Onwards and upwards Part 1

It won’t have escaped your attention that there seem to be a lot fewer pupils around Ashford School recently. This, most of us know, is due to the start of the exam session and the day children in Years 11 and 12 are taking time at home to prepare and rest up for the biggest exams of their lives so far. Spare a thought then for our boarders who, although they have no lessons, have to remain at school, watching all their colleagues come and go. It is now that the boarding community plays one of its most important roles in supporting.

For the Year 11 boarders, the majority of whom joined us at the beginning of Year 10, this will be the culmination of two intensive years of study away from home and a vital stepping stone to A-levels and then to university and beyond. The pressure is no doubt immense, though you might not think it to look at them. In fact, AIB has been looking and it seems that the teachers may well be suffering more.

Being such an important time, AIB was incredibly grateful that four of our present Year 11 boarders: Yijin and Yvonne from Brabourne and Jonathan and Vova from Alfred, took time out from their revision schedules to talk to us about how it’s all going and their memories of the last two years.

We began with the somewhat obvious question: “How are you feeling?” The answers, though, were not quite as obvious as you might have thought.

“What’s the point of being nervous?” Yijin responded pragmatically to Yvonne’s initial response, “Feeling nervous doesn’t help and you’ve no need to be if you’ve revised.” We hope you have done then Yijin! Vova was even more positive. “I’m excited to be getting on with it and then making a start on A-levels.” Vova, will unfortunately be leaving us, heading for pastures new at Caterham School, and this brought a little pathos to Jonathan’s reply: “It’s comforting to know that teachers are available to help us (one good reason to be staying around) but it’s also a sad time when friends will be leaving us – it’s funny,” he laughed softly “we keep taking photos of everyone all the time.”

Following this we reminisced about the last two, or in Yijin’s case three, years and how things have changed for these boarders since they arrived. Three out of the four talked about overcoming particular hurdles, like Yvonne’s confusion over where her classrooms were. Luckily enough Yijin, who had been there and done it already, was there to help out. This included, at one point, lending Yvonne some school shoes. Yijin explained that after a difficult first year, she had grown up and became a better judge of people. She also didn’t want newcomers feeling like she had. I couldn’t help but be struck by how mature this girl sounded, “Real friends help you to grow; be nice and judge each person individually.” With such a friend as this, it is no small wonder that Yvonne’s confidence has grown immeasurably.

Jonathan too sights better relationships as one of his highlights, this time in Mr Stoddart’s form time. “There’s far less hesitation now, more laughs and jokes” (Hear that Mr S.? Someone likes them!) “House competitions” Jonathan adds, “brought everyone together, carrying the burden of defeat or sharing the glory.” And it’s not just in school. Jonathan stresses that one of the great things about boarding is that you grow to feel comfortable with each other and foster of sort of tacit understanding. “When I wanted to put a dodgeball team together [for the tournament raising money for the hockey tour] I didn’t need to look further than the boarding house. It’s a strong network, you can find people when you need then.”

The final question related to future plans and what they would take with them to the next step. Vova has decided to move on in order to meet new people while studying Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics. These new friends, he feels, will benefit from the time he has spent in Ashford: “Talking with people from other cultures has helped me become a better communicator as well as breaking down the stereotypes I may have held before.” Jonathan took this last point on further, describing “the joy when everyone is celebrating each other’s culture together.” He will be continuing here, taking on all three sciences and Maths with the thought of perhaps starting up his own business in the future.

Yijin has similar aspirations, though hers focus more around design. Over the course of the year, she has worked in a local technology firm specialising in medical equipment. This is a far cry from the nervous Year 9 girl who came through our doors three years ago. Yvonne is also keen to take on more challenges, “I know there’s a lot of English in Economics” she tell us confidently, “but I also know that it will be very useful for me later.”

On the subject of challenges, we thought we’d give the last word to Jonathan, who encapsulated everything that Ashford and Ashford boarding is about. “After two years here, I’ve stopped worrying; about exams, musical performances or giving speeches [Jonathan is part of both a school rock band and the chamber choir, as well as playing in a church group]. I’m much less nervous in front of people now.”

He looks earnestly ahead, as if trying to see into the future and adds quietly but firmly “there’s nothing to fear from new things.”

Indeed! Good luck to all our Year 11s and 12s!

Blue Skies and Sushi Rolls

Hello again! We hope you're all well and for those of you in the UK, enjoying the slightly less than usual sight of a whole week's worth of sunshine and blue skies.

