On Tuesday 9th May The Beacon Centre Primary children visited Green Fingers Garden Centre. We explored plants that linked to our topics of Secret Garden, Enchanted Woodland and Sow, Grow, Farm. The children incorporated their maths skills into our visit by thinking about the cost of objects. The children loved the visit and helped to pick out some plants for our sensory garden and vegetable patch. The staff at the garden centre were great and spoke to the children and staff about various plants and seeds that would be good to cover the various topics. After this we visited the café and had some delicious ice cream and drinks which were supplied at a reduced cost. Green Fingers Garden Centre donated numerous sensory plants, seeds, fruit and vegetables to the school.
On Wednesday 10th May the children from The Beacon Centre Primary visited St Mary’s lighthouse at Whitley Bay. The staff and pupils had a great time seeing the seals and climbing the 137 steps up the lighthouse. At the top of the lighthouse we were able to see South Shields. We then explored the rock pool habitats to see what creatures we could find. We found crabs, hermit crabs, prawns, starfish, sea anemones and limpets. We spoke about the life cycles of the various creature which we found.
This week’s experiential learning task was a Maths task set by Miss Burrows; students had to create a life size drawing of a rocket using a scale drawing which gave students the angles and side lengths needed to complete the task. Students had to work together using a tape measure and protractor to successfully draw a rocket in the sand at their designated beach. Well done to Mrs Graham’s group who went the extra mile and constructed the ‘giant’ version which created a lot of interest from members of the public at their location!
It’s been a busy first week back after the Easter holidays with lots of celebrations to share with you!
At Primary Mrs Dixon challenged her class to write instructions without any help. Look at how helpful Mark’s instructions are…great job Mark!
At Secondary the Bonsai pupils made an amazing start to the term with their pie chart work in Maths. On Tuesday Kelvin proved that he could draw a perfect pie chart; he measured and drew his angles to the exact degree which really impressed Miss Burrows, especially given that at the start of the lesson he was unsure what a pie chart was! On Wednesday both Adam and Kelvin learned how to interpret pie charts by first using their knowledge of fractions, then moving onto interpreting them from being given the angles of each category. They particularly enjoyed using the scientific calculators to complete this work; it is important that pupils develop their confidence in using scientific calculators in preparation for their Maths GCSE exams.
Kelvin’s perfect pie charts
On Wednesday Brooke had her first Maths lesson in the Aspens group; she earned herself a sticker and lots of praise from Miss Burrows for her outstanding effort and behaviour. Brooke said that she had never earned any stickers before and was incredibly proud of herself! And if that wasn’t enough success for one day she then went on to earn herself another sticker and the admiration of Mrs Pattison in the very next lesson for her amazing attitude to learning in English!
Brooke’s interpreting pie chart work completed in Maths
During his work based learning placement at Bill Quay Farm, Alan has been learning how to use the digger; he has been learning all aspects of the construction industry and is doing amazing.
This half term pupils are attending surfing lessons at South Shields Surf School. Pupils who have experienced their first lesson this week have had an amazing time and can’t wait to get back in the water next week!
This half term pupils will be attending weekly surf lessons at South Shields Surf School. So far this week pupils from the Aspens, Blossoms, Evergreens, Oaks and Redwoods groups have all experienced their first lesson. Pupils and staff were taught the basics of surfing; how to spot a good wave, getting in the right position on the board, safety signals and how to get up on their feet. Everyone has had an excellent experience and are looking forward to next week’s lessons. It was great to see pupils demonstrating resilience and encouraging each other. We seem to have some promising young surfers! We’ll keep you updated of our progress!
Here are some photos from the Blossoms’ first lesson on Thursday 20th April 2023
Its been another busy week at The Beacon Centre with lots to report!
Pupils at the secondary site have been enjoying the extensive range of games available to them at break and lunch times; there have been lots of challenges between staff and pupils to see who is the Connect 4 Champion, Defeater of Draughts and Jewel of Jenga! We hadn’t realised just how competitive the pupils and staff can be! It’s great to see pupils practicing essential cognitive skills such as decision making, strategic thinking and problem solving.
