ACKWORTH
TODAY Welcome Back! A very warm welcome to our new Ackworth family members
The EPQ 2023 A pupil’s summary and reflection as it draws to a close
Easter Gathering 2024
Booking form included inside so you can book your attendance now!
AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
ACKWORTH TODAY
Head of Sixth Form Address Dan Jones
W
ith hearts pounding and hopes held high, the results have indeed been excellent for the outgoing Upper Sixth. They have excelled academically, with astonishing highlights in their A-Level examination results. Among the students, there have been brilliant success stories that have left a significant mark on the school. In Southampton, we’ll soon celebrate the journey of Brian, an aspiring engineer (A*AA). Cardiff will welcome Harriet (AAA), a budding doctor. Nottingham is set to host Grace R (ABB), a future vet. Meanwhile, Durham, a renowned centre of excellence for English Literature, will have the privilege of nurturing the talents of Emily (A*A*BB). UCL, a prominent institution, will open its doors to Darcey (BBB) to study anthropology. Another highlight is the achievement of Layla, who has earned a coveted place at Yale, the prestigious Ivy League institution, to pursue a liberal arts degree. These impressive feats are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our remarkable Upper Sixth Form. Another student who did fantastically well is Lucy (AAA) who has chosen to defer entry to 2024. But it’s not just the A-Level results that are worth celebrating. It’s also about the diverse paths these students have chosen for their Higher Education. The Upper Sixth Form have chosen a multitude of destinations, each representing an exciting adventure towards their dreams. In an encouraging trend, 30% of our students have successfully secured places at Russell Group universities across the UK. This is a significant achievement as these institutions are known for their academic excellence and research contributions. It is a testament to the level of preparedness and dedication of our students. Going beyond the borders, it’s inspiring to note that four of our graduates have set their sights on universities abroad. Among them, two are embarking on an exciting journey to the United States on full scholarships, marking a significant accomplishment not only for them, but also for the school as a whole.
The success of our Upper Sixth Form students is not only a testament to their hard work but also to the Quaker ethos 2 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
instilled at Ackworth. Through their education, they have imbibed values of peace, equality, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. This Quaker ethos has shaped them into well-rounded individuals who are ready to contribute to society. As they embark on their higher education journeys, they carry with them not only academic prowess but also the values, ethics, and skills they have developed during their time at Ackworth. Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of education rooted in a commitment to creating a better, more just world.
SUMMER TERM
ACKWORTH TODAY
Open Day Saturday 8th of July saw friends of the school, including current parents and former Scholars, come together to celebrate the end of another wonderful school year. Whilst the weather was not as kind as we would have liked, it did not dampen spirits and there was plenty of entertainment inside the school; including drama productions showcasing the theatrical skills of the school’s actors, as well as the traditional Open Day concert in the Meeting House. Martyn Beer, the new Head who will start in April 2024 when Anton Maree retires, gave an address in the Meeting House, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with staff, parents, and pupils throughout the day. The catering team at Thomas Franks again excelled with a delicious
Old Scholar Cup 2023 A huge congratulations to Millie MartinezTurnbull who was awarded the Old Scholar Cup 2023 by AOSA President Chas Stuart. The cup does not reflect performance in sport or scholarly achievement and is instead awarded to a scholar who has shown the best qualities of initiative, innovation, enterprise, and service which is of benefit to the community - either within school or locally.
complimentary buffet, including an amazing selection of desserts. It was lovely to see so many Old Scholars there too, catching up with old friends and reminiscing about their times at Ackworth School. After the traditional Grand March took place, the day came to a close, the summer term ended, and the holidays began.
www.ackworthschool.com | 3
SUMMER TERM
Little Dolls
(The Cawood Slot, July 2023)
so they effectively recognised the privilege and the joy that exists in bringing other people to new worlds, even when these worlds are difficult (Grace particularly felt the technical and emotional challenge of storytelling in a permanently static position). Most impressively of all, for two young actors, both recognised the challenge and necessity of empathy and sensitivity and understanding others - even when (especially when) those others are broken, calculating, cruel, hard to love people. Ali Boucher, Head of Drama
“You are very, very right to be afraid of the dark.” Grace Dibb and Adam Santosa resumed their partnership to perform Nancy Harris’ short play Little Dolls in The Fothergill Theatre in July 2023. This was the fourth production to take the Cawood Slot, the annual space for student-led, bootcampstyle drama. In it, we meet two characters: Vicky seeks counselling from John, her psychiatrist, and in a darkened room, begins to describe a traumatic event that made her fear the dark since she was a young girl. This is a dark, psychological thriller of a text: beautifully written, sparse, and taut, with a terrifying story that lingers just out of reach, haltingly shared between two characters whose truth and motivations don’t ever quite seem to match. One of the great pleasures the Cawood Slot has offered has been the joy of working with two of Ackworth’s Drama scholars liberated from exam pressure. True to the spirit of the Cawood Slot, the production time (from play selection to public performance) was a little over a week, and this demanded their complete commitment to performing this play to the best of their ability. Grace and Adam both take storytelling seriously and in this performance they demonstrably recognised the value of escapism. In doing
Anti-bullying Alliance We are pleased to say that the work done in the summer term with the Anti-bullying Alliance has been awarded a bronze award. Out of the 331 schools that took part, 2% achieved a gold award, 14% achieved a silver award and 71% a bronze award. A certificate of participation was awarded to a further 12%. 4 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
Little Dolls by Nancy Harris is a riveting and thrilling play riddled with tension and dark truths - it explores the power of light and dark through the troubled (or not) mind of Vicky, which is challenged and destabilised by the dangerously, intelligent, and brooding John. Little Dolls is an enticing and intense watch whilst also being equally entertaining and thought provoking. During every read and every rehearsal, we immersed ourselves further into the lives of Vicky and John. I thoroughly enjoyed picking, producing, and performing another play in just a matter of days with Boucher and Dibb, for an annual Cawood. Ironically, the huge pressure on producing the play due to such a small window, again made the experience so exhilarating and rewarding. We endeavoured to do something different to last years Try by Rick Wood, which we loved so dearly - and I feel we did. Little Dolls was immensely demanding technically and I feel our final production was a piece to look back upon proudly. While I initially struggled to navigate through to the core of my character, Boucher and Dibb supported me in finding my grounding and I began to flourish from there. I will hold the experiences and memories that Ackworth School drama has bestowed upon me for a long, long time, and Little Dolls is certainly no exception. Adam, Lower Sixth
SUMMER TERM
ACKWORTH TODAY
Junior Production
White Poppies Sue Saunders’ WW1 play, White Poppies, was the Summer 2023 Junior Production. Nearly 20 students from 1st-3rd form, supported by 4th form students both on and off stage, told the story of Tom Headley, who enlists underage in the Great War, to join his childhood friends in the front line as tunnellers. In tragic circumstances, Tom is blamed for the deaths of his comrades: his actions ripple back home, where his family and sweetheart are shunned by the community. Interweaving with this story is one from the present day: a young schoolgirl sets out to research her great grandparents as part of a Poppy Day project, eighty years on from Tom Headley’s death. She uncovers shocking truths, and in doing so rights a wrong that has lasted for generations, and rewrites history.
