Ackworth

TODAYSPRING 2018 VOL. 02 ISSUE #02

Save the date: Ackworth Summer Ball 7 July 2018

MATHS AWARDS OLD SCHOLARS SCHOOL TRIP An incredible 22 Dr Edward Highlights of students earn Caine life Berlin, Kingswood certifcates in music & Skiing in Italy Our careers advice is excellent and starts from an early age. The state sector significantly reduced or dropped careers advice when budget cuts had to be made a few years ago. All of this and our renowned pastoral care differentiates us from local schools and colleges; the opportunities that stem from this give our pupils an advantage that cannot be claimed by other schools. Academic excellence is important, and our records show that pupils do very well here: most go on to their first choice at Russell Group Universities. Above all, we support our students’ ambitions, and everyone is supported equally, whether aspirations are towards apprenticeships or Oxbridge entry. This is a school where relationships between staff and pupils are strong, which assists learning. Not surprisingly, research shows that an environment that is conducive to learning is an environment where pupils feel valued, secure, and which builds self-esteem. A Quaker School places significant importance on values. Quiet reflection keeps us all grounded in a world where constant change is creating mental health issues. Our brains were not made for the rapid change we are encountering in the 21st Century. Careful preparation in a considerate and appropriate environment is increasingly important. A common complaint among employers is that many ecently, after an event in the Fothergill school leavers are simply not able to function in the Theatre involving a visiting speaker, I world of work. They may have the qualifications, but asked one of our many international pupils they lack the social skills, don’t know how to behave in why they had chosen Ackworth School the workplace and timekeeping is poor; furthermore, over any other. “It was easy,” she said: “It is an grammar is lacking and research skills are non-existent. Ramazing school. I don’t think everyone knows just Many cannot follow instructions and are easily how lucky they are to be here. It has taught me distracted. We encourage all of our pupils to learn these how to learn, given me the confidence to ask skills. questions and developed my interests in ways Good results alone do not guarantee success in the that I never imagined.” future; resilience, imagination, the confidence to be School days have a powerful influence on future assertive and the ability to articulate well in public, are success in life and I believe that an Ackworth equally important. education gives you the best start. Ackworth has We educate at Ackworth and we do that very well. We always been and remains a family school, educating are preparing young people for jobs and technologies children from Nursery through to Sixth Form. We that don’t yet exist. expect all of our pupils to stay here all the way through the school because we can cater for all. Ackworth Sixth Form is an excellent platform from which to build. This is only a part of what we do. We also Just as we attract pupils from other schools to HEAD’S provide a breadth of opportunity for boys and girls to Ackworth for Sixth Form, I realise that some Ackworth find and develop their talents and to grow into excellent students see the end of GCSE as a time to consider human beings. their options and to look at alternative places of study. It’s a natural time to consider options, but I The School is full of surprises, ranked 13th out of the believe that there is something special about 100 best sports schools in the UK, an incredible WELCOME Ackworth that is worth continuing with and that will achievement for a small school in the north of England, make a real difference to their futures. Ackworth also has an exceptional science department, Head along with so many others, as well as facilities and Ackworth’s Sixth Form offers so much more. We have activities that offer an exciting range of opportunities Anton Maree international boarders from over 20 different In this issue Anton Maree discusses what sets to all. countries, which brings with it a rich, cultural diversity Ackworth School apart and how it prepares which is not just important for a modern educational It is inspirational to see the skills and qualities that our institution today, but also gives critical experience in pupils develop through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, pupils from Nursery through to Sixth Form and understanding how to collaborate and work in the inter-house competitions, music, drama, sport, through international, globalised environments that our the innovative vertical mentoring approach we take to beyond into the work place. students are likely to encounter as they take up help integrate them and through the Quaker values that employment. We are also not subject to the cuts that teach us to ask questions, something that employers amount to as much as 24% per person in the state look for, something that sets an Ackworth scholar apart. sector and which inevitably means a reduction in choice, in the quality of provision, as well as the There is every reason to stay at Ackworth for Sixth insecurity this causes. Form. It truly is an amazing school!

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Pupil “Squash has given me many opportunities to have a better life and to meet people from all over the world. I train every day at Pontefract Squash Club, A special mention to Jaspreet and all the with my coach Malcolm Willstrop. I train every day Squash success girls who have played squash this year: after school for about two hours with many great Jaspreet has represented the Girls players and even get chances to play people like UNDER 17s squash team during the James Willstrop, the former world number one, course of this school year, a magnificent Sam Todd which is a fantastic opportunity for me and helps for the girls! achievement in itself when you consider me to improve my game a lot. am Todd confirmed his reputation as the she is only 9 years old. Every time I best Under 15 Squash player in the world, I first started playing when I was just five years old. watch Jaspreet play, it is obvious to see when he secured the British Open title for I have fallen in love with the sport ever since, and the progression she has made. There is theS second time. He secured the title with a love playing. The great thing about squash is how no doubt that Jaspreet is an exception- clinical performance to defeat India’s Neel hard the sport is and how hard you have to work ally talented squash player and I am Joshi 8-11, 16-14, 11-0, 14-12 in a thrilling final to become a top level squash player. As well as tremendously excited to watch her at the University of Birmingham. how hard the sport is, I love the fact that it is a one squash develop as she grows in man sport. I also love playing squash because the strength and size. social life is amazing. I get chance to go all over the The girls beat Gosforth Academy on Sam Todd follows, James Willstrop, who also attended world meeting new people, visiting great countries Ackworth School into the record books. Sam also hopes Monday 26th February in a very hard and I have some great friends just from playing fought fixture meaning that they will to follow in James’ footsteps in becoming world number squash. 1 and securing medals at a future Commonwealth now compete in the National Finals on Games. I played my first squash tournament when I was the 19th and 20th March in Birming- five years old and I have never thought that I want ham. Well done to Amber, Asia, Layla, “Having won this U13s British Junior Open 2 Sam said: to have a break. I will continue to play to try and be Jaspreet and Eleanor. years ago, the U15s British Junior Open was a title that I the best I can be and will continue what I’m doing. really wanted and have spent a long time working for. Patrick Roberts Hopefully squash will take me somewhere on in When I won that final point, I could feel a sense of relief the future.” and the feeling of being crowned U15 World Champion was simply amazing. The Junior Open is the biggest tournament Sam Todd, Year 10 of the year for juniors and I was fully aware that I would need to be playing my best squash to win the title. Being they’re so cool. I would also like to be a parrot so that I seeded number 1, did put some pressure on, however I looking to challenge myself and as I look forward, I have set can repeat everything. That would be funny. tried to put that to the back of my mind and focus on my myself an ambitious target of winning the U17 Open a year If you could visit anywhere in the world, where squash. I took each match as it came and didn’t think too early.” far ahead, just taking each game as it came. I was really Jessica would you go and why? proud of the way I played and delighted that I only Sam, who is currently studying his GCSEs at Ackworth I would visit the North Pole so that I could visit Santa dropped 2 games in the whole tournament. I’m always School hopes to turn professional next year. and look at his workshop. Do you like the food that’s provided at lunchtime Le Hanie here at school? Have you settled in at Coram House since you I absolutely love the food at lunchtime, especially the joined Ackworth School? What do you enjoy most desserts! about being here? What would you like to be when you grow up and I’ve settled in great, I love it here and I enjoy everything! leave school? My favourite subjects are Maths and Swimming. I’ve When I grow up I would like to rescue wild animals in met lots of friends since I started here; my best friend need. When I lived in Africa, I always saved bugs that is Millie. ended up in our swimming pool. Where were you before you joined Ackworth School? I come from South Africa. My favourite thing about South Africa is that the summer is really hot and I can go swimming all the time! Have you joined any after school clubs or societies? I’ve joined two clubs at school, one is French and the other is Gymnastics. Do you take part in Forest School during your lessons? If so, what is it that you do? Yes, I have done some Forest School lessons. It’s really fun because our class got to make controlled fires. There’s also lots of fairy doors on the trees in the woods. I tried to open one of the fairy doors one time but couldn’t do it, maybe you need fairy dust to open them? If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be and why? If I could be any animal, I would be a lion because

