ASHVILLE NEWS
Charitable in Cambodia
A group of Sixth Form pupils travels to Cambodia to support schools
Meet Mr Greg Styles, Chair of Governors
An interview with the Chair of Governors
Pupil Spotlight
Prep School Sports Captains talk about their time at Ashville
A look at A Level Art
A closer look at A Level art from the 2023-24 academic year
A creative season
The Autumn term takes a creative turn
An artist’s take on Ashville
A former pupil talks about his A Level Art studies at Ashville
Prep School experiences
Prep School pupils take advantage of many exciting experiences
Staff Spotlight
Meet Mr Coad, Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Lower Sixth)
Out and about
Trips take Ashville pupils far and wide
Future Ready
Sixth Form pupils hear about Clean Tech and Venture Capital as well as how to stay safe on the road and on nights out
Pupil Profiles
Hear from pupils who joined Ashville in September 2024
In remembrance
Ashville marks Remembrance Day
Ashville launches new equestrian club
A new sport at Ashville enters the Co-Curricular
Achievements beyond the classroom
A charity walk, a world explorer, and the Most Promising Cadet of the Year
Sports update
Find out about recent successes of school sports teams and individual pupils
What’s on at Ashville
CHARITABLE IN CAMBODIA
Written by Mr Gilmour Coad, Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Lower Sixth)
Over the half-term holiday, 16 Sixth Form pupils and two members of staff visited Cambodia.
While out there, we visited four different schools and projects in association with the charities Edukid and Care for Cambodia. Indeed, we sponsor the children in a village to enable them to attend school. For example, we handed out the annu-
al education packs in our village. These packs contain everything a child will need for school, including their uniform, books, pens, pencils, geometry sets, and calculators for older children. In addition, we also took out some Ashville Cricket shirts, for the children.
At each school, our pupils interacted with and entertained the local children with a
range of different activities, including making friendship bracelets, playing Football and Rugby, skipping ropes, painting faces, and completing jigsaws and artwork.
We also met a number of students who have come through the programme and are now at university studying courses as diverse as finance, IT and food science, as they look to pull themselves out of poverty and make a change to Cambodia to improve the lives of others and help the country develop. These students also offered our pupils the chance to enjoy some Cambodian snacks including crickets, frogs legs, and larva; they were surprisingly palatable and the food (based around
rice and curry) was excellent and, again, pulled our pupils out of their comfort zone.
We also visited the Killing Fields, the genocide museum in Phnom Penh (experiences which both shocked and informed), and the stunning temples at Angkor Wat.
However, we also made time to improve our bartering skills in the many markets and again enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional far eastern market.
The pupils found the trip to be very informative, and the experiences from it will be life changing for those that attended as we put our own lives in perspective.
MEET MR STYLES, CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
The 2024-25 academic year welcomed a new Chair of Governors, Mr Greg Styles.
In this issue of the Ashville News newsletter, we share an interview with Mr Styles, written by Richard Chew, co-founder of Different PR.
What are your links to, and first-hand experience of, Ashville?
My close connections with the Ashville family span more than a decade. I have gained a first-hand insight, not just through being an active parent, but also by being a member of an engaged and forward-thinking Board of Governors. This is a body whose members pool their expertise and skills from a
range of diverse backgrounds to work as one, for the benefit of the whole school.
Most importantly, I have seen Ashville through the eyes of my two children on their journeys through the school. Both flourished through its progressive approach to preparing pupils for life, and not just for tests or exams.
Education runs as a golden thread through my family. My wife is a teacher and my daughter, who joined in Year 11 and became a Red Tie, is also a state school teacher.
My son joined Ashville in Year 5 and is now in his final year reading Music at Newcastle University, having been inspired by the unrivalled range of co-curricular activities available to all Ashville pupils.
Only last month, his jazz band Nauta released their first professionally recorded singles – an endorsement of Ashville’s mission to equip all its pupils with a blend of a broad, balanced education and a truly enriching life experience.
Before becoming a Governor at Ashville, I was a Governor and Chair of the Resources Committee for four years at Lady Elizabeth Hastings School in Collingham.
Looking at its culture and values, what are Ashville’s biggest strengths?
Without a doubt, it has to be the way the school rightly prides itself on equipping every pupil with the most rounded education experience.
Ashville is not just a teaching organisation, it’s also a caring one. It epitomises the wise words of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle who said:
“Educating the mind without the heart is no education at all”.
Our brilliant people are focused on discovering every child’s niche, zooming in on it, and ensuring they maximise their own unique potential, inside and outside of the classroom.
This education excellence sees children take lessons in music, sports, drama, the arts, the environment, culture, global issues and technology, as well as learning how to lead happy, healthy and successful lives.
My wife and I made the decision to bring our children to Ashville, not just for its proven academic history. Equally, it was also to take advantage of this fully-rounded, holistic education and the opportunities this generates in making each and every pupil Future Ready for life in a modern and fast-moving, ever-changing world. Another advantage of an Ashville education is its inclusivity, and the ability to offer all its pupils the opportunity to participate in everything - not least an endless range of co-curricular activities.
Pastorally, our greatest asset – our teachers - know pupils really well, enabling them to identify any challenges quickly and offer personalised support.
What has been your career path and what skills does this bring to your new role and ensuring the future success of Ashville?
I am not an Old Ashvillian, nor did I attend a private school. I was educated at a comprehensive school and stand-alone state sixth form college in Cornwall – so my appointment to this role is far from a traditional one.
After graduating from the University of Reading, I forged a successful career as a Chartered Surveyor and have worked for over 30 years in senior roles for some of the UK’s leading property consultancy firms and specialising in retail development.
It is this experience I am aiming to bring to the fore as we add pace and scale to our ambitious and transformative masterplan for the school estate.
I’m proud to serve as a Governor, working alongside a talented team of business and education specialists drawn from across a wide range of sectors; all of whom give their time for free for the benefit of the school and to ensure that it is at the forefront of innovation.
