Beachborough Newsletter: Friday 4th July 2025
Head’s Blog
And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees… I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.
F Scott Fitzgerald
There is something about these final days of the school year, perhaps it is the warm air and the long evenings, that brings a particular kind of stillness and anticipation. F. Scott Fitzgerald captures it perfectly in The Great Gatsby, where he suggests that the summer feeling is like life beginning all over again: it is a reminder that summer is not just a break, it is a reset. A time to pause, to breathe, and to enjoy the simple moments after the rhythm and pace of a full school year.
That being said, to me, no one describes the joy of summer quite like Ted Hughes in “August Bank Holiday”–
A tune on an ice-cream cornet.
A slap of sea and a tickle of sand.
A fanfare of sunshades opening.
A wince and whinny of bathers dancing into deceptive water.
A tuck of dresses. A rolling of trousers.
A compromise of paddlers.
A sunburn of girls and a lark of boys.
A silent hullabaloo of balloons.
That “silent hullabaloo” feels just right, the gentle buzz of excitement as the school year winds down and summer edges into view.
However, before we get there, it is worth recognising just how full and vibrant this year has been. From Step into the Manor House, where parents shared in the children’s learning at the end of the first half of the Autumn Term, to the sparkle of the Nativity, the originality of Hamlet and Madagascar Junior, and the festive cheer of the Christmas Parade, the children have shone in so many ways. We lit up the skies on Fireworks Night, splashed into spring with Splashtastic, and embraced the sunshine and celebration of our carnival-themed Camp Out.
On the sports field and beyond, pupils represented the school with pride. There have been magical moments like Harry Potter Evening, powerful awareness days such as Wear a Hat Day, enriching experiences including UK Astronomy and our Microsoft Showcase Afternoon, and themed days such as World Book Day that brought learning to life. Through it all, the children have embraced each moment with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a great sense of fun.
That said, we still have a couple of highlights ahead. On Tuesday, Dougy H will be stepping into my shoes as Head for the Day, and he has already declared a Mufti Day, birdseed and custard for pudding, and shortbread for Ghab. On Thursday, I look forward to welcoming you to Speech Day and Prizegiving, a chance to celebrate effort, achievement, and the journey we have shared, and to wish our Form VIII pupils and other leavers all the very best as they prepare for what is next.
Until then, Happy Independence Day and I hope the weekend offers a moment to enjoy the quiet promise of summer, and perhaps your own “ice-cream cornet” moment or two.
With warm wishes,
Simone
On Sunday 29th June, for the 9th time, the Beachborough Racing Team competed at the Gathering of Goblins at Goodwood Motor Circuit.
On a gloriously sunny day, Form VIII set off for their much-anticipated day out shopping in Oxford. Spirits were high as the children gathered with excitement at Bicester Village train station, prepared for a memorable experience in one of the country’s most vibrant and historic cities. With bags packed and pocket money at the ready, the group boarded the train with enthusiasm, ready to explore what the Westgate Centre had to offer.
We had a brilliant day on Friday 27th June, as Forms III–VIII took part in their Sports Day. From the offset, the children were bursting with energy, showing teamwork and spirit. From the sprints to the long jump, each event brought cheers and words of encouragement as everyone gave their best. Whether they were racing down the track, cheering on friends, or celebrating a win, our competitors demonstrated true camaraderie. A huge well done to our Beachburians who took part – you did your Clubs proud!
Over the past six months, an incredible team of dedicated helpers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this huge charity event to life. Their efforts have been nothing short of inspiring — parents, teachers, pupils, admin, and grounds staff all united for a shared cause.
A lovely evening at Beachborough saw the parents finally triumph in the annual contest, as Mark Usher and Charlie Ashmore battled it out one last time as captains. The staff batted first and posted a respectable total of 151 on a difficult pitch with some good batting from Tommy Trower and Gary Crook in particular. Controversy reigned when Sam Stoop was given LBW by Miss Embley despite (in his words) having “middled it onto my pads”. Nick Blithe took full advantage of his reprieve when the parents gave him a second chance after he had been caught behind first ball. It would have been no way to finish his playing career for BB staff. Special mention for Gethin who showed the staff and in particular his less talented parent what a proper batting technique looks like. For the fielding side, some decent bowling most of the way through and good fielding including a remarkable turn behind the stumps for the first time in 40 something years from Graham Spark. But the undoubted star of the show was young guest Miller, who replaced Patrick Norwood when he had to leave and proceeded to take three wickets at the death in a nerveless player of the match display.
The Colts A boys’ cricket team, pictured after their final match of the season against Bruern Abbey on Wednesday, which they won to remain unbeaten this season!
