NewsBeacon
The regular newsletter of The New Beacon
Issue No. 112 - Friday, 24th March 2017
Year 5 Year 4 Visit to
Make it Penshurst Place
Three in a Row
We became the first school to
win the Schools at Summerhill
Maths Race three times running
when our current year 5 team
took the competition by storm
last week! They completed all
20 questions correctly in half
the allocated time finishing on
a score of the perfect 100 with
the next school on 60. The team
of
Benjy
Collingwood,
Frederick Smith, Sandy Carrick
and
George
MacDonald
(captain) stunned the rest of the
competition into silence! The
Year 6 team of Felic Gollan,
Daniel Haddon, Fred Ivey and
James Williamson (captain)
also did well finishing 4th and
beating many of our local
competitors. Very well done to
all the boys and thank you to
Miss Reid, Mr Knipe and Ms
Reed for all they do for the boys
in the maths department.
JYB
The importance
of naming
your son’s belongings
The New Beacon Centre has
only been open for 4 weeks, but
look what the boys have left
behind! All named items have
been returned to their owners,
but the rest still need to be
claimed. The school office is
open 9.30am - 12pm every day
during the holidays if you wish
to rummage through the pile of
lost property.
On Wednesday Year 4 went on
a trip to Penshurst Place. First
we split into two groups, then
my group went through this
mysterious hall where we saw
different kinds of weapons and
arms. Our first activity was to
see how Tudors dressed up. I
was
fascinated
by
the
noblemen’s silk clothing and
especially the wide collar on
their blouses, which to me
looked like to tail of a Peacock.
However, what I really enjoyed
the most was learning about the
different punishment in those
times. I even volunteered for the
third punishment, which was
the most severe one and it
involved me being beheaded. I
felt the axe skimming my neck
with its sharp metal blade and I
could see my classmates
gasping in horror.
This was the best trip I have
ever been on!
Alex Tarashev, 4GH
My favourite workshop was
the Bellman. We learned
what the rules were in Tudor
times and that they were very
strict. They also told us
which punishments you
would get and they were
pretty harsh! If you had no
money you could only beg in
the area you lived in
otherwise you would be put
in the stocks from dusk until
dawn. People would call you
names or throw food at you
but if you threw something
harmful at that person, the
next day you would be in
them! If you had already
been in the stocks, and you
broke the rule again, you
might be hanged, slowly
suffocated to death. If you
planned to kill the Queen,
then you would have been
beheaded!
William Young, 4CS
I enjoyed the Barber Surgeon
workshop most of all. The
reason why I enjoyed it was
because he told us how to do
surgery in Tudor times. For
example if you had a sore
throat they would stick a frog
down your throat and make
you swallow it. If you came
back the next week because
the sore throat hadn’t gone
away they would stick a bigger
frog down your throat. They
thought the slime from the
frog would help it. The Barber
Surgeon showed us something
else amazing. In Tudor times
they thought if the person had
a pain in their head it must be
the devil that had got inside
and it had caused an infection.
So they would get a drill, and
then drill through the skull,
(not touching the brain), and
then stick the skull piece back
in once the devil had got out.
While they were doing this the
person would bite down hard
on a stick so they wouldn’t bite
through their tongue with all
the pain!
Benji Bryden, 4RT
In order to promote reading over half term, we asked boys to take a photo of themselves reading
in an unusual place. Our entries included a vast array of locations such as reading on the slopes,
in the cemetery of the Somme Battlefields, reading a Morpurgo book about war in the trenches,
reading in the bath and even on Sky Sports news. The winners of the competition won a gift card
and a chocolate Easter egg. Well done to everyone who participated, the winners are:
Pre-Prep:
Jacob (2JB)
(special mention - for
putting himself in danger’s way)
Oliver (2JB)
Morgan (1JF)
Edward (1JF)
Junior School:
Jacob (4RT)
(special mention for his clever use of technology)
Aidan (3AH)
Ignacio (3AH)
Joshua (3CM)
CA
Extreme Reading Winners
SCIENCE WEEK
The Royal Institution
comes to the New Beacon
On Friday the 10th March, during science
week, The New Beacon hosted the Royal
Institution’s Science in Schools road show.
During the day we were able to welcome
pupils from Leigh Primary school to enjoy
the show, and in the evening we welcomed
families from all areas of the New Beacon Family. Owing to
unprecedented demand, we had the great pleasure of presenting the
evening show in the Auditorium area of the New Beacon Centre.
Needless to say, fun was had by all who attended the shows and
much learning took place. I hope to see you all again next year!
