Jun 18, 2018 | Ackworth School
The Summer play – Who We Are – was first written four years ago as part of the school’s commemorations of the centenary of the start of the First World War. It seems appropriate to revive the play as we approach the centenary of the end of the war.
The play was inspired by a photograph taken of the eleven school leavers in 1913. All of the people in the photo were affected by the war in one form or another. For example, Edward Brady joined the newly formed Friends Ambulance Unit and became Head of one of its sections, Bernice Lester, served in a Field Hospital and both Edward Dell Brown and John Stanley Coy joined up and were killed. Philip Radley was a Conscientious Objector, served time in prison before eventually becoming the headmaster of Ackworth in 1944
The play tells the story of the students and of the position of the then Head, Frederick Andrews who supported former students who chose to fight, despite his own pacifist principles. In this version, however, an extra scene has been written which features Ayham Alhalabi, an Ackworth School student who is a Syrian Refugee. H tells his story and in so doing, demonstrated all too starkly that despite the progress of 100 years, humankind still reverts to the folly and inhumanity of war.
The production features the full age range of students in the school and a few ‘distinguished cameos’ performed by staff!
It will be my last production at the school before retiring in the Summer.
Richard Vergette
Director of Drama
May 18, 2018 | Ackworth School
Piano Recital Masterclass:
Earlier in the week, we had the pleasure of attending a piano recital masterclass by Daniel Marks, Director of Music, at Ackworth School. All staff and students were so impressed! Well done Daniel, you are an inspiration.
Here is a video of Daniel playing Chopin: Valse Brilliante Ab Major Op. 34
Click here to see the video
Apr 27, 2018 | Ackworth School
This weeks Old Scholar feature is dedicated to Molly, 19, and Samantha, 18, who have recently embarked on a trip of a lifetime around the world, visiting destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand and Australia. Both girls studied at Ackworth for many years, before working hard at several jobs to raise funds so that they could experience this amazing adventure together. Now the girls can be seen visiting temples, interacting with wildlife, and tasting a range of interesting regional delicacies. Whilst at Ackworth School, Sam and Molly attended school trips to destinations such as Paris, sparking their interest in exploration. Sam says “I would tell anyone thinking about traveling to do it as it’s one of the best things I’ve ever had the opportunity to do. It has taught me so many things about other cultures that I couldn’t have learned elsewhere.” We wish a safe journey to the pair as they go on to explore Fiji and Hong Kong, and will be sure to keep you updated on their future endeavours!
Do you want to give your children the opportunity to travel the world? Take a look at our website to see the trips available for our students!
