AUTUMN TERM 2015
NEWSletter
20 November 2015 – Week 10
NEWS from the Headmaster
This week has been a little quieter in terms of Beacon events but very much business as usual in the classrooms with the boys
being encouraged to strive hard and use their imagination and creativity to produce their best work in each subject. Year 3
and Year 8 have both been out on field trips, which broaden the boys’ outlook and engage their curiosity about the world
around us.
In the context of the traumatic events which have been happening in France and elsewhere recently, it is timely to reflect on
how lucky we all are to live in an environment here which is relatively safe and free (although we can never be complacent);
where the boys can enjoy all the many opportunities we are able to offer them. We must ensure that the boys understand this
whilst also educating them for the International world they will face as they grow up. One of our parents, Mrs Berens has
written a thoughtful article, printed in The Huffington Post, which touches on this and I urge you to read it:
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/kathryn-berens/terrorism-what-do-we-tell-the-children_b_8590542.html?utm_hp_ref=ukparents&ir=UK+Parents
In a similar vain, we have been engaged in anti-bullying week and it was fantastic to see (and hear!) our younger boys with
Mr Miles on the astro this week “Stamping out bullying” – see our Facebook page and video:
www.facebook.com/beaconschoolamersham/. I look forward to seeing many of you at The BPS Christmas Fair on Saturday – I
have heard much about this annual event and am looking forward to experiencing it for myself.
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
NEWS from Pre-Prep
ING!
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Another week has whizzed by in Pre-Prep. Despite the unseasonably mild
weather it could only have been mid-November in this section of the school; a
vast number of shepherd, sheep, angel and donkey costumes appeared in the
corridor during the week. As a result the place looked like a cross between a
discount department store and a menagerie. Music lessons sound distinctly
festive and Mrs Sharp is directing very tiny angels to stand in the correct place
in a manner which is kindly, patient and firm. By 4 December our nativity play
will be lovely although it is not quite there yet.
On an equally festive note, hopefully many of you will be able to attend the
Christmas Fair on Saturday. The Parents’ Society work incredibly hard and
thoroughly deserve everyone’s support.
I am great believer in trying to extend the boys’ vocabulary and had to teach 1P
all day on Wednesday. I broke the bad news to the class that they had me
teaching them as Mr Porter was on a course. Quick as a flash a small boy piped
up, ‘Is he playing golf?’ Homonyms are not usually part of the Year 1
curriculum but sometimes you have to seize the moment. Have a great
weekend everyone. – Richard Haley, Head of Pre-Prep.
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
PSHE NEWS
Children in Need
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the boys and parents who donated money for Children In Need this
year. The boys had a great time dressing up as their favourite hero and as a school we managed to
raise over £1120.
Great to hear also this week taht we have raised over £500 for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-bullying has
been a key focus this
week. There have
been various displays
going up around the
school, alongside
some very
thoughtful PSHE
work. The boys in
Years 3 - 8 have had various assemblies on anti-bullying and some Year 7 helpers have been
handing out stickers so that boys can show their support for the campaign. There have been
some very thought-provoking and informative anti-bullying videos shown in tutor periods and we even have some boys
who are trying to produce their own anti-bullying videos. Please
take a look at the school's Facebook page where you will see the
boys in Years 1 & 2 (as well as some helpers from Year 5) 'Making a
noise about bullying' and asking people to 'stamp it out.'
School Council
The School Council have decided to run a competition at the
Christmas Fair this weekend. All of the proceeds will go to TourAid
so please do encourage your son to come and have a go. The
competition is to guess the combined weight of the PE
Department (Mr Robinson, Mr Williams, Mr Miles and Mr Kochar)
in tennis balls! The cost is £2 per guess but the closest estimate
will win an iPad mini. The result of this competition will be
announced in an assembly close to the end of term. Please keep
an eye out for the boys selling guesses on Saturday.
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
Drama NEWS
Beacon Boys Shine at the Marlow Festival of Music and Drama
Congratulations to the
following boys who received
some of the top awards at the
Marlow Festival of Music and
Drama last weekend. The boys
presented scenes and
monologues they had been
preparing in LAMDA Drama
sessions at school with their
teachers, Miss Wilding and Mrs
Trainer. The performances were
highly praised by the
adjudicator, who marvelled at
their confidence, understanding
of the text, interpretation and
technical skill for boys so
young. Particular
congratulations go to George
Warburton who won the
Wethered Cup for the most outstanding performance of the Festival, irrespective of the mark for his portrayal of Launcelot
Gobbo in a monologue from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. – Will Maynard, Head of Drama
Aaron McNeille and Harry Petrie
Gold medal in Duologues 15 years and under
Obtained highest mark in Duologue classes winning the Festival Duologue Cups
Max Taylor
Gold medal in Solo Acting 12 years and under
Giles Wilson
Silver medal in Solo Acting 12 years and under
Mark Krutikov-Korsmik
Gold medal in Solo Acting 12 years and under
Lucas Batty
Bronze medal in Solo Acting 12 years and under
Thomas Blackmore
Gold medal in Solo Acting 12 years and under
Obtained highest mark in Solo Acting classes winning The Chambers Acting Cup
Rahul Bhima
Silver medal in Solo Acting 12 years and under
Finley Hepden-Dyer, Johan Stewart
and Max Garrood
Highly commended in Solo Acting 12 years and under
Caspar Collier-Moore
Silver medal in Solo Acting 12 years and under
Archie Keith and Aaryan Solanki
Gold medal in Duologue 12 years and under
Max Wilson
Gold medal in Own Choice Verse 12 years and under
Max Garrood
Bronze medal in Shakespeare Solo 12 years and under
George Warburton
Gold medal in Shakespeare Solo 12 years and under
Obtained highest mark in Shakespeare Solo classes winning The Cookham Festival
Shakespeare Cup. George's mark of 91 was the highest mark of the entire
festival. The adjudicator thought his performance to be the most Outstanding
Performance of the entire festival awarding George with The Wethered Cup for
most outstanding performance irrespective of mark. George was also awarded a
Bronze medal in Solo Acting 12 years and under.
