New faces, new places

Hello everyone! Good to be back after a great summer holiday. There have been loads of new things happening around the boarding community in Ashford in the last 3 months, so we're going to take this first blog of the year to give you a quick insight into what's happened.

Firstly, let's go back to the end of last term when, as the Year 13s left us, a new crop of prefects were announced, along with the all important post of School Captain. This prestigious position is a feather in the cap of all who attain it and this year that feather, for the first time, sits proudly in the cap of a boarder, Brabourne's Mo! Congratulations to her! In her short time at the school so far, Mo has been involved in virtually every aspect of school life, coming to particular prominence in debating competitions. She is an extremely popular choice as School Captain and we have no doubt that she will make a success of it. Good luck Mo!

With the new year, we have seen departures, additions and changes to the staff boarding team. We say farewell to Miss Swaine, Miss Salter, Miss Meja and after a stalwart eight years in Alfred House, Mr Atkinson. Good luck to them all in their future positions. The team has been augmented by the arrival of Mr Ireland (Alfred), Mr Field (Gap student), Mr Bragge (Brooke-Refuge) and Mr Vafidis (Brooke-Refuge and ASIC, more on that later). Mr Kadinopoulos has moved down the hill to become Head of ASIC with Mr Appleton stepping into his shoes in Alfred House. Last but certainly not least we also welcome Miss Beroule as the new Assistant House Parent of ASIC.

Most importantly we welcome all our new students, from all around the world, as they join our boarding community and become an integral part of Ashford School. We hope you have a fantastic time with us and I'm sure you'll make the very best of it.

Perhaps the biggest change to boarding this year has been the opening (after 5 years of careful planning) of ASIC house. Previously Bridge House and once the site of the school nursery, ASIC is part of the new face of Ashford boarding also being home to the new Ashford School International Centre. The new centre's role will be to offer intensive 1-year courses (this year IGCSE only) to international students to help improve their English language skills and enable them to join the main school. They will also board in the house.

Building work for ASIC finished at the end of July and was officially opened on 25th August. In his speech to those assembled, Chairman of Governors Mr Massey thanked those who had made the venture possible, not least our own Mr Cuffley (Head of Operations) and Mr Single (Head of Boarding) who saw the project through from conception and Mr Connolly (Head of Maintenance) whose team oversaw the construction.

In the weeks following the handover the facilities team, in all their guises, worked tirelessly to bring the house up to the wonderful state in which it welcomed our newest group of boarders. Particular thanks must go to Mr Pallett, Mrs Rowell, Mr Connolly and Mr Ricks and their respective teams for ensuring every aspect was as good as it could have been.

So, the big day, Tuesday 1st September came around and once the new children had trod the well worn circle around Brake Hall (thanks to the EAL, Admissions and Medical teams and Mrs Pender) the bags started to arrive - thanks Tom, Steve, Bill and Dan - shortly followed by the new ASIC boarders many accompanied by their slightly nervous parents. As first impressions go, we don't know whether the children were more impressed with the house or Miss B and Mr K were with their charges. Polite yet good humoured, they soon began to settle in, mingling with each other over games of giant Jenga. They clearly have the Ashford boarding spirit down to a 'T'. This was made even clearer, when AIB joined Mr K on boarding duty and witnessed some of the boarders helping their housemaster unload the new dishes and stack the dishwasher.

The first couple of days of the year came and went and though there were the usual uncertainties and occasional loss of direction, our new boarders soon began to find their feet. Maria from Russia walked straight into the chamber choir! Having heard the sound of the big band while doing his EAL tests Zuka from Georgia asked straight away to go and check it out. His fellow HMC scholar Tini had, by the end of Friday, signed up for 4 different activities and this a year 12 student! As she'd earlier said to Mr K, she is determined to make the most of her year here, and we believe she will.

Indeed, as we all walked up to the refectory one evening in the second week and it was clear that many were not a little tired after their first ten days, Tini gave the meaning to all we do and will always do here:

"If it's good, it's worth working for."  Indeed so!

Welcome back everyone and have a great year!

N.B. If you have anything that you would like to see on the blog, please let Mr K know as soon as possible and we'll get it uploaded. We want to hear from you!

The last supper

Across the country over the last week, 18 year-olds have been breathing the biggest sigh of relief of their lives so far. A-levels are over, for most, and these students can look forward to at least 8 weeks of rest, relaxation and recuperation before the nerve shredding that is results day and then the run-in to uni.

It's no different for our Year 13 boarders as they prepare to leave us for the final time. Though it is, isn't it? For at least two years, some many more, their lives have revolved around school. Ashford School has become their home from home; their teachers, house parents and friends in the house have been their family and now they must leave. But, true to form, Ashford boarders are going to do it in style.

Picture the scene: Alfred Sky Room kitchen 17:30. The atmosphere is intense, bubbling - it should be, there are three slow cookers of simmering broth on the go! Across the chequered tablecloth packets of exotic foodstuffs (seafood, chicken balls, dumplings of all kinds) lie open, waiting for their turn. At the counter Kitty looks on as Beeno painstakingly peels a white radish for slicing into the pot (it was painful to watch him do it!), while Shan the man tips, tastes, and tests his creations. In short, there's a cook-up goin' on!

Over the other side of the road: most nights the boarding staff would have been concerned to see ten to fifteen teenagers troop through the refectory and out the other side - certainly without stopping to ask to go to Imperial China - but this particular night is different; they're heading to Shan's.

