News from the Senior Department

We’ve made it to the end of what feels like an incredibly busy and bustling half term. It always amazes me how much we fit into the days at Beechwood. We truly seize each and every day and squeeze everything we can out of it. In the Senior Department, the pupils who have been through the steepest learning curve since September are our ‘new’ Year 6 pupils, who have embraced everything life in the Senior Department has to offer them.

I always value the feedback I receive from pupils and parents and absolutely love this account from Jasmine Ebrahim in 6AH of her experience of Year 6 thus far…

Year 6 is an exciting year. There is so much going on. It does feel like a big leap from last year but we are all older now things are opening up and we as a year are becoming more independent.

It will be different next year with people gone, so we have to make the most the being together in Beechwood.

I love how we are being introduced to so many new things. Year 6 is tough but equally fast paced and exciting. The first week felt odd, but now, we have gotten used to the school environment again.

It has gone so quickly. Before we know it, it will be Year 7.

by Jasmine Ebrahim, 6AH

Last Friday, four fervent mathematicians headed of to Merchant Taylors’ School to take part in their annual Year 7 mathematical challenge. Isaac Garricks; Benedict Barrow; Wilfred Okines and Ally McLean, accompanied by our own Maths whizz, Mr Lambert, battled wits with some fantastic mathematicians from a range of other schools in an effort to solve the puzzles (and not get lost at the same time!)

The pupils involved said:

On Friday we went to MTS, the first Maths challenge was a mix between orienteering and Maths puzzles. Afterwards we tucked into some donuts and drinks to prepare us for the final challenge which included some really complex Maths equations!

This was the children’s favourite question, can you work out the answer?

Throw Like A Pro

‘Throw like a pro’ is a lunchtime club which is available to our Year 7 and Top Form pupils giving them the opportunity to learn about making clay pots on the wheel. It is a tricky process, but with our Head of Art, Mrs Kelway-Bamber on hand to guide and support our pupils, so far Beechwood’s potters have done brilliantly! 

From the Senior Library

The Billow Maiden by James Dixon

Ailsa’s mum is ill, not the first time, so they spend the summer with her aunt and uncle. Aunt Bertha, Uncle Nod and their dog Moxie live on an island off the coast, by a beautiful fishing village surrounded by beaches and clifftops. Ailsa and Moxie spend their whole time there exploring these beaches and cliffs, until one day they find a hidden cave. Inside the cave, they find Hefring, a billow maiden mermaid from ancient myth, who needs her help and Ailsa doesn’t know what to do.

Through courage, friendship & hope, Ailsa finds her answers, which lead to healing for all those who need it.

The Billow Maiden is a beautifully told tale of friendship, family, healing and transformation.

HEAD’S COMMENDATIONS

Congratulations to this week’s recipients of Mr Balfour’s Commendations: