We were delighted to support the FSCI Christmas Box Appeal last term. Thank you to all those families who made the commitment of time and money to contribute a box. Thousands of children and families in institutions, kindergartens and schools in poor rural and urban areas, senior citizens homes, Roma communities, protected homes and refugee centres throughout Bulgaria received Christmas presents as a result of the generosity of those taking part in the appeal last year, with a total 9,985 boxes distributed.

This included 70 from Barr Beacon.

Teodora Koleva, Director of FSCI Bulgaria, is in no doubt about the importance of the project. “With the Christmas boxes, we show people who live on the periphery of society, often forgotten and overlooked, that we think of them and believe in them. At Christmas it is important to be good – with our loved ones and acquaintances, and even with people we do not know, with people who need support”.

In the UK hundreds of people gave their time to help sort and pack the boxes. Rich Parsons, the project leader, was amazed by the number of people who gave their time. “Our volunteers are amazing; we simply couldn’t have delivered a successful appeal without them. We’re so thankful to everyone who donated a box or gave their time to help out. We’ve had a fantastic response again from our supporters and their efforts have made a lot of children and families very happy.”

Thank you again for your donations which brought joy to those who didn’t have much to celebrate at all last Christmas time.

Five pupils are celebrating achieving ‘genius level’ results in MENSA’s world-renowned IQ test.

Two of these pupils exceeded the 160 IQ that Albert Einstein and Professor Stephen Hawking were said to have possessed. Arjan Singh Basra and Aarti Bhupla achieved an incredible ‘perfect score’ of 162. Kuran Marwaha, Katie Ord and Kaylisia Tobias each possess IQs of 152 putting them in the top 2% of the population.

Each pupil was delighted by their result.

Aarti Bhupla “My parents were very proud and I received video messages from family across the country.”

Arjan Singh Basra “I was speechless. My parents kept saying ‘wow’ and treated me to a family meal.”

Katie Ord “My Mum has shared the news far and wide. It has inspired my family to try the test too.”

Kaylisia Tobias “I’m so proud of myself for concentrating hard and focusing. I was treated to a lovely meal out with my family.”

Kuran Marwaha “My parents always advise me that you can do anything that you put your mind to if you work hard.”

We use the MENSA test because we are passionate about uncovering potential and nurturing it. We are delighted that these pupils have been recognised by MENSA as being in the top 2% of the whole country. Statistically, of course, not everyone can be a ‘genius’. But knowing they have a high IQ will encourage these pupils to push themselves further.

This year’s Awards Evening was a fantastic celebration of what Barr Beacon is all about. As Head Boy Harjodh made clear in his closing speech: “inspiration is nothing without perspiration”. Every single award winner of the evening embodied this idea, whether they worked hard and achieved in their subjects or in extracurricular pursuits.

The guest speaker for the evening was Barr Beacon alumnus Chris Lane, who left school in 1998 to study Law at the University of Oxford, became a barrister and is now a vicar.

Presenting the sports awards was another alumnus: Jack Birch, currently playing for Aston Villa Football Club.

Chair of Governors Dr Deborah Park handed out many of the awards and we welcomed back Clive Mills, Beacon teacher of 43 years, to present the award named in his honour.

Friday 12^th July saw Barr Beacon School celebrating its 60^th anniversary year, with more than 700 former pupils and teachers returning for a special celebration evening. This included pupils who started Beacon in its first year, 1958, right through to those who only left recently. Current pupils led tours of the school buildings, many of which brought back memories. Early in the evening, entertainment was provided by a troupe of dancers from Key Stage 3 and there was a parade from our RAF Cadet force.

Later, a 20-piece big band, managed by a former Beacon pupil, played an hour of favourites in the Main Hall. This was followed by a two hour set of music from across the decades, curated by our talented resident ‘DJ Mellow’, a pupil in our current Year 10. The evening was a tremendous success and we would like to thank everyone who attended for making it such a special celebration.

Six of our pupils and Miss Smith carried out an expedition to Peru. They began by staying in the city of Cusco before building a community centre from scratch! And that was just in their first week. Here are some fantastic photos they sent us during their trip.

Friday 28th June saw the sunshine on the beautiful grounds of Nailcote Hall where staff eagerly awaited the arrival of our Year 11 Prom guests. This year brought a range of fast cars and jam-packed limos filled with excited and accomplished young people. Students spent the evening snapping photos in the photo booth, testing their balance on the bucking bronco, pleasing their sweet teeth at the chocolate fountain and even getting a self-portrait drawn by our very talented caricaturist.

Once the sun had gone down, our Prom King and Queen had the duty of starting off the firework display that then led into a party to end all parties with our DJ. A great night was had by all and it will certainly be one to remember. Photos from throughout the evening can be found below.