Beechwood Lion Michaelmas 2015 by Beechwood Park School

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Beechwood Lion Michaelmas 2015

Classics and French trip to Provence – page 5

From The Headmaster Dear Parents, What a dynamic term this has been! It has been lovely to get to know your talented and wonderful children over the past twelve weeks and to gain a strong sense of our community in action….and what action we have seen! Whether it is in the classrooms, on the sports pitches, in the Music rooms or the Performance Hall, the Beechwood Park energy reverberates far and wide. Across a breath-taking diversity of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and outdoor activities, I have watched our children carefully honing their skills and deepening their understanding both of themselves and the world around them. I have seen great kindness and leadership from our Top formers, but also in children much, much younger. Beechwood Park, it seems to me, is not only firmly rooted in the here and now, but it also sets its sights firmly on the future. Yes, it prepares children for success in examinations into competitive senior schools at 11+ or 13+, but it has a longer-term vision, instilling in children a genuine love of learning and an appreciation of all that life itself can offer.

Woodlands Nursery Ten weeks ago, Beechwood Park School opened the glass front doors to its beautiful new Nursery School, which nestles at the edge of the woodlands. Not surprisingly it is called Woodlands Nursery and the very first cohort of 21 pupils is called our Woodlanders! Ten weeks on, the Woodlanders have bonded into a vibrant, happy and confident class of 2, 3 and 4 year olds who skip, with energy and enthusiasm, through those glass doors every day at 8.30am, along the corridor, through the Snug and into their bright, airy and stimulating classroom. Awaiting them in the classroom are six teachers, breakfast, creative opportunities and so much more. This first term has seen the children build a dinosaur den, learn to care for

This is why the many senior schools which I have visited over the past term comment on the Beechwood blueprint. They comment on young people who are emotionally intelligent, who have the humility and insight to observe and reflect, to be agile and indeed resilient in the face of challenge and change. One of the most impressive strengths of Beechwood Park that I have witnessed over the past term, is its resolutely child-centred focus. Beechwood Park leads the prep school world in its educational foresight, sometimes forensically reflecting on its educational practice in order to ensure that it prepares every child for the future. I am particularly indebted to Jaime Packer and the Heads of Departments for their everyday discussions as to how we might hone our practice in order to provide the very best educational preparation for your children. I am also very grateful to Helen Dalkin, Shirley Hayman and the Woodlands Nursery staff who have successfully provided our youngest pupils with the very best trampoline with which to cushion them as they fly the nest, before launching off into their future learning! Woodlands demonstrates daily best EYFS practice and we look forward to welcoming an additional ten children into Woodlands after Christmas.

It has been a privilege to sit with our pupils and staff at mealtimes and to hear their observations and insights, to see them go out bravely to battle the opposition on the ‘vasty’ playing fields of Beechwood, and at another to perform music or poetry with such artistry and sensitivity. I am hugely proud of the monumental amount that the staff and pupils have achieved together this term. I am equally so grateful for your support and commitment, particularly in support of the high quality BPSPA Quiz Night, Bonfire and Firework Night, the Christmas Fayre and the decoration of the entrance hall. Finally, to the Music Department, for whom the end of the Michaelmas term is always frenetic, thank you for some wonderful advent and Christmas carol services. It only rests for me to wish you all a very happy and restful Christmas with your friends and families. We look forward to seeing you in 2016! With best wishes, Yours,

worms in our wormery, play pretend chefs in our Mud Kitchen and in many cases learn to write their names. Every day, they paint, stick, pour, mix, connect, transport, draw, sing, exercise, dance, chat, share, learn to take turns, to listen and to increase stamina levels. On our ‘My Space’ notice board the Woodlanders choose their favourite pieces of work to display. On our brilliant interactive white board – the Woodlanders research the topics that interest and fascinate them - Pompiers and Camels, to name just two! Our Top form buddies, David and Freya, visit us twice a week and the Woodlanders love to see them, welcoming them with loud cries of, “our buddies are here…yay!” Now our energy is focused on devising and practising for our ‘nativity with a twist’ on 8th December when we are expecting an audience of nearly 80 people! Yikes!

What an amazing first term we have all been privileged to share. We look forward to 2016 with excitement and so many new ideas to make Woodlands the best nursery in the world!

EDWARD BALFOUR

SHIRLEY HAYMAN

Pupils from 5G chose books to read to the Woodlands children during a recent visit to the Nursery. We plan to go again next term as it was a lovely experience for all.

