A year in perspective

Well, it's been almost a whole school year now since AIB first wrote to you about how our boarders had found their first week back. Now it's come full circle and we would now like to bring you some of their retrospective thoughts on the academic year 2013/14.

Put simply, we asked our boarders two questions: What was your favourite point of the year? and What are you most looking forward to, or are nervous about, next year?

Alex from Brooke picked out the improvement in his language skills as a high point, while Vova highlighted the "incredibly crazy experiments in Science". All rounder Jonathan from Alfred focused on the musical and specifically the master class given by guitarist Craig Ogden. He says "it has inspired my study of guitar." Not all the best bits were necessarily comfortable times. Terrence enjoyed the beginning of the year the most and particularly remembers how he "almost got lost every day." AIB remember those first tentative and often confusing steps made all the way back in September and look now at what these students have become.

These were very memorable moments and achievements but when AIB read Brabourne boarder Angel's answers, we felt we had to include a lot of it, as it summed up a lot of what boarding here at Ashford is about. Take it away Angel:

"Well, the one things that I enjoyed most this year was getting along well with people from different countries with respectively a large variety of cultures and backgrounds...I found it really enjoyable, meaningful and educational. For me education is not just solely about academic but life and experience. School life for me this year has just been really remarkable and fruitful. I gained loads of knowledge and understanding...and most importantly, getting a much closer relationship with my peers."

To the second question, many of the Year 10s focused on their upcoming GCSE exams and though many were nervous, most said that they were looking forward to the challenge. For Jonathan though it is simply "more of the same please": "I am looking forward to more experiences...to stimulate me and widen my knowledge."

For AIB all the points above just show how special a boarding community we have here in Ashford School. From the prefects, to the school shows (like JC Superstar), to all the amazing concerts, trips (who can forget Chessington in the rain?), activities (like last weeks cookery competition) and sporting fixtures, not to mention the academic performances (Zekai's outstanding UKMT result). All the amazing achievements that we will be celebrating this week, especially at Founders' Day, the boarding community has been at the heart of them, staff and children alike, working together. Not every day has been a wholly positive one, but at least there have been positive elements within each of them.

Over the last few weeks we have said "goodbye" to many of those students, particularly in Years 11 and 13, who have played such pivotal roles in this positive experience. We will miss them all and wish them every success in the future and hope that they remember their time here in Ashford fondly. We will also be saying farewell to two boarding staff members in Mr Forse and Miss Cawardine, both moving to schools in London, who have put so much into making our boarders' lives more comfortable and enjoyable. We will be very sad to see you go (Fun Tuesday's will never be the same without you Miss C.) Take care and good luck!

I will leave the last word from AIB this year to Boarding Captain Bruce, who has already departed for Hong Kong and who has written a little piece for the school magazine. I hope you don't mind us using it for this piece Bruce, but we think that this is what 'Adventures in Boarding' means:

"“Where is Ashford?“ This is the first question I asked when I received the offer from this school. Joy and worry struck me at the same time, as I was worrying about life out of my comfort zone and the happiness to explore new things.

When the time I arrived, I found my worry was not necessary as this school provided me with a warm and well-supported environment. On top of that, as school students, we are given lots of different chances to show what we are capable of doing, such as participating in the Google science fair with help of biology department; working on feasibility of producing anti-malaria rice as an alternative medicine to the third world

Even though this school has high expectations of students in terms of the academic, it doesn’t push students too hard. Our time slots were filled by different extra-curricular activities (such as sports fixtures, fitness training, cooking competitions and more) as well.

After a year staying in boarding, I was given a leadership role as boarding captain and started participating in cooperation with members of staff to manage the boarding community (although I was a troublemaker in school). The challenges that we came across stretched me to my limit and helped me to understand myself more deeply.

Overall, it has been a joy to stay in this school, both as boarder and student."

Thank you Bruce and on behalf of all at AIB and the Ashford School boarding community we wish you all a happy holiday, good luck to 11s-13s withe their exam results and see you all, with some new faces of course, in September.

Move over Masterchef!

There was the scent of something delicious wafting around the school last Saturday afternoon and it wasn’t coming from the refectory.

