Category

All News

World Book Day

11th March 2022Mr Barnes

World Book Day was a Cross Site affair this year with some fantastic work being completed by all young people.

Here are some more photographs of World Book Day at our Primary Site.

We prioritise reading as we believe that the ability to read unlocks the world for our pupils. All of our pupils read to an adult every day bat school, and are encouraged to read to an adult at home every evening.

We actively encourage all of our pupils to read for pleasure and have developed a wonderful library which everyone loves to use. As you can see, they really do love reading.

Meanwhile at our Secondary site, young people engaged in reading and writing tasks. They read the published work of their peers and attempted to write similar stories.

They also had a book club in which they discussed their favourite books and talked about what they liked about them.

Well done to everyone involved.

Beacon Project Based Learning

16th December 2021Mr Barnes

The young people at Beacon Secondary have been completing a project over the course of the autumn term about knife crime and its affects.

The young people are engaged extremely well with the project and produced some excellent work. They had the opportunity to speak to uindividuals from the emergency services as well as relatives of victims of knife crime.

This experience has culminated in a showcase of work, which included sculpture, art work, music and poetry, to the school and wider local community including the Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness and the Mayor of South Shields.

We are all very proud of the young people for the work they have completed as well as for their excellent behaviour during the showcase.

Young Writers Success!

9th June 2021Mr Barnes

We have just received the printed books containing the published work of three of our young people! A huge well done to Shane, Sam and Isaac! Each of whom have received a copy of the book and a certificate from Young Writers. If you would like to read their fantastic stories, you can do so below.

Sam – Innocent?

Nobody believed he was innocent, everyone though he did it. There was all the proof you needed. The body, the gun, the witnesses, even what’d happened in the past. Everyone knew about their big fight and he hit her straight across the face and walked out on her. He says that night never happened. Anyway, back to the present now. He was found next to her body on his hands and knees, covered in blood. The cops stormed into the room. He ran straight out the window and has been running since.
Young Writers – Case Files: Unsolved, On the Run – Page 130

Shane – The Wrong Crowd

People think the dead can’t talk, but what people don’t know is the so-called dead are alive. I’m thirty-three years old, I’ve been on the run since I was seventeen as I got involved with the wrong crowd, which ended up in a bad situation. One night the gang and I was involved with decided they were going to rob a bank. I’m now FBI’s most wanted as all my accomplices got caught at the scene. I had been a fugitive for sixteen years until the courtroom drama in which I was found not guilty, the case is left unsolved…
Young Writers – Case Files: Unsolved, On the Run – Page 131

Isaac – Mistaken Identity

His body lay on the floor in a puddle of his own blood, his body still gasping for air with a bullet in his lung. This was the third gang-related shooting this week.
He was walking through the street he walked through every day to get to his nan’s from school but he was a little bit late, he walked past a few people and noticed that he was getting followed, they started shouting at him, then they chased him, he was running for about five minutes. He turned a corner. All he heard was bang!
Young Writers – Case Files: Unsolved, On the Run – Page 132

If you are feeling inspired by these great stories, you can enter the current Young Writers Competition ” Spine-Chillers” by following this link:

https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/writing-portal/start?code=69821-503

Young Writers Success!

23rd March 2021Mr Barnes

We are delighted to announce that three of our Young People have been chosen for publication in the latest Young Writers Competition. You can read their stories below! Well done Sam, Shane and Isaac!

Sam

Shane

Isaac

If you are feeling inspired and would like to try your hand at the latest writing competition, following the link here to see what the criteria is this term! Good luck!

Young Writers

National Careers Week 2021 Events

2nd March 2021Mr Barnes

Follow the links below to access a range of events throughout the week to help you make the right choice for you and your future.

Tuesday 2nd March

INSIGHTS Public Lectures

March 2nd @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Online, Free

Newcastle University are providing free virtual public lectures. The lectures cover a wide range of disciplines and frequently include key contemporary issues, particularly those that affect our daily lives. Many of the speakers are leaders in their field and all have something of special interest to convey.

https://www.northeastambition.co.uk/events/newcastle-university/insights-public-lectures?id=134

Engineering roles in the Merchant Navy – webinar for parents and carers

March 2nd @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Online, Free

Careers at Sea is here to promote the many career opportunities in the Merchant Navy, from cadet to captain, apprentice to Chief Engineer and so many more. In this session, we will be focusing on the Engineering roles on board ship – maintaining and monitoring ship mechanics, from their immense engines to essential water and heating systems, as well as more complex technical electric equipment.

https://www.northeastambition.co.uk/events/national-careers-service/engineering-roles-in-the-merchant-navy-webinar-for-parents-and-carers?id=168

Wednesday 3rd MArch

Pathways into STEM

March 3rd @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am, Online, Free

This virtual interactive session is aimed at post-16, and will feature a panel of STEM employers talking about their job roles, different pathways into STEM and the skills they have developed along the way. Whether joining from home or from the classroom, students can ask questions via the secure ‘chat box’ live to the employers.

