Ashville Senior School brochure 2023-2024

SENIOR SCHOOL

2023-2024

WE ARE ASHVILLE

Ashville Senior School plays many roles in a child’s life between the ages of 11 and 16 years. In this post-Covid age, our focus on the education of the whole child has perhaps never been greater.

We aim to maintain an emphasis on intellectual curiosity so that pupils continue to appreciate the intrinsic value of learning. We also provide the support needed for pupils to accept and embrace the fact that academic success requires hard work over time. This is balanced with participation in a range of co-curricular activities and other opportunities that help young people to develop life skills, friendships, and those all-important fond memories of their time at School.

Our exceptional pastoral system creates a culture of Ashville being a place primarily of learning, development, discovery, and ambition. We enable pupils to understand the challenges of adolescent life and provide advice on how best to navigate them. Ultimately our job is to ensure that, whatever their potential, all children will be encouraged, and guided, to find and nurture the “best versions of themselves”.

Mrs Rhiannon Wilkinson MA (Oxon) MEd Head of Ashville College

We are a kind and caring school. Every pupil is known and valued for who they are, and we work to bring out the best in each of them based on what they have to offer.

MEET THE TEAM

The Senior School environment at Ashville allows pupils to excel, and children develop rapidly and become increasingly confident, resilient and independent on their learning journey through Lower School and Upper School.

Here are just some of the people who help make that happen:

ASSISTANT HEAD (YEAR 8)

WE ARE

SUPPORTED

ASSISTANT HEAD (YEAR 9)

ASSISTANT HEAD (YEAR 10)

ASSISTANT HEAD (YEAR 11)

Scan the QR code to find out about some of our team in more depth.

Mr James Wilkinson, Head of Upper School

Mrs Esther Jones

Mr Christian Baker

Mrs Olivia Coldwell

Miss Laura Thompson

ACADEMIC WE ARE

A CULTURE OF LEARNING

Every Senior School pupil is encouraged to excel through a rich and stimulating curriculum, while being given the freedom and opportunities to discover and explore individual talents.

Our academic approach is founded in high expectations and a passionate belief that school should be fun and the learning dynamic. We are proud to employ some of the best teachers in the country to help us ensure both things are true.

Lower School is the staging ground to help pupils fresh from primary or prep school settle in and find their feet. A knowledge-rich curriculum provides Year 7 and Year 8 pupils with the foundation they need both to progress in their academic studies as they move through the College, and to give them access to wider discussions and debates outside of school life.

In Year 9, and the start of Upper School, the breadth of our academic offer is maintained and pupils begin to transform their academic passions into GCSE option choices. This allows them to focus on building a programme in Year 10 and 11 that matches their own interests and abilities as well as ensuring that they have the core qualifications – English, Mathematics, Science and a Modern Foreign Language - needed for their next steps.

We are proud to offer a very extensive range of GCSE qualifications that allow pupils to build a suite of subjects that reflect their own interests and build a strong academic foundation to make the step into Sixth Form.

All our GCSE courses

Art and Design Biology

Business Chemistry

Classical Civilisation

Computer

Science

Design and Technology

Drama

English as a Second Language (for international pupils)

English Language

English Literature

Ethics, Philosophy and Religion (RS)

Food Preparation and Nutrition

French

Further Mathematics

Geography

German History

Latin Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Spanish

Our Co-Curricular Programme, meanwhile, ensures a healthy balance is maintained and gives pupils the option to enhance their learning in their favourite subjects.

From September 2023, pupils in Year 5 to Year 11 will be equipped with school-managed Apple iPads, enabling us to merge traditional teaching practices with digital technologies.

An inclusive education

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to academic progress, and at Ashville, individuals are valued wherever their talents lie. Our dedicated Learning Support department works with staff members, parents and individual pupils to ensure that all pupils can reach their full potential, regardless of disability or learning difficulty. Likewise, we identify individuals who would benefit from opportunities for academic enrichment beyond the normal curriculum, to help our most able, gifted and talented pupils, including our Scholars and Exhibitioners, to advance where they are strongest.

OPPORTUNITY

Trips: where we are heading in 2023-24!

Barcelona

Benelux

Cambodia

Christmas Markets

I think all my best memories have come from stepping out of my comfort zone, from performing in House Music, to solos in concerts. These are the memories that stick with you the most.

Annie, Upper Sixth

the fullest, and the dedication of our staff in making them happen.

We regularly ask pupils what they love most about their school. The two most frequent answers relate to the sense of community and the opportunities they gain that many feel wouldn’t be possible if they weren’t at Ashville.