Generally speaking, of a summer weekend, boys’ games and boarding activity co-ordinator Mr Butt can normally be found gracing the cricket fields of Kent. This weekend though he was masterminding the first Boarders’ Cookery Competition.

After a meeting in the dining hall on the Thursday night, those interested in taking part met outside Brooke House at 11:20 to be ferried up to Sainsbury’s with a grand total of £15 each to spend on ingredients. They were given help choosing these and given a time limit of 25 minutes to do so.

Upon their return it was to the Food Studies kitchen to get cooking. Each of the contestants, ranging from Year 9 to Year 13, had an hour and a half to concoct a dish or dishes that would be judged on taste, presentation and difficulty. You can imagine the concentration, the heat, the steam, the panic as the clock ticked down and finally the elation and relief at producing the finished pieces.

All agreed that it had been an evenly matched contest, but there had to be a winner and in the end, it was Brabourne boarder Kitty who emerged triumphant with her take on egg-fried rice. Boarding captain Bruce came in second and Brooke and Refuge man Nabeel third.  I think that judging by the photos below that even Masterchef Michel Roux Jr would have been impressed.

Thank you Mr Butt for organising a great afternoon and we all look forward to seeing more chefs duking it out next year.

Making the Grade

          "Hide your computer!" That's the advice that boarding captain Bruce would give to future exam students when AIB caught up with him and fellow Yr 13 Oscar, earlier this week. "Oh, and your phone as well." he adds "Cut off your connections to the outside, that's the only way." Making sure you have no distractions is certainly good counsel, coming from an A2 student who has been there and experienced the stress that exams can bring.

          You might think then, given all this stress and the pressure of making it into your university of choice, that the atmosphere would be tense. Far from it, as it happens. Bruce and Oscar were laughing and joking over a plate of chicken drumsticks, in Alfred Sky Room, after a hard day of revision and exams. Both have just retaken their Chemistry AS exam, in order to improve on last year's marks (Bruce is going for Chemistry at university and Oscar, Medicine). In fact Oscar jokes that he'd rather sit exams than sit in the house.

          Oscar's first piece of advice also concerns diet: "Don't drink Red Bull, it doesn't help the concentration. It's been biologically proved." Though it's often difficult to tell if Oscar is joking or not, what he follows this with could not be more serious: "Do all the past papers." Bruce nods sagely.

         Going for what was thought to be an obvious answer, we asked the boys what they would be doing as soon as they finished their exams in a few weeks' time. Both responses showed just what sort of people the Ashford School boarding community produces. Oscar said that he would like to try to improve his cooking skills (we joked that his medical specialism could be food poisoning!). Bruce, on the other hand, thought he might take the time to learn something new, "maybe a language." The  education continues then boys!

           During their leavers' assembly the Year 13s had joked about what they would miss about Ashford School. However, when pushed on the same question about boarding, Bruce and Oscar were unanimous in their praise for their housemaster, Mr Vaughan. "There's no double standards." Oscar stated plainly. Bruce compared dealing with the staff in Alfred to "dealing with friends. There's a mutual respect" he added.

          Respect is earned boys and you've done that....well done and good luck for the future!

Moving forward - in good health

Welcome back to Ashford School Trinity term, followers of AIB! I hope you’ve all had an enjoyable Spring break.

This week’s blog will herald in the new Ashford School prefects, look forward to the looming exams and cast a well-deserved spotlight on the ladies that look after our health.

New Prefects

10:40 Thursday morning. Anxious Year 12 faces huddled around the noticeboard by the sixth form common room, or hunched over computers and smartphones waiting for the email on the VLE that could shape their future. They were awaiting the confirmation of whether or not they were to be the latest in the line of school prefects, Ashford School’s vanguard and ambassadors for the year to come.

The process had begun with 66 student applications and over 90 student and staff recommendations last term. As Mr Thompson then informed Yr 12 on Thursday morning, it had moved onto a rigorous selection process, conducted over 2 hours by Mr Thompson, other senior teachers and the current prefects. Names had been mulled over, considered, discarded then reconsidered. Now it was time. The email sent and pinged up across 100s of phone and computer screens across the school; the notice went up.

As the eye scans over the sheet of names, it is clear to see how much of an influence our boarders will have on the school in the coming year: Ed, Yana and Daichi, Judy, Shanahan and Vicky, Janice, Toby and Claudia, Gleb and Summer. These eleven would be part of a team of 35 that would become the faces of Ashford School. Congratulations to you all!

AIB was up in the EAL department with Judy and Toby when the email came in. The relief was palpable, the smiles a mile wide. Even after six short months at the school, they knew what this meant, they understood the significance but more to the point, they understood the work that was yet to come. We here have no doubt that they and all the rest will be up to the job!

 

A testing time

The new prefects will take over from their Year 13 colleagues on the 9^th June when their study leave ends. In a week’s time Yr 11-13’s lesson timetable will be suspended while they undertake their GCSEs, ASs and A2s. For each year group this is the most important exam that they will have ever taken and will have a significant impact on their near future. The Yr 13s, after having received their university offers, now need to make it happen, while, for the Year 11s this will be their first taste of formal exam pressure. Over the coming weeks AIB will be interviewing boarding students from the three exam year groups to see how they are doing and what the future will look like for them. For now, good luck with the remainder of your revision everyone!

Medical Attention

Just before the beginning of the term a glaring oversight was brought to AIB’s attention. Though we have previously spoken of peer mentors, house staff, activity co-ordinators and other students we had failed to highlight the fantastic job that our three school nurses do for the boarding community here at Ashford School. Apologies Sister Field, Sister Hall and Sister McCormack, the stage is now yours:

It is perhaps the most fundamental thing in life, our health. If we’re not fit and healthy, it’s difficult to be happy and work/study as well as we could. If we are unfortunate to have an accident, suffer a sport’s injury or are taken seriously ill, it is vital that we get the rest and recuperation we need. Usually this will be at home but for our boarders the Medical Centre, staffed by the three school nurses and aided by the school doctor, Dr Riches and the school councillor Ms London, provide this all important care. These staff are in constant contact with both boarding staff and parents to inform and update on any issues concerning boarders’ health.

Nothing is too big or too small for the ladies in blue. Weather is not an issue; AIB first came across Sister Field on a miserably cold and rainy Saturday afternoon, up at Ashford Rugby Club, providing much needed first aid support for our 1^st and Development XVs (I know Bruce was very grateful!). Neither is time; if anyone is ever ill in the boarding house, whether day or night, they’re on the other end of the line. Most importantly, you will be treated with the same confidentiality, care and compassion if you have a broken ankle or a nasty head-cold or you simply need someone to talk to about something that’s bothering you.

Thank you to all the Med Centre team for everything that you do for us! Hopefully we won’t need to see you too often!

Take care everyone and see you next time.

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!

Making the most of their time

It has always amazed and delighted us here at AIB to see our boarders making the very most out of all the amazing opportunities they are given here at Ashford School. In this week’s blog we are going to be looking at just three of these from across the range: the annual half term ski trip to Arosa, Switzerland, the Steinway evening of Friday 28th February and the IELTS examination on 1st March.

Taking the Piste:

Several weeks ago Mr Atkinson took a number of boarders, including Zekai, Kitty, Jonathan, Renata and Oscar to a dry ski slope to put in some practise before the trip to Switzerland. As you can see from the photos below, they learnt a lot and had a lot of fun!

Onto the real thing however and at the beginning of half term a coach left Ashford with all the skiers on board led by Dr Childs, Mr Atkinson and Mr Cuffley. The trip to Arosa was about 20hrs in total and on the way it picked up parties from other schools, including the International School of Brussels, where Mr K had first trod the boards as a stage struck 5-year old.

Each day ran a little like this: wake-up, breakfast, skiing with qualified instructor, lunch, more skiing, dinner, activities (such as treasure hunts, ice skating, discos and ski shows) and then bed. Per day the groups chalked up a total of 5 hours on the slopes. As Mr Atkinson related to AIB afterwards, not all was plain sailing.

