|
|
| Extra Curricular Activities |
Hearts of Gold
In July, thirteen members of the lower sixth successfully completed the expedition section of their DofE Gold Award in the area around Great Whernside, Pen y Ghent and Ingleborough in West Yorkshire.
This was a demanding exercise: the weather was very wet and stormy at times, and the routes were more difficult than in previous years. But the two groups’ cohesion and teamwork stood them in very good stead.
All the group members had made good progress through the other sections of their Award, and for a good number the expedition section was the last stone in the arch: they will complete the Gold Award in time for it to be of maximum benefit to them as they prepare to enter higher education.
Our Gold participants have always impressed us with their determination, maturity and consideration, but never have the groups attracted so many appreciative comments as they did this year. Each day we were approached by campers, camp site owners and walkers, eager to tell us about the ‘friendly’... ‘polite’... ‘considerate’... ‘lovely people’ they had just met.
For the staff it was a privilege and a pleasure to work with these groups, and a splendid end to the school year.
The last word goes to our [independent] assessor, who prepared a written report on each participant. This one was typical:
‘XXXX played a full part in the planning and preparation of this very successful expedition. The group worked well together and supported each other, in often difficult weather conditions. XXXX was an effective leader; he was always patient and encouraging, keeping people motivated.’
|
|
|
|
Youth Speaks 2011
Here we are again!
Was it really a year ago that the determined band of competitors with supporting parents in tow took Ashby by storm at the 2010 public speaking event? In November we sat in the lecture theatre at Ashby School, reminiscing about memorable occasions from the event last year and almost managed to keep away the nerves. I sometimes think that the parents and staff are more anxious than the competitors.
We had two senior teams this year: an all-new team comprising Katherine Abbott, Lucy Sharpe and Harry Marven, who talked about the right of celebrities to privacy, and last year's team of Lily Bird, Will Allen and Will Jackson talking about preparation for life. The intermediate team comprising Charlotte Baum, Ben Parkes and Elliot Towlson spoke about modern heroes.
This year's competition was of an extremely high standard. Any of the teams in this first round would have been able to cope at the more difficult later stages and it was no surprise when the judges took a long time to reach their decision.
The final result was second place for Lily, Will and Will and third for Katherine, Lucy and Harry in the senior section. Charlotte, Ben and Elliot gained second place in the intermediate competition.
The judges decided to send two senior teams to the next round and so Lily and the Wills will compete again at Leicester Grammar School in January. Last year they missed the Great Britain final by one point and are keen to improve on that result, so we look forward to some keen competition.
Huge congratulations to all the teams who showed such courage and determination. It is a tremendous achievement to speak in public using the minimum of notes and they all performed to an exceptional standard on the evening.
|
|
|
Young Driver Day at Mallory Park
The annual Senior 5 Young Driver Day at Mallory Park proved as popular as ever as an enjoyable break from the inevitable revision leading up to GCSE exams.
Leicestershire County Council run the one day course offering practical driving experience and theory workshops for young people under the age of seventeen. With the advanced driving instructors each young driver tried manoeuvres around the car park before taking to the racetrack – at some speed! Inside the theory workshops covered road safety, the highway code and the related dangers of speed. Reactions were tested on the light machine both with and without ‘beer’ goggles highlighting the effects of excess alcohol and impaired speed of reactions.
The overall aim of the day is to make young people aware of the dangers before they start to drive. Everyone really enjoyed the day and their first experience of driving – the instructors working with all the young drivers
|
|
|
Junior Public Speaking
Four children from Swallows Hill were brave enough to take part in the junior public speaking event organised by Ashby Rotary Club in March. It was not a competitive event but rather designed to give them experience of speaking in public.
Each person spoke in front of an audience for a few minutes on a subject of their choice. Henry Banks recited the poem 'Jabberwocky' into which he had inserted some amusing invented words of his own.
Darcy Bridgewater talked about spiders with obvious affection. Tom Bryan's subject was his corn snakes and he produced a dried skin to show the audience. Jemima Cockroft spoke about dolphins and urged us all to protect the species. Jemima commented, ‘They announced my name and my heart starting racing. I walked up the steps trying not to stumble as all eyes were on me. I took my position and a deep breath and started my speech.
After I had finished I heard the applause and I felt brilliant. I reallt enjoyed the experience it was such an achievement’.
All four children delivered their speeches very well indeed and with great enthusiasm. Although feeling very nervous they sounded remarkably calm and relaxed, which was a great credit to them.
Well done to the Junior Speak Team. |
|
|
| Showing 1 to 4 of 15 |
| |
|
|
|
|