4 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 5 Life Drawing

Before we went to the life drawing class at the Hepworth Art Gallery, we were all slightly apprehensive as it was a new experience and something none of us had ever done before! Once we started to draw we began to feel more at ease with looking at a nude model. We were taught different measuring techniques in order to scale-up our work. These proved particularly useful when trying to achieve an accurate figure drawing as the curves of the body were initially difficult to capture. Life Drawing was a great experience which has proved invaluable back in our studios. Amy Kildea and Jessica Tither, Year 13

13th best for sport in the country Congratulations to our pupils. Ackworth School is the 13th best independent school for sport in the country. We are the third best Snow Boarding in the North and the best independent school in Yorkshire. An Snowboard Cross is the most watched Winter Olympic incredible achievement! sport. It’s high intensity racing over huge obstacles and turns at high speeds against other riders. Weather conditions in Chatel were very wet and cloudy meaning that it was hard to see very far in front of me: not really ideal conditions. The first five days we concentrated on technique and speed (known as flat Table Tennis boarding). The lady coaching me was Laura Berry, who was fifth in the world at freestyle. My last day was spent with Martin Divers of Torr Snowboarding. He gave me coaching based on genuine knowledge, race experience, and he also does coaching for International athletes. FIS races to European Cups We started with the technique I had learnt with Laura and progressed to doing kickers and rollers on an actual Great performance by the boys U16 table tennis team to win border cross course. We ended the coaching with a race 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 and progress to the ESTTA national schools final. scenario in which Martin and I competed. Brilliant performance by Ben in the final to win a match. Matthew, Year 9

6 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 7 National Cross-Country Championships

On Saturday 24th of February, Harriet, three other people and I, from Wakefield Harriers, took a long trip down to Parliament Hill in London. There we took part in the Nationals Cross-country 2018. It was freezing and of course very muddy. The atmosphere was great as there were over 450 people in our race. The start line was very long as we all had a single start. At this point our nerves were starting to get the better of us. The start was a big hill which seemed to go on forever. We then ran 4K. We all finished in very respectable places and were very relieved it was over. It was a great experience. Millie Hinchcliffe, Year 10

G Inter-House Cross-Country On the last Friday before half term break the inter Head. It didn't really matter how well you did as long house cross country competition took place. After a few as you tried your best - after all everyone competing showers of rain the sun was shining and we had perfect was winning points for their house. I'm happy to say running weather. The students were gathering at the my house, Fothergill, won the cross country for the cricket field and getting ready for their race. To girls. There was also the incentive of a doughnut at demonstrate which house each student supported, the end which really helped. It was an amazing way to face paint was used and colourful tops were worn. The finish the half term! race course was, despite being very muddy, beautiful Ackworth School Evelyn Salter, Year 9 and we could enjoy the lovely landscape of Ackworth on the way up to Hessle Farm. At the finish teachers and students kindly supported and cheered Pentalon Activity participants. Inter-House Cross-Country Results Rebecca Puels, Year 12 Junior Winners Boys Badsworth Boys - Max Cooper 13:10 4th - Fothergill I really enjoyed cross country. The atmosphere was Girls - Molly Mackenzie 3rd - Penn great as everyone was taking part, including the 14:48 2nd - Woolman 1st - Gurney Intermediate Winners Boys - Josh Dawson 17:32 Overall Girls - Millie Hinchcliffe 20:05 4th - Penn 3rd - Fothergill Senior Winners 2nd - Gurney Boys - Daiki Kawasaki 22:41 1st - Woolman Exciting opportunity! For more information and Girls - Rebecca Puels 24:42 Laser Shooting Club to book a place contact House winners 13 March 2018 Philip Eames or Justin Dunn Girls Hessle 4.30pm to 6.30pm 4th - Penn [email protected] 3rd - Gurney 2nd - Woolman 1st - Fothergill

8 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 9 Well done to Annie who won More Maths Challenge News a Silver medal in the Well done also Spurred on by the success of the seniors last term, 53 Jamie Liu, Madison Cusworth, Oliver Foster, Josh Yorkshire to Harvey students from the 3rd, 4th and 5th forms took the Dawson and Rhys Wickham will now sit the Kangaroo Junior Epee who achieved Intermediate Maths Challenge on 1st February with 22 challenge in their respective year groups. event at a distinction in of them earning certificates. Kathy Su achieved ‘Best in School’ for Ackworth with a Cullingworth. his grade 6 Ruby Chan, Jon Jo Holden-Stokes, Amirul Hussain, Joe score of 130 (out of a possible maximum of 135). Jamie drum exam. Morton and James Sandison achieved bronze level. Dobbie was close behind, and both Kathy and Jamie will now take the Maclaurin paper of the Intermediate Silver certificates went to Izaak Brindle, Harry Dean, Maths Olympiad, for the top 500 students nationally in Edward Ducker, Henry Hackwell, Mac Jimenez, Eleanor their age group. Morris, Reven Singh, Rachel Swales, Jasmine Walker and Alex Watson. This is the sort of question they’ll be up against. Could you answer it? Seven students received gold certificates: Jamie Liu, Madison Cusworth, Oliver Foster, Josh Dawson, Rhys How many solutions are there to the equation Wickham, Kathy Su and Jamie Dobbie. They all qualified m4 + 8n2 + 425 = n4 + 42m2, where m and n are for higher rounds in the Challenge. integers? Susan Swales

Out of School Activities

Libby, Emily and I have been rehearsing for six months on Barry Manilow’s ‘Copacabana’. It has been a stressful Well done to Amelie and hectic six months but we got there in the end and who achieved a performed four shows from March 15th to 17th – one Distinction in her on Thursday, one on Friday and two on Saturday. We LAMDA grade 5 have been rehearsing every Sunday from 2pm to 5pm solo acting and sometimes more than that – for seven hours! with a score of 90 out of Lucy Roche, Year 8 100!

10 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 11 NURSERY NEWS Chinese New Year

Nursery celebrated the Chinese New Year and enjoyed a week filled with fun learning experiences based on the Chinese traditions.

They started off the week looking at the different artwork based around the Chinese New Year and created their very own Chinese lanterns. They also worked together to create a dragon head which they used to perform. Two of our own Chinese international students came into nursery to talk about their traditions Nursery and reception enjoyed a visit from they had growing up around the Chinese New Yorkshire Air Ambulance! Thank you for telling Year. They even taught the Nursery children some us all about how you help people! YAA Visit Mandarin words such as counting to three.

Transport Nursery have had a busy week starting our new topic ‘Transport’.

Big thank you to year 4 for our fantastic new bug hotel! Love from nursery xxx Bug Hotel

We hope you like our new signage branding our new name. Kindergarten sessions have now started for all 2018 Reception Pupils. Children from other settings are welcome to join us. French lessons a la Camenbear and Madame Clugston. Fifteen hour free entitlement funding for 3-4 year old is now available

12 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 13 School Officers Being a school officer is a great privilege, because One of my favourite tasks is on Open Morning; you you are given more responsibilities and the chance take visitors around the school to see if they want to experience different tasks, such as going in to their child to come to Ackworth. I also love going to help tidy up teachers’ class rooms, at lunch you tap pre-prep and playing with the children. It brings people’s tables for when they can go up for lunch out the younger child in me, which I like more than and on Open Day you hand out flyers to visitors I expected!! and tell them where to go. If anyone were given the opportunity to apply to be a school officer I would fully recommend that they give it a go, ‘it has made my Year 6 experience so far very memorable. Grace Hughes, Year 6 Being a school officer means doing jobs around the school. We get to play with the Reception children and read them our own stories. We get to take people round and talk about how great Coram House is. In assembly on Fridays, we give Forest out school officer certificates to people who have stood out for us that week. We tap tables to indicate which people can go up and get their School lunch (they all get it). At some break times we go Bowls inside and help get sporting equipment ready and we also tidy up the Music Centre before a lesson. Being a school officer is great! George Philip, Year 6 CORAM HOUSE Coram in the Community The Year Six children at Ackworth School are taking part in the Young Leaders Award with the aim of getting involved in the change they want to see in the local community. This is achieved through a number of interactive lessons, practical challenges and community projects; our children will be involved in serving our local community and making a difference. The programme was launched by Rozy Brian from the Archbishop of York Youth Trust on Friday 12th January 2018. Following on from this launch there will be opportunities for parents and family members and the local community to be involved in a community action project that will take place later in the year. Once successfully completed, the children will receive their Young Leaders Award certificate at the awards ceremony later in the year. Year Six children have been out in the community speaking to the public about how Ackworth (as a village) could be improved for their Young Leaders Award Young Leaders Award (@abyyt). For more information visit www.abyyt.com. Katie Staton, Year 6 Teacher