RC
New Beacon Science Fair
For the very first time in the history of the
New Beacon, the Science department
organised a series of projects for the boys
to complete, of their own accord,
investigating Science. These projects were
then presented to parents in the new
Studio space in the New Beacon Centre
in the form of a Science Fair. I was very
impressed with the hard work and effort
that all boys had put into their projects
over the preceding weeks, and even a
minor flood did not dampen spirits on the night!
Certificates and winners were announced during the final assembly, but
all boys who took part on the night are also eligible for gaining a CREST
award. For the boys who want to gain the award, please complete any
outstanding written work for your project over the Easter break. Come
and see me during the first week back with your projects, to formalise
the entries for the award.
RC
New home for the Science Department turtles
The turtles are enjoying their new enclosure in the Foyer of the Science
Department. It is hoped that the waterbound creatures are now in a more
prominent position for all members of The New Beacon community to
enjoy, so if you’re in the area, do pop your head in to say hello. Watch
this space as there will be a competition to find them names sometime
in the future.
RC
Mr Coleman rescues frogspawn from hungry newts!
Over the weekend, a great rescue was performed in Mr Coleman’s garden. A horde of
hungry newts were attacking and eating some newly lain frogspawn! Upon seeing the
travesty unfold before his very eyes, Mr Coleman beat off the maddened attackers and
swept up the tiny victims into a bucket. All survivors can now be found in the Faraday
lab, do come in to say hello when you get a moment.
RC
BUSY WEEK IN RECEPTION
Spring Walk
With the weather being so Spring-like (finally) Reception went for a Spring
walk around the school grounds. The boys each had a clipboard and had to
look out for all the signs of Spring such as blossom, seedlings, flower buds,
flowers, daffodils, insects, birds, squirrels, birds’ nests and green leaves.
Luckily most boys managed to find them all although were a little perplexed
at the amount of squirrel sightings as the staff saw none! We then went to
the ‘Outdoor Classroom’ which is situated in the woods behind the
swimming pool. The boys sketched what they saw down there, found lots
of bugs under the logs and enjoyed being boys playing with sticks.
Planting Potatoes
The Reception boys have been busy planting
potatoes. They have been learning about what they
need to help them grow and we are all looking
forward to the time when we will be harvesting them
and tasting them later in the Summer. We have also
planted one of the potatoes in an old fish tank to
enable the boys to see the roots growing under the
soil and hopefully see the potatoes forming too.
Reception Parent Readers
As part of Book Week, Reception parents were invited into the classroom to read stories to the boys. This has continued beyond
book week and the boys have been very lucky that we have had so many mums and dads wanting to come in and read to them.
As you can see from the pictures, we have been read a real variety of books.
We are very grateful to all those parents who volunteered and hope that this will continue in the Summer Term.
Sean’s Shed & the Easter Egg Hunt
The Reception boys have had a real end of term treat as we were invited into Sean’s Shed to view
all the tools and machines that he uses to keep the school and pitches looking so immaculate. Sean,
for those that don’t know, is the New Beacon groundsman. He talked about all the different jobs that
he does in the various seasons and explained all the different tools and machines that he uses each
day. They loved the big lawnmowers and
the tractors the best. They also learned
about the importance of looking after
things, keeping them clean and tidy and
making sure that when you have used
something that you return it from where
it came.
Reception Teachers
Last Day of Term
Easter Egg Hunt
Tennis in the Spring Term
Most tennis at The New Beacon
takes place in the summer term;
however, we do enter three
Sevenoaks School Tennis
Tournaments for schools during
the term. The colours of the
balls (Red, Orange and Green)
denoting
the
players
progression in skills and their
ability to play with harder balls
as their proficiency grows). The
first is a ‘Red Ball’, where we
entered four pairs, all who
played well with some pairs
reaching the latter stages of the
competition. Henry and Jack
(Y4), Bradley and Rio (Y3),
Federico (Y3) and Dehong
(Y2), Teddy and Arnev (Y2).
The second the ‘Orange Ball’,
where we entered three pairs Tommaso and Matthew (Y3),
Edward (Y5) and Alex (Y4),
Lian and George (Y5) - all of
whom reached the quarter final,
with Tommaso and Matthew
being runners up in the final of
whole tournament.
And finally the ‘Green Ball’,
which was held on the 11th
March, we entered three pairs Fred (Y6) and Ben (Y5), Tim
and Charlie (Y5), Oliver and
William (Y6).
We were
naturally delighted that all of
our ‘Green Ball’ tennis pairs got
through to the quarter finals,
and thrilled when Fred and Ben
won through to win the final
and were presented with the
Sevenoaks Schools Tennis cup.
