Paddington star Hugh Bonneville delighted our children during a special school visit to talk about his new book, Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room.

Hugh was joined by children's book author Jo Nadin, both of whom answered questions from the children which included “how loud do you think an elephant’s fart is?” and “did you really put a tarantula on your face in Paddington in Peru?”

After humouring lots of questions about the filming of Paddington (and a few about his book), Hugh and Jo both signed books for children and parents.

The children had a fantastic time. We hope this has sparked lots of young writers to come home brimming with ideas for their own stories.

We enjoyed the first two Lunchtime Concerts of the academic year this week, as our budding pianists and woodwind instrumentalists took to the fore. From seasoned performers to some who have just started lessons, the children showcased their progress with courage and determination. We were so impressed by their performances.

A tough group awaited the U11 girls at their hockey IAPS tournament on Friday. It was great credit to the whole squad that they battled hard, played with great determination and commitment, and remained competitive in all their matches.

Fourth place meant that the Plate Competition was the target after lunch, and again the girls met the challenge with gusto. Playing excellent hockey, passing the ball quickly and with great purpose, they scored some fantastic goals to progress to the final, where their teamwork, focus and will to win got them the trophy! Very well done, all.

Our girls in Years 5 to 8 took part in their House Hockey tournament on Wednesday afternoon. All teams performed with fighting spirit, doing their best for their House in mixed teams. Our teachers were very impressed with the hockey on display. Results will be announced near the end of term, once the Years 3 and 4 girls have completed their House tournament.

Huge well done to Rupert in Year 3 who came 5th in the District Primary Cross Country earlier this week, competing against around 70 other runners. The course was tough and undulating, but Rupert did a spectacular job representing Beaudesert Park.

Holy moly, it’s incredible how time has flown! We have now wrapped up the first half of term, and it's been an awesome one. We have welcomed lots of new faces and tried out tonnes of new activities, making the Boarding House as lively as ever.

This week was no exception. Monday kicked off with strength and conditioning, and our Year 4s had a blast running through the woods with torches. Tuesday was a big outdoor hide-and-seek again using the torches. We are definitely going through batteries fast, but it's worth it for the fun.

Midweek, we switched from torches to floodlights on the Astro for rugby, hockey, and football, with some children diving into scholarship work in the classrooms and Art Studio. Thursday was more of the same fun, plus some new indoor games like a putting mat, a dartboard, and the always-popular dorm cricket with Mr Curr.

After the break, we have got Halloween and lots more on the horizon including The Boarders' Breakout, a firm favourite for all. Have a lovely Half Term, and we will jump back in with even more fun in November!

Take care and have a great break,

Oli and Debbie, Houseparents

2N were delighted to spend some time with Mr Searson in recent days. As part of their inquiry-based topic, Year 2 have been writing postcards from the perspective of a visit to Mexico, based on their knowledge gained so far. The children visited Mr Searson in his study to share and celebrate their wonderful postcards, and Mr Searson felt compelled to write one in return!

We have also had a strong scientific theme running across the Pre-Prep this week.

Year 2 children have been busy thinking about and predicting which materials might be waterproof, and then carrying out experiments to test their hypotheses. After concluding that plastic was the most waterproof, they designed and made waterproof ponchos for Fred Fox, who then delighted us all with his ‘Fox Walk’ to show off his new garments!

Nursery children have been learning about their amazing bodies, collaborating as a team to build a body and working out where all the different parts go, drawing around their friends and making some new class members as well as pasta skeletons.

After their trip to Westonbirt Arboretum last week, Year 1 invited Mrs Shearer-Bird to visit to talk to them about how to appreciate and care for the world around us. Through four different exploration stations, the children investigated the water cycle, bugs, leaf chromatography and some of the impacts of pollution. The children were set a writing challenge, with the sentence starter, ‘To help my environment I can…’

Rose said ‘plant more trees’.

Indi said ‘use one paper towel’.

Hector said ‘pick up litter’.

Barnaby said ‘re-use things’.

All of their ideas and suggestions were really thoughtful and we have made a poster to help us take action on our topic working wall.

Reception have also been basking in nature's glow during Forest School this week, along with creating some autumnal clay hedgehogs and baking up a storm.

Anna Packman, Head of Pre-Prep

This week it was the turn of our Year 8s to hear from Hazel from Elevate Education, who talked the children through various memory techniques to help them with their exam preparations. They will benefit from more study skills sessions later in the year.

The Beaudesert Autumn Charity Fair is fast approaching so please mark Saturday 1^st November 8.30am to 3.00pm in your diaries.

The Committee is still looking for donations of more raffle prizes! Please get in touch if you are able to help at bpsautumnfair@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram for latest updates @bpsautumnfair. To make the raffle exciting for all ages, we are particularly in need of kids prizes like Lego, Jelly Cat, Advent Calendar, and Legami sets, etc.

We would like to thank all the people who have already come forward with incredibly generous gifts ! This week we have received an Anya Hindmarch x Dashel cycle helmet, a Lego McLaren Formula 1 race car, a pet vaccine voucher and two sets of Isla & Wilbur single bedding. All proceeds will go to The Grand Appeal, The Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity.

If you would like to buy raffle tickets over Half Term, please use PayPal. Please don’t forget to add your name and your children’s form. We will prepare the tickets for you to collect on the day. We will be back selling tickets at pick up on the 30^th and 31^st of October and of course on the day of the fair!