Beachborough Newsletter: Friday 31st January 2025
Head’s Blog
The way to a more productive, more inspired, more joyful life is getting enough sleep.” Arianna Huffington
At Beachborough, we are committed to providing the children with the best possible opportunities for success, both inside and outside the classroom. However, one often-overlooked cornerstone of a child’s development is sleep, a vital ingredient in their ability to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
During the prep school years, when children undergo rapid cognitive and physical growth, establishing healthy sleep routines is essential. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is all too easy to underestimate the significance of quality sleep.
Research shows that children in this age group need between 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night. During this time, their brains consolidate learning, strengthen memory, and enhance problem-solving skills. Sleep is also when physical growth and repair take place, facilitated by the release of growth hormones. Without sufficient rest, a child’s ability to focus, retain information, and regulate emotions can be severely impacted. Conversely, well-rested children approach their day with enthusiasm, resilience, and a readiness to learn.
In our boarding environment, we place great emphasis on the importance of sleep. We establish structured, calming bedtime routines that help children transition smoothly from a busy day to a restful night. These routines include no access to phones or devices, quiet time and a consistent “lights out” policy, all of which contribute to a positive sleep culture. Our boarding pupils not only develop an awareness of their own sleep needs but also learn to respect the importance of rest for those around them. After all, our role is to complement what is happening at home by ensuring that children have stimulating and engaging days that naturally prepare them for a restorative night’s sleep.
At Beachborough, we recognise the profound impact that sleep has on pupil outcomes and wellbeing. With this in mind, as part of our “Joining Hands Programme” we are delighted to welcome Kate Simlett, Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Tudor Hall on Thursday 6th February at 6.00pm, as she will be giving an insightful talk on The Importance of Sleep and how we can all become sleep champions.
In addition to Kate’s talk, on Thursday, we will also be welcoming the parents of Form VII and VIII to our Microsoft Showcase Parents Afternoon. This will be a fantastic opportunity to join your son or daughter in an interactive lesson, highlighting the innovative ways we integrate digital tools into our teaching and learning. If you would like to join us, please email secretary@beachborough.com
Wishing you a well-rested weekend,
Simone
On Wednesday 29th January, we celebrated Lunar New Year! In the Boardman, our Early Years children were commemorating this special day by creating their own lanterns, cutting out and decorating snakes, and learning traditional dances with colourful ribbons in hand!
commemorate the year of the snake.
With a girls’ football tournament taking place at the same time as our U11 netball fixture, the Cavaliers girls were all promoted to the B team where they played their Swanbourne counterparts.
Are you or anyone you know interested in attending a stay and play event for children aged 2-4 years?
Thom J, in Form VI, had a successful day of fencing on Saturday 25th January at the East Midlands British Youth Championships Qualifier in Nottingham. He got a bronze in the U12 Men’s Epée and will be going to the British Youth Fencing Championships in Sheffield in early May. Congratulations, Thom!
We can’t wait for Ultimate Activity Camps to return this year, with camps running during the Easter and summer holidays. These camps offer 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.
Our new Clarinet and Saxophone Teacher, Mr Spirrett, led a demonstration lesson for a group of FIV and they were able to get a feel for both instruments. Mr Spirrett is a fantastic musician and his experience as a performer and teacher will inspire the children.
This term, Form V have been introduced to graphical drawing in Computing. They have explored how images are constructed from geometric shapes, experimenting with lines, colours, effects, and layering to create stunning digital artwork. Their creativity and technical skills have shone through in their designs – such an amazing menagerie with true Beachburian quirks! We all love a cat with a top hat and reindeer sporting a monocle! Well done, everyone.
On Sunday 27th April, Mr Blee will be running the Shakespeare Half Marathon, all in aid of raising money for Mary’s Meals!