The weather however, was not really on the minds of the majority of our Year 12 (and a scattering of year 13) boarders this Saturday morning as they set off for their IELTS test day at Chaucer College Canterbury. Having been asked at least four times whether or not they had their passports, by each EAL teacher, before they boarded the bus, they settled themselves for a long morning.

Remarkably, considering that the result of this exam could go a long way to deciding their university choices, the atmosphere on the bus was relaxed. Feet were slightly less assured on alighting at Chaucer College though and with a last anxious look and a "Good luck" from Miss Dores and Mr K. they were ushered into the exam centre. After six months of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, it was now down to the next three hours or so...

Back in Alfred that afternoon, there was stress of a different kind - and no, it wasn't Mr K. watching the 6 Nations - as Shanahan, Claudia and Toby took control of the kitchen for an afternoon of culinary creativity. Very soon the air was full of the sounds, sights and smells that accompany an industrious kitchen. Vegetables were being chopped, mince mixed and rice steamed as tonight's dinner of sushi rolls, omelette and pork burgers took shape.

Pretty soon, plates were piled high with the various component parts and then the technicians got to work. Shanahan took charge of the omelette and burgers - moulding the mince mixture into perfect patties - and Toby and Claudia went to work on the sushi. Watching the girls at work was mesmerising. Each sheet of seaweed was placed on a bamboo roller and spread carefully with a layer of rice before the filling of sliced cucumber, avocado, egg and frankfurter sausage (?) was placed on top. The roller was then wound tight to create the roll, that was then chopped into two-inch thick rounds. It was with some regret that we had to go to dinner.

In the dining hall though, the first IELTS students were beginning to reappear from Canterbury with fantastic tales of random speaking topics, including "Do you prefer the sky at night or the sky in the day?" (sorry Zoe!). Farid and Petr were the first back (a historical event and toys respectively). Both boys seemed happy though as more were quizzed it turned out that the Reading had been particularly nasty. Stories ranged from relief to resignation and "I just had to guess." Jerry, Mark and Daria all gave detailed accounts, with mood being generally positive.

After delicious lamb and couscous in the dining hall (many thanks to the kitchen staff) it was back to Alfred. The room had now begun to fill up with expectant diners, as the pork burgers and omelette hit the pans, with Claudia taking time out from sushi rolling to turn the burgers. Kitty arrived and immediately set to the washing up (someone has to do it) and Janice went to great pains to explain that she needed to taste all the food first before it went out (we believe you, Janice!)

As AIB were allowed a sneak preview taste of all the goodies, tender, tasty burgers and the sensational sushi rolls, our minds were brought back to another of the speaking topic ummed about that evening. Calvin had been slightly put out by his: "Talk about a good cook that you know". He had seemed unsure of how to answer it initially. You need have looked no further than the Alfred kitchen my friend! Super work Shanahan, Toby and Claudia! Good luck on results day to all the IELTSers and bon appetit!

Happy Year of the Goat!

Welcome back to AIB!

The Wednesday of half term marked one of the most important times of the year for our Chinese and Hong Kong boarders; the beginning of the Spring Festival or, to the rest of us, Chinese New Year. As every year Ashford School and particularly the boarding community embraces the spirit of the New Year with a number of events.

First up, on the Wednesday back was the New Year assembly. This year it was put together by Calvin, Sam and Jerry while Jerry and Kuso presented it to the school. The pupils put in many hours of practice and with the help of the EAL department put on an informative and entertaining show. We entered the hall to traditional music and were welcomed with a number of video clips of pupils from different forms giving Chinese New Year greetings. Many thanks to all those who volunteered, including boarding staff Mandy, Mr K, Mr Appleton and Mr Cowan, you are great sports!

Kuso and Jerry then told us a little more about the myths and traditions behind the New Year festival. Watch out for the dragon Nian! Finally there was time for a video of Michael, Kieron, LA and Daichi singing (I'm being euphemistic here!) singing a Chinese pop song. Picture first round of X-Factor! No, seriously boys, it was a great show. Well done to Sam, Calvin, Jerry and Kuso and thank you to Mr M., Miss  Dores, Mrs Barber and to the Brake Hall tech team for their help. We think this really showed off the day and boarding pupils of Ashford School working together to celebrate a global event.

