A warm welcome to families and students who have joined the school community this term.
What an amazing half term for the school. I am so proud of all our young people involved on the stage and behind the scenes for the production of ‘Everyone’s Talking about Jamie.’ This incredible whole school production has taken many, many months of planning, coordinating and rehearsing and I am so grateful to all of my colleagues who made this happen, especially our Expressive Arts team.
See below an update on the refurbishment of the Science block. As part of this refurbishment, we have a new emergency exit from the first floor. This is yet to be fully completed, and a full risk assessment will be undertaken before this is operational.
Thank you too to our Senior Student Leaders who have been providing additional support to our younger students with a drop-in session on Monday lunchtimes in the library.
This is an initiative that they proposed to the Senior Leadership team and the school is very grateful for their contribution to the pastoral support of our students.
In February, three of our Senior Student Leaders accompanied me to meet with Winchester’s MP, Dr Chambers. Along with student representatives from King’s School we met to share our views on education and provision for young people in the wider community. Thank you to Douglas, David and Grace who were brilliant ambassadors for our school.
I have been enjoying reading the selected books for our School Book Award, the winning book to be announced on World Book Day on the 6th of March. We have plenty of copies of all the books available to borrow from the school library. Please encourage your child to borrow one of these books. I have been so impressed with the quality of the shortlisted books; it will be a hard choice to choose my favourite!
I know that reading is not necessarily a favourite pastime for young people, but I cannot stress enough the importance of good literacy skills. If you have a reluctant reader in your family, can I suggest that they sign up to the SORA programme in school. This allows our students to access a very wide range of audio books. Having dipped into this myself I am very impressed with the quality of the audio reading. Year 11, this is a brilliant way to refresh your memory of your English literature exam texts, including ‘Macbeth’ which always sounds so much better when you hear the words spoken out loud.
An advance notice of changes to our response time to parent communications to the school. On return from the Easter break the school’s response time will be 3 working days. This brings us in line with other local schools.
Communications regarded as urgent will of course be responded to as soon as we are able.
There have been many trips and activities this half term - please enjoy reading about them in the following pages.
I look forward to welcoming our students back after half term when the evenings will be lighter.
My best wishes to you and your families.
Miss Hearle
News from around the School
‘Everyone’s Talking about Jamie.’ - Teen Edition
Students from The Henry Beaufort School dazzled audiences at the Theatre Royal Winchester with their performance of 'Everybody’s Talking About Jamie' - Teen Edition. The inspiring musical, which celebrates individuality and self-acceptance, was brought to life over three unforgettable nights in January.
The students’ dynamic performances, supported by stunning set design and costumes, showcased the school’s core values of Pride, Happiness, and Ambition.
Miss. S Hearle, Headteacher, said:
“‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ and so they should! What a magnificent, complex, funny and heart wrenching performance. We have to remember these are young people, taking on real adult issues and performing it in a superb way. Well done to all my colleagues and our students who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen. I have so much admiration for all of you involved in this production.”
Mrs. K Miles, Head of Drama, said:
“The student dedication and hard work shone throughout their performances. This show is all about celebrating individuality and courage. Our students have truly embodied these themes, and their performances over the three nights, was nothing short of spectacular. The set design and costumes added a professional touch to the production. Well done to all staff and students for this amazing performance.”
With applause and a powerful message of authenticity, the show will be a cherished memory for all.
If you would like to read more about the performance, simply click here.
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The Outdoor Learning Space Update
As you read in our last newsletter, following a successful grant allocation of £5000, staff at The Henry Beaufort School have been working with students to design and build the Outdoor Learning Centre.
Do you have any skills that could contribute to this wonderful project? If so, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
We are delighted to celebrate the incredible sporting achievements of our former student, Albert Mildenhall, who is now playing for Harlequins. From representing The Henry Beaufort School on the rugby pitch, with determination and skill, to reaching such a prestigious level in the sport, Albert has truly been an inspiration to us all.
