AND SON ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA

DRAKE’S TRAIL IN DARTMOOR

DAVID BY THE CANAL NEAR WALLBRIDGE UPPER LOCK, STROUD

Dynamite Strings!

Georgina Leach (1994–1996)

Music Scholarship to Cheltenham Ladies’ College. There, I realised that music was my calling and went on to study at the RNCM and Manchester University concurrently.

I had just walked onstage at Wembley to join blues artist Seasick Steve when he growled this request into the mic. Turning to me with a grin, he added under his breath “I just wanted you to see how many people there actually are out there!”

Whilst the sight of twelve thousand brightly lit expectant faces didn’t exactly help to steady my nerves, it is a moment forever etched on my memory. If someone had told my nine year old self I’d one day be standing on that stage playing alongside just one other musician, I would never have believed them!

Starting Suzuki violin lessons at four, playing my violin was as normal to me as brushing my teeth. When I came to Beaudesert aged eight, I signed up for every concert, art project and drama production that was on offer. I have particularly fond memories of the Pottery Studio and being cast as detective in a murder mystery play. For some reason, I decided my character was Scottish – just try saying ‘Burglar Alarm’ in a broad Glaswegian accent!

My year group at Beaudesert was very sporty and sometimes it was challenging finding the discipline to practise my violin when the hockey pitch beckoned. Luckily, I kept going strong and won the Major

Discovering a flair for improvisation, I threw myself into all sorts of diverse musical projects. My versatility set me apart and soon I was touring the UK and Europe which was incredibly exciting. A stint in klezmer group Oi Va Voi took me to arenas in Turkey and Greece, and playing for musical theatre star Ramin Karimloo led to performances in Japan and Canada. Seasick Steve invited me to play the Royal Albert Hall and headline Latitude. He also presented me with a gold record which is proudly hung on my wall.

In addition to performing, I have been running violin projects in inner-London state schools for the last twelve years. My first tutor book, Dynamite Strings Violin Book 1 has just been published and includes Bluegrass, Disco and even Grunge Rock tracks: I’m on a mission to make sure young violinists never feel constrained by genre. The backing tracks are recorded by my friends who are all top session musicians –I want my students to be playing along with the best!

Pursuing a career in music is not without its challenges, but I have carved out a varied, interesting and rewarding work life that I absolutely love. I count myself as extremely lucky to have been offered such exciting opportunities in music, drama and art from a young age. It doesn’t matter whether or not

you turn professional, an inspiring arts education not only brings joy, but helps develop qualities and skills that will be invaluable throughout life. I am thrilled to hear that Beaudesert has invested in its Performing Arts Centre and that music has such a high profile at School – I can’t wait to visit!

You can find out more about Georgina’s projects by visiting www.dynamitestringsmusic.com and www.georginaleach.co.uk

“Can we get the house lights turned up for a minute?”

PERFORMING AT WEMBLEY STADIUM

DUELLING WITH ETHAN JOHNS

WRONG KEY WITH RAMIN KARIMLOO

Life as an Adventurer

Richard Lovell (1952–1957)

Following A Levels in French and German at Sherborne, Richard attended Heidelberg University and spent much of his career at a leading London stockbrokers and as a consultant in Hampshire. With a steady working life, Richard has sought thrills outside of work, taking on exciting challenges to raise money for worthy charities. He has sent Beaudesert a number of essays of his adventures, including running the London Marathon and venturing to Kilimanjaro, raising a combined total of £14,000 for charity.

Here are a few extracts from his adventures in the Arctic, where he completed an expedition with eight other novices to the North Pole for the Motor Neuron Disease Association.

“So finally we were dressed and ready, each individual alone with his thoughts, cocooned from each other, the elements and reality. In my case, I was wearing 28 items of clothing (14 of which were socks and gloves), and had eight separate items slung around my neck ranging from an Olympus camera to a Magellan Global Positioning System. On my back was a rucksack carrying a thermos flask and my lunch for the day, round my waist a bum bag full of my polar bear protection kit; my daughter’s rape alarm, cracker shells, solid slugs and a sub-aqua diving knife. As

we slid down West Cornwallis Island, my ‘what-if’s were falling through thin ice; polar bear attacks, bodily functions, the coming cooking ordeal and keeping a close eye on all my clothes and apparel. I’m sure the others entertained similar thoughts, but there was no way of knowing, as they were hooded and balaclava’d into their own individual worlds. Each person wore a ski hat of his choice as a distinguishing feature.”

“The sun shone as we tramped out of Dundee Bight, a most beautiful natural harbour, and we saw our second set of animals – a couple of seals poking out of the ice holes. Instinct told me that we were entering the kingdom of the ice bear. Seals are the staple diet of this strangely beautiful arctic animal and it was not long before we crossed an almost perfect set of bear tracks. Shortly afterwards, a member of our party spotted a polar bear about 400 yards away, walking in a parallel Northerly direction. Although prepared for an encounter of this kind, I did not put up a very good show. I went simultaneously for my camera, my binoculars and my shotgun, with the net result that all the items round my neck became tangled together and had to be dumped in a heap on the ice!”

“We moved out onto the open sea and for two weeks walked on breakable crust,

interspersed with soft snow, pressure ridges and ice-rubble. It now became a hard man’s trip: calories were burning off faster – I had already lost a stone in weight – and one’s body and muscles were beginning to break down. With a white beard, a front tooth broken on a Pepperami and a glazed arctic stare, I was now known as the pirate, rather than the more friendly ‘Father Christmas’ of the first two weeks. At the point of exhaustion there was no time to ruminate; any abstract thoughts were completely banished from one’s mind as one dropped yet again through the breakable crust, or one’s pulk overturned obstinately into an ice hollow. All one’s mental energies were concentrated into surviving the next step of this ritualistic and remorseless polar plod.”

Richard’s team took 28 days to reach the Magnetic North Pole and raised a substantial sum of money for charity. Richard now lives in Hampshire and fondly remembers his time at Beaudesert, winning the Victor Ludorum in 1957.

ACTIVITIES

Euro Club

We had a fantastic time at Euro Club this term, learning all about the cultures of different countries, their food and language. I particularly enjoyed our ‘virtual’ trip to Portugal presented by Sasha, who introduced us to “Pastéis de Nata”(custard tarts). They were delicious! I also loved the “proper” Spanish chorizo that Ella introduced us to, it was far tastier than you can buy in the supermarkets at home. When we spent an evening focussing on Italy, we had a lot of fun making our own pasta, but there was a lot of clearing up to do afterwards! Thank you to Mme Bradley for making Euro Club so fun, and for helping us learn more about the continent through all the fun quizzes.

Jack, Year 8

Weaving Activity

The weaving activity is amazing, you can make a great piece of artwork while having a great time. All you need is some wool and a frame, which is provided. It takes place on a Tuesday afternoon and we hope to see you there.

Genevieve, Year 6

Debating

Debating is an activity run by Mrs Austen, on Tuesdays for Years 5 and 6, and Thursdays for Years 7 and 8. It is really fun and it is a great way to learn things about others’ opinions on random topics that you would never normally talk about. You get to learn and research facts about completely random subjects.

You get to spend time with your friends creating your debate, and talking about what you are going to present. Another enjoyable aspect of debating is asking questions about what other people are debating and hearing the response.

Altogether I think debating is a really fun way to spend your evening. There is a laid back

attitude, but there is a more serious side when proposing your argument. All of that is happening while you are

socialising with your friends, and people you would not usually hang out with.

Paddy, Year 8

Warhammer and Airfix Club

Warhammer and Airfix are both models you build with plastic and glue, and paint with special model paint. In the activity you can use one of the sets the teacher brings, or you can bring your own. I think it’s a really good hobby and activity because if you are stressed, making models can take your mind off whatever you are worried about.

Harrison, Year 5

Photography

Photography is a fun activity because you get to run around the School with iPads, or if you have one you can bring in your own camera. Miss Lodge gives everyone a theme, for example last week we did angles and this week we did activities (taking photos of other activities). You

have to get back to the classroom in half an hour from when you start. My personal favourite subject to photograph is nature, such as the Wellingtonia and the woods. I like keep my photos raw not edited, other people have different opinions.

James B, Year 5

Mindful Mandalas

I do mindful mandalas, this means I colour in intricate patterns. I really like it because it is relaxing and I do it with my friends. You can pick your design and listen to music which is really nice. I am really happy with what I have done so far and I think that doing colouring with your friends is a really nice way to end the day.

Libby, Year 7

Mountain Biking

I like the mountain biking activity because it’s so much fun going around the Common with your friends. Mr Dill shows us great hills to ride and jump. Occasionally we all compete against each other to see who can get the most air off a jump! It is really fun when we discover new places and ride them together.

Sholto, Year 7

Jewellery

This year I have been lucky enough to be involved in a Jewellery activity, this was such a fantastic experience for me because I love to make things that have a use. This activity has been such great fun and I really enjoyed the experience of creating different types of jewellery. There was such a great variety of jewels, beads and different types of chains, which made it really fun to plan and make the jewellery. I think it was really valuable to have a fantastic teacher that coached us all the way through the process.

The process was really important because we were using valuable and sometimes rare materials. First we learnt the basic coil wrap technique on a small piece of chain, then we began to plan our final piece and last we created the finished product. The whole activity was definitely an extremely valuable way to spend the sessions, and at the end we came away with valuable skills and a beautiful piece of jewellery.

Sophie Ra., Year 8

Yoga

I like yoga because there is always a fun or a nice thing to do. Each yoga lesson feels like a different adventure. One lesson might be in the Sahara Desert, and the next one might be in Antarctica. I would definitely recommend it. It is a great thing to do as a hobby. It is so, so, so good. I love it.

Chloe P, Year 3

Contemporary Dance

I really enjoy contemporary dance. It’s fun because we learn a new dance every week or practise the one from the week before, and we also make our own dances. Every week we play games, such as making objects with our bodies. So far my favourite dance has been to ‘My Future’ by Billie

Eilish. We used a lot of momentum and Miss Lang had some great ideas for moves.

I think dance is really fun because you also get exercise and it is nice at the end of the day. Also you have a chance to have fun with your friends and meet other years.

We laugh a lot.

At the very end, we do a relaxing cool down. We lie down on the floor and do stretches. We always talk about what we have done. It is really good fun.

Bonnie, Year 5

Exploring New Pursuits

Children at Beaudesert Park School are lucky enough to pursue a plethora of passions and pastimes throughout the school day. From Bushcraft and Ballet to instrumental and LAMDA lessons, every child is encouraged to explore their hobbies and try new things. Who knows if these will become a lifelong hobby, or a career option in their future. Outside of school, Beaudesertians are exploring their individual interests, increasing their appetite for learning and growth mindset opportunities.

Rosie – Gymnastics

Mia – Skiing

While skiing is a popular holiday activity for many of our children, Mia in Year 3 skis competitively with her local club, Western Counties Ski Club. Mia started skiing just before her fifth birthday and, even with a break in her training due to covid, she has been competing in a number of races this year including representing Beaudesert at the National Schools Snowsport Association Race Leagues, where she was the fastest girl in both the U8 and U10 categories. Mia trains twice a week. She competes in the slalom and giant slalom, and has enjoyed skiing in Glenshee and in the Nevis range this year on holiday.

Rosie started doing gymnastics when she was 7 years old, after a friend had started and asked her to join. She practises once a week with Cotswold Gymnastics Club and has recently achieved her Level 5 award. She loves to do flips, and her favourite piece of apparatus is the uneven bars.

Henry and Edward – Ice Hockey

Brothers Henry and Edward play ice hockey with the Swindon Wildcats, in their U10 Cubs team. The duo enjoy their ice skating so much, the family turned one of their farm’s barns into a roller hockey arena during lockdown so they could continue to practice.

As part of the U10 cubs, the boys train at least once a week and play in matches every two weeks against teams in Basingstoke, Oxford and Solent.

This year, Henry, who is currently in Year 1, played in his first ice hockey match alongside big brother Edward. Henry won the ‘Spirit of the Game’ medal for his performance.

Harry – Bee Keeping

Harry in Year 7 has become an avid bee keeper in recent years. The family visited friends who kept bees and decided to try it themselves. They currently have one hive but are hoping to add a second this year. The family keep Buckfast bees, a breed of honey bee which produces over 40 jars of honey a year. On the weekends, Harry goes out to feed the hive if needed, check on the bees’ health, and see if the queen is laying eggs. Harry’s swarm can fluctuate between 5,000 and 60,000 bees in the summer months! Harry is very passionate about bee keeping, as it is good for the planet and he likes the bees.

PRE-PREP DEPARTMENT

their language learning, and their music lessons. We are all lucky to be here, and I feel very privileged to be a part of this unique community.

We’ll start to think what else we need Or think, at least, we do.

BUT….

Welcome children, parents and staff, to our Pre-Prep Prizegiving on this beautiful summery afternoon.

It has been an exciting year of learning for us all. I have seen children blossom in their friendships, their confidence, their self-awareness and their resilience. I have seen teachers thinking deeply about what and how we teach our children and sharing ideas about how we can make this even better. I have seen parents getting positively involved in the life of the School, becoming parent helpers, joining us for events and excursions. And I would like to say a very special thank you to our Year Group Reps and parent helpers this year.

There have been so many special occasions over the year. Our Fireworks event, our Remembrance Service, our Nativity, our Easter Egg Hunt, our House competitions, our World Book Day, our guest speakers, our Jubilee Celebration, our Class Assemblies, our trips, our musicians’ concert, and our Sports Day.

But this is just part of the picture, the icing on the cake. The main ingredients are all the things that our children experience each and every day in this wonderful place. Their days are brimming with learning and opportunity, with their excellent teachers in class, their wonderful environment for playing and socialising each day, their sport, their Forest School,

However, there have also been struggles along the way. In Pre-Prep we are learning who we are, how we behave, what we like, what we don’t; and as we learn about these things, we meet challenges, have disagreements, and make mistakes. How we face these challenges and learn from these mistakes may just possibly be the most important part of our learning. A positive outlook, a sense of gratitude and perspective will help us with this. And so, I have written a poem to share with you today which I hope will be helpful, not just for you, children, but for all of us adults as well, as we are all learning and improving each day.

Advice

Surround yourself with goodness And here’s the reason why It’s good actions, thoughts and people That will help us really fly.

If all our day-to-days are filled With grumbles, grumps and groans With ‘why didn’t I get this thing’ With ‘that’s not fair’, with moans,

Then even if we get the thing we think we want, Or stop the thing we didn’t want from being what we got,

We likely won’t be happy as we’ll just want something new,

If all our days are filled With acts of kindness large or small, With smiling at a passer by, With kicking back the ball,

With telling people all the things We like about them best, Not sweating all the small stuff, But focusing on the rest,

With pausing every morning To look at where we are, With spreading out our gratitude To people near and far;

Then you will find that people flow to you, Your joy will multiply, And round and round this joy will go And come back by and by.

So name the things you’re glad for, Say thanks to those who care, Step into conversations And be the first to share.

And seek out all the people Who have happy things to say, Who tell us why they like us, Who invite us in to play.

Surround yourself with goodness, And here’s the reason why: It’s good actions, thoughts and people That will help us really fly.

The Nursery

Reception

BEN WORLD BOOK DAY 2022

SLIMBRIDGE

ADA P EMILY

MARTHA-MARY

MAX BO.

ALFIE M

FLORA T

ROSE T

LOUIS K PIP L

MIMI

WORLD BOOK DAY 2022

EDWARD G

OTTO BA.

COLOURS

Year 1

Dear Father Christmas, How are you? How do you go down the chimney without breathing? Are the elves being good? How do you fly over the sea? How do you fly with all the presents?

Letter to Father Christmas by Milo

AMELIE K

ELEANOR

ARTHUR F

BRISTOL AQUARIUM

AXELLE

HUMPHREY

When it was raining in the sea, it started to thunder. It was cold, it was snowing. My dog doesn’t like rain. He had a bath.

We wore wellie boots. It was really windy.

Weather report by Emma

NINA

JESSE

WORLD BOOK DAY 2022

DELPHIE

Year 2

A Fireworks Poem

Flashing fireworks in the night sky. White, pink and silver shimmering in the sky.

Booming and crackling fireworks, twirling and twisting in the sky. Catherine wheels spinning in the air. Sparklers glittering all around. Rockets zooming through the air. Rattling, banging rockets shooting through the air.

We love fireworks.

Belle and Sabrina

HENRY L

ATTI

MARINA

OLIVER S

ROSE S

27th January 1862

It was time for me to get up to another hot day. My back was sore from when I scraped it on the roof.

I was scared, frightened, terrified that there was going to be a rock fall.

I had to stay awake because if I didn’t my boss would beat me. All I could see was pitch black. All I could hear was people shouting and banging and crashing. All I could taste was dust and coal. At the end of the day

I was so tired and I was ready to go to bed.

Diary extract of a Victorian child, by Vivian

CLEMMIE

SPORTS DAY

FRED W

JOSHUA

THORIN

On the African Plains

One morning on the hot, sunny plains, the animals woke up. There was a pride of lions heading for a waterhole, a herd of zebras heading to a big patch of grass, and a pack of wild dogs by a group of gazelle. Some lion cubs were getting hungry.