Anyone coming into the refectory Friday dinner time would have been forgiven for thinking they had been transported to a Chinese kitchen. Mandy and her team of helpers had decked out the room in the traditional red including several messages of good luck and Gaynor and the kitchen staff had put together an oriental feast including vegetable chow mien, spring rolls and special fried rice. There was even hand made sweet dumplings made by Mrs Williams and a group of the Brabourne girls. Judging by the longest queue in refectory history, it all went down very well! Shanahan and Claudia  provided the music and Mr Hinton got stuck in dishing out the spicy chicken wings. A special guest appearance was also made by Miss Fletcher-Hall and her little daughter Daisy. A huge thank you to Mandy, Gaynor, Mrs Williams and Mr Hinton and all the boarding helpers - Jill, Danielle, Capucine, Ashley, Mook, Kuso, Carol, Chloe, Yijin, Delia, Kitty, Judy, Erica, Shanahan and Daichi - for making it such a great occasion.

To put the cap on the festive week, Mr Vaughan then took everyone onto the lawn outside for New Year sparklers and fireworks. Sorry, how many sparklers did you say you had Kevin? Many thanks Mr V and to Shanahan again for his help. (Photos to follow)

We think you'll agree it's been a fantastic week and we wish you every happiness and success in the year to come. See you soon.

New term, new faces

Welcome back everyone and Happy New Year! We hope you had and fun-filled and relaxing holiday.

Before we get on to the business of the blog, can we take this opportunity to wish all those who are unwell at the moment a speedy recovery and extend heartfelt thanks to our medical team, headed by Nurse Field and all the members of the boarding staff, who have been working so hard to look after you all.

Well, the Christmas decorations are down, bags long since un-packed and the new term is well and truly under way. For many this has meant mock exams, as the Year 11s and 13s test their knowledge of their courses so far and (for the 11s) have a first-hand experience of a formal exam situation. It has been testament to the environment here that, although the pressure has been on, the atmosphere in the boarding houses has remained light and positive.

A new term also means new boarding trips and we’ve already had a group enjoying the sights and sounds of Canterbury and this weekend the history of Dover Castle. Thank you to Miss Ith for leading the trips and for all the staff who have been involved. Fun tuesday has been at Battle Zone again and if anything the competition was ben more fierce than last time.

The beginning of the year traditionally sees the departure of last year’s gap students and heralds the arrival of our new ones. I’m sure you’ll join us by thanking Miss Hurley, Miss Parks and Mr Richards for all the great work they did while at Ashford School. We wish them every success for the future.

Fresh-faced and raring to go the present group are here and beginning to get to grips with life in Ashford. As is our practice here at AIB, we have asked our new boarding staff a few questions about themselves and their aspirations for the coming year. One thing we can say about all of them is that they all have a great sense of humour, as you’ll soon see.

One name might be familiar to many, as we welcome the younger member of the Vevers family. Joining him is Miss Salter, also from Australia (Sydney, to be exact) and Miss Wilson who joins us from Cape Town, South Africa. We hope you enjoy their responses:

How would you describe yourself?

Mr Vevers: Sergeant major of the banter brigade

Miss Wilson: Fun loving, pancake burning, photo taking, Barbie playing aspiring astronaut and international knitter. (May well need to attend Mr. Rayner’s cookery club then)

Miss Salter: Australian

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Miss Wilson: Protecting my hands from frostbite, learning how not to burn pancakes and discovering how to use the London underground without losing myself (with much help).

Mr. Vevers: taking long walks on the beach and helping old people across the road.

Miss Salter: Swimming at the beach, going to Sainsbury’s and planning trips to explore England.

What should the boarders know about you?

S: Don’t talk to me before 10am (good luck with that one!)

W: I am a renowned food lover.  Don't come near me with anything that looks tasty - it will be devoured. (not pancakes then)

V: I played for Uganda in their World Cup Qualifier in football (Did they get through now?)

What do you think you will bring to your post and the school as a whole?

V: A ‘can do’ attitude.

W: South African sarcasm, a wide and foreign vocabulary of '' bru's '', '' takkies '' and '' just now's '' and no cooking skills whatsoever! (I think we may have picked up on the last one with the pancakes)

What are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?

S: Wearing shorts outside

W: I'm greatly looking forward to educating the population about the goodness of biltong, learning how to greet by saying 'you alright?' And somehow developing a tan to prove this winter wrong (A quick glance out of the window shows a blizzard in full flow!)

V: Having my first kiss

Joking aside, our gap students play a vital role in helping the boarders, especially in their evening and weekend activities. They have also been ably manning some of the boarding houses while the children have been ill. We are sure that you will all make them feel welcome and that they will, in turn, enjoy their time with us.  Judging by Miss Salter answer to her first impressions of the school, this has already begun:

“Creds to that lovely girl who showed me the way to the library on my first day and to the boys who said “thank you” to me for holding the door open for them.  I wish I had your names to say thanks, you really started off my time here well!”

