on ashcombe · on ashcombe is sue 28 • autumn 2011 a-level success! the ashcombe school’s 2011...
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ON ASHCOMBE I S S U E 2 8 • A U T U M N 2 0 1 1
A-LEVEL SUCCESS!
The Ashcombe School’s 2011 A-level results
have maintained the very high standards set
over the years. Headteacher, David Blow,
commented: “This is the second year of the
new A-level specifications and the new A*
grade, and we are delighted that there
continue to be extremely high results for a
wide range of students. The standard of
teaching here is outstanding, and the
students have responded with enormous
commitment and hard work, whilst engaging
in a wide range of extra-curricular and social
activities.” ➵
THE ASHCOMBE SCHOOL, DORKING
The average points score per student has consistently been
above 350 points and this year was no exception. The
average for 2011 was 362 per student, with 33% of grades
being an A* or A, and over 50% of grades were A*-B.
In fact, over the three year period (2008-10), The
Ashcombe School was placed in the top 30 comprehensives
in the country for the average number of points
per students, together with a very high ALPS (Advanced
Level Performance System) value-added i.e. progress from
GCSE to A-level. As a comprehensive school we pride
ourselves in offering opportunity as widely as possible by
keeping restrictions on entry to A-level courses to a
minimum. As a result, a number of students who in most
institutions would not have been allowed to begin A-level
courses have gained commendable grades, thereby giving
them access to university places.
The Ashcombe School saw many outstanding individual
results, including nine students who gained four or five A*
or A grades - Hugh Baker, Helen Charman, Michael Evans,
Jenny Lloyd, Kieran Mackrell, Nicola Marsden, Colette
Parker, Louise Shaw and Elliot Taylor. All have managed
to secure places at their university of choice. Colette and
Hugh are going to Oxford to study Mathematics and
Physics respectively, while Helen is off to Cambridge to read
English. Michael will be going to Kings College London to
read War Studies and History, Jenny to York to read French
and Linguistics, Kieran to Southampton to study
Mathematics, Louise to Sheffield to read History & Politics,
Nicola to Durham to read Natural Sciences, and Elliot to
Southampton to study Electronic Engineering.
Congratulations also to the students who gained three A*
or A grades: Katie Addison, Robert Baldwin, Luke Bangs,
Sarah Bridgman, Emily Caldwell, Adam Day, Eliza Grant,
Tom Grant, Kristian Hook, David Isles, Rory McDonald,
Rob Moorcroft, Eve Powell, Jonathan
Sourris and Marcus Wood.
Jamie May who gained five A* last year has been successful
in gaining a place to read History at Cambridge, where
Eve will also be studying PPS (Politics, Psychology &
Sociology).
The Lower Sixth’s AS results were also very pleasing, with
Dominic Pollard gaining five A grades, Olivia Bathe, Laura
Colmer, Laurence Crumbie, Stephanie Davison, Michael
Foskett, Bhavisha Patel and Bethany Rudd gaining four A
grades, and Grace Brewer, Maia Collins, Anya Wilson and
Will Taylor gaining three As.
VIEWPOINT Recent national Ofsted statistics showed that over
80% of parents agreed that their child was happy at
school and was making progress, a rather more positive
perspective than the sometimes negative picture
portrayed in the national media or by politicians.
The corresponding figures for this school are even
higher (above 90%), and this edition of Accent
vividly illustrates both the academic achievements in
public exams and the incredible range of extra-
curricular activities available to pupils.
Politicians having been talking about the need to “set
schools free” and “give them autonomy” whilst at
the same time telling them what they should do!
Amidst these contradictions and the rhetoric, we
remain firmly committed to working in partnership
with the other schools in Dorking, Surrey and more
widely, to create opportunities and to offer support
to children and their families.
The school remains highly sought-after, and yet also
determinedly comprehensive, welcoming pupils of all
abilities and backgrounds. Our parent support
evenings reflect our commitment to working with
parents, celebrating the good times and working our
way through the difficulties. The feedback from those
evenings confirms the appreciation from parents of
our positive and optimistic view, which is also
grounded in a very realistic perspective of the rewards
and challenges both of working with young people,
and of being the parents of teenagers.
D.J. Blow
Headteacher
EXCELLENT GCSE RESULTS!
Well done to all those who took their GCSEs this summer
– the results were fantastic. Here are this year’s key figures,
which were even better than 2010s!
• 100% of pupils gained at least one A* to G grade and 98% achieved five GCSEs at this level. (100% and 96% in
2010 respectively)
• 69.2% of pupils achieved at least five A* to C grades
including GCSE English and Maths (68% in 2010)
• Over 93% of pupils gained at least one A* to C grade (90% last year)
We also saw some exceptional individual performances,
with a fifth of our pupils gaining two or more A* grades:
Ellen Luckins and Ben Rodgers (both 10½ A* grades);
Sarah Cockle-Hearne, Daniel Fox, Sebastian Fox and
Henry Warne (all 9 A*s); Edward Bodman and Rosie
Granville (both 8 A*s); Michael Cox, James Fox, Anna
Keay and Reece Lunstone (all 7 A*s); Anthony Avis,
Elizabeth Hearn, Lydia Hudson, Ollie Smith and Rebecca
Sutherland (all 6 A*s); Daniel Brett, Seth Clenaghan,
Maddie Giles, Harry Keay, Joshua Hook and Becky Wilson
(all 5 A*s); Eleanor Shimoyama, Sarah Watkins and Jack
Whetnall (all 4 A*s); Henry Hill (3½ A*s); Douglas
Baldwin, Thomas Bletso, Joshua Caldwell, Oliver Curtis,
Dominic Ferrett, Ellen King, Emily Luker, Thomas
Nicholson and Otto Young (all 3 A*s); Robert Day, George
Guven, Maxim Harper, Rebecca Hollands, Rosie Holmes,
Owen Lynch, Dom Nicholls, Abbie Papworth, Jonathan
Walton, Caitlin Warren, Samantha White and George
Wiltshire (all 2 A*s).
Headteacher David Blow commented: "These are
outstanding results which have been achieved by a
complete cross-section of young people. We believe that a
number of factors have contributed to this success, of
which the hard work of the pupils themselves, the support
of their parents, and the skill and dedication of our teachers
are the most significant. The Ashcombe School has
achieved a consistently high standard of examination
results for several years now, but it is not complacent, and
will seek to build on this achievement in years to come."
FAIRPLAY TO ASHCOMBE
The Ashcombe School has become one of the first
secondary schools in Surrey to incorporate Fairtrade
certified cotton into its school uniform, by selling ethical
cotton polo shirts this summer. The Fairtrade Certification
Mark is the independent guarantee that the cotton in a
product has been certified in accordance with
international Fairtrade standards.
The introduction of Fairtrade cotton in the school polo
shirts is a great initiative and has involved close liaison
between the school, the Parent Teachers Association (PTA)
and the suppliers ‘Koolschools’. We are hoping that the
possibility of becoming a Fairtrade School will be
considered by pupils at the next School Council meeting
and that other schools across the county will follow
Ashcombe's lead.
RANMORES@ASHCOMBE
The Upper School canteen now has its very own café
– Ranmores@Ashcombe! The name was chosen by
The School Council, who also had an input into the
café's design. We are lucky enough to be the first
school in the county to have this type of catering
facility, with Surrey Commercial Services providing the
funding. Both Upper and Lower School pupils can buy
food and drink from the café before school, as well as
at break and lunchtimes. The café is also open to staff
and Sixth Formers before school and from 10.30am –
1.50pm. Ranmores has now been open for two
months and is proving to be a very popular addition
to our catering provision.
THE DORKING DEBATE
In Citizenship lessons last term, Year 9 pupils
researched and discussed the proposals for a new
supermarket in Dorking. They worked in groups and
then staged a mock district council meeting to decide
which supermarket proposal should go ahead. Pupils
conducted independent research to pull together a
presentation and then demonstrated democracy in
action by voting on the winning supermarket!
6TH FORM INDUCTION DAY
The 6th Form Induction Day took place on 24th June,
with over 150 students coming in for talks given by
subject staff. Students were able to hear more about
what they had chosen to study at AS-level and ask staff
questions about the 6th Form in general. In the evening,
there was a 'Wild West' themed social which over 200
existing and prospective students attended. It was a
really positive start to their 6th Form careers.
THE WATER ROCKET CHALLENGE
In June 2011, six Year 7 pupils from Ashcombe's Science Club were
chosen to represent the school at the annual 'Water Rocket Challenge' at
the National Physics Laboratory.
The task was to design a water rocket with the aim of it reaching a
specified target area. Our rockets comfortably cleared 30 metres but
unfortunately, the scoring zone only started at 60 metres so we were not
eligible for a prize. However, the pupils were not disheartened – they
were just happy that their rocket flew and that it had remained intact!
The pupils were also lucky enough to be shown how a helicopter works
by the Army and to try out a flight simulator.
All in all a great day was had, learning and experimenting with man-made
machines which defy gravity (well, for a bit anyway!)
YEAR 10 BOAT TRIP
After a miserable, wet afternoon at school, 140 Year 10
pupils arrived for the buses for an evening boat trip on the
Thames, dressed to impress with the sun shining upon
them. The students ate a traditional fish & chip dinner
aboard the New Southern Belle, and then danced the night
away.
The pupils had been required to meet specific criteria in
order to be considered for the trip: 94% and above for
attendance and punctuality, and no outstanding detentions.
This had acted as an important incentive, and also gave
them a taste of what they will need to do in Year 11 in order
to gain study leave in the winter, and to be able to attend
the Leavers' Ball in May. Thanks to fantastic organisation
by Miss Davidson, the trip was a great success, and has
made pupils all the more excited about Year 11 and what
it will entail.
STUDY CENTRE ACTIVITIES
The Study Centre once more held a Book Fair in the
Summer Term and managed to raise a whopping £425
– its fourth highest total ever! 57 pupils voted for their
favourite book from the fair, and the most popular ones
were purchased.
Just as in previous years, the Study Centre held a
Summer Holiday competition for the new Year 7s,
which involved sending in a book review on a postcard.
These postcards were then put on display for all to see.
AN ALTERNATIVE SPORTS DAY HIGH ASHURST
After performing really well in Athletics Day, Year 7
pupils also thoroughly enjoyed an after-school event,
dubbed “silly” or “classic” sports day. Unfortunately,
their outdoor plans were scuppered by some classic
British weather but thanks to Miss Parish, they were able
to run the event in the Sports Hall instead. Bean bag
races, egg & spoon races and obstacle courses were just
a few of the fun events the Year 7s participated in, and
everyone had a great time.
LANGUAGE TRANSITION PROJECTS
In the Summer Term, a number of Year 9 pupils and Lower
Sixth students visited local primary schools as part of the
Language Transition Project. The aim of the project is to
promote languages and to bridge the gap between primary
and secondary school. Lower Sixth students created short
drama presentations in French, German and Spanish and
performed them to Key Stage 1 children, while Year 9
pupils played vocabulary games with Year 6 children and
answered questions on life at The Ashcombe.
10 Year 8 pupils were fortunate enough to have the
opportunity to attend the outdoor learning centre 'High
Ashurst' for three evening sessions in April, May and
June. The pupils were able to boost their confidence and
self-esteem by completing a challenge course as a team,
climbing up and abseiling down high walls, and tackling
the high ropes which included the ‘Leap of Faith’. All
the pupils achieved more than they thought they would
and worked really well to support and encourage each
other during every activity. Well done!
GOODBYE TO YEAR 11
The Year 11 Leavers' events began with a hard fought
football game between staff and Year 11 pupils on
Wednesday 11th May. Exceptional goal keeping from Mr
Ravenhill, fine leadership from Miss Parish and individual
skill from Mr Mackrell wasn't enough to defeat the Year
11 team, however.
The following evening, over 200 Year 11s gathered at the
Surrey Hills Hotel for the annual Leavers' Ball. Pupils
certainly made quite an entrance, arriving in vehicles
ranging from flashy little sports cars to army trucks and
diggers! One pupil even turned up on a unicycle! Everyone
looked lovely in their suits and prom dresses, and had a
really good night.
Friday 13th May marked the end of Year 11's Upper School
careers, with the Leavers' Assembly and the signing of
yearbooks. The assembly was series of photographic
presentations put together with humorous anecdotes
celebrating the Year 11's time at school. Pupils laughed at
the photos and also shed a few tears at the thought of
saying goodbye.
'BON VOYAGE' UPPER 6TH...
The Upper Sixth Leavers' Boat Trip took place along
The Thames in May and over 140 students attended.
Having already had their last day in school, the boat
trip was the final school event for the students, so it was
an emotional affair. Nevertheless, everyone really
enjoyed themselves and celebrated in style!
GREAT GOLFING
The Surrey Schools Golf team competed in the South of
England Championships hosted by Kent at Canterbury
Golf Club on 31st May. The team was made up of
youngsters from local schools and included Ashcombe's
very own Ben Stokoe. Not only were the Surrey squad
extremely successful winning the team trophy, but Ben
also managed to come third in the individual event. The
entire team qualified for the National Championships in
June and based on Ben's performance there, he has now
been selected to play for English Schools.
Congratulations Ben!
RESOUNDING ROUNDERS RESULT!
The Year 8 Rounders team had a successful campaign in
2011, not losing a game the entire season. The icing on
the cake was beating St Teresa’s, Manor House,
Greenacre, Rosebery and Howard to win the District
Tournament and being crowned Year 8 Girls District
Rounders Champions.
Congratulations to the team: Lydia Goodwin, Fran
Barclay, Caroline Watson, Hannah Ferret, Elly Thorn,
Rachel Higgins, Victoria May, Millie Cresswell, Hannah
Beresford and Ella Sheehan.
THE '40 CLUB COMPETITION'
This cricket tournament started with a match against St
Andrews, who had been beaten by the Ashcombe a few
weeks before. Ashcombe started off batting and got a total
of 212 runs. Mike Ellis played superbly and achieved the
first century of the tournament's history, with 110 runs not
out. Tom Ball also played brilliantly and secured 57 runs
for The Ashcombe School.
Max Ridler and Will Stone opened the bowling with
remarkable finesse, while Ashley Shenton played an
excellent game at wicket keeper. St Andrews were all
bowled out for under a third of the Ashcombe total, which
meant the Ashcombe were through to the final against the
Howard of Effingham School.
The match started with Ashcombe going into bat once
more, and a good opening partnership between Jack Wyllie
and Tom Ball saw off the opening bowlers. This led to
Harvey Mewis and Mike Ellis contributing towards the
final total of 105 off 16 overs.
Howard walked out confidently only to be discouraged by
the pacey Max Ridler and wicket keeper Josh Edwards,
who, on his debut for the school, took every ball cleanly.
Zac Smith became fielder of the tournament taking his 3rd
catch and getting a run out.
It was soon the last over. Howard were on 104 for 4 and
attempted to top The Ashcombe’s well earned 105 for 5.
Captain, Mike Ellis took on the challenge of either getting
a maiden or 2 or more wickets, with one run off the over.
The over started with a dot ball then a single, causing their
top scorer to get on strike.
The spectators thought it was all over for Ashcombe, but
the team had different ideas. Mike Ellis managed to get
their top scorer, but Ashcombe could not help thinking it
was too late. However, 2 wickets were taken off the last 2
balls, which ensured that no single was achieved.
Ashcombe emerged victorious and retained the title of '40
Cup Winners'. A special mention must go to the
Ashcombe's captain who was crowned Player of the
Tournament for the second year running.
DISTRICT ATHLETICS COMPETITION
The Ashcombe School took 60 pupils to the District
Athletics meet at Guildford Spectrum on 6th July, entering
an A & B team into the boys' competition and an A team
into the girls' competition.
The final standings saw the girls come a respectable 6th out
15 and the boys a fantastic 2nd – not far behind the winners
RGS, Guildford.
The Year 9 and 10 boys both won their competitions, with
Andre Spahn (Year 9) winning both the 100 & 200 metres.
Other winners included Tom Graham (Year 9 – High
Jump), Charlie Wyllie (Year 8 – 800 & 1500m), Rachel
Higgins (Year 8 – Shot), Ben Dyson (Year 7 – 1000m),
Daniel Mahony (Year 8 – 400m) and Lucy Brett (Year 7 –
600 & 1000m). Lucy also broke the 600m record with a
time of 1:48.50m/s.
ATHLETICS DAY
This was a lovely event, with support and sportsmanship
in abundance. Windsor were worthy champions, defending
the title they won in 2010. A special mention must go to
athletes who volunteered to take part in the less-favoured
events, such as the 1500 metres, as well as those who broke
school records. In total, 18 new records were set, with all
bar one of the Year 7 girls' track records being broken.
Credit must go to Helen Bridgman (Year 10) who is now
the holder of a total of 6 athletics day records.
CRICKET TRIP TO LORDS
Despite a night of torrential rain, 27 Ashcombe pupils
set off for Lords Cricket Ground early one June
morning for Day 4 of the second test between
England and Sri Lanka.
The poor weather saw a delayed start and enabled the
pupils to have a wander round the home of cricket,
with play eventually starting at 1pm. England bowled
well and ended up taking the remaining 7 Sri Lankan
wickets for 100 runs.
England’s second innings started badly but Cook and
Trott batted well until bad light forced the players off
about 5.30pm.
Despite it being cold, everyone enjoyed the day.
Thanks go to Mr Ketley for organising it and to Miss
Dye, Mrs Evans, Mr Rayne and Mr Blackband for
accompanying the pupils.
TENNIS FEVER
15 Ashcombe pupils attended the AEGON Champi-
onships on Tuesday 7th June, where they sat on Centre
Court. They watched some fantastic tennis matches,
including Andy Roddick versus Feliciano Lopez and
Jo-Wilfred Tsonga versus Michael Berrer.
The pupils also had the opportunity to watch Rafael
Nadal and Andy Murray warm up on the practice
courts, and Murray play a doubles match on Court 1.
They had a great day and a big thank you must go to
Miss Dobson for organising the trip.
THE ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET
The Btec Dance students were fortunate enough to
attend a workshop held at the English National Ballet
Studios in London. A professional Ballet dancer led the
students in a techniques session in the morning, which
they really enjoyed. The afternoon was spent
participating in movement and choreography sessions
based on the work of ‘Strictly Gershwin’ which was
showing at the Royal Albert Hall at the time. The girls
felt very privileged to be able to dance in a fully lit and
mirrored studio with a live piano accompaniment.
THE FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
The Annual Festival of Music took place in July and once
more highlighted the wealth of talent Ashcombe pupils have
to offer. The festival kicked off with the Inter House Music
Competition, where we witnessed a range of excellent solo
and group performances from the Lower and Upper
School. Winners included John Wilson (Lower School
Solo), Olwyn Brignall, Edie Adams and Emma Davies
(Lower School Group), David Taylor (Upper School Solo),
Heather Boagey, Beth Bridgeman, Ella Knowles and Alice
Goodwin (Upper School Group) and Jack Heaslewood,
Brett Scott-Barnes, Sam Williams and Dom Birkett (Band).
Everyone who entered earned points for their house, with
winners and runners up gaining bonus points. It was a
closely fought competition but York ended up victorious
with 74 points. Stuart came in 2nd with 72 points, Tudor
were 3rd with 62 and Windsor last with 61.
Some of the winners went onto perform at the Summer
Soirée, which was a delightful evening, showcasing The
Ashcombe's musicians as well as providing our Chinese
visitors with an opportunity to perform their very own
musical arrangements and dances.
The Festival did not merely stay within the school grounds.
Ashcombe's musicians also visited a number of other
establishments such as St Michael's School, Denbies and
The Children's Trust to perform and to pass on their
musical expertise to the younger children.
A TASTE OF SOUTH AMERICA
Following the success of the African music performances
last year, Ashcombe pupils were invited back in June to
support St Martin's School's South America week.
Our Samba group supported St Martin's teacher Mr
Memela in musical workshops with his pupils, ably acting
as models and leaders for various sections of this percussion
ensemble.
An afternoon concert was given, with tangos and rumbas
from saxophonists and brass players. The choir also
performed - singing “America” from West Side Story and
a lovely Chilean song, which St Martin's children joined in
with. The Samba band paraded in and out of the school
hall, marking the beginning and end of the concert. Pupils
and staff were delighted with our young people. Once again
Ashcombe Music performers did us proud!
THE LAUNCH OF M@SH ON FACEBOOK
A page has been set up on Facebook informing students of forthcoming events and rehearsals, and also
details a link to our audio library of compositions and performances on the education site numu -
www.numu.org.uk/stations.asp and search for m@sh (Music at Ashcombe!).
YEAR 7 EXPLORE GERMANY
Over 200 Year 7 pupils accompanied by Ashcombe staff
and parents left Dorking early one Monday morning in July
to travel to Germany. The trip provided pupils with an
opportunity to practise vocabulary and phrases learnt
throughout the year and enabled them to appreciate the
beauty of the Rhine and Moselle Valleys. Cultural trips
included an excursion to the medieval castle Burg Eltz,
voyages along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, and a visit to
Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, where these two rivers meet.
The Year 7s also braved the 1000 metre ascent on the
infamous Boppard Chairlift and witnessed views of the
'bendiest bend' and the four lakes.
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
In the last week of term, Year 8 put on an impressive production of 'Joseph and the Technicolor
Dreamcoat'. Throughout the week they put a huge amount of effort into rehearsing for the Friday
night performances and also showed off their creative side, participating in make up sessions,
creating collages of the Joseph Story and producing displays based on Egypt and the Middle
East. The final performances bore witness to some fantastic individual voices, great acting skills
and lucid story telling through the chorus. A big well done to all Year 8 participants and a huge
thank you to staff for making it such a successful week.
THE ISLE OF WIGHT FOREIGN CUISINE WEEK
During Activities Week, 140 Year 9s headed off to the Isle
of Wight with 12 members of staff for a week of adventure
activities.
After short but windy sail across the Solent, the group
arrived at 'Little Canada' - home for the next five days.
Unfortunately, heavy rain showers persisted throughout the
week, but luckily this didn't dampen the pupils' sprits -
everyone was as keen as ever to participate in the array of
activities on offer. The sensory trail was one of the first
activities, which involved pupils navigating their way
around an obstacle course of mazes and tunnels filled with
water, mud and bugs. It was like a scene from 'I’m a
Celebrity Get me Out of Here'! Other activities included
kayaking, canoeing, quad biking and archery. The highlight
for many was seeing Mr Blackband and Mr Ravenhill on
the receiving end of a bucket of water while on their way
down from the 'big swing' - it was a sight not to be missed!
A week of Foreign Cuisine was another of the options on
offer to Year 9s as part of their Activities Week. Those who
chose this option enjoyed looking at, sampling and
creating foods from a variety of different countries,
including:
• Spain – churros and hot chocolate, followed by tortilla
• Greece – fried calamari, Greek salad and shish kebabs
• France – tarte tatin and gateaux
• Italy – pasta dishes and flans
• Australia – barbecue foods and pavlova
• Britain – English breakfast, Cornish pasties, and scones & cream
• America – pancakes, muffins and brownies
• Mexico - fajitas
There were many highlights throughout the week,
including a blind tasting session, an all-American picnic
on Box Hill and a fruit gateaux competition (won by
Adam Green) which Mr Blow jumped at the chance to
judge!
YEAR 10 'DO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS'
Year 10 took part in the school's Annual International
Business Week during the penultimate week of the summer
term. Whilst other year groups were enjoying the
spectacular scenery of Germany, taking part in Joseph,
abseiling down a 40ft wall in the Isle of Wight or cooking
a range of delicious global dishes, Year 10 dressed formally
for a week of business games and language activities.
The pupils were split into 30 business teams at the
beginning of the week, and spent the first two days learning
Italian and Chinese and conjuring up a business plan. On
the third day, they presented their plans using their newly-
learnt language skills and also took part in
interviews with local business people. The pupils had drawn
up CVs and letters of application in preparation for these
meetings during PSE lessons.
On the final two days, the youngsters played games based
around marketing and manufacturing (the 'NatWest' and
'Bradford' games).
The pupils greatly benefited from all these activities – both
personally and professionally, and the school would like to
thank the local businesses, parents and volunteers who
helped make the week such a fantastic success.
YEAR 8S LAND IN NORMANDY
Over 160 pupils in Year 8 went to Normandy in June as part
of a cross-curricular residential trip. They had a fantastic week
and all benefited from a busy week of activities. They enjoyed
trips to Pegasus Bridge, Arromanches and Bayeux, and loved
trying out their French at the local market. Everyone also learnt
how to bake biscuits and sourdough bread, as well as
witnessing the cider-making process. The highlight of the week
for many was visiting the goats' cheese farm, where pupils
tasted the local produce and milked the goats (if they dared!).
CHINESE EXCHANGE
Eight students and two staff from our partner school,
Changzheng Secondary School, came to visit in July this
year. They took part in a variety of activities and seemed
to relish every minute of their British experience.
In school, they participated in lessons and Year 10
Business Week, and treated us to a musical performance
at the Summer Soirée. Their 'paper, cutting and
knotting' song and 'Peacock Dance' were pieces not to
be missed and gave us a real taster of Chinese culture.
During their stay, the Chinese students were also able to
enjoy days out to Newlands Corner, China Town and
Greenwich, and even 'do-si-doed' at a Barn Dance in
South Holmwood!
UGANDA 2011
On Sunday 24th July, eleven Sixth Formers, accompanied
by Mrs Stanford, Mr Simmonds and Miss Okello landed
at Entebbe airport in Uganda ready to embark upon two
weeks of new experiences and challenges. We spent the first
week in a school in rural eastern Uganda (Kachumbala
Township Primary School) with Build Africa - a charity
which the Ashcombe School is supporting, and whose main
aim is to help young people escape poverty through
education and the construction of new classrooms.
We helped teach classes of up to 60 pupils and supported
more informal activities too. We formed such strong bonds
with the children and we were really sad to leave. The
farewell ceremony was amazing and very moving. We
witnessed traditional African singing and dancing and were
presented with 8 live chickens! In return, we presented the
Ugandan school with a plaque in memory of Mr Thompson
and Mr Rosser, which was to be displayed on the new block
of classrooms.
The second week of our trip was spent on safari in western
Uganda, where we visited the Queen Elizabeth and Mburu
National Parks and saw lions, elephants, topi, hippos,
warthogs and the Ugandan kob. We also travelled to
Bwindi National Park and trekked in the mountains to see
gorillas in their natural environments. We were amazed at
how human they were in their appearance and actions. The
whole experience was a huge learning curve and an
incredible opportunity for all involved – thank you to the
staff for making this trip possible.
By Emily Hinchliffe (U6 student)