By 7 o'clock the place is hopping; every seating space in the Sky Room has been claimed; the cooking pots have migrated to the table and people are helping themselves to whatever they've dunked into the vats of spicy broth. The whole crowd is here: the chefs (Shan, Kitty and Beeno), Felix and Christie, Matthew, Jeffrey, Tony, Kevin, Gray, Erica and Janice. Even Nicola has come back from her Art Foundation Course in Cambridge to join the fun.

AIB is invited to join the party and try some of the food (after having been reminded to cook it first). Every bite is sensational and we joke that if Shan didn't make it as an architect, there's another career here. He smiles, but brushes the compliment aside with the amiable modesty for which he has been rightly lauded across the school.

Everyone is eating, smiling, joking and deservedly kicking back as tomorrow many of them will be enjoying a quick European holiday before returning to clear up and head home for good.  Janice, Erica, Shanahan and co. are off to Copenhagen; Felix and Christie are taking a romantic, whistle-stop tour of Italy while Tony and Kevin are heading to the northern cultural centres of Brussels and Berlin. For now though, it's a chance to relish the sudden freedom from the whirlwind of exam season.

 However, the overwhelming sense here - as we watch usually mild-mannered girls pushing each other into squealing, giggling heaps on the sofa - is not one of relief that it's all over, it's a simple celebration of camaraderie; friendship that will be soon be buffeted by the joint forces of time and distance. They're all just really happy to be together, one last time: classmates, boarders, friends. The smiles are wide and genuine but you can't help having the feeling that they're hiding just a little fear.

AIB joins Mr K on his bedtime rounds and through all the buzz of last minute laundry, packing and planning, we come across Zekai. He's not off anywhere just yet - there's an IELTS test to pass - but we can tell he's feeling it too.

"I don't want to go." He says, putting calmly into words what we're sure the others have inside. Mr K asks him why. The answer not only makes us choke back the tears, but also epitomises everything that Ashford School's boarding community stands for:

"I've been so happy here."

Goodbye Year 13 and good luck, we'll miss you.

Onwards and Upwards. Part 2: Leavers' Day

The last day of the last half term was one of high emotions. The day when Year 13s say 'goodbye' to their teachers and tutors as they head off for exam leave. Two years of hard work, on both sides of the desk; countless hours of essay writing, marking, feedback, lunchtime revision sessions and no doubt plenty of sleepless nights (again on both sides) have led them to this point. Relationships have been sorely tested and renewed as the stress levels have built up, but this is a day for celebration and our boarders, though not actually going anywhere yet were at the heart of it.

The day began with the Leavers' Breakfast. Behind the Octagon Muffins, croissants and other tasty nibble were served as teachers and students arrived and sipped orange juice in the sunshine that had decided to give us a rare appearance for the day. Suspicious piles of gift bags, poster tubes and cake tins also began to pile up by the wall of the building, more later on that.

At roughly a quarter past ten Mr Thompson called everyone to order and asked the house captains to bid farewell to their tutors and heads of house. The speeches were heartwarming and sincere, you could tell just how strong the bond was that had formed over the years. Tears flowed freely as tales of exploits and personalities were shared. Boarding captain Daichi thanked Mr Single for all his work within the boarding community of Ashford School and Shanahan and Yana followed this with notes of gratitude to Mrs Williams and Mr Vaughan who Mr Rayner even managed to get a photo of (shhh!).

At Midday came the leaver's assembly, where the yr 13s said their own very special goodbyes to the rest of the school community and also presented special teachers' awards. The leavers' lunch was a lovely buffet, set out by the catering team and the students took this opportunity to take as many selfies as possible with their teachers and friends. Unsurprisingly Miss Dores was a very popular choice for the boarders due to all the help and support that she and the EAL dept have given to them over many years. A big thanks to them! Harris also regaled Mr Thompson and Mr K with tales of his many travels.

The highlight of the day though was undoubtedly the leavers' ball in the beautiful grounds of Westernhanger Castle. It was clear from the first how many hours of preparation had gone into outfits and hair and I'm not just talking about the girls. At a little Pimms reception in Alfred Sky Room (thank you Mr H) the suits were sharper than a Katana blade, but the show stealers were definitiely Gleb's military waistcoat and Shanahan's gold toe-caps. The sound of the limos arriving outside also heralded the coming of the ladies. The shades, shapes and styles were stunning in their variety, Blair and Janice were just two of many who had people's eyes on stalks.

Many of the boarding staff, including Mr and Mrs Rayner, Mr Vaughan, Mrs Single and Miss Swaine, joined the boarders at the meal at which two teachers were seated at each table of students. AIB talked to many that night and was impressed at the confidence, politeness and fun that was displayed by all, especially Terrence, Caviar, Shirley and Zekai who were on our table. As the last of the coffee was cleared away, the DJ started up and students, teachers and parents well and truly let their hair down. Is that you up their on the dance floor, Mr Stoddart? The atmosphere was buzzing and the smiles a mile wide. Nobody would have known these students would soon be entering the most stressful three weeks of their lives.

At midnight sleeves wiped faces ("just something in my eye sir.") and last hugs and promises of contact were exchanged and the boarders all headed back to school in limos and minibuses, tired, a little wobbly perhaps, but all having had a brilliant time. Our thanks must go to Mr Vaughan and Mr Hinton for driving the minibuses, to Mrs Williams who helped Mr V with the organisation and to Mr Single, who missed the night to look after the remaining boarders back in Alfred. Not to mention all the staff at Westernhanger and Mr Thompson for organising the day and for being such a good sport.

The fun it would seem is now over, for a few week at least; now onto the exams, but we'll leave you with some photos from the night (taken by Mr Rayner) just to keep the memories strong. I don't think many people will forget Leavers' Day 2015!

 

 
 
 

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.