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Music NEWS
Pre-Prep Tea and Music
Pre-Prep held their first Tea and Music
with 20 boys from Years 1 and 2
taking part. As well as the solo
performances, we
also had two
delightful small
ensembles taking
part – Mini Strings
cellos and Mini
Strings violins. The
boys put on a very
accomplished
concert, which was a
delight to watch as
well as to listen to
and the audience
enjoyed it as much as
the musicians.
Christmas Concert
Vintage Voices, Friends of Heatherton House Choir and the Amersham Town
Band are coming together at The Beacon to put on a glorious Christmas concert
on Tuesday 8 December. It will be a truly delightful occasion, with inspiring
music and uplifting carols to fill everyone with festive spirit. Save the date in
your diaries now – 7pm on Tuesday 8 December in The Spinney Theatre.
Music at the Marlow Festival
Luca (Year 5) took part in the Marlow Festival of Music & Drama playing his
violin. In the String Grade 3 and 4 class he came in second and was awarded a
silver medal with an outstanding. The adjudicator commented “Very confident
bowing – with good intonation. There was a good deal of rigour in your
playing – that’s excellent”. Luca also took part in the Junior Bowed
Instrument Solo (12 years and under) class where the other competitors were
much older and more advanced (Grade 5+). Luca received a bronze medal
with a commended. Well done, Luca!
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
Parents’ Society NEWS
HO HO HO!!!
THE BEACON CHRISTMAS
FAIR IS NEARLY HERE...
Saturday 21 November, 11.00am-2.00pm
Please join us tomorrow from 11am - 2pm to enjoy Festive Fun,
Seasonal games and activities and the chance to get ahead with your
Christmas shopping at the wonderful collection of Stalls. Please note
that card payments may be difficult so please come with cash and
cheques.
GOING
GOING
GONE!!!
Santa’s
Grotto
Splat
the Rat
Games
LAser
Quest
Bottle
Tombola
Cafe
The Beacon School
Christmas Fair
Saturday 21st Novem
Cake
Stall
Sweetie
Tombola
Activity
Rooms
ber 11am - 2pm
Auction
of
Promises
crafts
of Promises
Auction
AuctionAuction
The Beacon Auction Of
Promises
There will be a last chance at the Fair to bid on your
favourite Lots in our Auction of Promises which will
be located in the Sports Hall. Final bids at 1.45pm…
https://www.participant.co.uk/beaconschool/event__parents_society_e-mailauction_of_promises
Thanks to all the parents and staff for their help,
enthusiasm and donations!
Fiona Mayhew and Nonny Steel,
Co-Chairs, Beacon Parents’ Society:
[email protected]
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PAWtrait
TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
PHOTO of the week
EN ROUTE TO
THEIR NEXT LESSON…
Sports NEWS
TEAM OF THE WEEK: 4th XV
“The fantastic fourths” won 79 –
5 against St John’s
Northwood in a wonderful display
of rugby this week.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Victor G
r the Colts A
Victor scored 4 tries fo
ting the ball
team by always suppor
ays making the
carrier in attack and alw
e he had the
correct option each tim
tic in defence
ball. He was also fantas
in the whole
and didn’t miss a tackle
has written
game. As well as that he
both match reports!