Opportunities can be about new experiences and finding new interests, but also about taking existing talents and passions to the next level. We encourage pupils to sign up to activities offered by our Co-Curricular Programme, to have their voice heard and effect change on the Student Council, to hear the insights of our diverse guest speakers, or to explore, put learning into context and gain confidence on school trips.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition (Bronze)

How Stean Gorge

Iceland

London

New York

Nice Munich

Ski trips in Italy

St Andrews

Scottish Open Washington

Yorkshire

Ypres, Belgium

WE ARE

INVOLVED

A TIME FOR

PARTICIPATION

By immersing themselves fully in school life, pupils improve their resilience and confidence, learn to take risks, become better communicators, and develop a full range of other skills that boost academic performance and help set them up for the future.

Modelling excellence every day

Being an Ashville pupil isn’t just about wearing the uniform and completing schoolwork. We have an unapologetic focus on high standards, academically and behaviourally. Every child is provided with a framework to help them understand what is expected from them and to help them get the most from their school experience. Those who embrace our Code of Conduct and live and breathe the Ashville values find they have a much more settled and rewarding experience as they progress from Year 7 to Year 11.

Sports, Music, Drama, and the Arts

These are important parts of life at Ashville. We have a great wealth of talent amongst our specialist coaches and teachers, who help pupils to find their niche, which is not always what they expect it to be! Our primary winter sports are Rugby, Netball and Hockey, while during the Summer, Cricket, Athletics and Tennis are our main sports. Others on offer all year round include Swimming, Basketball, Football, Badminton, Volleyball and Table Tennis. Learning an instrument is an incredibly positive addition to your child’s education and all instruments are available to pupils in the Senior School. There is a passion for Performing Arts at Ashville, as evidenced by the enthusiasm and talent displayed at annual events such as House Drama and the Senior School Production, a rite of passage and something to which our Prep School thespians aspire! Creative expression is encouraged at

Ashville; both Art and Design and Technology have a major presence on our Co-Curricular Programme while House events and the annual Summer Show are key drivers for our most artistic pupils.

Which House are you?

The Ashville House system helps to instil a greater sense of identity and belonging in pupils. All Senior School pupils are members of one of four Houses – Duckworth, Ellis, Riverdale, or Windermere – and the friendly rivalry between them is palpable in every event or competition. The House system goes hand in hand with Sports, Music, Drama, and the Arts, but also a range of other subjects and areas of School life, from charity work to Debating. Each year, the Houses vie for the Rigg Cup for points earned in House sports events e.g. Rugby and Cricket, throughout the year, and the Festival Trophy for points earned in House creative and performing arts events e.g. House Music and House Art.

Commit to co-curricular life

We are committed to the education of the whole person through both our academic provision and Co-Curricular Programme. All pupils are expected to sign up to at least three co-curricular activities per term, including something that they may not have done before. Our busy programme means things are happening on campus from early in the morning to late in the afternoon!

ENGAGED WE ARE A FOCUS ON OUR CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

School is the perfect time to try new things and find out where someone’s talents lie. We urge all our pupils to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.

Our activities provision is known as the Co-Curricular Programme. There are many activities, ensembles, clubs, and training programmes that our pupils can opt to be part of. We strongly believe that involvement in a wide variety of activities benefits not only a pupil’s personal growth but also their academic progress.

There are numerous scientific studies which point to the positive benefits to brain development, physical and mental health and the feeling of community which comes from co-curricular involvement. Our programme offers our pupils

opportunities for the development of excellence and also the chance for them to open their mind to new prospects.

The activities are designed and planned for pupils to develop the eight Skills Builder Essential Skills (Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership, and Teamwork), which are taught and encouraged through our Future Ready programme. These highly transferable skills help to unlock learning in the classroom, boosting academic outcomes, perseverance and self-belief.

WEEKLY CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES IN SENIOR SCHOOL EACH TERM, SUCH AS:

Amnesty International Club

Art Clubs

Athletics

Basketball Book Clubs

Chinese Mandarin

Contemporary Dance

Creative Writing Cricket

D&D

Debating Society Dissection Club

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze)

Hockey Football

Guitar Club Maths Clubs

MFL Reading and Speaking Clubs

Music Ensembles and Choirs

Netball Open Gym

Pupil Post

Rugby Senior School Production

STEM Clubs Supported Homework

Swim Squad

Tennis Textiles Club Yoga

When you’re part of an ensemble, doing a concert doesn’t feel scary at all as we have all practised.

Barnaby, Year 7

WE ARE HIGH ACHIEVING A PLACE FOR SUCCESS

Success looks different for everyone. Our approach begins with a desire for all our pupils to have a love of learning and to realise that knowledge and learning has its own intrinsic value, and that hard work, dedication and resilience is the only way in which success can be achieved.

Every pupil is supported to realise their potential and to pursue what excites them. We make sure, throughout the whole of Senior School, that all kinds of achievements, from day-to-day efforts to ‘big wins’ are celebrated in all sorts of ways. Teachers award commendations to pupils who demonstrate good behaviour and discipline, and these can add up to tangible rewards, from half-termly postcards to a Domino’s pizza lunch!