14 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 15 SIXTH FORM SPECIAL

hroughout the year, a variety of different agrees former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, but lectures, workshops and talks are organised he goes on: “Information is liberating. Education is for the Sixth Form students of Ackworth the premise of progress, in every society, in every School.T These take place throughout the year. family.” Indeed, knowledge not just is power: Peter The subjects explored in these events are Drucker argues that, “today, knowledge has power. exciting, relevant and some of the most critical It controls access to opportunity and advancement.” learning for Sixth Form students. Sixth Form The idea that knowledge fundamentally influences Specials play a very great role in general your ability to improve yourself, to shape a better intellectual, moral and cultural enrichment. The future for yourself and your loved ones, is a sobering aims of these Sixth Form Specials are: thought when you consider how many opportunities for knowledge-acquisition that we squander, for G to broaden horizons and push students paltry, petty reasons. beyond the scope of the academic curriculum G to give different experiences and allow “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance,” James students to explore new ideas with curiosity Madison states – but that is not enough. Knowledge and engagement does not just require acquisition; it requires action, in which that knowledge is put to use. “A people who G to purposefully push students out of comfort mean to be their own governors,” Madison believes, zones, by allowing them to safely engage with “must arm themselves with the power which subjects about which they may know little or knowledge gives.” And what is the end result of nothing, without being fearful or uncertain of gaining the power of knowledge? “Love,” says Helen ignorance Keller: “Love and light and vision.” In other words, “Knowledge is power,” said Francis Bacon – but it is things worth fighting for. so much more than that. “Knowledge is power,”

Gender Issues Labels and gender issues are dominating the headlines. Gender topics are constantly in the news, be it a debate Nuclear Disarmament about a transgender child’s rights at school or a new label about defining sexuality or how someone feels. representative from the Campaign for Nuclear others will want them, and the world will be in a Gender topics are unavoidable, and as young people it Disarmament UK visited school to inform the precarious state.” Furthermore, they argue that while it is important we know about all the different aspects of Sixth Form on Nuclear weaponry. Given the is true that most countries in possession of nuclear gender and labelling as well as understanding other Acurrent state of US and North Korean politics, it was weapons do not anticipate having to use them, as long people’s views from a point we might not have incredibly beneficial and refreshing to hear as countries have the power to do so it will almost considered before. arguments both for and against the use of them. certainly happen whether it was planned or not: “There have been many documented instances of the near-use He explained how they came to exist in the first place An important talk to understand gender issues was of nuclear weapons as a result of miscalculation or and the process of their invention, and discussed the given to us by Jan Simpson from a UK charity Mermaids accidents.” U.K. This charity is dedicated to changing the lives of important charity that helps educate others but more irreversible damage and destruction they caused in the families with children who may be transgender or importantly, they work with the two gender clinics in Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings by the USA in World Finally, he displayed the staggering number of nuclear LGBTQ. It transforms the lives of children who feel like the UK Tavistock clinic in London, which has helped War Two. Horrifyingly, he continued, due to weapons in possession of various countries such as they don’t fit in with what society contextualises as many children overcome gender dysphoria. Mermaids advancements in research and technology, today’s Russia, North Korea, the UK, and the USA. To imagine ‘normal’ or the right way to live. Mermaids UK offers UK is a crucial link in providing families with the support nuclear bombs could be more than 3000 times more the sheer destructive potential of the UK alone, which guidance and counselling to the children and parents to understand and make sense of what journeys their destructive than ‘Fat Man’ and ‘Little Boy’, which levelled has 215 warheads, is terrifying. To do the same with the of the children. Counselling and support is vital in the family may undergo within a certain period of time and entire cities more than 70 years ago. USA and Russia, which are in possession of 6800 and they can offer help families get help more quickly. 7000 warheads respectively, is sickening. early period of transitioning for transgender children. There are complex and convincing arguments both for This counselling makes life changing differences to their This Sixth Form Special was eye-opening and life and against a renewed contract with Trident, the Personally, I could not imagine a more necessary topic lives as without the prevention they are more changing. I learnt about a spectrum of gender and the company which provides he UK’s nuclear weaponry. For on which to be educated, which is why it was such an susceptible to mental health issues. impact of how little phrases can affect someone who is example, although a 30 year contract costs an interesting Sixth Form Special. It is easy to become Early prevention is life changing as we heard Jan’s own transgender or gender neutral. It has equipped me with estimated £167 billion, many people argue that simply desensitised to the prospect of such devastation when link to Mermaids UK. Her daughter was still in the a better understanding of other people’s issues and having them available acts as a deterrent against attack it is being discussed by the President of the USA on transition period and the support Mermaids gave to her problems. This Sixth Form Special was pivotal for the from other countries. However, ICAN - the International Twitter so offhandedly. Nevertheless, we must remain did make an impact. It was an impact large enough to whole of the Sixth Form as we can now make sense of Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapons - counter that informed and concerned, as we could very possibly be make Jan want to educate other children about gender the issues that we, as young people might face. “when it comes to nuclear weapons, there are no safe the generation which must shoulder the consequences. hands. So long as any country has these weapons, issues that affect real people. Mermaids UK is an Paris Williams, Year 13 Isabel Johnston-Knight, Year 13

16 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 17 Harry Potter Night & Trip Shanks Waste Centre Visit

On Tuesday 28th November 2017, the Upper Sixth Business Studies students visited the Shanks Waste Management Centre at South Kirby. The visit is intended to help students to understand this particular business, what they do and how they do it. The visit included a site tour of the household waste recycling facility and a meeting with employees in different departments to discuss their job roles

Drew Wallace Ross writes about her experience at Shanks... “On the trip to Shanks recycling centre we got to speak to employees of different functions in the business. This helped us to understand how the different components work together as a business. After the talk we went to see the pre-sort area of the MDR, which is in the recycling facility so we could see the practical side of how the business worked. This involved people physically sorting At 4.15pm earlier this term, about 17 others and I took recycling from a conveyer, and then seeing how the part in a “Harry Potter Night”. First we had a Harry machine crunches up the material and bundles it for re- Potter quiz – there were 6 categories. After the quiz we sale. Then we had a tour of the household waste recycling played heads up – Harry Potter style – a few of the facility (which is where the public can drop off/recycle their names we used were: Lord Voldemort, Kreacher, waste) and discussed the complexities of this operation. Dobby, Dumbledore and Fleur Delacour. I had to go All of this helped us to understand how the business then but a friend and I came second out of the teams. worked together and the importance and interdependence of the different functional areas.” The next day we met up opposite the Music Centre at 7.45am for a trip to London for the day. The main bit of the trip was the British Library where there was a rather excellent History of Magic exhibition. We got on the train at half past eight and set off for London. On the train we shared around sweets and played a few card games. When we got to London – Kings Cross Station – we came off the train and headed over to the British Library. After going through security we went to an The Wonkey Donkey trip exhibition with lots of old and important pieces of music and writing. Miss Clark set us missions to find the Earlier this term, we went to the donkey oldest, smallest, longest, shortest and newest books in sanctuary. It was 20 minutes by car from school. the place. When we arrived, we saw several little donkeys. We have never seen a donkey before, so we were Eloise Celino, Year 7 really excited! A few minutes later, the guide came and explained to us about donkeys. She knew all of the donkeys’ names and why they were there. I think that she really liked the donkeys. She took us to see all the donkeys. Fortunately, that day was the birthday of one of the donkeys, so we sang Happy Birthday. It was B@B an unforgettable experience. Also, we had a Get in touch if you chance to hug the donkey, and take a picture with would like to join a donkey. It was really funny. After watching the our networking group donkeys, we came into the café and had a hot Business@breakfast. chocolate. About 30 minutes later, we went back Please contact to school. It was really happy trip. I would like to Michael Atkins at: go there again. Yi -O! [email protected] Joo Yoon Lee and Mike Hu, Year 11

