Beachborough Newsletter: Friday 10th January 2025

Head Teacher

Head’s Blog

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”  Alan Kay

There is something undeniably refreshing about the start of a new year, a time to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and imagine the possibilities of the future.

On Tuesday, during our first assembly of 2025, I explored the concept of innovation by revisiting predictions from a 1995 television programme, which some of you may remember called “Tomorrow’s World.” This iconic science show offered a glimpse into what life might in the future and in an episode in 1995, they explored what innovations we may be living with 30 years from then, in 2025. Some of the shows predictions, such as robotic-assisted surgeries and the rise of virtual reality, have come to fruition. Others, like asteroid mining and self-driving highways, remain tantalising possibilities.

What struck me as we revisited these predictions was the enduring power of human innovation. Everything we take for granted today, smartphones, advanced medical treatments, and instant global communication, once existed only in someone’s imagination. This is a profound reminder that the ability to dream, create, and innovate is one of humanity’s most remarkable traits.

At Beachborough, we are passionate about nurturing the creativity and curiosity that lie at the heart of innovation. Whether it’s through a science experiment, an imaginative art or design technology project, or devising a way to support a friend, we believe that every child has the potential to make a difference.

Preparing children to be innovators is essential in future proofing them for a rapidly evolving world where many future careers have yet to be imagined. The pace of technological and societal change means that traditional job roles are constantly being redefined, and entirely new industries are emerging. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, we empower children to adapt, innovate, and thrive in this dynamic landscape. Encouraging curiosity and resilience helps them to approach challenges with confidence and see opportunities where others might see obstacles. In nurturing these skills, we are not only preparing the children for success in future unknown professions but also equipping them to become forward-thinkers who can shape the future with ingenuity and purpose.

This term, we will continue to foster our spirit of ingenuity through meaningful experiences both inside and outside the classroom, as Beachburians will have opportunities to explore their ideas, collaborate with peers, and experiment with creative solutions to challenges.

May 2025 be a year of inspiration, innovation, creativity, and the joy of learning.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,

Simone

Fundraising continues for Mary’s Meals…

We’d like to congratulate Arber (FIV) and Bora (FIII), for their wonderful efforts in fundraising for Mary’s Meals over Christmas. Arber and Bora came up with the clever idea of placing their special coin-collecting mugs on the bar of their family business, and kindly asked customers to donate.

Arber raised £50 and Bora raised £64 – a tremendous amount! Well done, and thank you for your generosity.

 

Pre-season Netball at Bloxham School

On Friday 3rd January, Form VII and VIII girls attended pre-season training at Bloxham School. Unfortunately, the weather was freezing which meant that we only had one court for 45 girls to use. After a new plan was quickly put in place, the girls were split into 4 groups and mixed with Bloxham students. One of the activities included was use of the fitness suite with Mr Awcock (Bloxham’s new Director of Sport), which was a fantastic experience. The other three activities revolved around working on netball specific skills. We finally ended with small sided training games, which was great fun and very competitive. Thank you to Bloxham for hosting, and to parents for taxiing!

Mrs Howkins

Back to School!

Tuesday 7th January marked the start of the spring term, and we were so excited to welcome back our Beachborough community after the Christmas break!

It was wonderful to see the children reconnecting and sharing their festive stories with their friends and staff, and it’s clear that everyone enjoyed their time spent with loved ones.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming some new faces to Beachborough Prep this week, and we can’t wait for all the amazing opportunities this term has in store for our Beachburians!

Boardman: welcome back!

It has been wonderful to welcome every Boardman child back to school this week. The first few days have been filled with happy faces, reconnecting with their friends and teachers, and kicking off the term with buoyancy!

In our first PP1 – FIV Assembly on Tuesday morning, we reflected on the opportunity for a new start and chance to have a renewed focus, whether that be on making more friends, trying new foods at lunch, or more practice of spellings!

I particularly love the Spring term as we are all settled within our classes, aware of the routines and expectations, and keen to get straight into our learning and experiences at school. The fun can begin from the very beginning of term… and it certainly has!

I am really looking forward to seeing what each child will achieve, what they will try really hard with, put great effort into and, above all, feel proud of over the coming weeks.

I wish you all a very happy weekend and your child a truly magical term ahead!

Mrs Tongue

Club Credits!

