Beachborough Newsletter: Thursday 10th July 2025

Form VIII Afternoon Out at the Oxford Aqua Park – A Splashing Success!

On Friday, Form VIII enjoyed a thrilling and action-packed afternoon out at the Oxford Aqua Parc. With the sun shining and spirits high, buzzing with anticipation for an afternoon of water-based adventure and fun.

The Aqua Parc, a giant inflatable obstacle course floating on a picturesque lake just outside Oxford, proved to be the perfect venue for Form VIII to let off some steam. After a safety briefing and donning their buoyancy aids, the children eagerly took to the water. The challenge was clear: climb, slide, bounce, throw the gappies into the water and splash their way across the ever-wobbly, ever-slippery course!

Laughter echoed across the lake as students attempted to conquer the towering climbing walls, sprinted across the “wobble bridge,” and launched each other into the air from the trampoline. Many discovered that staying upright was far trickier than it looked and several impressive wipeouts drew loud cheers. The most popular sections of the park included the giant slide, the and the balance beam – which few could cross without taking a plunge.

Staff and instructors praised the students for their excellent behaviour, teamwork and determination. Whether helping a friend up onto a platform or encouraging someone to try a tricky jump, Form VIII showed great camaraderie throughout the activity. It was particularly heartening to see everyone participate, regardless of confidence levels in the water.

After nearly an two hours of non-stop activity, the group returned to shore tired but beaming. The afternoon at the Aqua Parc was not only an exhilarating experience but also a celebration of Form VIII’s final weeks together. It captured the spirit of adventure, friendship and shared memories that have defined their time at school. A great day was had by all.

Mr Stoop

The Beachborough Quiz Team

Four Form VI pupils progressed through area and regional heats to battle out the National Quiz Club Final held at Oxford University last Friday. The quiz was presented live in front of an audience with Megan Mc, Zach L-W, Freddie W and Monty L placed an amazing 14th out of 34 teams from all over the UK! A huge congratulations for our Quiz Team and the first time Beachborough has ever reached the National Final.

Mr Knowles

The 8billionideas Programme

Each year, our Form VIII children take part in the 8billionideas programme, following the completion of their exams.

Our Beachburians had to developing a sustainable business plan, from initial concept to a pitch-ready presentation, and we were astounded with the creativity and knowledge of each group. The sustainable business ideas were as follows:

• Beachborough Bird Bar: colourful bird feeders, made out of old chair legs, to attract more birds to your garden.
• Reuse-A-Ball: reusing old footballs and basketballs to create eco-friendly products such as hanging baskets and flower pots.
• Reclaimed Roots: creating home furniture, such as tables and stools, out of recycled wood.
• Up-Stitch: using donated clothes and materials to create stylish items such as cushions, blankets, and teddy bears.
• Re-Case: upcycling recycled phone cases, transforming them into diverse designs that spread an important message.
• Thermalight: a combination of a motion sensor and thermal camera to save energy in schools, ensuring electricity is only used when necessary.
• ByteBreeze: a sustainable cooling solution for laptops, using 3D printed materials to reduce power consumption and improve battery life.
• Mis & Match: recycling old hoodies and jumpers, but stitching them together to make them more unique and stylish.
• Batter’s Edge: refurbishing damaged and unused cricket bats, to give them a new life and ensure they’re used for years to come.
• Sport Reworked: repurposing old sports equipment into aesthetic decorations and interiors.
• Sustainable Shins: creating high quality shinpads out of recycled materials such as plastic.

It was evident that each group had carefully considered their sustainable business plan, ensuring that it was a resolution to current environmental issues. The children did a fantastic job of pitching their ideas to judges, Mr Gross, Mrs Mitchell, and Miss Boutle, and after some deliberation, the winners were announced. Congratulations to Up-Stitch: Beth J, Grace T and Wallis D! The girls enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at Wagamama’s.

A huge well done to all of the Form VIIIs for the hard work and effort put into the 8billionideas programme this year!

The Annual Water Fight!

On Friday evening, our boarders enjoyed the last Friday night boarding party of the year!

The annual water fight and BBQ is a firm favourite in the boarding calendar, and the spirit of summer truly came alive as the school grounds were transformed into a splash zone. Armed with buckets, balloons and sponges, the children had fun-filled evening, full of laughter. It was a brilliant blend of camaraderie, Beachborough tradition, and the perfect way to mark the end of the summer term.

