Mad March miscellany

It's been a pretty crazy month here at Ashford School and once again our boarders have been right at the heart of it! From the wonderful impression given to the ISI inspectors to taking part in Jesus Christ Superstar and all else in between. Here are just a couple of the highlights from the last 30 days.

Putting the 'fun' into fundraising:

We have a very strong tradition of giving to charity at Ashford School. Mr Buchanan volunteered at the  Ashford Food Bank over Christmas and we are once again being encouraged to 'Phil a Bag' this Thursday.

It doesn't get much bigger than Sports Relief though. Every other year the whole country goes sports mad, doing all sorts of crazy stunts, to raise loads of cash for needy clubs and organisations helping less-advantaged people both in the UK and abroad.

By far the biggest event is the Sports Relief Mile and egged on by Mrs Fox, we ran our own version, with over 12 teams of teachers and students running 25 lengths of the sports' hall during lunchtime on Friday 21st. Boarders were well represented amongst the athletically and wackily attired groups, with many also helping to tick off the laps.

Amongst those exhorting themselves were Team EAL made up of Yr 10 boarders Yjin, Savio, Chak, Andy, Angel, Tiger and Terrence, ably asissted by Mr M, Mr K and Miss Dores (who doesn't do running, you know!). Careening off the boards, they clocked up a very respectable 5 minutes and 46 seconds. Nice one!

Team EAL, still looking fresh after their Sports Relief Mile.

We had to wait a whole ten days to find out who had pipped everyone to the post, but when Mr Wilding did announce the result, in assembly this week, it was revealed to be another team of boarders. Team DND, comprised of Jason, Frank, Faisal, Michael (sporting a fetching pink tutu on the day), Artur and Subair, sprinted to glory in and amazing 5 minutes 18 seconds!

What the result we all wanted to know was how much we had all raised. When it all came in the total stood at a whopping £900! Now that was 5 minutes well spent! Well done all!


Next up, boarding reporter Vlad gives a spell-binding account of one of our most memorable boarding trips.

Magical Mystery Tour.

On Sunday 23rd March we went on a trip to the Harry Potter studio. It took 2 hours to get there. There were lots of pictures of characters which were involved in the film. At the entrance to the Harry Potter studio was a guide who told us a little bit about the history of how it was made. After that we went to the cinema and there was an introduction. 

Afterwards we all looked in the Great Hall and then went to the museum. In there was a lot of stuff. You could see how there special effects of flying was created, through a wind. You could also see laboratories, kitchens and ice castles. Then you can see a design of all the buildings and the final one was the Hogwarts castle that took up the whole room. It looked awesome! Everyone took a photo. 

After that there was a shop. You could buy some wands (Harry Potter’s for example) or you could buy a special pillow or some posters. I think it was a great trip because I saw a lot of very good stuff and I discovered some new stuff about the main characters (about their lives, how they live, what they do) so it was great!

Final Showdown

With the end of term in sight, you would have thought that the boarders will be winding down. Not a bit of it! Tensions are tighter than watch springs for this evening's battle of the brainboxes. It's time for the Big House Quiz!

Teams of four from each house (and perhaps a staff team) will face off with each other in Alfred Sky Room at 19:45 for the honour of displaying the Prime Time Quiz Cup. Quiz Master Mr K. has set the questions that he thinks will test the little grey cells and is looing forward to a titantic contest. We'll keep you posted on the result.

For now, have a great Easter holiday all and we look forward to seeing you next term!

Addendum 02.04:

After a closely fought contest and not a little creative scoring (Felix!) the Brooke/Refuge team of Nazar, Chris, Chak and Mr M emerged victorious from the Big House Quiz. The Brabourne team of Michelle, Sumy and Karina came a valiant second, only four points behind.

In a tighter than tight finish, Chris held his nerve and beat everyone to the buzzer in the quick-fire round to clinch the all important winning points. Congratulations to Brooke/Refuge, who have now earnt the right to display the Prime Time Quiz Cup. Until next term!