news autumn 2017 -...

NEWS letterAUTUMN

2017

PAGE 1 TRADITIONAL VALUES I CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION I WORLD CLASS EXPERIENCE

WEEK 10 I 24 NOVEMBER 2017

NEWS letterAUTUMN2017

PAGE 1 TRADITIONAL VALUES I CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION I WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE

NEWS from The Headmaster

We have reached the halfway point of this Half Term and as fatigue begins to creep up on us, winter sickness bugs rear their ugly heads, and nights draw in quicker than ever, we can be tempted to throw in the towel and give up, snap at those we love and give in to the sense of personal injustice.

However, the glorious thing about reaching your halfway point is that from this moment on, you are closer to the finish line than the start. If you turn back to look at your journey thus far, you can draw strength from the obstacles you have overcome. You have learned something about your own capabilities and achievements. The first half of any race is the most daunting, and looking forward towards the end of term you will see that there are many wonderful milestones ahead.

We are marking our Beacon ‘halfway point’ with the BPS Christmas Fair tomorrow from 11am – 2pm. Join us to celebrate our community, share the start of our festive season together and take pride in the wonderful achievements we have made as individuals and collectively. Please do take a look at the wonderful array of gifts and experiences in the Christmas Auction of Promises. There are 40 lots in total; from a helicopter lesson to a 2 bedroom apartment in Portugal or a bespoke birthday cake, plus many more... Click here to place your bids. Looking ahead we have packed calendar of events in our final 3 weeks. Take a moment to breathe before diving in to the events and activities with gusto.

This week marked Thanksgiving for those of us with American connections. A celebration of thanks and community spirit. The Pilgrims’ first harvest in the ‘New World’ in 1621 was the catalyst for this annual holiday – and it continues to provide us all with a moment to reflect upon the endurance, willpower, charity and resilience of both the Pilgrim and Wampanoag communities. A very Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who join me in celebration of this tradition.

http://32auctions.com/beacon2017

NEWS letterAUTUMN

2017

PAGE 1 TRADITIONAL VALUES I CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION I WORLD CLASS EXPERIENCE

NEWS from Pre-Prep


Each day I hope that a Pre-Prep boy, particularly in Year 2, can share something at home that they have enjoyed, learnt or found difficult in school.

On Wednesday, I enjoyed showing all the new exciting playtime equipment in my assembly to the Year 1 and 2 boys. I linked the assembly to the school›s value of respect. I taught the boys how important it is to respect both the equipment and others who are using them.

At the time of writing, there are 40 beanbags, 16 cones, 5 rugby balls and 24 tennis racket and balls. It has been great to see the boys creating their own games and playing well with their peers. There has been no reports of injuries from the tennis rackets and rugby balls so far! In my next assembly, I will be doing a stock take and I hope to find all items to be back in the box!

Reflecting on last week, it has been very pleasing to hear the different rhymes and songs being sung as the boys wash their hands. It is reassuring to know that most boys have taken on board the importance of hand hygiene.

Tomorrow is the BPS Christmas Fair, so do pop along and support the event. There will be many Pre-Prep staff around so please come and say hello.

Lastly, I must remind Year 1 and 2 parents of the English afternoon meeting at 15:00 on Wednesday 29 November which will be held in The Spinney. The talk will share the strategies we use to teach reading and writing in Year 1 and 2. If you are unable to attend, we will be publishing a summary of the talk.

Ryan Steward - Head of Pre-Prep

2017NEWS from the Classroom


On Wednesday 22 November, Year 5 went to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, also known as Neasden Temple, to learn about Hinduism.

Neasden Temple is an ornate place with beautiful carvings everywhere you look. We went to look at the Hindu exhibition and the Mandir itself. The Mandir is where Hindus worship God and is made completely of marble. It has carvings of Gods on the pillars with their name underneath in gold leaf.

We also saw a prayers ceremony taking place. The priests lit 8 candles. Year 5 really enjoyed the day and want to say thank you to all the teachers that came.

Hugo Wansbrough – Y5

Year 5 Visit to Neasden Temple

Year 7 Beacon Scientists investigating different fuels to understand which one heats up a known volume of water the most in a set time. They compared all the fuels and even repeated some of their experiments.

