The Ashbeian Issue 10 - May 2008 A Specialist Technology and Languages College

Ashby Students Meet the Challenge – at Home and Away

Page Contents New York, New York 2 The New-Look School Day Eye-catching sculptures to commemorate one of the most dramatic events Students to Shine at in recent history were created by Ashby School students – using just one 3 Awards Evening newspaper and a metre of sticky tape. All tutor groups were challenged to design, develop and manufacture a suitable 4 A Week at the Ritz memorial to stand at Ground Zero, as a tribute to the people who died in the Ashby Race Ace in Action 9/11 terror attacks. 5 Students worked in mixed year groups to come up with some innovative Faculty Focus - Advisory and unusual designs. The best of these were judged by Nick Cooper of HSSP 6-7 Department, Physical Architects, the firm which designed Ashby School’s new Sixth Form Centre. Education, Science The winning team came up with a striking structure which captured 8 Marathon Matt the judge’s imagination. Teacher Ed Cooper, who oversaw the project, said: “The winning design was chosen for its simplicity and eye-catching nature. The judge felt that it Diary dates symbolised everything the monument was meant to represent. • 12 May “The whole project was very successful. The idea of asking an outside company Year 12 study leave begins to judge the designs gave it an element of realism and contributed to the • 21 May wealth of enterprise education that already goes on in school.” Year 13 study leave begins • 23 May Year 13 Leavers’ ball at the Castle Donington Hilton • 26-30 May Half term • 2 June Year 11 study leave begins • 9 June Year 12 return to school to begin A2 courses • 13 June Training day. School closed to Year 10 students but open to all students who have exams that day • 30 June Year 10 work experience begins/ Induction for Year 11 students plan- ning to enter Sixth Form in August Members of the winning team show off their sculpture. • 2-4 July (inclusive) Year 9 induction • 7-9 July (inclusive) Examination Results Year 12 business conference • 11 July • Thursday 14 August • Thursday 21 August School closes 8.45am A2 results B block 10am GCSE results Lecture theatre Page  10am AS results Lecture theatre The Ashbeian

To allow other cars to enter the site, parents are being asked to drive through the gates and deposit students closer to the View from the Top school’s main entrance. This newsletter is packed with Similar problems have also been reported at the end of the information about the many school day. successful activities in which Ashby School students are involved – both in and out of school. The new-look school day from Monday 2 June I am also very aware that, with 1670 teenagers on site, there are many 8.45am Lesson 1 more talents and achievements that 9.45am Lesson 2 are not mentioned here. School is about more than just 10.45am Registration academic achievement. We want to 11.05am Break make sure students enjoy school and develop as many positive talents and 11.25am Lesson 3 attributes as possible. 12.25pm Lesson 4a or lunch We want them to feel good about themselves, what they do and where they are going. At school, we try to provide opportunities 1.05pm Lesson 4b or lunch and encourage open minds in as many areas as possible 2.05pm Lesson 5 – through sports, the arts, trips, visits, work experience and a whole range of charity and House events. 3.05pm End of school A recent visit from Ofsted to look at the school’s PE department found that ‘the diversity of curriculum provision is part of a deliberate strategy to engage students to find activities they enjoy and continue to enjoy into adulthood’ (February 2008). Lessons of the Holocaust This comment is relevant to all that goes on in the school as we Learned at Ashby play our part in helping the teenagers of the Ashby and Ibstock areas to grow into responsible, happy and fulfilled adults. Two students from Ashby School saw some of the During this term, we will be saying goodbye and good luck to horrors of the Holocaust departing Year 11, 12 and 13 students – and greeting the next at first hand when they cohort of new students. Saying goodbye is always tinged with spent a day at former sadness. Welcoming new students, on the other hand, is exciting concentration camp and a time for optimism. Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. Mrs V. Keller-Garnett Headteacher Head Boy Alex Stevenson and Head Girl Sinead Wallace travelled to It Could Be You Auschwitz, along with Are you one of the 30 parents who dropped your child off at 200 students from other 8.45am this morning - making them late for registration? schools, as guests of the Head Boy Alex Stevenson and Head Girl Holocaust Educational This is the question being posed to scores of parents who Sinead Wallace travelled to Auschwitz. Trust. routinely drop their children off late at the school gates. Since then, they have shared their experience with the rest of the Now Ashby School teachers are urging parents and students to school in a series of Holocaust-themed assemblies. arrive on time. Sinead said: “The visit was very emotional. The whole idea is that Assistant Headteacher Margaret Hawksworth said: “Morning students find out what really happened at Auschwitz and tell registration begins at 8.45am so students need to be here well others; it is about learning a lesson from history to make sure it before that to make sure they reach their form rooms on time. never happens again.” “From June, changes to the school timetable mean that first Alex and Sinead were shown around the camp’s barracks and lesson will begin at 8.45am. It is essential that students arrive 10 crematoria, and took part in a memorial and candle-lighting minutes before first lesson. They should also bear in mind that it service to remember the six million people killed in the Holocaust. takes 10 minutes to walk between the two sites. Teacher David Potter, who accompanied them to Poland, said: “Those that do not arrive on time will receive a ‘late’ mark.” “The visit to Auschwitz was an opportunity for students not only Parents who drop children off at school are also being urged not to learn from, but to act on, the lessons of the Holocaust. to stop in the school gateway, as this blocks the entrance and “It was then up to Alex and Sinead to decide which lessons were results in major traffic disruption on Nottingham Road. most relevant to our school and how best to present them to their fellow students in their assemblies.”

Page  Flagship Sixth Form Centre to Open Ashby School’s new Sixth Form Centre will Hard Work Rewarded be officially opened later this term – complete with at Awards Evening wireless technology and a bistro-style cafe. Worthy students who have impressed teachers with their determination, enthusiasm and outstanding results were due to The £750,000 centre is be honoured at Ashby School’s annual awards evening this week already in use by Sixth (Thursday 15 May). Formers, who now have a spacious, modern, Those lined up for awards included singing sensation Harriet purpose-built area in Eyley, who was named as one of the winners of the Hastings which to study, eat Award, for outstanding effort. Harriet, who sings at the and relax. Birmingham Conservatoire, was also due to perform at the ceremony. The centre includes a dedicated study area The Advisory Award was set to go to James Mason, who attracted with computer terminals, media attention earlier this year for his animal rescue work. a social area for students Matt Hewitt and Joe Roberts were named joint winners of the The new Sixth Form Centre provides an to relax with friends, and ultra-modern study and social area. Ashfield Triumph over Adversity Award, for battling their way back a 200-seat cafe. to school in spite of serious health issues. Matt defied doctors’ Students have been involved in every stage of the centre’s design expectations by returning to class just months after suffering from facilities to colour schemes. serious head injuries in a jet ski accident while on holiday. It is hoped that the opening ceremony will be performed by the Scores of other students were also due to collect awards from two students who came up with the idea for a revamped centre guest speaker Hazel Finch, a Governor of Ashby School and two years ago. former local primary headteacher. Former Head Boy Nick Lackenby and Head Girl Lucy MacLauchlan Teacher Sue Sibson, organiser of the awards evening, said: “This will be invited back to Ashby School to open the centre later this is still one of the most important and thrilling dates in the school summer. calendar. It is a chance to celebrate the remarkable achievements and character of Ashby School’s students.” Anita Allsop, Senior Administrator at Ashby School, said: “We want to give Sixth Formers the best possible environment in which to A full list of award winners can be found on the school website. study and spend their free time. More awards will be announced on Thursday 18 December when “The new centre is a fantastic resource. It began as a student a presentation evening will be held for former Year 13 students. initiative and it is a credit to them.” The popularity of the Sixth Form has caused student numbers to Alice in Wonderland soar in recent years to more than 550. Sixth Former Alice Chadwick had a month to remember after being Picture Perfect named regional Young Volunteer of the Year 2007 - and meeting newly- Young snapper Chloe Hampton has won first prize in a local appointed rugby manager, photography competition. Martin Johnson. Chloe, 16, was awarded first prize in a Young Photographer Alice, 17, who is sitting her A levels competition, run by Ashby’s Rotary Clubs, for her stunning shot of at Ashby School this term, clinched a water bird. She was presented with a digital camera. the North West Other students whose work was commended by judges were Local Sports Alliance award after Rebecca Tyler, Elizabeth Thomas, Lizzie Noble and Carmen Ensor. clocking up 220 hours of voluntary work in just one year. Alice Chadwick met England During the 12 months, she helped