Accent 28: Autumn 2011 - Ashcombe School

accentON ASHCOMBEISSUE 28 • AUTUMN 2011A-LEVEL SUCCESS!The Ashcombe School’s 2011 A-level resultshave maintained the very high standards setover the years. Headteacher, David Blow,commented: “This is the second year of thenew A-level specifications and the new A*grade, and we are delighted that therecontinue to be extremely high results for awide range of students. The standard ofteaching here is outstanding, and thestudents have responded with enormouscommitment and hard work, whilst engagingin a wide range of extra-curricular and socialactivities.”➵THE ASHCOMBE SCHOOL, DORKING

The average points score per student has consistently beenabove 350 points and this year was no exception. Theaverage for 2011 was 362 per student, with 33% of gradesbeing an A* or A, and over 50% of grades were A*-B.In fact, over the three year period (2008-10), TheAshcombe School was placed in the top 30 comprehensivesin the country for the average number of pointsper students, together with a very high ALPS (AdvancedLevel Performance System) value-added i.e. progress fromGCSE to A-level. As a comprehensive school we prideourselves in offering opportunity as widely as possible bykeeping restrictions on entry to A-level courses to aminimum. As a result, a number of students who in mostinstitutions would not have been allowed to begin A-levelcourses have gained commendable grades, thereby givingthem access to university places.The Ashcombe School saw many outstanding individualresults, including nine students who gained four or five A*or A grades - Hugh Baker, Helen Charman, Michael Evans,Jenny Lloyd, Kieran Mackrell, Nicola Marsden, ColetteParker, Louise Shaw and Elliot Taylor. All have managedto secure places at their university of choice. Colette andHugh are going to Oxford to study Mathematics andPhysics respectively, while Helen is off to Cambridge to readEnglish. Michael will be going to Kings College London toread War Studies and History, Jenny to York to read Frenchand Linguistics, Kieran to Southampton to studyMathematics, Louise to Sheffield to read History & Politics,Nicola to Durham to read Natural Sciences, and Elliot toSouthampton to study Electronic Engineering.Congratulations also to the students who gained three A*or A grades: Katie Addison, Robert Baldwin, Luke Bangs,Sarah Bridgman, Emily Caldwell, Ciaran Cummins, AdamDay, Eliza Grant, Tom Grant, Kristian Hook, David Isles,Rory McDonald, Rob Moorcroft, Eve Powell, JonathanSourris and Marcus Wood.Jamie May who gained five A* last year has been successfulin gaining a place to read History at Cambridge, whereEve will also be studying PPS (Politics, Psychology &Sociology).The Lower Sixth’s AS results were also very pleasing, withDominic Pollard gaining five A grades, Olivia Bathe, LauraColmer, Laurence Crumbie, Stephanie Davison, MichaelFoskett, Bhavisha Patel and Bethany Rudd gaining four Agrades, and Grace Brewer, Maia Collins, Anya Wilson andWill Taylor gaining three As.VIEWPOINTRecent national Ofsted statistics showed that over80% of parents agreed that their child was happy atschool and was making progress, a rather more positiveperspective than the sometimes negative pictureportrayed in the national media or by politicians.The corresponding figures for this school are evenhigher (above 90%), and this edition of Accentvividly illustrates both the academic achievements inpublic exams and the incredible range of extracurricularactivities available to pupils.Politicians having been talking about the need to “setschools free” and “give them autonomy” whilst atthe same time telling them what they should do!Amidst these contradictions and the rhetoric, weremain firmly committed to working in partnershipwith the other schools in Dorking, Surrey and morewidely, to create opportunities and to offer supportto children and their families.The school remains highly sought-after, and yet alsodeterminedly comprehensive, welcoming pupils of allabilities and backgrounds. Our parent supportevenings reflect our commitment to working withparents, celebrating the good times and working ourway through the difficulties. The feedback from thoseevenings confirms the appreciation from parents ofour positive and optimistic view, which is alsogrounded in a very realistic perspective of the rewardsand challenges both of working with young people,and of being the parents of teenagers.D.J. BlowHeadteacher