“Can we have some food, mummy?” said the lion cubs.

The lioness replied, “OK, me and your dad will go and have a look. I think I heard some zebras somewhere.”

And the lion and the lioness went hunting. As they walked, they caught sight of a herd of zebras running on a patch of grass. The lions pounced on one and dragged it back to where the cubs were. When the cubs saw it they were very happy. They were even happier when their dad said, “Let’s have a feast!”

So they all filled their tummies up until they all fell asleep.

Whitney, Year 2

MAX T

WALTER

ANTHOLOGY

Highland Memories

As I close my eyes, I can still see bulging hills that own the fields. Or the plump trees that sit on the hills, like mould in an out of date pack of yogurts, spreading like wild fire. Oh, how I miss looking up and seeing the blossoming clouds peacefully walking across the sky, like graceful swans in a lake. I remember the gorgeous flowers; buttercups, tulips and the beautiful daisies. The buttercups were my personal favourites, as their magnificent colour reminded me of the golden beams of the farmer’s best friend, the sun. When I used to play outside, I would run my fingers through the dampened grass and collect all the morning dew with it. I wish I could go back to the good old days when I would skip around in the fields of wheat.

Tahlia, Year 6

A Cautionary Tale

There once was a girl called Ele

Who watched far too much telly She kept her eyes glued to the screen And when she wanted her tea She would eat it staring in front of the TV

She never went to her bedroom to get some sleep

Her life really was quite bleak Everyday went on and on Until one day it all went wrong

You see little Ele just watched too much telly

And when the bad day came about Her eyes just dropped out So little children remember Ele And make sure not to watch too much telly

Willa, Bonnie and Hope, Year 5

In the Agora

“Mother, mother? Where are you?” Philipes was in a big, bustling agora in a small cramped, pokey corner which smelt like her family’s old, smelly chicken pen which had not been cleaned out for years. Philipes looked around her. Philipes saw a hard working blacksmith with small, fast, racing balls of sweat dribbling from his head. Philipes was hungry and there was a lingering smell of a large slab of meat nearby. The temptation was big to quickly run and grab the big slab of juicy meat, and run to the small, pokey corner and nibble it bit by bit. Philipes didn’t dare to, because there was a big, bulky soldier with a large deadly spear near the meat. Philipes was starting to get hot, after all the sun was a blazing ball of fire in the sky. It was the middle of the day and it was starting to get very busy, and Philipes was very overwhelmed. As it was starting to get late, it wasn’t as buzzy and bustling anymore, and there were no more things in the market stalls. Nobody was there anymore except Philipes, where she still remained in the small, pokey corner. Philipes shot up onto her feet as she saw a shadowy figure loitering by her, shouting her name. It could only be one thing – her mother!

Tabitha S, Year 4

My School

At Beaudesert we are a lovely school, We’ve got big BoB and it’s really cool.

I can see the lovely sky with fluffy clouds like a big soft bed.

I can hear the horses neigh and it is beautiful like a rainbow.

I can feel the squidgy blackberries when I go to Forest School.

I can smell the lovely smell of flowers all around the School.

I can taste the yummy chocolate brownie that tastes like Willy Wonka’s chocolate. Wouldn’t you like to join with us?

Playing on the Beaudesert bus.

AMELIE R, YEAR 3

A Chance Encounter

She remained still, focussing intently, staring straight ahead. She looked possessed by the devil, rearing and flicking her magnificent mane which was matted and covered in dust. The air was dusty also, making the movements of the horse highlighted by the swirling, unsettled air. The mare was angry, her feet shifting, her eyes narrowing, her nostrils flaring. She had a right to be enraged. Torn from her herd, she was ruined.

The tension was so thick that you could have cut it with a knife. I took a step, my heart was jumping and loud in my chest. My foot collided with the ground, with a noise louder than thunder in my ears. I looked up, the horse, starting, tensed, ready to run. Every second felt like ten, and the horse’s eyes seemed to flash gold. The horse was not moving, but her body seemed full of energy. She was poised like a ballerina, but her face was muddy and bedraggled. She looked manic and possessed, as if she were a demon. Then, without warning, like a delicate string had broken, she bolted.

Sophie Ra., Year 8

On the Banks

Through the trees you could make out a stump, sitting there like a static, fat man. The tree had a tumour bulging out of it and a crow’s nest sat in the bough like a castle on a hill. A crow stood there, squawking, marking his territory. The bench wrapped around the Wellingtonia like a necklace. Ivy crawled up the tree like a centipede, whilst the cowslips swayed in the breeze. The scorched earth that once was alive with fire now scarred the green banks…

Sid S, Year 8

Something Wicked This Way Comes

‘Tut, tut, tut, tut.’ My eyes open. I listen as my heart rate becomes more rapid. As my eyes adjust, I begin to see looming objects everywhere. I tell myself they’re just wardrobes and bookshelves but I can’t help thinking they’re something else.

‘Tut, tut.’ There it is again. I flick my bedside lamp on and check my Alexa. It is only one thirty two am.

Suddenly, ‘tut, tut.’ It starts again. I leap out of bed as if struck by lightning, adrenaline coursing through my veins, the cold creeping over me. I grab my dressing gown. The soft feeling warms me up instantly. I pause for a second, waiting for the sound. It doesn’t come. Then, as I am taking my dressing gown off, the noise echoes by the window, followed by the crunch of someone running on gravel. I dash across the room, bumping my knee against the bed. I limp over to the window and fling the shutters open with a bang.

I look out of the window, pressing my forehead against the cold glass. It starts to steam up, and I step back, using my sleeve to wipe the droplets away. I can’t see anything out of the ordinary – just the usual. The hedge and new gardening patch with flowers and vegetables, and the patio. I could not see that far, as a mist suffocated the ground.

On the gravel the car stood ready to go, waiting for the day. I was about to turn away when I heard a slight crunch as someone shifted. I looked closer and I could see a shape hovering behind the car.

I turned my lamp off and went quietly back to the window. The shape started to move. It walked out from behind the car, wincing at the noise. It bent down and picked up a stone from the gravel, took aim, but just before it threw, I pushed up the window. The grinding noise seemed ten times louder in the otherwise silent night. The sound startled the figure and it fell back.

I peeked out of my window, thankful for the dressing gown and called out, “who’s there?”

No reply… Until a voice spoke, “I am a monster, coming to get you.”

I recognise it as Jake, the boy who lives up the lane. He is seven years old and is really annoying.

“Jake, what are you doing?”

He moves forward and says, “How did you know it was me?”

I tell him, “If you don’t go now, I will call your mum and tell her that you were throwing stones at my window.”

As he runs off, I close the shutters, take off my dressing gown and slump into my bed. Just as I’m falling asleep, I jump because I’ve heard the ‘tut, tut’ noise again…

Sebby F, Year

The Story of Nerous

One blisteringly hot day, a slave, Nerous, was meandering aimlessly along a dusty cobbled road. He was thin and battle-weary. He had a deep voice, and dark blue eyes as deep as space. Nerous had once been great and famous, but those days are over. Now he was just a poor slave.

The agora was heaving with people. The sun cast towering shadows from the buildings looming ominously over the agora. The tiled floor was like the scales of a dragon. Nerous wasted no time looking for some olives. He had been told to find the juiciest and plumpest ones he could find. After what seemed like an endless search, he found a stall. But… they had run out!

But Nerous had a plan. He would cleverly take some leaves and squish them carelessly with stones, creating an oozy green dye. Then he would smear it on some stones so it looked like he had olives when he didn’t. It was the perfect plan! So he smugly strolled home, silhouetted against the vibrant, Athenian sunset and the joyful, playful, blue sea.

When he got home, he presented the fake olives to the fuming owner, whose face was as red as a chili. “Here’s your olive, sir” muttered Nerous, giggling under his breath.

“Took you long enough!” shouted the owner. Nerous watched as his owner stuffed his face full of the fake olives. He finally saw his owner slumped in his chair. Nerous never worked as a slave again!

Sam G, Year 4

A Glimpse of the Frontier

The worst, rocky, inhospitable land of the West battered down on my confidence as we battled forward. The blazing sun assaulted my skin, turning it bright red. People and oxen alike stumbled and fell. If this weather kept up, we wouldn’t survive another week.

“Somebody help! I’m giving birth!” screamed a terrified mother.

“Poor child” I thought. I shrugged and kept walking. How morbid this has made me, how could this get any worse? Suddenly, a storm of arrows cascaded down around us. That’s when the thunderous sound of hooves boomed all around us and a hoard of Red Indians flew at us. We were doomed…

Caspar, Year 7

Bonfire Night is…

Viewing a crackling red bonfire under a rainfall of sparks, Hearing a popping Catherine Wheel as it spins like a bright rainbow, Munching crunchy toffee apples and feeling the sticky sweetness on your tongue, Smelling spicy hot dogs dripping with tomato ketchup, Feeling the warm hands of mummy and daddy as we snuggle up together.

Alby W, Year 3

Orlando’s Alliterative Ice Cream

My name is Orlando

I run Orlando’s ice cream shop, There are flavours in my freezer, You have never seen before…

Bacon Blackberry Bluster, Sausage Strawberry Swirl, Pizza Pineapple Pinch, Rice Raspberry Ripple, Chicken Chocolate Chip

A Day in the Life of a Robin

I wake up at 4:00 in the morning and prepare my throat for the morning song. I clear my throat and start. It starts quite slow and sort of low, but in the middle it’s super high pitched and fast. I usually mess that part up and scold myself by pinching my wing with my beak. At the end it slows down, slower than the start, my favourite part.

I am Orlando, I run Orlando’s ice cream shop, Taste a flavour from my freezer, You will definitely want more!

Orlando, Year 3

After I finish my song I fly to the water bowl the humans set out for us, which is already very crowded. I take a few big gulps of water to cure my dry throat. My tummy grumbles as it always does, time to catch some worms! I hop over to the wettest mud pile. I toss my beak around and search for a worm. There! I grab the worm with my beak, it squirms and shakes as expected, and I throw it into my makeshift leaf bowl. Soon it’s filled with squirming worms and I fly to my nest to feast until my red tummy could never get full again. After I finish eating, I sit in my nest for a bit to digest. When I don’t feel full anymore, I fly high up in the sky, knowing that the humans, with their black things put to their eyes, would be watching. They follow me like a cat going to pounce on a mouse. We do this for the rest of the morning until I have to take a sip from the water bowl again. Cold water slips down my throat as I try to control my breathing. I fly back to my nest, which has fallen apart, of course. Sticks and feathers surround the bottom of the tree. I gather them up and fly back up. I prod the escaped items back into the nest. Sitting in my nest, I let mind escape from reality.

What is the most important thing in my life? Hmmm, it’s probably the garden, my home. It’s filled with the greenest of grass and the prettiest of daisies. I snap out of my fantasy dream with the sound of my grumbling tummy. I remember I have some leftover worms from this morning. I snack on them for a bit until my eyelids feel heavy. I let myself drift off at around 6:00pm and dream of flying worms and wingless robins. That is the life of a robin, me, Molly.

Romy, Year 5

LORCAN, YEAR 3

Utopia

I lie outside in a brittle, wooden chair absorbing the pleasure of the warm, golden day. The small, mossy drystone wall which encloses my haven from intrusion is dwarfed by the rich, green oaks that stand proudly above the garden. Down the centre of the garden meanders a short, lazy trickle of cold water running over wet rocks and through a barren desert of pebbles. Life sprouts, encouraged by the presence of the kind water. The lush jungle of the nectar-scented flowers and bushes wraps around the edge of the garden. I feel an affinity and a strange reluctance to return indoors, away from this piece of light and dark, warmth and cold. To return into my life of chaos and dismal monotony would be to break open my soul and leave half of it here. To leave would kill my never-ending awe for this isolated island of tranquil simplicity. Why would one leave the swaying savannah, the clear rivers, and free airs of this place? Where life goes on, the cycles rewind and age seems to be left behind. In this slice of heaven I am lucky to find, I ponder on life’s great finds, as I lie outside in a brittle, wooden chair.

Monty M, Year 8

Devon

I will put in the box

The crashing waves of the ocean

The last petal of a rose

And the winning World Cup ball

I will put in the box

The last chant of a football fan

The beautiful smell of lavender The last smile from a grandpa

I will put in the box

The whine of my dog Woody

The last drop of the bluest water And the blinks of the stars

I will put in the box

The taste of vanilla ice cream

The smell of freshly baked cake

The ashes of Digby

I will cover my box head to toe

With stickers

And my box is kept in the back of my mind

I will surf on my box

On the crashing waves Of Devon

No Way Out

A winter breeze rustled through the branches of the pine tree forest, scratching away at each other, as though they were squabbling. A full moon shone brightly down on the infested earth below, only to be interrupted by the occasional wisp of cloud. Deafening howls filled the cold, misty and prickly air. The steep sides of the hill protected the eerie, old and uninhabited castle at the top. Towering stone brick walls protected every side of the castle, except the rotten oak door. It was almost impossible to see what was inside the building. The only way to find out was to go in. The only problem was if you go in, there was no way out… A creak echoed for miles all around. The ancient building glowed from the inside, as if it was happy for a split second. The wind came again, but not a breeze, clouds covered the moon once more, but they weren’t wisps anymore. Thunder rattled everything around. Crack! A bolt of lightning hit the ruins of the once amazing place, but nothing happened to the building. All traces of wind and cloud suddenly disappeared, leaving the moon by itself, the only witness.

Gabriel P, Year 7

Oscar H, Year 5

A Winter Scene

The unfriendliest winter has struck against a dark blue, moonlit sky. A blanket of glimmering snow is sparkling from the reflection of the moon. A forest of snowtopped pines are standing, reaching up into the sky. Beautiful, cold snowflakes are flying down from the misty scene above. The struggling grass underneath the strangling snow has finally given up reaching to the fresh, dark, cold air.

Isabel, Year 4

NATASHA, YEAR 6

My School

At Forest School the fire is flaming like a fox.

I can see hard working teachers like busy bees.

I can hear mooing cows like horns.

I can feel jelly like slime at lunch time.

I can smell the smoky fire at Forest School.

I can taste the crunchy, yummy pizza, cheesy as can be.

Do you want to have some fun?

Beaudesert is the place to come.

Barnabas, Year 3

What to do with Magic

I will use my magic to, Go to Japan and back And while I’m there Swim with the shimmering koi

I will use my magic to,

Fly to Ghana and help the people While prancing with the antelope And flying with a volt of vultures

I’ll depollute dirty lakes, And bring back what we lost. I’ll help the coral and help the fish, And finish what we’ve done.

I’ll sprinkle stardust in the craters On the far side of the moon, I’ll sail to Mars while fishing, And wave to strange creatures.

Magic is a powerful thing And very hard to use But for the meanwhile I’m going to say PLEASE PERSEVERE

Max Sh., Year 5

Fairy Story

Once upon a time, there was a farmer. He lived in a rundown hut on a farm, with his dog and his best horse. Although he had his horse and dog, he was lonely and sad – not even the village parades could make him happy.

One day, the farmer went to the village, tripped on his dog and fell on his back.

“You stupid dog!” shouted the farmer.

“You should not be so harsh to your animals,” cawed the witch.

“You… You are a witch!” whispered the farmer.

“Yes,” answered the witch.

The next day, the farmer walked down to the witch’s house. When he got close, the door opened by itself. He walked in, with the dog at his feet.

“You get three chances. What would you like?” the witch said.

“Um… Can my dog talk wisdom?” asked the farmer.

“Sure, if it’s wisdom your dog wants, it’s wisdom your dog gets,” cackled the witch.

Suddenly, the farmer was in bed and a delicious smell was coming from the kitchen. He walked gingerly down into the kitchen.

“Dog?” whispered the farmer.

“Yes,” answered the dog boldly.

“You can talk?”

“Yes, why? The witch granted me speech and wisdom.” Then, the dog returned to the cooker and attended to the food.

A few days later, the farmer grew greedy and even though the dog said not to, he still went to the witch’s house, riding on his horse.

“Witch, I demand you to come out and grant me the power of air!” shouted the farmer.

“OK” replied the witch, popping out of thin air. With a click of her fingers, the horse sprouted wings and flew back to the farmer’s hut.

The farmer was amazed at the witch’s generosity. He flew to the pub and celebrated with wine. Then, drunkenly, when he had no pennies left, he flew back to the witch and demanded, “Witch, make me food!”

So the witch made him into a fat, greedy pig – and she lived happily ever after!

Louisa, Year 6

OTTILIE B, YEAR 3

The New Soldier

A new soldier sat in a wonky, misshapen trench, while shells rained down from the sky. The soldier’s face – as clean as polished metal – stood out from the others, which looked like they had been stuck in a boggy quagmire. The order was given to attack the German trench. A screech of a whistle sounded like a peregrine falcon shrieking. The men bustled around and clambered up the ladder, charging over the cratered No Man’s Land. The German machine guns opened up and unleashed Hell upon them. The soldier saw everything around him; his comrades were being cut down. It seemed to him like they were ants futilely attacking a giant. They got closer to the German wire, but still it seemed to make no difference. The new soldier had to jump into a waterlogged crater to take cover from the flashing bullets above him, and the devilish things that flew up and then dropped down like an asteroid exploding on the ground. The attack failed, so they retreated back to their own trench. He realised what a big mistake he had made by coming here. It was not glorious at all.