The newsletter of Beechwood Park School, Markyate, Hertfordshire AL3 8AW

LESLEY-ANNE GOODMAN

Junior News and Drama Windsor Castle

Junior Department Christmas Plays

What a fantastic show the Reception children provided for us this year; two dress rehearsals and then a final production to As the late summer sunshine broke through the clouds, 112 children arrived at Windsor Castle. A quintessential English scene was set: an imposing castle set against the backdrop of a blue sky with the children smartly dressed in Beechwood Park uniform in the foreground; in the distance a Guardsman marching to and from his sentry box. What a delight for the tourists from overseas! The children, slightly disappointed that the Royal Standard was not flying, investigated the ramparts, marched with the soldiers, gasped in awe at The Royal Apartments and sighed longingly when viewing Queen Mary’s Dolls House. A session in ‘The Moat Room’ allowed us all to learn more about the Queen and her life and culminated with the children roleplaying her Coronation - complete with The Archbishop of Canterbury, crowns and corgis!

HELEN DALKIN

Magic Wallets! In a recent DT competition to design a magic wallet, the winners were: Bibi (4L), Charlotte (5M) and Luci (6GR). Well done to all who entered.

JILL DAVIDSON

This year’s 1st form Christmas Extravaganza told the story of a group of angels who travelled the world to find out about the different Christmas customs in many different lands. As always, we were extremely proud of the children; speaking

parents. The children retold the story of the birth of Jesus with enthusiasm and energy, singing their words with feeling. Every child took full advantage of their parts, amazing the adults with the use of clear, loud voices. It was incredible to think that these children have been a part of the Beechwood Park family for only nine weeks. What a great group of stars.

A BIG ‘THANK YOU’, FROM THE RECEPTION TEAM.

their lines, singing their songs and acting enthusiastically. We would like to convey our massive thanks, not only to the Music and Drama department for their help, but to Mrs Davidson and Mrs Jacques who helped in the production of our amazing costumes.

1ST FORM TEACHERS

Form Two sang and danced their hearts out, to remind us of the real meaning of Christmas, in their seasonal production entitled ‘Baubles’. The show was set in a school, not so very different to this one, where the caretaker toils to make baubles to decorate the forgotten school Christmas tree. The Form Two teachers are very proud of the children’s efforts, not to mention the support of the parents in getting costumes ready and learning lines. Next stop, the West End!

MIA BLOOMFIELD

Forest School Delights

Mulan Kicks Off! Rehearsals for this year’s Senior production of Disney’s ‘Mulan Jr’ are now in full swing. Our Chinese and Hun soldiers have begun their training, and are working hard to perfect their (stage) fighting skills. The hairdressers, groomers and dressmakers are all doing their best to give Mulan a much-needed make-over, not that she’s grateful! Mushu the dragon is trying his best to help Mulan to fulfil her destiny too, but it’s not looking good. I can understand why the Ancestors aren’t very impressed!

LAURA HEGARTY

Pupils have been participating in Forest School sessions this half term and despite the mixed weather conditions they have enjoyed a great variety of activities; den building, leaf identification, using tools such as mallets to create fences and animal homes and creating some beautiful autumnal mobiles have all been features. It has been a delight to see their confidence and knowledge grow. BECKY LE BAS

Really Ribberty Fun! Pupils in the 2nd and 3rd forms were captivated by Hilary Greatorex's performance of 'The Dancing Frog', based on Quentin Blake's picture book. Hilary brought the story of international dance sensation 'George' to life with her wonderful knitted puppet and basket of props, including music from a wind-up gramophone. After the show, the children enjoyed a “hot seating” activity and explored how to turn an object into a character. There was an evil rake, a snappy CD case, and even a bouncing, plastic green thingy called 'Tom'! We all had great fun re-creating George's froggy dance moves too.

LAURA HEGARTY

PAGE X What a Performance! Ahoy! All Singers Beechwood Park hosted singing workshops and a performance of the songs from ‘Ahoy! for the Mary Rose’ by Alexander L’Estrange in November this year. Sixty pupils attended the workshops, led with great energy and enthusiasm by Ben Goodson, conductor of the Lea Singers. The composer Alexander L’Estrange also joined us and gave the children an engaging talk about his work as a composer and also about the piece ‘Ahoy!’ It was exciting for the children to meet a living composer and they had many questions to ask him! The children were accompanied by the professional band which included our own Kevin Vockerodt and Ben Buckton on the piano and violin. Alexander played the double bass, Roger Harrison (husband of Penny, our percussion teacher) was on drums and Kevin Street (Assistant Director of Music at Dulwich Prep School in London) on the piano accordion. We were also lucky enough to be joined by the Lea Singers for singing Ahoy! The singing day finished with a truly wonderful performance of Ahoy! to a packed audience.