18 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 19 SCHOOL TRIPS Berlin On 9th February we embarked on a trip to Berlin. On the first day we went to the Kingswood Residential Reichstag building which is historically On the Kingswood residential I learnt resilience, significant because it was where the Reichstag teamwork and how to conquer my fears and doubts. fire took place on 27th February 1933. We Before I went I was nervous for the Nightline because visited Tränenpalast which was the building I don’t like being unable to see. I was also worried that which people who wished to emigrate to West I’d be tired all day. Berlin had to travel through. Following on from this we went to the Kulturmuseum which First thing was the Nightline which I was dreading. It exhibited the culture of East Berlin during the turned out to be really fun because we had to work as Soviet control of East Berlin. In the evening we a team to complete the course. The only bad part was walked alongside the Berlin Wall, looking at the they made us crawl through mud. It was funny to watch East Side Gallery. We took lots of great photos everyone crawl on hands and knees through the as the art was very diverse and interesting. The muddy ditch. I would recommend it to future first second day was mentally strenuous as it forms because it teaches you to trust and make involved visiting Stasi Prison in the morning friendships with new students and strengthens old followed by Sachsenhausen concentration ones. camp in the afternoon. Both of these, whilst Ethan Harper, Year 7 being hard hitting, were very interesting and a crucial part of German history. After this we went to the Allied Museum which had a plane which was cool. Before leaving we paid a visit to Checkpoint Charlie which is on the boundary between West and East Berlin. Overall we had a great time in Berlin. Georgia White and Holly Rice, Year 12 & 13

We recently visited Folgarida in Italy on the meandering river. These things all attracted my school ski trip. I have been on every school ski attention. What a wonderful world nature gives to trip since I started in senior school. us, I thought. School ski trips are fantastic because they give you Before the trip, I thought skiing was a dangerous time to relax and meet new friends, and this one sport and I was at risk of breaking my legs or that a was no different. The snow was perfect this year natural disaster would wipe me off the slopes. This and the views from the slopes were awe inspiring. trip changed my mind completely! Skiing is safe, Looking back I have loved every second of my ski free and liberating. You may not imagine how trips and made memories I will cherish for the rest excited I was when the person who lives in the of my life. It is an experience not to be missed and south of China where you never see the place I would recommend it to anyone. covered by snow, saw the snow everywhere. Jacob Roberts, Year 13 I enjoyed the days I spent there; not only were we staying in beautiful countryside, but also I had great I had been waiting a long time for this skiing trip. It fun throughout the week such as the evening was my first time trying a winter sport, so I was entertainment, quiz nights and ice skating. really looking forward it and I was curious to know about how it felt to ski. Eventually, the day was here. It was a unique experience for me as an With the leading of Miss Clark, Miss Speake and Mr international student. I have got something I had Roberts, team Ackworth took a plane to Italy and never had before from a trip, and it inspired me that began their amazing ski trip. there are a lot of things in the world that are worth exploring and giving a go. The first thing that took me by surprise was the Skiing picturesque view on the way to the resort: a village Branson Gan, Year 13 surrounded by mountains, a forest and a clear in Italy

20 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 21 On Sunday 31st Jennifer Chambers Community December 2017, Francis Hickenbottom facilitated a New Year’s Eve Nature A Day in the Life of... Walk around the school grounds. The walk was well attended by the local community, staff and parents. The walk focused on trees, as well as other things that could be spotted in the school grounds, for example, birds’ nests, woodcock and mink and otter along the River Went. The walk was concluded with refreshments in Centre Library.

A frosty breeze always brings a smile to my face. The snow rolls over the hills and into this back garden. The house behind me is my red brick guardian against the warm spear of the sun’s light in the morning. Sometimes the sun smites me with its warm glow and I hope the snow ndefatigable Jennifer Chambers, 68, has At our break I’ll have a cup of tea and something will come to heal me. Occasionally a small creature will been an early morning familiar face in to eat and then at 8.55 I begin round two. I’ll do steal my carrot nose, but I know that my creator will the Andrews Wing and in the boarding the boys’ dorms and Mr Bailey’s flat – it depends always replace it. I always have dreamed of seeing houses since 1994. Now she can also be on the day. We have to swap around and the world, but of course, I can’t. Even though I found helping out in Coram with dinners and change and adapt to deal with things when can’t move, I try to enjoy my time on Earth. Iplayground duty. people are off ill. In the boys’ dorm I used to tidy Morgan Hunt, Year 7 clothes and shoes away, but the next day it’d be I begin my day at 4am. I have a cup of tea, do just as bad as it had been before. Then I couldn’t my hair and maybe watch something on work out what was clean and what was dirty, so television to help me wake up and get ready for now I just clean rather than tidy as well. the day. I don’t have any breakfast then – it’s too early! At 11.45 I go up to the dining rooms, change into dining uniform and help with Coram dinners, so I walk into school. It doesn’t matter whatever I get to come into contact with a lot of children. the weather is, I’ll still walk in and get in at about Then I’ll walk over to Coram and be on 5.30. I begin officially at 6am, but I like to get in playground duty until 1pm. early just in case something crops up. If someone’s ill or if there’s been a flood or I suppose some people may say that it’s hard something like that, it just helps to be prepared physical work that I do, but you just get used to in terms of time. it all. At 1pm I go home and tidy up there and do housework. I’ve been working on my son’s We work from 6am up until our break at 8.40. wedding cake recently. The first tier was a fruit We take the break just opposite the laundry, but cake with marzipan and icing and the second before that I’ll have worked my way through tier was a chocolate sponge, so I’ve certainly seven classrooms, the corridors and the stairs. been kept busy. I always begin with rooms 9 and 10, then move on to rooms 7, 6, 5, 4 and 3. I’ll wipe all the I’ll go out on a Monday night to the community tables, sweep the floors and deal with the centre to play Bingo, but other nights I’ll just stay rubbish. Sometimes I’ll empty a dehumidifier as at home. I sometimes go to bed at 7 or 7.30pm. well. I like to see a room all clean and tidy – it’s I might watch television; it just depends how I Big Freeze satisfying. feel. It is early, but I’ll be ready for the early start again the next day.

22 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 23 The week started off with cake sales in the Wednesday’s Founders’ Day is always an enjoyable Fothergill Foyer. The experience to acknowledge the history of our school cakes were donated and those who grew up in the same school as we by staff and sixth have. The bangers and mash was of course excel- form and certainly lent and is one of our favourite traditions. The junior went down well. disco was enjoyed by all in attendance. Thursday was filled with enjoyable activities: guess how many sweets in the jar, weigh the head boy and the girls vs boys netball, which has always been hi- larious to watch. We ended the week in our own clothes and enjoyed doughnuts at break, provided by the kitchen staff. At lunch, elected sixth formers were headed for the stocks, a huge attraction. What does it tell us that our student body will pay to drench their favourites in the upper sixth? At least it’s all for two very worthy causes. Well done Ackworth School! Ellie White and Olivia Howden, Year 12

CHARITY WEEK

Every year we look forward to Charity Week as an The highlight of the week was of course, Staff and opportunity to have fun together while raising Sixth Form Entertainment, hosted by Ksenija and money for two well deserving charities. This year we Daiki. The evening was filled with great sketches and managed to gather a huge amount of money for excellent prose delivered by Bohdan, Mr Bootyman Levi’s Star and for Lumos, all the while bringing our and Mr Swales, judged by Mr Boucher. Let’s not school closer together - everyone loves charity week rehash the ‘disagreement’ between Mr Boucher and from first years to the upper sixth! Mr Emmett later on. Let’s just say we’re glad to have Mercy Ships never messed with Mr Boucher’s ‘lucky boxers’! Tuesday break time hotdogs were served. As vegetarians we can’t contribute much here but we Dr. Christopher Rigg from Mercy Ships gave an Evening 500,000 people since it began, visited over 580 ports can tell you they were very popular! This was Reading on 21st January regarding the work that Mercy and we had helped raise over £1,000 for them. followed by the frugal lunch later on. Ships does in bringing health and hope to the Making a difference doesn’t mean moving mountains, it “Forgotten Poor” in Africa. His presentation showed the means trying and helping as much as you can. We live students what the donation of £1,412.36 will achieve in a society where medical treatment is easily and also to inspire them further. accessible, and because of that, we tend to diminish the Mercy Ships currently operates the largest non- importance of it. Not being able to get the treatment governmental hospital ship in the world providing free you need for your child, your parents, your friends or healthcare and improving healthcare delivery systems for yourself is both emotionally and physically painful. in the poorest nations. This is what true kindness is: helping the ones who This international organisation was a true miracle for cannot help themselves. people who had already lost hope of being saved. The presentation on Sunday not only brought Because of the ship’s equipment - five operating awareness to the things we took for granted, it also theatres and 82-bed recovery wards - the Mercy Ship inspired and showed us what compassion is all about. organisation was able to treat a wide range of problems It made me want to do more. There are 1,600 from cataract to burns and bone deformations. volunteers annually from more than 45 nations helping The idea of being able to save lives was and still is in locations around the world. I promised myself that if breathtaking for all of us. It was only after the talk that I can ever be useful to them, I myself will volunteer. Dr Rigg gave on Sunday that I realised that anyone can Elisa Curcean, Year 13 save lives if they want to. Mercy Ships has saved over

24 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 25 Morning Reading Richard Vergette, Head of Drama, is leaving Ackworth this Summer. This was his last Morning Reading.

few months ago I was at the theatre in However, after a while a lady of around my own age Doncaster – a quite new theatre which opened came over to me and asked if I was at the theatre to see 4 or 5 years ago. I was there to see a touring The Gypsy Queen. I said that I was, whereupon she asked Aproduction of a new play called The Gypsy Queen me if I would care to join her and her group. “We’re written by, and starring a friend of mine, Rob Ward. members of the local branch of Pride,” she informed It was only playing for one night so I was me. Only then did it occur to me that as I was on my particularly concerned to see it. own going to see what was advertised as a play featuring a gay theme that it might be assumed that I Before I continue with my story I need to tell you a bit was gay. I have to say that this bothered me not even about my friend Rob. I’ve known him for 6 or 7 years. slightly and I was very happy to accept the kind lady’s He’s an actor and a playwright in his early 30s and for invitation. She told me that she was on the board of most of his adult life he has lived openly as a gay man. management for the theatre and was trying to organise This is relevant to my story because when he writes cultural events for the gay community in Doncaster to plays he often attempts to address areas of prejudice attend. I passed a thoroughly enjoyable few minutes that he has encountered or experienced in his own life. (and had a free drink and nibbles) before the play In both of plays of his that I have seen, he has started. addressed the issue of homophobia in sport. Rob is a keen amateur soccer player and, if life weren’t Often touring productions that are only on for one night challenging enough trying to make it as an actor and don’t receive big audiences but the small studio theatre playwright, he’s a lifelong supporter of Everton! In his was nearly full that night. The play had only been going first play Away from Home, he depicted the situation of for around 10 minutes when there was something of a a Premier League footballer in denial about his commotion from the other side of the theatre to me. on television has matured as our laws have changed to the atmosphere of our community. If our school is sexuality. His more recent play The Gypsy Queen tells the Two rather elderly ladies got up and left in a somewhat and developed in order to protect the rights of gay to be a safe place then it’s a safe place for all regardless story of a young boxer who struggles to come to terms marked and noisy manner. They muttered loudly about people. Until 1967 it was illegal to have a relationship of colour, creed, physical ability or sexual orientation with his sexuality and makes him face the dilemma of something being ‘disgusting and disgraceful’ and off with someone of the same sex. Up until 2001 the age of and if we feel that using the word ‘gay’ as a term of either keeping quiet about it and enjoying a successful they went. Given that it was a small theatre, their consent – the age at which you could legally have sexual abuse is a reasonable thing to do then our school is not career or being open about it and running the risk of departure would have been noticed by the actors. relations remained higher for gay people than the rest altogether safe. Quite some years ago I spoke in a encountering prejudice. of the population. In 2001 it was brought to 16. In 2005 morning reading about disability – very much with I’m afraid my thoughts turned somewhat un-Quakerly. gay couples could have legal partnerships and since reference to my son who is disabled. At the time I I collected my ticket from the box office and waited for It was obvious from all of the publicity and information 2014 they have been able to marry. exhorted the school population to stop using the word the performance to begin. As I was waiting I noticed a given out about the play what the subject matter would ‘retard’ as a term of abuse and to be fair, I hear it far So, given how much society has moved on in this issue, group of a dozen or so people in a corner of the bar be. I am convinced that some people enjoy being less now than before. having what seemed like a private party - tucking in to offended and look for opportunities to be, or even what is the point of me talking about it? Surely apart some drinks and nibbles and I felt a little bit jealous. pretend to be offended, just so they can complain. I from a pair of fairly silly old ladies in a theatre, isn’t A few days ago on Twitter, a former economics editor sincerely hope that these two women asked for their homophobia a thing of the past? I can honestly say that for Channel 4 and now one of Jeremy Corbyn’s top money back and I hope with equal sincerity that the Box every time I do morning readings, I use it as an advisors - Paul Mason – referred to the King of Spain as Office Manager gave them short shrift. opportunity to air concerns. They may be concerns that a retard. He was unhappy that the King had not spoken I have held for a lifetime or concerns that have emerged out against the heavy-handed actions by the Spanish The depiction of gay characters in film and television recently. They may be concerns that I have beyond the police in trying to stop the Catalan vote on hasn’t always been as dignified and human as my friend school community or they may be ones I have here. independence. To me – and obviously I’m going to be Rob Ward makes them in his plays. When I was growing more sensitive about this than most – there is no I have a concern about the language we use and how up in the 1970s gay characters were often depicted as distinction – no distinction at all - between the worst we sometimes choose to express ourselves. I hear – all ludicrously effeminate and as stereotypes – not really to racist slurs and a term like that. Mason was subjected too frequently – the word ‘gay’ being used as a term of be taken seriously. John Inman’s character Mr to a torrent of criticism and demands to withdraw his abuse or a term of negativity. Something is described as Humphreys in the sitcom Are you Being served might comment. After some defensive blustering he did just ‘gay’ if somehow it’s not very good or is a bit rubbish. have been very funny but it represented a somewhat that. two-dimensional and highly effeminate portrayal. Or People accuse others of being gay – not as a reference gay characters were psychotic murderers like in Alfred to their sexuality but if they think they’ve done Now it may be that you don’t agree with me. It may that Hitchcock’s Rope or North by Northwest. It was 1986 and something stupid. I’m sure that most people who fall you come from countries where homosexuality is still the soap Eastenders that first presented a reasonably into using the word in this manner wouldn’t think of outlawed or for religious reasons you can’t agree with three dimensional gay character - Colin Russell played themselves as homophobic. But by using the word in gay marriage. But I ask you, can you really look by Michael Cashman. In 1987 the first gay kiss was such a manner you are reinforcing prejudice; you are someone in the eye and regard them as less than you broadcast on UK television provoking something of a confirming the idea that the meaning of the word is are because of their sexuality? Could I look Sir Ian storm of protest – not so much from the viewers as, something negative, something shameful or bad and, McKellan, Sir Derek Jacobi or Sir Anthony Sher in the predictably, the tabloid press who – like the two old therefore sadly, if you use the word in this manner then eye – three of the greatest actors of their generation – ladies – enjoy pretending to be offended. That was 30 you are – perhaps unintentionally – homophobic. and tell them that they are less than I am? years ago and much has changed since. The words we use are important because they can Of course I couldn’t! I revere them and respect them. Perhaps the change in the depiction of gay characters either express respect or contempt and they contribute