CLUB CHILDREN CREDITS AVERAGE
CHAPPELL 92 70 0.76
CARDER 89 67 0.75
BOARDMAN 91 83 0.91
SPRAWSON 86 61 0.71

Senior School Spotlight

Princethorpe College

Princethorpe College is a Catholic, co-educational, HMC independent day school for around 900 pupils aged 11 to 18, set in 200 acres of Warwickshire countryside.

The College is renowned for its ‘spirit of family’, which is underpinned by its strong Christian ethos. The school has a unique history, beautiful surroundings and unequalled character. The atmosphere is warm, open and friendly; we have two school rules, “Be kind” and “Do your best”, by which we expect the whole community to abide.

We want our pupils to aim high, be enthusiastic about their learning and to play a full part in the broader aspects of school life.

Princethorpe prides itself on valuing, encouraging and challenging every pupil and aims to provide them with a foundation for life by equipping them with the skills, learning and experiences which will put them on the road to become happy and fulfilled adults.

We welcome applications for Year 9 entry and prospective pupils sit entrance examinations in the November before they are due to start. For those with specific gifts and talents, a range of scholarships are available; from Academic and Art to Sport and the Performing Arts.

In the run up to the entrance examinations, there are a host of opportunities to visit the school; from open events to individual tours and a meeting with our Headmaster, Mr Grove du Toit. Our friendly Admissions Team would be very happy to talk you through the admissions process and can be contacted at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or by telephone on 01926 634201/297.

For more information and to download our latest prospectus pack visit Admissions | Princethorpe College

The Chess Tournament Final!

This week was the final of our first chess tournament. Tobey V got off to a flying start and soon captured Will M’s Queen. Will M fought back, but his defences weren’t strong enough to prevent a well fought out victory and Check Mate to Tobey. The final was watched by many of the children who come to Chess Club, which is at first break every Tuesday.

Mr Gross

 

Ultimate Activity Camps 2025!

We can’t wait to welcome Ultimate Activity Camps back this year, offering an incredible opportunity for children to discover new activities, boost their confidence, and make lasting friendships. Each week is packed with over 40 thrilling sports, games, and creative activities, all delivered in a safe and fun environment inspected by Ofsted.

Ultimate Winter Saver – save up to £75 per week

Make significant savings on your 2025 childcare arrangements and enjoy peace of mind for the year ahead.

  • Prices start from £45 per day
  • Offer ends 21st January 2025
  • Camps taking place in Easter, and Summer!

This offer is available online so please visit: https://www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/locations/beachborough-school to take advantage and save on your holiday childcare.

Book of the Month Spotlight: January

When the World Was Ours

Author: Liz Kessler

Genre: Powerful and thought-provoking

Age range: 11+ / 13+

Due to the themes in this book, we advise parents to consider the emotional maturity of their children.

A powerful and heartbreaking novel about three childhood friends living in the Second World War, whose fates are closely intertwined even when their lives take very different courses.

Elsa, Leo, and Max have always been best friends, a special team of three. Then the Nazis come. As a growing darkness descends around them, Leo and Elsa run for their lives, taking two very different paths across Europe. And Max, once their closest friend, now becomes the enemy as he is drawn into the Hitler Youth. Will the friends ever find their way back to each other? Will they want to?

Inspired by a true story, When the World Was Ours is an extraordinary novel that is as powerful as it is heartbreaking. It shows how the bonds of love, family and friendship allow glimmers of hope to flourish, even in the most hopeless of times. Three friends, two sides, one memory.

An Equestrian Team Update…

On Saturday 7th December, the Beachborough Equestrian team arrived at Bury Farm, once again super early and surrounded by high winds and rain! The children in the 40cm team gathered and excitedly walked the course with Katie alongside them! Having avoided the storm playing havoc with carefully plaited and polished ponies, we made it to the indoor arenas and were off!

Florrie was first and rode a lovely clear round with Mum setting the pace no small feat having just got out of bed from a flu bug! Geordie was up next and with Katie beside him they got another lovely clear, thank you Geordie for stepping in very last minute and being such a champ! Philippa was next with Katie next to her. Philippa rode beautifully, with one unfortunate stop when Ebony decided to stay on Katie’s heels around the jump rather than over it! Philippa rode out beaming and showed what a good sport she is!  Orla was waiting in the wings to complete the team rounds, and on the beautifully turned out Cluedo, they got the third brilliantly ridden clear round!!