And the big wins? We expect and support all pupils to give their all in their GCSE exams of course, but there are so many more big moments they could look forward to. These include showing sporting prowess, contributing to a Drama production, giving a stand-out performance in Music, demonstrating talent in Art, achieving Scholarship or Exhibitioner status, or winning a prize at our annual

Where are some of our 2023 cohort studying now?

Birmingham

Bristol

Cornell (Ivy League)

I am really happy with my results. I put a lot of work into my exams, particularly those I found most challenging, so I’m glad that my hard work has paid off. I will be staying on at Ashville for Sixth Form and will study A Level History, Maths and Economics.

Rhys, Year 11

We have a long-standing reputation for excellent academic performance and for supporting every single young person in their chosen areas of study and

GCSEs

In 2023, 26% of our pupils achieved grades 9-8 and 45% grades 9-7. Two thirds of all GCSE grades were at grade 9-6. We are pleased that the majority of our Year 11 cohort opt to stay on into Ashville Sixth Form every year.

A LEVELS

In 2023, 94% of the Summer 2023 cohort of Upper Sixth pupils were awarded places at their preferred universities based on their A Level results. One third of Upper Sixth grades were at A*- A and two-thirds at A*- B.

Durham

Edinburgh

Leeds

Les Roches, Switzerland

Loughborough

Manchester

Newcastle

Northumbria

Southampton

Toronto University

University of Virginia

PROUD

HAPPY WE ARE

A JOURNEY OF ENJOYMENT

School days are about more than schoolwork and at Ashville we believe that pupils learn best when they are happy.

Having the right attitude, enthusiasm and passion for your school community pays dividends. At every turn, pupils and staff alike are greeted by a friendly face and a helping hand. This environment motivates pupils to want to enjoy their time at Ashville and make the most of all the opportunities that come their way.

Real friendships are one of the most important elements of this. The combination of our dedicated pastoral team, focus on kindness and range of curricular and co-curricular activities helps each pupil to connect with others. Friends are sometimes found where least expected as pupils forge their own identities as they move up through the school.

Pupils gain independence as they move up through the school and with that, they get more choice of how to spend their time outside of the six academic periods of the school day, whether that be to focus on their academic work, to take part in co-curricular activities geared to their individual interests, or both. Participation in team sports and performing arts are often cited by our alumni as highlights of their time at Ashville.

Ashville is known for its school traditions. From incredible international school trips, to end of year parties, not least the rite of passage that is the Year 11 Prom, there is plenty to look forward to in any given academic year.

CARING WE ARE

AN ENVIRONMENT OF CARE

Ashville is a caring, family school. We want every child to feel encouraged, known and valued within a happy and purposeful environment.

We are committed to providing an outstanding system of support to ensure all pupils thrive with us. The welfare of each individual child is paramount, and a dedicated pastoral team of staff are on hand to provide support and guidance.

Staff do everything possible to ensure that children settle quickly and happily. Although all staff are involved in delivering pastoral care, Form Tutors have daily contact and responsibility.

They get to know the children in their care and are the first point of contact for any issues that arise, whether academic or pastoral. In Lower School, the ‘Green Ties’, Upper Sixth liaison prefects, have a crucial part to play in the care and support of Year 7 and 8 pupils.

Staff and pupils alike look out for each other at Ashville. No one stands alone. This ethos of care and the understanding that sometimes pupils only feel comfortable speaking to someone closer in

age to them, led to the launch of the Peer Mentor programme in 2021. Peer Mentors, specially trained Upper Sixth pupils, provide a drop-in service to all year groups, and act as listening ear for pupils to discuss any thoughts of concerns they wish to share.

Parent partnership is of vital importance; as an Ashville parent, you should feel involved, supported and well-informed about your child’s progress. We keep parents updated through a variety of meetings and communication channels.

Our interactive Awareness@Ashville seminars keep parents informed on topics pertinent for children and adolescents growing up in the 21st century world, from ‘Neural Education – The Teenage Brain’ to vaping and online safety.

I have known many of the teachers since I started in Reception. They have been so supportive and they’re a big part of what makes Ashville special.

Ella, Year 7

WE ARE TOGETHER

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

At every stage within the school, you will hear one word repeated probably more than any other: community.

Ashville is a special place, well known for its sense of community. Everyone has one shared goal – the happiness and education of all the children in our care. We are small enough to care for every member as an individual, but big enough to create global citizens ready for the future.

We have welcomed international pupils for over 50 years. Today, we have a mix of pupils from many countries, offering a diverse cultural experience of all nationalities and backgrounds. International pupils make up a large proportion of our thriving boarding community.