Well done to them and to all the
boys in the ‘Red,Orange and
Green’ tournaments who
represented the school earlier in
the term.
CH
ICT on
Public
Display
The pupils in Years 1-3
have excelled this year
in creating a wonderful
display for Sevenoaks
Library. It is our annual
project to support the
local library and work
with the community.
The focus for the work was ‘Nature in Britain’, which was
combined with curriculum work to create some original
pictures.
The Year 1 boys used their studies on ‘Houses and Homes’ to
think about the nature around a variety of homes to great
effect. The Year 2 pupils enhanced their ICT skills by
including the text tool into their already bulging bag of paint
tools and the Year 3’s demonstrated their ability with text and
images to create some striking posters.
Sevenoaks library is always delighted to display work from
The New Beacon and this year has been no exception. They
are thrilled and I encourage you to visit the library if you have
a few minutes to spare in Sevenoaks.
TW
U11 Team Swim to
Kent Championship Success
The New Beacon U11
swimmers were victorious in
the recent Kent Schools
swimming competition held
at Medway Park, Gillingham
on Saturday 11th March. The
team produced outstanding
swims in both the individual
and relay events to take
individual and team relay
medals.
This outstanding swimming
success means that the team
have now qualified to swim at
the South-East regional round
at the Guildford Spectrum
Centre on 20th May.
Great swimming boys!
MB
‘WILD IN SEVENOAKS’
Photography Competition
Please note the deadline for the photography competition
has been extended ~ hard copies must be handed
into Mr Presnell by
Monday, 24th April
New Beacon Lecture: How Children Survive &
Thrive in the Modern World
21st March saw the visit of
Natasha Devon MBE and
Jenny Langley to work with
children from local schools –
and our boys – in a workshop
on self-esteem and emotional
wellbeing. The children learnt
about ‘resilience’ and the
importance of talking through
any worries they may have.
Equally, they were told that it’s
fine not to have any worries.
In the evening, Natasha Devon
spoke to a large audience of
parents and guests on the same
subject – a harder hitting talk suitably directed at a different
audience. Those who attended commented on the excellence of
the presentation and the wisdom imparted. This was the first New
MP
Beacon Lecture: the bar has been set high!
Year 1 Science lesson: jamming to the sounds of Spring
END OF TERM HOCKEY REPORTS
Under 13
PLAYED
34
WON
24
DREW
4
LOST
6
Under 11
14
12
1
1
TOTAL
48
36
5
7
UNDER 13
Squad: J Huddy, O Everitt, B Wentzel, K Heins, F Lee, R Docherty, L Wilson, H Piper,
W Fitzsimons, S Beverley, J Hadden
The Hockey at The New Beacon is becoming stronger every year. This year’s Under 13s was an excellent group of players,
ably led by Kyle Heins. The highlight of the season was a wonderful performance in an 11-a-side game against DPS Cranbrook
(which we won 4-2), but much more importantly played some creative and fluent hockey. Well done everyone who represented
the school at this level.
Although hockey has only been on the our circuit for 3 years, it is in excellent shape and we are winning many more matches.
The Under 11s have won a major tournament against 20 other schools (EGHA Tournament at Bedes School) and last year
the Under 13s qualified for the National Finals - not bad for only 3 years. We are all looking forward to more success in the
future.
UNDER 11B
UNDER 11A
The Under 11 A team have had a
superb season, playing some of the
best hockey I have seen at this
level. In their first tournament at
Tonbridge School they faced
disappointment, being knocked out
in the quarter-finals. It was a steep
learning curve and in their next
tournament at Hurst the boys
reached the final, finishing second.
After a few stunning performances
against Kings Rochester and
Dulwich Prep the boys were ready
for their final tournament. They played some brilliant hockey and managed
to win the first ever piece of hockey silverware for the school; beating Danes
Hill 2-0 in the final, very well done boys! They were an absolute pleasure to
coach and worked hard to improve throughout the season. Many thanks to
all of the parents and grandparents, who came along and supported the
boys.
DB
It was a pleasure to be involved with this
motivated, talented and successful team. The
squad won all of their matches. They worked
hard displaying strength on all positions. This
squad will be hard to beat over the coming
years. My congratulations to the boys on a
highly successful season.
CH
UNDER 11C & D
It was a short but sweet season for the U11
C&D squads. The boys played some great
hockey and scored a number of goals. The
positioning, running and passing was mainly
superior to that of the opposition and results
were pleasing. Defensively the teams were
solid and managed to keep a number of clean
sheets. A special thanks to all those parents
who came along and supported the boys.