https://www.northeastambition.co.uk/events/inspiring-the-future/pathways-into-stem?id=170

Founders4schools

March 3rd @ 9:45 am – 4:45 pm, Online, Free

Founders4schools invites you to join this event where we bring together industry professionals from a range of sectors: Environment & Energy, Food & Drink, Financial Services, Engineering & Manufacturing and Science & Tech to talk to students about what it takes to have a fulfilling and successful career in these industries.

https://www.northeastambition.co.uk/events/careers-in-the-spotlight/founders4schools?id=174

Thursday 4th March

INSIGHTS Public Lectures

March 4th @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Online, Free

https://www.northeastambition.co.uk/events/newcastle-university/insights-public-lectures?id=135

North East Business Futures- The Future of Assistive Technology

March 4th @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Online, Free

North East Futures UTC, North East Business Futures and Accenture have partnered once again to deliver this online event, which is designed to provide an opportunity for the industry sector, UTC students and members of the public to hear from, and engage with, leading experts in the field of the digital technologies and how they are being implemented to transform the health and social care and digital sectors. We will be showcasing the innovative uses of technology designed to improve the quality of life and healthcare for our older generation.

Never before has the need for digital technologies been so great as in the confrontation of a wide range of issues being faced by the healthcare sector. The Covid-19 pandemic is driving the need for digital innovations to support the management and treatment of health and social care for the population, and this trend will change the shape of future healthcare as we know it.

Mark Larsen, Managing Director at Accenture will be leading on this event and you can expect facilitated discussions, industry speakers, Q&A’s plus some exciting demos and videos of new innovations.

https://www.northeastambition.co.uk/events/north-east-futures-utc/north-east-business-futures-the-future-of-assistive-technology?id=169

Why we like the Beacon!

12th February 2021Mr Barnes

Staff and students have been thinking about what they like about The Beacon Centre. From the amazing Staff team we have to the school’s dogs or the relationships between staff and young people.

Sometimes it’s great to take a minute to be grateful for the things that make you feel happy, in our case it’s being like a family and creative a supportive and caring environment for staff and young people.

We are so proud of all of our staff and young people. We strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve all they can and that everyone is able to be the best “them” that they can be….. Most of all…. “We are family!”

Chinese New Year – 12th February 2021

12th February 2021Mr Barnes

The 12th February is Chinese New Year! We are entering the year of the Ox!

Mr Barnes tells the story of Chinese New Year in the video below:

Some contents or functionalities here are not available due to your cookie preferences!

This happens because the functionality/content marked as “Google Youtube” uses cookies that you choosed to keep disabled. In order to view this content or use this functionality, please enable cookies: click here to open your cookie preferences.

Year of the Ox

The Ox is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.

Personality and Characteristics

Oxen are honest and earnest. They are low key and never look for praise or to be the centre of attention. This often hides their talent, but they’ll gain recognition through their hard work.

They believe that everyone should do what’s asked for them and stay within their bounds. Though they are kind, it’s difficult for them to understand persuasion using pathos. Rarely losing your temper, they think logically and make great leaders.

Lucky things for Oxen

Colors: blue, yellow, green
Numbers: 1, 4
Flowers: lily of the valley and lucky bamboo
Directions of auspiciousness: East, Southeast
Directions of wealth: Northwest
Directions of love: South

Careers Fit for Oxen

Oxen often group family and work together. They look for long-term and steady work. Because of this, they are studious in school and perform well in every subject. This helps build a strong support for any future career path.

Because of their low-key personality, a stable job is the best for Oxen. Their strong sense of responsibility also makes them the perfect candidate for professional and stressful jobs. These include doctors, lawyers, businessmen and teachers. With their technical skills and effort, they can receive society’s recognition and reach their own standards.

No matter what career they choose, it must something they are really interested in. Though they may be okay with any job that fits their skills, they should take the time to find something they love. Only in a stable environment that matches their passions, are they able to find their true calling.

https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/ox/

National Apprenticeship Week 8th – 14th Feb

2nd February 2021Mr Barnes

National Apprenticeship Week is 8th – 14th Feb. There are loads of events happening in support of the week. See the file below.

Events-Listing_V2 Download

Events include Q & A events, ask an employer events as well as a whole host of events specially aimed at helping young people make the choice that best suits them for their post 16 lives.

Even during these challenging times it is vital that young people think about what their options are, an apprenticeship might just be the way to go.

Below you will find loads of activities that you can complete at home or in school.