Henry B, Year 6

Zooming Out

Silky spiderwebs blanketed the small bushes connected to tall stems, like tightropes glinting in the sun. Dew settled on the hairy stem of the roses. The creamy pink petals swayed in the summer breeze, as buzzy bees landed on the flowers all around. Once the bees were satisfied with the pollen, they fluttered out of the clump of flowers and silently flew away into the clear, blue sky. Large birds of prey circled the fields of countryside, scouring for prey, looking down at the puzzle of fields.

Max H, Year 8

A Summer Morning

As the gentle glow of the sun rose up from the ancient, crooked trees, the world burst into another day of light. All the animals gently woke themselves up. They walked over the crunchy, dry forest floor, finding a way to keep them warm. I heard the gentle sound of cheeping birds, hungry and searching for food, and the baby birds sleeping in their nest. I felt the gentle summer’s breeze on my tired, pale face. The trees were coming into leaf with tiny green shoots bursting into life like an egg trying to hatch. I gently rubbed the soft petals of a bud that opened too early, trying not to break off the delicate flowers.

Lux, Year 6

Paradise

I arrived at Pineapple Beach, the soft sand slipped between my toes and the wind delicately breezed across my face. I was greeted by a flock of friendly rainbow lorikeets and they landed amongst the trees which were tall and spindly. I listened as all of the birds chirped in harmony. One of the lorikeets swooped down and gently landed on my shoulder. I could now see one of the birds up close, and his feathers were all sorts of fluorescent colours. He chirped for slightly longer, before flying off into the trees. I felt I should follow it and started to run towards the mango jungle.

The trees here were shorter and more stubby, and bright flowers decorated the ground. As I walked deeper into the jungle, I began to see a settlement emerge through the leaves. I brushed my fingers along the petals of the daffodils while ducking from the branches which were overgrown and heavy. I peered around the corner to catch a glimpse of the children playing happily in the green grass. I felt the urge to join in but I stopped myself. I needed to keep focussed and on the right track.

I clambered over a rickety old gate to find a lush, sunny meadow. Running through the middle of the meadow was a dreamy stream and the sky-punching mountains soared up in the background. The sun was high in the sky and it was lovely to feel the sun’s warmth on my face.

Emilie, Year 7

Trapped

I was trapped in my own body. Not able to move. My brain would constantly send out messages to my body, telling it to move. But as the messages would come back, like there was a broken bridge, the messages could not get over to the other side. All I could hear was the heart monitor reminding me that I was still on the edge of life, and that I might be able to escape the clutches of death.

Lola M, Year 8

The Lighthouse

“Stop!” I screamed, my voice drowning in the mocking laughs of the seagulls. “Don’t go out there!” I shouted again, my voice hoarse in the salty air. “Come back!”

Colossal waves rammed the flimsy windows in the lighthouse as I clawed my way to the door. My face was whipped by the cruel wind and my hair was tangled into disarray. I made it onto the grimy balcony, worn and decayed. Finally, I clasped the rail and even though it was cold and rusty, the fraying metal was the only thing holding me up. Another gust blew and I gripped it harder. I immediately winced as the torn metal scratched at the palm of my hand. I jumped away and looked at my hand just in time to see crimson beads of blood escape the graze.

“We have to go inside” I said, but he wouldn’t move.

“We need to get help” he said.

I tried to drag my father inside, but he remained cemented to the spot, waving to the ghosts of ships in the distance. Suddenly, a mountain of a wave was silhouetted against the dim light. I ran inside and dived for a safe corner, and I heard the wave crash and fizzle out.

When I opened my eyes, my father was gone.

As I was clinging onto the railing, the bubbling oil sea crackled beneath me. I prayed for the rail to hold. But it did not. It groaned as it parted from the wall and like a leech being ripped from the skin, it screeched and parted from the balcony.

I looked over the edge and I saw my father being swallowed by the waves.

Libby, Year 7

Power Cut

Samuel pushed the button for the lift. (Up.) He waited patiently for the lift to trundle up and quickly stepped in. Already inside were three men and two women. He nodded to them and silently took his place by the door. Slowly, the lift began to rise.

Suddenly, there was a loud groaning sound. The lift shuddered, as if it could no longer bear the weight of its passengers, and stopped. The woman in the corner who had been nervously biting her fingernail looked up. Samuel could see terror in her eyes. The others in the lift began to look around, anxiously surveying the steel walls. Quite abruptly, there was a moaning sound that resonated around. Then with a pop, the lights went out.

The woman who had been standing in the corner began to shriek. Samuel could hear her trying to calm herself, taking deep, shaky breaths. He could make out in the dark one of the men fumbling for something. He pulled out a cigarette lighter. In a split second he had illuminated the walls in an orange, flickering light. The woman in the corner slid down the wall and slumped on the floor, whimpering slightly.

The woman who had been standing beside her patted her shoulder kindly. Without warning, the flame disappeared. Hastily, the man tried to relight it. Any time someone moved, the steel prison swayed uneasily, followed by the sound of chains clanking above. Beads of sweat began to form on Samuel’s forehead. The air was hot and stifling. How long would they be trapped here? The thought went round his mind.

Without warning the bright, white lights momentarily lit up the lift again, illuminating the hopeful faces of his fellow prisoners.

There was the sound of retracting chain and sudden, jerking movements as the lift came back to life. The lights came on again. Samuel looked around him. The people were beginning to smile. The lift went up, steadily rising to the next floor. The doors opened. The people rushed out, breathing in the fresh air. It took a while for Samuel’s eyes to adjust to the steady, bright lights of the shopping centre. He looked around at the people he had been trapped with. They were still strangers. He did not know them any better than he had before. He walked away, pondering this, and walked out of the automatic doors and into the cool night air.

Isla C, Year 8

Bombs! Bombs!

Bombs! Bombs!

Bent double like old beggers under sacks

Straining under the weight of their heavy green bags

Deaf to the sound of the roaring tank tracks

They march on, half dead, like dirty hags.

Rats gnawing on human bones, So many scurrying it was like a carpet, Destroying supplies and makeshift homes, And stinking like a soldier’s armpit.

Bombs! Bombs! Hurry, boys! A sudden rush of adrenaline, With men of all ages rushing to take cover

Diving into craters like sardines in a tin

While blood flows like a red hot river. Isaac, Year 6

The Dragon

The dragon was tall with ruby red eyes. Silver sparkles grew out of its big, blue, broad back.

Dagger teeth sat like stones in its large cave mouth.

Its wings shone in the beautiful sunlight, And its roar echoed through the large valley.

Bertie M, Year 6

CAPI, YEAR 6

A Cautionary Tale

Jimmy was a greedy fellow

His teeth were completely yellow For all the cakes he had ate He felt he needed a bigger plate.

One day when he was eight He spotted a humungous birthday cake He crawled inside and started to eat But he did not know the demise he would meet.

They took him to a place he did not know

Which was going to be a big party show Then he realised his bad luck As the knife came down, he got stuck!

The party guests were horrified to find A little boy’s head inside That’s the tale of Jimmy The boy who stuffed himself silly.

Hugo G and Bluey, Year 5

A Day in the Life of a Felix Woody

(a wolf)

I wake up to my little pack-sister licking my face and the little fox cub (Willough) stealing a chunk of meat from yesterday’s kill. I chase her off and rip a piece off for myself. Just another normal day, I think to myself, as I gulp the meat down. I ask my pack-mother when our pack-father is coming back and, as usual, she just says “soon.” I walk down to the little stream and drink some water. It trickles down my throat and I can feel the coldness of it as it goes down. Just as I finish, I notice it’s already midday. I can tell because the blazing ball of yellow is highest in the “up.”

I run back to the den and ask pack-mother “what is from the hunt,” and she shows me a chunk of deer. I gobble it down, say thank you to pack-mother, and trundle over to my bed and sleep.

I wake suddenly to my pack-mother yapping at me “Time for the hunt!” she says, “Be outside soon”.

I pick myself up and trot outside, where pack-mother and pack-sister are waiting eagerly. They sprint off and I sprint after them. I feel the air brushing past me as I try to catch up with the others. Just as I start to see them I realise that they have stopped, and I slow down and just about manage to… “Rabbit!” says pack-mother and I reply, “Over here,” and start to run into the bushes.

HUGO G, YEAR 5

I return with a rabbit in my jaws. We each take a piece and leave the bones there. We sprint home in time for sundown, and snuggle up to each other, and watch the silver circle rise in the “up.”

Harry C W, Year 5

The Unexpected Narrator by the Pond

The reflection of the world lay below me, ready to greet me. The lanky reeds reached up to the clouds as if they wanted to touch me. My stalk loosened as the wind picked up and the branch swayed. I swiftly fluttered like a butterfly down to the shimmering silent pool. Gently placing myself on the calm rippling water, I saw a school of tadpoles wriggle past….

Lollie, Year 7

CHLOE P, YEAR 3

The Owner of the Shoes

Her sparkly bag swung freely. Her love of all things sparkly had made her somehow a bit more vibrant. Oversized rings took over her fingers and whenever she walked, it felt like a dance. Everywhere she went, she treated everyone specially. Somehow, we all felt as if we were her best friend. Her handbag was a mess of lipstick, candy, artwork, anything cute she could get her hands on. A small, happy Pomeranian followed her. No one knew its name. She would not settle on being anything like another person. Often she would humbly drop 5p to a busker, later realising it was €10 from her trip to Paris. She once managed to light one of her nails on fire. She said it was because it was scarlet, and red was her least favourite colour. She loved everything from her home country, Mexico. She prided herself on her collections. When she was 7, she hoarded lolly sticks.

Catherine, Year 4

The Lighthouse in the Storm

“No Ben, get the oars!” shouted Zack while trying to retrieve the oars in the crashing waves. Thunderbolts were hurling from God’s hands and terrifying the birds away.

“Don’t worry, after all, the rain is only God sweating,” replied Ben in a reassuring tone.

At that moment, a lightning bolt hit the end of the boat at a tremendous speed! They were knocked clean out of their boat into the never-ending waves, but succeeding to the surface.

“We are going to die now, thanks to you. We have no shelter, no food, and just sea water!” complained Zack.

“Look, a lighthouse!” shouted Ben.

The blaring light coming from the lighthouse hit the eyes of anyone in its sight with a bright, yellow beam.

“Quick, swim to shore, before me and you are done for good,” spluttered Zack.

The two boys swam for minutes on end, before finally reaching the lighthouse. The shore that the lighthouse was standing on looked like it had never been stepped on for about one billion years! It was dusty, and rather washed away from the sea hitting the water’s edge. Zack clambered onto the lighthouse.

He felt relaxed that he was on the shore until… He heard a slight screeching noise. It was Ben.

“Help! I am stuck in the seaweed!” shouted Ben across the sea…

Alice B, Year 4

CECIL, YEAR 7

The Magic Box

I will put in a box

The sound of the shores of Noirmoutier

Jumping in the ice cold water of Scotland

The snow crunching under my feet.

I will put in a box

My puppy staring at me

The smell of bread which has just been baked

Scoring a cricket ton.

I will put in a box

No winter and a longer summer

The first time I saw my mother’s face

When the stars come out and the black sky leaves.

I will put in a box

The flowers swishing slowly in the sun

The sun’s rays shining through the trees

And the twinkling star on the top of a Christmas tree.

My box will be made from my thoughts, memories and smells

It will be filled with my doubts, worries and frustrations

Its lid will be carved from oak wood.

I shall fish on my box

And pick out all my happy memories

And dream about them

And come to be in them.

Angus H, Year 5

Jack and The Grim

The Peoples of the Isles of Giants had lived in peace and harmony for years. Centuries had passed since The Grim had last been defeated. People had forgotten what had happened then. Deep beneath them, the creature was still sleeping restlessly. The Grim was 12 foot tall, 10 tonnes and smelt like cold smoke. He was made of ice with white glowing eyes, with no pupils.

Jack Giant was 19 years old and only about 5 feet tall, so not a likely hero. He did however, know all the beaches and inlets on the isles. So when the horrendous monster disrupted the peace of the Tribes, Jack ventured on a quest to defeat the monster.

Nervous and excited, Jack set off through the Dead Forest. After days of scrambling over rotting tree stumps, he bumped into an old wizard called Julian. Julian taught him how to use his unknown special powers.

After three weeks, he said to Jack, “Shout my name and I will come and help in some way.” His last mysterious words to Jack were, “I know that you know what to do.”

After crossing the river and trekking through the plains, he finally arrived at the cliffs of Doom. Gritting his teeth with fear, Jack saw The Grim’s horrifying face, not realising that The Grim instantly saw him. Jack had forgotten to use his invisibility power. The Grim smashed through the rock, sending a tremor through the island that rose up out of the ground like a zombie coming out of a coffin. Enraged, Jack was ready for him. He had a plan. The Grim was made of ice so he could lead him to the volcano.

Trying to stay mostly out of sight, Jack tried to keep in front of The Grim. Time was on his side as The Grim had toppled into a cavern, so Jack could get ahead. Jack scrambled through an overgrown forest, battling with tentacle-like roots. In a blink of an eye, Jack fell down the slope and broke his leg. Unfortunately, he had landed just in front of the cavern in an enormous footprint. Screaming with pain and panicking, he shouted, “Julian!” Instantly, a grey rabbit with glowing blue eyes and a staff appeared and said, “what do you want?”

Jack replied, “May you heal my leg?”

The rabbit waved his staff and in a flash, his leg was fixed.

Recharged and fearless, Jack saw the back of The Grim’s head disappear over the cold, rocky, volcano slope. Like a gunshot, Jack turned on his invisibility power and raced up the slope, searching for a weapon. He noticed a shimmer of light glowing from the approaching lava. It was a remarkable sword, engraved with the words, “the sword of light.” Exhausted but courageous, he hoisted the magnificent sword and drove the glowing red point into the Grim’s tree trunk legs. Roaring in agony and fury, The Grim plunged into the hungry volcano below. Jack stared, relieved as The Grim’s icy body disintegrated in the boiling lava.

The Tribes were safe, and Jack returned to a magnificent feast in his honour.

George M, Year 6

Sport Rugby

UNDER 13A

The Under 13A rugby team has shown huge potential on the field this term. They have played in a very smart manner, often looking to move the ball and playing unselfishly. Their attitude and work rate in both training and fixtures has been commendable and they have certainly been a very enjoyable side to coach.

The season started with a coaching day at Clifton College in warm September sunshine, and finished against Dean Close on a much colder day in early December. Each boy progressed superbly during the term and no one would have noticed that they had missed the whole previous season of contact rugby. Instead, they stood up to be counted in what was a very competitive fixture list against some very strong and often much larger opposition.

Highlights include a very narrow away loss to Cheltenham College, in which the boys played some exceptional rugby, and wins against both Monkton and The Downs, Malvern were pleasing. Captain Theo led from the front with his determination and work rate. However, this team was about exactly that – a team. Pace in the backs in the form of Wilbur and Charlie V gave the team a real attacking threat, whilst the power of Caspar C and Max H proved to be the backbone of the side.

What was most pleasing about this side was the heart and commitment they showed throughout. At times, they were incredibly brave in defence and their rucking improved immeasurably throughout the season. Hector How. and George G proved to be rising stars for the team, with their work rate and creativity. Likewise, consistent performances from the ever threatening Algie at scrum half, and the ‘workhorse’ Hari, all added to the team’s ingredients.

Will S, Avery and Lochy all made regular appearances for this team and were valuable players throughout, impressing particularly with their handling skills.

This group of boys are now in a very strong place as they move on to their senior schools. Their skill levels and understanding of the game stands them in good stead. However, what’s most important is that they are all a pleasure to coach and excellent role models to the younger members of the School.

Well done, boys, and all the best with your rugby playing futures.

UNDER 13B

The U13Bs have had a terrific season this term and have enjoyed every moment, following the disappointments of the previous year. Despite a few cancellations, the boys managed to get out and about, and enjoyed their fixtures against other schools. They worked well as a team and the highlight of the season, arguably, came on a wet soggy Saturday morning against Pinewood where we battled all the way to the final whistle. Having gone down by 3 tries early on, a strong mindset meant that we still took a lot away from that match and it is one

that stands out. Despite coming up short by 4 tries to 5, the whole performance epitomised a dogged determination to improve and to play good rugby. A huge well done to all the boys for such a fantastic outlook on the season and some terrific performances. There was fluidity throughout the squad, with boys going up and down to As or Cs with not a moment’s hesitation; another sign of how close the boys were as a group. A huge well done and thank you from me for such an enjoyable season.

