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NEWSletter 21 November 2014 – Week 10

PAGE 1 TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION

NEWS from the Headmaster

This week saw The Beacon hosting its annual Maths Competition for Year 6 pupils. This event is a wonderful raceagainst time between 10 schools who have to call upon all their mathematical wits to answer against the clock. TheBeacon sometimes enters two teams. It has been embarrassing in previous years when, all too often, The Beacon haswon, especially when we were first and second. This was not the case in 2014, as our two teams drew for first place.The embarrassment continues, accompanied by a sneaky sense of pride!

Last evening I attended the Autumn Concert (above) which took the theme of music from movies. Over 150 boys tookpart and there were nine different bands, ensembles, choirs and the orchestra contributing. Henry Sheppard’s solo wasa special highlight. As so often before I was transfixed by the music the boys made and in awe of the achievementfrom boys so young. It just goes to show that we should never underestimate what boys are capable of achievingwhen given the best teaching, support and encouragement. This time a big sense of pride.

NEWS from Pre-Prep


After last Friday’s superheroexcitement, this week has feltrather like the lull before the stormas rehearsals for the nativities areabout to begin. As the weatherbecomes colder I am very keen toencourage all boys to have somehot food at lunchtime rather thanalways choose the salad optionand a quiet word at home makingthe same point would be reallyhelpful. The vast majority eat verywell although a few are ratherpicky. Boys who do not eat muchat lunchtime often do not performas well in the afternoon. Lowblood sugar and nativity rehearsalare a particularly lethalcombination so your support inhelping us get the best out of allthe boys would be hugelyappreciated. Have a greatweekend everyone.

– Richard Haley – Head of Pre-Prep

Performing Arts NEWSMore News from The Marlow Festival of Music and Drama

Khyal, Year 4, also participated in the recent Marlow Music Festival. Hereceived a silver medal for the Grade 1 and 2 Strings Category, withcommendations for both performances. He received a bronze medalfor the 12 years and under Bowed Instrument Category in which hewas awarded a merit. Congratulations Khyal!

Will Maynard – Head of Drama

Music News

Next week every boy in Year 6 will be taking part in a production of Meredith Wilson's 'The Music Man' on Thursday 27and Friday 28 November. This wonderful musical tells the story of Harold Hill, a travelling salesman, who tries to con thetownsfolk of Iowa into setting up a boys' band and buying all the instruments and uniforms from him, before he fleeswith the money. All-time favourites like '76 Trombones' feature in the show, which looks set to be lots of fun.

Pre-Prep parents will also be pleased to hear that the show has been double cast so there is a 5pm performance as wellas a 7pm performance on each date. This means that you can bring your younger son and have him home for tea by6.30pm!

You do not need to buy tickets, but marketing will be sending out an email to ask you to let us know whichperformance you would like to see. You will be very welcome!

Liz Van Tromp – Director of Music

Film Concert

A wonderful Film concert took place on Thursdaywith over 150 boys taking part. Henry Sheppardwas given a spontaneous standing ovation for hissuperb trumpet solo of several film themesarranged by his father. Another highlight was MrsIvens dressed as a nun for one of the songs fromSister Act, ‘O Happy Day’, performed by BeaconVoices. For the grand finale, Oscar Marshall sangthe theme from Skyfall, with the Big Band followedby ‘Mo’ Better Blues’ from the film of the samename. A lovely evening, much appreciated by all,with a packed crowd in the sports hall.

Drum Kit for sale

Entry level drum kit for sale bought from Rosehills in Beaconsfield.

Cymbal upgrades also for sale bought from Drumshop, Gateshead.

For more details please contact Kate Morris on 07778 276913.


Sports NEWS

SPORTSMAN OF THE WEEKTim, Colts A Rugby

Tim, captain of Colts A, produced an outstanding performance to secure a winagainst local rivals, Chesham Prep. He has led his team to victories in allmatches, to produce an unbeaten record this season.

TEAM OF THE WEEKColts D Rugby

A very tight game by Colts D saw a victory over Chesham Prep. The Beacon,who were down 3 tries to 4 at half time, came back fighting in the second halfafter a team talk by Mr Newlands. Two quick tries in the final minutes of thegame saw The Beacon win 6-4 over Chesham Prep. Well done boys!


FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT…The Beacon are looking to start anequestrian team and due to the fact Ihave zero knowledge of this sport MrsMarr-Johnson is going to run theteam. If any of your sons areinterested, please could you email herat [email protected] with detailsof what height (in cm) they arecomfortable jumping.

If there are any budding golfers, I am keen to start golf at The Beacon and get a team together. If your son plays golf

and has an official handicap, or if you know how many shots he normally takes around an eighteen hole course, please

can you let me know by emailing me at [email protected]

With the weather turning colder, please could I remind all parents to make sure your son has the appropriate clothingto stay warm. All boys are told to wear skins but many boys do not have them in school. Next term especially, pleaseensure that boys have hats, (plain navy blue beanie not football hats or multi coloured) and gloves.