After hot drinks and breakfast, we checked the results and were delighted to see the team had placed 2nd and Philippa individual 4th in the championships!! In the open section:

  • Orla 2nd
  • Florrie 5th
  • Geordie 6th

Later in the afternoon, Sam H took on the storm to travel over to jump the 70cm and 80cm courses on Betty.  A full up and technical course for the NSEA Championships, Sam rode with determination to give Betty a lovely round with just an unlucky pole in each class. Up against strong competition they placed a brilliant 8th in both!!!

We are very proud of everyone who rode previously on the 23rd Nov to get the team into the Championships and then on the 7th!
Brilliant team work and beautiful kids and ponies.

We finished off the year with a fabulous Christmas Party! Katie led the games and the children were wonderful all getting involved with Apple bobbing, Chase me Charlie, Limbos and more!

We are very lucky to have such wonderful families, hosts, and our trainer, many thanks to you all!

If anyone is interested in joining the school team please do get in touch!

Mrs Garrett-Sheane

A Polite Reminder

As we return after the Christmas break, please can I ask you to be mindful of your speed when you are driving through the village and whilst you are on the school site.  Towards the end of last term, we received have a number of complaints from residents as well as parents about cars driving at excessive speed through the village, in Mill Lane, and in the school car parks.  To help us keep the school and wider community safe, please drive considerately.

Pre-Prep Parent Workshop

This morning, we held a Maths Workshop for our PP1 and PP2 parents. This enabled parents to find out about how maths is taught in the pre-prep classrooms, ideas for how to support at home, and a chance to have a hands-on experience with the activities and methods used to consolidate concepts.

The workshop was led by Mrs Holloway, alongside fellow Pre-Prep teaching staff, Mrs Morle, Mrs Rowe and Miss Banks. The initial presentation centred around White Rose Maths, and touched upon subjects such as reasoning, problem solving, learning visuals, and apps and websites to support children at home.

To conclude the workshop, parents had the opportunity to speak with our fabulous staff, and explore our resources, learning methods, and apps. A huge thank you to all of our Pre-Prep parents who came along to show their support this morning; we hope you found it informative!

Mr Blee’s Half Marathon for Mary’s Meals…

On Sunday 27th April, Mr Blee will be running the Shakespeare Half Marathon, all in aid of raising money for Mary’s Meals!

Mr Blee has set a generous target of £500, which will feed 30 pupils at our sponsored primary school for a whole year. We have no doubt that you will join us in supporting him along the way, and we are wishing him the best of luck for April.

We have created a JustGiving page, if you wish to kindly donate: JUSTGIVING PAGE

Thank you so much for your generosity!

What’s on next week?

Mon 13th
Co-Curricular Activities start for the whole school
1.45pm – 3.00pm – 4+ Discovery Event
6.00pm – 8.00pm – UK Astronomy an Evening of Stargazing – Ross Hockman (The Whybrow Theatre)*

Tues 14th
FIRST LEGO League Challenge Robotics Team
Form VII Tutor Team Meeting
2.00pm – Junior Girls (Forms III and IV) Club Netball
2.30pm – Boys’ Football: U9 (All Boys) Triangular v Akeley Wood and Swanbourne House (H)*
2.30pm – Boys’ Football: U8 (All Boys) v Swanbourne House (A)*

Weds 15th
8.05am – Whole School Pastoral Meeting
Form III – VIII Club Assembly
2.15pm – Girls’ Netball: Colts A, Cavaliers and Eagles v Winchester House (H)*
2.30pm – Girls’ Netball: U13A, B and Cavaliers v Winchester House (A)*
3.00pm – Girls’ Netball: Colts B, Tigers and Falcons v Winchester House (H)*
2.15pm – Boys’ Hockey: 2nd and 5th VII’s v Winchester House (A)*
3.00pm – Boys’ Hockey: 1st VII v Winchester House (A)*
2.15pm – Boys’ Hockey: 3rd VII v Winchester House (H)*
2.30pm – Boys’ Football: Colts A and C Triangular v Akeley Wood and Bedford Modern School (A at Akeley Wood)*
2.30pm – Boys’ Football: Colts B and D v Broughton Manor (H)*
3.00pm – Boys’ Hockey: 4th VII v Winchester House (H)*
5.15pm – Middle Leaders’ Meeting (Staffroom)

Thurs 16th

6.00pm – 7.00pm – Joining Hands Teenage Mental Health – Dr Morrell (The Whybrow Theatre)*