Boarder Ben to Meet Princess rugby manager Martin Johnson, at hockey festivals, swimming An Ashby student will be dining with Princess Anne and the after winning an award for her lessons, rugby matches and Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace – after impressing voluntary work. Guiding meetings. teachers with his commitment and progress. Following her triumph, Alice was invited to meet Martin Johnson Ben Cooper, 16, a boarder at School House, will speak at the June during his visit to Ashby Rugby Club. event about the benefits of boarding school. Alice, who plans to study Sport and Exercise Science at university John Williams, Director of Boarding at School House, said: “Ben has next year, said: “I was really, really pleased to win. Anybody who been recognised for his excellent effort and his achievement. He is considering volunteering should definitely do it. It helps to is a very good example of what a boarding school education can improve your leadership skills, gives you more confidence and is a achieve: independence, focus and friendship.” chance to get to know people and make contacts. Ben, from London, plans to stay on into the Sixth Form at Ashby “Meeting Martin Johnson was amazing. He was really School and hopes to become an architect. nice and so normal.”

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Putting on the Ritz Two students from Ashby School will get a hands-on introduction to catering and hospitality at The Ritz Hotel – thanks to Ashby Salon Students Make Their Mark School’s work experience programme. Four students who enrolled on a vocational Thomas Lackenby and Abigail Allen will be among almost 500 course after difficulties Ashby students to take up their work experience placements this in the classroom have term. wowed teachers – by Thomas and Abigail will spend a week working at the world-famous picking up 20 distinctions Ritz Hotel in London, while others will visit local schools, companies between them. and organisations to get their first taste of the workplace. Bridie North, Stephanie Delia Shaw, Work Experience Co-ordinator at Ashby, said: “We try to North, AJ Hunt and accommodate students’ career ambitions as far as we can. Debbie Sparham decided to study for the “Most Ashby companies have agreed to take at least one student. Hair we go! Successful students (left to right) These placements are not only great experience – they can also Bridie North, Stephanie North, AJ Hunt and City and Guilds Level 1 Debbie Sparham are looking forward to Certificate in Salon Skills lead to more far-reaching opportunities. Last year, four students starting college next year. at Stephenson College. were offered apprenticeships, as a result.” Recent exam results revealed that all four girls had picked up Anyone who would like to offer a work placement to an Ashby distinctions, with Stephanie scoring a maximum of seven. School student, or take part in other careers activities, can contact the Work Experience Office on 01530 413748 x 207/ 281. The Year 11 girls are part of Ashby School’s Alternative Curriculum programme, which caters for students who find conventional learning more difficult. Read All About It... Peter Higgs, who oversees the Alternative Curriculum, said: “Their Services are Being Extended achievements have been awesome. They have been working in an area that has been completely new. They have had to learn a A handy guide to all the clubs and activities open to young people whole new vocabulary. in Ashby, as part of the new Extended Schools scheme, will be issued this term. “On some occasions, they have had to work long hours at college. Ashby School is working with and the town’s “Their behaviour has been exemplary. They have been a credit primary schools to set up an out-of-hours network of clubs and to themselves, their parents and the school and it has been a services, from cookery classes to revision sessions. pleasure to work with them.” The Extended Schools programme is a nationwide initiative, Bridie is studying hair while the other three have all focussed on designed to help children get involved, boost their confidence and beauty. All four have been offered college places for next year. develop more positive attitudes to learning. Gus Colquhoun, Extended Schools Co-ordinator for the Ashby VIP Treatment at Rolls-Royce Family of Schools, said: “We hope that people will find the guide Ashby students were useful. We would like to hear from anyone who has suggestions for given VIP treatment new activities, or anyone who is interested in launching a new club.” during a visit to All the information is now available on the Ashby Family of Schools Rolls-Royce at Derby Extended Services website at www.extended-schools.com. – including the chance to sit in a vintage car valued at £9 million. Climb the Best, Climb Everest The 28 Sixth Formers An Ashby School student is on a mission, after being chosen for an – who are all taking A expedition to the base camp of Mount Everest. level Business Studies Jessica Gilbey, 16, of Moira, is one of just 14 