admin, Author at Ackworth School

How Mia is raising awareness after becoming victim of assault

Nov 3, 2021 | Ackworth School

Upper Sixth Form (Year 13) pupil Mia Kirkland was just doing what she loves – busking in York City Centre, as she has done since she was 12.

But one day, while streaming on TikTok as she was singing, something happened.

Mia was sexually assaulted by a passer-by.

“I was really angry because I didn’t give him permission to do that to me, and that was my body.”

Watch the video of the incident below on TikTok.

@itsmiakirkland Thankyou to all the men who supported me last night some just had to ruin it #harrased #StartUpShowUp #miakirkland ♬ original sound – miakirkland

Mia bravely told her story on her TikTok channel. What happened next took her by surprise.

To date, Mia’s video has garnered over 1.8 million views worldwide, with thousands of comments of support from her followers.

“I’ve been shocked by the level of support I’ve received,” said Mia. “I wasn’t expecting this kind of reaction at all.

“At first, I blamed myself for what happened on that day. But the responses I received helped me understand that it wasn’t my fault.

“You see a lot of buskers that seem to be in control. You walk past and never see them again. But it’s not always the case. Sometimes they are a bit vulnerable.”

The BBC then got in touch with Mia for an interview about the incident and the reaction on TikTok.

Watch Mia’s BBC interview here.

“Everything that happens I remember, good or bad, and this is just unacceptable,” said Mia.

“But I’ve had to learn that it’s something people think is OK and it’s not.”

Anton Maree, Head of Ackworth School, said, “This was an appalling act perpetrated on a child. No person of any age should have to experience anything like this.

“We are supporting Mia to tell her story and take a stand against this kind of behaviour.”

As to whether Mia will return to York to continue signing in the city, she said, “I’ve already been busking since the incident. I wouldn’t have been as confident going back to it without the support I’ve received.”

Half term check in

Oct 27, 2021 | Boarding

I have blinked and we are almost at the end of the first half term!

I am not quite sure how that happened but as they say, time flies when you are having fun. The boarders are very much looking forward to a well earned rest, as are my team and I wouldn’t often admit to this, but me too!

This first half term has been much about establishing relationships, adjusting to new routines, learning how to respect one another and generally enjoying living as one big family. I am sure they will all be pleased to share with you some of the laughs we have had over the past six weeks.

It has been a pleasure getting to know our boarders this half term. I especially enjoy witnessing the enthusiasm that oozes out of them in so many different areas. We have exceptional football players (boys and girls), we have musicians that grace us with their music regularly, we have table tennis players that show an elite level of commitment to their sport. The boarders are so fortunate that they can enjoy such a wide variety of extracurricular activities to fill their evenings that complement their academic studies.

Last week, we appointed our Boarding House Captains and Council. This was an incredibly proud moment for me, and for them. It is important that they have a voice, we can only make changes if we know what to change and I am sure they will help steer things in the right direction.

This week marked our annual Founders’ Day. We celebrate the day the school was founded with traditional activities such as charitable contributions, local walks in the countryside and, of course, bangers and mash to finish the day!

We have celebrated a few birthdays this month. Our catering team provide each boarder with a lovely cake on their birthday and we all sing happy birthday in our morning meeting. It is always a lovely way to start the day when there is a birthday to celebrate.

Lastly, I would like to talk to you about the CCTV system that we have installed on all the main entrances as you enter the boarding house. This is not revolutionary, in fact, most schools are now adopting the same level of security. The cameras are being installed as an additional security measure to assist the electronic keypad system. The safety of our boarders is paramount and I am pleased to share this update with you. The CCTV policy can be viewed on our website.

I would like to wish you all a restful and happy half term!

Nicola & The Boarding Team

An Evening of Table Tennis

Oct 21, 2021 | Sport, table tennis

On October 8th Ackworth School hosted a friendly Table Tennis tournament.

The school was joined by a selection of special guests playing alongside our own Academy team. It was an evening of showcasing skills and enjoying a friendly thrilling tournament.

One guest who joined the school for the tournament as well as an afternoon of talks was world-renowned singer/songwriter Zak Abel. Zak was ranked No. 1 in the Cadet age group in England and was 2009 Cadet Boys’ Singles national champion at the age of 14; he was also ranked No. 5 for under 18s in England. Between 2008 and 2010 he won the Under 15 national singles and Under 18 doubles titles. In 2010 he was ranked number 39 in the senior category. At the age of 16, Zak had a chance of a change in career and began to give more of his devotion to his music. The decision was not without cost as the table tennis sector had lost a brilliant player, but the music industry was to gain. Zak has featured in the top 20 UK charts working with artists such as Gorgan City, Duke Dumont, and Kygo. His top single on Spotify has over 150 million plays!

Zak Abel enjoys the evening of table tennis.

The tournament itself was thrilling. Although Ackworth School came second to the away team their performance was a credit to Head Coach, Eli Baraty. It was the perfect event to have been able to showcase his amazing coaching and view the skills of both teams.

