Private School News

Spring is in the air at Ashford School

The Spring Concert at Ashford School last week was another impressive success for the independent school that is growing in popularity for musicians across the globe. With the standard and quality of performers improving at every event this was one of the last performances featuring talented soloist Katrina Peng playing Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor.

The chosen overture for the performance was The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart and the Choral finale was an uplifting display of highlights from Miss Saigon.

Ashford School produces a number of formal and informal concerts throughout the year ranging from Rock Concerts to orchestral and choral masterpieces to the latest West End theatre productions.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings this week (18, 19, 20 March) you can book tickets for the chance to see Sweeney Todd, performed entirely by students from Ashford School and the Norton Knatchbull School. With full set and costumes modelled on the original West End play, this haunting tale is one not to miss! Book today by calling 01233 625171. Tickets are nearly sold out for Saturday night so book now to avoid disappointment.

For more information on studying music at Ashford School email music@ashfordschool.co.uk.

Inspection success at Ashford School

Ashford School has recently undergone their regular inspection of boarding facilities by OFSTED and have been awarded with an excellent report from the regulators.

“Alongside the first-rate inspection reports on the school from the Independent School Inspectorate and on our Early Years from OFSTED, this report confirms the quality of the education and care provided throughout the school to all our children, pupils and students.” Mike Buchanan, Head.

The inspection follows a prescribed agenda and uses a four point scale; outstanding, good, satisfactory, inadequate.

•The overall rating is Good
•Helping children to be healthy: Good
•Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe: Good
•Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do: Outstanding
•Helping children make a positive contribution: Good
•Achieving economic wellbeing: Good
•Organisation: Good

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

In yet another fantastic achievement for pupils across Ashford School, two members of the Nicholls family have succeeded in being named National Triathlon Champions after a weekend of outstanding results!

Along with school-mate Alice Doughty, Grace, Max and Euan Nicholls travelled to Wolverhampton on Friday for the two day competition which included a run, swim and shoot.

Winning her run, finishing 6th in her shoot and 9th in her swim, Grace Nicholls (year 12) raced straight through to become the overall winner for her age group and was subsequently named as National Triathlon Champion. Spurred on by his sister’s outstanding achievement, the youngest Nicholls brother Euan (year 6, Ashford Friars Prep School) went on to win in his age group also, making two of the Nicholls children National Champions!

These exceptional results were enhanced further with Max (year finishing 6th in his age category after coming 2nd in his run, 4th in his swim and 17th in his shoot and then with Alice (year finishing 10th out of 42 competitors. She finished 11th in her shoot, 17th in her run & 22nd in her swim.

“This is a fantastic achievement! We are immensely proud of both Grace and Euan who have worked really hard, showing great commitment to their sports studies. Our thanks also go to both sets of parents involved who have shown great support throughout the training to the school and their children’s activities programme.” Mike Buchanan, Head.

ASHFORD SCHOOL CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF THE UNITED CHURCH SCHOOLS TRUST

~ Pupils and students from 12 schools and academies in the south of England attended a service in Canterbury Cathedral ~
~ Sermon delivered by the Most Revd Desmond Tutu ~

This Tuesday 25 November Ashford School were celebrating the 125th anniversary of the United Church Schools Trust (UCST) – the Christian educational charity which supports their school. UCST, which was established in 1883, is a major provider of independent schools, and through its subsidiary, ULT, it is the largest single sponsor of academies in the UK.

Year 11 pupils from Ashford School – the final year of girls only at the school as in September 2009 there will be boys in every year – joined students and pupils from UCST’s other schools and academies for a service of Thanksgiving, Rededication and Celebration. Held in the impressive surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral, the sermon was given by the Most Revd Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town.

UCST pupils and ULT students contributed to the service by giving readings and performances as well as by being part of the choir which led the hymns. During the service, symbols of the life of each school attending the service were brought to the altar by the School Captain, Principal and Local Governing Body Chair. Ashford School presented a shield of the school crest mounted on photographs depicting life and education at Ashford and symbolising the school mantra of Adventurous Learning.

“All our many pupils, parents and staff were inspired to hear Desmond Tutu talk about his deep love of God and his belief in the ability of young people to change the world. It is rare to meet a man of such humility and humour; we will treasure the memory” Mike Buchanan, Head of Ashford School.

Ashford School Finalists in Live Cook Off

Keep an ear tuned in to KMFM radio this Saturday 22 November from 10:30am where local DJ Neil Faraday will be interviewing 2 members of Ashford School during a Live Cook Off in the final of the prestigious Cygnet Award!

George Norris, Toby Harris and Will Pettit (who has sadly had to pull out at the last minute) were selected amongst 6 finalists from 164 entries to the competition and out of the record 53 entries from Ashford School, to go up against a panel of judges and show why their home made recipes are the best.

The competition was initially staged at The Swan in West Malling and pupils were asked to create their own healthy recipe using seasonal and regional ingredients. The Live Cook Off will be held at The Cornwallis Academy, Linton, Maidstone, from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

With skills in the kitchen becoming increasingly apparent at the independent school in Ashford, the winning dishes were as follows:

George Norris – Baked Apples & Damson Jam
Toby Harris – Rarity Plum & Apple Cobbler
Will Pettit – Veggie-Sheppy Pie

Alongside the impressive finalist dishes were a selection of Highly Commended creations:

Year 7 – 8
Dan Ashworth – Seared Venison in Red Wine & Redcurrant Sauce
Sophie Buck – Creamy Hythe Fish Pie with Seasonal Vegetables
Alice Doughty – Apple & Blackberry Ginger Sponge Pudding
Olivia McArthur – Olivia’s Crab Apple Mousse & Shortbread
Max Nicholls – Max’s Mixed Fruit Crumble
Sophie Ovenden – Sophie’s Super Rare Breed Saddleback Pork & Vegetables
Lauren Ramsey – Lauren’s Hearty Lamb & Vegetable Soup
Bethany Turton – Organic Pumpkin & Potato Pasty

Year 9 – 11
Hannah Armitage – Apple & Pear Sticks

“Any initiative which encourages children to cook, especially healthy food, is a good idea. I am continually trying to encourage the students to expand on their knowledge and love of food and The Cygnet Award fitted nicely into my own ideas for challenging the students. It was a pleasure to encourage the students to take part and it also fitted well into my own curriculum. For all these reasons The Cygnet Award is an excellent initiative.” Brenda Glasspoole; Head of Food Studies, Ashford School.

“I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who took the time and trouble to create a recipe and enter it for The Cygnet Award. I have really enjoyed reading the entries. There are some lovely recipes and I would happily include many of them on my menu here at The Swan in West Malling! Well done kids, I’m really impressed.” Scott Goss; Head Chef, The Swan, West Malling.