Army Cadets selected – saw a production line from Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire to take part in in progress and were the trip in October this year. given an insight into the production process. After climbing Everest, she and the other Cadets will spend a week Janis Strelkovs (left) and Justin Birch try out a helping to build a school in Nepal. vintage Rolls Royce, insured for £9 million. Mrs Judith Cooke, who works in the the Business Jessica said: “I am excited but it is going to be hard work. Higher up Studies department at Ashby School, said: “Students were able the mountain, the climate is difficult, there are temperature drops to compare this method of car production with production lines and a risk of altitude sickness, which all makes climbing such as Peugeot or Toyota where hundreds of vehicles pass on a more difficult.” conveyor system and robots do most of the work. The climb will take two weeks. “At Rolls-Royce, it was all very spacious and there was not a Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the cost of Jessica’s robot in sight.” trip can contact her on 01530 564197.

Page  Chelsie is Model Finalist A modelling hopeful from Ashby School has reached From the Governors... the finals of the Miss Hinckley competition. Specialist Schools Steering Group Chelsie Griffin, 17, was one of Technology College Report 24 finalists competing for the title of Miss Hinckley on 4 May A Motivational Maths workshop for teachers and Governors – after being entered for the gave them an insight into some of the tricky number-crunching contest by a friend. exercises tackled by students. In the grand final, she was Governors from Ashby, Ibstock and Ivanhoe took part in the expected to model evening Motivational Maths workshop which will also run for Year 10 wear and sports gear, and talk students during the summer term. about her voluntary work. Based on the ‘Crystal Maze’ TV show, the session gave teams The winner will take part in the of Governors a time limit to solve maths challenges, including Finalist Chelsie was entered semi-final of the Miss England tangrams, dominoes and origami. for the contest by a friend. competition to be held in June. The event was run by teachers Nicola Ley, Lavinia Russell and This is not the first time that Chelsie has made local headlines. Head of Maths Claire Jackson, who doubled up as host Richard Last year, she picked up a gold Step into Sport award for clocking O’Brien. up more than 300 hours of volunteering at her local Brownie pack As part of the school’s Technology College (TC) work, Maths and and with a cheerleading group. Science teachers are giving support to Ibstock students who will Chelsie plans to read Educational Studies and Psychology at be sitting GCSE Statistics and GCSE Science modules this term, university after leaving school. while still at High School. Workshops are also being run in local primary schools by Design Taylor Makes the Grid Technology and Science staff from Ashby School. A young motorcyclist from More ground-breaking TC targets for the next two years have Ashby School has qualified already been finalised by Governors and Faculty Heads in Design for the British Motorcycling and Technology, Maths and Science. Championship less than a year after his first race. Languages College Report Taylor Mackenzie, 15, Ashby School is looking to invest in a state-of-the-art, digital needed 10 signatures from language lab to help students prepare even more effectively for 10 separate qualifying listening and oral exams. races to take part in the 2008 British 125GP The lab will be the latest in a string of developments to enhance Championship. language learning at Ashby School which was granted Languages College status almost two years ago. After collecting only one signature by January, Taylor To help students in the run-up to exams, staff are running a full spent several weekends programme of revision sessions, many of them after school. competing in races up and French and Spanish language assistants are also on hand to help down the country to secure students prepare for oral exams. the remaining nine. To get Students involved in the Japanese Business qualification sat their the signature, he had to Taylor has qualified for the British first exam and achieved a very good pass rate. The final Mandarin finish in the top half of the lesson for the year takes place this term. Motorcycling Championship. field in each race. A new qualification called ASSET languages will be piloted in Now Taylor is among the starters on the grid in the UK1 Racing Spanish this term with a small group of Year 11 students. Team. He said: “I have been riding motorbikes all my life but last year I started racing competitively and decided I wanted to carry As part of its language work in the community, Ashby School ran on with it.” a French cookery class for the most able linguists from Ivanhoe and Ibstock high schools in March. Students made a ‘tarte aux Taylor is the son of Niall Mackenzie, three times British Superbike pommes’. champion.