The entire Henry Beaufort community is immensely proud of his hard work, perseverance, and passion for rugby. His journey is a shining example of where dedication and commitment can lead. We look forward to seeing Albert continue to excel with Harlequins and embrace even more opportunities in the near future.
Are you one of our Alumni? We’d love to hear from you. Visit our Alumni page to reconnect with us today.
Dragon Eye - Art Project
The Year 8 Art classes at The Henry Beaufort School have been full of excitement and creativity as students dive into a project exploring careers in the film industry, inspired by the magic of the Harry Potter studios. As part of this fantastic learning opportunity, our students have been working with Stoneware Clay, something new and special for many of them.
Guided and supported by our dedicated Art teachers, the students have been designing and sculpting their own Dragon Eyes, with some truly impressive results. This project is a perfect example of how The Henry Beaufort School nurtures and encourages creativity, helping students build skills for the future. The entire experience has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s been wonderful to see our students so engaged and proud of their work.
With the next step being the addition of colour, we can’t wait to see how their creations turn out! This project really shows how The Henry Beaufort School is helping to shape talented, ambitious individuals.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more updates on this project soon.
London Marathon
On the 27th April, one of our staff members, Mr Webber, a Science teacher, will be completing the London Marathon.
Mr Webber adds:
"I am raising money for Rowans Hospice and Macmillan Cancer support in memory of my Dad.
I managed to get through via the ballot, so I have no threshold to reach. With that in mind, if you would like to donate to either of these worthy causes, I would be incredibly grateful."
'A Push for A Nine' English Clinics - An Ambitious Attitude for Learning.
The Year 11 'Push for a 9' Clinics have been under way since the beginning of the academic year, and ambitious Year 11 students are taking opportunities in the sessions to boost their academic knowledge of English. These sessions allow our high attaining students a space to discuss their texts with like-minded peers and consider sophisticated model responses, as well as cover additional reading materials, all of which are aimed towards accomplishing the very highest marking descriptors in the GCSE papers.
'Push for a 9' Clinics are open to high attaining groups on Thursdays and will continue throughout the year in the lead up to final exams.
Well done to all those who have attended. Keep attending clinics and keep pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Prague is proud of you all!
Kindness
Kindness is contagious, and as part of our Kindness Drive, tutor groups will take on the challenge of Kindness Bingo!
Firstly, what is kindness? Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. The idea is for each tutor group to cross off random acts of kindness as they complete them, whether it’s helping a fellow student, showing gratitude, or brightening someone’s day. Each act of kindness brings the group one step closer to completing their bingo sheet while spreading positivity along the way.
When students complete an action, they add a 'Kindness Behaviour Point' to their Arbor, to find out "Which is the Kindest House?".
The first tutor group to finish will win a special prize. The Henry Beaufort School is working together to make kindness a habit.
Trips
Our students were able to take part in many trips this half-term. With several educational trips taking place. These visits were all designed to provide valuable experiences and enhance the learning in the classroom.
On Monday at the History Doctor Show, GCSE History students took part in an interactive revision session focused on the History of Medicine. Engaging and fast-paced, it was a great way to bring their studies to life.
On Wednesday, it was the turn of English Literature students to step outside the classroom for Poetry Live. They listened to live performances from renowned poets before taking part in a Q&A session - an inspiring experience that gave them fresh insight into the poetry they have been studying.
On Thursday, all of Year 7 headed out for Cultural Capital Day, visiting the Sea City Museum and Southampton Art Gallery. With a strong focus on art and history, students explored exhibits that gave them a deeper appreciation of the world around them.
Finally, Friday brought two more trips. One group of students took part in the RE Places of Worship trip, visiting different churches to deepen their understanding of religious studies. Meanwhile, three invited students travelled to Kings School, where they had the unique opportunity to meet Winchester’s newly elected MP, Danny Chambers, and share their experiences as secondary school students in the area.
It was certainly a busy week, but the experiences gained were invaluable. Whether through history, literature or art, these trips offer students the chance to engage with learning in a whole new way, something that will stay with them long after they return to the classroom.