There is still a lot of unnamed kit, particularly footwear, which means that we cannot return it to its rightful owner andhave no proof of ownership. There is a lot of kit that is named with boy’s names who have left the school, pleaseremove these name labels from the kit before adding your son’s name. We are trying to stay on top of the lost propertythis term, but it is a struggle with the amount of unnamed kit.

David Robinson

TRADITIONAL VALUES | CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION

Sports NEWS

MATCH REPORT : 1st XV v St. John's Northwood The Beacon 19 : St. John's Northwood 49 – Match Lost

Mark Twain's oft used quote "...there are lies, damned lies and statistics" nicelydescribes the 1st XV match at St. John's Northwood yesterday. In terms ofpossession, territory, turnovers and line breaks the suggestion would be that thegame was completely even, or dare I say it, maybe edged in our favour. However,like a flailing politician trying to bolster a weak argument on Question Time, thesums don't always add up.

The game started competitively and it was clear that, up front, both packs weregoing to have a ding dong battle. St John's opened the scoring with a nicely worked trybut then, against the run of play, St. John's pounced on a Beacon mistake which was thenexaggerated by poor tackling. Tackling has been the Achilles heel of this Beacon side andwhen the opposition crossed for 2 more tries in the space of about 5 minutes it seemedthat a complete whitewash was on the cards. Despite conceding these 4 tries the Beaconpack were still winning ball and putting St. John's on the back foot. With half timeapproaching something had to be done if The Beacon were to get the score theydeserved. Typically Lucas Tuch led the assault. From a number of driving plays involvingmany sets of hands, Tuch finally got the touch down which gave ussomething positive to take into half time. However, the message ringingin the boys’ ears was nothing new - tackles needed to be committed toand made.

The second half was excellent. The Beacon took the game by the scruff ofthe neck and showed that with belief they could mix it against physicallyimposing teams. The addition of Jonah Bates galvanised the pack andPhilip Sharkey was a devil in the tight. The Beacon's second try was a virtualreply of the first only this time it was Oliver Avis who burrowed over. The backswere not to be outdone. Captain Harding marshalled the game beautifully from10 and he has really developed his kicking game. Will Finch and Lewis Smithwere brought in to play time and time again and our third try was possibly oneof our best of the season; quick ruck ball allowed intricate running and handlingfrom which Zack Sadleir, with a neat little show and go, dabbed the ball downin the corner. With seconds left on the clock the second half score was 12 all. Itwas very disappointing in the last play to cough up possession and watch the St. John's captain canter the length of thefield to score under the posts. Final score 49 - 19. For the second week running opposition coaches and parents werevery complimentary about The Beacon's all round play and commitment. Nevertheless, the boys do need to sticktogether and carve out a long overdue and deserved victory. – Mike Williams

MATCH REPORT : U8C vs MoulsfordThe Beacon 50 : Moulsford 35 – Match Won

The U8C played some fantastic rugby at Moulsford and won 50-35, and they showed how much they are coming onby moving the ball quickly when they were tagged. Rufus Vidal and Maxim Garrett were everywhere supporting andwanting the ball. Vincent Clifford and Fabien Belgrave were always on hand and scored some great tries. In defence,the boys were really well organised and Shiv Bhardwaj and Dominic Thomas were brilliant, pushing forward at everyopportunity, so the opposition had no space. Kunal Patel came up from the D team and showed that there is not muchdifference between the teams as he showed that he can play at this standard and showed what a strong runner withball he is. A great effort by all. – David Robinson


Sports NEWS

MATCH REPORT : U8A vs MoulsfordThe Beacon 30 : Moulsford 10 – Match Won

Last Thursday it seemed as though winter was finally arriving with cold, blustery conditions at Moulsford Prep. There wasnothing icy about the U8As though; they were hot! The boys passed the ball around with a maturity that belied theiryoung age and took an early lead that they were not to relinquish. Mungo Lawson and Kieran Patel both scored fineindividual tries and William Letts was his usual effervescent self. With the absence of Dominic Thompson due to illness, HalHersee acted the role of playmaker, and he provided good ball for William McKenzie and Christian Grant to score from.Nikhil Barghava also provided some sterling running and passing. The final score was 30 points to 10. Well played. – Mike Williams

MATCH REPORT : U8B2 Vs MoulsfordThe Beacon 5 : Moulsford 5 – Match Drawn

The U8B2s played Moulsford away in what was a very even match. In an exciting match the score line did not do the boysjustice. Only two tries were awarded in the 20 minute game, one to each team. Lleyton Moss was the try scorer for TheBeacon, receiving the ball of Andrew Stevenson just before the line to put The Beacon in the lead. Ben Slatford madesome excellent attacking runs showing both his pace and his agility to run round and through the opposition, butunfortunately didn’t find the tryline. Algy Pearmund and Conrad Sammars worked well together in defensive plays,running up to “tag” the opposition and turn over the ball. Seb Weatherall stepped in as the scrum half and showed hisknowledge of the game with some excellent ball handling skills and decisions in the position, shipping a few balls out tothe fast paced Robert Aneke. Manhar Saggu was man of the match, with some excellent defensive and attacking play. Hecarried the ball well, in addition to being an excellent support runner when The Beacon boys were in attack.– Clarice Underwood