 

Part time boarder Lukas fell foul of the exacting standards set by his Scottish instructor, but far from being put off, Lukas and his group threw themselves into it and were soon last ones in, first ones out of lunch, in their eagerness to carve up the slopes. 

He went on to tell us how Jonathan became ensnared on a gondola and instead of exiting for the Blue run (the second level of difficulty) was ejected on a Black run (the highest difficulty) and had to be escorted down by a rescue party of other students, taking several tumbles on the way (see below).

This experience doesn’t seem to have weighed to heavily on his mind as he used it to crack a joke in EAL class. While practising the modal perfect he delivered: “If I’d have learnt to do the snow plough stop, I might not have hit that tree.” A learning experience in more ways than one then! (A big thank you to Dr Childs, for organising the trip and to Mr Atkinson and Mr Cuffley for helping out)

Modest musical maestro

All-rounder Jonathan, as well as Norman and Jervis also took part in the more sedate, but just as spectacular, occasion just recently as the school’s pianists showed off their glorious Steinway pianos in style, in Friday’s Steinway Concert. All, who attended agreed it was a superb evening, including Alfred Assistant Houseparent, Mrs Williams, who gave it a double thumbs up.

Jervis (Yr 10, Alfred) was one of the stars of the show with his glittering performance of Rachmanninov’s Prelude in G Minor. Jervis has been playing the piano for about six years, though, after only four and a half, he had already achieved the distinction of Grade 8 (the highest of the Associated Board music exams). He is currently working on the next set of qualifications, the Diplomas, of which there are three. This level of attainment does come at a cost however.

 

“I had to practise my recital piece for over a month before the concert and for six hours on the day of the performance. I had to miss a day of school.” He admits. This level of effort and achievement would surely point the way to young Jervis becoming a professional concert musician. Not a bit of it!

“I’d like my playing to be a hobby,” he assures a somewhat dumbstruck AIB, “something I enjoy.” This might even include some part time teaching. Whether or not time and experience may alter this idea, such a mature attitude must be applauded. Jervis will be taking part in several music competitions in the near future and all of us here wish him every success.

Under testing circumstances:

As indeed we do to our IELTS students, who took their exam on Saturday at Chaucer College, in the historic city of Canterbury. Their score in the International English Language Testing System exam - compiled of tests in the four key disciplines of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking - would be  heavily scrutinised by future university admissions officers and might well determine which of their preferred further education courses they might embark upon. 

You may have then expected the atmosphere  on the way to the test centre to be one of quiet dread. The skies under which the coach of 35 students, together with Mr K and Miss Dores, left the school at 08:15 were gloomy and foreboding. The mood on the journey along flood-soaked fields, however, was more of busy apprehension, as spellings were checked and tricks rehearsed. 

The preparation for this had been serious. Almost every available study period, lunchtime, after school club session over the last three working weeks had been taken up doing mock exams and speaking practice sessions. Now, as the two teachers watched their charges file into the test centre with almost parental anxiety, the time had come to see if it had all payed off.

Perhaps the most daunting prospect would be the speaking exam, conducted by a stranger, on  unknown topics (On the trip back both Mis Dores and Mr K wondered if they might be able to succeed in such a test) and where not a small amount of luck was required if you were to be given one that you were familiar with. As it turned out, as AIB gleaned from some of the candidates later that evening, Lady Luck had indeed been a fickle friend. 

Harris beamed as he spoke about his test, which involved talking about favourite TV programmes. Patricia and Matthew, however, were less fortunate, having to speak about a coastline they knew well and Kevin was less than happy with his topic of ‘your favourite historical character’. The listening too, Patricia admitted had been much harder than the mock. Swings and roundabouts though; part one of the writing was virtually identical to that task on their last practice paper.

These students are, though, if anything, resilient and Caviar, Patricia, Shirley and Elaine all joked with Mr K about looking forward to seeing him again next year (should they not achieve the required 7 out of 9). You couldn’t help but admire them; thousands of miles from home, sitting a test that might alter the course of their future, in a strange town, with strangers and being so light-hearted. It could only be that they were taking this on together and together, with the help of their teachers and pastoral staff, they would succeed, come what may. (Looking forward to seeing the results in two weeks time folks!)