Beachborough Newsletter: Friday 13th December 2024
Head’s Blog
“It is not enough to be busy… The question is: What are we busy about?” Henry David Thoreau
As the final days of term approach, Thoreau’s words remind us that a busy life, when filled with meaningful activities, brings both purpose and joy. This sentiment rings especially true for our Beachburians, who have embraced an action-packed and enriching Autumn Term.
The past four months have been a whirlwind of activity, progress, and fun, showcasing the incredible energy and enthusiasm of the children.
As always, our calendar has been brimming with opportunities for the children to immerse themselves in learning beyond the classroom. And while there are too many highlights to list, some stand out moments include, the residential trip to Condover Hall, which challenged Form VII’s independence and team-building skills, and the Form V STEAM Day, which ignited creativity and problem-solving abilities. The sheer variety of events, from Music Concerts and Club Poetry to the production of “Hamlet,” has showcased the children’s remarkable talents, confidence, and even their memory skills!
Sporting events such as the Hockey and Rugby Festivals and the Beachborough Run have reinforced the values of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Friday Boarding Nights have been hugely popular, with the BMX and Scooter Academy offering a unique combination of skill and thrill!
This term has also been filled with magical moments of community celebration and wonder. Recently, our Nativities reminded us of the true spirit of Christmas, while September brought new events such as our Quiz Night and a Charity Dog Show, which gave us opportunities to come together and share some fun. Additionally, the Ted Talk on Astronomy opened young minds to the mysteries of the universe, inspiring them to dream bigger and reach further.
Every one of these enriching activities has been designed to deepen the children’s learning experiences. Whether they were exploring history through drama, honing their resilience on a residential trip, or discovering new talents, each opportunity has contributed to their holistic development.
What a term it has been!
As we approach the festive season, Christmas is a time for children. With that in mind, I would like to share a special poem by M E Miro, “Christmas,” which beautifully captures the magic of this season through children’s eyes:
The children wake to see the light,
That’s cast on Christmas morning white.
Their laughter rings, their faces glow,
At frost-kissed windows edged with snow.
With eager hands, they tear and find,
The treasures wrapped with love and twine.
But more than toys, the magic gleams,
In their bright eyes and whispered dreams.
For Christmas lives in hearts that sing,
Of angels’ news and shepherds’ King.
It’s seen in stars that pierce the night,
And felt in joy so pure, so bright.
The greatest gift, so small, so mild,
Is born in love, a holy child.
And through the eyes of children clear,
The truth of Christmas draws us near.
This poem reminds us that children’s wonder and joy are at the very heart of the season and the way they understand the deeper meaning of Christmas.
I look forward to welcoming many of you to the Carol Services on Tuesday.
On behalf of all the staff at Beachborough, I wish you a peaceful and joyous Christmas. May this holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and special moments with your loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year, ready for the Spring Term that await us in 2025.
With warm wishes,
Simone
On Friday 6th December, we were finally blessed with good weather, so Charlotte Seaman from Bloxham School could come and deliver some hockey sessions.
Downe House
Uppingham School, a co-educational senior day and boarding school (13-18), blends tradition with innovation to provide an environment that fosters the academic, personal, and social development of each pupil. Our holistic approach to education is evident in the varied curriculum, extensive co-curricular programme, and comprehensive pastoral care. While Uppingham’s rich history provides a strong foundation, our forward-thinking ethos ensures the school remains at the forefront of educational excellence.
The children in Form V have been learning about Culture and Black Lives Matter in PSHE this term. We have looked at The Apartheid in South Africa, Black Lives Matter and George Floyd and The Slave trade in America. One of the influential people the children have learnt about is Harriet Tubman. She helped over 70 people including her family and friends, escape the slave trade in 1850. The children created their own patchwork square design. When we had a collection of colourful squares, we put them together and made our own year group patchwork quilt. This quilt is similar to the ones that ‘conductors’ hung up outside their homes to symbolise safe houses for the slaves to stay in, until they reached their final destination. 
We can’t wait to welcome Ultimate Activity Camps back in 2025, 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.
Congratulations to Thom J in Form VI, who is a member of Rugby and Daventry Fencing Club and who won his age group category in his Club Championships on the weekend of the 30th November/1St December in epée. He is now hoping to compete in the East Midlands British Youth Championships Qualifier in January and potentially the IAPS event in the Summer Term!
Huge congratulations to Arthur K in Form VI, who has been selected again for the GB development gymnastics squad for 2025. As he’s 12 next year, he’ll be old enough to travel with the team and compete internationally. Beachborough is very proud of Arthur’s remarkable achievement and wish him every success with the squad next year!
Form VII impressed us with their captivating performance of Hamlet on Monday 9th December. Woven throughout this adapted version of the play was a modern-day prologue and narrative (written by the children), to make sure the audience knew exactly what was happening in this famous tragedy. It was clear to see that we have some Drama scholars in the making! A huge thank you to James K and Jake K (in Form VIII) for their work as stage hands on the night, and to the Drama team for making this show possible.
The festivities have made their way down to the Science Labs, where our Science Technician, Mrs Parsons, has been busy creating the ‘Chemistree’. We absolutely love the innovation, and it makes a wonderful addition to the labs!