We were blessed by having strength in depth, there was great passion and genuine skill in the C team this year. The first match we played against Monkton in the beautiful September sunshine, where we were up against a side that had very little experience, we needed to rotate our large squad on and off the field in a comfortable win.

An enjoyable afternoon was spent at Dean Close where the team took on firstly their bottom team, who were beaten comfortably, but then a much harder opposition played us in a tough encounter, when plenty of good attacking and defensive rugby was played. Matches against Cheltenham, Pinewood and St

Hugh’s were keenly fought and proved to be an ideal testing ground for those who experienced matches in the B side.

The best game of the season was the final match; we had a depleted squad, yet ventured over to Dean Close for a second round of matches. We played 12-a-side, a mixture of B and C team players. Dean Close were strong and scored in the opening seconds. The team came back at them and matched them for tries until the final quarter when they scored three quick tries.

There was a sense of loyalty to the side and a desire to help one another. It was a thoroughly enjoyable season and many thanks to all those who were involved. JSM

UNDER 12C UNDER 12B UNDER 12A

The U12As had a great season back this term. The team spirit, camaraderie and enjoyment in both training and matches was excellent to see. Highlights were the four victories against Cheltenham College, and the trip to the Border Shield to watch Monmouth v Malvern, where the boys were met by British and Irish Lion Shane Williams. This is a very talented group where all contributed. Led by player of the season Fynn, the try-scoring talents of Otto B, Herbie, Freddie de R and Hugo M were backed up by the forward play of Ned, Wylder, Eddie and Doug. Sholto had an excellent season and was awarded most improved player for the season. This will be a year group to watch as they move to Year 8.

SH

10 fixtures played and 10 games won. 115 tries were scored during the season and only 24 were conceded. Clearly this was a very impressive side, who enjoyed playing expansive rugby and throwing the ball around. All squad members deserve a special mention for what they gave to each practice and each competitive match, and they all played their part in achieving this unbeaten season. It is difficult to pick out any one player from this group of boys, but the award for most valuable player, most improved player and top try-scorer goes to Max B. His overall contributions for scoring tries and stopping tries just edged him ahead from the other team members. It was a great season, and I hope they have as much success next year when playing 13-a-side rugby.

EC

The U12C team was unbeaten this season. The omens were good with our first win over Monkton Combe, an easy seven points under a burning late summer sun. If we thought it couldn’t get better we were wrong. The team ratcheted up some great wins over the coming weeks. In truth, we were never really challenged, a brief spurt by St Hugh’s threatened momentarily in late November, but such was the gulf, a succession of wins was always inevitable. Alfie E, gazelle-like in his running, scored by the bucket load, while Harry flit the other wing. Captain Edward Sk. rallied the troops for some hard tackles and harder drives. He was backed up by a reliable squad, always up for the challenge of a hard afternoon’s rugby. Jean-Christian evolved into a solid scrum half, while Kasper, Henry B and Naoise were the Black Knights of the team; never say die. In attack, the battering rams were Inigo, Ted and Zac, himself a prolific try scorer. There were cameos from Oliver R and Caspar J, while Agastyan slipped like water through the fingers of many opponents before he was, inevitably, pinched by the Bs. A season to remember.

UNDER 11A

As coaching a team of young rugby players goes, all that one can really ask for is commitment and heart. I got so much more from this young bunch of warriors!

These boys absolutely loved playing rugby and I loved spending every moment of my time out on the pitch with them. As far as U11s go, they certainly weren’t the biggest bunch physically, but they made up for this through passion, commitment, the ability to move the ball and play unselfish rugby, and their sheer bravery when out on the pitch facing formidable opposition. They played the game in excellent spirit and always had so much fun, even when leaving the pitch ‘bruised and battered’ at times.

It was a joy and a privilege coaching them. This is a team that I will never forget!

BC

UNDER 11B & C

The U11 B/Cs have had an exceptional year of rugby. The group saw some very challenging games towards the start of the year with losses to Cheltenham College, Pinewood and Cricklade As. Our results against Pinewood showed how hard this group worked after the loss, as two weeks later they displayed one of the best performances of the season drawing to them, away on a rainy day with a depleted team. The team played their hearts out in terrible conditions, with the defence holding Pinewood on their line for ten minutes without a score. The team kept improving with a fantastic win over Clifton College, with many players standing out. Boosting forward, the Severnside Festival became a moment of the season, with easy wins in all games against Cheltenham, St John’s and The Downs. On the day, players such as Leo and George M finished with twenty tries between them, with Ivo a stand out in defence. After a few cancelled games, the final game of the season for this team was an impressive win against Clifton, with almost everyone in the team getting a try which showed how hard the group had worked.

The team were a pleasure to coach, with players always tuning up with high energy and positivity, so I thank them for that. Some defensive stars of the season were players such as Bertie M, Charlie T and Henry B, with the try scoring machines of Roman and George M always providing trouble for oppositions. The whole team worked incredibly hard all season with special improvements from Alasdair V, Patrick, George M and Cassius being particularly pleasing to watch. I hope the players enjoyed playing rugby as much as I enjoyed coaching them, a fantastic group of boys who should be proud of their achievements this year.

UNDER 10A

RB

The Under 10A rugby team have had a fantastic season, a huge amount of progress has been made in both knowledge and skill level. The boys were introduced to the tackle for the first time, having only ever played tag rugby before. It was clear that the boys very much enjoyed playing the contact game and thrived on the physical nature of the game. It was evident from the first game at Pinewood that the boys were never going to lack effort and competitive determination in matches. Both home and away fixtures against Pinewood were very closely fought, physical games where both teams were prepared to tackle and work hard for each other. On the back of the Pinewood fixtures, the boys have been on an unbeaten streak, dominating teams with their physicality, strong running lines and enthusiasm to compete. The boys have improved defensively as well as understanding to move the ball away from the tackle area to create better attacking options. Ethan has been quick to the tackle, and developed an accurate pass to get the ball away to strong runners that included Otis, William Golds., and George K. In the wider channels, Harry G and Oscar H have shown the ability

to beat the defenders with quick footwork and attack spaces. Angus H has consistently worked hard on games, making technically well-timed tackles and carrying the ball directly. Barney has led the team by example, consistently putting in man of the match performances in outstanding defensive capabilities, his ability to beat defenders and communicate with his teammates. Both Archie M and Arthur G have also made appearances for the team, running well with the ball in hand and making fierce tackles. After strong performances away at The Downs, Wraxall and home against Cheltenham College, it was great to see the U10s begin to gel as a team. The boys were starting to link passes and move the ball to spaces when attacking. In defence, line speed was ferocious and there was always a hunger to win the ball back, evident in fixtures at The King’s School, Gloucester and Clifton College. I have very much enjoyed coaching the U10As this year. It’s been fantastic to see individuals grow in confidence, deepen understanding, and develop a real love for the game. Most importantly the boys have developed a real sense of team, and understand the value of hard work in order to achieve a common goal. ND

UNDER 10B

The U10B rugby team had a brilliant first season of competitive rugby. For the majority of the boys, it was the first time they were able to represent the School in sports fixtures. The season started with a tough opening fixture; this was a great eye opener for the boys in their transition from tag rugby into contact rugby. In the first half of term, the boys were able to adapt to tackling in a positive way. This was shown in the fixtures the boys played in before Half Term, having convincing wins over Dean Close and St John’s, where we saw some dazzling runs from Bluey and Tahha, along with some textbook tackles from Arthur G and Ralph. The boys then finished the first half of term against Clifton College with a super team performance, seeing everyone cross the whitewash for a try.

The U9s have had a fantastic season, playing some great rugby. Rather than playing their first year of contact rugby, they played tag rugby, which can actually be more difficult. The boys trained well, working hard on their passing, spatial awareness, support play and tagging. All of the boys played in numerous matches and many played for the different teams, proving their development throughout the term. It was lovely to see the children progress and put all their efforts into some excellent performances in the matches. The boys attacked well, supporting each other and scored some fabulous tries which were commended by the opposition coaches. Defending is always harder but they did well, working on putting pressure on the opposition as a unit, rather than individually rushing up.

We have some fabulous rugby players throughout the year group and I am sure we will see some excellent performances and development over the years.

After the Half Term break, we switched the focus in training to be able to try and pass the ball away from the contact area and keep the ball alive. The boys were able to show off their passing and offloading skills in the Severnside Festival, which was played at The Downs, Wraxall. Edward Sn. was a big driver in emphasising this game plan. It was great to see the boys still continue to put in effective tackles, whilst focusing on passing the ball. Rafael made the tackle of the day which enabled the opposing player to knock the ball on. The boys put in some great performances in their four fixtures, demonstrating they can pass the ball two passes away from the contact area. Archie M was the standout performer, showing his superb attitude in both defence and attack. Finally, it was great to see the boys finish the season in such style against Dean Close, where they showcased what they had been working on all season.

It had been a long time since the boys last faced the physical challenges of contact rugby, and they showed great determination to reacquaint themselves with the rules and demands of the game. From an understandably nervous and, at times, rather reluctant starting point, it was fantastic to witness each player grow in confidence and begin to realise their own capabilities. Special mention must go to Bluey for his wonderful attacking play; to Harrison for his enthusiasm and tireless work ethic; and to Albert H for his merciless tackling which would not have looked out of place in any U12 game! It has been a great effort by all, across an enormously positive season. To a man, the boys are in a much better place with their rugby now than they were in September and so, as they say, rugby is the real winner.

WN

Girls’ Hockey

What a superb season for the girls’ 1st VII, unbeaten until the final game where Dean Close pipped us to the post. It has been a pleasure taking such a strong and determined group of girls, and watching them improve over the season. Captain, Jemima, and Vice-Captain, Katie, have led the team with positivity and enthusiasm, setting high standards for training and fixtures. The girls have gone beyond my expectations, showing great tactical understanding and successfully applying these in matches. The ‘100% goal’ concept to pass the ball around the keeper has been a pleasure to watch in matches, with the whole team being part of some fabulous goals. Equally, they have developed their understanding of outletting from the back, to quickly move the ball up the pitch. A season highlight was a close win against Cheltenham College. The girls took an early lead; 3-0 up in the first 10 minutes. Cheltenham fought back levelling to 4-4 with 5 minutes to go. In true Beaudesert style, the grit and determination kicked in, with the girls stealing a goal back to take the lead. The final score was 5-4 to Beaudesert, with admirable hard work from all of the members of the team. The season has seen performances from: Sophie Ra. in goal, Indigo G and Darcey in defence, Katie and Jemima dominating the midfield, Isla R and Amelia working tirelessly down the wing, and Esme and Lollie being a strong threat up front. A super season, well done. EH

This has been a successful and most enjoyable term of hockey, with a fantastic group who showed such commitment, enthusiasm and enjoyment in our practice sessions, and then were able to perform with such intensity and quality in our school fixtures. With strong 2nd and 3rd team squads, competition for places in the team was fierce, and there was a very tricky selection process before each match! Our season started with a tough fixture at Cheltenham College, and we were perhaps a touch unlucky to be pegged back to a one-all draw, but we bounced back quickly with two comprehensive wins, before our only loss of the season against a very strong Bromsgrove side. It was here that the character of the side shone through, as we re-grouped, and two more excellent victories followed. The re-match at Cheltenham was a highlight, our strength, depth and improvements over the term came to the fore and we ran out comfortable winners. I must highlight the contribution of the Year 8s this term; Tinks, Amelia, Lauren C and India have set fine examples throughout, with their skill and positive attitude. They showed the Year 7s the way! Very well done all.

DR

3RD VII

What a fantastic season for the 3rd team. Their only defeat came in a fixture against the Cheltenham College U12A team, which was always going to be a challenge. During the rest of the matches, success was built on solid defences, goalkeeping and an ability to get the ball wide to the wing. Goal scoring did not always come easily, but enough were tucked away to see off most opponents. It was pleasing to see the development of an ability to hit shots hard by the final match.

The most impressive thing about this team (besides the amazing team spirit) was the way in which the girls adjusted to the large squad sizes of 9 or 10. This meant that every player had their turn off the pitch and that every player had to have the adaptability to play in any position. All in all, a most enjoyable term of hockey with a lovely, committed group of girls.

It was great to see improvement shown across the team over the course of the term. They had a mixed season, with matches against some very evenly balanced teams. Credit should go to the team, as in most matches they would come out with their heads held high in the second half, many times turning it around or closing the gap. They played with enthusiasm and put up with me when I rotated their positions. At the start of the season, there was a rotation of goalies, though as the season progressed, Helena secured her role and made some incredible saves.

SW

CH

UNDER 11C UNDER 11B UNDER 11A

The U11A team have had a fantastic term of hockey this year. They have been unbeaten all season and they should be very proud of what they have achieved. We started the season off strongly at Malvern College Hockey Festival, with some excellent coaching sessions, followed by a dominant performance, winning the whole tournament. We later faced one of our strongest opponents, Pinewood. The girls travelled away on a very wet Saturday and played some outstanding hockey. With Sophie Ro. and Chloe B in defence, nothing was getting past our goal line. In the middle of the season, the U11 team grasped a spot at the IAPS Regional Qualifiers at Cheltenham College. The girls faced a tough group, competing against Hoe Bridge in their first match. After a defeat in the first game, the girls managed to put on a brave face and battle for a top spot in the group. The girls played some lovely hockey and placed 3rd in the Plate competition. The U11A team should be very proud of their achievements this year and I look forward to seeing them progress further over the next few years.

It has been an absolute pleasure to teach the U11B team hockey this term. During the term we have particularly worked on our counter attack, 1 v 1 scenarios and getting the ball away from congested areas. All of the girls have worked hard to put their practice into play during matches. They have proven themselves to be a very strong team, probably one of the strongest B teams I have seen at Beaudesert! We have had some super matches, but one that really stood out to me was our match against Rendcomb College, as we were playing against their strong A team. Although we lost the game 2-1, the girls were exceptional. They played with energy, enthusiasm, determination and more importantly as a team. It was a super match to watch and I was very proud of every single player. Well done, team! PS

What fun the U11C team have had this term! They were keen to learn, listened to feedback and showed real determination throughout. Because of this, they were able to make some good improvements in skill and ability. A key focus for us during practice has been working on spreading out on the pitch and getting the ball away from congested areas. It was lovely seeing this practice being put into play, especially in our final game of the season when the girls were clearly working hard to look up before passing, and trying to utilise the wings. What has also shone throughout this team is a real sense of team spirit. Thank you, girls, for looking out for each other, celebrating each other’s successes on the pitch and for never giving up.

FS

UNDER 10A

The U10A team has had a fantastic hockey season. The enthusiasm, talent and dedication that the U10A team has shown has been amazing. They have played some of the best hockey I have seen from this age group in a long time. Their true grit, determination and commitment has seen them have an unbeaten season. We drew 3 matches, and won 8. Well done girls for a thoroughly enjoyable season. It has been a pleasure to coach you.

GBW

The girls’ U10B hockey team had a very enjoyable and successful season. They had a difficult start, up against some strong teams, but worked hard in training to make great improvements. After their third match they were on a winning run using the skills practised in training to set up some lovely play and goals. It was great to see many of the Bs able to play in some matches for the As, and also many of the Cs playing for the Bs. All of the team worked with enthusiasm, improved their skills and showed better positioning in matches. A special mention must go to Heidi and Romy for working together so well in defence, and Willough for always giving 100%, making some great passes and scoring some lovely goals. One of the highlights of the season was a 3-1 win against The Downs. The whole team played brilliantly, setting up three great goals for Eve to score. Well done to all the U10s.

TP

UNDER 10C UNDER 10B UNDER 9s

It was such a great feeling to be back out on the hockey pitch this term; the girls were raring to go and full of enthusiasm to head out and put their skills into match practice. The U10C team had a fantastic season, winning four games, drawing one and only losing narrowly to Cheltenham College. Delphi was a force to be reckoned with at the top of the D as our high defender; her calmness and control allowed our midfield players time to get back and defend if needed. She, combined with Cleo and Camilla C, kept the ball away from our goal for the majority of the games. In the forward positions, the combination of Ottilie M, Honor and Flora M formed an encouraging partnership, attacking the goal well, and were backed up confidently on the wing by Connie who, in the one-all draw with St Hugh’s, scored an incredible goal to level us, intercepting the ball around the halfway line and passing three opposition players to get to goal. She then scored four goals against Dean Close. Amazing! A brilliant season for all. Well done.

We have had an enjoyable term of hockey and all the girls have progressed very well.

Our first couple of matches were mixed matches, and the girls were very excited to be playing away at St John’s, enjoying travelling together on the minibuses and having a sociable match tea. Over the term, we gradually settled into our two teams. The A team won 5 matches, losing one at the beginning of term and another one at the end. The last match was frustrating, playing against Dean Close with a smaller team than usual. Tabitha was brought up from the B team and played very well, scoring two goals.

It has been a pleasure to watch the girls progress and transfer their skills into matches. They have loved being a team, and it has been a fantastic experience playing different schools. Well done.

