Beauchamps

Issue 43 News Spring Term - February 2016 Beauchamps Students Headteacher’s Celebrate Their Success Dear Parents, Letter Our recent Presentation Evening was a wonderful celebration of the outstanding achievement of our students who passed their GCSEs and A-Levels last year, and those who won prizes for their efforts, achievements and contribution to the School community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff involved in organising the event and thank you to all the students and family members who attended. January also gave us the opportunity to celebrate the success of our current students who recently took their Beauchamps High School students the CBBC series ‘Wolfblood’ playing GCSE Mock exams and are working past and present were invited to attend the role of Rhydian for which he won very hard to replicate the success of the annual Presentation Evening on a BAFTA. Bobby also took part in, and last years students when it is their turn Monday 4 January to celebrate their won, the BBC reality series Tumble in for the real thing in May. success at GCSE and A-Level. 2014, where celebrities trained with As always the school calendar has professional gymnasts, to learn the The evening was, as ever, a fantastic been jam-packed with extra curricular new skill, and then competed against event and a true celebration of the activities and educational visits. Read each other over six weeks of live achievements and successes of the on for information on our numerous shows. students. It is also an opportunity to STEM projects, a Music trip to thank the staff for the tremendous Bobby gave an inspirational speech Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a work that they do to support the to our students about how you must Geography trip to the Natural History students over time, to help them never give up, no matter how many Museum and a very successful IOD achieve their fantastic results. knock backs you get, and that you can Challenge to name a few. achieve anything you want if you really It was great to catch up with last year’s I am delighted to tell you that put your mind to it. He spoke fondly GCSE and A-Level students and to Beauchamps High School was about his time at Beauchamps and welcome the Guest of Honour, former included in the 2014-15 Annual Report how he feels it contributed to keeping student Bobby Lockwood who is now of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector for him the grounded person he is today. an actor and celebrity. Ofsted as a good practice case study. He sees himself as a normal boy from Bobby left Beauchamps in 2009 and Wickford who is lucky to be doing I was invited to a special launch event is now a successful actor starring in something which he loves, and he in December, at the Institute of Civil television shows such as the award hopes to inspire fellow Beauchamps Engineers, for Michael Wilshaw’s winning series ‘House of Anubis’ and students to aim for their dreams too. Annual Report which had already been presented to Parliament. Former Year 11 and Year Dates For Your Diary 13 students were awarded We are incredibly proud that The first half of the Spring Term ends with their GCSE and A-Level the schools’ relentless drive to on Friday 12 February. Students return certificates at the ceremony and improve the life opportunities for to school on Monday 22 February. The there were eighteen additional students has been recognised. Easter break begins on Friday 25 March. trophies awarded for a variety Mr Hodges, Headteacher of special achievements. Beauchamps High School Presentation Evening Photos

From top left: Cristina and Charlie with their John Davies Trophy for Best G.C.S.E. results; Raj winning the Mansfield Trophy for the Best A-Level Results; Guest Speaker Bobby Lockwood; Charlotte also winning the Mansfield Trophy for Best A-Level Results; Raj winning the Kim Goldspink Memorial Award for Achievement in Science and Giorgio winning the Business Student of the Year Award for achievement in Business.

Beauchamps News Issue 43 2 Beauchamps High School Presentation Evening Photos

School in Year 11; Fraser and Abigail who won the Governors Trophies awarded to the girl and boy who have From top left: made a significant contribution to the Oliver who won the Award for life of the school; James who won the Achievement in Media; Andrew Award for Achievement in French; who won the award for Outstanding Paige who won the Kathryn Edwards Performance in a Vocational Memorial Trophy for Achievement in Qualification; Abigail who won Geography; Lois who won the Pitman the Graham Moulds Trophy for Trophy awarded for service to the Charlotte who won the award for Achievement in Technology; Charlotte School in the realm of Music; Jack Service to the School in the realm of and Matthew who won the Friends of who won the Winifred Maud Cuthbert Sport. Beauchamps Awards for Service to the Trophy for Special Endeavour and 3 Beauchamps News Issue 43 Spellbinding Music Trip To Watch Charlie & The Chocolate Factory On Wednesday, 16 December, forty- Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, arranged it. It really was a day to four Choir and Music GCSE students thanks to Mr Byford, Beauchamps remember! from Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 travelled High School Head of Music, who Report by Mrs Acton to London for a very special treat to enhance their enjoyment and studies in Music. On arrival there was time for the students to stretch their legs and enjoy the sights and sounds of Covent Garden with street entertainers and musicians, surrounded by some wonderful Christmas decorations. After soaking up the atmosphere, it was with much excitement that we then went into the Theatre Royal to see a matinee performance of the musical, 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' which was spellbinding. A Tunnel To The Beginning Of Time Experimental Physics At The LHC, Dr Veronique Boisvert Last Spring, the Large Hadron Collider resumed its operations at CERN in Switzerland. The particle collisions now involve energies never before achieved in the laboratory and A group of eight keen Physicists may shed light on new fundamental recently attended a Physics lecture particles and potentially revolutionise at the University of London to gain our concept of space-time! an insight into what goes on behind The lecture took place on Thursday 10 the scenes at CERN, the Eurpoean December in the Windsor Auditorium Organisation for Nuclear Research . at Royal Holloway University London’s discoveries already made by the This opportunity gave potential and Egham campus. ATLAS detector (including the famous current A-Level physics students an Dr Boisvert, a senior lecturer and Higgs particle) and explained what we insight into a revolutionary topic which a very active experimental particle might expect to learn from the new they might want to explore as a career physicist in the ATLAS collaboration data being produced at the world’s path. at CERN, reviewed some significant largest experiment. Report by Mr Barnett Year 11 Mock GCSE Exams Congratulations to all of our students who recieved their GCSE mock exam best of luckWell in the coming Done months as To help Youyou as much All!! as we results on Friday 8 January. we approach the exam period and can. A special mention goes to Rhys, remember your teachers are here to Report by Mr Leslie Hannah, Samuel, Erin, Ahmed, Jack, Alexandra, Amber, Emma, Jamie- Lee, Megan and Tiana who achieved the top marks in the year group. It is clear that you have all put in a lot of effort to achieve your grades and we encourage you all to keep up your hard work. May we also take this opportunity to wish everyone the

Beauchamps News Issue 43 4 STEM Club Drone Building, Rocket Launching And Following another year’s successful build, programme, test and modify involvement in the STEM Project, a flying drone. At the launch of the Beauchamps High School continues competition on Saturday 9 January More... payload. Points will be awarded for to be enthusiastic and committed to the students received guidance from design, accuracy and times. promoting STEM subjects (Science, industry expert Denis Stretton of Hi- Technology, Engineering and Maths) point Visuals, who explained the key On the same day as the Drones and careers in these fields. components of drones and where workshop, Beauchamps High School students met John Jacombs who is Two of our Year 11 students, who to begin with the designing process. working with UKAYRoC to launch this left Beauchamps in July last year The rest of the design and build year’s Build a Rocket competition. Our after completing their GCSEs, programme will take place at school, students helped launch some model have secured Apprenticeships in during STEM Club sessions, before rockets to show how different designs Engineering after attaining fantastic the final stage of the competition and recovery systems would affect a exam results. Matthew Goddard where students will have to complete rockets overall flight, giving them an has gone on to PROCAT to study several tasks with their Drones such insight into how they may wish to build for a BTEC Level 3 in Engineering as an obstacle course and drop a their rockets when they start and Abigail Sampson has this project later in the spring. secured a four year Technical Apprenticeship in Engineering Keep a look out in future issues with Selex ES. of the newsletter for more information on the progress More recently, as part of of our students in the Drone Beauchamps High School’s Building competition and the STEM Club run by Mr Barnett Build A Rocket Challenge. and Miss Davey, ten students attended their first Drones Also, if you would like to know workshop at Stow Maries more about STEM Club and Airfield, in preparation for a the opportunities the school Drone Building competition offers for students to get organised and run by Hi-point involved in, please speak to Visuals. Mr Barnett or Miss Davey. In this competition students Report by Mr Barnett will work in teams to design, Student Council News Youth Cafe At Operation Zebra The Memorial Sixth Form student Rob White is viewpoints from parents and local working with the Student Council and residents. Park Councillor Mike Mowe to get Student Council Surveys will be distributed to parents member Connor is the zebra crossing in Beauchamps this term, so please do complete one Drive moved closer to the school. working with the Essex and return it to school as the more Youth Services who run There are currently two zebra support we have, the more likely we the Youth Cafe at the crossings very close to one another are to be able to make changes. Memorial Park Cafe on Wednesdays outside school. One at the top of Also, if you have any suggestions or from 3pm-5pm. Beauchamps Drive and the other in comments you would like to make with Attendance at the Youth Cafe is low Hill Avenue just a few metres away regards to the location of the zebra from the corner of Beauchamps Drive. and the organisers have offered crossings or can give examples of any us support with funding for sports The school believes it would be much instances where it has caused you or equipment within the school if we can safer for students to have a crossing your child problems or put them in help support their project. closer to the entrance of our school, danger please contact Mrs Wright on to prevent traffic backing up so much [email protected] All it needs is for Beauchamps students to go along to the Memorial and to alleviate the issue of blind The next full Student Council meeting spots when turning the corner into Cafe at the times above to enjoy a takes place on Thursday 25 February. drink and a catch up with friends. Beauchamps Drive. There will be more information on the Rob and the Operation Zebra progress of Operation Zebra and on Speak to Connor in 11M committee will be distributing surveys the other issues the Student Voice if you would like to know and compiling a petition in order to are tackling in the next edition of more. support their case to get the crossings Beauchamps News. Report by Mr Carrott moved and would welcome any Report by Mr Carrott 5 Beauchamps News Issue 43 Aspirations In Business Future Issues Of 2016 Grand Final Winners Beauchamps News directors of several companies within If you have any information which the Chelmsford and Essex Area. you feel should be featured in Melissa won the networking prize of future editions of the Beauchamps the day for excellent communication Newsletter, please contact us on: and teambuilding skills. [email protected]. sch.uk Beauchamps came first in this event through excellent teamwork and as a team. Katie and Danielle even presentation skills. This meant the attended a wedding venue to collect group were into the final and had a I am very proud to say that literature firsthand. chance of winning an invitation to tour Beauchamps High School Heart Radio station Essex along with On the day of the final, the Sixth were successful in winning the a day tour and workshop at the Royal Formers presented their idea superbly ASPIRATIONS IN BUSINESS Asset Management House London. with real vigor and conviction. The GRAND FINAL on Wednesday 27 team communicated extremely well The case study for the final involved January 2016 at The Lord Ashcroft winning the final and first prize!!! Building, Anglia Ruskin University. the group considering strategic choices for the rebranding of Hatfield I would like to commend Rob, Our students were competing against Park Hotel, turning it into a profitable Charlie, Melissa, Danielle and Katie other schools from across the County, wedding venue. The group needed for presenting on final day. A further including Moulsham High School, to consider a number of things, such mention to Michaela, Cristina and Helena Romanes School, Ormiston as financial planning, competitor Bobby for taking part in the semi-finals Rivers Academy and Colchester analysis, management culture, also. Institute. restructure and marketing. All members of the team should The first round out of three heats Each team had to prepare for a twenty be commended for their hard work was held on Thursday 3 December minute presentation slot followed by a and professionalism throughout consisting of eight groups all having five minute Q&A from a panel of six this process. Well done, you were the task of developing a strategy for a directors. all superb! Watch out Sir Richard start-up business to then present to a Branson!! The group met three times a week panel of judges and experts. The event Report by Mr Farrugia started with a networking competition over the space of three weeks before with students having the opportunity the final. They split the task up into to meet key motivational speakers and sections and worked extremely well a l e n t d Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studios GCSE and ‘A’ Level Art Trip

While they were there they had a costume designers to distress some wonderful opportunity for a further fabric. 'behind the scenes' workshop to It was a great insight to the many learn how costume designers are different roles and jobs available in able to make the films so much more order to produce a film, especially for believable by making costumes look anyone interested in the Arts. On Tuesday 26 January a group as though they really have been worn The remaining time was spent looking A b l e , G i f t d & T of Textiles, Art and Photography through battle scenes. Students built at the sets and props; seeing how students from Years 11-13 went to the their own stories around how a piece snow is made and how green screens Warner Bros. Studios to visit the sets, of fabric had ended up in the state it are used. Seeing Hogwarts under a props and costumes used to create was in. They were also able to try out blanket of snow was a beautiful sight! the magical world of Harry Potter. some of the techniques used by the Report by Mrs Livings

Beauchamps News Issue 43 6 Geography Trip Natural History Museum, London

On Saturday 23 January twenty world and watching videos on the A,G&T students set out to the devastation of the Japanese tsunami. Natural History Museum as part The Year 9s were an absolute of a Geography trip. When we pleasure to take out for the day, being arrived we first ventured off into incredibly well behaved and taking a the ‘Blue Zone’ where a model genuine interest in what was around of a Blue Whale at its correct them.

a l e n t d size can be seen. It took some Report by Miss Bailey convincing for students to believe that they were really that big. In addition learning that Hippo’s were one of the most dangerous Brain Teaser African animals, killing more people than lions came as quite Go On Give It A Go! a shock. Students were able to see how animals such as the Congratulations to elephant had evolved, including Joseph from 11E who how one species of elephant was our brainteaser used to have tusks coming winner for the out of its bottom lip. Students Chrismas issue, with also had time to look in on the an answer of 95. human biology area which was Well done Joseph. fascinating. We then moved onto the ‘Red Zone’. Since October, Year 9 have been studying earthquakes and volcanoes and after going

b l e , G i f t d & T on the escalator through the earth students were able to build

A upon all the knowledge they had learnt at school. Particular highlights included feeling what the Kobe earthquake was like; seeing where the most recent earthquakes have been in the

7 Beauchamps News Issue 43 Bronze Attendance Awards & Merit and Commendation Awards Congratulations to everyone who received a Bronze attendance award last term, signifying 100% attendance for the first term of the school year. Overall, Year 7 had the best attendance and Year 8 had the best punctuality. We had 319 students in the school who did not miss a day and 654 students who were always on time for school. Well done to everyone who played a part in those figures. Also well done to the students who recieved awards for the most Merits and Commendation Awards in their year groups.

Year 7 Keep up the good work everyone. (Year 11 photos will appear in the next issue).

Year 8

Year 9 Year 10

Year 7 Year 8

Year 9 Year 10

Beauchamps News Issue 43 8 Enterprise in Education Developing Skills For Life The students had spent ten weeks a brand new town, deciding on the working with tutors from Enterprise in facilities that should be provided Education, both in school and out on within it. After building models of visits. They learnt how to write a C.V. their new town, each group gave a and practised interview techniques, presentation in front of a group of growing in confidence and gaining business people who judged them Seventeen Year 9 students travelled skills such as planning, organisation, on town amenities, originality and to the Anglia Ruskin University at the creativity, leadership, managing presentation skills. Congratulations end of last term to take part in the stress and time management. to everyone who took part and of last session of a course designed to The main project for the ten weeks was course a huge well done to the team enhance their future career prospects. to work in groups to plan and design who won the challenge. Alice-Maria, Imad, Alex and Hannah. Report by Our Achievements and Successes Mrs Acton Let’s Shout About Our Students and Staff! Congratulations The autumn edition of the Beauchamps to Thomas in High School French Spelling Bee has 14B who recently had a record turnout! achieved a Merit In Year 7 and Year 8, the students in his ABRSM who achieved the best results on Grade 3 Guitar vocabulary quizzes were selected by exam. their French teacher to take part in the Year 8 winners: event. We had fifty-four students from 1st place: Sasha 14C Year 7 and fifty-three students from 2nd place: Karthik 14U Congratulations Year 8 take part in the competition, 3rd place: Olivia 14B to Amy in 14B which is fantastic. Congratulations to who passed her all the students who were selected ABRSM Grade and took part. 2 Theory exam The students competed in a knock- and her Grade out competition, where they were all 1 ABRSM Piano asked to spell out words on white- practical exam. boards and show their answer to the Congratulations teacher at the same time. Students to Robson in 12E with a wrong answer were knocked Congratulations to Hannah, Sid and and Kieran in 12A out of the competition, while the others Bayleigh in Year 7 who won a Bike got to stay on for the next round. The Road Safety competition organised last three students standing competed by Year 9 Peer Mentors Harleigh for 3rd, 2nd and 1st place. The top and Jenny. 1st prize of £25 went to three recieved a certificate, love-to- Hannah, 2nd prize of £10 went to Sid, shop vouchers and a badge. and 3rd prize of £5 went to Bayleigh. Year 7 winners: who both passed 1st place: Connor 15E their ABRSM Grade 2nd place: Sid 15M 5 Theory exam. 3rd place: Kenny 15B Past Students... Rhys Thomas, who was a student at Pern’, a series of online spoof blogs Finally, congratulations to the eighty- Beauchamps in the 1990’s, is now a about an ageing rock star from the three students, mainly from Year 8, successful actor and comedy writer. 70’s and 80’s. There were two series who submitted poems to a National After taking his ‘A’ Levels with us, of the comedy show and the third, Poetry Competition held by Young he went on to study at RADA (Royal follow up series, ‘The Life of Rock Writers. The entries were absolutely Academy of Dramatic with ’ has just been shown fantastic, and seventy-seven of the Art). He wrote and on BBC4 and can still be seen on poems from our school were selected starred in the critically BBC iPlayer. Another former student, for publication in an anthology of acclaimed Channel , who regularly works with poetry from Essex, being published 4 comedy-drama Rhys, is also starring in the show in February 2016. If you would like ‘Sirens’, He also alongside well known celebrities more information on how to purchase created, co-wrote and Christopher Eccleston, Nigel Havers, one of the poetry books, please look co-produced ‘Brian and Jane Asher. online at www.youngwriters.co.uk

9 Beauchamps News Issue 43 Community Engagement Supporting our local community and beyond Thank you to Friends of Air cadets from 1474 (Wickford) charity runs and neighbour Beauchamps who raised squadron held their pantomime in the donations. a fantastic £1053 last school hall and raised over £250 for Charities the students term, from the Christmas Help for Heroes. are supporting include Draw, Christmas Disco and Christmas Plus, our Year 9 Citizenship GCSE Cancer Research, Concert. Also, thank you to everyone students are currently working on their British Heart Foundation, that supported these events. coursework assignments, involving Obesity UK, GOSH, Mind Last term we also had a Year 8 charity charity work. and St Lukes Hospice. collection, where students collected The students are supporting a charity All of the groups have 1ps and 2ps and raised £100 for of their choice and have been working done really well, and Save the Children ‘Child Refugee on fundraising for their chosen good several of them have Crisis’ appeal. cause. Numerous events have been raised over £50 for their On the 15 December, the RAF organised, including bake sales, chosen charity which is a great success. Students Do Good Deeds “The Time Is Always Right To Do The Right Thing” M. Luther King Jr found a necklace by the school gates and Kelsey 11H who found a £5 note in the corridor and handed them into Pastoral.

Well done to Sam, Cameron and Bradley In 14E who found a valuable Thank you to Rosie and Lucy in Year Pandora bracelet on school grounds 7 who handed in a Pandora ring found and handed it into Pastoral. The in school. bracelet had great sentimental value and the owner was incredibly grateful that it had been found. Thank you to Ben of 12M who rang for an ambulance when someone was in need of help. Thank you to Niall and Thomas in Year 9 who handed in a mobile phone and iPod belonging to another student.

Thank you to Sophie, Emily and Finally, thank you to Jamie in Year Lauren of 12M who found a mobile Thank you to Louis in 15A who 11 who handed in money that had phone in the street, belonging to handed in some glasses he found at been left behind in the Tesco cash another student, and returned it to the school and to Alexandra and Oliver in point. The owner was very grateful owner. 12E and 12B who assisted an elderly and rewarded Jamie with a WHSmith lady who had fallen and was shaken. voucher.