That’s just the Ashford way. Have fun all, mind the snow and see you next time.

A Christmas cracker!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful (well, it’s not great, is it?),

But the Old Gym looks delightful.

The lights are turned way down low.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it… (apologies to Dean Martin)

 

 

“Woah there!” you’re probably saying. “It hasn’t snowed here. What are they going on about?” Well, dear readers, you should have been at the boarders’ Christmas party last Saturday and you would have seen. What you also would have seen was the Coronation gym decked out as a Winter Wonderland; a wonderful array of party dresses and super sharp suits as well some of the hottest moves a dance floor has ever seen (so hot the fire alarm went off!) but we’ll get to that.

The run-up to Christmas kicked off with the junior boarders’ Fun Tuesday Christmas Special. A great spread laid on by Mr Dudley and Miss Ith, with Christmas hats supplied by Miss Swain and a quiz by Mr K was thoroughly enjoyed by the younger members of our community. At one point Yilong tried to wear ALL the hats, much to everyone’s amusement and the hotly contested quiz was finally won by Alex, Rain, Sanskar and Viktor. Thank you to Mr Dudley for organising all the Fun Tuesdays this term and we look forward to more in the New Year.

Keeping the Christmas spirit in full swing was the annual Christmas concert in which a large number of boarders took part. Mrs Williams informed AIB that this was an excellent occasion, with many wonderful songs and musical pieces performed, including the first outing of the Ashford School Big Sing group. Well done to Vlad, Howard, Isaac and many others for all the work you put in rehearsing and making it such an enjoyable evening for everyone. A big thank you too to Mr Hall and Mrs Powell for organising.

And now to Saturday. Well, the action started right after breakfast as Mandy and her team, including boarding prefects Yana and Shanahan, set to work decorating the dining hall. Once that was suitably festive, they turned their attention to the old gym. It has always been impressive to us here at AIB how involved our boarders are in what goes on, so it was no surprise to see many give up their afternoon to help turn the gym into a winter wonderland. Calvin was filling balloons; Michael was putting them up where no-one could reach them; Mr Siddle was lowering and raising beams to be decorated; Mrs Williams was putting together the wonderland scene; Mr K was sweeping the floor and Mandy was directing operations, but everyone made sure they asked Shanahan first!

Come 17:30, all the boarders and boarding staff in their Christmas finery sat down to a wonderful Christmas meal presided over by Paul and his staff (many thanks to you all). Every year the girls seem to outdo the last and this year was no exception, though a certain little Santa did steal the show.

With the last crumb of cheesecake munched, it was over to the gym, where the party really got started. We wer very happy to be joined by some of the senior prefects who had made the effort to come down and share the fun. It would take too long to mention everyone who lit up the dance floor that evening, but there are some who cannot be left out. Early doors it was Daria and Chris fairly ripping it up to whoops from the crowd. Janice and Kitty whirled like chiffon tornadoes and Mark was a bouncing sensation. However, most agreed that Timur was the heart and soul of the party; flitting from group to group, we don’t think there was a card he left unmarked by the end. At the end too it was he leading the cheers for Mandy, without whose tireless effort and boundless enthusiasm it would not have been possible. Thank you Mandy!

Now the excitement has died down we have but one week to go before our community breaks up for a well-earned winter rest. All hear at AIB would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. See you in January. We’ll now leave you with of the photos from that brilliant Christmas ball (keep an eye out for the snow!)

                                               

                                                  

                                                 

             

 

A winter's tale

Hello there all! Wow, it's been a long time and we at AIB are sorry that you have been kept waiting for your slice of Ashford boarding life for so long.

Well, since we last spoke, half term has been and gone and the year can be said to be in full swing. Those who were new faces back in September are now fully established and proving themselves worthy members of our great community.

So, what has happened? Amongst other things, we have had amazing trips, for example to Chessington World of Adventure and to Canterbury (many thanks to Mr Single for organising). We have had the music scholars concert where Jervis wowed all with his piano skills. There have been sports matches every week, with boarders from every year giving their all for their respective teams. In further musical news, watch out for Ash Bash this week as, at 16:30 in Brake Hall our school rock bands strut their stuff, be there or be square!

Members of all houses have been shining academically too: Zekai, Delia and Angel have represented the school in the second round of the UKMT British Maths Olympiad while Zekai was one of only three scientists to have qualified for the next round of the Physics Olympiad. Well done all and good luck. In fact, now is the time that many of our Yr 13s are nervously glancing at iPhones, checking their emails, to see if any university offers have come in. They'll come people, they'll come!