EXCELLENT GCSE RESULTS!Well done to all those who took their GCSEs this summer– the results were fantastic. Here are this year’s key figures,which were even better than 2010s!• 100% of pupils gained at least one A* to G grade and98% achieved five GCSEs at this level. (100% and 96% in2010 respectively)• 69.2% of pupils achieved at least five A* to C gradesincluding GCSE English and Maths (68% in 2010)• Over 93% of pupils gained at least one A* to C grade(90% last year)We also saw some exceptional individual performances,with a fifth of our pupils gaining two or more A* grades:Ellen Luckins and Ben Rodgers (both 10½ A* grades);Sarah Cockle-Hearne, Daniel Fox, Sebastian Fox andHenry Warne (all 9 A*s); Edward Bodman and RosieGranville (both 8 A*s); Michael Cox, James Fox, AnnaKeay and Reece Lunstone (all 7 A*s); Anthony Avis,Elizabeth Hearn, Lydia Hudson, Ollie Smith and RebeccaSutherland (all 6 A*s); Daniel Brett, Seth Clenaghan,Maddie Giles, Harry Keay, Joshua Hook and Becky Wilson(all 5 A*s); Eleanor Shimoyama, Sarah Watkins and JackWhetnall (all 4 A*s); Henry Hill (3½ A*s); DouglasBaldwin, Thomas Bletso, Joshua Caldwell, Oliver Curtis,Dominic Ferrett, Ellen King, Emily Luker, ThomasNicholson and Otto Young (all 3 A*s); Robert Day, GeorgeGuven, Maxim Harper, Rebecca Hollands, Rosie Holmes,Owen Lynch, Dom Nicholls, Abbie Papworth, JonathanWalton, Caitlin Warren, Samantha White and GeorgeWiltshire (all 2 A*s).Headteacher David Blow commented: "These areoutstanding results which have been achieved by acomplete cross-section of young people. We believe that anumber of factors have contributed to this success, ofwhich the hard work of the pupils themselves, the supportof their parents, and the skill and dedication of our teachersare the most significant. The Ashcombe School hasachieved a consistently high standard of examinationresults for several years now, but it is not complacent, andwill seek to build on this achievement in years to come."

FAIRPLAY TO ASHCOMBEThe Ashcombe School has become one of the firstsecondary schools in Surrey to incorporate Fairtradecertified cotton into its school uniform, by selling ethicalcotton polo shirts this summer. The Fairtrade CertificationMark is the independent guarantee that the cotton in aproduct has been certified in accordance withinternational Fairtrade standards.The introduction of Fairtrade cotton in the school poloshirts is a great initiative and has involved close liaisonbetween the school, the Parent Teachers Association (PTA)and the suppliers ‘Koolschools’. We are hoping that thepossibility of becoming a Fairtrade School will beconsidered by pupils at the next School Council meetingand that other schools across the county will followAshcombe's lead.RANMORES@ASHCOMBEThe Upper School canteen now has its very own café– Ranmores@Ashcombe! The name was chosen byThe School Council, who also had an input into thecafé's design. We are lucky enough to be the firstschool in the county to have this type of cateringfacility, with Surrey Commercial Services providing thefunding. Both Upper and Lower School pupils can buyfood and drink from the café before school, as well asat break and lunchtimes. The café is also open to staffand Sixth Formers before school and from 10.30am –1.50pm. Ranmores has now been open for twomonths and is proving to be a very popular additionto our catering provision.THE DORKING DEBATEIn Citizenship lessons last term, Year 9 pupilsresearched and discussed the proposals for a newsupermarket in Dorking. They worked in groups andthen staged a mock district council meeting to decidewhich supermarket proposal should go ahead. Pupilsconducted independent research to pull together apresentation and then demonstrated democracy inaction by voting on the winning supermarket!6TH FORM INDUCTION DAYThe 6th Form Induction Day took place on 24th June,with over 150 students coming in for talks given bysubject staff. Students were able to hear more aboutwhat they had chosen to study at AS-level and ask staffquestions about the 6th Form in general. In the evening,there was a 'Wild West' themed social which over 200existing and prospective students attended. It was areally positive start to their 6th Form careers.