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school to buy resources which address the educational and Faculty Focus emotional needs of dyslexic students. Ashby is strongly committed to improving learning for dyslexic children across Leicestershire. Students and teachers from Ashby Advisory Department have been filmed as part of a training video to be used with Leicestershire teachers. Physical Education Cheerleading, street dancing and trampolining clubs have all scored highly with students, since being launched by the PE department this year. Teachers have been overwhelmed by the popularity of the three clubs which have attracted scores of students, including some who do not usually get involved in sport. The boys’ under 19 basketball team has also been celebrating, after its most successful season for a decade. The team won the County League, earning a place in the play-offs. A terrific performance against Queen Elizabeth College got them through to the final, where they were beaten by in their only defeat of the season. STEP students Scott Strachan, Matthew Lilley, Bryn Cockayne, Charles Oakes, Nathan Sperry and Anthony Hardwick, pictured with instructor Mr Jonathan Jones, visited the NEC Motocycle Show. Ashby School offers many opportunities to students with special educational needs – whether they are on the SEN record or the Gifted and Talented register. Students who have learning difficulties are taught and supported throughout the curriculum by dedicated teachers, teaching assistants and learning support assistants. Gifted and talented students have access to talks, meetings, and weekly newsletters on a variety of subjects ranging from medicine and law to economics and art. This year, STEP and Life Skills students made their annual visit to the Motorcycle Show at the NEC. Life Skills students will also be given the chance to take part in a short course on British Sign Language. The successful basketball squad was made up of Jake Clulow, Damian Cope, In Year 11, all Life Skills students carry out one day of work Aarron Showler, Sam Pizutto, Jasper Wildenhayn, Tom Bradbury, Guarav experience each week in settings as diverse as nurseries, shops, Srivastava, Richard Gaskell, Scott North and Luke Geddes restaurants and even East Midlands Airport. In badminton, the under 16 boys’ team excelled itself by getting Several Child Care students were lucky (or unlucky) enough to through to the quarter finals of the County shield – a first in the experience caring for a newborn when they took home virtual history of Ashby School. Under 18 boys’ and girls’ teams have also babies for a weekend. Many were bleary-eyed when they brought played in the Leicestershire league. All players have benefited their ‘babies’ back to school on Monday morning. from weekly team practice and coaching from Level 2 coach Chris Goadsby. Gifted and talented students have different special educational needs. A visiting speaker from Oxford University talked recently to Ashby’s hockey players, who include a number of club and county these students about university life, admissions, and courses. Her players, also notched up some victories. The under 19 girls won advice has already helped a number of Year 13 students to secure their quarter final match in the County Cup against Dixie Grammar places at some of the country’s top universities, including six who School, but lost the semi-final to Leicester Grammar. have offers from Oxbridge. The under 15s hockey team was beaten by Our Lady’s Convent Gifted and talented students give up their Friday afternoons to School in the quarter finals of the County Cup. The school is hoping teach at the Tip Tops. Up to 100 gifted and talented local primary to enter teams into several summer tournaments. school children attend this club every week to work with Ashby School students, exploring complicated topics such as Newton’s There were also victories for the school’s rugby players. This year, laws, quadratic equations and vectors. Ashby fielded three rugby teams in the Leicestershire County Cup. The under 15s beat Lancaster Boys’ School in the quarter finals, in Ashby School has been awarded a grant to help work towards spite of playing with 14 men for the final third of the game. They Dyslexia Friendly School status. The cash award will help the were finally knocked out by a strong John Cleveland side.

