close window

Senior Department News 9 June 2023

Unleashing the Power of Numbers: Embracing the Magic of Mathematics

In this edition of our newsletter, we are thrilled to dive into the fascinating world of mathematics—a subject that holds immense beauty, practicality, and infinite possibilities. From the patterns of nature to the complexity of algorithms, mathematics surrounds us and shapes our understanding of the world.

At Beechwood, we believe in nurturing a strong foundation in mathematics, equipping our students with essential skills and a deep appreciation for the subject. Here, we celebrate the wonders of mathematics and its vital role in shaping the academic journey of our pupils and beyond.

Building Problem Solvers: Mathematics is much more than numbers and equations; it is a powerful tool that teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through the exploration of mathematical concepts, our pupils develop logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and the ability to break down complex problems into manageable steps. These skills transcend the mathematics classroom and are invaluable in various fields and real-life situations. This week Year 6 pupils have been learning about code breaking; binary numbers; Serpinski’s triangle and more.

Inspiring Curiosity: Mathematics has an inherent beauty that lies in its elegance and precision. We aim to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in our students, encouraging them to explore the mysteries and patterns that mathematics unveils. From exploring fractals to unravelling the secrets of prime numbers, our students engage in mathematical investigations that ignite their curiosity and instil a lifelong love for learning.

Why not try one of our favourite games to test your knowledge of prime numbers here

Real-World Applications: Mathematics is not confined to textbooks and classrooms; its practical applications are boundless. At Beechwood, we emphasise the relevance of mathematics in the real world, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and everyday life. We encourage you to do the same and involve your children in measuring ingredients in cooking and calculating the cost of shopping trips and days out.

STEM Integration: Mathematics forms an integral part of the broader STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. At our school, we embrace the interdisciplinary nature of STEM education, promoting the integration of mathematics with science, technology, and engineering. We regularly liaise with our colleagues in the Science and DT labs to create cross-curricular links with DT project and science experiments. Our students witness firsthand how mathematics forms the backbone of innovation and technological advancements.

Celebrating Achievements: We are immensely proud of our students’ achievements in mathematics. Last half term we secured a record number of certificates in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge and a staggering nine entries into the next round!

In conclusion, we invite the entire Beechwood community to join us in celebrating the power and beauty of mathematics. Let us continue to foster a love for numbers, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, empowering our students to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to cultivate a strong mathematical foundation for our students.

From the Maths Department


Year 6 House Swimming Gala

This afternoon marked the start of our first of five House Swimming Galas. A big well done to Year 6 who all showed fabulous sportsmanship, excellent swimming and a few tight finishes, you should feel incredibly proud yourselves. Thank you also to all the families who came to support too.

A further congratulations goes to Tudor for being the overall House winners

 


Save The Date – Latin Plays Festival

Excitement is building for a favourite event in the Beechwood Calendar – the Senior Department Latin Plays! Pupils are working hard on their plays, and cannot wait to share their performances with parents!

Details as follows:

  • Date:  Thursday 29 June
  • Time: 11.20am for a prompt 11.30am start and finishing at 1.00pm
  • Venue: Performance Hall

We look forward to welcoming lots of you to this fun event!

Afterwards the Senior Department pupils will enjoy a specially prepared Roman Lunch after the performances.


Top Form Leavers’ Assembly

Top Form parents are invited to our Leavers’ Assembly next Friday.  If you have not already done so, please  respond via the form on the Parent Portal.
We look forward to seeing you there!


Head’s Commendations

Congratulations to this week’s recipients of Mrs Cussans’ Commendations:

Inspire
Year 6 Holly M, Guy G, Evie R, Zach H, Benedict B, Elsie K, Albert S, Charlotte F, Jasmine E, Jack W, Will H, Harry R, Uju O, Thomas K, Arabella H, Sebastian V, Leo R
Year 7 Harry G, Wilfred O

From the Senior Department Library

Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam

Storm is a shy girl, never one to volunteer information or put herself out there. She’s managed to navigate school by being a shadow to her best friend Zarrish but Zarrish seems to be moving on to new interests and friends, leaving Storm behind. When Storm breaks the school sprinting record, she has the chance to pursue something she really loves but can she find the courage to speak up and branch out.

Storm has to experience rejection, embarrassment and despair before she finally comes to realise that friends should pull one another up, not put one another down. It’s a passion for sport and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team that eventually gives her a voice.

Quiet Storm is perfectly timed to be a transition read dealing with some of the fears children may have about moving on to secondary school in a reassuring and practical manner. The happy ending will soothe worried young readers. A thoughtful, inclusive and positive debut and highly recommended.