MATCH REPORT : Colts A vs Chesham Prep The Beacon 7 : Chesham Prep 5 – Match Won

The Colts A had a bruising game against Chesham Prep which was the return fixture from earlier in the year. So far thesehave been the best 2 teams on the circuit with Chesham only losing to the Beacon all season. The Beacon got off to agreat start and were putting a lot of pressure on Chesham in the early stages. They scored a great try in the corner after alovely move in the backs; the whole backline apart from the right winger got their hands on the ball before putting JackClarke into the corner. In the second half The Beacon were without Will Pond through injury and we missed hisdoggedness at the breakdown and work around the park, as Chesham had the better of the second half. They scored agood try in the corner after good work from their forwards, and luckily for The Beacon they missed the conversion. I spoketo the boys about hunger and determination and that the boys who want it the most would come out winners. All theboys put in a fantastic performance and although we finished a man down, there were many boys, who on any othergame may have come off, but instead wanted to stay on the pitch to ensure their unbeaten record remained intact. Everysingle boy contributed to this win, whether it was a cover tackle, pressing quickly when we didn’t have the ball or beingaggressive at the breakdown to secure or disrupt the ball. A top effort by all. Well done.– David Robinson


Sports NEWS

MATCH REPORT : Colts D v Chesham PrepThe Beacon 30 : Chesham Prep 20 – Match Won

The mighty Colts D arrived at Chesham Prep. The warm up went well and the crowd on the touchline were waiting inanticipation for KO. The whistle blew and straight away The Beacon were on the front foot, resulting in a penalty, aquick tap and pass by Matthew Jones to Ben Francis - 1- 0 to The Beacon. Chesham Prep then upped their game, andwe were under immense pressure. The boys tackled like lions but unfortunately Chesham scored 4 tries to our 3 in thefirst half. After one of Mr Newlands’ team talks at half time, the boys stepped up a gear and quickly levelled the score.There were 3 minutes left on the clock when a great run from Eshen Saund beat 3 boys, before passing to Tom Vicaryfor a try to take the score to 5-4 to The Beacon. Matthew Jones then added a sixth, the crowd went wild, the whistlewent and the celebrations started! Well done to all that played, you made me feel very proud.

The best of the action from Willsfield this week…


Superheroes at The Beacon!

We had a plethora of superheroes at The Beacon onFriday to support Children in Need Day. There wereseveral Captain Americas (in assorted sizes!), a number ofIronmen and quite a few Spidermen, amongst others.Much to the delight of the boys, some members of staffjoined in the fun too, as you can see. We have raised over£1000 for the charity – thank you very much to all thoseparents who raided the dressing up box at home todevise something appropriate for the boys to wear.

Maths Challenge

On Tuesday 18November, TheBeacon hosted anInter Schools Quizfor Year 6. We invite11 schools from ourarea to come alongand join us for anafternoon of numbercrunching, maths

puzzles and problem solving. Due to a last minute cancellation from one of the schools we fielded a second team. Inour two teams were Dhilan Nathwani, Gus Bloxham, Thomas Creighton, Finn Henry, Oliver Okhuijsen, Oliver Rylance,William Howells and William Shield.

At the end of a hectic two hour period which involved much discussion and deliberation, our two teams were placedjoint first. The runners up this year were Chesham Prep. Congratulations boys!

Book Club

The final book club this term will take place on Thursday 4 December from 8.15 am in theLibrary. We will be discussing "The Miniaturist" by Jessie Burton, all welcome!

School Uniform Shop

Stevensons, the school uniform supplier, has employed Mrs Moss-Marks (a Beacon Parent) torun the on-site school shop. She will start her training at the shop next Monday. In themeantime the shop will continue to be operated by a member of staff from Stevensons’ StAlbans office.

Also in the NEWS


The BPS Christmas Fair

Many, many thanks to all those who helped with the Christmas Fair; it was abig team effort and we were very grateful for the support. We do hopeeveryone enjoyed themselves. Any feedback would be gratefully received.

Outdoor Canopy

We were delighted thatduring half term theoutdoor canopy wasinstalled next to the Art andDT studios. We have beenassured by Mr Pearson andMr Van Rooyen that it isbeing put to great use andthe boys are enjoying beingoutside.

Annie Dunster and Nonny Steel, Co-Chairs, Beacon Parents' Society : [email protected]

Parents’ Society NEWS

Important DATES for your diary

Thursday 27 November 5.00 pm The Music Man Year 6 Production Cast 1

6.00 pm – 8.00 pm Year 3 Parents’ Evening

7.00 pm The Music Man Year 6 Production Cast 2

Friday 28 November 5.00 pm The Music Man Year 6 Production Cast 2

7.00 pm The Music Man Year 6 Production Cast 1

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