26 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 27 Old Scholar News Pippa Scott ckworth was my home up until July of 2001. I was a boarder from the age of 14 until I Agraduated Upper Sixth. Upon leaving I attended The University of Manchester and got my BA in History (2:1). I remember my first day of University seeing a lot of people crying as this was the first time they had left home. Ackworth gave me independence - I had already adjusted to living away from home and this allowed me to be more adventurous. After graduating University, I auditioned for a place to study Musical Theatre at Circle in the Square (this is the last Broadway theatre in New York that still teaches new talent) I packed my bags and moved to New York in my early twenties. I ultimately ended up working in the film industry for a decade and this work took me back to London where I worked as PA to British Film Director Ken Loach. I also had the privilege of working for some very successful women in the industry. I lived in Penrith & London while

I worked for one of these brilliant women - she was a will continue to work on his writing. He is currently talent agent who represented some of the UK's top working with George Takei in writing a story about his talent including Rik Mayall & Billy Boyd. life experiences at internment camps. I am mentoring in Photography and am in a year long programme After returning to New York to mentor at a Film & studying Family Documentary and Photojournalism. Celebrity PR agency - I decided to re-locate to Los Sometimes I can't quite believe it has been nearly 17 Angeles where I worked with more greatly admired years since I left Ackworth, but I suppose a lot has women. One of these women was a commercial agent happened since my time there. Ackworth gave me an and the other a manager. The manager I worked for extended family and I am happy to still be in touch with was one of the most successful agents in the world and so many of them despite living abroad. also one of the first women (in a field that was mainly dominated by men). She was an inspiration to work for and was responsible for forming the acting careers of Naomi Watts, Kathy Bates and Brian Dennehy. It was here in Los Angeles that I met my husband (Steven) in 2007. He was also working in the film industry but on studio lots and doing set work. We had our wedding in San Francisco in 2009 and moved to Canada (Vancouver) for a year after. Our work has taken us all over and after Canada we moved to NYC, Connecticut, San Francisco and our current home in Southern California (San Diego). During all the moves our daughter (Tessa) was born in Stamford, Connecticut in 2014 and our son (Elliot) was born in 2016. My husband has now for many years worked in the comic book industry and I have also worked for a top comic book publisher in San Diego. Our adventure continues, and later this month (March) we will be returning to Greater Vancouver, Canada. We are both pursuing freelance work there. My husband

28 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 29 Old Scholar News

Dr Edward John Caine y love of hillwalking started at Ackworth. climb some of the mountains which had been In 1962 (our ‘O Level Year’) John Lammin, recommended to us. And so the Munros were the new maths teacher, took small discovered! Without going into detail, the ‘Munros’ Mgroups of us into the Yorkshire hills and then is a classification of Scottish mountains listing the further afield on camping trips in the Lake main summit of all the mountains 3000 ft or higher District and Snowdonia as training for a trip to and at the moment they number 282. the Pyrenees in the summer holidays. Peter and I then visited Scotland with friends a We travelled to the Pyrenees in his Land Rover and couple of times each year when we climbed hills and after a few days camping and climbing in Andorra, mountains of interest, some of them Munros, some we headed west on the Spanish side and climbed not. When we both retired at a similar time Peter the high peaks. Although I was only age 15 at the thought that the two of us could make slightly longer time I remember well the climbs of Pic d’ Aneto and more adventurous trips and so the tally of (11,174 ft) and Perdido (10,998 ft), probably still the Munros gradually increased. When climbing the last highest mountains I have ever climbed on foot. of the Munros it is customary to have a few friends Recently I uncovered a small sketch book with some and walking companions present to celebrate the pencil drawings I did on that trip having no camera. occasion and so when my round was completed a few years ago on Ben Lomond I was delighted to After Ackworth my opportunities for hillwalking have in the party two Ackworth classmates , my wife diminished and my outdoor activities involved some Jane and Peter (a recent AOSA President) to remind fairly serious potholing and later some cycling. me of where it all started. My round of the Munros However, my elder son so enjoyed his Duke of took about 13 years to complete and although I still Edinburgh expeditions that we started to visit the revisit favourite mountains it is not with the hills, firstly in the Lake District, then in Snowdonia intention of completing another. with my friend Peter Speirs and then in Scotland to

Stewart Huntington fter leaving Ackworth School in 1999, I moved based choir Ex Cathedra as Research Assistant to the on to study for a Music Undergraduate degree Artistic Director, Jeffrey Skidmore OBE, and continuing at Durham University, focussing on a busy freelance musical life which includes being performanceA (Piano) and Composition. I graduated Musical Director and Accompanist for Brierley Hill with a 2:1. Musical Theatre Club, accompanist for the educational arm of Armonico Consort choir in Nottingham, While there I had composition lessons from Roger accompanist for In Sound Choir, Stourbridge, Marsh at the University of York, and as a result moved Peripatetic Piano Teacher at Winterfold House School, to York for a year out in 2003. From 2004 - 2013, I Arts Quality Assessor for the Arts Council England and studied part time for a Masters and PhD in composition general freelance conductor and pianist. I also now at the University of York. While doing this I received a have a beautiful wee girl, Sophie. number of high profile commissions and "opportunities" to work with esteemed orchestras and Ackworth School changed my life. Before going there I performers such as virtuoso Ian Pace, Amsterdam was destined for a single Scottish Standard Grade based Nieuw Ensemble, Orchestra of Opera North, the (GCSE) in music, and my life was very much spiralling Arditti Quartet. At the same time I was busy paying for out of control. Going to Ackworth gave me a "way out" my degrees by doing a wide portfolio of musical work of that existence, and a sense of purpose and which included running a concert series dedicated to confidence to explore the things I knew that I should be new music, teaching piano, working at a music shop good at. It took a lot of fight to catch up with those and for a publishing company, running an amateur around me who had led less of a chaotic childhood, but music programme at Vanbrugh College in the as a result my path took me to some amazing places, university, playing in bars and restaurants and whether it was touring 17 venues in China with an lecturing. After finishing my PhD I worked for a couple amazing choir, visiting Amsterdam and Copenhagen to of terms as Musician in Residence at Bootham School work with professional musicians, having my own (which reminded me of Ackworth a lot!). Then I moved orchestral work performed, performing music I had down to the West Midlands to perform a similar role for never dreamed I'd be able to play or learning that a Old Swinford Hospital School in Stourbridge for two piece of mine was being toured in Copenhagen. years. Since then I have been working for Birmingham- N.B I was known by my second name John at school.