DB
CROSS COUNTRY
A busy and highly successful cross country season saw us compete regularly around the area
and with squad rotation this enabled over forty runners to compete for the school. Our
pre-Christmas outings included an encouraging 9th place at the St Ronan’s Relays and 2nd
place for the U9s at the Hazelwood Relays. The Thomas Trophy didn’t bring any silverware,
but a week later Freddy Rogers collected a bronze medal at the Regional Champs over a hilly
Yardley Court course. Freddy was at it again in the Junior Knole Run coming an excellent
57th out of 359 finishers, two years under age!
After Christmas, the courses got faster as they dried out and at Claremont Fan our Y5/6 Team
easily won the gold medal with Tim McLain (4th), Freddy Rogers(5th) Edward Greenslade
(6th) and George Glen (20th) leading Felic Gollan and Max Avery home for the team gold
medal. One week later, Tim finally got on the rostrum clinching a silver over a tough Kent
College Pembury course, despite again running a year up.
The climax to the year, The Bracken Cup, at Yardley Court was run over a tough, hilly course and with driving rain and winds
all the boys deserve credit for just finishing. However, Alex Yeabsley (2th) and Lucas Gorrill (8th) in the U9s, Tim McLain
(5th) and Freddy Rogers (7th) in the U11s and Thomas Ejje (39th) in the Seniors were out top finishers in their respective races.
IP
END OF TERM RUGBY REPORTS
Under 13B - Unbeaten
Under 11 - Pelican Cup Winners
Under 13
PLAYED
10
WON
7
DREW
2
LOST
1
Under 12
6
4
0
2
Under 11
11
10
0
1
Under 10
21
14
1
6
TOTAL
48
35
3
10
UNDER 13A
UNDER 13B
With the new format of rugby rules being implemented at U13 level for the first time
this season, the 2017 squad acquitted themselves well to the situation and played
some sparkling rugby with ball in hand. Some really good wins as well as close losses
were recorded in what was a somewhat inclement-weather disruption to the second
half of the season.
We participated in three Sevens rugby festivals, viz. the Yardley Court, Aldro Prep
School and Shrewsbury House and in the foremost tournament the boys were
complimented by opposing coaches and referees for playing real Sevens style rugby.
My thanks and appreciation goes to Mr McMahon, an accomplished rugby player
himself, for his insightful and refreshing approach to coaching the senior boys this
year. Further to this the parents are thanked for their unstinting support of the boys
at all of our matches.
I wish the 2017 squad all the very best for the future as they prepare to tread new
ground at their senior school. May they all continue to play and enjoy what is
undoubtedly a sport that engenders much positive camaraderie amongst its
combatants.
EK
In spite of a weather-marred season the
under 13Bs managed to play 5 games
of good rugby. During practices, and
being the B-team, they naturally
suffered the slings and arrows of
playing against the As. However, this
made them battle-hardy and ready for
matches against other B-teams, which
by comparison, at least allowed the
opportunity of exploring the try-line
much more frequent.
BY
UNDER 12A & B
As the smallest year group in the school, what the Year 7s lacked in quantity they
more than made up for with quality, and it is amazing how a little tenacity and
dedication - two things these boys have in droves - make such a big difference in
all matches played!
Getting over the frustrations of seemingly countless cancelled matches and
training sessions, the boys hit the ground running against Aldro with a pace that
was unrelenting until the last match.
Despite being such a small group of players, there were quality players to select
for each position, and as coaches we were spoilt! Of particular pride is the progress
each and every boy made this season, and the fact that this was the only group in
the school which did not have any boys opt for the non-contact option.
Good luck with your first team rugby next year, boys!
MO & JEB
COLTS A
The squad shaped up reasonably during pre-season, but the pre-Christmas matches
were plagued by illness. After the Yuletide break, bad weather and unfit grounds
dominated Kent, with little rugby of meaning being played. As this improved, so
did play and this group just got better and better. Winning the few regular school
fixtures played, the team lifted itself for tournaments (losing only to Yardley Court
and Caldicott) from the twenty-five games played). At Sevens the boys excelled,
winning the Brighton College Pelican Cup (and a scooter per boy and an invitation
to train with the England team in May), dominating at the Junior King’s Milner Cup
and losing only one tie at the Shrewsbury House Sevens. In the end a thoroughly
enjoyable season and a squad that made me very proud.
PB
COLTS B
A weather curtailed season proved to be
very frustrating for a strong Colts B team.