Lynn Heath - Science Teacher

Year 7 Scientists Investigating different Fuels

TRADITIONAL VALUES I CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION I WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE

NEWS from the Classroom Message from our Head Boy

Only four and a half more weeks until Christmas Eve. With only three weeks until the end of the Autumn term, let’s all try our hardest for these three weeks then everyone deserves a good break over the holidays. Tomorrow is The Beacon School Christmas Fair. I hope to see lots of boys and their families having a great time and enjoying all of the stalls in the Old Barn, Sports Hall and Spinney Theatre. Lunch will be served in the dining room, and The Theatre Shed will be performing Christmas carols at 1pm. I hope everyone has a great time!

Ben Wells – Head Boy

How to Make a Mummy?In Year 3 History, we are learning about the Egyptians and the steps of ‘How to Make an Egyptian Mummy’. First, they washed the skin with palm oil and river water, then they took the brain out with a metal hook and filled it with sawdust. The next step involved putting the body organs, except the heart, into the Canopic jars. Then they put natron salt on the skin for 40 days, and stuffed the body with hay. The next step was to wrap the body up with bandages. The Book of Dead was put with the body, along with the amulets to protect them in afterlife. Lastly, the Mummy was put in a box and the top was shut, and it was then put under the pyramid.

We had a brilliant lesson; the best bit was being wrapped up like a zombie without any arms!

Stephan Cripps and Edward Stuart-Prince – Y3


NEWS from the Classroom

This week Year 3 carried out practical investigations to find out which, out of five containers, held the greatest capacity. First the boys estimated how much water we would need to fill the container, then the boys took it in turns using a measuring cylinder to find out how much water was held in each vessel.

Jemima Elcomb – Y3 Teacher

Year 3 Investigate Capacity

This is a tepee from the Crow Tribe, which I made at home for our project. In history, we are learning about Native Americans and our group chose the Crow tribe.

The Crow Tribe had a rack outside the camp to dry the salted meat and a big campfire. The Crow Tribe chief wore a headdress with many colourful feathers. The tepees were made out of buffalo skin and it was painted with patterns. The Crow Indians had to move when the herd of buffalo moved.

Felix Duncan - 5G

The Crow Tribe


Also in the NEWSHertfordshire School Chess LeagueOn Wednesday 22 November The Beacon Chess team travelled to participate in The Hertfordshire Schools Chess League. The Beacon Chess team will play in three tournaments, this event being our first and the next will be in February and March.

The A team played in the Major competition, scoring 10 out of 12. Our B and C team, made up of much younger boys, many of whom had never played in a competition, played in the Minor league. They all played very well and gained good experience.

Well done to the following boys:

Beacon A : Rory Conner, Aaryan Agnhotri, Akaash Agnihotri, Arran Dhanda, Max Thomas and Sam Pearson.

Beacon B : James Bonsall, Milan Agarwal, James Brogden, Josh Twaddle, Alex Thompson and Max Threlfall.

Beacon C : Sebastian Chapman, Thomas Quick, Arthur Wiggin, Theo Taylor and Dino Jayawardana.

Thank you to Mr Collins and the boys’ parents who helped today.

Arran Dhanda -6Y/6MF


NEWS from Art

5R and 5G have been working on their communication and cooperation skills to produce these group paintings. Each boy received a small section of a painting, which they had to enlarge and reproduce as accurately as possible. There was a lot of discussion in the groups about the correct use of proportion and colour mixing before the pictures were pieced together. I think the success of them illustrates Year 5’s growing ability to work as a team.

Hugh Pearson – Head of Art

Group Paintings in Year 5

NEWS letterAUTUMN

2017


NEWS from Performing Arts

Performance Dates

Thursday 30 November at 7 pm - Cast 6BGFriday 1 December at 7 pm - Cast 6RY

Saturday 2 December at 3 pm - Cast 6BGSaturday 2 December at 7 pm - Cast 6RY

To book:For cast 6BG - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/204343

For cast 6RY - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/207646

There is a maximum of 8 tickets per Year 6 family available to book over the performance dates. Please email [email protected] if you require additional tickets, and you will

be put on a waiting list. This is a magical performance suitable for all ages, and is open to the whole school.