On another note, it was also Mr and Mrs Blithe’s last boarding party for Beachborough Prep, and we want to thank them for the years of unwavering dedication, guidance, and warmth. They’ve not only managed the day-to-day, but shaped a second home where boarders have grown, thrived, and built lifelong memories and we’ll certainly miss them!

Poetry by Heart Competition

Poetry by Heart is a competition that invites young people to learn a poem and perform it aloud.

In May of this year, Henry L (Form VI), was selected as a top 10 finalist in his age group, which enabled him to perform at Shakespeare’s Globe in London on Monday 8th July. 40 young finalists from across the country performed the poems they had learnt by heart, for a panel of seven poet judges led by Daljit Nagra, and for a full house of 800 in the theatre.

We’re so incredibly proud of Henry for making it so far in this year’s competition, and for performing with such confidence to a huge audience – you are a superstar!

Effort Grade Lunch

On Monday, we celebrated those in Forms III-VIII who have been awarded the most effort grades this term.

They were treated to pizza, curly fries and nuggets, followed by a DIY ice-cream station. We are very proud of the effort that they have put into their work and everyday school life, and view this as a wonderful way to reward those who’ve worked exceptionally hard throughout the summer.

Well done, all!

The Summer Term Prize Giving Assembly

On Wednesday morning, we held the highly anticipated Prize Giving assembly for children in FIII-FVIII, to mark the end of the summer term.

Together, we recognised achievements in sport, academics, boarding, and the Beachborough intellectual characteristics, for those who have consistently demonstrated the school motto through their actions. We also celebrated aspects such as effort grades, assessment results, and Club competition results!

Mrs Mitchell awarded the children with certificates, trophies, cups, shields, and gifts to commemorate all of the children’s successes, and we are very proud of the wonderful things that our Beachburians have achieved this term.

Early Years and Pre-Prep End of Year Celebrations

On Wednesday afternoon, we were joined by the friends and families of our Nursery-PP2 children, to mark their final day of the 2024/25 academic year.

Mrs Tongue, Head of Boardman, opened the gathering with a heartfelt speech that embraced the spirit of our Beachborough community. Her words set the stage beautifully for a joyful performance of “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” by our Early Years pupils, who sang with enthusiasm and infectious energy!

We heard from our dedicated teachers—Miss Fry, Miss Andrews, Mrs Raclawski, Mrs Sumner, Mrs Holloway, Mrs Rowe, Miss Morle and Miss Banks— who shared touching messages, treasured memories, and kind words with their year groups.

The musical magic continued as our PP1 and PP2 children treated everyone to their own delightful songs, and adding to the celebration, Head Beachburians, Beth and Ben, alongside Mrs Mitchell, delivered thoughtful speeches brimming with reflection, heartfelt advice, and optimism.

To bring the celebration to a touching close, all of the children united in one final song, and it was the perfect way to end another fantastic chapter at Beachborough.

Ultimate Activity Camp – Summer 2025!

We’re excited to announce that Ultimate Activity Camps are returning this summer. With over 40 exciting sports, games, and creative activities each week, children will have the opportunity to try new experiences, stay active, and make new friends. They’ll also be running their Ultimate Survival programme, offering adventure-filled days for children aged 7 to 14, immersing them in nature with fun survival skills, challenges, and games.

2025 Camp Dates:

Summer camp: Monday 21st July to Friday 22nd August 2025 | Survival Camp: 21st July – 22nd Aug 2025 | Tech Camp: 11th – 21st Aug 2025

Ages: 4 – 14 years

Book by the day or week/ Drop off 8:30 – 9:30 / Collect 16:30 – 17:15
Move dates for FREE up until 14 days before

Refer A Friend – Get a Free Camp Day!

Invite a friend to join your child at camp and earn a free day for every booking at Ultimate Activity Camps or Ultimate Survival. It is that easy! Learn more and claim your free day here.

Booking Information

Book your dates here for any duration, from a single day to a full week. You can change your dates without charge up to 14 days before the camp starts, depending on availability. They accept all childcare vouchers for added convenience.

What’s on next week?

THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS!