James Busson, Author at Ackworth School

Ackworth Sixth Form put their filmmaking skills to the test!

Sep 14, 2023 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Drama, Senior School, Sixth Form

Ackworth School Sixth Form students put their filmmaking skills to the test today with the One Day Film School.

In the morning, they learned the essentials:

Film History – from the early days of film to the latest in special effects.

Fight Choreography – analysing James Bond/Indiana Jones fight scenes… and filming their own screen punch.

Camera – learning to use an iPad like a pro, tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes, making a practice 3 Shot Film about a theft.

Screenwriting – discovering 3 key things every good script needs, how to tell a great story, create memorable characters… and make us care.

In the afternoon, pupils took the 10 Shot Challenge: creating a short film (2mins, max) based on a classic narrative (eg. ’Someone is kidnapped, an attempted rescue’) for premiering at the end of the day. Pupils self-allocated a role within their film crew (writer, director, producer, screenwriter, actors).

Most adverts take several months to make, so the challenge of making a successful short film in just ninety minutes can be daunting. However, the groups gelled exceptionally well, showed great leadership and teamwork, and no-one missed the deadline. Their final task was to introduce their film, just like at the Cannes film festival, and give it a poster tagline (eg. ‘In space no-one can hear you scream’). Then it was time for the VIP judges (Anton Maree, Head and Young Film Academy representatives) to take their seats and decide which would win the ultimate prize: the Best Picture Oscar…

The standard was very high, so it was a tough decision… the Best Picture Oscars was awarded to ‘The Rescue Mission’. It told an engaging, entertaining story which was technically superb: the judges were particularly impressed by the excellent performances and high standard of camerawork, editing and sound design. Congratulations to the winning team – hope to see you at the (real) Oscars!

Ackworth School Celebrates GCSE Success

Aug 24, 2023 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School

Pupils at Ackworth School, near Pontefract, have yet again achieved a fantastic set of GCSE results.

Over a third of all grades at the school were at the highest levels of grade 9 to 7, with 54.4% achieving 9 to 6 grades, and 89.5% 9 to 4 grades.

Joel, from Leeds, was one of the school’s top performing students with two 9s, seven 8s and one 7.

Other notable achievements include Noah from Normanton, who achieved three 9s, three 8s and four 7s, along with Rachel from Ferrybridge, who achieved two 9s, two 8s, three 7s and one 6. All three will be staying at Ackworth School to study A-Levels.

Head, Mr Anton Maree, commented: “This year group spent a good deal of Years 8 and 9 in lockdown, arguably at a time when all sorts of academic skills should be flourishing and being nurtured, and have now been affected by the national grade boundary changes. Despite all this, we are all extremely proud with how well they have done. They have shown real dedication to their studies, supported all the way by our wonderful teaching staff, and should be proud of their individual achievements”.

If you would like to find out more about how Ackworth School can support your child to unlock their full academic potential, why not book a place at our Open Morning on Tuesday 3 October or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233600.

Ackworth School Celebrates A-Level Success

Aug 17, 2023 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Open day, Senior School, Sixth Form

Ackworth School in Ackworth, near Pontefract is proudly recognising its students for their unwavering commitment to their studies over the past two years, resulting in impressive accomplishments.

The day and boarding school achieved a 91% A-Level pass rate (which as a non-selective school is exceptional) and is “especially proud that, despite the difficult circumstances they’ve endured over the past few years, many students exceeded or achieved their predicted grades”.

In total, 43.8% of all Ackworth’s A-Level entries gained A*- B grades, with the majority of students securing their first-choice place at the UK’s top universities which include University College London (UCL), Durham University, the University of Nottingham and the University of Southampton. Additionally, three pupils have secured places at American universities including Ivy League Colleges.

Special mentions must go to Brian, who achieved A*AA and a place at the University of Southampton to study Mechanical Engineering, and to Emily, who has secured a place at Durham University to study English Literature.

Other pupil successes to note include Grace who has secured a place at the University of Nottingham to study Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, as well as Darcy who has secured a place at University College London (UCL) to study Anthropology.

Ackworth School’s Head, Anton Maree said: “The tenacity and resilience demonstrated by our students is inspiring. Each student has every reason to take pride in their accomplishments and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to support them to achieve these results.”

If you would like to find out more about how Ackworth School can support your child to unlock their full academic potential, why not book a place at our Open Morning on Tuesday 3 October 2023 or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233600.

Ackworth School and Coram House shortlisted for Independent Schools of the Year 2023 awards

Jul 6, 2023 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Coram House, Junior School, Latest News, Quaker, Senior School, Sixth Form

Ackworth School and Coram House have been shortlisted in the Independent School Parent Magazine ‘Independent Schools of the Year 2023’ awards. Senior School has been shortlisted for ‘Independent Boarding School of the Year‘ and Coram House for ‘Independent Prep School of the Year‘.

Dr. Helen Wright, Chair of Independent Schools of the Year 2023 said ‘It has been truly wonderful to receive nominations which showcase transformative and innovative projects that are underway across the country, and it is with great pleasure that I am able to tell you that Ackworth School and Ackworth School – Coram House has been shortlisted for Independent Boarding School of the Year and Independent Prep School of the Year‘.

Anton Maree, Head said ‘Following our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rating of ‘Excellent’ earlier this year it is now wonderful to have our school shortlisted for these two awards. Our staff work tirelessly to provide an outstanding educational and pastoral experience for our pupils so it is great to see this recognised in this way. We look forward to the next stage of the awards later this year‘.

A list of Finalists will be published on 6 September and the winners, chosen by the Independent Schools of the Year judging panel will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.

More information about the awards can be found at www.independentschoolsoftheyear.co.uk.

Ackworth School announces Martyn Beer as New Head, effective April 2024

May 26, 2023 | Ackworth School, Junior School, Old Scholar, Quaker, Senior School, Sixth Form

Ackworth School is pleased to announce the appointment of Martyn Beer as the new Head, effective April 2024. Martyn, who is currently Senior Deputy Head at Bootham School in York, will succeed Anton Maree as Head, bringing with him a wealth of experience in education and a passion for nurturing the potential of each student.

Martyn joins Ackworth School with an impressive background in leadership and a deep understanding of the educational landscape. He brings a range of senior leadership experience from the independent and state sectors across the areas of pastoral, academic, boarding, and enrichment. This has been supplemented by national leadership work in ethical leadership and Quaker values in education.

As the incoming Head, Martyn expressed his excitement about joining Ackworth School, saying, “I am honoured and delighted to have been chosen as the new Head of Ackworth School. I am passionate about the lifelong, transformative potential of education and look to foster an educational approach which nurtures open-minded, thoughtful, compassionate, socially responsible young people who are ready, willing, and able to make the world a better place and celebrate its diversity. I am excited to see these values at the heart of Ackworth’s Quaker heritage and ethos and am looking forward to joining such a vibrant and diverse school community.”

David Bunney, Clerk to the School Committee at Ackworth School, shared his confidence in the appointment of Martyn Beer, stating, “The School Committee is thrilled to welcome Martyn Beer as the incoming Head of Ackworth School. His passion for education, proven leadership skills, a deep understanding of our shared Quaker values, and the importance of individualised pupil development make him the ideal candidate to lead Ackworth into the future. We look forward to working with him as we continue to provide an exceptional learning environment for our students.“

Ackworth School would like to extend its sincere gratitude and thanks to Anton Maree, the outgoing Head, for his dedicated service over the past ten years. Under his leadership, Ackworth School has flourished and maintained its position as a leading institution in the field of education, despite unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis. Anton’s commitment to the students, staff, and community has left an indelible mark on the school, and his contributions will be remembered fondly as Ackworth School enters this exciting new chapter.

Martyn’s tenure as the Head of Ackworth School will commence in April 2024. Ackworth School is eagerly looking forward to the new era under Martyn’s leadership and anticipates further growth and accomplishments as the institution continues to provide an outstanding educational experience to its students.

About Ackworth School:
Established in 1779, Ackworth School is a leading independent Quaker day and boarding school situated in the picturesque surroundings of Ackworth, West Yorkshire, UK. Ackworth provides an exceptional education for students aged 2.5 to 20, focusing on academic excellence, character development, and the cultivation of a global perspective, underpinned by Quaker values. The school’s commitment to holistic education and its unwavering dedication to the success of each student have earned it a distinguished reputation both locally and internationally.

For media inquiries, please contact:
James Busson
Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications
Ackworth School
Phone: +44 1977 233620
Email: james.busson@ackworthschool.com