SF

Football

UNDER 13A

This was a most enjoyable, if short season, of football with a group of committed and talented footballers. Blessed with plenty of technical ability, it was a season that promised much as we approached our tough round of school fixtures. In competitive practice sessions with places in the side at a premium, we were able to work on all aspects of our game, with our passing and shooting showing good improvement as the weeks went on. Our early season challenge began at the Winterfold 6-a-side tournament, an event we have been regular winners at over the years. Not quite able to find a late goal that would have seen us make the final, our lack of edge in front of the goal meant that we finished a close 3rd. It was a slight disappointment but the style of attractive football the boys played was superb. Next, we travelled to Abberley for a triangular fixture with Winterfold, and encouragingly we were able to match and indeed beat the winners of the tournament a week earlier. These were two competitive games in tough wintery conditions. It was fantastic to see the boys acquit themselves physically and then be able to let their superior technical skills win out in the final few minutes. Another triangular match rounded off our short term of fixtures, this time Cokethorpe and Clifton were the visitors, and again we showed our metal in firstly matching them physically, then managing to score late goals that saw us claim an extremely hard-fought win. The boys were 2 down against a talented Cokethorpe. It was a testament to the boys that they were able to find a way back into the match to snatch a late equaliser. It was a similar story versus Clifton; we managed to stay in the game before letting our class show in the final minutes, and claiming a late but deserved victory. My thanks to all the boys.

DR

UNDER 13B UNDER 13C

The short season of only four matches against external opponents was memorable for the enjoyment of the boys, if not the quality of the soccer! We trained as we played, with a smile on our faces, and fought extremely hard against some opponents who were far more technically gifted than us.

Throughout, Oscar O led the team by example and never stopped running, Digby showed an enviable appetite for taking on defenders and Max H was outstanding (and very busy) in goal. Hopefully, everyone enjoyed the experience as much as I did. SW

UNDER 12A

It was a tough season for our U12A football side this year as, although we had the undoubted skill and prowess with the ball at our feet, we often came up against sides that were U13s, which meant that we were often beaten on the pitch physically. Nonetheless, the boys were outstanding throughout and could never be faulted for a lack of effort on the pitch, both in practice or at matches.

Our first game was against Wycliffe U13As on a windy afternoon up on the fields. The boys played some wonderful football but were outmuscled throughout. As we pushed hard for an equalising goal toward the end, they broke away and won the game 3-5. Next up was a triangular at Abberley where we played them

With a small but highly competitive fixture list, the boys competed hard in every single game but struggled to cope with the pace and skill level of the other teams. It was great to see them battling, giving 100% effort and always playing in the right manner, while enjoying the practice sessions and matches. Although the results were against us, the boys certainly improved their skill level, awareness and understanding of the game. Special mention to Hector Hol. who scored a couple of cracking goals throughout the season. EC

and Winterfold. Two great games and two good wins for the boys. With our first wins under our belts we headed down to QEH, with our heads high, but aware of the challenge that we faced if we were to keep up the winning streak. QEH proved too strong, particularly in the second half. It was Tockington Manor 1st XI next, and we were desperate for a result. However, it was they who went ahead in the first half and stayed ahead, winning 1-2. Throughout the season, the boys played some wonderful football and their levels improved dramatically as the term went on. Every games session was as enjoyable as the first and the passion never died! They were a wonderful team to coach and I feel great things will be ahead of them next year, when they are playing other schools in the same year group.

UNDER 12B

It may have been a short season, however it was most certainly a fun one for the U12B team. In training, all players focused both on developing their skills in attack and defence. They also developed the idea of passing the ball to best move around the pitch with purpose. As a team, their strengths started in goal with Rex R stopping the opposition’s shots brilliantly, and earning the man of the match award on several occasions. In defence, Alfie E and Cecil were everywhere on the pitch, both clearing the ball emphatically. James T was also excellent and developed his positional play to best turn defence into attack. Gabriel P was solid in midfield at breaking down the opposition’s attack, while Ned and Sam Mc. played key roles in starting the team’s attacking plays. Oliver R ran tirelessly creating the spaces up front, and then going on to score some important goals. Overall, the team achieved some impressive results and I am proud of their efforts. Well done to all those involved.

LR

UNDER 12C

This was a really short but incredibly fun and satisfying season of football. These boys worked very hard at developing their football, committing themselves and enjoying a bumble around the football pitches. Well done team, and best of luck next year!

UNDER 11A

A very short but enjoyable football season was had by the U11A boys. Having missed a season of football, it was great to see the boys developing their skills, competing in matches and enjoying the game. All boys worked with effort and enthusiasm in games sessions, developing their skill level and tactical awareness which they applied to matches.

The boys started the season with a tough fixture against Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital. Although the hosts came away with a 4-0 victory, the score line did not reflect the competitiveness of the match. It was obvious the boys didn’t lack technical ability but needed to develop their tactical awareness and positional play. Wilf was superb in goal, demonstrating his fine ‘shot stopping’ ability.

The boys developed formation and confidence in positional play. Monty H and Isaac developed a wonderful defensive partnership. Sam Mo. and Hector worked hard in the centre of midfield controlling the game, making tackles and moving the ball. With Barney, Hector K, and Rupert playing on the wings, their ability to deliver crosses and work hard to defend was having great impact in matches. Charlie T showed his goal scoring ability, even scoring with a header!

The boys built some momentum in the Winterfold Tournament, losing out in the final of the Plate competition. For the rest of the season they went unbeaten, beating St Edward’s at home and then Tockington away.

The boys ended the season by winning the Wycliffe 6-a-side trophy. Throughout the tournament they played some fantastic football. A tight semi-final against Wycliffe went to penalties, where Wilf saved a penalty to take the team into the final. A close game followed in the final against Dean Close St John’s. Goalless at full time, the match went to extra time. Deep into extra time, Beaudesert scored the winner and retained the Year 6 trophy.

A great season by all. ND

UNDER 11B

This season was a real case of win a few, lose a few, but overall the team grew into a genuine footballing package during the course of its short season. Anchored by Cassius in goal, he held the line stronger than a Roman Centurion, and with a solid upfront presence in Ivo, Roman and Rufus B, the team made headway scoring important goals when needed. In defence and midfield we were initially weaker, however as the term progressed Leo, Sebby F and George M worked like pack dogs; they steadily made their mark and took control of midfield which is essential to winning football matches. At the back Max Sl., Griff and Monty F eventually screwed down our defence tighter than a miser’s money box. They became a steely wall that intimidated the hardiest attack. There were some horrid defeats in the early stages of the season, but by the end of term, the team were beating the best of them. BC

JLB

UNDER 11C

A team full of endeavour and effort; they played hard in both fixtures and practice sessions. A season full of memories.

Henry B: “I remember when Roman scored from the halfway line in the first match.”

Leo: “I enjoyed making passes and tackling in defence. We all improved individually and as a team.”

Johnny: “The football season was a great time although we lost more matches than we had won. But the best thing was probably the satisfying easy tackles, then booting the ball straight up the pitch.”

Bertie M: “Running across the Common passing the ball to each other, getting ready for the match.”

Well played one and all. A good fun season. JSM

UNDER 10B UNDER 10A

The current crop of U10s are a football-mad bunch. They are a group who play together at break and are then able to take the chemistry and technique they develop through play, onto the field against other schools.

It has taken time for the boys to learn to discipline themselves and to play in set positions, rather than operating in the breaktime ‘swarm formation’. For this reason, special mention must go to Edward Sn. who, having started the season in the B team, brought an exemplary attitude to training, set his heart on being a defender and established himself, not only as an A team player but as the A team captain!

The boys have improved steadily and, despite the occasional footballing lesson from some very strong opposition teams, overall the season has been a huge success.

With Harry C.W. catlike and increasingly confident between the sticks, Edward Sn., Otis and Angus H defending resolutely, Barnaby pulling the strings in the midfield and George K, Oscar H, Harry G, Ethan and Bluey keeping opposition defenders busy, the makings of a really nice, young team was starting to develop. I look forward to seeing how they do as U11s. Well done, boys! TC

The Beaudesert Park U10Bs have enjoyed a wonderful season of football, with every player giving their all to the team. Despite the weather’s best efforts, we played in 10 games this season, winning 6 games, thanks to strong finishing and a fantastic team spirit to come back from 2 goal deficits more than once this season! We have enjoyed an amazing finishing record this term, scoring 28 goals from all manner of avenues such as penalties, free kicks and counter attacks. Each and every member of the team was keen to play and always stepped up if they were needed to fill a position they weren’t familiar with. This team will go into next season with plenty of confidence from this term and I look forward to seeing how they progress.

UNDER 10C UNDER 9s

The U10C team had a really successful season and showed immense progress throughout the term. This team was coached by both Mr Griffiths (first half of term) and Mr Clibborn (second half of term). The boys played some really nice football, and their team spirit was clear for all to see. Highlights include matches against Cheltenham College, Pinewood and St Edward’s. Harrison scored some really good goals. Goalkeepers Youssef and Arthur G proved to be very versatile, playing both in goal and up the pitch. Harry A.W. was a rock in this team throughout the term. Other valuable contributions from Max Sh., Jake, Max St., Hugo G and Edward T didn’t go unnoticed. They were a great side to coach where fun was had by all.

JD

The boys have worked hard during the term, working on their core skills and positioning around the pitch. Getting them to stay in positions rather than chasing the ball was a challenge, but by the end of the term all the boys knew their role on the pitch and played to the best of their ability. The Cobras led by Mr Houghton managed to do this earlier in the season and played with confidence, winning the majority of their fixtures. They were solid in defence and had some excellent attackers who scored some wonderful goals. Mr Baldwin’s Leopards were a very strong team who scored many goals and had a very successful season. They should be very proud of their efforts and I am sure we will see further success from this team over the years. The Bulls worked hard all season, passing the ball and tackling more readily as they practised their skills. Well done to all of the boys for their efforts in both training and matches.

JG

Netball

UNDER 13A

The U13A netball team have had a tough season this term but have showed great progression in both performance and cohesion. We have enjoyed the challenge of developing new tactics and improving our strategies.

The season started against Wycliffe, tough opposition who hosted a quick and feisty indoor game of netball. Whilst still getting back into the swing of netball rules, the girls played in several positions throughout the match, demonstrating versatility and determination. Wycliffe played at speed and with great accuracy, which meant our defence had to work incredibly hard. Esme matched her speed and agility around the centre court, allowing some fluid and impressive play to happen.

We were quickly faced with tournament play at Severnside, hosted by Clifton College. As ever, the girls arrived with grit and determination and were enthusiastic throughout. Katie and Jemima worked as a fearsome duo in defence, making it incredibly challenging for the opposition to get into the D. Tournament play highlighted just how important it is to have consistency in shooting, even under time pressure, which Isla R and Amelia demonstrated well.

UNDER 13B

This was an exciting season of netball with regular matches and thankfully few cancellations. The girls had not played netball for a full term since Year 6 and there was a lot to catch up on! January featured crash courses in footwork, passing, catching, defending and shooting, and improvement was swift.

Our matches ended up with a fifty-fifty spread of wins and losses, with one very exciting come-from-behind draw in the mix at Dean

With some wins under our belt, the U13A netball squad entered into IAPS. With some very close games, the girls finished third in their group, sending them through to the Plate competition. The girls fought hard during the Plate Final against All Hallows, and won 7-5.

We worked well as a year group squad to find the best combination of players, and the girls worked

Close. A couple of our players, Amelia and Tinks, were talent spotted by Miss Swan and whisked away to the 1st team, but gradually a regular line-up developed with established positions. Our all-purpose, multi-skilled player was definitely Scarlett C who played all positions in attack, centre and even defence at some stage or another. Our shooters, especially India, Lola M and Isla C, improved steadily, with Scarlett C able to step in when needed. Zoe and Florrie made an effective centre/wing attack combo, playing together throughout the campaign. With Lily F and Sophie Ra. fixtures at wing defence

incredibly hard during training and in fixtures over a very competitive fixture season.

The girls have worked hard for each other, always supporting, and encouraging each other through challenging games. The team should be very proud of their mindset this season and I wish them all the best with their netball in the future

and goalkeeper, it was just goal defence that was difficult to fill, as our two best options were taken by the firsts!

While there were some tough days at the netball office, the girls kept spirits high and clocked up some good wins. This was particularly impressive as they did this without a proper regular coach until the second half of the term due to staff absence. When I returned, I very much enjoyed taking them and wish them well in future netball adventures.

UNDER 12A

The U12A team have matured and developed greatly over the course of the season, winning the majority of their matches. They started the season off tremendously winning against Wycliffe 39-0. We were unlucky not to win the Severnside Tournament as we drew 1st place with Dean Close, but they had scored one more goal than us throughout the day. We went on to win the St Hugh’s Festival; the girls showed true grit and determination and played some very impressive, fast-paced netball. Our strengths this season have been our intercepting and movement in and around the circle which has given our shooters lots of scoring opportunities. The team have listened carefully to the coaching advice and took on board new tactical ideas. IAPS this year was at Rugby School. It was a very cold, wet day. The girls played with such enthusiasm and determination it was a joy to watch. We finished 3rd in our group and played in the plate competition, but got knocked out by a strong Farleigh team. Well done, girls, for a thoroughly enjoyable season.

GBW

UNDER 12B

It was an absolute pleasure having the U12Bs for netball. They played with grit and determination throughout the season and never once gave up! All players worked hard to improve their discipline on the court and all should be commended for their versatility and willingness to play in a variety of positions. You were fantastic, girls, well done!

KW

UNDER 11C UNDER 11B

The U11B team enjoyed a wonderful season of netball. The girls worked superbly as a team, encouraging and supporting each other, and demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to get involved. It was a tough season for the team but they rallied round in every match, scoring well against their opponents and winning comfortably against Dean Close and Wycliffe. They all played with delightful positivity, enthusiasm and commitment, and should be very proud of themselves. Well done, and best of luck for the next season.

The U11C team have had an amazing season, showing great improvement in every game played. The girls have not only come a long way regarding their skill improvement, but more so, their ability to come together and work so well as a team. Their ongoing positivity and enthusiasm for netball has carried the girls far, scoring some brilliant goals throughout the season. Whilst some matches proved more difficult than others, the girls always managed to keep their heads up and maintain a positive attitude both on and off the court. Equally maintaining a strong defence, the girls never failed to deliver brilliant and wellplayed games throughout the season!

LH

AK

UNDER 11A

By result, the U11As have had a varied season, but delve a little deeper and their performance each week has been one of great success.

They started strongly, winning the Severnside Tournament, coming from 2-0 down in the final to win 3-2. Thrilling. Adapting to position rotation, the girls have thrived on the opportunity to show off their skill all over the court. This tactic has paid off; 12 of the girls have been part of the A team at some point this season. What a pleasure to have such a talented group of Year 6 girls.

The girls represented Beaudesert with pride at the annual IAPS competition. It didn’t go our way on the day, but the girls left on a high with an excellent day of netball behind them. A season to be proud of. Well done!

EH

UNDER 10A

UNDER 10B

The U10B squad had a really good season this year, winning over half of their matches and always putting in the effort. Having played very little last year, the girls adapted really well to playing the 5-a-side rules. It is not always easy to adapt to a new position, but these girls have to adjust from shooting in attack, to centre court and defence after every quarter. Our first match against Cokethorpe was a bit of an eye-opener; we played well, getting the ball up to our circle, but shooting was not on our side. Instead of feeling dejected, we used this to our advantage, focusing on our shooting in practice, and came out fighting in our next match against Dean Close, winning 10-1.

TP

The U10A team have really enjoyed their first term of high five netball. They have experienced every position on court through rotations of positions every quarter. This has led to them learning the skills needed as a defending player, mid-court player and as a shooter. They are used to switching positions and adapting their skills quickly, and have learned the importance of working together as a team. They have had fun winning some matches and also learned how to improve their play through matches they have lost. The highlight of the season for most of them was winning the Severnside Tournament. Their strength was mainly in defence, with great interceptions followed by good accurate passing and movement. Next season they must all work on their shooting as this was a weak area for the team. Well done to all the U10s for working hard and making this a fun season.

The highlight of our term had to be when we travelled to the Clifton Severnside Tournament. The Year 5s were extremely depleted in numbers but this didn’t stop us. We lost a player to the A squad after our first, victorious match against Clifton, so we then had to borrow a player from Clifton, but, such was our girls’ adaptability and friendliness, that player was immediately brought into the fold. We stormed to two more victories against Dean Close and Wycliffe to win all of our matches and the tournament itself. Amazing.

A great season, lots learnt and a pleasure to coach such a wonderful group of young ladies. Well done.

The U10C were wonderful this season. They grew in leaps and bounds in their netball skills, and got to show them off throughout the term in various matches. All the girls tried all the positions and placements on the court, and quickly became very well-rounded players. Their attitudes were great come rain or shine, win or lose, and they should be very proud of their season. Well done, girls!

UNDER 10C UNDER 9s

KT

We have had a great term playing BEE netball. It is a simple version of netball with small teams. The girls are allowed anywhere on the court, which has taught them the importance of space and trying to intercept passes. All the girls are involved in shooting, and this has been great for their development moving forward. They have all enjoyed playing matches against other schools, having match tea and building new friendships.

