Ackworth School Archives - Page 10 of 26

A Great Ackworth Family

Feb 15, 2022 | Ackworth School, Old Scholar

Dr. Dorothy Gertrude Walker Robbins, 100, of Wolfville died peacefully on October 15, 2021. The youngest daughter of Frank Walker and Gertrude Andrews, both of whom came to Canada from North Yorkshire, England, she spent her early years happily at Ackworth School at the age of 12 where she stayed to complete her high school education. Her parents and sisters had attended Ackworth, where her grandfather, Frederick Andrews, was and still is known as the longest standing headmaster. She loved her years there and felt they were responsible for equipping her for the direction she chose in her life.

Independent, outgoing, hardworking, determined, fun-loving, generous, and stubborn at times, Dorothy wanted to be remembered as someone who “maybe made a difference”. Her family, friends, colleagues, and students can certainly attest that she did! Dorothy remained in touch with Ackworth School where she attended virtual events during the pandemic.

Dorothy was our last direct contact with Frederick Andrews. Read more about our Ackworth Old Scholar community by clicking here.

Latest issue of Ackworth Today out now!

Dec 10, 2021 | Ackworth School

The Autumn 2021 of Ackworth Today has landed in schools bags and online.

In this issue, we look to the future with our Coram House Global Commmittee. We hear from our boarders about their experiences returning to school or joining us for the first time. Visiting Friend, Zephyrine Babarachild visits the school to speak to children about Quakerism and answers pupils’ questions. And we welcome a world-famous musician to school to inspire a new generation of artists – and table tennis players!

Read the issue below.

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.”

Sunday 3 October | World Quaker Day

Oct 5, 2021 | Ackworth School

Sunday 3 October was World Quaker Day and this week we celebrate Quaker Outreach Week. Ackworth was founded as a Quaker school in 1779, to educate Quaker children ‘not in affluence’. Much has changed since then but we still state in our aims that Quaker values underpin the school. At the heart of the Quaker faith is the statement in the first Advice:

Take heed, dear Friends, to the promptings of love and truth in your hearts. Trust them as the leadings of God whose Light shows us our darkness and brings us to new life.

Hence the emphasis on silence which still shapes our day at Ackworth and which is such a feature of the school, giving as it does a reflective feel to our daily lives. Having listened, a Quaker tries, however imperfectly, to translate faith into practice. This year’s theme is Hope and Resilience – so what did our pupils have to say about what Quakerism means to them and how it has helped or affected them over the last 24 months…

Quaker beliefs and values allow you to connect with other people who may also be going through their own personal challenges. Quakerism gives you the ability to bring people together in friendship for the mutual benefit of all. Climate crisis’ need a collective response. That single solidarity can be found when people are brought together equally, something found in Quakerism. (Rhys)

The world has been in a severe pit of crisis (due to COVID-19) for almost two years and as a result we have all endured an immense struggle. Quakerism may be perceived as more than a religion, it is a community that highlights core values which are beneficial for positive human interaction. One Quaker ritual that people may be able to draw strength from is meeting for worship -period of silence. Silence presents vital opportunities for reflection, stimulating many parts of the brain, which encourages awareness and gratitude of the now and present moment. This will enables the ability to focus on the positives of the situation as opposed to the negatives linked to the time of crisis. I attend Ackworth School, a Quaker boarding school, which has a motto of ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus’, meaning – not for one self but for all. This values the process of working together in a small community, in order to benefit the larger community. This approach embodies the simplicity and sustainability values of Quakers. Even if we don’t believe our small change will be impactive upon global warming or other global climate change, one small step made by a smaller population will in turn help the greater picture in the future. (Emily)

Quakerism helps me to clear my mind to be able to perceive the truth and help me enlighten my outlook on my peers and allows us me to connect even through trying times like COVID-19. (Matthew)

The Quaker faith allows you to draw strength in many different ways. In a time of crisis, living in truth provides clarity and simplicity to your life and allows you to reflect on what is important. The silences that are carried out throughout the day, allows me to reflect and learn more about the community and gain perspective about the world around me. Quakerism also helps me deal with the climate crisis as it allows me to be educated on the resources that I am using and the sustainability of the products being used in everyday life. By being mindful about the worlds natural resources and learning how to live a simple and sustainable life, allows you to help fight against the climate crisis in an informed and effective way. (Abrielle)

Quakers are kind and peaceful followers of their practices and through every action, the thread of equity and empathy is evident. As we approach a global warming crisis, it is important that we all accept responsibility in improving the state of our Earth as we all live here together. Quakerism is against the blame culture of who initiated the potential crisis, instead it focuses on the positive impact each individual can have on recovering from global warming. The motto of Ackworth school – non sibi sed omnibus, not for oneself but for everyone is a reminder of the impact and importance of selflessness and it’s powers. (Harriet)

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.

Exam results reflect hard work and resilience

Aug 12, 2021 | Ackworth School, Senior School

Ackworth School is pleased to report some outstanding achievements by its pupils in their GCSEs, A Levels and other qualifications this summer.

It has been a difficult year with many disruptions and their grades are a reflection of all the hard work they did and the support given to them by their teachers and parents.

As a non-selective school, it is rewarding to see Ackworth students being offered places at some of the UK’s most competitive institutions. Two pupils have secured places at the University of Cambridge, and most pupils secured first choices at Russell Group universities. Among these are international students who came to Ackworth to help propel them into their chosen paths of study.

Anton Maree, Head of Ackworth School said, “We are all proud of all the commitment and effort our pupils displayed this year despite the difficult circumstances. Some of our international pupils had not been home since August 2020 and they deserve our respect and admiration. Our teachers worked tirelessly to ensure that all of our pupils were able to progress onto further education and the next stage of their lives, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”

Our A-level candidates achieved:

A*-A – 42.2%
A*-B – 56.9%
A*-C – 75.0%
A*-E – 94.0%

Our GCSE candidates achieved:

9-8 (A* ) – 30.4%
9-7 (A*-A ) – 48.2%
9-6 (A*-B) – 64.9%
9-5 (A*-B) – 79.3%
9-4 (A*-C)– 93.2%

Following the cancellation of exams for the second successive year, grades were awarded through a process of teacher assessed grades, against a national standard, which were then approved and awarded by the exam boards. The government is not publishing performance data for any schools or colleges this year due to the varying impact of the pandemic.

“We maintained our proud record of being a school with excellent value-added,” said Anton. “Our results at both GCSE and A level are in keeping with those of previous years.”

Alexandra Collingwood, Head of Sixth Form said, “We cannot underestimate the fantastic achievements of this cohort. They have worked tirelessly to achieve the grades awarded. We are confident this assessment season will stand them in good stead as they move forward on their educational journey.”

Dan Jones, Head of Fourth and Fifth Forms said, “I am proud of how these pupils have demonstrated resilience and adaptability over two unprecedented years, learning new skills – particularly in digital learning – that will provide excellent foundations as they enter the next phase.”

Digital innovation and investment have been a core focus of Ackworth School since before the pandemic. The implementation of iPads for every pupil in the senior school has been a key factor in the school’s success in ensuring uninterrupted learning during lockdowns.