We believe that a school is more than a place where children are educated. School is a community. Being a member of that community and an active part of our local community is very important to us here at Beech Lodge. Here are some examples of how we get involved.

 

 

Low Ropes Activity Course

In partnership with Achieving for Children (Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead) we have constructed a low ropes activity course in the grounds of the school. This is also available to children and young people in local schools and those who access Achieving for Children’s Youth and Community groups in Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Recognising the value of this activity we received a very kind donation from the Prince Philip Trust of £3,000 towards the construction of the course.

 

 

Trauma and Attachment Awareness training

We take particular pride in the work we do to spread the word about the impact of Developmental Trauma and Attachment Difficulties on children and young people. It is an area of expertise for us and we are passionate advocates to change the approach towards those affected by adverse childhood experiences. We hold regular training sessions to Heads, SENCO's and teachers from schools in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Facilitated by our Educational Psychologist Alastair Lidster, Head Lucy Barnes and Proprietor Daniela Shanly, each session is extremely well attended with over 50 delegates at each and is an ongoing initiative at the school

 

 

Resilience Film

We purchased a licence and hosted two public screenings of Resilience, a ground-breaking documentary film that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress. One screening was specifically organised for members of Achieving for Children (Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead) and included members of their Early Help Community Services - Youth Service, Family Resilience Team, Youth Offending Team & the Early Help Advisors.

 

Dyscalculia Training

In April 2019 we held a free twilight training session to delegates from local schools on the impact of Dyscalculia in the school setting. Facilitated by Head Designate Dan Gillespie and Specialist Teacher Amanda Davey, this was very well attended by over 50 delegates including Teachers, SENCO’s and Teaching Assistants from across the three counties.

 

 

Mayhem Family Circus Festival

In May 2019 as part of the two week Circus experience we held the inaugural Mayhem Family Circus Festival which was open to members of the public. Families of all ages were invited to participate in Circus workshops including juggling, unicycle, silks, trapeze and so on. Highlights from this wonderful day included the Fatt Matt Show in the Pink Flamingo tent. Our Beech Lodge community of pupils and their families volunteered an enormous time of work and effort in creating and manning stalls, cooking food and making it a wonderfully inclusive community event which we hope will become an annual event.