speak about the characters we had spent months learning about ourselves was a real privilege and a fantastic reminder for our students that such plays and stories come from real people, people who are recognisable to themselves. They are capable of telling stories, just like Sue – all it takes is the determination to work hard, learn the craft and be true to the story you love. Ali Boucher, Head of Drama
Performed in the Meeting House, White Poppies was such an important story for young people to tell, not least because there is no longer a living connection to this terrible event: many of the students performing were born after Harry Patch, the last surviving British soldier to have fought in the trenches of World War 1, who died in 2009. With the Great War passing out of living memory, it becomes even more important for new generations to find ways of understanding why it happened, and the toll it took on normal, everyday people like themselves. It was a real pleasure to welcome the playwright, Sue Saunders, to Ackworth for a post-show talk: hearing her
Pupil Voice It felt like yesterday that I was doing the play, and I would do anything to do it all again. There are so many reasons! Firstly, the environment. I can’t put it into words how it felt when you came to rehearsals and doing the performance itself. Everyone says that it is terrifying to perform in front of people, and I completely agree. This
was nerve-wracking for so many people involved, and I think the only way we actually did it was through each other. I met so many awesome people doing this play, and no matter what it was looking like (at one point it was a bit of shambles) we pulled through and worked together to put on the two performances last year. I would like to thank the people behind the scenes that made it what it was— a resounding success. Mr Boucher was the director and superstar behind it all. He did the meetings, the rehearsals, the clubs, the lessons and still was the terrific person he is throughout the play. For me personally, I wouldn’t have made through the first week without him and I bet so many others said the same. I have gained so much from performing in that play: friendship, experience, fulfilment, and knowledge of what it means to be part of something this extraordinary. Because of this, I have taken upon a new role in the upcoming ‘Coram Boy’. I will never forget those awesome months. Vinnie, 2nd Form www.ackworthschool.com | 5
SUMMER TERM
Drama Trophy Citation This is the fifth year that we have been able to present the Ackworth School Drama Trophy, in recognition of a student’s contributions to Drama through their time at Ackworth. This year, the Ackworth School Drama Trophy was awarded to Grace Dibb. Since Grace made what, for me, was the extremely wise decision to opt for the theatre rather than the hockey pitch, she was a constant fixture on the Fothergill Stage, growing from ensemble parts in Whistle Down the Wind and The Theory of Relativity into leading roles in both Interhouse Drama Competitions and the Senior productions of Blue Stockings, Nell Gwynn and Legally Blonde. Grace evolved into a hugely formidable actor, capable of nuance, skill, and mercurial emotion, swinging from rage to vulnerability in the blink of an eye. A sign, for me, of the maturation of her talent was in how calm Grace is under pressure, both in rehearsal and on stage. As an actor, she has the most incredible sense of timing - she is comfortable in the silences; she is comfortable in using the silence to make us feel uncomfortable. And in rehearsals, particularly as a principal leading a cast, I know she didn’t always feel calm; I know that she acutely feels the pressure of leadership. But she also recognises the importance of looking calm, of speaking to others calmly and with heart and encouragement, of modelling that sense that everything is absolutely fine even when she knows that everything absolutely isn’t. This kind of leadership, with its visibility and its pressures, is so difficult, yet Grace comes back to this challenge again and again, determined to get it more right than last time, determined to make better mistakes to help others; determined to make better mistakes to improve herself. Grace is, absolutely, a theatre animal. Her interests and passions for the stage have morphed into something monstrously glorious: she is a rare creature who lives theatre on both the stage and in her head. Grace consumes plays, reading one after another after another, putting them on her Christmas list, performing them all in the theatre in her mind. It has given her a capacious frame of reference - something that has certainly helped stand her apart in all the interviews, auditions, and conversations she has had this year, which has been something of a special one for Grace. In and amongst her A-Levels, a job, productions, and her own life, Grace has written and submitted a play, ‘Parmesan’ for the National Theatre’s New Views Playwriting competition that was placed as Highly Commended. This recognition was given by the judges for students’ work that showed ‘something unique and that deserved special recognition’; in the words of our associate professional playwright, Jasmin Mandi-Ghomi, Grace wrote ‘a beautifully unique play, as poignant as it is original, with dialogue a mixture of naturalism and poeticism… I never expected a play about cheese to be so powerful.’ On top of all this, following a rigorous auditioning process, Grace has been accepted as part of the National Youth 6 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
Theatre of Great Britain, securing her place amongst nearly 6,000 young people applying. She is amid esteemed company: alumni of the National Youth Theatre include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Colin Firth, Rosalind Pike, Orlando Bloom, Sir Derek Jacobi… the list goes on. Grace has also been going to audition after audition after audition, constantly submitting herself to the scrutiny and dissection of three behind a table, offering newly learned monologues and completely bewildering devised pieces of physical theatre for performance, both in person and online and filmed, to universities and acting schools around the country, all the while managing the pressures of her A-Levels. I know we cannot fully appreciate just how pressured this whole process was for Grace, how demanding and how hard it was. It is a testament to her skill and huge potential that Grace secured offers at university to study various types of academic and vocational drama at some of the most prestigious drama schools in the country (such as the Central School of Speech and Drama), and, despite her age, she was also offered places to study Acting at Drama schools such as the Oxford School of Drama. For her to be even having this conversation at the age of 18, let alone it be her reality - I cannot tell you how rare this is. In her final years at Ackworth, Grace, together with Adam, took on the challenge initiated by Ben Cawood, which is to sacrifice any sense of post-A-Level rest and relaxation in order to put on challenging, complex plays under (frankly, absurd) time constraints for public performance - and she and Adam have made the Cawood Slot their own, first as Holly in Rick Wood’s Try, and then as Vicky with Nancy Harris’ Little Dolls. It sometimes feels that, among the roles on her Ackworth CV, these two may have been the most significant performances: Try underlined to us all the impact that drama can have on other people some of the stories we heard in response to that story that we had told I know made Grace realise the power that theatre can have and the profound good that it can do. Her last performance as Vicky was so different to what we have seen Grace do up to this point, it technically being much more complicated and demanding, the genre of production being something we just haven’t done before. And it feels right that for her last performance on the Fothergill stage, she gave us a sense of just how much more she can give, the breadth of her versatility and range, and the depths of her potential. It is a rare student who really, really loves drama and theatre. It is a rare student who manages to navigate the harsh and demanding waters of the industry as a profession. I know that this won’t be the last we hear of Grace. And while I will miss her deeply, her talent is bigger than the Fothergill stage, and she deserves to learn and test herself in bigger oceans. And she will succeed, you mark my words. Thank you for everything you have done Grace, for Drama at Ackworth, for me, as your teacher and director. Like all of us, I cannot wait to see what you do next. Ali Boucher, Head of Drama
AUTUMN TERM
Founders’ Day 18th October is a special day in our school calendar as it is the day 244 years ago in 1779, on which Ackworth School was founded by John Fothegill and Friends, and received the first pupils, Barton, and Ann Gates. It had taken them 4 days to reach the school from their home in Dorset, and they would not see their parents again for another 4 years. The day is commemorated with local walks of varying lengths for all pupils before heading back to school for our traditional bangers and mash. In the afternoon the pupils took part in a variety of activities that highlight our Quaker values: sustainability, truth & integrity, equality & diversity, simplicity and peace.
ACKWORTH TODAY
Restart a Heart We were fortunate to have Yorkshire Ambulance Service visit us on Restart a Heart Day (16th October) and delivered training to raise awareness of cardiac arrest to the senior school. They spoke about the importance of exercise but also taught pupils how to resuscitate a person. This is a valuable skill to have, and we are proud that we are a Restart a Heart school. The school has a defibrillator on the wall near Centre Library.
www.ackworthschool.com | 7
NURSERY The children have enjoyed lots of quality fun learning both indoors and outdoors.
8 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
CORAM HOUSE
ACKWORTH TODAY
Dear Friends
for the rest of the academic year, helping our pupils to build skills and knowledge.
The Autumn Term at Ackworth is probably one of my favourite times of year. I love the excitement of our pupils beginning their new school year. I love seeing the new Reception class starting their learning journey and then the realisation that this is it! More than anything I enjoy preparing for the Harvest Festival and the excitement of Founders’ Day. Our school was 244 years old in October. I was proud to present an assembly to all Coram pupils showing them how life in school has changed since 1779 and reminding them of how forward-thinking John Fothergill was. On this day we remembered our founder and all scholars, past and present. It does indeed feel special to be part of the history of our school. It is a very unique place.
Christmas preparations soon follow after half term break. Nativity, concerts and other celebrations are packed into the diary. Recently we have welcomed one new Coram baby of our own into the world – Amy Hughes had baby Louis in September. We also welcomed one new teacher, Amy Boulton, who is teaching Year 1. As we bid farewell to this term let us think of our own beginnings and opportunities. We look forward to the Christmas season and the joy, festivities and spirit of giving it brings.
The Autumn Term then, marks a fresh start, providing pupils with a clean slate to set new goals and expectations. We have been able to offer many extracurricular activities and clubs allowing our children to pursue new interests.
I end on a sad note as Jane Butterfield will be leaving us after eight years of dedicated service to Coram House. I am sure you will join me in wishing Jane all the very best for her future and want to thank her for her endless patience and kindness that she has shown to us all.
It is a time of academic challenge after a long summer break and a time for making new friends and strengthening existing friendships. It lays the foundations
Enjoy the festive season. Sally Slater, Coram House Head
EYFS - Reception Outdoor Learning Outdoor learning plays a crucial role in helping children make sense of the world around them. Carefully planned activities help to engage and stimulate childrens curiosity and develop a love for learning. We all know that spending time outdoors is proven to have a positive effect on our own and childrens physical and mental wellbeing.
Did you know the artwork in the new entrance of Coram House was created in June 1995 by Anne Robinson, Artist in Residence at Ackworth School (1994 -1995) with the help of the pupils of Coram House.
Wherever possible, lessons in Reception class are taken outside. As well as weekly Forest School sessions, we plan activities that promote group work and problem solving; developing social skills, taking risks, and facing challenges all help to build resilience. Ackworth School has extensive outdoor learning environments which are the most wonderful, magical classrooms. We ‘suit up and boot up’ and enjoy learning outside in all weathers. Katie Staton, Head of EYFS
www.ackworthschool.com | 9
CORAM HOUSE Global Committee 2023-2024 It has come to that time of year again where our pupils put themselves forward to represent their peers on various committees. Pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 have filled in Global Committee applications and/or presented themselves to their class ready for class elections. I am always so impressed by the confidence and enthusiasm of Ackworth pupils. Year 5 pupils held class elections stating why they would like to be on the committee and what they wished to achieve. In a world that is forever changing in terms of the climate crisis and global warming it gives me great hope to see the next generation of passionate environmentalists. We will soon be holding our first committee meeting, where we will decide on the committee roles and start our action plan for the year. There is always great excitement about what this year’s Global Committee will achieve.
Meet the Committee
Woodland Trust Green Trees Schools Award Coram House pupils will be aiming to achieve a Green Trees Schools Award this year. With the help of Global Committee and a passion for outdoor education that already runs through the school, pupils will embark on many challenges that aim to help the environment and improve the school grounds. We are currently awaiting
delivery for 105 saplings that should arrive this November. Species include field maple, rowan, silver birch, wild cherry, common oak, grey willow. Catherine Bradley, Coram House Teacher
are, what they do, how they work, what they help with and how to become one. Our pupils found out about the job and what it takes to make it a success. Here are the lessons of life our pupils learnt:
Financial Education Programme
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket (EM) • You need to be good at maths (MR-S) • If you are looking into a retiring plan, start saving (RP) • You need to be good at communicating (CB) • Don’t waste money, save up (EF) • You have to listen more than you speak (TT) • You have got to be good at talking (MR-S) • You have to be a bit brave to talk in front of people (HN)
Spend it, give it, save it, get it?
Sophie Schoukroun reminded them that you have to build trusting relationships with your customers.
Whatever we do with our money we need to learn to manage it well.
This session inspired our Year 6 pupils to think about their future.
This year, we are launching our financial education programme in Coram House which will be delivered through PSHE and Maths lessons mainly.
We are very grateful to Nik for taking the time to come and deliver this for us.
This term, Year 6 had their first career guidance session. We were very fortunate to welcome Nik Broumley who is a financial adviser. Nik talked about what financial advisers
If like Nik you think that your career path and experiences would benefit our Year 6 pupils, please email sophie.schoukroun@ackworthschool.com
10 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
Sophie Schoukroun, Deputy Head of Coram House
SENIOR SCHOOL
ACKWORTH TODAY
Food Preparation and Nutrition During this half term we have been looking at building new skills and enhancing these skills further. Year 6 have enjoyed coming to Food as part of the DT/Food rotation and have made several dishes which they have enjoyed eating. Not only have they been working in pairs in a kitchen environment, they have also worked collaboratively in small groups to complete tasks about food ingredients. They really enjoyed making Fancy Fish Fingers and wedges - they were apparently better than normal fish fingers! 1st Form really enjoyed making several dishes and have even been competitive. They have really thought about how food should be presented. This half term they have looked at knife skills as well as making fruit salad, layered pasta salad and a ragu sauce for their pasta bake. They have also learnt to safely use every part of the cooker and made marble buns, pizza toast and scones. When we made the scones, we had a debate on how you should pronounce them. No clear winner amongst the 1st Form.
4th Form have been perfecting a variety of different skills - skills they will need to showcase in their NonExamined Assessment next year. They all enjoyed making a patterned Swiss roll but were not so keen on deboning a chicken. I will say though, that their knife skills were very good and from the chicken they made Chicken Kiev and steak cut chips. Autism Resource and Pre A-Level have enjoyed making a number of dishes which include fruit tarts, KFC Chicken, and croque monsieur with freshly made bread. Sarah Wilkinson, Head of Food and Nutrition
2nd Form have been making healthier versions of some of their favourite dishes which includes peri-peri chicken and rice, KFC Chicken and Chips, and Spaghetti Bolognese. They have also done some research on black chefs as part of their prep for Black History Month. 3rd Form enjoyed food styling and made chocolate brownie, with free rein to plate their brownie as if they were in a restaurant. They had great fun, a few had issues, but their vision was there.
Badsworth and Hessle Cross Country Trophies Our newly refurbished trophies for the Badsworth and Hessle cross country events are now back up just outside of Centre Library and record the first Badsworth run as taking place in 1897. Only the boys took part in the Badsworth run and C. Edmundson recorded the fastest time covering the 4.5 miles in 27 minutes and 35 seconds. The Hessle run for girls was introduced in 1980 at their request and was slightly shorter at 4 miles. The first girl’s name on the trophy is C. Harland with a time of 28 minutes and 6 seconds. In 2009 the runs were reduced in length and they take place normally at the end of Charity Week, weather permitting.
www.ackworthschool.com | 11
SENIOR SCHOOL Music Whilst our very talented teams of visiting music teachers are educators in their own right, they are, as I’m sure they’d agree, musicians first and foremost. This was evident over the Summer, when two members of the music department performed in separate solo recitals at Beverly Minster. Alison Wise, our music teacher for Coram House performed a variety of piano pieces, all centred around the theme of Stars and the Night. The programme was wide ranging, with Classical and contemporary pieces, including Debussy’s standard Clair de Lune, Mozart’s variations on Ah! vous dirai-je, maman (better known as “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star”) and a more recent piece written by Jamaican composer, Oswald Russell.
The EPQ – 2023 This term, eight students from the U6 have completed their EPQ assessments. The EPQ stands for the Extended Project Qualification and is essentially a passion project - students voluntarily commit nearly a year of their own time to pursuing knowledge for its own sake; exploring, researching, and writing about any topic that they want, outside of their A-Level curriculum. Worth half an A-Level, the EPQ is specially designed to prepare students for the challenges and rigours of higher-level academic learning after school. However, it is more than that. In the words of one of this year’s EPQ cohort, Izzy, ‘the feeling of finishing the EPQ is almost indescribable - pure elation, relief, and appreciation. These emotions are worth the challenge because its more than a school project: it truly changes you as a student and a person.’ For Izzy, Isabel, Billy, Annabel, Tamar, Gabi, Joanne, and Fran, completing this project is a tremendous achievement: it represents the culmination of 10 months of independent work, and they deserve huge appreciation for their efforts and hard work, particularly over the summer. Their hard work has led to some fantastic final projects that truly capture their passions and interests. The 5000 word essays this year covered a huge variety of topics: from Billy’s exploration of the role Lockheed Martin played in instigating the Iraq War, to Joanne’s assessment of the developmental Psychology work of DW Winnicott; from Isabel’s investigation of Saudi Arabia’s The Line as a model for future urban planning, 12 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
The following week, I was also lucky enough to attend another recital, this time performed by our cello and viola teacher, Clare Herriott. Along with the Director of Music at Beverly Minster, she performed a recital of cello classics, including pieces by Beethoven and Bach. The two performances were first-class and displayed the talent and musicality of our teachers at Ackworth. Despite having to endure traversing the M62 Ouse Bridge, it was worth the journey to Beverly to hear the performances in the wonderful setting of the Minster. Well done to both! Oliver McCarthy-Bell, Director of Music
to Annabel’s consideration of the societal perspectives of motherhood arising from maternal representations in fairy tales. This year, we have also had a number of students show their work not just in extended essays, but also in the creation and manufacture of tangible, concrete products: Izzy presented a portfolio of news articles that she had written herself as she explored the impact of a new outlets political bias on news story presentation. Tamar and Gabi directed their own film in answering their question on the extent to which psychopathy can be accurately portrayed in cinematography. The final part of the EPQ took place in early October: a 10-minute presentation by each EPQ student on how they selected their topics, the challenges, solutions, and successes they faced over the last ten months, as well as giving an insight into their projects and what their conclusions are. These reflections became the final part of their Project Log, a final reflective evaluation of their EPQ journey, which is part of their formal submitted materials. Fran created an artefact for her EPQ - to explore the physical and mental effects of the contraceptive pill on young females, she devised, wrote, performed in, and shot a film to educate others on the topic. Fran’s reflection below gives a wonderful insight into the journey of an U6 student on the EPQ. I hope that inspires the coming L6 to take on the challenge of the EPQ, and excites students lower down the school to attend the next presentation evening in 2024! Ali Boucher, Head of Drama
ACKWORTH TODAY
Pupil Voice Summary and Reflection – Fran The pill. I lost count of how many times I’ve written and said those words, but now my project is ending, I think I’m actually going to miss those words. I’ve researched the pill, I’ve made a film, I’ve written my report, I’ve documented my journey, and I’ve given a presentation on my project. Now I must finish it! I’ve learned a lot about the pill, but I’ve also learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned that I have been organising myself wrong my whole life. I always knew that I struggled with getting started with tasks, but I never knew how to solve this problem. I’ve found that starting with something I’m excited to do motivates me to work. This was easy for my project as this was something that I’m really passionate about, so finding a task I really wanted to do was quite easy. However, the amount of work that I had to actually do, I heavily underestimated. I think where I went wrong, was that I focused on the main tasks I had to do and didn’t break them down into all the smaller tasks I had to do. This meant that when it came to doing tasks, I didn’t realise the amount I had to do. Consequently, I found this quite overwhelming. However, this made me realise that it’s really helpful for me to break things down into lots of smaller tasks. I did this by making lots and lots of lists. This is something that I have now used beyond the EPQ, and it’s tremendously helped me organise myself, and effectively learn better. I have also learned that I tend to take a lot on and think really big, which I don’t think will ever change, but at least now I can organise myself in a much better way. This project has also given me an idea of what I want to do in later life, which was something that I really struggled with. I didn’t like deciding what I wanted to do but doing the EPQ made me realise that it’s okay to change your ideas and your plans, as long as you know how to do this in the right way. The project really helped me manage and prepare for when things go wrong, which will be really useful in later life. How to effectively research was also a valuable skill I learned to do. Before the project I would have never known where to start, or which sources to choose. After learning about how to do this in the EPQ sessions I feel more prepared for further education, where I may have to do a lot of my own research. Reflecting on my work and myself was something that was only difficult because I knew I had to be realistic
about what I could get done. I only had to be very aware of how my own biases were affecting my project. I am usually very self-aware, but for this project in particular I struggled with holding back as it is something that I’m so passionate about. This was probably the biggest weakness of my project because even though I’ve talked about the pill being a good thing, I don’t think that really comes across in my film. Although this is a weakness to my project I think that because I had to be realistic with what I could do, I had to really just focus on the point I was trying to make. Which was to show how negative the effects of the pill can be, and I definitely did that. However, I may have been so focused on doing this, that my film could come across as heavily focused on only one perspective. When in fact this experience is something that can be very different for everyone. If I were to do this differently, I would love to create something that showed multiple experiences. I enjoyed the chance to do a presentation on my whole project. It was only 10 minutes, which meant that I had to think very carefully about what the main elements of my project were. It also gave me a chance to reflect on my project by condensing a 10-month project down to 10 minutes. This was quite difficult to do because I could have talked about my project for hours, but I was able to improve my summary and reflection skills. Simultaneously my presentation skills also improved, as this gave me a chance to think about and research what a good presentation looks like. This means I will be able to give more successful presentations in the future. Something I really struggled with was structuring and writing my report. Essays aren’t a strength of mine, so it was very useful to get practice with writing something like the report, even if I didn’t do the 5000-word essay. I think in the end I was able to produce a coherent essay by doing things I had learned. However, I think that there is always room for improvement. This has made me more confident about my writing, so hopefully this will mean that my essays only improve in the future. As my project concludes, it means a lot to me to recognise all that I have done. The EPQ has been something that I have put so much into, but the outcome has made it all worth it. Although things may have gone wrong, that only means that I can learn from this experience and progress in the future. www.ackworthschool.com | 13
SENIOR SCHOOL
Launchpad team building session Students were involved in selecting and marketing various products. They had to work in a team to finance, curate and promote their chosen product. They ended the day by presenting their idea to the year groups and the volunteers from industry who were also on hand during the day to help, advise, and trouble shoot. Awards were given to the teams for Marketing, Innovation, Teamwork and Business of the Year.
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Walk
14 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
SENIOR SCHOOL
ACKWORTH TODAY
One Day Film School Ackworth Year 12s put their filmmaking skills to the test today with the One Day Film School. In the morning, they learned the essentials: Film History - from the early days of film to the latest in special effects. Fight Choreography analysing James Bond/ Indiana Jones fight scenes... and filming their own screen punch. Camera - learning to use an iPad like a pro, tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes, making a practice 3 Shot Film about a theft. Screenwriting discovering 3 key things every good script needs, how to tell a great story, create memorable characters... and make us care. In the afternoon, pupils took the 10 Shot Challenge: creating a short film (2mins, max) based on a classic narrative (e.g., ’Someone is kidnapped, an attempted rescue’) for premiering at the end of the day. Pupils self-allocated a role within their film crew (writer, director, producer, screenwriter, actors).
Most adverts take several months to make, so the challenge of making a successful short film in just ninety minutes can be daunting. However, the groups gelled exceptionally well, showed great leadership and teamwork, and no-one missed the deadline. Their final task was to introduce their film, just like at the Cannes film festival, and give it a poster tagline (e.g., ‘In space no-one can hear you scream’). Then it was time for the VIP judges (Anton Maree and Young Film Academy representatives) to take their seats and decide which would win the ultimate prize: the Best Picture Oscar… The standard was very high, so it was a tough decision... the Best Picture Oscars was awarded to ‘The Rescue Mission’. It told an engaging, entertaining story which was technically superb: the judges were particularly impressed by the excellent performances and high standard of camerawork, editing and sound design. Congratulations to the winning team hope to see you at the (real) Oscars!
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Walk
www.ackworthschool.com | 15
SENIOR SCHOOL First Form Campout at School
Theatre Trips I frequently attend drama trips with school and have found them to be very beneficial for expanding my knowledge on set design and lighting, which are important factors if you plan to take Drama GCSE. I really enjoy going on the drama trips as they allow me to make new friends with people of the same mindset as well as introducing me to new theatres and plays/musicals. I recently went to see I, Daniel Blake with school. It was a moving play about the British benefit system and the harsh realities people unfortunately have to experience. It really opened my eyes and even potentially swayed my A-Level options towards looking into politics. Overall, I really enjoy the many experiences I have got to take part in with my fellow students and teachers and would urge anyone to come along - even if it was just one trip. Zoë
Pupil Voice
6th Form English and Art Tate Britain and Tate Modern Trip This was a joint trip across both the English and Art department. We got the train down to London to visit both the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern. It was a brilliant opportunity to see an exhibition about Christina Rossetti, a poet we are studying in A-Level English. It was so interesting to see her poetry displayed on the walls of the exhibition. We also learned a lot about Pre-Raphaelites that influenced Rossetti’s poetry. Despite the poor weather, we also spent time exploring Covent Garden before making our way across London to the Tate Modern to see some more art exhibitions. Even after losing our way a few times in the city, we had a really fun day in London (and all managed to dry off on the train home). Isabelle
16 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
SPORTS ACADEMIES Football Academy In September 2023 the new Ackworth School Harrogate Town Football Academy was launched. Under the direction of John McDermott, PFA Merit Award winner 2009 and former Harrogate Town Assistant Manager. Over 40 boys from across the world are now proud to play under the Harrogate Town badge whilst studying for their GCSEs and A-Levels or BTEC. One of the key strengths of the partnership is the ability for young talented players to continue to develop their football careers whilst also benefiting from everything else that a co-educational independent boarding school can offer, such as small class sizes, excellent facilities, and the opportunity to board either weekly or full time. Now we are 6 weeks into the new season the players are working well with John and understanding how he wants to implement the philosophy of how Harrogate Town want the players to play - quick, fast, and attractive flowing football. Initially John’s focus was about giving all the players a chance of playing and letting him see their strengths and who was best suited to play this way. His focus now is to see that the students are always improving, not just as players but also as people, and the aim is to try and develop players for Harrogate Town AFC. The academy players train 4 days a week with a gym and yoga session on their recovery day and games on a Wednesday. Alongside this all the players receive 6/8 weekly reviews whilst progressing with their studies. John said “Our academy side have just had three backto-back wins scoring lots of goals and not conceding many but overall, it’s the way they play. It’s a joy to watch them gelling as a team but also as a squad off the field. These players are from all over the world but are so close as a squad which for me shows we are going in the right direction. We are just starting out at the moment, but with time it’s going to go from strength to strength. We have fixtures right up to Christmas and after the Christmas break, we go into fixtures against professional academy sides which will show us how we have progressed.
ACKWORTH TODAY
Table Tennis We are currently playing in the Junior British League table tennis event, and we are in second place overall, winning every game except one and with matches still to play. Everyone at the table tennis academy is very dedicated and trains hard week in/week out. We have lots of tournaments coming up to look forward to and prepare for. Sam Maybe, Table Tennis Coach
Everyone at Ackworth School can feel the buzz and the excitement the academy is bringing.” The next stage of the academy is to also develop Ackworth’s girls football team with a view to starting a girl’s academy to mirror the boys.
Pupil Voice New football scholar Murray joined the Harrogate Town PDC when he was 11 years old but wanted to pursue A-Levels alongside his football. He’s now studying Biology, Physics and Physical Education whilst training with the academy 4 times a week. Murray said “I joined the PDC when I was in Year 7 and I was there for 5 years. I now board at Ackworth School during the week. The Football Academy and boarding go well together as it’s easy to play football after school and then be able to go back to boarding to do my schoolwork straight after. Without boarding I would find it difficult to do all my schoolwork due to the distance I would have to travel. So, by being able to board I am able to go to every training session at the academy but still do my schoolwork in boarding. As well, you’re able to get closer to every person in the team but also in the school because you’re with each other 5 days in the week. It allows us to grow as a team because we are friends due to the boarding.”
www.ackworthschool.com | 17
OUT OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS Darcie, First Form, plays netball for Wakefield Wildcats and is the only one to be offered a county squad place. Not only is Darcie the youngest player to be offered this opportunity but she was also offered a place by both South and West Yorkshire, choosing to play to for West Yorkshire. Well done, Darcie!
and achieved a personal best of 2.00 metres in the last competition of the season, making him the top ranked U17 high jumper in the UK!
Jack, Former Fifth Form, continues to go from strength to strength in high jump, with personal bests and a first England call-up. This summer Jack became the English Schools champion with a remarkable clearance of 1.94 metres which earnt him his first international selection and an England vest. Jack completed against top athletes from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales at the annual SIAB International and, even though he was not victorious, he showed tenacity and resilience in the face of strong competition. Jack was back on the podium in second position at the UK U17 National Championships
Will, Third Form, gets up early every Saturday and Sunday morning to do a voluntary paper round to some elderly residents near where he lives. It came about after the local shop closed and Will was concerned about his grandma crossing the main road to get to the petrol station for her paper. He posted notes through letterboxes around the retirement bungalows and has essentially been a weekend delivery/odd job boy for up to 7 elderly residents for the last 5 years. During covid he stepped that up with weekly food deliveries to many more homes as well as cleaning doors, windows, porches etc. He always comes back with a story, and it means the world to those residents. It seems his skills have now progressed into IT/Tech support for them too, and they all treat him like an extra grandchild. Great work Will!
ISF U15 World School Gymnasiade, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil – 19-27 August 2023
The cultural day was a tour around the city, visiting sights such as Copacabana Beach and Maracana Stadium, as well as sights of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer from a distance. Fortunately, on one of our free days, we managed to go and see the incredible sight of Christ the Redeemer up close.
During the summer holidays, I was fortunate to be selected to coach the England Schools boys under 15 team at the ISF World Schools Gymnasiade. This was the first time that England had attended the U15 event, as it is a relatively new event. I was fortunate enough to attend the previous U18 event in France last year. The Gymnasiade event is like a mini-Olympics for schoolaged children. There were 18 different sports with 48 countries represented, totalling around 2,000 people at the event. As well as the sport, the event includes opening and closing ceremonies, a cultural visit, and a nations evening. The event took place in the same venues where some of the 2016 Olympics were held. In the boys’ team event, they faced Serbia first with a 7:0 victory, followed by a close 4:3 loss to Romania. The boys refocused themselves and then beat Brazil 5:2 before losing their final match to China 7:0. This meant they finished with a bronze medal, the first boys’ team medal for England at this event. Unfortunately, the girls’ team lost their bronze medal match with Brazil 5:2 to finish 4th. They beat Serbia and Bulgaria 7:0 and lost to China and Romania 7:0. The England delegation was also awarded the fair play award in the Table Tennis event. 18 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
The nations night saw countries bringing traditional items or food together and there was an opportunity to visit the different nations stalls to exchange gifts for souvenirs, followed by a dance performance in front of everyone. Overall, it was a fantastic experience to be part of a magnificent event and even more special with it being in Brazil. Chris Parker, Table Tennis Coach
AUTISM RESOURCE
ACKWORTH TODAY
This term in Autism Resource, the pupils have enjoyed: • Yoga in a PE session • A trip on public transport to the shop for Adam and Evie’s life skills session • Founders day walk (with a cheeky stop at the bakers on the way) • Social interaction games that take place in the resource. Autism Resource now have their own Instagram and X(Twitter). The username is @ARAckworth for both.
On 3rd October, we were very lucky to have a brief visit from Frank and Barry (known affectionately as ‘Big Baz’). The puppies were showered with tummy tickles and kisses and even spent some time answering Miss Walker’s emails!
PSA NEWS The PSA uniform shop (now located in the old Nursery building across the road from the main School) is open every Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. during term time. Items of good quality uniform that are no longer needed can be dropped off during this time too. We are hoping to have our community charity shop open in early Spring so if you are having a sort-out ready for Christmas, we are happy to accept good quality, second-hand clothing, and household items. These can be dropped off at the PSA uniform shop on a Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.
The sun shone on our Coffee and Cake afternoon in the Heads’ Garden where we raised £194 for MacMillan Cancer Support. www.ackworthschool.com | 19
20 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
EMAIL ADDRESS:
Our aim is to make sure that all our visitors enjoy their weekend but please remember that it is your responsibility to keep yourself, your children, guests and property safe at all times. Ackworth School cannot accept such responsibility.
1) Have you included full names for each person in your booking? 2) Have you included the correct code for each person in your booking? 3) Have you used the correct codes/prices? Booking & paying before 31.03.23 means you can pay the discounted prices. 4) If you are booking in under 18s have you included ages for each child? 5) Have you completed all your contact details including an emergency contact? Remember to include your telephone number and email address in case we need to contact you prior to the weekend. 6) Have you enclosed your completed credit card form/cheque/made online payment, and informed us how you paid? 7) Have you included any additional information or requests below? FURTHER REQUESTS - Please use this space to detail any special requests regarding your stay and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Please PRINT IN BLOCK CAPITALS and if necessary continue on a separate sheet.
CHECKLIST
Accommodation space in school is limited and whilst every attempt to cater for everyone's wishes will be made, the final accommodation plan will be produced so that the risk of turning people away is minimised. Please understand we are making use of school rooms, that all of the accommodation rooms involve at least one flight of stairs and some of it is a fair walk from Centre Library. This year we have fewer rooms available than usual so booking early is recommended. There are a very small number of large rooms available so if you are booking in a group of 4 or more people, please indicate in the space below those that you wish to be together. If you do not specify separate rooms, it will be assumed that families would prefer to be in one room together where possible. If a quiet area is required, please request below. Please indicate on the form if you require a single room by selecting & paying the Single Room Supplement in addition to your accommodation code. If we have a busy gathering & space is limited then those people who have not paid the single room supplement might find themselves sharing with contemporaries. If you have contemporaries or friends with whom you wish to share a room, please indicate this below. We ask you to support the Easter Weekend and eat meals in school if you intend to be at school during mealtimes. We request that you do not bring picnics or your own meals onto school premises. Note that lunch & dinner are now included in the Inclusive Day Visitor Charge. Please note that we are accepting bookings for tents/caravans again this year but there are no electric hook-ups, no waste facilities or elsan disposal points, and the showers/washrooms/toilets are a short walk from the camping field. If you are planning to come to Easter as a Day Visitor, you now need to book & pay using this form and register with the Easter Team on arrival.
PLEASE SEND YOUR COMPLETED BOOKING FORM AND PAYMENT TO: John Golding, 23 Cricket Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3PD 01509 238478 / 07970 769047 / john.golding@outlook.com If paying by cheque, please make it payable to ACKWORTH SCHOOL ESTATES LTD and write your name on the back. If paying online, please use Barclays Bank: Ackworth School Estates Ltd - Sort Code: 20-90-65 Account No: 70108278 and “EASTER24” plus your surname as the reference (eg. EASTER24SMITH) For booking enquiries, including special dietary requirements, or if you have any questions about completing this form or the weekend in general, please contact Sal Wright 07825 704074 / aosaeaster@yahoo.co.uk IMPORTANT NOTES
NAME AND NUMBER OF SOMEONE WE COULD CONTACT IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY:
TELEPHONE/MOBILE:
FULL NAME & ADDRESS:
CONTACT DETAILS FOR PERSON MAKING THE BOOKING : Please complete all your details; they will be kept confidentially but may be used if we need to contact you prior to the weekend
EARLY BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY SUNDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2023 TO QUALIFY FOR THE EARLY BOOKING PRICES AND ALL BOOKINGS NEED TO BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY 15TH MARCH 2024 LATEST
FRIDAY 29TH MARCH TO TUESDAY 2ND APRIL
EASTER AT ACKWORTH 2024
IF UNDER 18
AGE(S)
CODE
COST TEA
SATURDAY B’FAST LUNCH
SUNDAY B’FAST LUNCH TEA
MONDAY B’FAST LUNCH TEA
TUES B’FAST
TICK IF VEGETARIAN
PLEASE TELL US HOW YOU HAVE PAID BY TICKING AS APPROPRIATE: CHEQUE ENCLOSED ☐ PAID ONLINE ☐ CREDIT CARD SLIP ENCLOSED ☐
TEA
FRIDAY
LUNCH
PLEASE COMPLETE THE BOOKING FORM IN BLOCK CAPITALS AND INCLUDE THE FULL NAME OF EACH VISITOR BELOW. PLEASE REMEMBER TO SELECT WHICH MEALS EACH VISITOR WILL BE HAVING BY TICKING THE RELEVANT BOXES. PLEASE TICK THE VEGETARIAN BOX FOR ANYONE WANTING VEGETARIAN FOOD AND NOTE ANY SPECIFIC DIETARY NEEDS IN “FURTHER REQUESTS” BOX OVERLEAF
PLEASE ONLY USE THE EARLY BOOKING CODES IF YOUR FORM & PAYMENT WILL REACH US BY SUNDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2023 AND ALL BOOKINGS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY 15TH MARCH 2024
Double Check Totals with Grand Total Box : £
PLEASE USE FIRST NAME AND SURNAME
NAMES OF VISITORS
FRIDAY 29TH MARCH TO TUESDAY 2ND APRIL
EASTER AT ACKWORTH 2024
ACKWORTH TODAY
www.ackworthschool.com | 21
OLD SCHOLARS
Ackworth Mental Health Blog I am Nichola Sun, an old scholar at Ackworth from 2017-2019. I had a remarkable journey and unforgettable memories here! Currently, I am studying MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Wellbeing at Anglia Ruskin University. The modules are well spread with different topics of child mental health and psychology. I find these fascinating and provides insight, which hopefully can give me the knowledge and skills for my future career. Besides studying, I am a mentor for the Kids’ Network programme. I do weekly 1:1 mentoring with a 12-year-old girl. We organise different activities such as bowling, cinema trips, mini golf and going for ice cream. One amazing experience was the trip to Disney on Ice! Over the months I been mentoring, I find the mentee has become more confident, able to share her problems and has shown resilience. To build her confidence, I let her choose activities she enjoys and lead the sessions. Seeing the mentee as a happier person is rewarding for me. In the future, I would like to be a counsellor or encouragement coach to children/adolescents. I experienced cyber and verbal bullying at another school before coming to Ackworth and got betrayed by ‘so called’ friends. This bullying was caused by one jealous, manipulative girl who spread rumours about me and threatened others not to become my friends. The worst thing was I had invited them to my house and to outings. When betrayed, I was livid. This girl had two sides in her character- a ‘helpful student’ in front of teachers and adults, but a nasty side amongst peers. Thankfully with support from parents, teachers, the school counsellor, and other classmates, the bullying ended. One good thing out of this traumatic incident was that it made me become a much stronger person. As GCSEs approached, I had academic anxiety, due to constant tests and exams and a fear of failure. I initiated a Mental Health Awareness Week at Ackworth when I was in Year 13 and it was successful, as this enabled people to express their feelings. With mental health being utmost important, I want to help children and adolescents who may have gone through similar experiences that they should not suffer in silence and they are not alone. 22 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
Some advice I would share is that although academic achievements at school are important, but please do NOT neglect your own mental health and wellbeing! Remember, there are other important aspects of life, like having fun. Take this stress out of your academic routine by getting involved in some of the school’s recreational activities such as sports, mindfulness, drama, and music productions. Finally, if you are ever struggling, do not be afraid to reach out to your friends, family, and teachers for support. I would like to also recommend self-help books that have benefited me. I hope they can help you too. Available on Amazon:
• ‘Teen Anxiety No More’ by Jovanna Vidal • ‘You are Worthy’ by Katherine Norland • ‘Enoughness’ by Alison Robertson I wish you all the best with your time at Ackworth!
OLD SCHOLARS
Grace Dibb There are three things in life. The things you know you know, the things you know you don’t know, and the things you don’t know you don’t know. When I was 17, I knew I wanted to go to drama school. I knew that I didn’t really know how on earth I would get there. It’s harder to talk about things I didn’t know that I didn’t know, because many of the things I didn’t know I do know now, and the rest I clearly still don’t know I don’t know. What I do know now that I didn’t know then is that if someone tells you something is impossible, it is highly likely that it is in fact possible if you want it bad enough. I was told that it was extremely unlikely that I would even be considered for a recall audition at a drama school. The person who told me that didn’t know how much I love a challenge. And, as of September 2023, I’m well into my training at the Oxford School of Drama. Theatre has been a huge part of my life since I was very young. As I was growing up, the theatre was making up elaborate storylines for my Barbie dolls, turning my bed into a den for a night in the wilderness, and taking my toy trains on journeys all over the world where they faced mechanical breakdowns and huge bears. When I got a bit older, theatre became learning lines, trying on costumes, and playing parts. What I love most about it though, is that performance is, essentially, playing pretend. Just like when I was 6, pretending I was a doctor facing a 12-hour surgery on the PG Tips monkey. Acting is being playful again. I think it’s hugely important that everyone finds time to play again - whether you’re 14 or 41. Having drama and theatre at my fingertips throughout school, and therefore the ability to play, always felt like a huge privilege. Theatre within education, whether for fun or a lesson, is something I am an unapologetic advocate for. Taking part in school plays teaches you so much more than just how to perform. It gives space for imagination in an environment where, especially in the later years, you have less opportunity for it. It brings people together in a creative space! When I was in second form, I did my first school play. I was Herbert Pocket in Dickens’ Great Expectations, and one of the things I loved most about it was the fact that I got to speak to people in fourth, fifth and sixth form. I felt a bit cool. And it gave me so much more confidence. I suffer from anxiety, and I find it hard to explain why I can make an absolute fool out of myself onstage with no fear but get so nervous telling the hairdresser how much hair I want cut off. I think it’s because onstage, I don’t have to be Grace from West Yorkshire. I can be Carolyn, who is getting a degree in Physics. I can be an orphan in New York, tap dancing to the radio. I can be Nell Gwynn, asking King Charles to buy me another flat. I can be a woman trying to get over her fear of the dark, or someone trying to figure out what parmesan smells like. Most importantly though, in every person you
ACKWORTH TODAY
become whilst acting, a little part of the real you is still there. And, from every character, you carry a little part of them forward with you too. You can take on their confidence and claim it as your own. The amount that theatre and acting teaches you in school is massively underrated. I often think of acting as almost a study of humanity. Performance is representation - it forces actors and audiences to be witnesses to things that are outside of their world view. It makes you understand things that you didn’t know you didn’t know. So, I find myself in Oxford, training as an actor. I sometimes catch myself philosophising about why I came to drama school - especially in the lessons where we have to lie outside in the cold and let nature ‘observe us’. I worry about explaining myself, trying to argue for the arts. Then I remember - I’m doing it because I love it. I am absolutely, categorically, unquestionably, truly in love with acting. I think it shows. My love of theatre got me into drama school when I was told that it would be impossible. I am so glad I took the opportunities offered to me in school because they were invaluable. Here at drama school, we are always told that opportunity is not a lengthy visitor - which is so true. If you want to do something, take the opportunity to do it. Allow yourself to play, allow yourself to be imaginative, creative and vulnerable. And don’t let people who claim to be professionals shut you down. Allow yourself to be unprofessional and imperfect, allow yourself to do what you love. Do it for yourself. Your now self, your child self, your future self. Take pride in the things you know you know. Acquaint yourself with the things you know you don’t know. Find what you didn’t know you didn’t know. It’s okay to do something purely because you love it. Grace Dibb
www.ackworthschool.com | 23
OLD SCHOLARS Remembering Old Scholars
Education in Cambridge. With her friend and colleague, Alison Kelly, she wrote several books for aspiring teachers.
Judith A Graham (nee Bailey) Scholar 1954-1959
After retirement, she joined U3A groups and Choirs and continued writing stories, poems, articles, and letters to newspapers.
Judith went to Ackworth aged 13 in 1954 with her sister Ruth when their parents went to Uganda. She was very happy at Ackworth and made many friends, many of whom resulted in life-long friendships. Her acting and musical talents were recognised early, fostered, and encouraged by her teachers at school. Contemporaries may remember her in “St Joan,” “Peer Gynt” and other school plays and two Gilbert and Sullivans. Some may also remember her practising her ballet exercises and entertaining her bedroom roommates long after “lights out”. They may also remember her more daring exploits such as climbing on the school roof; taking advantage of a foggy day to persuade her friends to join her in running down into the orchards to scrump apples; clandestine forays exploring the boys’ bedrooms and other “off limits” places. A teacher (Tashy) once wrote on Judith’s school report: “Judith must learn not to rely on her charm to get her out of trouble”, her father was delighted.
Judith died of a brain tumour just short of her 82nd birthday in August 2023. She leaves behind her heartbroken family: her husband, Conny, her 3 children Rachel, Romilly and Ben, 7 grandchildren and her sister Ruth (scholar 1954-1958) It is with sadness that we learn of the death of Shirley Day (AOSA President 2011-2012) in September aged 87 years. Shirley had been in residential care for some time, where she was content in her later years and passed away peacefully in her sleep after a short illness. Ackworth Old Scholar Judy Tamworth (nee Mitchell) passed away in May. Judy was a pupil at Ackworth School (AOS 1958) along with her sister, Ruth Ulstrup(nee Mitchell) AOS 1956-1961).
After school she went to University College London to study English, followed by teaching at Rising Hill School and Clissold Park in London. Later she went into teacher training at the University of Greenwich and the London Institute of Education (now part of UCL). Then she became a lecturer at Roehampton Institute. After the move to Cambridge in 1990 she lectured at the School of
Philip James died in October and was a pupil at Ackworth School from 1949 to 1956. His three sisters, Mary, Elizabeth, and Catherine were all pupils at Ackworth School. He is survived by his wife, Jean James (AOS 1950-1957).
East Coast Guild Old Scholars
President, Charles Stuart, to yet another successful gathering. Stewart Huntington read out an update about Ackworth today from Anton Maree, and friends were very interested to hear about the school. The weather was very bright and sunny so a beautiful outlook from the dining room at Worfolk cottage.
Sixteen Old Scholars and friends met on Saturday 14th October 2023 to Celebrate Ackworth Founders Day for our traditional sausage and mash lunch.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have lost loved ones.
We were delighted that our Guild President, Richard Waldmeyer, could welcome friends and our National
Turning 30 Reunion
Front row: David Wood, Stephen Lonsdale, Annabel McRobert, Helen Beaumont, Mike McRobert Back row left to right: Joan Evans, Richard Waldmeyer, Mary Waldmeyer, Charles Stuart, Chris Evans, Denise Wood, Jane Huntington, Trudy Seed, Stewart Huntington, Susan Dickinson, Martin Dickinson
24 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
33 Old Scholars held a reunion on Saturday 21st October in Centre Library to celebrate the fact they are all turning 30. A lovely three-course meal was enjoyed, provided by Thomas Franks, whilst catching up on news with old friends and reminiscing over school days.
COMMUNITY NEWS
ACKWORTH TODAY
Charity Week Charity week was another full-packed, fun week of events last week including a bake sale, doughnut stall, hot dogs, and an auction. The stocks proved very popular at the beginning of the week with Sixth Formers and teachers alike receiving a soaking. Thursday night was the Staff Sixth Form Entertainment show which was very well received and certainly showed all the hard work that had been put into rehearsing. The week finished on a hair-raising, or should we say hair-shaving note as donations were made and turns taken for the curls to come off! The charities chosen this year by the school from the shortlist are Doctors without Borders as the International charity, and the local charity is Tiny Hands Baby Bank Yorkshire. So far, over £2,200 has been raised. Thank you for your generous donations and great work by the Sixth Form!
www.ackworthschool.com | 25
BOARDING HOUSE Meet our new Head of Boarding I come to Ackworth having spent the last decade of my career at a large state boarding school in Surrey. I began as a non-teaching tutor in 2012, trained to teach geography and became a Housemaster in 2016 leading a coed sixth form house and then a boys’ 1st-5th form house. My wife, Clare, is an English teacher (we met at our last school) and together we have three sons: Firth, 5; Linden, 3; Renn, 1. Together with our dog, Ellie and two cats, Zillah and Henrietta, our house is quite a busy one! I believe that having a traditional, nuclear family at the heart of a boarding house is hugely beneficial for our boarders, the hope being that the love and support we give each other as a family will act as a model for how the members of the big boarding family around us should be. The welcome and support I received from all staff and students in the first half term has been immense and, I am not ashamed to say, entirely necessary! After a 220mile house move, nearly 100 boarders to learn the faces, names and personalities of as well as the whole body of staff and routines at a new school there has been much to
learn. Everyone has been so patient and understanding – this has firmly cemented in my mind that I am in the right school for me! I look forward to leading boarding in the coming years. The changes the pandemic brought were immense and my predecessor handled them brilliantly. Now, it’s my task to lead boarding through in its altered form as it continues to grow to new heights not only in terms of numbers but also in how we support and enable the boarders to become confident, capable and successful young adults ready for university. Owen Dyson, Head of Boarding
Come and experience the world’s leading Bon Jovi tribute band on their 30th Anniversary tour! Friday 5th April 2024 at Fothergill Theatre, Ackworth School. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets are available now and cost £30. Please call 01977 233600 for more information. All proceeds go towards the refurbishment of the Fothergill Theatre. 26 | AUTUMN 2023, ISSUE 19
We reserve the right to cancel should there be insufficient numbers.
Come and experience the world's leading Bon Jovi tribute
STAFF NEWS New Starters A very warm welcome to the Ackworth family for all our New Starters!
Chloe Phillips School Nurse
Jeni Hall EYFS Practitioner (Coram House)
Denise Jackson Specialist Learning Mentor
Suzanne Hunter Specialist Learning Mentor
Rebecca Hepworth SEND Administrative Assistant
Owen Dyson Head of Boarding
Carrie Clarke Specialist Learning Mentor
John Chappell Grounds Staff
John McDermott Director of Football
Alice Naylor Teacher of Geography
Leah Huddlestone Second in Girls’ PE
Michael Dancer Teacher of Boy’s PE
Andrew Wilson Specialist Learning Mentor
Kelsey Douglas Specialist Learning Mentor
Andrea Owen Specialist Learning Mentor
Auryn Hill Specialist Learning Mentor
Anne Bird Specialist Learning Mentor
Amy Boulton KS1 Coram Teacher (Maternity Cover)
Jennie Foreman Marketing, Recruitment & Events Manager
John Lynch School Porter
Beth Knight Boarding Tutor
George Sykes-Kenworthy Assistant Goalkeeping & Football Academy Coach
Thomas Oades Wellbeing Officer
Sophie Lisi LAMDA Teacher
Ackworth School would like to congratulate Charlotte (Autism Resource SLM) and Tom (Well-being Support) on the birth of their little boy. Vincent Thomas Oades was born on Sunday 8th October 2023. Absolutely perfect from head to tiny toes.
Staff Leavers Sadly, we said goodbye to….
Autism Resource held a Baby Shower for Mrs Oades at the end of September. We surprised her with decorations, cake and presents.
Rebecca Edgington
Elizabeth Sochacka
Karen Metcalfe
www.ackworthschool.com | 27
Pontefract Road, Ackworth, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF7 7LT Tel: +44 (0)1977 233600 Email: admissions@ackworthschool.com
www.ackworthschool.com