My background complements the array of different skill-sets and expertise that my Governor colleagues possess, honed in sectors ranging from business to education, finance to law. As a team, we synchronise well, each adding a different dimension, and look forward to propelling the school into this exciting new era.
Ashville is not immune to the political and economic challenges facing the UK at present, ranging from cost-of-living increases to the upcoming addition of VAT to fees. How will it overcome these? The school retains very strong foundations on which to take forward its bold vision for the “new” Ashville.
This is the direct result of effective financial management and a determination to drive efficiencies and save any extraneous costs without in any way compromising the high quality education experience we aim to provide.
One endorsement of this approach is the way we worked hard to limit the annual inflation-based fee increase for the 2024/25 year that is needed to cover increases in running costs. At between 3.5% and 4.5%, it was the lowest of the independent schools in the area.
Against a background of increasing chal-
lenges for the education sector as a whole, we are confident that Ashville is wellplaced to continue to thrive.
Some of these pressures, such as meeting net-zero goals, are shared with state schools.
However, the recent Budget announcement confirming the imposition of VAT on school fees and removing business rates relief are burdens unique to the private sector. Rising cost-of-living pressures are an added burden, both to families and the school. In recent years, our hardware and energy costs have increased sharply, inevitably impacting on the school’s running costs.
Governors are united in their commitment to make every Pound of fees go as far as possible, and to ensure an Ashville education remains the ultimate in value for money.
Education must come first – and does. Yet increasingly schools benefit from operating in a more business-like way. This is where the knowledge and experience of the Governors can support Ashville in offering the best educational experience for the best fees we can.
During my time as a Governor, I have observed teams coming together pre and post the pandemic to overcome a range of challenges and I am confident this problem-solving attribute will further help in securing a successful future for the school. Although we are poised to mark our 150year anniversary in 2027 and look forward to celebrating that marvellous history, it is most important that we keep our focus firmly on the future and education in a 21st Century context. The prospects ahead of Ashville are fantastic.
What do you see as the benefits of send-
ing a child to Ashville when there are very good state schools in the area?
State schools are Ashville’s main competitors. However, with our smaller class sizes, the ability to provide a seamless and rounded education from aged two right through to 18, a proven track record in pastoral care, first-rate staff, and an outstanding co-curricular programme, we can and do provide a far superior offering. We recognise that in an evolving world, it is vital more than ever before for our pupils to be prepared for life outside the classroom and our custom-made Future Ready programme gives us a stand-out advantage over other schools.
Another key differentiator is the independence of the school and with it the autonomy to make our own decisions, responsive to the needs of our pupils, families and staff. In a post-pandemic world, this freedom includes exploring new ways of thinking and new ways of teaching to ensure we keep at the forefront of the latest educational improvements.
Academically, this summer saw Ashville pupils achieve the best A-Level results of any school in Harrogate – state or independent. As a result, 82% of our young graduates achieved a place at their firstchoice university, 100% at one of their two preferred universities, and 65% are heading to prestigious Russell Group universities.
Another advantage is that we are in the rare and strong position of owning our own 70-acre site, which is a wonderful asset to have available for our school. The planned investment in reimagining and repurposing our site through our campus masterplan projects will add an extra and exciting dimension to the Ashville experience, and forms a core part of a successful “new” Ashville.
As Ashville becomes wholly a day school from next year, what benefits does this bring?
Having a school now wholly dedicated to meeting the needs of day pupils heralds the launch of a new era for the school. As part of this laser-sharp new focus, we can ensure 100 per cent of the school’s resources and expertise are channelled into ensuring the most modern learning environment is provided for our day pupils, who will now be completely central in our ambitious vision for Ashville’s future success. In all walks of business life, organisations are harvesting the benefits of becoming specialists and sub-specialists in their own sectors in ever-increasing numbers – from law to medicine, IT to engineering. Education is no different. We look forward to concentrating exclusively on further improving the educational experiences and opportunities for our day pupils as they become our core community.
We’ve seen the first stage of the campus masterplan brought to life with the opening of the new learning hubs. What other initiatives can parents look forward to –and how will these be funded?
We marked the start of the new academic year by launching our new learning hubs, part of the initial phase of our masterplan, and have been delighted by the positive feedback received. These social spaces break new ground for Ashville, providing pupils in Years 10 and 11 with wonderful spaces to relax and socialise between their academic lessons and co-curricular activities. They also provide quiet spaces for academic work.
I am delighted that we will be completing Phase 2 of the masterplan this academic year with the refurbishment of the Sixth Form centre over the Easter holiday to modernise and enhance the ground floor area for pupils. We will also be creating another fantastic new learning hub – this
time for the lower school – Years 7 to 9 –and that will be ready for September 2025.
Other innovations being considered as part of the future phases of development include a new, additional modern synthetic sports pitch that will be suitable for a wide variety of sports including rugby and football, to complement the excellent existing artificial pitch that is mainly used for hockey. We plan to include a running track around the new pitch for athletics and general athletic development, as well as new netball and tennis courts.
These assets would benefit pupils of all ages and ensure all sports at Ashville are available year-round.
The aim is to develop these in tandem with the conversion of the current netball courts into a new car park and drop-off area that would greatly improve traffic management and amenity for pupils and their parents.
Longer term, we are planning a large new “hub” building at the heart of the campus between the Senior and Prep schools including new teaching and learning spaces. This facility will replace the Bowick building.
The scale of our ambitions will require us to realise significant funding through the sale of assets or other fund raising – borrowing or donations – for them to be delivered. Parents can be reassured that none of these development plans – present or future - are not contingent on fee income.
For example, the considered decision to phase out our boarding operation by September 2025 gives us the potentialshould we decide it is the best course of action - to leverage our significant property assets to bring our plans to life.
Vision for the future: what do you see as the three headline priorities for the school’s future success?
• Making sure Ashville is not just the independent school of choice in Harrogate and the surrounding area, but that it is THE school of choice.
• Against the backdrop of the introduction of VAT on private school fees and the cost-of-living pressures, to ensure we continue to deliver great value for money for our parents and families.
• Optimising every opportunity that our campus presents, injecting pace and scale into the masterplan that is being developed which will transform our facilities
Tell us something about yourself that we might not know:
I am a qualified junior rugby coach and referee and spent many years coaching for Wetherby RUFC. I thoroughly enjoy it, and it kept me fit!
PUPIL SPOTLIGHT:
MEET THE PREP SCHOOL SPORTS CAPTAINS
Sport is at the heart of Ashville and this month, we shine a light on the Sports Captains in Year 6 in Prep School.
We recently sat down with Swimming Captain Tabitha, Hockey Captain Brookley, Athletics Captain Niamh, Rugby Captain Hugo, and Cricket Captain Oli, who all lead incredibly busy and sporty lives, and who have some amazing Olympic aspirations!
Congratulations on becoming Sports Captains. How were you picked?
Tabitha: We had to write down the top three things we were interested in and good at, and then Mr Soutar, Head of Prep, picked us.
Brooklyn: We had a special assembly, and our names were read out in front of everyone and then we were given sports badges which we wear every day on our blazers.
What are your special duties as Sports Captains?
Hugo: You get to pick your team as Captain, and then you lead the warm-ups. At fixtures, you get to the do the ‘Three Cheers’.
Niamh: You have the chance to lead the team and pick the best players so it’s lot of fun. You have to really like the sport and enjoy the training and matches and help others to enjoy it too.
I really like the competitions because I like the feeling of running fast.
Tabitha: We pick a squad of about eight or nine to take part – that’s a minimum really because we do a relay. We have already had a home and away fixture against Bronte School. Mrs Dixon is our teacher and makes it lots of fun.
When did you start at Ashville?
Tabitha: I joined in Reception
Brooklyn: I enjoyed in Reception as well Niamh: I came in Year 5. I switched from Richmond House because my friend left, and I knew Martha who comes here and she is my friend.
Hugo: I joined Ashville in Year 5.
Oli: I came to school at around Easter time in Year 3.
Are you all joining Senior School and what do you want to be when you grow
“I think this is a really kind school. When anyone new starts, they are never left on their own. In fact, nobody is left on their own.”
up?
Tabitha: We are all coming to Senior School and went to the Taster Day. I really like looking after younger children and always look after my little brother and his friends. But I also really would like to be a diver – I love diving off the spring board, especially the one at The Hydro in Harrogate.
Brooklyn: I want to be an Olympic gymnast when I grow up. I love all sorts of gymnastics which I do in Harrogate. I also want to look after polar bears, so I would be a gymnast during the week and look after polar bears and pick up litter at weekends!
Niamh: I want to be the author of children’s books when I grow up. Because I also love Athletics, I want to take part in the Olympic Games and run either the 600m or the 800m. My favourite runner is Keely Hodgkinson.
Hugo: My ambition is to be pilot. I love Maths and Physics and planes so I would like to be a commercial pilot working for airlines. But I would also like to be a professional Rugby player.
Oli: I want to play Cricket professionally, either for England or for the Northern Superchargers. My role model in Joe Root.
What’s the best thing about Ashville Prep School?
Oli (giggles and laughs): It’s definitely all the Sport which is why I love being the Cricket Captain. I’m a pretty good all-rounder and do sport every day of the week – Rugby, Basketball, Golf, Hockey, and more.
Hugo: I think we’re really lucky because we get to go on fantastic residentials. Last year we had an amazing trip to London with Mr Soutar. I’m really looking forward to the trips in Senior School – I know you get to go to Munich in Germany and lots of skiing trips.
Brooklyn: I really like the fact that you get specialist teachers here – you get specialist Music and Sports teachers and I really like them all.
Tabitha: I think this is a really kind school. When anyone new starts, they are never left on their own. In fact, nobody is left on their own. When Sofia started, we made sure she had friends, and everyone looks after each other.
Anything else that makes Ashville so special?
All together! (Much laughter!): We had a lot of fun last term when Mr Hart taught us about toilet twinning and so far, we have raised over £700 to buy a toilet in a developing country. We even had a special assembly and sang songs while waving a toilet brusher and decorated one of the toilets downstairs in Prep School to make people think about going to the loo!
A LOOK AT A LEVEL ART
If you happen to go to the Art and DT block at any point throughout the year, you will no doubt encounter a hive of creativity.
The A Level pupils are particularly hard at work year-round, carefully preparing their research, coursework, and ultimately, exam work, which is showcased at the end of the year at the Art and DT Summer Show.
Before the end of last year, we shared with you some images from the event. However, now that the exam season is over and results are but a distant memory, we are pleased to be able to share a closer look at some of the amazing A Level artwork that pupils completed in the 2023-24 academic year.
A CREATIVE SEASON
The Autumn term at Ashville has been a celebration of creativity, with pupils across the school engaging in a wide range of art-based activities, trips, and workshops.
Senior School and Sixth Form pupils collaborated for the first time in this year’s House Art competition, producing remarkable pieces inspired by the theme of ‘Celebrating Literature’. Each entry showcased outstanding creativity, teamwork,
and artistic skill. Riverdale created a detailed ‘Tree of Literature’, capturing the diversity of genres with hidden surprises throughout. Duckworth produced a magical Rapunzel-inspired piece, featuring quotes from Dahl and Tolkien in an evocative, dreamlike palette. Windermere paid tribute to Shakespeare, blending moments from his plays with Van Gogh-inspired artistry, while Ellis celebrated how literature comes to life through performance and imagination with their piece, ‘All the
World’s a Stage’. Duckworth’s enchanting entry earned them this year’s title of House Art champions.
Sixth Form pupils had the opportunity to participate in a life drawing workshop led by artist Martin Kerrison. Working with a male model, they explored the art of drawing the human figure through short poses, experimenting with various media and scales. This hands-on session was an invaluable chance to develop their obser-
vational and technical skills.
Meanwhile, pupils in Acorns Early Years, Year 1, and Year 2 collaborated on a Friendship Tree inspired by the book ‘We Are Together’ by Britta Teckentrup. Working with friends and siblings across age groups, every pupil contributed to the beautiful display, which celebrated teamwork and
creativity while strengthening bonds within the school community.
Year 3 pupils began the term by practising sketching techniques, focusing on fruit. Guided by their teachers, they refined their skills and used chalk to produce vibrant final pieces that brought their artwork to life.
Year 10 GCSE Art pupils visited RHS Garden Harlow Carr for an inspiring day of exploration. Janet Anderson, RHS Education
Sixth Form Life Drawing
Year 3 fruit art
Year 10 trip to Harlow Carr
Friendship Tree
Officer, shared how artists and designers draw inspiration from nature, encouraging the pupils to see flora, fauna, and landscapes as sources of creativity. They captured stunning autumnal scenes through photographs and sketches, gathering material for their project on Growth and Decay.
Sixth Form artists later enjoyed a trip to Manchester Art Gallery on 13 November as part of their A Level coursework research. They explored contemporary and traditional artwork, sketched focused pieces, and developed their artistic insights. After a guided tour and independent study, they revisited key exhibits to refine their work. Pupils appreciated the opportunity to deepen their understanding of artistic themes and techniques in a unique and inspiring setting. The day offered invaluable inspiration for their projects, fostering creativity and critical thinking in preparation for their coursework.
Nurturing creativity at Ashville is essen-
tial for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Artistic exploration encourages pupils to approach challenges with curiosity and adaptability, while deepening their ability to express themselves and connect with the world around them. By fostering these skills, Ashville helps pupils not only achieve academic success but also build the resilience and imagination needed for lifelong learning and personal growth.
House Art
Duckworth
Riverdale
Ellis
Windermere
AN ARTISTS’ TAKE ON ASHVILLE
Hear from Will Salvin, Old Ashvillian and part of the Class of 2024, all about his A Level Art studies at Ashville.
My experience within Ashville and the A Level Art class is a solely positive one. Both Mr Brook throughout both years and Mrs Norman in Lower Sixth have only ever had my best interest and improvement as an artist in mind.
They have both pushed me into areas I would not otherwise have explored in terms of two- and three-dimensional mediums of artistic expression, which has given me a broader Art education than most will ever receive, making me a more creative and adaptable artist as a result. This is an increasingly desirable and necessary trait within the competitive yet necessary industry often overlooked in its
importance and breadth. This stepping out my comfort zone led me to create some of my best work to date (thanks to Mr Brook) in the three-dimensional medium of clay and metalwork, something I was formerly alien to.
With amazing trips, such as to the Baltic Centre, Leeds Art Gallery, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, as well as a range of artist-led workshops and art clubs to expand my contextual influences in my work, I was never short on inspiration from other artists and designers to study and implement into my coursework pieces.
These factors have also aided in creat-
ing a more unique and developed portfolio, which as someone who is now studying in Art, was incredibly helpful as grades cannot always guarantee a place due to the vast number of applicants. Especially with the niche course I chose to apply for, which I am now studying at my firstchoice university. I even received a lowered offer because of my portfolio which (while I did not need this as I reached my predicted grades (with my Art grade being a B)) was due to the outstanding support I had received in making a unique and skilful portfolio to apply with.
I am now studying Concept and Comic Art at De Montfort University which, for me, as someone who has always wanted to pursue Art professionally and is immensely interested in film and entertainment, is a dream course, one I would not be on if not for my incredible Art education at Ashville thanks to the Art department as well as the amazing Sixth Form team.
I must also mention the amazing support the Sixth Form team gave me, not solely but most notably my Form Tutor, Mrs Storey, who always gave aid and support academically and was more than happy to lend an ear if needed. I would also like to mention former Assistant Head of Sixth
Form (Pastoral), Mr Warren, who made sure I was enjoying my social life at Ashville, keeping my head in the game and checking in with me even though I never raised any issues. I must also mention the incredible guest speakers we had to inspire us with incredible life stories and open our minds to various career paths.
Furthermore, the excellent Future Ready programme at Ashville provided me with a variety of transferable skills and gave us lessons in different areas in university and workplace life to prepare us for the future. In addition is the support I received with my UCAS application process on my Personal Statement to ensure I stood out in the flood of applicants to university, which, adding to my portfolio, played a crucial role in my application success.
I am incredibly grateful for the support and experience I received, the memories, lifelong friends I have made, some of the sure-to-be fondest years of my life and the bright future path Ashville, the Sixth Form team, this Art class, and its excellent tutors have set me on. Thank you, Ashville!
PREP SCHOOL EXPERIENCES
The nights may be darker but the but the superstars in Prep School have been shining brightly this term.
Pupils have enjoyed a raft of activities and visits including a magical Disney Day where they dressed up as their favourite characters and raised an incredible £750 for the Living Potential Care Farm in Wetherby.
Pupils have also benefitted from activities to support their in-classroom learning, often in the form of exciting hands-on experiences.
Year 3 were dazzled by a magic show, inspired by their study of the text ‘Leon and the Place Between’ by Angela McAllister.
Year 6 had a wonderful visit from Mr Stuart Boyle to discover the science of offshore wind turbines. Mr Boyle works in the Wind generation industry, leading the planning for installing off-shore wind turbines and connecting them to the grid. He shared with Year 6 how wind turbines work and how they are built far out at sea. It was amazing to see the incredible size of the ships and machinery needed to in-
stall the turbines as well as the lengths the company goes to, to avoid environmental damage, both in the building process and afterwards. The pupils were amazed to hear how the wind turbines are surrounded by walls of air bubbles when they are being driven into the sea-bed to reduce the noise that can be harmful to passing whales otherwise. Year 6 were transfixed by the talk and asked many interesting questions.
Other highlights included a Year 6 World War Two workshop and a visit from a local owl expert who brought in three different species of owls and the children learned about their natural habit and the owls’ feeding behaviour. Meanwhile, U9 and U11 chess enthusiasts headed to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield to represent Ashville and take on some of the best young chess players the North-East of England has to offer in the HMC competition. Through six intense rounds of chess against schools from far and wide, all players represented the school admirably. The U11 team finished eighth in the competition, while the U9 team just missed out on a podium position with a very respectable fourth place finish.
There was an exciting Year 7 Taster Day in Senior School, where Year 6 pupils met children from other schools, tried new activities such as Science experiments, met some of the Senior School staff and the Head of Lower School Miss Jane Ellis, and it was all rounded off by a delicious lunch in the Dining Hall with their friends.
The Artizan Christmas Fayre, organised by the Charity Committee, was extremely popular and took place in the Prep School Hall.
They also learned about Thanksgiving traditions with their American friends and families. The children enjoyed a special assembly learning about the English settlers who sailed to America, the history of the Pilgrim Fathers, and the importance of
Thanksgiving traditions. They were shown some traditional Thanksgiving food, and they made a special tree for the Prep Library, decorated with coloured. The children spent time thinking and talking about they were thankful for and concluded family, friends, school, pets and their teachers topped the list!
Prep School and Acorn Early Years pupils are all looking forward to the Open Morning on Wednesday 27 November when they can showcase their classrooms, schoolwork, and facilities to visiting families and prospective pupils.
You can register your attendance here.
Year 3 magic workshop
Year 7 Taster Day
U9 and U11 chess players
Year 7 Taster Day
STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
MR GILMOUR COAD, ASSISTANT HEAD OF SIXTH FORM (LOWER SIXTH)
Mr Gilmour Coad, Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Lower Sixth) is a well-known face at Ashville.
Mr Coad is involved in myriad aspects of life at Ashville, from being part of the Sixth Form leadership, to teaching Geography, Latin and Religious Studies. Add to that his avid involvment in the sporting aspect of Ashville, it’s safe to say he is a well-established part of Ashville.
What is your role at Ashville?
I’m Head of Lower Sixth and am a Geography teacher. I also teach Latin and Religious Studies to Year 7. I’m proud to say I’m also the Captain of the Staff Cricket team! I’m a cricket coach and second team hockey coach for boys and girls. As a Mountain Leader I help with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. I recently led a trip to
Cambodia for Sixth Formers, it was a great experience and massively increased the children’s global awareness. The children couldn’t believe the poverty, the fact that people literally survived on $20 or less each month. It was a great trip and enthused the children to do more fundraising.
How long have you been at Ashville?
I’ve been here since 2008. I taught in an inner city London school for four years before I came here – very different to Ashville. 98 per cent of the children were on free school meals. Before that I was a Chartered Surveyor.
What’s your typical working day?
No day is the same which is what makes this such a fantastic job. No day is typical – it can be teaching, talking to children, in meetings or out on the sports pitches.
Is there a standout highlight in your time here?
Well, next term will be my 50th term at Ashville! I’m pretty proud of that. I suppose for me personally my biggest achievement here was in 2016 when I was Head of Boarding we won the national TES award for the best boarding provision in the
“I think the main thing is to have empathy with the children. You need to enthuse them about their learning and make it relevant. ”
country. By surveying the pupils we greatly improved our activities programme, numbers of boarders increased and there was a great atmosphere in the houses.
What do you think are the skills young people need most in this modern world?
I think that in the world of AI1, it’s really important young people have inter-personal skills. Those human skills are so critical. The Future Ready programme at Ashville is brilliant – Mrs Grazier is doing amazing job, we are giving the children the skills they need to interact, speak and present.
What makes an inspirational teacher?
I think the main thing is to have empathy with the children. You need to enthuse them about their learning and make it relevant. I say to them that their job is to learn while they are here so they can go out in the world, get a job and become responsible members of society.
How do you relax at weekends and during the holidays?
At weekends, I’m often involved in school sports, taking a team is one of the best parts of the job. In the holidays we often go travelling to see friends and family (I’m a southerner!). I enjoy watching a lots of sports and enjoy walking in the hills. Ultimately, I spend most of my time chasing around after my own children.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself? When I was 17, I spent seven weeks in Svalbard in the Arctic with the British Schools Exploring Society – I spent three weeks carrying out scientific work, as well as tagging migrating geese, we also discovered a new species of instinct. I also spent three weeks on the icecap during one whiteout we built our own igloo and slept the night in it!
OUT AND ABOUT
Since the start of the academic year, the Autumn term has been filled with enriching trips, with pupils journeying far and wide to extend their learning through hands-on experiences.
Geography pupils have explored local and national landscapes, enhancing their understanding of various landforms. Year 9 pupils ventured into the Yorkshire Dales, visiting Stump Cross Caverns and Grassington, where they examined the power
of water on limestone. Upper Sixth pupils headed to the Lake District to study glacial formations. Their hike through various landforms, from corries to drumlins, ended with presentations on glacial features, making for a truly immersive learning experience. Meanwhile, Year 11 Geography pupils travelled Leeds to carry out a fieldwork investigation into the regeneration of the city. Before the trip, the group analysed historical photographs of the areas they were to visit identifying the challeng-
Year 9 Geography trip
es and evidence of decline and deindustrialisation. Once in Leeds, they walked along the waterfront areas of Granary Wharf, The Call, and Leeds Dock, observing the changes that the regeneration over the last 30 years and evaluated its effectiveness.
by the challenges families faced during air raids, sparking reflection on the resilience required during that era.
Year 3 embarked on an adventure to the Studfold Nature Trail for a day of teamwork, puzzle-solving, and exploration. The trip brought their studies of Prehistoric Britain and their class reading of ‘The Faraway Tree’ to life as they entered the Enchanted Forest to make wishes and share stories.
Year 5 pupils expanded their knowledge of the natural world during a trip to Flamingo Land, where they learned about the rainforest’s distinct layers and encountered creatures like giant millipedes and sugar gliders. This interactive trip allowed them to apply their classroom knowledge of Year 11 Geography trip
Meanwhile, a Religious Studies trip provided Year 11 GCSE pupils with meaningful insights into different faiths. They first visited the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple, where they learned about Hindu beliefs and customs. At Bradford Cathedral, pupils explored Christian symbolism and observed key sacraments, deepening their understanding of faith practices across cultures.
In Prep School, younger pupils enjoyed various themed excursions. Year 4 pupils travelled back to ancient Rome, where they learned the discipline of a Roman legionary. Dressed in Roman armour, they practised marching in formation, made clay oil lamps, and even learned defensive tactics with wooden shields. Likewise, pupils in Year 6 dove into history with a visit to Eden Camp, fully immersing themselves in World War Two. Dressed in historical attire, they explored a Blitzed London street, and the sight of tanks and Anderson shelters gave them a vivid understanding of wartime life. They were particularly struck
Year 11 RS trip
Year 4 trip to Murton Park
ecology and animal habitats.
In addition to academic trips, pupils engaged in various team-building experiences. Year 7 bonded during their residential at How Stean Gorge, enjoying abseiling, zip-lining, and evening campfires, while Year 8 faced the Adrenalin assault course, working together to conquer muddy obstacles, the Leap of Faith, and Jacob’s Ladder.
Some pupils even ventured overseas to Berlin, where Year 10 and Year 11 pupils studying German immersed themselves in the city’s history. Highlights included visits to the Reichstag Dome, the Stasi Museum, and three days of intensive language lessons. The trip gave them invaluable cultural insights and a chance to practice their German in real-life settings.
These trips offer rich learning opportunities beyond the classroom, allowing pupils to apply their studies to real-world scenarios while building confidence, collaboration, and lifelong memories. School trips not only deepen subject knowledge but also foster personal growth and a wider understanding of the world.
Year 3 trip to Studfold Nature Trail
Year 5 trip to Flamingo Land
Year 6 trip to Eden Camp
Year 2 trip to Yorkshire Arboretum
Year 7 Team Build, Team Bond trip
Year 10 and Year 11 trip to Berlin
FUTURE READY
WORKING LUNCH
Mrs Myfanwy Wolf: Clean Tech and Venture Capital
Written by Mrs Joanne Wales-Smith, Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Upper Sixth/Future Ready)
Shortly before the half-term holiday on Monday 21 October, the Business and Economics department ws delighted to welcome Mrs Myfanwy Wolf in for a Working Lunch event. Mrs Wolf spoke to the Lower Sixth Business and Economics groups about her career in Clean Tech Venture Capital. After a thorough description of what Clean Technology entails, Mrs Wolf then explained to the pupils how she uses economics models to support her decision-making on giving venture capital to young and growing companies. She talked the group through her role as Commercialisation Director for Climate Investment in taking companies through large scale revenue and profit growth, helping them to scale up their operations and finally making new partners and alliances to continue the business.
After discussing some of the details of her role and the area she worked, in Mrs Wolf then talked about her career decisions and gave some helpful advice for the pupils, who are about to start making decisions about their next steps during this school year. She explained she had never intended to have a career such as the one she has, but by following interesting opportunities and developing great working relationships and connections, she now feels lucky to work in a highly fulfilling role with many fascinating people all over the world. It was a fantastic eye-opener into a career that many pupils had not realised even existed. A big thank you to Mrs Wolf for taking the time to come and speak to us.
If any other parents may be interested in coming to talk to our pupils as part of our Working Lunch programme, please do get in touch with Mr James Austin (Head of the Business and Economics department): jau@ashville.co.uk
SIXTH FORM SPEAKER
PC Martin Powell
Written by Libby W (Lower Sixth)
In the Sixth Form Speaker Slot on Friday 15 November, the Sixth Formers were given a talk about how to be safe on a night out as well as how to be safe when driving – mainly about drunk driving – by a police officer who gives talks about different topics to different schools.
This talk included many different ways to keep your drink safe when on a night out – which included not leaving your drink unattended then drinking out of it, and not drinking it if something doesn’t seem right about it. PC Powell also talked about what to do when coming home. An example of this is if you take a bus, sit close to people; another example was to use taxi companies that you know and trust.
One of the main points that he was wanting to get across was to use your voice as it is the most powerful thing. PC Powell was talking about how if a situation doesn’t feel right, then talk to someone about it – for example ringing a family member.
This talk was very useful in helping us consider unsafe situations, as he was talking about how to de-escalate a situation and what the best things to do in these situations are.
PUPIL PROFILES
This year, we have welcomed many new pupils to Ashville and recently, we spoke to several of them to find out about what their first few weeks at Ashville have been like.
In the November and December issues of the Ashville News newsletters, we take a look at some of these pupils.
Jacob (Year 4)
Joined from Highfield Prep School
I’ve really enjoyed being at Ashville because the food portions are great, and I love the kindness everyone shows to each other.
Otterly (Year 3)
Joined from Gateways School
I love coming to Ashville! Everyone has been so friendly, and I really like my new teacher. There are so many fun things to do, like swimming, hockey, and outdoor learning. I’ve joined lots of clubs; choir and Imagine Club are my favourites. The food is also amazing, especially fish and chips on Fridays.
Charles (Year 7)
Joined from Collingham Lady Elizabeth Hastings’ C of E Primary School
I have really enjoyed my first few weeks at Ashville.