JANE LODGE

Tring Good Companions’ Club

Christmas Concert Back by popular demand, the Christmas Concert returned again this year! Instruments, children and staff glittered and sparkled their way through a lovely selection of festive pieces. Everyone was certainly in the mood for Christmas by the end with all the children and audience joining in for a rousing rendition of Good King Wenceslas. It was wonderful to see such an array of different instruments involved and so many children enjoying themselves.

JANE LODGE

Thirteen members of Vox Leonis and the Beechwood Park String Quartet entertained around forty Senior Citizens at the Tring Good Companions’ Club. The string quartet played two pieces and the choir sang a large selection of well-known songs from the classic movies. The audience thoroughly enjoyed bopping along to numbers such as ‘Bring me Sunshine’ and ‘Singing in the Rain’. After they had performed, the children chatted to the audience over a drink and a biscuit. The children took charge of the raffle and ably whizzed the prize trolley around the tables to the delight of the lucky prize winners! It was wonderful to spread some cheer on a soggy, blustery afternoon.

Performance Art The 5th form had the opportunity this term to go to the Tate Modern to see the work of Alexander Calder and then to respond to what they saw in Music, Drama and Art. Their inspiration came from his work based on spirals, his woven tapestry depicting spiders, his mobiles and his stable sculpture, called ‘La Boote’, based on boots! A great fun project enjoyed by everyone.

EDWINA WILKS

KEVIN VOCKERODT

We are looking forward to the upcoming Chiltern Musica concert here on Friday 29th January at 7pm featuring many familiar faces from our Music Department. To book your tickets, email: tickets@beechwoodpark.herts.sch.uk

Choir Services It was delightful to see the smiling faces of the 3rd Form Choir at St John’s Church, Markyate on the afternoon of Sunday 29th November. They led the Christingle service there beautifully with their wonderful singing of two anthems. Thank you to everyone in the church for giving us such a warm welcome, as always. The children certainly enjoyed themselves, especially when holding their lit Christingle candles and I am sure they enjoyed the sweets from them on their way home! Later that evening, the Senior Choirs were at St Leonard’s Church, Flamstead for the evening Advent Service. They sang their solo and joint anthems quite exquisitely and their singing gave the service a very special feel. Well done to Luke, our Head Chorister, who sang the solo for the first verse of O Come, O Come Emmanuel with great musicality.

Verse Speaking Triumphs The School was buzzing with excitement as Head of English, Mrs Wilkins, welcomed adjudicator Mr Hughes from St Albans School to the Verse Speaking competition. There were many very entertaining and brilliant performances. In the Middle Department, the winner was Edward (4K) with a very enjoyable poem and the adjudicator was very impressed with how clear and confident he was. This was a difficult act to follow for the senior department students but they managed to! Seb (Top JRB) performed “My Grandpa’s Bed-time Story” which amused everyone; however it was actually Edward’s sister Beth (6GR) who took the overall prize in the Senior Department. The afternoon concluded with the 7th and Top form reciting “light-themed” group poems. WILL (TOP JRB)

JANE LODGE

Beechwood Park School’s Newsletter

Departmental News and Hidden Talent Maths Round-up Wow, another busy and demanding term. With a change in the National Curriculum and the ISEB 11+ and 13+ syllabus upon us, Mathematics at Beechwood over the past few months has gone through transition and together with new faces in the staff this has created a buzz within the department. Oh, and we have continued our successes. In the Primary Maths Challenge, 90 children completed the paper and 13 Bronze, 15 Silver and 10 Gold Certificates were awarded, with particular mention to Fredrik in Year 4 who achieved a Gold in his first attempt at the PMC. Let’s hope this continues and 2016 (or 25 x 32 x 7) is as successful as 2015 has been.

TOM MCKENZIE

Computer Science e-Safety and our Pupils The CS department recently undertook a short online survey amongst pupils from Year 3 to Top Form. I am pleased to confirm that 99% of pupils know who to talk to should something ‘upset them’ or ‘not feel right’. Naturally, knowing what to do and taking action are separate events, but classroom discussions suggest the children would also take the necessary next step. Well done to them!