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
Sports NEWS
Rugby : Colts A v Berkhamsted | Match won
The boys took to the field Wednesday afternoon to face a strong Berkhamsted team. Berkhamsted were good but The
Beacon were in a class of their own with an outstanding first half performance which saw them a few tries to the good
at half time. The Beacon slightly relaxed for the first 10 minutes of the second half and did not perform anywhere near
as well as they did in the first half which allowed for Berkhamsted to get a couple of tries back but the last 10 minutes
were a replica of the first half, slick and silky. Tries were once again shared (including a perfect restart try from Raphy
Weatherall) but a special mention should be given to Victor Grant for his late brace of 4 tries although he was laughing
so much when he got the ball that he nearly dropped it. Another outstanding performance lads but a tough challenge
awaits when we travel to Wellington College next week. – Victor Grant (Colts A)
Rugby : Colts A v The Dragon | Match won 35-25
On a dark and rainy Saturday afternoon the boys proved that no weather could get in their way. The Colts A have a
reputation for giving the opposition a little head start and it was the same case against The Dragon with the boys
finding themselves 2-0 down after 10 minutes. The Beacon fought back well though getting back to level pegging at
half time. The Beacon then produced an outstanding second half performance to take the game out of The Dragon's
hands and win 35 - 25. The handling was All Blacks standard and overall a very good team performance. The tries were
shared between lots of players which is the sign of a team performance. – Victor Grant (Colts A)
Rugby : 4th XV v St John’s Northwood 3rd XV | Match won 76-5
On a dreadful wet and windy afternoon in Northwood The Beacon ran in 12 tries in a convincing victory against St
John’s. Tries were shared amongst several boys including Ragunather (2), Cotterell (2), Clark (2), Herrera (2),
Scognamillo (2), Perry and Blackmore. The place kicking was superb with 8 out of the 12 tries being converted
This was a fine performance by a team which has recently suffered some heavy defeats against very strong opposition.
Huge credit should go to the boys who are always willing to volunteer to play for the 4th XV and who show great
effort and commitment whenever called upon. Well done boys!! – Graham Mawdesley
Hockey training on the Astro…
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
Out & About NEWS
Year 8 River Chess Field trip
Last week the Year 8 went on a field trip to The River Chess. We visited three different sites
to test to see if it was a typical river. The sites we visited were Chesham Moor which is close
to the source, Latimer Park and Sarratt which is towards the confluence. We did many tests
at each location such as measuring the velocity, depth and width. We took pictures on the
iPads and some of us recorded the data using them. Each group all worked well as a team
and developed our collaboration skills. Despite the fact that it was drizzling we managed to
have a great time
throughout the trip.
Some of us managed to
soak up more water than
others but still enjoyed
it. Overall, it was very
good and thank you to
all the staff who took us
on the trip.
– Year 8 Pupils
Year 3 visit Oxford
On Wednesday 17 November Year 3 went on a school
trip to the Pitt Rivers and Natural History Museums in
Oxford. Here are some extracts from their accounts:
Natural History Museum
We went to look round the museum and I found a
rocks and minerals area. There was also a well that had
glowing minerals inside. Chris told us lots about
dinosaurs and what they are. I had a really fun time, I
would love to go again.
– Henry Lambert 3S
We went round the museum and saw lots of stuff. I
saw crystals, dinosaur bones, stuffed animals, insects
and a lady doing her job; she had a large fish. Also I
saw a very big T Rex and I really liked that very much.
– Tommy Threlfall 3S
Pitt Rivers
Next we went to the Pitt Rivers part on the second floor.
We met Andy and he set us a challenge to write down as many things as we could
about Savannah, Rainforests, Mountains and the Arctic. We got to see some other
objects too. One of my favourite things was a Samurai Ring Frisbee which was very
sharp. It was funny when Chris (a person who works at the museum) put the old
dung in his mouth. I loved the whole trip! – Henry Stubbs 3B
There were four tables. On those tables were things from the rainforest,
mountains, savannah and arctic. All four groups chose which one the table stuff
went with. All four groups got them all correct. I saw the first dinosaur bone ever
found. It was very interesting. I would like to go there again with my family.
– Sebastian Lones 3H
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
English Department NEWS
Year 6 Balloon Debate
Last Friday saw the culmination of the Balloon Debate for Year 6 boys. They have been
studying speech making and the art of persuasion and had been through a round of
heats to reach this final stage. The finalists had to attempt to persuade their audience
that their chosen character should be kept in the balloon rather than the other
competitors.
All boys did a fantastic job but a special mention
must go to the boys who won their rounds: Owen
Rogers, Freddie Chhabra, Edward Best and Harry
Ludlam.
Owen was our overall winner in his emphatic
persuasion as to why Thomas Edison should be
allowed to stay in the balloon.
Also in the NEWS
Movember
Movember, the month formerly known as November, is a
moustache growing charity event held during November each year
that raises funds and awareness for men's health.
This year a few of the staff led by Mr van Rooyen, Mr Skea and
Mr Connor are growing their moustaches again for 30 days. If you
would like to support their ‘Mo’ growing efforts, donations can be
made online at: http://mobro.co/ivanvanrooyen77
“There's a lot riding on our moustaches, so thank you. We
appreciate your support!”– Ivan van Rooyen and Hugh Connor
PS See this magnificent
#Movember moustache sported by ancient leader Caractacus at the Celts
exhibition in The British Museum!
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
Important DATES for your diary
DATE
TIME
EVENT
Saturday 21 November
11.00 am
Beacon Parents’ Society Christmas Fair
Thursday 26 November
7.00 pm
The Lion King Jr cast BG first performance
Friday 27 November
7.00 pm
The Lion King Jr cast RY first performance
Saturday 28 November
3.00 pm
The Lion King Jr cast BG second performance
7.00 pm
The Lion King Jr cast RY second performance
Beacon baking…
FOLLOW US @
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TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION