ASHVILLE NEWS
CONTENTS
Nativities and singing in Acorns Early Years
Festive performances are the name of the game for our youngest pupils
Spreading festive joy in Prep School
Prep School pupils get Christmassy with music, performances, activities, and much, much more
Deck the Soothill Hall
Senior School pupils enjoy Christmas parties, advent services, and more
Wonder and joy in Sixth Form
The Sixth Form Christmas Ball and LEAP Christmas trade fair are highlights of the end of term for our oldest pupils
Pupil Spotlight
Meet Prep School pupil, Gemma F, world explorer
Future Ready and Careers update
Careers Fair, Financial Awareness and Wellbeing, and Skills Development
Staff Spotlight
Meet Mrs Joanne Wales-Smith, Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Upper Sixth/Future Ready)
Sports update
Find out about recent successes of school sports teams and individual pupils
What’s on at Ashville
NATIVITIES AND SINGING IN ACORNS EARLY YEARS
In Acorns Early Years, pupils have embraced the festive season with wonderful performances marking the end of the Autumn term in addition to Christmassy lessons.
The nativities are a highlight, with the Big Acorns Nativity showcasing fantastic singing and acting. Reception pupils im-
pressed with their production of ‘A Miracle in Town!’, delivering a memorable retelling of the Christmas story.
Reception pupils also gathered in the PrePrep Hall for the Christingle Service. In the glow of low lighting, they learned about the symbolism of the Christingle and were thrilled to light their creations at the end of
Reception Nativity
the service.
The Little Acorns Christmas Sing rounded off the celebrations with a joyful sing-
along of festive songs and carols, bringing together pupils, teachers, and parents in a heartwarming farewell to the term.
Acorns Christmas party Reception Christingle Service
Big Acorns Nativity
Little Acorns Christmas Sing
SPREADING FESTIVE JOY IN PREP SCHOOL
This year in Prep School, Christmas festivities have not disappointed.
Prep School was transformed into a magical winter wonderland with an array of festive stalls and activities at the Prep School Christmas Fayre. Santa and one of his Elves made a special appearance in the Grotto, and there was much Christ-
mas cheer from the special helpers at New Friends of Ashville.
At the Wesley Chapel Service, the Junior Choir accompanied the Ashville Choirs for a special night at the Wesley Chapel. Parents, friends and pupils enjoyed readings and carols, and helped raise a generous amount for the school’s local charity Hen-
Year 6 and Red Ties Movie Night
shaws, Knaresborough.
Later at the Ripon Cathedral Service, Prep School pupils took centre stage to celebrate the joy, the light and the meaning of Christmas. Head of Prep Phil Soutar introduced the Second Reading, and the Junior Choir captivated the audience with their grace and performance throughout the service,
At the Year 6 movie night, Year 6 pupils had a wonderful time of playing giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, facepainting and shopping for little gifts with the Red Ties from Sixth Form. As part of their special night, they were also treated to a special gift bag – complete with Santa hats, drinks and sweets - before they settled down to watch the movie in the wonderful Year 11 hub in Senior School.
Artistic Year 3 pupils made a delicious display of iced biscuits in the school dining hall – reindeers, snowflakes, and bright baubles adorned the festive bakes,
Constable Woolly and the officers of the Fleece Force had to navigate a crowded Bethlehem to find the newborn king at the Year 1 and Year 2 Nativity. Thanks to a star performance by Constable Jumper and a dazzling array of shepherds, kings and angels, the police officers made their way to the manger in the stable, and the stars of the Prep Nativity shone on stage.
The joy and love at Christmas came together for the annual Service led by Catherine Frieze. Bible readings, traditional Carols and the story of the Nativity were all part of the much-loved annual event in the Prep Hall.
Later the same day, the Soothill Hall burst into life with an uplifting performance of festive song, music and Carols for the Prep School Christmas Concert.
On the final day of the term, we’re all looking forward to a traditional turkey lunch with all the trimmings, accompanied by Carols and crackers. Merry Christmas one and all!
Prep School Christmas Fayre
Prep School Christmas Service
DECK THE SOOTHILL HALL
Christmas spirit has been abundant in Senior School this year, with festive celebrations bringing the community together.
The Ensembles Concert in early December showcased exceptional talent from Ashville’s music and singing groups across Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form. Each performance highlighted pupils’ hard work and passion, making it a memorable evening.
Two cherished services, one at Wesley Chapel in Harrogate and another at Ripon Cathedral, united the Ashville community in the Christmas story through music and readings. Wesley Chapel offered an intimate setting with choir performances and nine readings, while Ripon Cathedral pro-
vided a grand occasion attended by pupils, staff, and parents.
The festive cheer continued with Lower and Upper School Christmas parties, featuring dancing, games, food, and friends –a perfect pre-holiday celebration.
Lower School pupils got crafty, creating Christmas trees out of recycled materials. The impressive display can be seen in the Soothill Foyer and results will be shared with pupils before the end of the term.
The term will end on a high note with festive fun, including an end-of-term assembly to celebrate achievements, a special Christmas lunch, and a Christmas Service to send pupils off for the holidays.
Lower School recycled Christmas trees
Ensembles Concert
Ripon Cathedral Wesley Chapel
WONDER AND JOY IN SIXTH FORM
Sixth Form pupils have got into the festive spirit this year, with performances and events marking the end of the Autumn term.
Musicians from across school thrilled a packed audience with a feast of traditional festive music at the Ensembles Concert in the Soothill Hall.
Meanwhile, parents, pupils and friends joined together for a magical night of traditional Carols and readings at Wesley Chapel in Harrogate, and a moving and magical afternoon brought pupils from Year 3 to Sixth Form together for the annual concert at Ripon Cathedral.
Father Christmas and his helpers also en-
Ripon Cathedral
tertained the Year 6 pupils at the Year 6 and Red Ties Movie Night with traditional party games such as Connect 4 and Jenga, followed by festive face painting in the Year 11 hub. They then enjoyed a special movie showing of ‘Home Alone’ and party bags. The Red Ties also put on stalls selling candles and small gifts.
On the final weekend of the term, pupils takeing part in the LEAP programme set up stalls to sell their products at the an-
nual LEAP Fair at the Merrion Centre in Leeds. Their business acumen and entrepreneurial skills were on show to the many visitors, and they have come away with a strengthened knowledge of what it takes to runa business.
Finally, we are looking forward to a day of festive fun and frolics on our last day of 2024. A traditional lunch of turkey and all the trimmings are to be enjoyed by all.
Year 6 and Red Ties Movie Night
Ensembles Concert
LEAP Christmas Fair
Wesley Chapel
PUPIL SPOTLIGHT:
MEET GEMMA F, WORLD EXPLORER
We heard you’ve literally been around the world – can you tell us how you became such an international globetrotter?
I’ve been to Asia, Africa, North America, South Americas, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia!
I really enjoyed seeing the different cultures, trying the food, meeting people from other places and seeing how they live.
My inspiration was my Mum and Dad because they have always travelled, and they encourage me and my brothers to travel.
When I have children, I want them to love travelling and seeing the world because you can learn so much. My Mum and Dad and my brothers lived in Australia.
Who is your role model in life?
Both my Mum and Dad because I want to be like them when I grow up.
Where was your favourite place and
why?
I think it was probably Antarctica because of the scenery and because I saw some penguins.
What would like to be when you grow up?
I think maybe a chef or a singer or perhaps an actor. I enjoy singing in school with the Choir, and I also enjoy Speech and Drama, so maybe something like that.
What are the best things about being in Ashville?
I love school because the teachers are so nice, and you get the opportunity to learn about so many different subjects. You can also have a really peaceful day here, which I like.
I’m looking forward to moving to Senior School because my two brothers are in Year 8 and they will tell me all about it and what to expect. I will be sad leaving Prep School because I love it – I’ve made lots of new friends here. My best friend here is Martha.
FUTURE READY AND CAREERS UPDATE
By Mrs Judith Grazier, Future Ready Co-Ordinator
Main career contact: Mrs Judith Grazier: j.grazier@ashville.co.uk
Pupils can request a Future Ready or Career chat with Mrs Grazier using the link here.
Future Ready Careers Fair 2025
After the success of the first Future Ready Careers Fair, held in March 2024, when 50 employers from over 30 organisations met with over 300 pupils, we have started to plan a similar event for March 2025.
If you, or anyone you know, may be willing to spend an afternoon in school talking to pupils about their business and their role within the business, we would like to hear from you. Please spread the word amongst family and friends, plus your extended
networks. The impact of the Careers Fair on the pupils was significant, so any local employer would be most welcome. Please pass any contact details to Mrs Judith Grazier.
Financial Awareness and Wellbeing
The ability to understand a payslip, to understand the balance between saving and borrowing, and how to budget are key topics within our newly introduced Financial Awareness and Wellbeing Programme.
In this first year, we are introducing the subject in a number of different ways. Year 8 and Year 9 pupils have a programme of six off-timetable workshops, one each half-term. The sessions contain useful discussions, tasks, and activities and are hosted in the Soothill Hall. There will be a couple of speakers during the year.
In Year 10 and Year 11, financial wellbeing will be covered in form time and in a PSHE lesson. In Sixth Form, there are form time sessions and there is a finance module within the Moving-On Programme.
Skills development
The development of key transferable skills is the golden thread entwined throughout most elements of the Future Ready Programme. Pupils are likely to change roles many times during their careers and will certainly have to learn new skills along the way. The acquisition of essential, trans-
The receiving, retaining, and processing of information or ideas
ferable skills is therefore vital if a pupil is to develop an effective, successful, and happy work life.
We track the skills required in the workplace as researched and documented by the World Economic Forum (WEF). An international perspective is so important if the pupils are to enter in an increasingly global environment.
We match and align the WEF skills to the SkillBuilder frameworks which enables us to define and work with clear progressive steps in the development of the skills. The eight skills of focus in school are: Speaking, Listening, Problem Solving, Creativity, Aiming High, Staying Positive, Leadership, and Teamwork.
Each skill is defined below.
The oral transmission of information or ideas
The ability to find a solution to a situation or challenge
The use of imagination and the generation of new ideas
The ability to use tactics and strategies to overcome setbacks and achieve goals
The ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them
Supporting, encouraging, and developing others to achieve a shared goal
Working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal
The logos and straightforward definitions make the skills very accessible for everyone from Reception to Sixth Form, and indeed adults, too. Many businesses are now incorporating the SkillsBuilder frameworks
Step 0
into their Professional Development plans.
Below is an example of the Speaking Framework, which shows how the skill breaks down to progressive steps. There is
I speak clearly to someone I know
Step 1 I speak clearly to small groups of people I know
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
Step 11
Step 12
Step 13
Step 14
Step 15
I speak clearly to individuals and small groups I do not know
I speak effectively by making points in a logical order
I speak effectively by thinking about what my listeners already know
I speak effectively by using appropriate language
I speak effectively by using appropraite tone, expression, and gesture
I speak engagingly by using facts and examples to support my points
I speak engagingly by using visual aids to support my points
I speak engagingly by using tone, expression, and gesture to engage listeners
I speak adaptively by changing my language, tone, and expression depending on the response of listeners
I speak adaptively by planning for different possible responses of listeners
I speak adaptively by changing my content depending on the response of listeners
I speak influentially by changing the structure of my points to best persuade the listeners
I speak influentially by changing the examples and facts I use to best persuade the listeners
I speak influentially by artiulating a compelling vision that persuades the listeners
no ‘right’ step for a specific age. It is simply a case of a pupil considering whether they do that ‘Step’ most of the time and focusing on the development of the next step or going back and filling any gaps in their skill development.
Frameworks for the other Future ready skills can be found at here
As parents, it would help your child to see the relevance of the skills to their daily lives if you discussed the skill, and possibly even the step, when they have undertaken something of note. This could be that they:
• Passed a music exam (Staying Positive and Aiming High)
• Got lost on a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition (Staying Positive)
• Presented in assembly (Speaking)
• Took part in a car wash with Scouts (Teamwork)
• Organised a Hockey team fixture (Leadership) etc.
In school, the skills are referenced in lessons, the Co-Curricular Programme, school assemblies, off-timetable events, and at any other appropriate opportunity. Pupils in Lower School are tracking their skill development in a Skills Passport and Upper School pupils use Unifrog.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
MRS JOANNE WALES-SMITH, ASSISTANT
HEAD OF SIXTH FORM (UPPER SIXTH/ FUTURE READY)
We recently spoke to Mrs Joanne WalesSmith, Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Upper Sixth), who took time to explain what makes a good teacher.
Describe your role at Ashville. I am one of the Business teachers (GCSE, BTEC and A Level) but also have a role this year as Head of Upper Sixth.
I’ve been in the Sixth Form team for about four years now. Heads of Year play an important pastoral role in the school, supporting pupils in school and encouraging their academic and personal success. In Sixth Form, it gets even more interesting as the role also includes supporting pupils to apply for their next stage - whether that is university, apprenticeship or jobs.
A lot of time as a Sixth Form Head of Year is spent preparing for that transition, supporting pupils in building up evidence to make their applications stronger and helping them consider different options and pathways. It is a real privilege to be able to help pupils consider their futures and advise them.
“I believe inspirational teachers should give confidence to their pupils and support them in learning, and make them curious about the real world...”
How long have you worked here? I started work here in September 2017 (I think!). It seems a long time ago now.
Tell me about your typical working day. One of the things I love about my job is the variety and the fact that no day is ever the same. It’s far more interesting than just sitting behind a desk. I normally get into work about 8.15am after dropping my own kids off at school. If I’m lucky, I’ll get the chance for a nice coffee from the Sixth Form Cafe (big fan!) and then I get stuck into emails and dealing with any urgent issues. My teaching timetable varies each day, some days, I’ll be teaching all six periods, others, three to four, so this will determine how much time I’m in the Sixth Form Centre and supporting pupils there.
At the moment, we are working hard to get all the UK University applications off so vir-
tually all my non-lesson time is spent looking at personal statements and checking the applications. I love this part of the job though; it’s so interesting to see where all the pupils want to go, and you can start to see their lives pan out in front of them.
Hopefully, I get a short break at lunch to eat with other teachers, which is always a nice point of the day to catch up and chat with colleagues. I’ll leave school any time between 4.00pm and 5.00pm, depending on when I need to pick my kids up, and I’ll normally do an hour or so at least at home either marking or planning for lessons the next day. Term times are really busy and intense - you need a lot of energy to be a teacher!
What have been the highlights and the milestones you have reached over the years?
Teaching is perhaps one of those strange professions where the smallest thing can actually represent a huge success. There are few spotlight moments, and it is a profession that if you do it right, if often means someone else is getting the glory. I can remember moments where a pupil has come back after exams and thanked me for everything I’ve done for them, or where some have acknowledged that I made a difference to them when they were going through a tough time - to me they are the highlights.
What are the top skills young people need to acquire today?
This is why our Future Ready Programme is so important - it is crucial that we start to develop the skills in school that young people will need through their careers and their life in general. We work with the World Economic Forum Employability skills, and areas such as communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership are essential. These skills are developed through all our subjects and opportunities
at school and pupils need a rising awareness of their skill levels and how to improve them.
Although it isn’t a skill, I also think it is increasingly important that young people (in fact everyone) develop a positive, can-learn attitude similar to the Growth Mindset teachers talk about. Young people need to be resilient, flexible, and adaptable - who knows what the world of work will look like in 20 or 30 years’ time - being able to take opportunities and adapt will be fundamental to their success.
What makes an inspirational teacher? Great question!
When I look back on the teachers that inspired me, although they were all quite different, I think they had the same characteristic - they were genuinely interested and enthusiastic about their subject and able to convey that to me. I hope that in some small way, I am able to do that about the subject that I teach - Business. I worked in a number of areas in the ‘real world’ before I moved into teaching and I try to link the theory we are learning in the classroom to those business and management experiences I had wherever possible and certainly to current examples and hope that this proves engaging. Great teachers can inspire not only interest in a subject but also a desire to learn and develop generally. I believe inspirational teachers should
give confidence to their pupils and support them in learning, and make them curious about the real world and confident enough to feel they can find out more, achieve what they want to achieve, and make a difference.
How do you relax in the school holidays and at weekends?
To relax I read a lot, something I have always loved to do. I’m currently a big historical fiction fan, but also love the more feminist novels that are being written at the moment such as the Pat Barker Trilogy. I’ve also discovered Robert Harris and am working my way through his back catalogue.