Coding for Parents

This term we held a session to give parents an opportunity to ‘code’ in class. For many it was their first time back in school for some years, and these new ‘pupils’ were attentive, hardworking and focussed. The group of 16 learnt about Algorithms and Debugging using a language called ‘Scratch’, and they excelled in all areas. As one parent said, “It was great to see what the children do and try a little coding myself“.

PIERS CASIMIR-MROWCZYNSKI

World Maths Day Fun! Wednesday 14th October was World Maths Day and Beechwood Park celebrated in style. Pupils took part in many fun activities - as if maths isn’t always fun - including human bar charts (1st form), spaghetti and marshmallow construction (3rd form), and honours board codebreaking (Top form). Pupils in the 3rdTop forms also answered maths problems around the School including trying to estimate how much food was cooked at lunch. It was run as a House competition and the overall victors were Stewart House. Well done, Stewart.

TOM MCKENZIE

Maths at MTS In October, 14 mathematicians from the 7th form travelled to Merchant Taylors’ School for the annual MTS Prep Schools’ Maths Afternoon. It started with a trail around the campus, answering questions about the school, including calculating the number of bricks used on a 40m stretch of path, and finished in the dining hall where pupils from different schools were pitted against each other to answer mathematical problems. Well done to all, particularly Oliver who represented Beechwood Park proudly in the final round.

TOM MCKENZIE

Beechwood Talent Talented gymnasts: Izzy (4B) won the Silver Medal at the Bedfordshire County Championships for her Tumble routine. She has since moved club and trains alongside Elliott Browne (Tumbling World Champion). Her brother, Dominic (6MacN), has also done well to pick up 2 Bronze Medals (Parallel bars, Floor) and a Silver Medal (Vault) at the Salto Club Championships. Congratulations! Voiceover! Jack (6AL) was recently selected for voiceover work for an EFL study book for children learning English as a foreign language. What a great experience for him! Sinfonia: James (7TM) has gained a place with the National Children’s Wind Sinfonia. Well done, James!

Matron Provides the First Response Claire Humphreys (Matron and Houseparent) and Alex Morris (Beechwood Park parent) are part of the Community First Responder Group in Flamstead and Markyate. They volunteer for the East of England Ambulance Service responding to Red 1 and Red 2 999 calls and, in September, they were delighted to hear that Dacorum Council had awarded them a £2,000 grant towards new equipment. The money will be spent on a Pulse-Ox, a new Defibrillator.

Boarding Round-up The Boarders have had lots of exciting things to do in recent weeks. Top formers Ben and David took the lead in organising the Sock Wrestling Federation Championships for the term. After two days of heats and some very close contests, with several matches in the finals coming down to the judges’ decision, Top former Dylan emerged the undisputed champion, having come runner up in last year’s finals. At this point in the term there is just one chance left for boarders to try and sneak past the staff in the annual Colditz Championship. Night after night the boarders have put on their darkest clothes and done their best to elude the vigil of those sent to stop them. With everything still to play for it is still too close to call with several new boarders giving the old hands a run for their money! Finally, and most recently, several boarders have entered a competition run by the Boarding House to try and create the best new activity for boarding. The initial drafts look very exciting and we are sure that next term there will be a lot of fun testing them out.

THOMAS RUSSELL

Classics PAGE X and a Trip to the Past Provence 2015 A group of our 7th and Top formers enjoyed a Classics and French trip to Provence during October half term. Aujourd’hui je suis allé en France. Nous sommes allés à Aigues-Mortes où nous avons regardé un jeu de pétanque et nous avons mangé un gateau. Après nous sommes allés à l’hôtel. L’hôtel est super et ma chambre est fantastique. Cal Mardi matin nous avons visité les arènes à Nîmes. Il y avait beaucoup de gladiateurs: Retarius, Thracian, Scissor et Secutor. Nous avons écouté des audio-guides, c’était très intéressant. Thomas B It was amazing, ancient and fascinating. The arena has been there for two thousand years. WOW. Henry Ensuite tout le monde est allé à la Maison Carrée et nous avons vu un film de l’histoire de Nîmes, c’était passionnant. Freya Puis nous sommes allés au pont du Gard. C’était une vue extraordinaire. J’adore ça. Callum Mercredi matin nous sommes allés au marché à St Rémy de Provence. J’ai acheté une libellule, une boîte, beaucoup de nougat et un pain au chocolat. C’était délicieux! Will J Van Gogh stayed in St Paul de Moussole

when he was ill. I was really excited. We saw Van Gogh's bedroom where there was a small window with bars on it. There was a bed and a chair in the corner of the room, it had no decoration anywhere. Thomas P Les Baux de Provence is a village built into a mountain. Mr Miller explained all the different weapons: catapults and a battering ram. Some fired up to 200m but could only fire two to three per minute. George Jeudi nous sommes allés à Châteauneuf-duPape à la chocolaterie. Nous avons mangé un petit peu de chocolat et j’ai acheté beaucoup de chocolat. C’était fantastique. Joel In Arles, we went to the Roman theatre, basically a ruin with massive seating that was half destroyed but it used to have one hundred pillars. Edward