International News from Moscow
During lessons, this term, our Top Set Year 9 Mathematicians were given an opportunity to enter the first round of the Edge Hill University Mathematics Challenge, an annual competition that provides the opportunity to tackle engaging mathematical activities while developing teamwork and communication skills. Well done to the following students for taking part and submitting their entries: Team ‘Pi-Thagorans’: Noah, Jonah, Pan, Will and Tommy. Team ‘Syntax Error’: Kit, Ben and Finley. Team (AGI)2 : Alice, Gemma and Iris. And finally, Team ‘Algebros’: Hannah, Laura, Minty and Jessica. We wish them all the best of luck!
Maths and Money
At The Henry Beaufort School, we know that good financial literacy is more essential now than ever. For our young people, understanding money isn’t just about saving up for a new phone or getting the best value on a meal deal – it’s having the skills to navigate the increasingly complicated financial landscape we find ourselves in. Money expert and founder of MoneySavingExpert, Martin Lewis, has long championed the importance of financial education, emphasising that it should be an integral part of a schools curriculum, empowering students to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. The Maths department has long echoed these thoughts and, for that reason, we have ensured that our curriculum includes tackling some of the big questions that entering the world of personal finance brings.
In year 10, all students had the opportunity to hear from trained financial advisors through 'MyBnk' who explain such things as how money works, how to budget, how to save, and how to avoid common financial pitfalls like debt. In their five-year tutor programme, all students will have multiple sessions on finance as well as sessions based on Martin Lewis’ textbook written to support young people with financial learning.
If you would like to support your child further with their money knowledge, we recommend this useful article, Martin Lewis calls for universal financial education, which has resources to support young people as well as a free course for anyone looking to gain a greater understanding of finances.
A group of 14, Year 8 students, have been chosen to take part in the Brilliant Club Scholars Programme. The aim of this programme is to equip the students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed.
Throughout the 10 week programme students will get the opportunity to experience university-style learning with PhD tutors, covering cutting-edge topics and completing challenging assignments. We are pleased to welcome Dr John Attridge who will be delivering sessions of 'Literacy theories.'
At the end of the programme, students will get to visit a university to attend a 'Graduation' ceremony.
Personal Development Day
On Monday 13th January, we had our 3rd Personal Development Day of the academic year.
Each year group had a unique focus:
Year 7: Learning about healthy lifestyles and information to help them make informed choices about their well-being.
Year 8: Tried out taster sessions for GCSE options, which will help them make more confident decisions about their future studies.
Year 9: Explored careers and aspirations to help them start thinking about their long-term goals.
Year 10: The focus was understanding crime and punishment so that they are aware of societal issues and the justice system
Year 11: The students learnt about attitudes to relationships.
The highlight of the day was the visit from Aaron Phipps as he gave a talk to the Year 11 students. He is a gold-medal winning Paralympian and motivational speaker, and we are so lucky that he visits each year.
Aaron's visit left a positive impression on the students, inspiring them with his incredible story of perseverance and triumph over adversity. He captivated the Year 11 audience with tales of his determination, including his historic ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, where he became the first disabled British person to reach the summit using knee pads and sheer willpower. Aaron emphasised the importance of resilience, setting goals, and never giving up, no matter the obstacles. His story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness will, no doubt, leave a lasting impression on the students, encouraging them to face their own challenges with courage and determination.
Spring Concert 2025 - Music
The Henry Beaufort School is excited to announce our Spring Concert on Tuesday, 18th March 2025, at 6:00pm in the Sports Hall! This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live music performances by our talented students. Tickets will be available to purchase on Arbor to be collected from the Finance Office.
Adults are £5
Concessions are £3
Don’t miss out on this wonderful evening of music.
A Visit to Shakespeare’s ‘The Globe’ Theatre
In December, a group of our Year 8 students had the opportunity to travel to London for a private tour around Shakespeare’s ‘The Globe’ Theatre, followed by a drama-based workshop, held in the rehearsal space!