30 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 31 Old Scholar News Ackworth: The Early Days hen John and Henry Burtt went to Ackworth School in 1847, their father and mother took them by road with a good horse in a Wtwo wheeled trap called a “Sociable” in which 4 persons could ride comfortably. The first day they went as far as Gainsborough, about 30 miles, and spent the night with their grandfather, Simon Maw Bowen. The following day they drove on to Ackworth arriving in the afternoon; it was Summer time so they would enjoy the trip very much. Now, Mary Burtt had provided her boys with very nice clothes, probably more suitable for a school like Eton than for Ackworth, which was at first intended for children whose parents were not in “affluent circumstances.” When they arrived on the playground in their silk hats, the said hats were soon pulled off by their play fellows and kicked about like footballs until they were battered beyond recognition and the poor “weather beaten silkers” were no more use! Imagine the consternation of poor Mary who could never see a joke! Probably Joseph was “tickled to pieces” by the incident, tho’ it must have been a trying scene for the fond parents to witness upon introducing their boys to the rigours of a public school. cream placed in the wooden barrel. His brother, John, lost him and was sadly perplexed as to what had The next Summer, when they had their first holidays, become of him during the butter making process. As they returned by rail part of the way. They took the train Henry was a farmer later in life it was well for him to at Newark via Derby to Pontefract. The “railway learn something of the art of butter making as a lad at carriage” was an open truck without seats, so they had school. Still later in life he served many years on the to stand during the journey. It was a novel experience School Committee at Ackworth and was very helpful in for them to be drawn by an engine, but their father’s that capacity. When his grandfather, Simon Maw “Sociable” must have been much more comfortable Bowen, was on that Committee the scholars drank ale drawn by a favourite horse, which would stop and graze instead of the good new milk that Henry enjoyed so by the road side while they had a picnic and wait much; and a boy was brought before the Committee patiently while they gathered some fresh flowers to add Friends because he would not or could not drink the to their collection. On arrival at Pontefract they were ale which was considered good for him in those days. met and put into a covered waggon and taken to They brewed their own ale at Ackworth so it was well Ackworth. made, but lads did not like it always. However, he was In those days the boys helped in various duties in the not altogether excused, one Friend told him that he school and once Henry was appointed “Churner”. He must open his shoulders and give his mind to drinking was taken down the cellar where he turned the handle his ale. How much better it was when they had milk of the churner and produced butter from the warm given them instead! Trees Tribute eorge Smailes was an Ackworth scholar from 1907 – 1910. He served as a Second Lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment and was Ackworth School killedG on the Somme in October, 1916. His mother was so heartbroken, she had 12 oak trees planted in Goathland where they had a home, in Reunion 1962 - 69 memory of the 12 young men from that village who were killed in the war. The trees are now going to be Old Scholars 1962-69: David Wood, Deborah you would like to take one more trip down given the attention they need. Watkinson (as she was), and Antony Hurden memory lane, please send an email to (“Cecil”) are considering holding a re-union [email protected] so we can find Also, new trees have been planted and small plaques sometime later this year. You may remember out who would be interested. and 12 metal mannequins placed by the trees, one for we did something similar as we turned 40. If each man. It is to be inaugurated as a centenary memorial walk on July 7th.

32 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 33 Old Scholar News Annual Reports of The Ackworth Old Scholars' Association

Following the recent change in the were appreciating the benefits of the online version, as headmaster and a deputy headmistress. administration of Ackworth Old Scholars, it it was able to have full colour photographs throughout. Reorganisation of this kind is often painful, and this was seems an opportune moment to take a look On the left (below) is a page from the printed 2017 no exception. Kathleen Cottrell quickly found another Wat the Annual Reports of the Ackworth Old Annual Report. On the right is the same page as it post, so it seemed to Philip Radley that he might be able Scholars' Association. These have appeared with appeared in the on-line version. to stay at Ackworth. The School Committee of the time would not allow him to apply for the new headship absolute regularity since the formation of the When I took over as editor of the Annual Report, I was position for the whole school, and a great deal of unrest Association, dating from 1882 to 2017. Little can the following on from a distinguished list of Old Scholars followed. All of this was quietly sanitised in Elfrida writer of the first report have imagined that and teachers. Before World War I, no editors were Vipont Foulds' history of the school. However, in the collecting these small volumes has developed a credited in Annual Reports, but it must be presumed 1952 Annual Report, there is a full description of what cult-like status over the years, with some issues that the work fell upon the shoulders of the AOSA actually happened, and how the matter was resolved. even appearing on eBay in recent times. secretaries of the time: John William Graham, J.H. Stone, Philip Radley did leave, and was replaced by Albert John William Matthews. Joseph John Jopling, Joseph The very first issue was just 30 pages long – the shortest Lindley, with Phyllis Sadler as his deputy. The School Spence Hodgson and Malcolm Sparkes. by far – a significant part of which was the first list of Committee did acknowledge its failures and its members, numbering just 167 people. Historically, The first named editor was Albert Linney, who managed insensitive handling of a difficult situation. Thus Annual these early issues are fascinating, but early recipients the editing in the difficult years of 1914-17. Margaret Reports can provide us with a history of the school that of these “Proceedings of the Ackworth Old Scholars” Andrews (daughter of Frederick Andrews) edited the is more alive than some of the more official publication. may have found them less than exciting. Aesthetically, 1918-19 editions, and was followed by the long-serving they were unimaginative, other than having a format As a postscript to the co-educational change, it seems James Westwood, who shared the 1919 edition with placing the text within a wide margin with a box within appropriate to note that by the time I joined the school Margaret, and then continued as the sole editor until another margin. Looking at this today, the excessive in 1961, the two schools still had not completely 1949. white space might be considered a waste of paper, but merged. Opportunities, expectations and rules differed these “frames” persisted until 1909, giving a slightly Subsequent editors were: J.B. Harris (1950), Ashton in many areas. Segregated dining rooms for two out of more modern look. Watts (1951-62), Peter Heywood (1963-68), Christopher the three daily meals wasn't really an issue, but the Morris (1969-74) and Michael Hargreave (1975- 84). midday dinner highlighted the fact that girls were A new cover design appeared in 1902, including a line Then followed my predecessor, Anne Telford-Kenyon, required to wear napkins, but boys were not. First year drawing of the school by Margaret Hodgson. This same who edited the Annual Report from 1985 to 2014. girls had to wear full-body overalls, but boys did not. issue was the first one to be given the title of “Annual Boys in the swimming team could swim daily before Report”, but the continuity of numbering assumed that But what is the value of the 135 volume collection of breakfast; girls could not. Boys did woodwork and earlier ones were considered to be the same. Annual Reports? Obsessive collecting may be metalwork; girls did cookery and needlework, though something of a pointless exercise in itself. Mary Hodgson had provided the early illustrations in this was standard in schools nationwide. In the 1960s, Annual Reports, the first one appearing in 1893. Taken together, the collection provides a fascinating sporting activities were taught along traditional gender journey through the school's history from the late 19th lines, but on reading early 20th century Annual Reports, Two years later, the first photographs appeared. These No basic change in Annual Report design was made century to the present day. One of the first thing the it was quite clear that girls had played cricket regularly were views of the school and portraits of prominent old again until the sky blue cover introduced in 1954. The reader discovers is that the Ackworth Old Scholars' and seriously in those earlier times. The Badsworth scholars, and by the turn of the 20th century, every cover colour was changed to a golden yellow for the Association, as we know it, actually had a predecessor. cross-country run was for boys only, with no alternative issue had an array of interesting illustrations. An special school bicentenary issue of 1979, and green for The earlier association was relatively short-lived, in the for girls. Girls were known and addressed by their obsession with age was apparent; pictures of the oldest the AOSA centenary Annual Report of 1982. The 1979 early years of the 19th century. What should strictly be forenames, but boys were addressed by surnames only. surviving old scholars were a notable feature of early and 1980 issues also contained colour photographs of referred to as the second AOSA began when Ackworth's Annual Reports. the presidents. Colour photographs only became a Instead of having a yearly Annual Report, old scholars regular feature as recently as 2006, but even then it was most famous headmaster, Frederick Andrews, hand not will now have access to the termly magazine "Ackworth Mary Hodgson's cover design was dropped in 1909, restricted to the opening and closing pages. All other been in the position for very long. Furthermore, we Today", with each issue containing news of events such with a new Wedgewood-designed embossed image of pictures were in black and white in order to keep down wasn't actually called a headmaster, having the title of as the Easter Gathering (including the President's school founder, John Fothergill – something that costs. "superintendent", the more familiar title being Address), smaller reunions, Birth's Marriages and continued in future Annual Report cover designs until conferred many years later, Deaths, and features on prominent old scholars of all 1990. In 1991, the image of John Fothergill was replaced by the school's cupola design. This more formal modern We can trace the gradual merger of the boys' and girls' ages. We now have the opportunity to celebrate our All photographs were to remain in monochrome until design was complemented by a policy of rotating the schools, as they continued to work together in parallel, past, alongside news of the school as it is today. 1979, but a reproduction of a colour painting of High colours annually with the three official AOSA colours of but with differing requirements, and frequently Ackworth from The Flashes, by Margaret Andrews, was green, gold and silver-grey. Perhaps this was done to differing standards, rules and expectations. The move used as the frontispiece in the 1910 Annual Report – enhance the effect of the appearance of Annual towards co-education was extremely slow, largely surely an expensive luxury at the time. Reports on members' bookshelves. because the buildings did not favour such an arrangement. A joint sixth form was followed by mixed Annual Report production cost was the major financial There was to be one more twist in the publication of first year classes, but after World War II, it was finally headache for the Association in the early days. This Annual Reports. An online version was published on the agreed to take the plunge for Ackworth to become fully was something that never went away. Some Annual AOSA website, and people were encouraged choose to co-educational in 1947. What followed on from that Reports were not far short of 200 pages long, including read this, rather than having printed versions. Many was a dark period for which the school cannot be illustrations, and this had to be curtailed, particularly did, but some still preferred to have their physical proud. Ackworth School still had a headmaster, Philip during the austerity of World War I, when Annual copies, so a dwindling number were printed each year Radley, and a headmistress, Kathleen Cottrell. The Reports were slimmer, though still including much until the school took over the administration of the School Committee decided, that both would step down information on old scholars involved in the conflict. association in the autumn of 2017. Many more people from their positions in 1952, and be replaced by a