THE WATER ROCKET CHALLENGEIn June 2011, six Year 7 pupils from Ashcombe's Science Club werechosen to represent the school at the annual 'Water Rocket Challenge' atthe National Physics Laboratory.The task was to design a water rocket with the aim of it reaching aspecified target area. Our rockets comfortably cleared 30 metres butunfortunately, the scoring zone only started at 60 metres so we were noteligible for a prize. However, the pupils were not disheartened – theywere just happy that their rocket flew and that it had remained intact!The pupils were also lucky enough to be shown how a helicopter worksby the Army and to try out a flight simulator.All in all a great day was had, learning and experimenting with man-mademachines which defy gravity (well, for a bit anyway!)YEAR 10 BOAT TRIPAfter a miserable, wet afternoon at school, 140 Year 10pupils arrived for the buses for an evening boat trip on theThames, dressed to impress with the sun shining uponthem. The students ate a traditional fish & chip dinneraboard the New Southern Belle, and then danced the nightaway.The pupils had been required to meet specific criteria inorder to be considered for the trip: 94% and above forattendance and punctuality, and no outstanding detentions.This had acted as an important incentive, and also gavethem a taste of what they will need to do in Year 11 in orderto gain study leave in the winter, and to be able to attendthe Leavers' Ball in May. Thanks to fantastic organisationby Miss Davidson, the trip was a great success, and hasmade pupils all the more excited about Year 11 and whatit will entail.STUDY CENTRE ACTIVITIESThe Study Centre once more held a Book Fair in theSummer Term and managed to raise a whopping £425– its fourth highest total ever! 57 pupils voted for theirfavourite book from the fair, and the most popular oneswere purchased.Just as in previous years, the Study Centre held aSummer Holiday competition for the new Year 7s,which involved sending in a book review on a postcard.These postcards were then put on display for all to see.

AN ALTERNATIVE SPORTS DAYAfter performing really well in Athletics Day, Year 7pupils also thoroughly enjoyed an after-school event,dubbed “silly” or “classic” sports day. Unfortunately,their outdoor plans were scuppered by some classicBritish weather but thanks to Miss Parish, they were ableto run the event in the Sports Hall instead. Bean bagraces, egg & spoon races and obstacle courses were justa few of the fun events the Year 7s participated in, andeveryone had a great time.LANGUAGE TRANSITION PROJECTSIn the Summer Term, a number of Year 9 pupils and LowerSixth students visited local primary schools as part of theLanguage Transition Project. The aim of the project is topromote languages and to bridge the gap between primaryand secondary school. Lower Sixth students created shortdrama presentations in French, German and Spanish andperformed them to Key Stage 1 children, while Year 9pupils played vocabulary games with Year 6 children andanswered questions on life at The Ashcombe.HIGH ASHURST10 Year 8 pupils were fortunate enough to have theopportunity to attend the outdoor learning centre 'HighAshurst' for three evening sessions in April, May andJune. The pupils were able to boost their confidence andself-esteem by completing a challenge course as a team,climbing up and abseiling down high walls, and tacklingthe high ropes which included the ‘Leap of Faith’. Allthe pupils achieved more than they thought they wouldand worked really well to support and encourage eachother during every activity. Well done!

GOODBYE TO YEAR 11The Year 11 Leavers' events began with a hard foughtfootball game between staff and Year 11 pupils onWednesday 11th May. Exceptional goal keeping from MrRavenhill, fine leadership from Miss Parish and individualskill from Mr Mackrell wasn't enough to defeat the Year11 team, however.The following evening, over 200 Year 11s gathered at theSurrey Hills Hotel for the annual Leavers' Ball. Pupilscertainly made quite an entrance, arriving in vehiclesranging from flashy little sports cars to army trucks anddiggers! One pupil even turned up on a unicycle! Everyonelooked lovely in their suits and prom dresses, and had areally good night.Friday 13th May marked the end of Year 11's Upper Schoolcareers, with the Leavers' Assembly and the signing ofyearbooks. The assembly was series of photographicpresentations put together with humorous anecdotescelebrating the Year 11's time at school. Pupils laughed atthe photos and also shed a few tears at the thought ofsaying goodbye.'BON VOYAGE' UPPER 6TH...The Upper Sixth Leavers' Boat Trip took place alongThe Thames in May and over 140 students attended.Having already had their last day in school, the boattrip was the final school event for the students, so it wasan emotional affair. Nevertheless, everyone reallyenjoyed themselves and celebrated in style!

GREAT GOLFINGThe Surrey Schools Golf team competed in the South ofEngland Championships hosted by Kent at CanterburyGolf Club on 31st May. The team was made up ofyoungsters from local schools and included Ashcombe'svery own Ben Stokoe. Not only were the Surrey squadextremely successful winning the team trophy, but Benalso managed to come third in the individual event. Theentire team qualified for the National Championships inJune and based on Ben's performance there, he has nowbeen selected to play for English Schools.Congratulations Ben!RESOUNDING ROUNDERS RESULT!The Year 8 Rounders team had a successful campaign in2011, not losing a game the entire season. The icing onthe cake was beating St Teresa’s, Manor House,Greenacre, Rosebery and Howard to win the DistrictTournament and being crowned Year 8 Girls DistrictRounders Champions.Congratulations to the team: Lydia Goodwin, FranBarclay, Caroline Watson, Hannah Ferret, Elly Thorn,Rachel Higgins, Victoria May, Millie Cresswell, HannahBeresford and Ella Sheehan.THE '40 CLUB COMPETITION'This cricket tournament started with a match against StAndrews, who had been beaten by the Ashcombe a fewweeks before. Ashcombe started off batting and got a totalof 212 runs. Mike Ellis played superbly and achieved thefirst century of the tournament's history, with 110 runs notout. Tom Ball also played brilliantly and secured 57 runsfor The Ashcombe School.Max Ridler and Will Stone opened the bowling withremarkable finesse, while Ashley Shenton played anexcellent game at wicket keeper. St Andrews were allbowled out for under a third of the Ashcombe total, whichmeant the Ashcombe were through to the final against theHoward of Effingham School.The match started with Ashcombe going into bat oncemore, and a good opening partnership between Jack Wyllieand Tom Ball saw off the opening bowlers. This led toHarvey Mewis and Mike Ellis contributing towards thefinal total of 105 off 16 overs.Howard walked out confidently only to be discouraged bythe pacey Max Ridler and wicket keeper Josh Edwards,who, on his debut for the school, took every ball cleanly.Zac Smith became fielder of the tournament taking his 3rdcatch and getting a run out.It was soon the last over. Howard were on 104 for 4 andattempted to top The Ashcombe’s well earned 105 for 5.Captain, Mike Ellis took on the challenge of either gettinga maiden or 2 or more wickets, with one run off the over.The over started with a dot ball then a single, causing theirtop scorer to get on strike.The spectators thought it was all over for Ashcombe, butthe team had different ideas. Mike Ellis managed to gettheir top scorer, but Ashcombe could not help thinking itwas too late. However, 2 wickets were taken off the last 2balls, which ensured that no single was achieved.Ashcombe emerged victorious and retained the title of '40Cup Winners'. A special mention must go to theAshcombe's captain who was crowned Player of theTournament for the second year running.DISTRICT ATHLETICS COMPETITIONThe Ashcombe School took 60 pupils to the DistrictAthletics meet at Guildford Spectrum on 6th July, enteringan A & B team into the boys' competition and an A teaminto the girls' competition.The final standings saw the girls come a respectable 6th out15 and the boys a fantastic 2nd – not far behind the winnersRGS, Guildford.The Year 9 and 10 boys both won their competitions, withAndre Spahn (Year 9) winning both the 100 & 200 metres.Other winners included Tom Graham (Year 9 – HighJump), Charlie Wyllie (Year 8 – 800 & 1500m), RachelHiggins (Year 8 – Shot), Ben Dyson (Year 7 – 1000m),Daniel Mahony (Year 8 – 400m) and Lucy Brett (Year 7 –600 & 1000m). Lucy also broke the 600m record with atime of 1:48.50m/s.

ATHLETICS DAYThis was a lovely event, with support and sportsmanshipin abundance. Windsor were worthy champions, defendingthe title they won in 2010. A special mention must go toathletes who volunteered to take part in the less-favouredevents, such as the 1500 metres, as well as those who brokeschool records. In total, 18 new records were set, with allbar one of the Year 7 girls' track records being broken.Credit must go to Helen Bridgman (Year 10) who is nowthe holder of a total of 6 athletics day records.CRICKET TRIP TO LORDSDespite a night of torrential rain, 27 Ashcombe pupilsset off for Lords Cricket Ground early one Junemorning for Day 4 of the second test betweenEngland and Sri Lanka.The poor weather saw a delayed start and enabled thepupils to have a wander round the home of cricket,with play eventually starting at 1pm. England bowledwell and ended up taking the remaining 7 Sri Lankanwickets for 100 runs.England’s second innings started badly but Cook andTrott batted well until bad light forced the players offabout 5.30pm.Despite it being cold, everyone enjoyed the day.Thanks go to Mr Ketley for organising it and to MissDye, Mrs Evans, Mr Rayne and Mr Blackband foraccompanying the pupils.TENNIS FEVER15 Ashcombe pupils attended the AEGON Championshipson Tuesday 7th June, where they sat on CentreCourt. They watched some fantastic tennis matches,including Andy Roddick versus Feliciano Lopez andJo-Wilfred Tsonga versus Michael Berrer.The pupils also had the opportunity to watch RafaelNadal and Andy Murray warm up on the practicecourts, and Murray play a doubles match on Court 1.They had a great day and a big thank you must go toMiss Dobson for organising the trip.THE ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLETThe Btec Dance students were fortunate enough toattend a workshop held at the English National BalletStudios in London. A professional Ballet dancer led thestudents in a techniques session in the morning, whichthey really enjoyed. The afternoon was spentparticipating in movement and choreography sessionsbased on the work of ‘Strictly Gershwin’ which wasshowing at the Royal Albert Hall at the time. The girlsfelt very privileged to be able to dance in a fully lit andmirrored studio with a live piano accompaniment.

