Dear Parents,
It has been difficult to praise the Government for their approach to Education in recent years, but I was interested and pleased to read this week about the planned changes to the National Curriculum in 2028. Amongst a number of reforms, the headline features seemed to be more focus on the Arts and practical activities, two hours of PE, defined content relating to mortgages, banking and interest rates, as well as an appreciation of AI and how to identify and separate fact from mis and disinformation. This all sounds a lot more relevant and a sensible modernisation of a curriculum, not that it will affect what we do at The Beacon of course, as we have been doing all of the above and more for years. As an independent school, we are not confined to NC constraints and so have been able to devote timetable time and adapt our curriculum on an annual basis to ensure the fullest ‘all round’ education and experience; the boys are taught extensively from an early age to cook, use tools and machinery, create music, perform and have over three hours of PE. Our diverse curriculum allows us to incorporate all manner of useful life skills and practical information. When I started here in September 2022, I was asked by a senior colleague if I would give a presentation on ‘Pensions’. “To the staff?” I asked, “No, to the boys”, was the response. Not knowing much about the subject, I set about educating myself and now give an annual presentation alongside the established suite of talks to the boys on bank accounts, mortgages, insurance and the like. Always good to know that The Beacon is a step ahead on these things…
Family TV events may be on the decline but with Patrick currently back from University, the four of us established ourselves in front of the television last night for the Traitors finale. I’ve spoken before in this column of the similarities in the format to the much-loved Beacon boy card game of ‘Werewolves’ and the enjoyment they get from that activity is matched by the spectacle that is watching it unfold on screen. Compelling television that brings people together and creates conversation and discussion within families and workplaces as we happily debate outcomes and theories. Great drama, great fun, great outcome; in a modern world of much distress and uncertainty, this was more than welcome light relief that appears to have bound a nation in a collective wave of positivity.
Have a good weekend Beacon Faithfuls, and await a little slice of Beacon drama on Monday with a significant school announcement…stand by, Chesham Bois…
Nick Baker