Page  The under 16s won seven of their eight games, reaching the quarter finals of the County Cup. The under 18s are waiting to play During the visit, students also looked at the breathing system, Welbeck Sixth Form College in the County Plate Final. measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen in In netball, three teams entered the Charnwood League. The under exhaled air. 16s came second in their age group, while the under 19s finished As part of their course, Applied Science students from Years third and the under 15s secured fourth place. 10, 11 and 12 went to Twycross Zoo to see Science in the The school’s water polo teams have grown in number and ability. workplace. Students observed animal behaviour and learnt about The under 19 boys qualified for the National Schools Finals in conservation work and how the zoo used science in its daily tasks. Bradford where they played exceptionally hard against very strong opposition. Students have also taken part in after-school clubs and/ or competitions in ultimate Frisbee, football and cricket. For students taking PE at A level and GCSE, two new classrooms have been added to create a purpose-built, improved study environment. To add to the range of qualifications, the department will launch a BTEC in Sports Studies to run alongside the A level course in September. The course is expected to be popular, particularly with students who prefer to be assessed through coursework rather than formal examinations. The PE department is also continuing to share its enthusiasm and best practice with schools and sports clubs across North West Leicestershire, through the Step into Sport scheme. Ashby students regularly give up their free time to work with younger Biology students turned up for extra lessons during Science Week. children in sporting activities. This year, Ashby School boasted the highest number of students in Leicestershire completing the programme. The scheme has a positive knock-on effect for the rest of the school as a result of successful grant applications for equipment like trampolines and mats, and activities such as a visiting climbing wall. Science Fish heads, dancing raisins and the science of sound all featured in a packed programme of Science Week activities at Ashby School. Year 10 students got the chance to make their own fizzy sweets, see bread rising and make raisins dance, as part of a one-off lesson Des res in catchment area for good school. Would suit young couple. Open plan about Science and food. living area, CCTV throughout. Others attended an after-school ‘dissection night’ of fish heads, hearts and lungs, while students interested in Physics spent an From the Governors... evening experimenting with sound. For Sixth Formers, there was an insight into the topics of pain and School House GM crops from visiting lecturers from Nottingham and Leicester School House has earned top marks again – this time, for its universities. catering. To make sure everyone got a taste of Science Week, there was an Last term, School House was classed ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the all-school Science quiz, with a prize for the winning tutor group. highest possible ranking. Teacher Helen Philliskirk said: “Science Week is all about showing Now its kitchen and catering facilities have been given the students the fun and relevance of Science. All the students who maximum three stars by North West Leicestershire District took part really enjoyed it – and hopefully learnt a lot.” Council. Even birds are being invited to take part in Science lessons, John Williams, Director of Boarding, said: “The three stars are fully following the installation of several bird boxes around the school. deserved. Our catering staff has earned them through quality, The boxes, which are in the school conservation area, include one professionalism and hard work.” with CCTV so that students can monitor the birds’ progress. Kitchens are rated on elements such as hygiene and food safety. A level Biology students had a shocking time at Leicester School House’s successes have also translated into demand for University, during a day of practical sessions on the nervous places. The boarding house is oversubscribed again for next year, system. Students were wired up to electrodes to have their nerves with boys coming from as far afield as Macau, Dubai, Cyprus, stimulated with electric shocks, enabling them to record the speed Hong Kong and France. of nerve transmissions.