I love playing Tennis and play regularly at Ilkley Tennis Club where I’ve been a member for quite a few years. Walking the dog, river swimming, coffee with friends, and watching films with my family also feature high on the list!
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that we don’t know!
One thing that I am incredibly proud of is gaining two black belts (though this was some time ago now!). I achieved a first dan in both Shotokan karate and Tang Soo Do, and they represented years of training and practice. I’m completely out of practice now but I look back with real pride and a sense of achievement on that.
SPORTS UPDATE
As the weather turns and the term draws to a close, we are pleased to share the final Sports news of the Autumn term.
Football
On Friday 22 November, the U11 girls’, U11 boys’, and U10 boys’ Football teams travelled to Queen Ethelburga’s College to take part in Prep School’s first-ever block Football fixture. The pupils were all very excited and proud to represent Ashville, and their performances certainly reflected this. The two U11 girls’ teams played with skill and impressive assertiveness, winning both of their games. In the U10 boys’ game, Ashville played with dominance, securing a third Ashville victory. The U11 boys’ game proved to be the most closely contested, finishing in a well-deserved draw.
On Friday 29 November, the U10 and U11 girls played a nine-a-side Football fixture against Gateways. The U11 team showed great tenacity and maintained their positions well. Halle and Agatha were outstanding on the wings, making effective runs with the ball and taking impressive shots. With solid defence and excellent saves from Annabel, Ashville secured a 5-1 victory. Players of the match were Agatha and Halle.
Meanwhile, the U10 match was a closely contested game, with both teams showing significant progress throughout. The final score was a 3-4 loss. Special mentions go to players of the match, Sophia and Eva.
On Tuesday 3 December, pupils in Year 3
U11 girls’ Football team
and Year 4 took part in friendly Football fixtures against Gateways. The girls played five-a-side matches in the sports halls, providing a great opportunity to showcase their dribbling and passing skills.
The boys, meanwhile, played seven-aside games on the AstroTurf. The boys were a credit to themselves, their teammates, and the school, demonstrating progress in every game.
Finally, the girls’ Sixth Form team won 8-0 against Read School.
Basketball
On Wednesday 27 November, the U18 basketball team travelled South to face New College Doncaster in a hard-fought, back-and-forth game. Despite their best efforts, the boys came up short, losing 5070. Special mention goes to Rhys W for his
valiant rebounding effort alongside his 10 points. Looking ahead, the team is eager to bounce back this week with a full and healthy roster, as the Marshalls gear up for a home game against York College in the Round of 16 of the National Cup.
Individual pupil achievements
Edward R (Year 9) has been selected to play for the U13 ISFA Football squad at the National Football Festival.
Allison Y (Year 11) and Kaylie Y (Year 9) competed in the European Future Cheer City Competition held in Paris, France, recently. Kaylie competed in U14 Level 2 with a flawless routine, Hitting Zero deductions and taking third place. Allison competed in U16 Level 2 with a flawless routine, Hitting Zero and taking the title of Division Winner with first place.
Loch F (Year 7) recently completed his 50th park run. A little over a year ago, Loch and his father decided to get more active and began running and almost every Saturday since, they complete a 5K together, running through rain, snow, sun, and heat.
The end of November saw Avie D (Year 7) out again in the snow and rain this to finish her challenge to walk 100km throught the month. Avie raised an impressive £930, £470 over her intended target.
U9 girls’ Football team
Sixth Form girls’ Football
Loch F with his father
Kaylie Y
Allison Y
Avie D
WHAT’S ON AT ASHVILLE
‘What’s on at Ashville’ highlights all events that are coming up at Ashville.
SIXTH FORM TASTER DAY
Thursday 9 January 2025
Following the success of our Open Evening, join our thriving Sixth Form community at our Taster Day on Thursday 9 January 2025.
Gain a real insight into Ashville school life starting with a complimentary hearty breakfast.
Sample our full range of A Level, BTEC and Cambridge Technical qualifications, and be introduced to our diverse academic enrichment and co-curricular options.
Pupils may select five different subjects to try for a single session on the day, and leave one period free in order to experience the Sixth Form social space and cafe.
FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER HERE