Year 6BG presents

Music and Lyrics bySammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, Michelle Tumes, Xavier Atencio, George Bruns, Jack Lawrence, Frank Churchill, Winston Hibler, Ted Sears, Oliver Wallace

Music Adapted & Arranged and Additional Lyrics by Eric SvejcarBook and Additional Lyrics by David Zellnik

Based on the play by J.M. Barrie and the 1953 Disney Film

Thursday 30 November at 7pm&

Saturday 2 December at 3pm



NEWS from the Community

The Beacon Christmas Fair - Saturday 25 November (11am - 2pm)

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our Christmas Fair this Saturday 25 November from 11am to 2pm. Why not start your Christmas shopping early at the Christmas Marketplace? With 40 stalls this year; Bijoux London, Blazer Bear, The Beacon Stall to Floral Creations to name a few. Please note only CASH AND CHEQUES are accepted.

There will be a vast array of activity stall for all ages, from the firm favourites of the sweetie and chocolate tombola to the new tennis challenge and nerf game. Please see the amazing hamper display in the Sports Hall. Thank you for all your help in pulling this together. The bidding for the hampers has started, and will finish at 2pm on Saturday.

Please make a day of the Fair, and stay for a delicious lunch at the Christmas Café in our dining room. On the menu are bacon rolls, hot dogs, vegetarian hot dogs, hamburgers, selection of cakes and drinks. New this year is the Drover Coffee Van serving fresh coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Christmas Auction of PromisesThe parents, staff and friends of The Beacon have donated a fantastic array of experiences and gifts in our Christmas Auction of Promises. From a week in a 2 bedroom apartment in Portugal, family pass for Rush Trampolining to a helicopter lesson or a bespoke birthday cake, plus many

more.... Click here to place your bids now.

http://32auctions.com/beacon2017

Sports NEWS


RUGBY MATCH REPORT: Wellington Rugby Festival

any subs to call on our boys were going to have to show resilience in the extreme. Against Northcote Lodge, the lads proved they were up for it with a gripping 1 try to nil win. It was hard fought in the close quarters but the backs played with a freedom of spirit, and Joshua Hooles winning score was one for the scrap book.

Against a big Newlands House side the boys cut loose. They retained and moved the ball with such inventiveness that Newlands could only really compete in the set piece. It says much about the tries that I can’t remember them - there is just a blur of frenetic and exciting activity. Sean Okuyama-Smith, Alex Evans, Woody Jackson and Thomas Emery all crossed the whitewash in a 4 - 0 win.

Unfortunately, I was unable to ring the changes and rest the boys for game three, against Highfield. Again, the quality of play on display did not lag. It was thrust and parry, and nip and tuck for the full 15 minutes. Beacon’s myopic coach is convinced the game was tied at 2 - 2 (another Hooles try and a superb parting of the defence by Alex Evans that Moses would have been proud of) but it may have been a 2 - 3 reverse. However, what is for sure is that we finished with 12 men to their 13 - which didn’t help matters. It was no fault of Freddie Chhabra that he had to depart the fray. He was literally a mythical and heroic Achilles in our first two games, before his troublesome heel meant he could barely walk let alone run.

Eagle House kindly agreed to play 12 v 12 in our next game. With the Beacon 2 -1 up at half time I’m sure it was just an oversight that saw the opposition start the second half with 13 men. Hooles had scored another screamer, while Ben Wells (who was class all day) dummied and sprinted his way over without a hand laid on him. To be fair to Eagle House after a polite word they reverted to 12 v 12. They equalised to make it 2-2 and I think all of us would have accepted the draw. Alas, a well worked last minute try denied us the result we deserved.

Our final match was against an unbeaten Wellingborough. Graciously, they also played 12 v 12, but by now it wasn’t water and oranges the boys needed but oxygen and sleep. It was a combative first half but the 3 -1 final score in defeat is a fair result. It was that man Hooles with our score.