Full of fast-running and tough tackling
personnel the two regular B matches
proved to be fairly one sided. Seventeen
tries (against three) were scored in total
against Hilden Grange and Aldro, with
the only loss coming against a strong
Hawthorns A. Even in this game, the boys
gave a good account of themselves, but
eventually succumbed to some clever
penalty plays and a fast running,
powerhouse of a centre.
IP
COLTS C
What a successful season for this talented
squad of players who won all their five
matches, and in the process scored 39
tries for the team, while only conceding
13. An impressive performance indeed!
It was unfortunate that the team did not
play more fixtures but the prolonged icy
and poor weather conditions in the early
season meant a number of these events
had to be cancelled. I am grateful to the
boys for all their hard work and I was
impressed and enjoyed their success this
season.
CH
END OF TERM RUGBY REPORTS
COLTS D
UNDER 10A
Although the freezing conditions that
we had at the start of the season, the
under 11D team had a fantastic Rugby
season, making vast improvements
throughout the season which was
reflected by strong performances by all
members of the team against other
schools. All of the boys played a part
and had so much fun while developing
their skills and techniques and they
were a joy to work with. I am very
proud of all the hard work that they
have all put in to achieve such great
results and admirable sportsmanship.
ME
The season started well with a crushing victory over Hurstpierpoint but was
then followed by a 3 -1 loss to Dulwich Prep, which was a disappointment.
However, we met the same team later in the season and won by six tries to one,
a definite indication that we had improved significantly over the three weeks.
A tournament at Tonbridge School followed with three victories …but a defeat
to a strong Yardley Court team. At the National Qualifiers we played well
winning three and drawing the last game and so qualified to go to “The
Nationals” which will take place on 19th March. Overall (including rugby
eight-a-side tournaments the team won eleven matches and lost 4. This team
just needs to play deeper, run straighter and get the ball wider to overturn the
losses, build on their wins and reach their potential.
CH
UNDER 10B
In a season of few fixtures reduced
further by the weather, the U10B VIII
did not make the progress expected of a
New Beacon team. Some enterprising
individual play rarely developed to
embrace the team play concept and
tackling seemed an option for some.
Winning two of the four matches played
(Dulwich Prep and Hilden Grange) and
a 5 – 5 draw against Downsend (coming
back from 2 – 4 down at lemons) partly
made up for the drubbing we took
against an ‘A’ team standard team from
Yardley Court.
PB
UNDER 10C-E
Most of the first half of the season fell
foul to the weather, but once the pitches
either dried out or softened the boys
played some lovely flowing rugby,
scoring tries from all areas of the pitch.
It was very encouraging to see so many
boys gain promotion to higher teams,
with several making the step from Cs to
Bs.
IP
UNDER 9
The Under 9 age group had
their first season of contact
33
rugby this season, with all 6 PLAYED
teams
making
vast
13
improvements throughout the WON
season
during
games
DREW
5
sessions, which was reflected
by strong performances by all LOST
15
teams in fixtures against
other schools.
Through all games sessions the priority for all boys was rugby skill
development. There was a key focus on developing contact skills in order to
ensure all boys were confident in making a tackle and getting tackled during a
game. A highlight was that all boys had numerous opportunities to represent
the school in both home and away fixtures, even though some matches were
lost due to bad weather.
All teams displayed a strong team spirit through their matches, throughout all
the matches there was a strong sense of sportsmanship and fair play, with boys
conducting themselves in a manner which reflected very well upon both
themselves and the school. All teams played well throughout the season taking
on the instruction from their coaches and applying it on the pitch, leading to
very successful seasons for all teams.
All teams played well and showed consistent progress throughout the season,
which culminated in a fantastic set of results against Yardley Court at the end
of the season. Overall this was a very successful season for all students involved
in the Under 9 rugby which will lay a strong foundation for future rugby seasons
to come.
JM
Colts A VII at the Pelican Cup Brighton U11 7s
A splendid afternoon of rugby sevens played at its best for much of the time by the boys
from The New Beacon. Although the group games were all won with something in hand,
some stout defence (by skipper Brett in particular) ensured no tries were conceded, with 32
tries being scored.
It was so good to see the ball being kept alive for the most part, which resulted in many tries
arising from multiple phases. It was also pleasing to hear mutterings of praise of our style
of play from opposition supporters and referees alike.
By dint of winning the group stage, a play-off was in order against the winner of the other
group. Some excellent finishing by James and Zach ensured a solid win to allow The New
Beacon to be declared the “Best Team” and winner of the Pelican Cup. Each player won a scooter from the Sponsor and the squad
earned an invitation to train with the England team in May. A day of great pride!
PB