Barnaby (Year 7)
Joined from Ashville Prep School
I have been at Ashville since Acorns, and my first few weeks in Year 7 have been amazing. I’ve made many new friends and I am enjoying new subjects like geography, as well as the prospect of using Bunsen burners in science later this term. I’m also attending an after-school club called Giant Pencil, where we get to design and make a massive pencil, hence the name. I play the cello, and I feel there are many supportive music clubs to help me grow. The teachers have also been amazing.
Noah (Year 7)
Joined from Collingham Lady Elizabeth Hastings’ C of E Primary School
I’ve really enjoyed my first few weeks at Ashville! I’ve tried to throw myself into all the new activities and do sport most days. I’ve also made lots of new friends, and the teachers have been really nice. One of the Green Ties was especially kind and helped me out when I forgot my swimming kit. So far, I’m really enjoying Ashville!
Frieha (Year 7)
Joined from Roundhay Primary Campus
It did take me a couple of days to settle in, but as the week went on, I met and spoke to more people. I already feel like I’ve made friends for life after just two weeks! My form tutor is amazing, he is very funny but also strict when needed, which I think is exactly what I need to bring out the best in myself. I am so excited to see what this Ashville journey will bring for me!
Gabriel (Year 7)
Joined from Saint Leo’s Catholic School, USA
Everybody has been great and very welcoming.
George (Lower Sixth)
Joined from The Grammar School at Leeds
My first few weeks at Ashville have been great, everyone has been so welcoming, and it’s been so easy to settle in. I attended three sessions of pre-season rugby training at the end of the summer holidays, which was also a really good way to meet people.
Layla (Lower Sixth)
Joined from Patriot High School, USA
My first few weeks have been a little hectic, but I got the hang of it with the guidance of many helpful pupils and teachers who were kind enough to show me around. People at Ashville are very inviting, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Now, I look forward to coming to school to see my friends and learn new things
Alice (Lower Sixth)
Joined from Gateways School
I’ve found all the staff and pupils at Ashville to be very welcoming. I’m enjoying my A level courses so far. I’m really impressed by the variety of clubs and co-curricular activities. I’m looking forward to getting more involved in school life.
IN REMEMBRANCE
Hundreds of pupils stood in silence at the school’s cenotaph to mark Remembrance Day.
The pupils, led by Chaplain Mrs Catherine Frieze, laid wreaths in honour of the fallen and observed the two-minute silence.
The Last Post was sounded by Teach of Music Mr Ross Simpson as all pupils and staff gathered.
The official party was led by Head Mrs Rhiannon Wilkinson along with Beth Mottram, Chair of the Ashvillian Soviety, Governor Mr John Wood, and Captain Adrian Lilleyon behalf of the Armed Forces and whose
daughter is a past pupil of Ashville.
Heads of School Rhys W and Tara L also played a part in the service.
Mrs Wilkinson said:
“Ashville has been associated with the Military since its inception and many of our families have a military background and have served our country.
“The whole school always comes together to mark Remembrance Day from the youngest children in Early Years to our Sixth Formers.”
ASHVILLE LAUNCHES NEW EQUESTRIAN CLUB
Ashville is adding a new sport to its stable of activities for energetic pupils.
The school has launched a new Equestrian Club to give talented riders the opportunity to compete in regional and national competitions.
Ashville has a long historic tradition of developing first class sportsmen and wom-
en, and the Equestrian Club is the latest co-curricular activity which already ranges from sports such as traditional Rugby and Tennis to competing in competitions and fixtures on a world stage. Next Summer, this includes the Sports Tour to South Africa.
The Equestrian Club was inspired by the pupils themselves who compete out of
school and wanted to harness their enthusiasm under the Ashville College umbrella.
Mrs Stephanie Lightbody, Assistant Director of Sport, said pupils’ parents had a long involvement in equestrian activities over the years.
She said:
“We now have children from Year 5 to Upper Sixth who compete in dressage, show jumping, eventing and more.
“They wanted to pull together a team to enter in competitions with their school friends – alongside that we will teach classes which support fitness for riding across a wide variety of age groups.”
Mrs Rhiannon Wilkinson, Head of Ashville said riding taught children many important life lessons.
She said:
“We are very proud to be adding this to the extraordinary number of sports we already offer.
“Riding gives young people a sense of responsibility and a discipline that serves them well for life – it also teaches children motivation to manage their time to fit in alongside their academic studies.
“We have some incredibly talented young riders who will be flying the flag for Yorkshire in competitions up and down the country.”
Mrs Stephanie Lightbody, Assistant Director of Sport
PERFORMING ARTS AT ASHVILLE
The Performing Arts department has been abuzz with activity, with performances both inside and outside of school showcasing the remarkable talents of our pupils.
On 12 November, ten gifted Drama pupils took to the stage to compete for the prestigious title of Ashville’s Young Actor
of the Year 2024. Performing in front of an audience of family, friends, staff, and esteemed judge Michael Garside, a professional actor, the pupils delivered an unforgettable evening of theatre.
Mr Garside remarked: “I had a great evening... they all did very well. Some would definitely have been looked at for my thea-
tre group if I was casting for a younger role.”
Director of Performing Arts, Mr Karl Boyd, added: “The level of talent on display tonight was phenomenal, and I don’t know how Michael was able to declare a winner – they were all worthy of recognition.”
Ultimately, Ed H (Upper Sixth) emerged victorious, lifting the Ash Cup. Second and third places were awarded to Eliza T-S (Upper Sixth) and last year’s winner, Gabby S (Upper Sixth).
Earlier in the month, 11 pupils performed at St Mary’s Church, Lower Dunsforth, to an audience of parents and local residents. Their exceptional performances made them outstanding ambassadors for the school.
In school, Cambridge Technical Diploma in Performing Arts pupils performed Timberlake Wertenbaker’s iconic play ‘Our Country’s Good’ over two days. Exploring themes of redemption, love, and the British Prison Education System, the pupils delivered compelling performances and now eagerly await the results of their exam as-
sessment.