All the above teams have had good results. The Storm team won their first three matches and then had a tough match against St John’s, losing by a couple of goals. Over the term, they won 3 and lost 3. This was good, as they lost a key player towards the end of the term with an injury.

The Thunder team had an impressive list of results losing only one of their matches. The highlight of their season was winning the Severnside tournament at Clifton.

The Lightning team had a good term, winning 3 matches and losing 3. They started off with an impressive win in their first match, which gave them confidence moving forwards.

Overall, the girls have improved in all areas of netball. It has been lovely to see them all have a go at shooting, and being rewarded with some great goals. Well done for all your hard work during matches and lessons; you all have a great set of skills to carry forward to next year.

JDS

Boys’ Hockey

UNDER 13A

A rollercoaster season, with masses of matches packed into a six week period. Ironically, some of the ups were at The Downs! A convincing victory in our fixture there, and bronze medal position in their tournament. We were also mightily unlucky not to qualify for the semi-finals of the Regional IAPS tournament: denied by the width of a goalpost, literally (we hit this twice, had both gone in we would have won our quarter final). What fine margins!

Against the metaphorical big boys of the area’s hockey schools (Clifton and Cheltenham), however, we struggled. Despite brave secondhalf fightbacks in each of these matches, in reality the result had been decided by half-time. These experienced teams demonstrated one vital quality; composure. This is a characteristic which evolves organically with several years of experience playing competitively. Pinewood and St. Hugh’s proved to be close contests which we should have won, having dominated possession and territory late on, yet again we weren’t quite clinical enough where it counted most. This was predominantly in making goal scoring opportunities count in the opposition’s D.

Not that results are everything in sport, of course. This team showed plenty of talent, skill and progress in their patterns of play as the season unfolded in terms of moving the ball quickly and accurately. Furthermore, our team spirit and communication got better with every passing week. We were found out a bit at the back, often remaining too flat in defence and thereby allowing opponents to thread through balls to their striker lurking behind our line. Goalkeepers are often underrated in hockey. In fact, Theo did a magnificent job, both in terms of his many controlled saves and his maturity being in charge of the kit. Skipper, Max H, defended strongly at times; he has a skilful variety of passes and scored a few crackers from short corners. Hari was arguably the most improved player in the squad, learning to time his tackles really well and improving his technique. Charlie V, whose energy levels resembled that of a Duracell bunny, also improved dramatically. Avery, Algie and Wilbur exhibited some wonderful touches at times, worked hard in midfield and all scored, albeit not converting as many chances as they would have liked. It has been rewarding for me to witness their development as hockey players. More than half of the team were deservedly awarded full or half colours.

I am sure this group of boys will go on to bigger and better things in their hockey careers at senior schools. Certainly that is my hope and I wish them the best of luck in doing so. Keep working hard, keep enjoying it and you could be competing for top team places! Well done for now. OF

UNDER 13B

The U13B team had a very enjoyable season of hockey. Everyone who played worked extremely hard on their game and made great improvements. At times, we struggled to score goals and so results did not always reflect the performances, especially when faced with teams who had a full term of hockey rather than the half term which we did. Nevertheless, we defended with commitment and aggression, and refused to let our heads drop. I really enjoyed working with such an enthusiastic group of boys. SW

UNDER 13C

Our lack of practice showed in our first match against Cheltenham where we spent much of the time chasing the ball. A few days later, when we played Pinewood, the ball did the work. There was a good display of using the space and running onto the ball. Also, by applying pressure on the opposition, it forced them into making mistakes which we were able to capitalise on. The match against The Elms was a success. Playing 8-a-side on a small pitch we managed to come back from an early goal from The Elms, to go ahead, but in the dying moments of the match they drew level. It was a very good team effort, showing that we continued to make progress.

On a lovely sunny Saturday morning, we faced Clifton College away. We had a strong team but we were without the aid of a goalkeeper. This in hindsight helped us, as we had an extra player outfield. The ball was passed side to side, back and forth. The score was a good reflection of the match. Our second encounter with Pinewood was rain affected, only playing 20 minutes. The two sides were very equal but in the last play of the match they sneaked in a decider. Our final game, a rematch against Cheltenham, started well as we went 2-1 up. Sadly, we could not keep up the energy levels and ended up losing 6-2 but it was a creditable end to the season.

Well done to everyone who was involved. It was a short, sharp season but there was so much for the team to take away from their hockey this term.

UNDER 13D UNDER 12B

I thoroughly enjoyed the short season of hockey with these boys. They had loads of fun on the astro and they came out time and time again, ready to be brave and to have a go. We went through every range of emotion imaginable; from fits of laughter to tears of frustration, but these boys didn’t take life too seriously at all and played each and every match in good spirit with 100% commitment.

Well done and best of luck next season!

UNDER 12A

JLB

It has been a most enjoyable, if short season of hockey. I must give credit to the boys that despite the very tough fixtures and results, they remained competitive in every game, never letting their heads drop and made the opposition work extremely hard for their victories. Blessed with the ability, attitude and work rate of Herbie and Oliver R, and supported ably by the rest of the squad, we developed into a tight unit, difficult to break down, with each player knowing their job and working hard for the team. Our practice sessions were competitive and enjoyable, with a number of players from a strong B team pushing for places, and it was great that I was able to give a number of boys first team experiences that will stand them in excellent stead for next year and beyond. Playing both Pinewood and Cheltenham College twice each in our five week season was a fantastic way to gauge the improvements that we were able to make, a thumping defeat to Pinewood was reversed in the final fixture, and in a torrential downpour we thoroughly deserved our commanding victory. Very well done all.

DR

Our Year 7 boys had their first experience of school hockey matches. The U12Bs made a huge amount of progress during the short hockey term. They adapted well, some having never played the game before. They were able to transfer their knowledge of football principles of play to hockey, and were competitive in matches. The boys had tough games against teams from Cheltenham and Pinewood, but were improving every week. Their technical ability was improving as well as their understanding of the game. Repeat fixtures towards the end of the term produced some much improved results, and a real sense of achievement came with the progress that had been made. The boys were never lacking in effort or enthusiasm and were a pleasure to teach.

UNDER 12C

ND

It has been a fantastic hockey season for the U12Cs and one that, despite being so short, was still long enough for the boys to benefit from numerous games and improve hugely. Games sessions saw us bussed down to the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester and despite having to travel, we made the most of the time we had. All boys remained keen and eager up to the final practice session, and the improvements that they made were outstanding. Our first game took us down to Monkton Combe, where we were comfortably beaten by 0-3. However, we picked ourselves back up in some positive games against hockey specialists Cheltenham and St Hugh’s. This meant that we got our first win of the season! We travelled down to Hatherop where we played their 2nd VII, and a cracking game meant that we drew 4-4 with 4 goals from Eddie keeping us in the game. A huge well done to all involved and a special mention Naoise for stepping up to the plate and keeping so well and enthusiastically throughout the season.

TL

UNDER 12D

The U12D team had a very fruitful and promising season. The boys played with confidence and their team spirit was clear for all to see. They had some excellent victories over the term, and played entertaining hockey. The speed of Kasper in combination with the strength of Alfie E was too much for oppositions to handle. Tidy finishing by Henry B and great tactical awareness from Caspar J formed the backbone of this impressive side. Other valuable contributions from Ted, Inigo, Edward Sk. and Max B made all the difference, and this group of boys have plenty of promise moving forwards.

UNDER 11A

It was an excellent term for the U11As, with so many highlights for all those involved. It was great to have a side with strengths in every position on the pitch and I am so proud of everyone’s efforts to make such a successful season. Even with some memorable wins, the most impressive part in both training and matches was the togetherness and team spirit shown. It was simply excellent. To get to the final of the U11 Malvern Tournament, only losing to Clifton in the head to head matches, showed the talent that permeated throughout the team and the effort that every player was willing to give.

Everyone played their part. Hector M was instrumental in midfield, not only defending resolutely, but also scoring some great goals. Monty H worked hard in all areas of the pitch, linking with others and moving the ball forward whenever possible. Wilf played superbly in goal, stopping the opposition’s shots while Rufus B and Sam Mo. never put a foot wrong in their defensive responsibilities. The improvement of many players was clear to see and both Barney and Rupert were instrumental in stopping the opposition and then providing width in so many of the team’s attacking plays. Hector K and Ivo were excellent up front, pushing the defence back and scoring some very important goals.

I was so proud of the team’s achievements. It was a privilege to have so many talented individuals in one team, and I am sure that they will achieve some great things on the hockey pitch in the years to come, both as individuals and as a team. A fantastic season, thank you so much!

UNDER 11B

UNDER 11C

LR

This U11B team played with plenty of passion and enjoyment throughout the term. Having only started hockey for the first time in February, they took to it like ducks to water. The rapid improvement was clear for all to see. This was demonstrated by a wholehearted draw against Clifton on a showcase Saturday on our astro. Sebby F and Isaac were lethal in partnership, as demonstrated so well against St John’s. George M was a rock in defence alongside Leo, whilst a midfield of Bertie M and the versatile Charlie T were often too much for opposition teams to handle. A top side with huge potential. JG

A short introductory season to hockey resulted in some tough matches against schools who had played hockey competitively for a number of years. However, the boys battled hard against strong competition. They made encouraging progress with their stick skills, improved their awareness and understanding of the game, and developed some pleasing passing skills. During our training sessions and matches, the boys always played with energy and enthusiasm while enjoying their time on the pitch. I hope they continue to enjoy this sport as they move up the School and play more games. EC

As always, I have been so impressed with the effort and enthusiasm shown by the cross country squad and all those who have joined in with the activity this year. It has been wonderful to have school fixtures in the calendar again. We have seen regular training runs at break time and these have proved increasingly competitive, with the children taking part consistently in all weathers. The cross country activity proved great fun as usual, and we have been able to mix up the terrain, pace and session type regularly; faster runs on the Common one week, tough hilly routes in Box Woods during another, and more structured sessions to include hill sprints and timed efforts on the school site as well!

Cross Country

With the talented and competitive teams available, we were able to continue the fine tradition of cross country running at Beaudesert, fielding full teams in this tough sport. The children ran hard as individuals and supported one another in the team competitions. The longstanding Pinewood fixture is always a highlight in the calendar, and a high-quality event with many of the top schools regionally and nationally taking part. This year was no exception. Their heavy and demanding course is a real test, and it was wonderful to see our runners up for the challenge, giving their best and running hard to the end. A special mention must go to Iris for her fantastic victory in the junior girls’ race. We also saw marvellous

performances at the Severnside fixture at Wycliffe on another deceptively long and tough course. Chloe B had a commanding gun to tape victory, supported brilliantly by the rest of the team.

The National Championships held at Malvern College is always a fantastic experience for the children and this year was no exception; with the best prep school runners in the country taking part there is no hiding place. The experience always stands us in good stead and we’re already looking forward to next year. Very well done, all.

DR

The 1st XI had a very successful season this year. The team included a good blend of Year 8 and Year 7 boys who gelled well together. Notable wins against Cheltenham College and Clifton College were the highlights. Algie led the team excellently throughout the term, ably assisted by his trusted Vice-Captains of Felix and Avery. All rounders in the form of Wilbur and Hector How. who were notable performers with both bat and ball. The bowling attack was led superbly by Freddie de R and Leo P, who bowled economically and created pressure on the opposition batsmen. The most noticeable improvements were the team’s fielding and the understanding of restricting runs and creating pressure. The self-belief within the team was evident and the confidence to bat first in many games was also fantastic to see. It was a pleasure to oversee the development of this fine group of Beaudesert cricketers. I wish them well and look forward to hearing of their future exploits.

2ND XI

It was a most enjoyable season, played in the right spirit with everyone contributing either with the bat, bowling or in the field. The sadness is that with the shortened version of the game, fewer members of the team have a chance to prove themselves by batting or by bowling. Some had a chance to contribute more by playing a few games in the 3rds, while others were picked to help out the 1st XI; all very good experience for those who are leaving and playing cricket at senior schools next year, and for those who remain and will form the bulk of the 1st XI.

Cheltenham caught us off guard a couple of times, while Pinewood showed their talent and strength in depth. The other matches went our way with convincing wins against St. Hugh’s, Wycliffe and Tockington. The most exciting match was against Dean Close, played on their senior school 1st XI square, where at tea they had scored a very impressive 153 – 6 off 25 overs. They had, however, taught us a few tricks of the trade, with some good running between the wickets. The ‘impressive score’ was systematically ticked off by some very firm striking of the ball to the boundary by Max H and Oliver R. It was one of those matches that reminds you of why you want to play cricket.

Good luck and thank you.

Boys’ Cricket

JSSM

3RD XI

The 3rd XI (or, as we preferred to be known, the Gentlemen’s XI), had a most enjoyable term of cricket. 18 different boys played at this level during the season, and all embraced the ethos of playing with a smile on our faces and focusing on enjoyment rather than results. In all our matches we adopted the policy of everyone bowling (if they wanted to!), and the improvement which resulted was most pleasing. At times, our batting was slightly below par – a desire to score quick runs overpowering the need to defend against good, straight balls – but at least it provided plenty of opportunity for everyone. Our fielding was equally hit and miss; we took some blinding catches and dropped some sitters. All in all, it was a great season with a fantastic group of boys.

4TH XI

SW

But for the last ball of the first match, the 4th XI would have had an unbeaten season. That it came so close is a measure of the depth of talent and ability within the squad. With Max B and Ned putting on a Curtly-Courtney cameo to open the bowling (a terrifying prospect for any opposition batsmen), swiftly followed by the deceptively gentle stump to stump balls of Hugo H, Agastyan, Oliver M, Sam Mc. and James T, opposition teams crumbled to many a low score. It became imperative we bat first, to give any chance of a batsman having time to score a decent amount of runs. Fortunately, Captain George L was slick with the coin and won nearly all his calls. He commanded with confidence and maturity, and

the rest of the team followed. With the bat, we had a glut of big hitters and patient prodders. Eddie put away a bucket load of runs for the season, Sholto scored a fine 50 against Clifton, Rex R cleared the forty run mark regularly, while Wylder patiently tapped runs about the field. A good team needs a good keeper, and behind the stumps we were anchored by Cecil, fearless and acrobatic, his keeping put steel into the bowlers and gave them the confidence to let rip. In the field it took time to find our fingers, the early spring cold never helps, but once we found our fielding hands, catches were picked out of the air like falling snowflakes.

SH

5TH XI

This was a most enjoyable term of cricket with a super keen group of boys who were a pleasure to coach this season. Starting with some ‘incredi-ball’ training and fixtures, which proved useful in honing our skills and competitive instincts, we soon moved to hard ball cricket, and it was fantastic to see the team flourish and play some really good cricket. I have been so impressed with how the whole squad contributed with bat, ball and in the field, and it was excellent to see the Year 8s set such a fine example to the younger members of the squad with their positive attitude, will to win and general enthusiasm for the game. Our school fixtures were competitive affairs and whether we came out on top or not, it was credit to the team that they battled to the end, never letting their heads drop and making the opposition work so hard for their runs and wickets. Very well done all. DR

6TH XI

A short but most enjoyable season where the boys developed their skills in practice sessions and matches. The results were in our favour for most of our games but we came across a very good Dean Close team that put an end to our unbeaten season. Unfortunately, the British summertime weather did not play ball and matches after the Half Term break were non-existent due to the downpours and the many school trips going on.

It was great to see the boys enjoy themselves, improve their cricketing skills and build their confidence level when playing this game. EC

UNDER 11A

The Summer Term is a fantastic time of the year and one of my favourite times to be out and about on the Playing Fields. I was so lucky to have such a wonderful group of enthusiastic and talented boys in my team, all of whom never gave anything less than 100%. Hector M captained brilliantly and led by example, batting with purpose and balance, and bowling superbly.

Each member of this outstanding team had their individual strengths that contributed towards our success. Rupert was a brilliant wicket keeper and opening batsman, Hector K was an attacking bowler and steady middle order batsman, Rufus B was a solid middle order batsman, Barney was brilliant at batting and bowling, Wilf was a top

order batsman and attacking bowler, Sam Mo. was fantastic initially as a swing bowler but also developed into a very useful batsman, Isaac was a consistent wicket taking bowler, Ivo was an awesome attacking batsman and bowler, Monty H was a capable batter and bowler, Monty F was a very useful left-handed batter and fast bowler, and finally Max Sl. was an excellent wicket taking bowler.

These boys absolutely loved their cricket and had a hugely successful season. They won all but one match, as well as winning the Plate Competition at the Malvern 8s Cricket Festival. Well done and best of luck next season!