Thank you to Sam in 11P who found a purse in school, Ashleigh in 13E who

Beauchamps News Issue 43 10 Miss Farrar started playing Hockey Sports News aged eleven at senior school and Table Tennis England Call Up then began playing at Well done to James in 14B Club level when she who recently competed in the Jack Congratulations to Miss Farrar who was thirteen. Petchey London Schools Table has been selected to play for England We wish Miss Farrar Tennis Programme, winning the U13 in the Ladies Masters Hockey World lots of luck! category. Cup to be held in Australia. He will now go on to represent Beauchamps Sixth Form News and Essex in the National Oxbridge? Yes You CAN Do It! tournament to be held in April. Congratulations When I first thought of applying I also need to allow your James and we wish you never even considered the possibility personality to shine through. It seems lots of luck for the next that a couple of years later I’d actually that the most successful applicants stage of the competition. receive an offer to study at Cambridge are the ones who have made the University. right decision to get to the point that Where Are They Now... Through feeling significantly less they are at now, and seem genuinely Adam Beeson left intelligent than my peers, people telling interested in learning more through Beauchamps in me that only the ‘richest and smartest’ their chosen course. 2013, after sitting go there, and others questioning my I’m almost certain that not many other his A-Levels. He supposedly ‘easy’ A-Level choices, people from this school will be entering spent two years in I felt heavily discouraged and often the ‘Asian and Middle Eastern Studies’ London working for wondered why I was even trying. course like I am, but a lot can still be a global agricultural commodity I’ve come to realise however that the acknowledged from the way in which company where he began working entire process has taught me a lot my Cambridge interview took place. and studying towards his AAT about the way I view myself and my There are posts online depicting Accounting qualification. By gaining education. what you are ‘supposed’ to say and the fundamental accountancy skills The most important thing is to voice how you are ‘supposed’ to act during and qualifications that he needed, that you would like to apply, even these interviews, and although this is he was lucky enough to gain a more before UCAS is mentioned to the Year to some degree creditable, it is also senior position in Chelmsford for an group. There are lots of opportunities vital that you show who you are as a electrical distribution company in the to visit Cambridge and Oxford during person. If you get to interview stage it summer of last year. He is currently the academic year before A2 and is because they believe you have the studying to become a qualified, applications even start, so it is worth potential. Use this to your advantage chartered accountant which he hopes visiting a couple of times to familiarise as it helps build confidence. It’s to complete in the next 2-3 years. yourself with the way in which your good to prepare but there will still be Adam is happy that he is able to work University works. If you are interested unexpected questions and moments and study locally, as it enables him to in applying to Oxbridge, ask Mr Craig where you forget what you want to pursue his other passion; attending if you can be included on one of the say. Don’t panic! From my experience, evening language classes. visits to the University. If you do not they seem to be looking for these ask the answer will always be no, slight ‘gaps’ in your knowledge since Further Maths so even if you don’t think you are this will give the University something to teach you. If you already know Conference a ‘worthy’ enough applicant, do it Seven Year 12 Further Maths everything there is no point in anyway because there is no harm in students; Jacob, Alex, George, Louise, attending the course, right? trying. Annie, Nathan and Ryan If you are considering going to a Regardless of if I meet the conditions recently spent the day prestigious University, it’s probably of my offer, I still have a ‘plan B’ that at Cambridge University because you are dedicated to your I am incredibly happy with. When taking part in a problem subject and want to study it at a high deciding upon a second choice it is solving conference. good to find a University that will fulfill level. In my case, that is Japanese. The aim of the day was to develop the your intellectual aspirations as much Despite it being a seemingly niche skills necessary for passing University as either Oxford or Cambridge will, so subject, I knew there would still be entrance tests for institutes such as whatever happens you will be happy competition to get in, so I ensured that Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick and with the path that you have set out for my personal statement and UCAS Imperial. information was sent off as soon as yourself. The Mathematics was tough but possible. I’d advise working to get What I have learnt from starting my all had a thoroughly enjoyable day your application sent off during early studies to finally receiving an offer and worked really well together. The Autumn, so there is no last minute years later is that even if I don’t lectures were exciting and now we panicking and you have time to ensure believe in my own capabilities, other are looking forward to getting the it is as good as it can be. When writing people do, and that makes anything University applications started. your statement, it is important to worth at least trying. Report by Mr Moss show how intelligent you are but you Report by Holly, Year 13 11 Beauchamps News Issue 43 Teacher Feature “Why fit in when you were born to Mr Byford stand out ” Dr Seuss What is your role here at Beauchamps? As Subject Leader of Music, my