Our International English Studies department plays a key role in helping pupils to settle in, make friends and adapt to British culture. Our well-established US International Studies department serves 160 American pupils each year, as well as UK and international pupils who wish to study at an American university.

When your child joins Ashville, you join Ashville too. You will receive personal support from staff as your child progresses, and a warm welcome from our parents’ association, the New Friends of Ashville (NFoA). The NFoA is a strong and supportive group that provides an invaluable link between parents and school and organises fun events and activities throughout the year.

We also have a thriving alumni community, known as Old Ashvillians (OAs). We take great interest in the onward journeys and career paths of our former pupils, many of whom continue to support their school through the Ashvillian Society and ‘give back’ by sharing their insights or expertise with our current pupils.

READY WE ARE

A PROCESS OF PREPARATION

Senior School is a time of significant change and preparation. As pupils progress academically, socially and morally, they find out more about themselves and who they want to become, laying the building blocks for their future lives.

We have the expertise, resources and facilities to support every pupil to follow their passions and to reach their potential. We support them throughout the journey to GCSEs, helping them to achieve academic success through a curriculum which delivers the best possible opportunities for every individual.

We understand that choosing a Sixth Form is an important decision, we hold a number of events each year to support pupils and parents in making decisions about their next steps, from Taster Days in Years 10 and 11, to our Sixth Form Options Fair and an Induction Day for Year 11s in the Summer term so that they can hit the ground running in September.

Preparing for the future goes beyond the skills needed to do well in an exam or handle the transition to Sixth Form. It is about learning and retaining skills that are relevant within a changing world, skills that future employers look for, and essential skills that give every person the best chances in life.

FutureReady@Ashville, which began life in the Sixth Form, has now been rolled out across the entire school and is reviewed all the time to ensure we keep pace with changing technology and the World Economic Forum’s job skills of tomorrow. In addition to skills taught in subject-based lessons, Senior School pupils learn new

skills and gain new experiences through tailored cocurricular clubs, masterclasses, and themed days, on entrepreneurship, for example.

Within our own internationally diverse community and supported by dedicated PSHE sessions and guest speaker insights, we work hard to create responsible global citizens, young people ready to go out into the world with strong awareness of cultures beyond their own.

A HAVEN FOR SCHOLARS

Ashville’s Scholarships and Exhibitions programme is at the heart of our celebration and nurturing of excellence and is central to the identity of the College. We place great importance on nurturing outstanding talent and supporting pupils to further develop their skills.

WE ARE AMBITIOUS

In Senior School, scholarships are awarded to pupils (at the start of Year 7 and Year 10) who demonstrate academic excellence or/and outstanding talent in Art, Music, Drama, or Sport. Scholarships are reviewed at the end of each Key Stage (Year 9 and Year 11).

Scholars receive a financial contribution towards annual fees and become a member of the College Scholarship programme. They play an active role in the College community and act as role models to their peers. Being a Scholar or an Exhibitioner at Ashville offers a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom and experiences to help develop their talent, knowledge, understanding and skills. We are proud to see many of

our pupils going on to further and higher education to study the subjects that they are most passionate about. Scholarships are awarded on the strength of the pupil’s performance in the entrance exam and Scholarship Day, which take place each January. There are additional forms of assessment for Scholarships in Art, Drama, Music, and Sport.

Please speak to Admissions if you are interested in a Scholarship at Ashville Senior School.

WE ARE ASHVILLE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The details make the difference when you’re choosing a school for your child.

Visiting us

The best way to experience Ashville is in person, either at one of our Open Events or by individual appointment. This is a great opportunity for us to meet your child and for them to have a look around the school. Please contact our friendly Admissions team on +44 (0)1423 724863 or admissions@ashville.co.uk

Dates for your diary (2023-24)

• Year 7 Taster Day

Saturday 18 November 2024

• Entrance exam

Tuesday 23 January 2024

• Year 7 Scholarship Applicants’ Day

Friday 26 January 2024

• Full College Open Morning

Saturday 9 March 2024

Bus services

Through our partner Vectare, we offer daily home to school bus services to provide handy transport for pupils travelling from Harrogate and across the wider Yorkshire region.

Locations covered by our bus routes include:

Addingham Adel Alwoodley Boston Spa Bramham

Bramhope Chapel Allerton Harewood Harrogate

Ilkley Knaresborough Lawnswood Moortown Pannal

Pateley Bridge Pool in Wharfedale Otley Ripon

Roundhay Spofforth Wetherby

How to find out more

More information, including on fees and holiday camps (up to Year 9), can be found on our website.

We are now inviting applications for September 2024 and aim to make the process of applying to Ashville as smooth as possible.

Scan the QR code or visit www.ashville.co.uk/admissions

Scan the QR code for events listings and to register.