We have also seen the introduction of new boarding activities. As well as. amongst other things, the basketball, volleyball, gym and fitness sessions organised by Mr Butt each night and staffed by his excellent gang of helpers, Mr Hinton has set up a badminton competition that looks set to produce some epic battles. There are even rumours of a talent competition...watch this space!

Every other Tuesday night has once again, become the realm of Mr Dudley and the junior boarders as they head out for 'Fun Tuesday'. A recent highlight was the Battle Zone laser night that saw red and blue teams take on each other in a battle of the sharpest shot. After three team events it was every person for themselves and while Mr K had the illustrious honour of being the first to bow out (thanks  Emily!), it was Yilong who emerged victorious! More adventures to come soon.

Well, there it is in a nutshell. We promise that you will not have to wait so long for the next instalment and we wish you all a pleasant weekend.

Welcome back!

Welcome back to AIB everyone and to a new year of excitement and fun at Ashford School boarding community! We hope you’ve all had an excellent summer and have returned refreshed rejuvenated for another fantastic year!

Also we would like to extend a warm welcome to all those joining us this year. Along with our recognised Russian and Chinese/Hong Kong contingent, we’re thrilled to have new boarders from Latvia, France, Germany, Albania and Thailand. All of us in Brooke-Refuge, Alfred and Brabourne are sure you’ll settle in well and have a great time with us.

Before going on to other news, AIB would like to congratulate all our returning boarders who took their GCSE and AS levels last term. Looking at the results you did a brilliant job. Special mention should go to Shirley and Vicky from Brabourne who scored an average of 90% in their exams, amazing stuff girls! As Mr Thomson said in his sixth form address Thursday morning, these are results that inspire.

Boarders from last year will have recognised some old faces in new places this September. Mrs Williams is now housemistress of Brabourne who, along with Miss F-H, will be ably assisted by new girls’ Boarding Captain Yana. New boys’ Boarding Captain Daichi and Head of Alfred, Shanahan will be sure to provide support to Mr Vaughan and his house tutor team, headed by new Assistant Houseparent Mr Hinton. Congratulations Yana, Daichi and Shanahan on your appointments!

We at AIB like to keep abreast of things here at Ashford School and so we linked up with Mr Hinton and some of our new boarders, to hear what they think and feel about the year ahead.

Norwich born, new AHP Mr Hinton has plenty of experience in foreign climes, having just come back from a 13-year stint in South Korea and Hong Kong. An expert on S.E. Asian shopping centres by the sound of one conversation and a keen dragon boater, Mr Hinton has been an instant hit with the Alfred boys, who have appreciated his combination of good humour and discipline.

There's definitely a sense of fun there. Indeed he describes himself as "Friendly, incredibly annoying and generally pretty approachable." AIB didn't ask about the 'annoying' but could only presume it might affect boys who might not be the best at cleaning their rooms. When asked what he hopes to bring to his role Mr Hinton adds: "I will hopefully help the students realise that study, whilst being incredibly important, can also have a fun, more light-hearted side to it as well." AIB saw him at work, welcoming the boys back after a long week and saw just how much they appreciated this. What's Mr H. looking forward to this year? Getting to know the boys for one and in his own words."getting stuck into life in Alfred." We think you already have sir, welcome!

Now for the new boarders and in the true spirit of AIB we have a truly global input as Calvin from Brooke and Germany, Nicka from Brabourne and Russia and Garren from Alfred and Hong Kong all kindly agreed to tell us about their first impressions of their new life in the UK. 

It was plain to see what mattered to all three, academic improvement. Calvin feels that he has everything in the boarding house to help him thrive in his work; Garren looks forward to achieving high grades at GCSE while Nicka's wish is "to speak English as if it was my first language!" 

What made the biggest impression on these new faces? Well, Garren was very impressed with the school's sporting facilities (we've seen you making good use of them Garren!) and how he was made to feel instantly at home by the senior boys in his house. For Calvin again the welcome was what made it: "The staff really care about each person in the house." he says. For Nicka too it was a feeling: "It's not about the things," she enthuses, "it's about the atmosphere that you [the staff] have created." Calvin is already looking to give back some of that good feeling: "I also want to help where I can and be a role model to other students." We can see all three of you fitting in well here. Thank you for your input and we hope you have a wonderful time in Ashford school.

Well, that's about all for now, but with the year well and truly underway, you can be sure that AIB will be at the cutting edge as far as our boarders are concerned. So, watch this space because as the song goes "You 'aint seen nothing yet!"