role is to provide a broad and balanced musical education for our Support Report students. I decide on the best way to deliver the Mrs L. Smith National Curriculum, keeping Music creative, What is your role here at Beauchamps? I am purposeful and above all - fun!. A typical day the HR Administration Manager. Day to day I is packed full of activities from performing on manage the HR, SLT Secretariat and Main Office instruments and composing original music to staff and give administrative support to SLT expanding appreciation of music from cultures across the world. and the Governing Body. I am responsible for Learning takes place through classroom lessons, daily extra ensuring that all policies are up to date and reviewed by SLT and curriculum clubs and after school mentoring sessions. the Governors. I am also responsible for the administration of any How long have you worked at the School? This is my fourth HR issues, such as ill health absence, discipline and grievances. year at this school. I act as Performance Management Coordinator, ensuring that Why did you want to be a Teacher? I had the most amazing paperwork is completed and submitted by the Performance teacher at my Primary School. He inspired and encouraged his Managers. So at the moment I am busy supporting the support students, making all sorts of opportunities available to them. I just staff reviewers who are going through their annual review process. knew, from the age of eight and from his inspiration that I wanted How long have you worked at the School? I have been here to become a teacher one day. for a year and a term. What is the best thing about your job? Giving students the What is the best thing about your job? The daily contact with opportunity to make music and performing in public is the best! different people and the variety. Music makes your emotions come out and can influence you, and What is the hardest thing about your job? Having to tell inspire you. Personally, music has helped me through pretty much someone something they may not want to hear. everything. No, music can't cure you from an illness, it can't solve your problems, but it's just one of the little things in life that give What was your favourite subject when you were at School you the strength to keep your head up for just one more day, and and how would you describe yourself as a student? My to stay inspired. favourite subject was French. While I was at school I was lucky enough to spend three weeks on a farm in the South of France What is the hardest thing about your job? Marking – it takes as an exchange student and when I was in the Sixth Form I spent forever! six weeks during the Summer studying French at the University in What was your favourite subject when you were at School? Strasbourg. My experiences of French at school led to a lifelong I looked forward to my Music lesson each week. It definitely was love of France and I have spent many happy holidays there since. my favourite! We never had the equipment that we have today, As a student I don’t think I really stood out for being particularly hardly any resources, but it was still fun! good or particularly naughty - I loved to be part of the drama What is the one piece of advice you would give to our productions and also liked participating in PE and games, although students? If you want something in life, persistence and I wasn’t very good! determination are omnipotent (look that up in a dictionary). You What is the one piece of advice you would give to our have to practise regularly to get good! students? To try everything that is offered and to enjoy what you What is your favourite book and why? Wuthering Heights! It’s do. You will never again have the opportunity to experience the ideal for composing music to. different things that are offered when you are at school. What is your favourite food? I enjoy spicy inventive food without What is your favourite book and why? A Thousand Splendid meat or fish of course – I’m vegetarian. Suns by Khaled Hosseini - a wonderful insight into a completely Anything else you would like to say? After gaining my degree different culture. at the age of 21, from a Conservatoire of Music in London, What is your favourite food? Fish I played piano in public for quite a few years as a freelance Anything else you would like to say? Work hard and follow musician/composer all over the country. This included solo piano your dreams. performances on BBC and ITV television. Working in the music industry is a great stepping stone to teaching music at a school. It helped to build musicianship and confidence as a performer – Contact Information it never leaves you. Much of today’s musical education includes Could parents/guardians please ensure that the school a large percentage of performance tasks on an instrument or through singing. I’m just glad I’ve tasted this art form, through is informed by letter of any change to contact phone both disciplines (teaching and performing) – they are, of course as numbers, home addresses or email details via Student important as each other. Just remember – practice is key in music. Reception. We aim to respond to any queries and/or complaints within three working days and respond to telephone calls Contract Work within five rings during the normal school day. In order to maintain the school’s services we have Beauchamps High School to periodically employ various contractors, such as Beauchamps Drive builders, electricians, plumbers, carpet fitters etc. Three Wickford quotations are always sought and we accept the tender SS11 8LY we consider best value for money. If you would like to be Phone: 01268 735466 considered for any future contract work please contact Fax: 01268 570981 Mrs H Frost at the school Finance office to have your Email: [email protected] details put on our files. Web: www.beauchampshighschool.co.uk

Beauchamps News Issue 43 12