The department is now turning its attention to two exciting upcoming events. The House Drama competition, set for March 2025, has officially been launched. This year’s theme is ‘Children’s Literature,’ with each House randomly selecting their focus. Windermere will tackle Dr Seuss, Riverdale will bring Hans Christian Andersen’s tales to life, Ellis will explore The Brothers Grimm, and Duckworth will work on The Cautionary Tales of Hilaire Belloc and Dr Heinrich Hoffmann. This early launch gives the creative teams time to write, adapt, design, and cast their 20-minute plays ahead of the official rehearsal period in March.
Meanwhile, preparations are well underway for the Senior School production of The Addams Family Musical. Auditions are complete, the cast has been chosen, and rehearsals are already in full swing, with pupils learning songs, choreography, and lines. The production promises to be a highlight of the year, bringing the iconic Addams Family characters to life with flair and creativity.
ACHIEVEMENTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
This month, Avie D (Year 7) and her mother are walking 100km over four weekend hikes to raise money for Sands, (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity), a national charity that provides support to those affected by the death of a baby.
The charity holds personal meaning to Avie’s family, Avie has so far raised almost 400 of her £500 target.
Gemma F (Year 6) has officially traveled to her seventh. Last year, she had the incredible opportunity to visit Antarctica, her sixth continent, on an excursion with a team of researchers equipped with a science lab to explore the latest climate change and wildlife migration findings. Recently, she journeyed to Singapore, New Zealand, and finally Australia, marking her seventh continent. In Australia, she immersed herself in discovering aboriginal culture, foods, and Uluru. Gemma is thrilled to continue her global exploration, eager to learn more about the world and its inhabitants.
Rose R (Lower Sixth) marched in the Remembrance Parade with the RAF Wetherby Squadron Air Cadets on Sunday 10 November to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served and continue to serve. What’s more, on Friday 15 November she won the ‘Most Promising Cadet of the Year’ award at the Royal Air Force Cadets 35 Squadron dinner and awards ceremony.
SPORTS UPDATE
The Autumn term has been packed with exciting sports updates, both from school teams and individual pupils excelling in their pursuits outside of school.
Basketball
This term marked a historic moment as the U11 Basketball team participated in their first-ever tournament in Cheshire. The pupils showcased their skills, winning one game, losing one, and drawing three, narrowly missing a place in the ISA semifinal.
The U18 Basketball squad started their season strong, defeating Queen Ethelburga’s 74-42 in the first round of the National Cup on 3 October. The Senior team continued their winning streak with a commanding 70-45 victory over Middlesbrough Col-
U18 Basketball team
U11 Basketball team
lege on 15 November in the second round.
Hockey
On 8 October, the U8/U9 girls demonstrated exceptional skills at a Hockey festival hosted by Queen Ethelburga’s. Their ball control, powerful passing, and strong defence set them apart as standout players.
Before the half-term break, the U10 team competed in the NE Independent Junior Schools Festival at Bradford Grammar School, finishing with two wins and two losses. Sophia was commended for her attacking prowess, while Kate was recognised for her solid defence.
U11B Hockey team
The U11A and B teams ended the halfterm with impressive performances at the Yorkshire Prep Schools Festival, showcasing excellent skills and proving to be tough competition for all teams they faced.
Rugby
On 8 October, the U8/U9 Rugby teams played against Gateways, giving Years 3 and 4 pupils the chance to develop their skills in ability-appropriate matches.
Before the half-term break, the U10 team impressed at the NE Independent Junior Schools Festival at Bradford Grammar School, winning all but one of their games. Hugo and Teddy earned recognition for their outstanding tackling and tenacity.
Prep School House Rugby and Hockey
The House Rugby and Hockey competitions for Years 3 to 6 concluded with excellent participation from all pupils.
Hockey results:
1st: Duckworth
2nd: Ellis and Windermere (tied)
4th: Riverdale
Rugby results:
1st: Duckworth
2nd: Ellis
3rd: Windermere
4th: Riverdale
Cross Country
Pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 showed remarkable resilience and determination during the House Cross Country races, finishing with smiles on their faces.
Results:
1st: Windermere
2nd: Duckworth
3rd: Riverdale
4th: Ellis
Football
Friday 11 October saw Ashville’s first senior girls’ Football match in recent history. The team faced Cheadle Hulme in the Independent Schools Cup. Despite a loss, Bella V (Year 11)
U10 Rugby team
scored a spectacular 30-yard free kick.
On 14 November, the U12 girls played their debut match in the Harrogate and Craven Cup, finishing in fourth place. Well done to the team!
Individual pupil achievements Lydia E (Year 10) won gold at the Yorkshire, North East, and East Midlands Schools Pistol Championships, earning a spot in the national finals. Recently selected for the British Shooting Development Pathway, Lydia is on track for potential international competition. Congratulations, Lydia!
Nolan P (10JA) earned his yellow/white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu after a year of dedicated training. Well done, Nolan.
Chloa C (Year 9) represented Harrogate Gymnastics at the Yorkshire Tumbling Championships, winning gold in the Regional 2 division. Congratulations, Chloa!
U12 girls’ Football team
Lydia E
Nolan P
Chloa C
WHAT’S ON AT ASHVILLE
‘What’s on at Ashville’ highlights all events that are coming up at Ashville.
This issue, we bring you information about the Early Years and Prep Open Doors and Outdoor Adventurers.
EARLY YEARS AND PREP OPEN DOORS
27 NOVEMBER 2024
Whether you are exploring options for your child at the start of their learning journey, or considering a change of school for your child who is at a later stage, we welcome you to visit us to discover what makes Ashville so special for children aged 2 to 11.
FIND
OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS
WEDNESDAYS DURING TERM TIME
Learn and play at Ashville. Help your child connect with nature in our on-site learning area with Mr Paul Oldham, Ashville’s outdoor education expert.
Suitable for children aged 3-5.
FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER HERE
