James - Year 11

James loved being part of the cast of the amazing HB show of Matilda Jr at the Theatre Royal last year. Since then, he has been a cast member of ‘Barnaby Bear’, a show at the Anvil in Basingstoke designed by Hampshire Music Service to provide a first experience at the theatre for KS1 children. The small cast includes a teddy bear that magically comes to life!

As part of the Mayflower Theatre Summer Youth Project, he was cast as Turkey (the school headmaster), and was understudy for the lead in their production of Honk, a musical version of the Ugly duckling. He has also just finished 'A Christmas Carol' at the MAST Mayflower Studio theatre, where he played four roles and, therefore, needed very quick costume changes! As he is keen on following a musical career, he was delighted to deputise for the Musical Director leading the cast warm-ups. And on that note (no pun intended!), James was grateful to spend his work experience time with the Hampshire Music Service, visiting many schools and assisting with activities.

James is a member of the Hampshire County Youth Choirs (Show Choir, Youth Choir, and Chamber Choir) and has participated in exciting projects such as performing at the Grange Festival, a workshop with Bob Chilcott (a famous modern composer), and many concerts with other HMS ensembles. The choirs are encouraging more young people to sign up, see https://hantschoirs.wixsite.com/website

James and his family love all sorts of music and have a lot of fun working on recording the music and related videos. Their latest YouTube video is a rock cover:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhzRDlgUBq4

He also plays a number of instruments, including the drums, French horn and piano. In the Spring he will sit his Grade 7 music theory exam but has cut down on performances, so he can get through his GCSE’s!

We look forward to following James as his career continues to develop and flourish. The West End beckons!

On Thursday, November 23^rd, we welcomed back our former Year 11 cohort for their Year 12 Presentation Evening. The evening was dedicated to celebrating the outstanding achievements of the year group, and we were delighted to have Mrs. Taggart back after her recent knee operation. She didn't want to miss bidding farewell to her students one last time.

The event started with a presentation from Miss Hearle, who warmly welcomed parents and students, extending congratulations on their GCSE successes. This was followed by the recognition of subject honourable mentions and award winners, which was a fantastic opportunity to applaud students who showcased exceptional attitudes and achieved outstanding results in each subject.

As tradition dictates, the halfway point featured performances from our current students. Year 10 student Bernice delivered a beautiful piano rendition of 'Clair de Lune' by C. Debussy, while Year 11 student Talia performed 'Close Every Door' from Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The evening continued with the presentation of the whole school awards, celebrating achievements across the entire school. Following tradition, the Year 12 cohort lined up one final time in their tutor groups to collect their official exam results from Miss Hearle which was an emotional and proud moment for students, parents, and teachers alike.

Mrs. Taggart then addressed her year group one last time, reminiscing about their five-year journey and sharing her 'Top Taggart Tips.' Her speech, coupled with her endearing obsession with Take That, provided a brilliant conclusion to the evening.

As the event concluded, it was heart-warming to see the Year 12 cohort approach their teachers, sharing stories of their new adventures, and personally expressing gratitude for their dedicated work.

Special thanks go to Mrs Briggs, Mrs. Hine, Mrs. Goodwill, Mrs. Wallis and the Year 11 senior student leaders for organising and running the event. We also extend our gratitude to all parents for their attendance, and we hope they enjoyed the Year 12 celebrations.

At Henry Beaufort School, we take pride in this Year 12 group and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours and look forward to hearing about their future successes.

Please view our very moving Remembrance Assembly video.

We are delighted that Year 11 student Ella won 1^st prize in her age category for her poem at the recent Hampshire Young Poets competition.

Miss Knight, English Teacher, said “It was a wonderful morning, and I am so proud of Ella for representing the school.”

Her poem is on the concept of ‘Home’, and it is below: 

Hurriedly sewn into lovingly stitched petticoats,

The last of the family silver came with us

Across the Channel, across the water

To safety

We left our life on distant shores

To build another somewhere strange

Surrounded by new customs, language, people

We forged a new future

And made our home again.

The years have passed

Time has changed us

But the silver still sits, pride of place, upon the mantelpiece

As a result, the school won a £50 gift voucher for P & G Wells to spend on poetry books.

Ella has also received a Headteachers Gold Award for her achievement. This award represents the highest award you can get in school!

Congratulations Ella!