The Ackworth School Table Tennis Academy is a pre-eminent programme not only within UK boarding schools but within the junior game. The programme offers students the chance to excel under world-class coach, Eli within a school environment which champions traditional values. Our students compete in the premier division of the Junior British League and train in our bespoke table tennis centre. Pupils also have the opportunity to travel abroad to train and play in international tournaments.

To enquire about applying to join our Table Tennis Academy, contact our Admissions team.

A New Year in Boarding at Ackworth

Sep 24, 2021 | Boarding

Nicola Gilbert, our Head of Boarding, shares an update from the boarding house as our boarders settle into the rhythm of the school year.

On Tuesday 31^st August, I was delighted to hear the sound of suitcases being wheeled down Centre Passage as we welcomed our first boarders back to school to begin the new academic year. Before I knew it our newly refurbished boarding houses were open and the pupils had very quickly settled into their home from home.

Boarding at Ackworth School is special. I wish I could bottle the feeling up and share it with you all. Our boarders share a common feature – they are all living away from their loved ones and with that, they instantly gain a sense of independence and courage. I admire them for this.

We started the term with a welcome BBQ on The Green, it was so nice to be able to celebrate the beginning of a new term this way.

It has been so lovely to see so much happening around the school, especially over the weekends. The boarders have been involved in Duke of Edinburgh, hockey practice, football practice, tennis practice, arts and crafts activities and weekend excursions to the seaside.

We are very much looking forward to our Spanish themed evening this weekend. We currently have 4 Spanish pupils in boarding and they are helping design and prepare traditional Spanish food and games for their friends. I will write more about this next time.

Finally, I would like to share with you some comments on the first few weeks in boarding from our pupils :

“Upon returning to Boarding for my second and final year, I have been made welcomed and the transition has been immaculate in creating a home-away-from-home environment.

Ackworth has provided us with a clear and structured routine to help us transition into our next school year from 8 weeks off at Summer, providing the foundation and fundamental routines as well as much support from the boarding staff. Having returned for 2 weeks, we have already been presented with opportunities and days out thus far; including shopping trips to White Rose Shopping Centre, Junction 32 and activities out such as Ninja Warrior UK. We are constantly busy in boarding as we have many chances to take part in various activities throughout the week and at the weekend such as tennis, badminton, swimming, yoga, squash, hockey as well as arts and crafts.

We are made to feel a community in the boarding house through constant and frequent interaction throughout the year groups as well as between boys and girls. Staff in boarding are really supportive and helpful in creating the home-away-from-home environment as well as helping us through our education.”

– Shannon (Upper Sixth Form)

“My experience boarding at Ackworth has been mostly positive. Classes are enjoyable as well as educational. I leave them feeling like I have learnt a lot. Days are busy enough to limit the amount of homesickness. But of course, feeling homesick is natural and unavoidable for someone who had never boarded before.

“Weekends are eventful, with a delicious breakfast to start the day, and then activities, mostly sports. (but sometimes there are other choices too, such as arts and crafts) With the free will to choose what sport you want to do. From squash to football. Although personally, I do tend to stick with my favourite -badminton. Although I have tried some new things like hockey and squash.

“Weekends often have trips, 2 already gone by, one to shopping centre, and the other initially being to ninja warrior, but due to lack of interest, staff quickly and successfully organised a change of plans, having the trip to the white rose instead.
All in all, I am enjoying it. And I look forward to the upcoming weeks and months.”

– Anna (Lower Sixth Form)

Hello my name is Carlota,
I’m from Spain and I have only been here for 2 weeks and I really love it.

The people here are so nice and so kind also the boarding staff always cares for you and you can always talk with them.

I really feel comfortable in this school also the teachers help you a lot with the homework or if you don’t understand anything. At the weekends they organize a lot of activities for you and you always have fun. Also they do a lot of sport and they are really good at football and hockey. Being in Ackworth has been an good opportunity to make friends around the world and I really feel like i have been here for 2 months and its like a home.

– Carlota (Yr 10)

Senior School Scholars Reach Great Heights!

Sep 20, 2021 | Ackworth School, Sport

Amazing achievements from Ackworth pupils

Over the summer, two of our very talented 4^th Formers, Jack and Isobel, both achieved outstanding medals for their performances in high jump, and dance.

Jack, 14, achieved gold at the Yorkshire Championships back in August, the Trafford Medal Meeting in September, and a silver at the English School’s Athletics Championship in July 2021.

Jack said, “Now I have nearly finished my season, it’s time to prepare for the next one!”

Isobel, 14, achieved three bronze, three silver, and three gold medals in tap, ballet and pointe at the Dance World Cup which took place in July 2021. The training never stops as Isobel told us she is now preparing for the qualifiers for the 2022 Cup!

An amazing effort from two very talented individuals. We look forward to hearing what the future holds for them both.

If you would like to be featured or have an achievement you would like to mention to us, contact our team at admissions@ackworthschool.com with your story.