1. Complete the Amazing Apprenticeships NAW2021 Activity Pack

Using the interactive word document, this enjoyable activity pack can
be completed digitally or printed off. Working through the activities,
students will explore hundreds of different apprenticeship job roles by
completing quizzes, watching films, filling in a word search and more.
There’s something for everyone!
Visit www.amazingapprenticeships.com/naw2021
www.amazingapprenticeships.com/naw2021

2. Test your apprenticeship knowledge

Amazing Apprenticeships has created lots of fun quizzes to help inform
students, teachers and parents about apprenticeships, traineeships and
T Levels. There is also a recycling quiz which is really good fun (and
nothing to do with apprenticeships).
apprenticeships quiz (amazingapprenticeships.com)

3. How apprenticeships can link to your favourite subject

If students aren’t sure where to start researching apprenticeships, it can
be made easier by encouraging them to think about the school subjects
that they enjoy most, and then looking at which apprenticeships they
could lead to.

Have a think about your favourite subjects.
• Use the subject posters to look at the range of apprenticeships listed for each subject.
• Carry out independent research to see what you can find out about those apprenticeships.

4_NAW2021-Subject-Poster-Bundle Download

4. Which employers offer apprenticeships?

There are thousands of employers that offer apprenticeships. Students
often start by looking at some of the more recognisable names and
the Amazing Apprenticeships Vacancy Snapshot portal has some of the
best-known apprenticeship employers in England.
Through the portal, students can explore the different sections to find
out the company benefits, the programme details, unique look-behindthe-scenes footage, case studies and detailed information about the
recruitment process. You will be amazed at the opportunities!

Visit www.amazingapprenticeships.com/vacancies and browse the different companies offering apprenticeships.
• Which companies do you recognise?
• What can you discover about the apprenticeships that they offer?
• Click on Time To Apply – what can you see about the vacancies currently available?
Please note that this portal only shows the vacancies available with those employers. There are thousands of other apprenticeship vacancies available on the GOV.UK Find an apprenticeship website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

5. Meet real apprentices

Have a look at the video case studies and meet real
apprentices in their workplace. These films will help to build an
understanding of day-to-day responsibilities and the range of
apprenticeships available.
www.amazingapprenticeships.com/apprentices

Visit www.amazingapprenticeships.com/apprentices
• From the 20 films available, select 2 or 3 to watch that interest you.
• Did you discover anything that surprised you?

6. Relax with a mindfulness colouring sheet.

Download and print the image or copy it onto some paper and colour it in, with a nice cup of tea.

8_NAW2021-Colouring-sheet Download

Children’s Mental Health Week

29th January 2021Mr Barnes

1 – 7 February 2021

#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek

Like most of the schools across the country, at The Beacon Centre, we will be completing a whole range of activities at both the Primary and Secondary sites. This is to help encourage positive conversations around Mental Health and to help improve all of our mental health. This year the theme for Children’s Mental Health Week is self expression.

What is Self-Expression, and why is it important?

Self-expression is about communicating your individuality. This can be through words, clothing and hairstyle, or through art forms such as writing, drawing, music and dance.

Self-expression can help you to showcase your true self – your story, your thoughts, feelings and emotions. But this can also make us feel vulnerable, so you might want to take things one step at a time.

We often get told by our family, friends, school, communities and through social media how we ‘should’ look, think, speak, and act. These constant messages about what we ought to do, and who we out to be, can make it difficult to let go of expectations and express our true selves.

Self-Expression helps us connect to our true self.

Self-expression is a great way to relieve yourself of stress and free your mind. Self-expression can help you to reflect on your life, actions, decisions, relationships, beliefs, and thoughts – rather than keep them buried deep down.

Self-Expression helps us connect to each other – in good times and bad.

By expressing ourselves thoughtfully, we can better communicate, collaborate and build a community with others. At times of crisis, people come together to express themselves individually, and as a group, through the arts.

Here are some examples:

Gareth Malone’s online choir — bringing self-isolating singers together during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Grayson’s Art Club —a series of online masterclasses to help unleash creativity during the Covid-19 lockdown.
BBC Lockdown Orchestra – as part of a ten-day creative challenge, nearly 1,500 members of the
public joined the newly formed BBC Lockdown Orchestra as part of a huge virtual performance.
Create 2030 Solidarity Art Shows – The World Health Organisation, Create2030 and a group of international working artists collaborated on a project to showcase films, music, poetry and visual art about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Te Rito Toi — using art to help children when they first return back to school in New Zealand following a traumatic or life-changing event.

Get Involved

Why not get involved at home and send us some photographs of what you are up to at home in relation to #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek. Whether it’s dressing up, creating posters, writing stories or drawing pictures, we would love to see them and share them with the world!

You can find loads of ideas to help you get involved at the #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek website!

https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/parents-and-carers/

Free Audio books from Audible!

25th January 2021Mr Barnes

Audible are giving away audio books! All you have to do is click on the link and follow the on screen instructions. Enjoy!

For as long as schools are closed, we’re open. Right now, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across eight different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.

All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet.

Explore the collection, select a title and start listening.

It’s that easy.

https://stories.audible.com/start-listen