UNDER 11B

The U11Bs enjoyed a fantastic season of cricket. For many, the idea of playing hard ball cricket was somewhat intimidating to begin with so, when we consider the fact that they were all clamouring to pad-up by July, we have to see the season an undisputed success. Sebby F, Henry B and Bertie M impressed with their line and length bowling; Charlie T fielded like a young Gary Pratt; Leo, Patrick and Cassius were swashbuckling with the bat; Griff and Alasdair V were like Freddie Flintoff in his prime – a constant threat with bat and ball; and Johnnie, Roman and Raffy were relentless in their desire to improve their game, developing into very decent young cricketers. Overall, it was a great season for all and this was highlighted by the fact they only lost two games all season. Well done, everyone! TC

UNDER 10A

This term, the U10As have had an incredibly successful season, in which they have been lucky enough to play the majority of their games, and the weather has not interfered too much. Overall, we played 10 fixtures against 9 different schools, with a real mixed bag of results. Although some didn’t go our way, the majority did and we came away with 5 wins, 4 losses and a draw. A huge well done to all who had a run out for the A team this term, in which we fielded a mixed team for the first time in U10A history.

It is always good to get the season up and running with a pairs game, which is exactly what we did against Cheltenham in April. Despite the win, everyone was keen to play some ‘proper cricket’! So, up next was St Hugh’s and we travelled down to play them on a very blustery and slightly cold, but dry day. It was our first full game of hard ball cricket and our first win. This was followed by a win the following week against

Wycliffe’s U11 side, where a quick-fire 32 runs for Frederick B helped seal the win. Next, it was off to Cheltenham for our 2nd fixture of the season but this time, playing a proper 20/20 match. The opposing team proved too strong for us on the day, and they won by 53 runs. Following on from that, we hosted an U11 team from The Downs, Wraxall, and had our match of the season. We lost by 1 run in the final over. It was such a great game, and one we were unlucky to lose. That said, we learnt a lot from it and we headed off to Dean Close next, where 3 wickets from the bowling of George K meant that we were able to pin them down to a total of 117 when they were chasing 140. Then came the big one… Pinewood. We kept them limited to just 138. We chased them down with relative ease which resulted in a 6 wicket victory.

The season ebbed and flowed like this for a few more matches before the final two games were

called off due to a mixture of rain and other sporting events in the calendar. Overall though, the boys of the team should be hugely proud of the fact that they all had the most terrific season and played some wonderful cricket throughout. They gelled well as a team and the rotating captains meant that everyone had their chance to shine. A huge well done to James B for picking up ‘Most Improved Player’, having started the season in the Cs and playing much of it in the As. TL

UNDER 10B

The boys tried their hardest this season with good results. They worked as a team and used every practice session to look over their skillsets, work on their weaker areas and perfect their strong ones. They had some wonderful wins and some tough losses, but at the end of the day they can all be proud of their hard work and their success in what was a great season.

UNDER 10C

RB

This season was a lot of fun for the U10C cricket team. It was lovely to see them working hard to develop their skills in all three key areas of the game, and they all made great strides in becoming more confident cricketers. As a team they worked so well together, encouraging each other and celebrating individual and team successes. Harrison and Hugo G led the way with their batting and running between the wickets. Youssef and Max Sh. bowled a lovely line and length against the opposition. Jake and Edward Sn. worked hard in the close fielding positions. Through their efforts over the term, they achieved some great results against some strong teams. A huge thank you to all the players involved for a really enjoyable season.

1ST XI

With more and more girls now getting hard ball experience from previous years and from playing outside School, there was huge enthusiasm for cricket right from the start of the term. In a stroke of genius surely to be scrutinised by County Cricket administrators all over the country, team manager Mr Burns (KDB) scooped up Kuber (also KDB) to be our Head Coach. His knowledge of the game and sheer exuberance made for a very special summer of cricket.

With many more wins than losses, there was a lot to enjoy and some memorable performances. Katie and Jemima made runs on both sides of the wicket and hit the bad balls well. Lollie and Darcey tended to come on against the later bowlers and plundered their runs with powerful blows to all parts. Esme showed again that good length balls mean nothing to her, as she belted them further and further past a series of despairing square leg fielders. When playing “proper” cricket, we suffered the batting collapses that come with the territory, but big scores were made by Katie, Jemima and Lollie. Lollie had been retired, and came back in to win the final match of the season! Captains Isla R and Indigo G both found hitherto unseen reserves of power hitting and always batted well together. Indigo G’s straight drives in the second half of the season were just thunderous.

Our bowling never achieved quite the penetration, consistency and accuracy I had been expecting, but everyone contributed with the ball at some stage. When Amelia settles on a single action she will be a fine bowler! With Kuber’s help, we moved away from the ring field and gradually our ground skills, backing up and catching (Indigo G was our catching star) got better and better. All of the girls who were called up to play one or two games did incredibly well, and huge thanks go to everyone who made the trip to Malvern possible. We had a lot of lovely support throughout the summer, and it was so nice to see so many family members at the festival day that we had when our IAPS tournament was cancelled. The girls have been brilliant company – their enthusiasm and competitive fires have remained undimmed despite various setbacks and interruptions. Thank you to them, and thank you from all of us to the mighty Kuber!

KDB

Girls’ Cricket

2ND XI

The 2nd XI have had a very enjoyable and successful season of cricket. They have played pairs cricket all season, with some soft ball matches before moving on to hard ball. There have been lots of changes within the team, with some players playing for the firsts on a few occasions, and others showing great improvements and moving up from the thirds. The most progress has been made with bowling, improving consistency and pace. A special mention must go to Iris A and Helena, who bowled excellently during the second half of the season. The fielding was something they really worked on and was slick by the end of the season. Agatha made some tricky catches and was great,

3RD XI

What a season of competitive cricket the 3rds have had. They played with consistent grit and determination and were rewarded with only one defeat. I have been most impressed by the effort put in by the team, all of them working hard to improve the accuracy and pace of their bowling, both in training and in their break times which they spent in the nets. Some even tried to develop a spin bowling technique! I love this enthusiasm and dedication, and I am

always backing up and using her accurate throw into the wicket. The batting was also very good. They struggled at first playing hard ball, but this soon improved, and many fours were hit. Only one match was lost over the season and only by four runs. It was their first hard ball match and very exciting; they fielded well but unfortunately some struggled with the batting. A thank you must go to Tinks for being a confident captain, opening the bowling and scoring many wickets before moving to the first team. Well done to all the girls for showing great enthusiasm for cricket and working hard in training and matches.

delighted that it resulted in some fantastic wickets. The girls also put out some excellent batting performances, resulting in a number of fours and sixes being scored (and plenty of cheering from Miss Winkworth!). There were also some very memorable “lost ball” retrievals from the bushes that the opposition daren’t venture into. That’s the Beaudesert spirit, girls! Well done. It was an absolute pleasure being your coach.

4TH XI

The girls had a really good season and should be very proud of their efforts this term. Of the five matches played, they won four and only narrowly lost the fifth against Dean Close, who were actually fielding a predominantly male mixed team. We were possibly the better team, but we needed to tighten up on our fielding, as the opposition took advantage at every opportunity to score on a misfield. A lesson learnt.

Over the course of the term, the team’s bowling went from strength to strength, which was brilliant to see; wides and no-balls became few and far, and our strong bowling was complimented by a number of competitor teams. It is actually harder to score when facing a weaker team as the multiple no-balls and wides, although they give a score of two, don’t often allow for the ball to be hit for six or four, which

the girls found quite frustrating. However, we started to get wise to this and began to leave the crease and hit the wides and no-balls, gaining extra runs.

Our final game against Pinewood was an excellent one to finish on. The girls talked to each other throughout, working brilliantly in their batting pairs to communicate when to run and, as a result, winning by 66 runs. Poppy and Layla-Rose had an excellent combined score of 51, and Alice M and Paloma were not far behind on 49.

It has also been really pleasing to see how the girls encouraged each other; some had played very little, if any, cricket before and the others helped to boost their confidence and reassure them. Well done. JDS

UNDER 11A

IAPS regional winners, an unbeaten season, the winning team of the Marlborough College Festival… and this is just the start! The team have been incredibly impressive this year and they should all be very proud of their achievements. We went into the season excited and quick paced, training hard and challenging the U11A boys’ team to friendly matches. This term, the U11 girls have stepped up a level in their cricket pathway, learning different bowling styles, setting the field and even reversing sweeps. The knowledge of the game that these girls, as a team, now hold is admirable. Each and every one them has fire in their belly, strives to achieve and has full belief in their teammates. As the season moved forwards, we quickly saw that pairs soft ball was turning into T20 style each and every game, with huge fours and sixes being hit every ball. We progressed the team onto hard ball cricket which came with the challenge of fielding a harder ball and different game tactics. With no surprise, this team took on the challenge with grit and determination, demanding longer and extra training sessions. This is a team to watch over the next two years at Beaudesert, they will not disappoint!

UNDER 11B

The U11B girls have had a fantastic cricket season. They have all impressed me with their enthusiasm and attitude which has enabled them to improve their skills each week in practice and in matches. They have had an unbeaten season, and dominated the majority of their matches. They have grown in confidence and have batted and bowled fantastically, regularly taking wickets and hitting boundaries. They are a talented team and I look forward to seeing their cricket skills develop as they move up the School. They have been a pleasure to teach. Well done.

UNDER 11C

The girls played wonderfully this year. With an even number of wins to losses, it was an interesting season. We worked on a number of skills and everybody sought to better themselves and their contribution to the team; their teamwork grew more than anything else with every match. It was a pleasure to coach them and there is no doubt that next season will be even better.

The girls have gone from strength to strength this season, and have made great progress in all areas of the game. It has been a varied season in terms of results but this has never deterred the girls. They have remained in high spirits and are determined to improve for the next game. A particular highlight was the match vs St Hugh’s, where, although the overall result did not go our way, the girls bowled so accurately they were commended by the opposition coach and conceded the least amount of extras. The girls finished the season on a high beating Clifton! 12 different Year 5 girls have played for the A team over the season, representing their eagerness to improve and desire to push themselves. Well done.

EH

UNDER 10B UNDER 10C

It has been a great season for the U10B team, who have worked hard on their cricketing skills in practice sessions. With a few cancelled games this season, they still managed to hit their stride, winning matches against both Cheltenham College and Dean Close this summer. The girls were fantastic at encouraging each other, and it was wonderful to see some of the B team players promoted to the A team during their tenure. I am sure many of them will continue to bat, bowl and field strongly when they begin their U11 season next year.

CH

The U10C team enjoyed a super season of cricket. They played very well as a team, encouraging and supporting each other throughout the season, and demonstrating determination and an eagerness to get involved in all aspects of the game. The team played with wonderful positivity, enthusiasm and commitment, and should be very proud of themselves. Well done, everyone, and best of luck for the next season.

U9 BOYS AND GIRLS CRICKET

The Year 4 boys and girls had a very successful term of cricket. The start of the term focussed on introducing key skills and techniques to the children. From there, we focused on learning through playing different types of games. Each child played in a number of fixtures throughout the term. For some fixtures we played mixed cricket which both the boys and girls enjoyed. We had a couple of excellent blocks with Cheltenham College, and the ‘Gladiators’ team enjoyed their hard ball match at the end of the season. This is a very exciting group of cricketers and we look forward to seeing how they develop as they climb up the School.

LH

Tennis

With plenty of sunshine, the Summer Term at Beaudesert was perfect for tennis. All girls in Years 5 to 8 enjoyed matches against Dean Close School and Clifton College.

In the Severnside tennis competition, Max H and Charlie V in the U13 boys’ team faced tough opposition, including nationally ranked players, and finished 3rd in their group. The U13 girls (Lauren C, Jemima, Esme and Isla R) played some great tennis and finished 2nd place in their competition. The U11A boys (Monty H and Barney) came 2nd in their group, and the B team (Hector M, Sam Mo., George M and Rufus B) competed well in their matches. Capi and Otti in the U11 girls’ team won their event, consistently performing throughout the tournament. The U10 girls (Poppy C and Eve) faced a match against Dean Close, and played with effort and enthusiasm.

Tennis coaching was available to children during the evenings. Individual, pair, and group coaching offered something for everyone. Both coaches and children were able to enjoy and benefit from the new structure. Our tennis coaches will return in the Autumn Term for those keen to keep up their regular tennis and make the most of the newly laid surface. Year 2 children also had the opportunity to receive tennis coaching throughout the year, and those involved made significant progress.

All children in Years 5 to 7 took part in the Beaudesert Tennis Championships, qualifying in PE lessons throughout the term, with the main draw taking place in the final week. Fantastic matches were played; all who qualified must be congratulated for the standard of tennis, and the effort demonstrated in the competition.

ND

Beaudesert Tennis Championships 2022 Results

Year 5 Girls

Girls Winner: P Charlesworth

Runner Up: D Dickens

Year 5 Boys

Boys Winner: B Pettifer Runner Up: E Thiass

Year 6 Girls

Girls Winner: C Peppiatt Runner Up: O de Rouet

Year 6 Boys

Boys Winner: H Meakin Runner Up: M Hargitay

Year 7 Girls

Girls Winner: L Walker Runner Up: D McShane

Year 7 Boys

Boys Winner: H Ahearne Runner Up: O Raphael

Year 8 Award Winners

In our Prize Giving assembly at the end of the year, Year 8 children were awarded Colours for recognition of their contribution towards tennis at Beaudesert Park. Full Colours were awarded to M Hargitay, E Hodson and L Cuellar. Half Colours were awarded to J Gordon, I Ross, O O’Carroll, and C Vernon.

UNDER 11 WINNERS AGAINST DEAN CLOSE

As always, one of the sporting highlights of the year are our annual Sports Days. Our first Sports Day was the Pre-Prep Sports Day on a beautiful Friday afternoon. Children took part within their classes and eagerly participated in a variety of events. There were six different events this year, and stickers were handed out to the children for their skill and endeavour. The obstacle course was a very popular event, and it

Sports Day

was great to see smiles and laughter from both children and parents. The afternoon concluded with the House Relay Races around the track. This was followed by the Parents’ Relay, which was enjoyed by all!

The following Friday saw Years 3 and 4 have their own Sports Day at the Playing Fields. The children competed for their Houses, in

their House colour, in a range of track and field events. We were blessed with excellent weather, and there were some fine performances throughout the afternoon. Mr Tiley ensured that everyone was aware of the various results during the afternoon. Children were pleased to receive an ice lolly at the conclusion, and everyone met in front of the Pavilion for the overall results to be announced. Certificates were also awarded to the ‘Athletes of the Day’ in each form, as voted for by their form teacher.

Despite the Saturday Years 5 to 8 Sports Day being lost to the weather for the second year in a row, we were able to rearrange this for the last Wednesday of term. For the first time since introducing the new House System, pupils competed within their Houses, representing them with pride and displaying excellent athletic prowess. The boys and girls participated in a minimum of three events and there was a lovely buzz across the fields. Winners of each event were announced over the Tannoy, including celebrating some of the new school records achieved. It was lovely seeing everyone come together for the overall results in front of the Pavilion. Our first House Sports Day was a roaring success and was a very fitting way to round up a successful sporting year.

Athletics

It is wonderful to see athletics continue to flourish at Beaudesert, and it feels fantastic to have school fixtures to focus on once again. We saw plenty of superb performances across the board in our training sessions and I have been so impressed with the effort and enthusiasm shown by all the children, whether striving for qualification for national competitions, or gaining those precious House points.

It was great to be able to host the Severnside meeting this year, and marvellous to see Beaudesert athletes compete so well. In a high-quality competition, we did ourselves proud, with several first place finishes and many other top three performances. What was most satisfying was to see Beaudesert children thriving across the smorgasbord of athletics activities; from sprints, middle distances, jumps and throws, our team can do it all!

With our school Sports Day the next target for the majority of our athletes, competition remained fierce

in practise sessions, and it has been great for us to have the extended games time this term. This has meant standards have remained pleasingly high and a number of long-standing school records were in serious danger, many were in fact broken! Athletics is a tough, mainly individual sport, and it gives children the opportunity to learn how to peak and perform at their best at a given time.

With outstanding performances from our top athletes at the Regional Championships, we had the biggest number of qualifiers for many years at the national event, held this year at Nuneaton, as the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham was being prepared for the Commonwealth Games. Lollie and Sholto led the way with magnificent bronze and silver medals. They produced superb performances under pressure in a high-quality event; a testament not only to their talent but mental fortitude, remaining calm and being able to produce their best when it mattered. Chloe B, running superbly to make her final, also excelled, as did our other qualifiers. It was a fitting end to a successful term of athletics.