THE FESTIVAL OF MUSICThe Annual Festival of Music took place in July and oncemore highlighted the wealth of talent Ashcombe pupils haveto offer. The festival kicked off with the Inter House MusicCompetition, where we witnessed a range of excellent soloand group performances from the Lower and UpperSchool. Winners included John Wilson (Lower SchoolSolo), Olwyn Brignall, Edie Adams and Emma Davies(Lower School Group), David Taylor (Upper School Solo),Heather Boagey, Beth Bridgeman, Ella Knowles and AliceGoodwin (Upper School Group) and Jack Heaslewood,Brett Scott-Barnes, Sam Williams and Dom Birkett (Band).Everyone who entered earned points for their house, withwinners and runners up gaining bonus points. It was aclosely fought competition but York ended up victoriouswith 74 points. Stuart came in 2nd with 72 points, Tudorwere 3rd with 62 and Windsor last with 61.Some of the winners went onto perform at the SummerSoirée, which was a delightful evening, showcasing TheAshcombe's musicians as well as providing our Chinesevisitors with an opportunity to perform their very ownmusical arrangements and dances.The Festival did not merely stay within the school grounds.Ashcombe's musicians also visited a number of otherestablishments such as St Michael's School, Denbies andThe Children's Trust to perform and to pass on theirmusical expertise to the younger children.A TASTE OF SOUTH AMERICAFollowing the success of the African music performanceslast year, Ashcombe pupils were invited back in June tosupport St Martin's School's South America week.Our Samba group supported St Martin's teacher MrMemela in musical workshops with his pupils, ably actingas models and leaders for various sections of this percussionensemble.An afternoon concert was given, with tangos and rumbasfrom saxophonists and brass players. The choir alsoperformed - singing “America” from West Side Story anda lovely Chilean song, which St Martin's children joined inwith. The Samba band paraded in and out of the schoolhall, marking the beginning and end of the concert. Pupilsand staff were delighted with our young people. Once againAshcombe Music performers did us proud!THE LAUNCH OF M@SH ON FACEBOOKA page has been set up on Facebook informing students of forthcoming events and rehearsals, and alsodetails a link to our audio library of compositions and performances on the education site numu -www.numu.org.uk/stations.asp and search for m@sh (Music at Ashcombe!).

YEAR 7 EXPLORE GERMANYOver 200 Year 7 pupils accompanied by Ashcombe staffand parents left Dorking early one Monday morning in Julyto travel to Germany. The trip provided pupils with anopportunity to practise vocabulary and phrases learntthroughout the year and enabled them to appreciate thebeauty of the Rhine and Moselle Valleys. Cultural tripsincluded an excursion to the medieval castle Burg Eltz,voyages along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, and a visit toDeutsches Eck in Koblenz, where these two rivers meet.The Year 7s also braved the 1000 metre ascent on theinfamous Boppard Chairlift and witnessed views of the'bendiest bend' and the four lakes.JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOATIn the last week of term, Year 8 put on an impressive production of 'Joseph and the TechnicolorDreamcoat'. Throughout the week they put a huge amount of effort into rehearsing for the Fridaynight performances and also showed off their creative side, participating in make up sessions,creating collages of the Joseph Story and producing displays based on Egypt and the MiddleEast. The final performances bore witness to some fantastic individual voices, great acting skillsand lucid story telling through the chorus. A big well done to all Year 8 participants and a hugethank you to staff for making it such a successful week.

THE ISLE OF WIGHTDuring Activities Week, 140 Year 9s headed off to the Isleof Wight with 12 members of staff for a week of adventureactivities.After short but windy sail across the Solent, the grouparrived at 'Little Canada' - home for the next five days.Unfortunately, heavy rain showers persisted throughout theweek, but luckily this didn't dampen the pupils' sprits -everyone was as keen as ever to participate in the array ofactivities on offer. The sensory trail was one of the firstactivities, which involved pupils navigating their wayaround an obstacle course of mazes and tunnels filled withwater, mud and bugs. It was like a scene from 'I’m aCelebrity Get me Out of Here'! Other activities includedkayaking, canoeing, quad biking and archery. The highlightfor many was seeing Mr Blackband and Mr Ravenhill onthe receiving end of a bucket of water while on their waydown from the 'big swing' - it was a sight not to be missed!FOREIGN CUISINE WEEKA week of Foreign Cuisine was another of the options onoffer to Year 9s as part of their Activities Week. Those whochose this option enjoyed looking at, sampling andcreating foods from a variety of different countries,including:• Spain – churros and hot chocolate, followed by tortilla• Greece – fried calamari, Greek salad and shish kebabs• France – tarte tatin and gateaux• Italy – pasta dishes and flans• Australia – barbecue foods and pavlova• Britain – English breakfast, Cornish pasties, andscones & cream• America – pancakes, muffins and brownies• Mexico - fajitasThere were many highlights throughout the week,including a blind tasting session, an all-American picnicon Box Hill and a fruit gateaux competition (won byAdam Green) which Mr Blow jumped at the chance tojudge!

YEAR 10 'DO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS'Year 10 took part in the school's Annual InternationalBusiness Week during the penultimate week of the summerterm. Whilst other year groups were enjoying thespectacular scenery of Germany, taking part in Joseph,abseiling down a 40ft wall in the Isle of Wight or cookinga range of delicious global dishes, Year 10 dressed formallyfor a week of business games and language activities.The pupils were split into 30 business teams at thebeginning of the week, and spent the first two days learningItalian and Chinese and conjuring up a business plan. Onthe third day, they presented their plans using their newlylearntlanguage skills and also took part ininterviews with local business people. The pupils had drawnup CVs and letters of application in preparation for thesemeetings during PSE lessons.On the final two days, the youngsters played games basedaround marketing and manufacturing (the 'NatWest' and'Bradford' games).The pupils greatly benefited from all these activities – bothpersonally and professionally, and the school would like tothank the local businesses, parents and volunteers whohelped make the week such a fantastic success.

YEAR 8S LAND IN NORMANDYOver 160 pupils in Year 8 went to Normandy in June as partof a cross-curricular residential trip. They had a fantastic weekand all benefited from a busy week of activities. They enjoyedtrips to Pegasus Bridge, Arromanches and Bayeux, and lovedtrying out their French at the local market. Everyone also learnthow to bake biscuits and sourdough bread, as well aswitnessing the cider-making process. The highlight of the weekfor many was visiting the goats' cheese farm, where pupilstasted the local produce and milked the goats (if they dared!).CHINESE EXCHANGEEight students and two staff from our partner school,Changzheng Secondary School, came to visit in July thisyear. They took part in a variety of activities and seemedto relish every minute of their British experience.In school, they participated in lessons and Year 10Business Week, and treated us to a musical performanceat the Summer Soirée. Their 'paper, cutting andknotting' song and 'Peacock Dance' were pieces not tobe missed and gave us a real taster of Chinese culture.During their stay, the Chinese students were also able toenjoy days out to Newlands Corner, China Town andGreenwich, and even 'do-si-doed' at a Barn Dance inSouth Holmwood!

UGANDA 2011On Sunday 24th July, eleven Sixth Formers, accompaniedby Mrs Stanford, Mr Simmonds and Miss Okello landedat Entebbe airport in Uganda ready to embark upon twoweeks of new experiences and challenges. We spent the firstweek in a school in rural eastern Uganda (KachumbalaTownship Primary School) with Build Africa - a charitywhich the Ashcombe School is supporting, and whose mainaim is to help young people escape poverty througheducation and the construction of new classrooms.We helped teach classes of up to 60 pupils and supportedmore informal activities too. We formed such strong bondswith the children and we were really sad to leave. Thefarewell ceremony was amazing and very moving. Wewitnessed traditional African singing and dancing and werepresented with 8 live chickens! In return, we presented theUgandan school with a plaque in memory of Mr Thompsonand Mr Rosser, which was to be displayed on the new blockof classrooms.The second week of our trip was spent on safari in westernUganda, where we visited the Queen Elizabeth and MburuNational Parks and saw lions, elephants, topi, hippos,warthogs and the Ugandan kob. We also travelled toBwindi National Park and trekked in the mountains to seegorillas in their natural environments. We were amazed athow human they were in their appearance and actions. Thewhole experience was a huge learning curve and anincredible opportunity for all involved – thank you to thestaff for making this trip possible.By Emily Hinchliffe (U6 student)