In Food Technology this week it has been the battle of the chicken curries with Miss Burrows being the expert judge to crown the Chef of the Week; this accolade went to Alan for his perfect consistency, exceptional flavour and beautiful presentation! Also Kelvin was the winner of the Key Stage 3 pupils with an amazing consistency and marvellous flavour!
This week’s winners of the £10 amazon voucher for the highest number of positive behaviour points were Jon at Secondary and Paul at Primary; well done to both pupils!
Well done to Caitlin in Year 10 for achieving Level 1 Functional Skills in Maths!
Our past pupil Aaron has also achieved his Level 2 Functional Skills in English – Writing; he now only has one more element to achieve in order to have all the qualifications that he needs to begin his apprenticeship as a Teaching Assistant which is English – Speaking and Listening. Aaron came into school today and spoke to Mrs Pattison and Miss Burrows about Police Service Dogs. We’ll keep you informed of the outcome!
This morning two Bonsai pupils, Adam and Olivia, decided to offer ‘housekeeping’ services to all of the teachers at the secondary site by cleaning their whiteboards in preparation for next week’s lessons. They were extremely professional in explaining their service and received lots of gratitude from staff.
In experiential learning today secondary pupils used their initiative, recycled their packed lunch supplies and utilised the elements to craft a water filter to support their studies in Science.
Today Year 11 received their mock GCSE exam results. There was a range of emotions but what was amazing to see was the resilience of our students. Here are some quotes from them:
“I’m not going to give up; I know what I need to work on.”
“I’m happy with my Maths, Science and Health and Social Care results. I’m not going to stop trying to get all of the grades that I want.”
“I’m going to work with my teachers to make sure that I do better in the Summer exams”
GCSE exams will commence in just under eight weeks time with the first exam on Monday 15th May 2023. Staff will be working hard to support students to close any gaps in their knowledge and skills that are identified from the mock exams and will be exploring revision techniques during tutor time.
If any students did not bring their results home with them then please let Miss Burrows know as copies can be posted or emailed!
Our former pupil Aaron has now achieved Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths to secure an apprenticeship in teaching and learning. Aaron has shown great determination in coming back this year to achieve the qualifications needed to progress in his chosen career path. We’re all rooting for you Aaron, good luck!
The Beacon Centre Primary received the silver award from the British Ecological Society for completing a workshop on birds amongst other bird related activities.
What a week it has been at The Beacon Centre this week!
Firstly a huge well done to our Year 11 students who have sat their mock GCSE examinations this week; they have demonstrated maturity, resilience and determination while sitting their exams. Mock exams will continue on Monday and Tuesday of next week and pupils will receive their results on Tuesday 21st March.
In Maths Miss Burrows’ Learning Legends of the Week are Caitlin and Chuks for their outstanding effort in this week’s lesson on inequalities.
Mrs Graham’s Chef of the Week goes to Daniel for his fantastic fish and chips that he cooked from scratch in Food Technology.
In the Oaks class Laura finished her DT project; did you guess that she was making an apron? Fantastic craftsmanship Laura! Well done!
This week saw the launch of our new rewards incentive in which the three students with the most positive behaviour points go into a draw to win a £10 Amazon voucher. This week’s winners are Mark at Primary and Dylan M at Secondary.
At Primary Savannah was celebrated for her efforts in completing her English work independently and demonstrating beautiful handwriting.
Lastly, leading the way to a brighter future does not stop for The Beacon Centre even when our students have left us; Aaron, one of last year’s Year 11 pupils wanted to further his qualifications in order to broaden his horizons. The Beacon Centre are working with Aaron to enhance his qualifications for him to be able to succeed in securing a place in a Teaching and Learning apprenticeship. Aaron has now passed Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and is well on his way to passing English reading and writing. Keep up the good work Aaron!
Learning Legends of the Week in Maths; Caitlin and ChuksChef of the WeekLaura’s apronLaura’s ApronDylan M receiving his £10 Amazon voucherSavannah with her English workSavannah’s English workAaron has achieved Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