Jamie and I re-enacted a gladiator battle on the stage which was really fun. Jamie O Then we visited the Roman Baths. Did you know they had different sections? Jamie L Arles est une vieille ville. C’est très beau. Les arènes étaient énormes. Je voudrais aller à une ville romaine. C’était génial. Charlie et Daniel On our last full day we went to the Haribo factory. It was interesting to see how the company was formed over time. (Did you know it was started in a shed?) Tom and Jamie L Après ça nous sommes allés à un théâtre énorme à Orange. C’était vraiment formidable parce qu’il y a un mur énorme avec beaucoup de statues. Nous avons regardé un film de l’histoire. Dylan et Luke It was a brilliant week. Jack

Mr Owen’s Pocket Book

The Primary Latin Project The PLP is a registered charity that promotes and supports the teaching of Latin, set up when Barbara Bell started writing Minimus 20 years ago. In May 2014 Barbara asked me to join the committee. Many state primaries have been running successful Minimus clubs for years, but with numerous schools throughout the country choosing Latin as their designated 2nd language there is what has been described as a ‘hunger for Latin’. The PLP has a grant fund which subsidises the cost of the Minimus textbooks and training is also provided for those who will be teaching Minimus. This is delivered either by Barbara herself or, with the explosion of interest, by one of Barbara’s ‘supertrainers’. Some Heads have even requested whole school training for all their staff. The charity ‘Classics for All’ helps schools to pay for training days. This enthusiasm has gone way beyond the primary classroom with certain universities such as Bristol now offering a Minimus module for their MFL and English PGCE students. The first one ran very successfully last summer with a huge take up. There are more very exciting developments about which we’ll keep you posted. Please do have a look at the wonderful Minimus website. Meet the iconic Minimus and enjoy the illustrator, Dr. Helen Forte’s, fun activities. www.minimus-etc.co.uk/

MICHELE ANDERSON

The 7th form were treated to an incredible performance by professional actor Rupert Mason who acted the part of a lieutenant who found war poet, Wilfred Owen’s book of poems on his body in 1918. The realism of this play was immense, from the sounds of war to the uniform and I was lured into his performance by the stunning set and the powerful story which related the life and works of Owen. Will (Top JRB) said “It was a powerful and moving performance, as if it was Call of Duty in real life”.

SAM (TOP JRB)

Rugby World Cup Fever As a double celebration of Beechwood’s Anniversary and the Rugby World Cup the whole school enjoyed an afternoon of rugby orientated fun. Pupils tested their fitness on Mr Ridley’s assault course, developed rugby skills, made flags and had an intensive session learning the All Black Haka with Mr Le Bas. Pupils were also involved in a Power Pass event in which the children had to make as many passes as possible within a limited time period. During the afternoon the children earned points for their House. The afternoon culminated with a school performance of the Haka on the back lawn. I imagine that some of you might have had your own individual performances of the Haka at home that evening!

JAMES BARRINGER

Beechwood Park School’s Newsletter

Sport 'Skill Acquisition’ We were lucky enough to be able to welcome Professional Coach Development Manager for the RFU, Richard Shuttleworth to Beechwood Park this term. In his talk, well attended by Beechwood Park staff, other local schools' sports staff, sports coaches, parents and Governors, he treated us to an insight into how some of the best coaches develop their athletes through skill acquisition. The way we educate our pupils is forever changing, we were therefore delighted to have the opportunity to listen to Richard talk about current good practice and challenge some of our approaches and ideas.

KYLIE-PAUL LE BAS

Swimming News At Heath Mount, our energetic squad shone in the pool and worked their very hardest in what was a challenging competition. The match started with a fun filled medley relay, where the team took to the pool competing with their favourite stroke. The afternoon ended with the ever popular ‘squadron’ relay, in which all team members had to swim a length of freestyle.