DR

Sports Day Results 2022

House Results

YEAR GROUP 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH

Year 3 Hazel Rowan Willow Maple

Year 4 Maple Willow Rowan Hazel

Year 5 Rowan Willow Maple Hazel

Year 6 Hazel Maple (joint 1st) Willow Rowan

Year 7 Maple Rowan Hazel Willow

Year 8 Maple Hazel Rowan Willow

OVERALL Maple Hazel Rowan Willow

U14 Boys

100 C Chadwick 13.42s

200 C Chadwick 27.23s

800 A Meakin 2m43s

Hurdle C Vernon 12.46s

Long W Hunter 4.33m

High E Robinson 1.33m

Discus T Maculan 16.26m

Shot C Chadwick 10.17m Javelin T Maculan 29.11m

U13 Boys

100 S Casey 14.00s

200 S Casey 27.17s

800 S Casey 2m33s*

Hurdles O Bullock 11.92s

Long O Bullock 4.13m

High H Ahearne 1.31m

Discus O Mitchell 16.64m

Shot H Ahearne 8.54m

Javelin H Ahearne 30.09m

U12 Boys

100 H Meakin 15.22s

200 S Morris 30.34s

800 I Stringer 2m43s

Hurdles L Da Rosa 13.62s

Long S Fitzpatrick 3.61m

High R Spooner 1.12m

Discus H Meakin 14.65m

Shot M Hargitay 6.87m

Javelin W Edmunds 20.51m

U11 Boys

100 B Pettifer 15.63s

200 B Pettifer 30.41s

800 B Pettifer 2m48s

Hurdles R Noest 13.60s

Long B Pettifer 4.36m*

High M Shuttleworth 1.05m

Discus F Blake 20.39m

Shot O Rowland 5.30m

Vortex T Bouhrazen 33.00m

U13/14 Girls

100 K Johnston 14.46s

200 B Charlesworth 30.51s

800 B Blastland 2m45s

Hurdles R Sturgis (U13) 11.65s

I Gordon (U14) 12.52s

Long L Walker 3.70m

High R Sturgis 1.24m

Discus I Gordon 14.43m

Shot J Gordon 7.23m

Javelin L Walker 24.60m

U12 Girls

100 C Bostock 14.60s

200 C Bostock 28.48s*

800 S Robinson 3m10s Hurdles T Hamilton 12.30s Long O Johnston 2.96m

High C Bostock 1.30m Discus I Walker 14.76m

Shot C Bostock 6.25m Javelin C Peppiatt 15.02m

U11 Girls

100 P Charlesworth 16.09s 200 P Charlesworth 32.72s 800 L Biddle 3m12s Hurdles W Jones-Davies 13.55s

Long I Phillips 3.24m High T Bradley 0.95m Discus H Breitmeyer and D Dickins 15.54m Shot W Jones-Davies 4.91m Vortex V Gemmill 17.00m

Mixed Relays

U13 – Rowan; L Walker, H Moffatt, K Calvert, S Casey.

U12 – Willow; C Bostock, S Phillips, R Spooner, S Morris.

U11 – Hazel; P Charlesworth, E Blastland, H Gordon, G King.

* denotes a new school record

Girls

The Year 3 girls started their sporting pursuits this year with hockey. We have focused on developing basic skills including ball control, passing, receiving, shooting and types of hits. Towards the end of the season, the girls started to apply all these skills into match play. They attended a mixed hockey festival at St Hugh’s and enjoyed a fantastic day of coaching and some competitive game play.

The hockey season was quickly followed by netball, where the girls followed the BEE programme sourced by England Netball. The game has allowed the girls to start their netball pathway through inclusive sessions which not only develop their netball skills, but allow them to develop other skills such as friendship, inclusion, fair play and playing as a team. The Year 3 girls worked hard during all of the sessions and showed commitment and perseverance in the rainy, colder months. We set the girls a challenge of playing some BEE netball festivals, in which each mixed team came out top, showing off our accurate shooting and fast passing.

I am very excited to see this year group travel up through the School and see where their competitive netball takes them. They are a

Boys

The Year 3 boys had a very enjoyable first term of rugby in the Prep School. Staying on school site for the first half of term, sessions were built around enjoyment and engagement. The boys all brought plenty of effort and enthusiasm, and their skill levels went from strength to strength. There was plenty of opportunity to play small-sided

Year 3 Sport

strong, talented year group who have shown a high level of speed, agility and natural ability.

The girls also had a fantastic start to their cricket experience this year. The girls mixed with the boys every training session and had access to fantastic coaching. They learnt the basic skills of bowling, batting and fielding, and enjoyed

applying these skills into small game related scenarios.

The girls have enjoyed learning cricket this term, and are in a strong position going forwards into more competitive cricket in Year 4.

games, moving from one v ones to six v sixes towards the end of term.

In the second half of term, the boys crossed the Common to the Playing Fields. This always proves to be an effective warm up! Our morning fixture with Cheltenham College in November was a great success. The boys played some fantastic rugby and there were some excellent tries scored.

In the Spring Term, the U8s had a football filled term playing on the fields and on the new ‘mini’ astro at School. They played with plenty of enthusiasm and showed a real passion for the game. This was demonstrated in their fixtures after Half Term. They have developed their skills and had fun along the way. Alby W particularly impressed with his ability. William M and Dougie also proved to be versatile players and the energy of Monty D was contagious.

A Summer Term of dry weather was excellent for our Year 3 children to experience the delights of cricket. The coaching staff were highly impressed by the enthusiasm of all the children and the fantastic progress made throughout the term culminating in participation in an intra-school cricket festival.

The children developed an understanding of the game and developed batting, bowling and fielding skills. The children enjoyed the games-based approach to teaching, developing teamwork skills, accepting challenges and trying their best in competition. The coaches had great fun working with the children and hope the sessions have inspired them to continue playing cricket outside of School, whether in the garden with family and friends or at a junior cricket club.

Swimming

The Beaudesert Swim Team have had another fantastic year. The swim squad trained hard in their allocated weekly sessions and worked to develop and progress their strokes.

Our first gala was hosted at home, against Cheltenham College. While there were some nerves and excitement for our first gala, the team produced fantastic results, with lots of individual race wins along with a strong relay result.

The team’s second outing was at Dean Close, where our Senior Team swam 50m, and the younger team swam over 25m. We saw some very competitive races here and again, our relay team doubled our points with some very fast relays.

Our Junior Team (Year 4) have also performed well this term, winning galas against both Dean Close and Wycliffe.

In the Spring Term, we had our IAPS Qualifiers fast approaching. This allowed swimmers to enter the competition with their fastest stroke and relay teams to enter the medley relay or front crawl relay. We travelled up to Shrewsbury School with over 30 competitors, to try and qualify for the National Swim Finals, hosted at the London Aquatic Centre.

With some very strong individual performances, we had two swimmers get the qualifying times for their races. Each and every swimmer was very proud of their time, with some personal records being made. With a time of 34:00, Herbie qualified 18th out of 89 in the country in the 50m front crawl, and Katie qualified 10th out of 34 in the country for the 50m butterfly, with a time of

A special mention must go to our Swim Captain of this year, Katie.

IAPS SWIMMING REGIONAL QUALIFIERS

KATIE AT THE IAPS NATIONAL SWIMMING FINALS

34:66. Both Herbie and Katie travelled down to London to represent Beaudesert in the finals, and both put out very strong performances against tough competition.

Friends of Beaudesert

After two extremely disrupted years it has been good for the Friends, as well as the School, to return to normal. We have also taken the opportunity to look at what we do as a parent group and what we might do better.

The most significant development is that the Parent Reps body is now well established, with an in-person (take that, Zoom!) meeting each term for the Prep and Pre-Prep chapters. Each year group has two representatives who work together to gather questions and feedback that can be presented to the Headmaster and key staff members, and who then disseminate the answers back into the community. They have become an invaluable source of information regarding the mysteries

of Beaudesert, as well as a focal point for organising year group social events. The plan from now on is to rotate the Reps so that we introduce new faces each year, giving as many parents as possible an opportunity to take part. From next year, the Reps will be chaired by Nicola Floyd.

The more “traditional” role of the Friends is now taken on by a separate Events Committee. Their main activity, for which they are always looking for volunteers to help out, is the annual Fireworks Display which was truly back to form last November. The committee are also very open to suggestions of other events that we could arrange to bring parents and children together. A great innovation this year was the professional production of

FRIENDS OF BEAUDESERT

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, making such fitting use of the beautiful school grounds. We will undoubtedly be looking to arrange more live productions. As of next year, the Events Committee will be chaired by Fliss Purchase-Hill.

As I step down after far too many years chairing the Friends, a period extended by the arrival of a new Headmaster and of Lockdown (not that they are comparable), it is great to see so many parents keen to get involved. Our children have such an enriching experience at Beaudesert that it is wonderful for the parents to be able to share in it occasionally.

Best wishes all,

Stephen Kinsella, Chair Friends of Beaudesert

Staff List 2021–2022

HEADMASTER

Mr C D Searson BA (Hons), Warwick; QTS, Warwick

DEPUTY HEADMASTER

Mr J Holmes BA (Hons), Middlesex; PGCE Exeter History

ASSISTANT HEAD,

ACADEMIC

Mrs H Bradley BA (Hons), Warwick; PGCE, York French; Spanish

SENIOR MASTER

Mr J Standen McDougal Dip Ag, Lackham Agriculture College; PGCE, Roehampton Head of History; Year 8 Form Teacher

ASSISTANT HEAD, PASTORAL & DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

Mr L Robinson Bsc (Hons), Newcastle; PGCE, UWE Head of PSHCE; Science

HEAD OF PRE-PREP

Mrs A Packman BA (Hons), Manchester; PGCE, UCL

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

Mr J Bird Dip Ed, University of Natal Head of Science; Year 7 Form Teacher

Mrs E Bailey BA, Universite de Lille III French; Latin

Mrs N Braune BSc (Hons), RAC Cirencester; Year 3 Classroom Assistant

Mrs H Burnford BA (Hons), Exeter; PGCE, Exeter; QTS Year 3 Form Teacher

Mr K Burns BA (Hons), McGill, Montreal Director of Academic Administration; Maths; Year 8 Form Teacher

Mr B Clibborn BA (Hons), UCL; PGCE, Buckingham Head of Classics; Year 7 Form Teacher

Mr E Craig BA (Hons), Northumbria Head of Geography Head of Activities; 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 English; Maths; Year 6 Form Teacher

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

Mrs S Frapwell Girls’ Sport

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 Hainsworth BEd (Hons), University of Gloucestershire Years 3 & 4 Classroom Assistant

Mrs K Hale BEd, Bath Year 3 Co-ordinator; Year 3 Form Teacher

Miss E Hobbs BSc (Hons), Gloucestershire; PGCE, Buckingham Maths; PE; Girls’ Sport; Year 5 Form Teacher

Mrs C Hockin BSc (Hons), Manchester; PGCE, Bath Science; Year 6 Form Teacher

Mrs A Hodges BSc (Hons), Oxford Brookes; MSc, Exeter; PGCE, Wales Head of Maths

Mrs E Holmes BSc (Hons), UWE; PGCE, Exeter Learning Support

Miss L Hughes BA (Hons), Cardiff University; PGCE, University of Bristol; CELTA, Cambridge; Dip, ABRSM French; Spanish

Mrs S Jones BSc (Hons), Edinburgh; PGCE, Exeter Maths

Mrs J Layton BEd (Hons), Plymouth; Dip (Level 5), Dyslexia Action Houseparent; Learning Support

Mr T Layton BEd (Hons), Plymouth Houseparent; ICT; e-Safety; Forest School; English; Year 4 Form Teacher

Miss P Mulliner BA (Hons), Oxford Brookes; PGCE, Kingston Head of Year 4; Year 4 Form Teacher

Miss H Niblett Year 4 Classroom Assistant

Mrs R Nielsen BA (Hons), Cardiff; PGCE, Exeter Year 3 Form Teacher

Mrs C Potter BA (Hons), East Anglia; PGCE, Canterbury Learning Support

Miss G Price Year 3 Classroom Assistant; Assistant Houseparent Mr D Robinson BA (Hons), Thames Valley Sport

Mrs R Saunders BMus (Hons), Cardiff; PGCE, Wales Director of Music; Head of Scholarship and Challenge (Arts)

Mrs E Smith BSc (Hons), University of Bristol; PGCE, University of Bristol Science

Ms L Snow BA (Hons), UWE; PGCE, UWE Art

Miss L Spencer BA (Hons), Cardiff Metropolitan University; PGCE, University of Buckingham Year 4 Form Teacher

Mrs A Standen McDougal BA (Hons), Chelt. & Glos. College; PGCE, Reading Head of Girls; English; Drama; Year 7 Form Teacher

Mrs P Stevens BSc, UWE; PGCE, Buckingham Head of Girls’ Sport

Mrs M Sujeewon Year 3 & 4 Classroom Assistant

Miss F Swan Diploma in Sports Therapy; UWE Girls’ Sport; Year 5 Form Teacher

Mr R Tiley BA (Hons), Anglia Ruskin; PGCE, Kent; Dip Arts Admin English; Theology, Philosophy & Ethics; NCFE Level 3 Bushcraft Instructor

Mr L Waters BSc Civil Engineering, Glamorgan; PGCE, Exeter Head of Design and Technology; Forest School Leader Award

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 (Academic and Sport)

Miss K Winkworth BSc (Hons), Exeter; PGCE, Buckingham Science; Year 6 Form Teacher

PRE-PREP STAFF

Miss L Barnes BA (Hons), Oxford Brookes Year 1 Form Teacher

Miss S Barber Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Classroom 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 Classroom Assistant, Year 2

Miss G Crane BA (Hons), Chichester; QTS, Chichester Reception Form Teacher

Mrs K Danks NNEB, Norland Diploma Nursery Assistant

Mrs L Figgis BA (Hons), De Montfort University, Leicester; PGCE, UWE Music

Mrs S Jackson NNEB Diploma Classroom Assistant, Reception

Miss L Lagomarsino National Diploma in Childcare Learning and Development Classroom Assistant, Reception

Mrs E Limburn BA (Hons), Cardiff; QTS, London French

Mrs G Naish BA (Hons), Surrey; PGCE, Exeter Year 1 Form Teacher

Mrs H Payne BEng (Hons), Plymouth Level 2 Supporting Teaching & Learning Classroom Assistant, Year 1

Mrs F Price NNEB, Clifton College Forest School; Nursery Assistant

Mrs D Royston BA, Portsmouth; NVQ Level 4 Award Dyslexia Action; Special Tuition Learning Support

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

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 Classroom Assistant, Year 1

VISITING STAFF

Mrs M Brownbill ARMCM Voice

Mrs C de Burgh BMus (Hons), Goldsmiths, University of London Oboe

Dr M Charalabopoulous BA (Hons), University of Oxford; MA, University of Bristol; PhD, King’s College, London Piano

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

Miss A Cubbin BA (Hons) Bath Spa Clarinet & Saxophone

Mr S Garley Fencing

Mrs L Hale BEd Bath College Piano, Recorder & Bassoon

Mrs H Hardy AISTD BIB, NB Dance, Ballet

Mrs F Heseltine BA (Hons) Birbeck College, London Head of Wardrobe

Ms B Heywood Chanter

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 L Mander BMus (Hons) Birmingham; PGDIP RCM Piano

Mr B Mason BA; ARBS; HDFA Drumkit

Mrs L Pearce Coleman BA, Colchester Uni; PGCE, Bath Spa; LTCL, LTCL Mus Ed Voice

Mr G Rees Dip. Welsh College of Music & Drama Brass

Mr M Richardson BA (Hons), MA Fism, Kingston University Piano

Mrs I Seth-Smith BA (Hons) ARCM Cello; Double Bass

Mrs H Shaw Cert Ed, York; Piano

Miss C Tucker

Mountainview Theatre School; LAMDA, London LAMDA

Mrs B Turner Music Degree, N Virginia College, USA Flute

Mrs G Waters BSc Leeds Ecology

MATRONS

Mrs J Excell Lead Matron Mrs A Owens Lead Matron Mrs L Nicole 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

Mrs S Medcalf (MA); BACP; ACC Psychodynamic Counsellor

MAINTENANCE/GROUNDS

Mr T Attwood

Mr C Bessant

Mr K Gardiner

Mr L Gardiner Mr R Niblett

TRANSPORT

Mr R Callingham Mr J Dudley Ms K Ellis Mr M Fitch Kemp Mr K Monkman Mr M Newman Mr M Rutter

ADMINISTRATION

Mrs J Abendanon BA Witwatersrand; Librarian Mrs E Allen Office Assistant; Alumni Co-ordinator

Mrs P Birch School Secretary

Mrs M Bliss Finance Assistant

Mrs J Grech BSocSc (Hons), Manchester; Headmaster’s PA; Registrar

Mr A Hale Estates Manager

Mr C Harvey IT 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

Mr J Stephenson BSc, Gloucestershire; IT Technician

Mrs S Temblett School Secretary

Ms C Thomas BA (Hons), Durham; Data Manager

Mrs C Turner AAT Advanced Diploma, Level 3; Accounts Assistant

GOVERNORS

Mr M Pyper

Former Headmaster – Gordonstoun 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 P Evitt Headmaster; Highfield School, Hampshire

Lady Ford

Former Head of Pre-Prep; Educational Consultant Mrs H I’Anson Parent; Solicitor

Mrs C Kay Former Parent; Solicitor

Mrs C Lough Retired Head; St Christopher’s School, Hampstead

Mr J Massey Parent; Company Director

Mrs A Melvin Former Parent

Mr J Nettleton Old Beaudesertian; Architect

Dr J Thompson Parent; Doctor

Beaudesert Park School Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire GL6 9AF

Telephone: 01453 832072

Email: office@bps.school www.beaudesert.gloucs.sch.uk

@beaudesertpark @beaudesertparksch

Design, Artwork & Print by Qwertyop