Page  Talking Heads Marathon Matt Teacher Matt Hall What is your name? showed plenty of Rebecca Jane Jones four-titude – when he What Year are you in? Year 13 completed the London marathon in a time of What is your role at Ashby School four hours, forty one and what does it involve? I’m one minutes and forty seven of Loudoun’s House Captains and that seconds. means I am Mr Hayes’ slave. Kidding! It means that I help organise assemblies He has since reached and prefects and charity events along his fundraising target with my other half (of the Loudoun of £4041.47 – exactly team) Tom Bradbury! matching his finishing What do you think of the House System? I think that the House time. The money will go System at Ashby School is really successful because it helps people to get to his chosen charity, involved who usually wouldn’t. Ashby School is a big place and, without the Parkinson’s Disease the House System, I think everyone would generally have less fun. Society. What do you think of the new Sixth Form Centre? I think it will Mr Hall said: “The whole look fantastic when it’s finished but unfortunately the current Year 13 marathon experience students won’t be around to appreciate it. was incredible. The crowd kept me going, Has the school changed since you started here? Definitely, it’s especially when I got practically an entirely different school. When I first started here, it was still Teacher Mr Hall takes a well-deserved rest to mile 12 and saw one called ‘Ashby Grammar School’. There was no points system, no Period after completing the course. of my Year 13 students X/0 (which is used to teach Personal, Social, and Health education) and shouting ‘Go on, Mr Hall’. no split lunches. [Split lunches help to reduce congestion in the school restaurants – Editor]. “The worst parts included being greeted by heavy hail as I came out of Blackfriars tunnel – and almost being beaten by a Womble!” What scares you most? Photographs of myself! What do you want to do when you leave Ashby School? I’ve Mr Hall raised £1,226 for his chosen charity before the marathon applied to Manchester and Leeds Universities to study French and by holding a non-uniform day at Ashby School. Management. After that, I plan to follow a career using languages. I’ve Anyone wishing to add to Mr Hall’s total can donate at even thought about joining the Armed Forces. www.justgiving.com/matthall_parkinsons. How would you spend a million pounds? Quickly, money burns a hole in my pocket. If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you prefer to Swimmers Make a Run for It be stranded with? Harry Potter and his firebolt broomstick so that I More than 140 people could learn magic and then fly away. were expected to take part in Ashby School’s second What would you never do? Become a teacher! I want to break the gruelling charity aquathon mould of my parents. this month – including If the world were to end tomorrow, what would you do today? headteacher Mrs Vivien PANIC! Keller-Garnett. To complete the course, competitors must do a 400 From the Governors... metre swim followed by a three kilometre run. They Personnel Committee can enter in teams of two, Attendance, e-behaviour, staffing and student welfare are just One of last year’s entrants breathes a sigh of tackling one section of the some of the issues tackled by the Personnel committee this year, relief after finishing the 400 metre swim. course each. in partnership with the school’s senior management team. This year’s entrants were set to include staff and students of all Personnel Governors have also helped to oversee the abilities, from competitive triathletes to those tackling the course development of the Extended Schools programme (see page 4 as a personal challenge. for more details), which is designed to give more out-of-hours Teacher Vikki Rundle-Brown, who organises the aquathon, opportunities to students and their families. The appointment of a said: “Last year, we raised approximately £950 for Erdington’s dedicated co-ordinator to work with the Ashby Family of Schools House charity Cancer Research. This year, all students and staff has helped the project to evolve more effectively. competing will be raising money for their own House charity and Ashby School’s close liaison with the high schools and other we hope that the total will be more than £1000.” upper schools in North West Leicestershire remains invaluable. The aquathon was due to take place on Tuesday 6 May. Ashby School is part of the North West Leicestershire Multi Agency Forum and the Hard to Place Panel, where representatives from education, health, police and social services work together Bronze and Silver Success for the benefit of students. Hard work has paid off for student Chris Jameson, who has The school received an outstanding report from Investors in achieved his Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. People and will now be reassessed in 2010. There was also success for Laura Green, Sian Bebbington, Tristan Morgan, Sigourney Blunt, Ellis Marshall and Sophie Arkinstall, who all earned their Bronze Awards.

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