Whilst not everyone got on the score sheet it would be remiss of me not to mention the other team members. Our front row of Jack Hodgson, Cyrus Hassan and Xavier Currill were outstanding. I have clear memories of Hassan turning over balls like Richie McCaw in his pomp. Currill tackled his heart out and even had some bullocking runs, while Hodgson was simply immense all day. Ben Eckersley showed true potential with his graft around the field. I look at my notes and am astonished that Toby Rynn did not get on the score sheet - he did everything else that needs to be done in a game and he did it really well. The final word has to go to Captain Joe Harding. Seldom have the Beacon values been so upheld by an individual - I would love to know what his tackle count for the day was.

In conclusion, George Orwell famously wrote that “sport is war minus the shooting.” Yesterday wasn’t even remotely a war, but the lads do all deserve medals. Well done, lads; it was memorable day.

Mike Williams - Head of PE

It is foolish to compare sport to war, even more so now that tournaments are called festivals and winning or losing no longer matters. Nevertheless, the soldier chap who gave Wellington College (Boys, he did not invent wellies but did give Abba inspiration for their 1974 Eurovision winning song) it’s name would have undoubtedly been impressed with the pluck, and dare I say gallantry, of the 13 boys who travelled to deepest Berkshire to represent The Beacon on Wednesday.

5 games of 15 minute duration over the course of a day is pretty hard graft for a squad of 15 or 16 but without

Sports NEWS


MATCH REPORT - U9D Team at the Caldicott Tournament - won 2, drew 1The U9D2 team put in a season’s best performance to come away unbeaten following an enjoyable afternoon at Caldicott. Captain Rishi Singh laid down a marker in our opening match against Gayhurst, anticipating our opponents play and reacting quickly. Will Carter and Toby Vivian were quick to follow suit applying more pressure, ably assisted by Ben Bowers. Tries from Henry Serkis and a host of others ensured the win.

Chesham Prep proved tougher opposition, but the tireless work of James Brogden and kinking runs of Joshua McLoughlin once again helped us to the win. It was in our final match against hosts, Caldicott, that really saw the team work together to produce some very entertaining play. We pressed the opposition, tackled well and exploited the space when going forwards – all aspects we have worked on recently. Individually, it was great to see Alex Babic make a stunning 30 yard run, usually the reserve of Faris Ameen, who this time turned provider in the best moment of the game. On taking contact after a short burst of ten metres, he protected the ball, quickly offloading to the onrushing Rishi who took the ball at full pace to break the line and score a try.

Every boy was involved and positive – contributing towards an enjoyable and successful afternoon. Well done lads!

Martin Langley – Year 6 Form teacher

NEWS from Alumni

Angus Denison SmithAngus Denison Smith, an Old Beaconian, and running scholar at Harrow won the Long Ducker race in a ridiculously fast time. When he was at The Beacon in Year 8 Angus won the Prep School Cross Country Championships at Malvern. Here he is being presented with his trophy bu Jim Hawkins, Head Master of Harrow.

And FINALLY...

DATE TIME EVENTThursday 30 November Author Visit by Julia Jarman (Pre-Prep and Year 7)

19:00 Year 6 Peter Pan Jr! Production (Year 6BG)

Friday 1 December 19:00 Year 6 Peter Pan Jr! Production (Year 6RY)

Saturday 2 December 15:00 Year 6 Peter Pan Jr! Production (Year 6BG)

19:00 Year 6 Peter Pan Jr! Production (Year 6RY)

IMPORTANT DATES for your diary

Key Future Dates in the Autumn TermTuesday 5 December 16:00 Year 8 Parents’ Evening

18:30 Amersham Community Carol Service with Beacon Voices

Friday 8 December 11:00 Year 1 Christmas Production

14:00 Reception Christmas Production

18:00 Christmas Concert

Monday 11 December 17:00 & 19:00 Year 7 Playlets

Tuesday 12 December 14:00 Year 2 Christmas Production

Wednesday 13 December 15:00/15:15 Pre-Prep End of Term

Thursday 14 December Various Carol Concerts at St Mary’s Church

End of Term

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Photo of the Week:

Excitement for the Christmas Fair is building!We hope to see you all tomorrow.

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