We started the afternoon off with a tour of ‘The Globe’ where students were given a historical insight into the fascinating history of the theatre. The tour was hosted by one of the actors who frequently performs at ‘The Globe’, which meant the students were lucky enough to have a first-hand account of her personal experiences behind the scenes.
We were pleasantly surprised when we were told, on the day, that the actors were actually rehearsing for their upcoming performances of ‘Hansel and Gretel’. We were given an (exclusive) sneak peek into the hard work that goes into every single performance. The students were also encouraged to join in and sing along with the cast.
We were then taken to the theatre’s rehearsal space where the students were involved in a drama workshop around their studies of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. They were pitted against each other as members of the Montagues and Capulets, tasked with demonstrating their loyalty to their assigned houses. It was fantastic to see our students so engaged and enthusiastic throughout their workshop!
The students had a fantastic day out, and they represented The Henry Beaufort School outstandingly!
Poetry Escape
This half term, Prague are running a creative writing competition for our budding poets. “Poetry Escape” encourages our young writers to craft a poem based on the prompt of “escape”. With prizes for each year group, students are also going to be entered in an external competition run by the company Young Writers, with winners being publicised in an anthology. We are looking forward to reading and judging the fantastic entries! – Team Prague and the Creative Writing Club
The Beaufort Book Society
The Beaufort Book Society would like to recommend:
"Noughts & Crosses" by Malorie Blackman (Dystopian/Thriller)
A thought-provoking dystopian novel set in a world where society is divided by race, with the oppressed "Noughts" and the privileged "Crosses." The love story between two characters from opposite sides of this divide explores racism, power, and identity.
"The Woman in Black" by Susan Hill (Gothic Horror)
This chilling gothic horror novel follows a young lawyer who encounters a mysterious woman in black and uncovers dark secrets in a remote village. Perfect for those who enjoy atmospheric, spine-tingling stories.
"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak (Historical Fiction)
Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of Liesel, a young girl living in Nazi Germany, who steals books and shares them with others. It's an emotional and beautifully written story about survival, friendship, and the power of words.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins (Dystopian/Adventure)
A gripping and fast-paced dystopian novel about Katniss Everdeen, who must fight for survival in a televised gladiatorial contest. It's a powerful exploration of oppression, sacrifice, and resistance.
"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio (Realistic Fiction/Coming-of-Age)
A heartwarming and inspiring story about August Pullman, a young boy with a facial deformity who faces challenges and prejudice as he enters a mainstream school for the first time. It's a moving exploration of kindness, empathy, and acceptance.
The MFL Team Update
Year 11 Mock Oral Exams
Well done to our Year 11 Languages students who have recently sat their second mock oral exams! Students have worked hard in preparation for these exams. The actual GCSE oral exams will be taking place in April/May so keep up the good work and effort!
MFL Tip of the Term
A great way to practise listening and reading in a foreign language use Netflix or any other streaming channel. Pick what you want to watch, change the language to the language you are learning and then change the subtitles to English! This will really help to improve your listening and reading skills at any level! Give it a try!
Mandarin Class & Chinese New Year
Our Mandarin classes have been celebrating Chinese New Year which began on 29th January. We welcome the year of the snake this year in 2025.
Both students from The Henry Beaufort School and The Westgate School were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to make ‘baobuns’ and ‘dumplings’.
The results were amazing, and students had fun learning new Mandarin vocabulary whilst preparing food, which forms a huge part of the culture!
Cultural Capital Day
The Henry Beaufort School recently held a very busy and exciting Cultural Capital Day. Students took part in a range of activities linked to their curriculum, enriching their classroom learning and allowing them to tick off their hbX experiences.
Year 7 enjoyed a trip to the Southampton Art Gallery and Sea City Museum, while Year 8 explored the importance of language and learnt British Sign Language. Year 9 focused on technology, designing bridges and making biscuits, and Year 10 took part in First Aid training. Year 11 began the day with a Revision Planning Assembly led by Lorraine Lee, who shared valuable advice on preparing for exams and effective revision techniques. Parents will also have the opportunity to hear Lorraine speak at the Year 11 Revision Event on Thursday, 6th March, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.