34 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 35 Old Scholar News

President: Belinda Walters he annual highlight of the Ackworth Old The Easter Gathering is also the significant event Scholars - the Easter Gathering - is getting of the Presidential year and I am very much closer. The Easter weekend is a looking forward to the weekend and being able to wonderfulT opportunity for Old Scholars from welcome Old Scholars to the School. After the across the generations to get together and trips around the country to get involved in Guild enjoy the hospitality of the School. events, Easter is a return to the centre of Ackworth life. Easter also marks the beginning and the end There is always a long and varied list of activities of the year as Old Scholars’ President. I have to get involved in, sports to play, music and POP to enjoyed enormously this year, and I look forward join in with. There is also plenty of opportunity to to handing over the role to our next President on sit down and chat with old friends and new - and Easter Monday. always lots of sustenance from the School kitchens. Many people come and stay for the I do hope that you, as current pupils of Ackworth, entire weekend, and many others come for a will keep the Old Scholars, and the Easter shorter stay, or just drop in for the day. Whatever Gathering, thriving in future years. the choice, all are very welcome! Great Garden @ Ackworth

During term time Ackworth School is an same splendid Georgian buildings and impressive outstanding educational establishment with gardens are available to Great Garden @ unique and historical buildings and stunning Ackworth events department to host a variety of landscaped gardens. During School holidays the events for the school and the wider community.

Reflection: Molly Fowler Weddings l Corporate Team Building Days l Banquets l Room Hire An extract from the Eulogy Please contact our events department to discuss your requirements on 01977 611401 or [email protected] oday we gather to celebrate the life of Margaret Birkby Fowler, ‘Molly’- a dearly loved Twife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Molly was born in Pontefract on 14 January 1936 to Granville and Annie Millward. Annie’s maiden name had been Birkby. Granville worked on the railway, as an engine driver, and Annie was the homemaker. Old Scholars who have Molly was one of two siblings, she had a younger brother, John, who sadly predeceased Molly a while ago. recently passed away Molly’s first teaching appointment was to teach mathematics at West Park County Secondary School in understand, also moved to Welwyn (but we don't think Leeds, a post she took up in September 1957. She left that they moved in together – that would not have been Juliet Morris here in 1960, with excellent references, including a Molly’s way!) recommendation that she could easily continue her Either way, the relationship was placed on a more own studies to degree level , if she so wished. Shirley Cliffe permanent footing on 2nd April 1964, when they were She moved on to a post at Ackworth School, in married in Ackworth. It was far earsier for them to go to Pontefract, where she was to teach GCE Mathematics. Ackworth than to bring both families down to Welwyn. Margaret Birkby Fowler She also taught Science to the Junior School and, in It’s now time to say goodbye to Molly, a loving wife, time, rose to be both a Form and House Mistress. mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be missed Mary Crib (nee Whitaker) It was during this time at Ackworth School, that she met but leaves many happy memories for those who knew her husband to be, Peter. He was in banking and his her and loved her. father was the pharmacist at the school. Claire Lawrence Jesus said: “For my Father's will is that everyone who looks Again accompanied by excellent references Molly to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and moved to Welwyn Garden City where she took up a I will raise them up at the last day." Norman Kenneth Bennett teaching post at the Mater Dei School for Girls. Here Jesus also said this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I she was to teach both Mathematics and Physics GCE O- give to you…do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not levels. let them be afraid” This move didn't affect her love affair with Peter who, I Amen

36 l www.ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com l 37 Beatles BUSINESS DIRECTORY Museum ‘The Beatles are ‘Les Beat’ Our Beatles trip to Liverpool Took music students from Ackworth School. We went to the Beatles museum and the Docks And were finally let in a sugary sweet shop.

Two hours it was, from here to there, The surprise killing us and raising our hair, Where we listened to music to get in the mood And shared loads of sweets and scoffed lots of food.

Those two hours passed by We could then relieve a sigh. We were now finally there And could breathe the fresh air.

There was much we learnt And lots of knowledge we earned From going round the exhibit, Which was really quite exquisite.

After learning of their hits There was no time to sit For the Dock was where we went With pounds and pence to spend.

And so that brings us to the end of it – The end of the glorious trip, So I’d like to thank Miss Hussey and Mr Marks For the great experience we had embarked. Hamlet Theatre Robyn Wickham, Year 10 A review of the English Department’s theatre visit to see the RSC’s production of ‘Hamlet’ on tour at The Lowry, Salford. The instant I saw the photograph for the programme’s cover, I was thrilled. ‘Hamlet’ had always been my least History favourite Shakespeare play with its dark setting, sullen Fourth form boys analysing interpretations in History mood and complex dialogue. However with my eyes glued to the stage I had never been so glad to experience ‘Hamlet’ live. The vibrant spray of colours against Paapa Essiedu’s skin made for a fantastic contemporary programme cover. Not only was the character’s performance thrilling and unique but the incorporation of an African republic setting with drums and soldiers carrying semi-automatic handguns instead of swords was what made performance extraordinary. My favourite contemporary twist to the performance was Hamlet being depicted as a graffiti artist which meant he was covered in bright sprays of paints for most of the performance. I would highly recommend this play to anyone interested in a refreshing rendition of the play ‘Hamlet’. Anna Brummeler, Year 13

38 l www.ackworthschool.com Development & Alumni Summer Term Development & Alumni Office If you would like to attend an at a Glance event, update your details on our database, provide a story for Ackworth Today, make a donation, or revisit the School, please do get in touch as we would love to hear from you. School Events Kate Dawson April Alumni and Development [email protected] 16 Term Begins +44 (0)1977 611401 26 4th Year Parent-Staff Meeting 6.30 - 8pm Staff News May 12 Leave Weekend 12 General Meeting 10.30am - 3.45pm 19+20 Made in Ackworth

28 Half Term (until 1 June)

June 20 Inter-House Athletics At the start of this academic year, Francis 2pm - 4pm Hickenbottom and Tom Bootyman have clocked up 50 years of service to the Physics Department at 23 Leave Weekend Ackworth School. Francis arrived in 1991 to teach Physics and took over the Head of Department’s job in 1993 when Grenville Needham retired. Unusually, July Tom has worked here twice. He came as a young man 7 Open Day – Term Ends 3pm in 1982 to teach Physics and work as an assistant in Ackworth Summer Ball Boys’ School House. He left in 1987 and spent time in two sixth-form colleges but returned in 1998 to run Boys’ School House and to teach Physics with Francis and has remained with us since. They have both Coram House contributed enormously to the school outside their subject area. Notably, Francis has inspired hundreds April of children with his skills and knowledge of Natural 23 Parent forum meeting History and Tom with his Chamber Choir and 3.45pm Photography Club. June 28 Y6 end of term production 7pm WeAlan are sad to announce Rothwell the death of Alan Rothwell who passed away on Monday 12th July February, after suffering a long illness. Alan 6 Y6 leavers’ assembly taught at Ackworth from September 1966 to 10.45am August 1994, during which time he was Head of German and Boy’s Housemaster.

Ackworth School Pontefract Road, Ackworth, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF7 7LT Tel: +44 (0)1977 611401 l Email: [email protected] l www.ackworthschool.com