CLARE LECKIE

At Bedford Prep, the Beechwood Park swim team were up against a large squad in another inaugural swimming gala this term. A tough competition followed with every member of our team swimming two relays. Our team was delighted to come away with a victory, beating Bedford Prep by three points. A great afternoon of teamwork, hard work and laughter! CLARE LECKIE

Well done to Luke (Top LHH), Alex (Top JRB), Henry (7TM) and Joshua (7GW) for competing in the ESSA East Regional qualifying round for secondary schools. Out of the 71 schools who took part, Beechwood Park came 8th in the medley and 9th in the freestyle relays beating larger schools such as St Columba’s, Habs Boys and Bedford along the way! KYLIE-PAUL LE BAS

Table Tennis Table Tennis has been hugely successful this year and there has been a real buzz on our seven table tennis tables! 12 pupils from the table tennis club were selected to attend the first fixture this term at Edge Grove. Everyone worked hard to develop their game under match conditions, persevering when shots weren’t directed as planned, assessing their shot selection and adjusting accordingly like all good reflective athletes. Well done! Our U11 and U13 Table Tennis teams also played at the St Albans and Harpenden district tournament. Max (6AB), Archie (6AB), Freddie (6AL) and Harry (6AB) made up the U11 team which finished a convincing 3rd. Ekom (Top LHH), Joel (Top JRB), Charlie (7TM) and Darcy (7GW) played in the U13 team and won 14 out of their 16 matches, reaching the final against Kings School. A tense finish to the final left them as runnersup - a great result nevertheless and they have qualified for the county tournament later this term!

KYLIE-PAUL LE BAS

Orienteering Success It has been a long term of orienteering activities for our pupils. As well as the regular Monday clubs, we have competed in three Hertfordshire Saturday events, winning all of them. We have also participated in two national competitions, in Surrey and Sandringham in Norfolk. On each occasion we finished third in the prep and middle school category. Notable performances came from Freya (Top LHH) who came 2nd overall in year 8 girls. The 7th form boys - James (7TM), Oliver (7GW) and Ben (7GW) - came 2nd in their year group competition. We have two further Hertfordshire events coming up in the next term where we will be looking to retain our trophy!

ROB HUMPHREYS

ISGA Schools' Cup On 14th October, Max and William (both Top LHH) took part in the ISGA Junior Schools' Cup tournament which was held at Sunningdale Ladies Golf Club, West Berkshire. Playing as part of a team of 3 alongside Mr Ridley, the boys put in a fine performance against a very strong field of players from all over the country and came a respectable 10th out of 18 schools. Well done boys!

CHRIS KNELLER

U9 Hockey vs Chesham Prep On 15th September, after only one week back at school, all the 4th form girls participated in their first ever hockey matches against Chesham Prep. The girls were buzzing with excitement, games kits were freshly washed and determination was painted across the girls’ faces. It was a fantastic afternoon of hockey and everyone worked hard, improved their skills and had fun. All the girls learnt a great deal about the game and worked extremely well within their teams. A promising start to hockey in 4th form. Well done. KIRSTY BLAZQUEZ

Biathlon Success On the first day of half term I competed in the Eastern Region Biathlon Championships at Watford Woodside sports centre. The U13 Boys Biathlon event consisted of a 1600m run and a 100m swim. Biathlon is a bit different from Aquathlon, because you do not complete the swim and run back to back, but the two events do have to be done on the same day. This was a qualifying event for the British Modern Biathlon Championships in Solihull in November and for the British Modern Schools Biathlon Championships at Crystal Palace next March. To guarantee qualification for either of the nationals, you had to come in the top three for your age category and get 2000+ points. With a final total of 2160 points I was in Silver medal position in the U13 Boys competition and qualified for both Solihull next month and Crystal Palace next year.

LUKE (TOP LHH)

Sport

PAGE X Haileybury Rugby Festival On a lovely sunny afternoon, Beechwood Park School took part in a Colts mini rugby festival held at Haileybury School. The real highlight of the day, though, was welcoming the Argentinian National Rugby squad as they arrived at Haileybury School to set up their team base for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The boys were able to get autographs and photographs with all of the players, including Saracens' very own Marcelo Bosch and the highly decorated ex-Argentinian captain, Juan-Martin Fernandez-Lobbe.

REUEL THOMPSON

U11 Regional Football Our Beechwood Park team finished runners-up in the important Regional Football Tournament, playing some excellent football during the day. After winning their first fixtures against Duncome, St.Martins and Manor Lodge, Beechwood progressed through to the semi-final against St. Columba’s where a fully deserved victory saw us through to the final against Lochinver House. Once again Beechwood started the game on the front foot however, with 3 minutes to go, Lochinver earnt a free-kick outside the box and scored to go 1-0 up. The boys reacted well and piled pressure on in search for an equaliser, however with seconds left, Lochinver scored another goal to finish the game 2-0. Our team should be very proud of their performance.

Kingshott Football Our Colts A team competed in the Kingshott School Football Tournament where, following hard-fought matches at group level against Aldwickbury, Edge Grove, The Hall and St Edmond’s, they finished top of their group and qualified for the knockout stages. Beechwood Park played against Lockers Park in the Semi-Final and scored two goals in quick succession to secure a comfortable win. In the Final our team played the tournament hosts Kingshott. Beechwood began to dominate in the second half. With only two minutes left, the breakthrough finally came for Beechwood with a superb headed goal from a corner, securing a fantastic win!

LENNY COOPER

A Time for Celebration! The 6th form girls who attended the U11 Heath Mount Festival of Sport were simply outstanding! They played Netball, Hockey, Football and Tag Rugby demonstrating a level of determination, drive and a sense of commitment and passion way beyond their tender years. They were outstanding as a team, supported each other throughout and provided a very inspiring morning for us all!

GILL RUSSELL AND ADRIENNE HORN

House Captain Review Saunders House Being a House Captain has been a privilege and a pleasure. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing Saunders and demonstrating to the juniors how to be approachable and respectful. This term has been positive for Saunders. Recently in the House Matches we came 2nd in the girls’ netball, 3rd in the colts football, 1st in the senior football and 1st in the senior football and hockey. Overall we came an impressive second. Saunders is a very organised, extremely well behaved house, demonstrated by our lowest tally in the debits table. Saunders’ Charity raised money for the National Children’s Deaf Society by wearing trainers to school for a ‘sneak to school’ day. We raised over £200. All these achievements were only possible with the help of the great pupil and staff members of Saunders. You have helped me immensely and I have learned a lot.

EKOM (TOP LHH)

Girls Games Results

U13 National Football Sixes It was the great Winston Churchill who said that “Continuous Effort! Not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking your potential.” Those who played at the U13 National Football Sixes Qualifying Tournament came away having given everything to the cause; no more can ever be asked. On a day when some elite footballers were on display, the Beechwood Park boys worked extremely hard as a group and showed what good progress they can make in such a short space of time through continuous effort! Growing in confidence throughout the round of matches, the boys produced some wonderful passages of play and scored some fine goals; huge credit goes to them. Their fighting spirit and desire to work for each other will continue to stand them in good stead over the next few weeks, and their potential as a group took another big step forward. Well done to all those involved.

BOBBY GRAHAM

Festival v Heath Mount In spite of the strong winds and rain, our 3rd and 4th form girls really enjoyed their hockey and netball festival with Heath Mount. This was the first time our 3rd form had taken part in a match and all of them played extremely well. With both hockey and netball matches being played simultaneously, there were a lot of excited girls on both our netball courts and astro-turf. The brilliant play from all girls meant that hard work they’ve put into their games lessons was evident to everyone. Well done!

CLARE LECKIE

Senior Girls U11A Netball U11A Hockey U11B Netball U11B Hockey U11C Netball U11C Hockey U10A Netball U10A Hockey U10B Netball U10B Hockey U10C Netball U10C Hockey Total

PLAYED 2 4 3 4 3 1 3 2 4 2 4 1 3 36

WON 0 3 1 3 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 0 1 17

DRAWN 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3

LOST 1 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 16

Boys' Football Results PLAYED WON 1st XI 9 3 2nd IX 8 2 3rd IX 8 3 4th IX 8 4 5th IX 2 0 Colts A 9 6 Colts B 8 5 Colts C 9 6 Colts D 8 4 Colts E 9 4 Colts F 7 7 Colts G1 & 2 13 4 Total 98 48

DRAWN 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 4 11

LOST 6 5 4 4 2 2 3 0 4 4 0 5 39

Michaelmas House Match Results 5th & 6th Form Girls 4th Tudor 3rd Sebright 2nd Saunders 1st Stewart Colts Boys 4th Tudor 3rd Saunders 2nd Sebright 1st Stewart

Senior boys and girls 4th Tudor 3rd Sebright 2nd Stewart 1st Saunders Overall 4th Tudor 3rd Sebright 2nd Saunders 1st Stewart

Beechwood Park School’s Newsletter

BPSPA and Alumni

BPSPA, Alumni and House News

From the BPSPA Say Cheese Our Family Photo Day was a great success; 34 families booked a photo session and the BPSPA will receive 10% of all sales making it a great fundraiser too. This event is likely to become a regular event after another popular year. A wonderful clear starry night What a difference a year makes…. Last November we were almost washed away during the torrential downpours at our Bonfire Celebrations! This year, despite a damp start to the day we had a mild, clear evening for a spectacular firework display. We were treated to mulled wine, cask ales, sweets, glow toys and a wonderful raffle. Thank you to Alex Morris for another wonderful event, Joanna Hutchinson-Parker (Treasurer), Sarah Ashley and Rebecca Bellis (Tickets), Andy Bellis and Eason Krishnanandan (Bar), Angie Travis and her team for the delicious chilli supper, the maintenance department for all their help with the marquee and bonfire and the staff and parents who gave their time to set up, run a stall, help out on the gate, and clear up on Monday morning. Christmas Fayre The look of wonder on the faces of our children as they entered the fayre was simply magical. The Grotto, cake stall, fairy cake decorating, reindeer food, pre-loved books and toys, chocolate tombola, sweet jars, secret santa and all the high quality retail stalls make this such a popular event. Thank you to Sally Flatt for coordinating the commercial stalls and Ali Swift for organising the junior stalls. We are very grateful to every parent who helped organise and create their class/ year stalls, and those who helped to tidy up afterwards. This year we were overwhelmed by

Alumni Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Success Old Beechwoodian James Murrell, now in the U6 at Merchant Taylors, has won recognition as one of the top 60 junior chemists in the country. Of around 8,500 entries, only 60 were awarded the top, Roentgenium award. James spent a long weekend at an all-expensespaid Chemistry camp at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge University, along with the other Roentgenium award winners where the topics ranged from exploring different functional groups to atomic orbitals and the Schrodinger equation.

JULIA ROUSE

Old Beechwoodians, don’t forget to join the closed Facebook group ‘Beechwood Park School Alumni’.

the enthusiasm of our Young Entrepreneurs; we had a record 5 stalls with over 11 children running them. There were fun games, yummy treats and beautifully homemade items. Well done to all those who took part. In recognition of their hard work the BPSPA has commissioned a new pin badge for each of our entrepreneurs. This year was a record year; the elves are still counting the money but we expect to raise nearly £6,000 which will be shared between Keech Hospice and our school. Thank you to Sarah Ashley for counting up all those coins! Finally, thank you to Jena Hockley for all her hard work organising the Christmas Card Project. There were some wonderful designs. This year Mr Balfour chose 4 pieces of artwork to be made into luxury cards to send out on behalf of the school. Congratulations to all who were chosen. Next Year As the Summer term is so busy, we have moved the Discos into the Lent term. The Middle department Disco will be held on 5th January 2016, and the Junior Disco on 6th February 2016. Thank you to Ali Gillham, Sally MacArthur and Juliette Hewitson for organising these events. Thinking even further ahead, we are in the early stages of planning the Summer Ball and Fun Night and as usual we need your help to put on these big events. ‘Into the Woods’ A select group of this year’s 7th and Top form dance, drama and music pupils enjoyed a trip to St Albans School to see their production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’. We were so proud of our former Beechwoodians James Lear, Will Rouse, Phoebe Wilkinson and Peter Gosling, who wowed us with their expressive acting and glorious singing. James Lear and Will Rouse’s Prince’s duet ‘Agony’ was a real highlight; the boys on-stage rapport and camaraderie was a joy to watch, and they were clearly having a blast riding their (imaginary) horses and wooing princesses. We also spotted Thomas Hillman on 1st Violin in the orchestra, all of whom played the challenging score beautifully. Our current pupils were full of admiration, and inspired by the whole performance. LAURA HEGARTY

We are starting to put together a Ball committee and we need dedicated parents who can spare their time to offer help, advice and support to this year’s team. We are particularly looking for parents to help with fundraising. Please get in touch if you’d like to be a part of this amazing event. Each January the executive committee roles are up for renewal and elections for new members will take place at the AGM on 25th January 2016. All parents are warmly invited to attend. Thank you to all our families for your support of the BPSPA and involvement in our events. On behalf of the committee I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

CARLY JACQUES, BPSPA CHAIR

Will Rouse and James Lea

Phoebe Wilkinson

Peter Gosling

We welcome suggestions, contributions and news of Beechwoodians, past and present, which can be sent to Julia Rouse at J.Rouse@beechwoodpark.herts.sch.uk Do check the School’s website for more information: www.beechwoodpark.com