ASHFOLD
PROSPECTUS
WELCOME TO
Ashfold
I am often asked what makes Ashfold so special... The old African proverb says that ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, and here at Ashfold we apply that philosophy to our school. Ashfold is more than just a school: we are a community who look after each other, where individuals are valued and cherished, and where families are very much encouraged to be a part of their children’s journey. Our children and parents make friends for life. At Ashfold we prepare our children for all that life throws at them now, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. We develop character, creating a culture where children can flourish and thrive as individuals to become the very best that they can be. Every child is inspired to believe that anything is possible: your child will be challenged to find their passion and to grow in confidence as they write their own unique chapter of the Ashfold story. I warmly invite you to explore this prospectus and the qualities that make us Ashfold and I very much hope that you will see how your child would thrive as part of our extraordinary school community. Colin MacIntosh Headmaster
WE ARE
Aspirational High aspirations are integral to our approach to learning. At Ashfold we will help your child to achieve their full academic, creative and sporting potential through a broader and deeper curriculum, with inspirational teaching and coaching, both inside and outside the classroom. We are proud of our consistently impressive academic results and scholarships, but above all, at Ashfold we would look to instil in your child a sense of wonder, an intellectual curiosity and a life-long love of learning.
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Pupils achieve high standards both in their academic studies and in the extensive range of extra-curricular pursuits. ISI INSPECTION REPORT Excellent in All Areas
Open-minded and ambitious, we are independent thinkers
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I love Forest School as we get to build a fire and we toast marshmallows. Olivia - current pupil
WE ARE
Adventurous We are a country school and we make the most of our idyllic setting, giving the children the time and the space that they need to play, to explore, to laugh and to enjoy being with their friends outdoors. Education isn’t only about formal exams and we believe in taking your child beyond the classroom: we have a Forest School for the younger children; we have regular lessons outdoors around our fields, lake and woods; and at breaktimes the older children have the freedom to explore the grounds, climbing trees and building dens. We know that happy children thrive and at Ashfold they can enjoy a proper childhood, complete with muddy knees at the end of the day!
Imaginative and collaborative, we are explorers
WE ARE
Innovative
The Ashfold curriculum is forward-thinking, outward looking, and constantly evolving to meet the needs of today’s world. We teach and encourage the children to be digitally literate, confident and comfortable with technology; but we will also look to equip your child with the life-skills that they need — like critical thinking, collaboration and communication — to be a future problem solver of technology yet to be created.
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Our task is to educate their whole being, so they can face this future... We may not see this future, but they will. And our job is to help them make something of it. Sir Ken Robinson
Digitally literate and forward thinking, we are future problem solvers
WE ARE
Creative Ashfold children are inspired to grow creatively every day though Art, DT, Music and Drama lessons within the curriculum. Away from the classroom our array of activities are equally dynamic providing children with opportunities to explore dance, ceramics, cartoon illustration and creative writing. At Ashfold your child will be given the chance to perform in music, singing and drama, building up their confidence and helping them find their artistic ability within themselves. We have regular concerts, plays and exhibitions, which become a highlight of the Ashfold year for children and their families.
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Pupils relish the creative opportunities available. ISI INSPECTION REPORT Excellent in All Areas
Confident and articulate, we are inspired to step out of our comfort zone
WE ARE
Inquisitive
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Playful curiosity is at the heart of mindfulness. Childhood is about discovery and we will help your child to develop their skills, broaden their horizons and find their passions. Our extensive activities programme is part of the school day and gives children a chance to try things they would not normally get to try, sparking a curiosity and willingness to have a go that will last a lifetime.
Curious and passionate, we develop strong life-values
WE ARE
Determined Every day brings new experiences and we encourage our children to approach problems with the imagination, determination and resilience to keep on trying and to excel. Sports fixtures, trips, expeditions, leadership opportunities and charity challenges give the children a can-do attitude and take away the fear of failure. Children learn to be whole-hearted and committed in their approach to whatever challenge they are facing, whether inside or outside the classroom.
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Pupils learn how to react to difficult situations and display a sense of fairness when competing in sport and in house competitions. ISI INSPECTION REPORT Excellent in All Areas
Bold and resilient, we are not afraid of a challenge
WE ARE
Caring
Pastoral care is at the heart of all that we do at Ashfold as a whole school community, looking after individuals and ensuring that everybody is valued and that nobody gets lost. We know that developing your child’s character and values is more important than anything and we want your child to develop a strong moral compass for life. We encourage and promote respect and kindness, manners and courtesy, social values and responsibility and we support charities locally, nationally and around the globe. In our assemblies we focus on Christian values and help the children to reflect spiritually, giving them a sense of perspective and their place and role in the world.
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Extremely nurturing - like one, big warm hug. GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE
Generous and considerate, we support one another
WE ARE
Ready When the time comes to move to senior schools our children are confident, capable, independent young people, with the character and skills that they need to face the challenges of the world beyond Ashfold. In their final years at Ashfold the pupils become leaders and role-models to the younger children. Most of our children take the opportunity to board in the older years, developing independence, resilience and social skills. And we know that, for all Ashfoldians, when they leave us they can look back with pride and look ahead with confidence.
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Ashfold is special place, full of fun and discovery – our daughter has become open-minded, confident and well-rounded, with wonderful friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Charlotte - current parent
WE ARE
Ashfold We hope that these pages have given you a sense of the aspiring community that lies at the heart of all we do. We believe, with a passion, that your child’s school days should be some of the happiest of their lives. We will challenge your child to dare to dream and help them to make those dreams come true. We warmly invite you to visit us to truly appreciate how your child will experience our school in their own unique way and it would be wonderful to see the chapter of the Ashfold story that they write. Come and visit us. A warm welcome awaits you. Colin MacIntosh Headmaster
Ashfold School, Dorton House, Dorton, Thame, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9NG @ashfoldschool | t: 01844 238237 | www.ashfoldschool.co.uk