It was a fantastic day filled with learning and hands-on activities.
Keep an eye out on our social media channels for more images soon.
Science Block - Phase One
The Henry Beaufort School is delighted to share that Phase One of our Science Block refurbishment is complete. Thanks to a £3.48m investment from the local authority, our 52-year-old building is undergoing a much-needed transformation, including new cladding and insulation to help reduce our carbon footprint.
With the first phase of laboratory renovations finished, our staff have now moved in. From Wednesday, 5th February, students were able to enjoy their practical lessons in our newly refurbished, state-of-the-art science laboratories. This upgrade will significantly enhance their learning experience.
Phase Two is now underway, and we look forward to the full refurbishment being completed by June 2025.
Parent Link - Useful Information
For information about recent news, click the link below for our Safeguarding Newsletter:
We have already started to think about September 2026 and have organised a number of open events. This is the perfect opportunity for students to see what we do and to get involved; open mornings offer parents and students an insight into our culture and ethos. If you would like to visit the school, we are now taking bookings for the following dates:
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example of how The Henry Beaufort School nurtures and encourages 
With the next step being the addition of colour, we can’t wait to see how their creations turn out! This project really shows how The Henry Beaufort School is helping to shape talented, ambitious individuals. 
Kindness is contagious, and as part of our Kindness Drive, tutor groups will take on the challenge of Kindness Bingo! 
several educational trips taking place. These visits were all designed to provide valuable experiences and enhance the learning in the classroom.
Sea City Museum and Southampton Art Gallery. With a strong focus on art and history, students explored exhibits that gave them a deeper appreciation of the world around them.
It was certainly a busy week, but the experiences gained were invaluable. Whether through history, literature or art, these trips offer students the chance to engage with learning in a whole new way, something that will stay with them long after they return to the classroom.
At The Henry Beaufort School, we know that good financial literacy is more essential now than ever. For our young people, understanding money isn’t just about saving up for a new phone or getting the best value on a meal deal – it’s having the skills to navigate the increasingly complicated financial landscape we find ourselves in. Money expert and founder of MoneySavingExpert, Martin Lewis, has long championed the importance of financial education, emphasising that it should be an integral part of a schools curriculum, empowering students to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. The Maths department has long echoed these thoughts and, for that reason, we have ensured that our curriculum includes tackling some of the big questions that entering the world of personal finance brings. 
We started the afternoon off with a tour of ‘The Globe’ where students were given a historical insight into the fascinating history of the theatre. The tour was hosted by one of the actors who frequently performs at ‘The Globe’, which meant the students were lucky enough to have a first-hand account of her personal experiences behind the scenes. 
We were pleasantly surprised when we were told, on the day, that the actors were actually rehearsing for their upcoming performances of ‘Hansel and Gretel’. We were given an (exclusive) sneak peek into the hard work that goes into every single performance. The students were also encouraged to join in and sing along with the cast. 
The Henry Beaufort School recently held a very busy and exciting Cultural Capital Day. Students took part in a range of activities linked to their curriculum, enriching their classroom learning and allowing them to tick off their hbX experiences.
Year 8 explored the importance of language and learnt British Sign Language. Year 9 focused on technology, designing bridges and making biscuits, and Year 10 took part in First Aid training. Year 11 began the day with a Revision Planning Assembly led by Lorraine Lee, who shared valuable advice on preparing for exams and effective revision techniques. Parents will also have the opportunity to hear Lorraine speak at the Year 11 Revision Event on Thursday, 6th March, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.
It was a fantastic day filled with learning and hands-on activities. 
The Henry Beaufort School is delighted to share that Phase One of our Science Block refurbishment is complete. Thanks to a £3.48m investment from the local authority, our 52-year-old building is undergoing a much-needed transformation, including new cladding and insulation to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Phase Two is now underway, and we look forward to the full refurbishment being completed by June 2025.