Ackworth School Archives - Page 5 of 26

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

Milan Football Tour 2023

May 2, 2023 | Ackworth School

Ackworth School took 42 students to Milan on a Football Tour with Inspiresport and Inter Milan. The students took part in 4 training sessions at Inter Milan’s Youth Development Centre delivered by the academy coaches. U12, U14 & U16 all played a fixture against local opposition and all teams showed excellent sporting behaviour and conduct in their respective fixtures. The students were given a tour of the iconic San Siro Stadium where players were able to sit in the dressing room used by some of the most well-known footballers, past and present. A tour of Milan; visiting the impressive Duomo di Milano along with visiting the Inter Milan trophy cabinet were also a highlight of the tour. The students behaviour throughout the trip was outstanding. I would like to thank all players, parents and staff for their support with the trip.

Dan Wiseman, Head of Boys’ PE and Trip Leader.

The Milan football tour was jam packed and full of fun, The coaching was at a very good level keeping everyone excited for the next session. The teachers were great and never failed to keep us entertained all the expectations were met and more with everyone always having a smile on their face.

Harry, Year 10

Milan was a very enjoyable trip, with every day filled with activities. We had four action packed training sessions which i think everyone benefited from. We visited the city of Milan and there was loads of architectural buildings with lovely views. There was many laughs along the way as well as some songs. We had a stadium tour of the San Siro its was massive and very colourful. We played some very thrilling games and watched some too, these were very entertaining. Overall the trip was wonderful!

Verity, Year 8

On Friday the 24th of March 2023 me and 41 others went on a tour to Milan Italy to be trained by Milan coaches and more. Personally i think that this trip was the best trip i have been on by far because of everything we did and the people we did it with, my my favourite bit of the trip was training with a Milan coach and spending time with my friends during the whole thing. Overall i think it was a great trip and if another one came up i would definitely go on it.

Ashton, Year 9

$Ackworth School, near Pontefract, ranked ‘Excellent’ in all aspects$

Ackworth School, near Pontefract, ranked ‘Excellent’ in all aspects

Apr 28, 2023 | Ackworth School

Ackworth School has achieved an outstanding result in the recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection. The school received the highest possible rating of “excellent” in all areas, which include pupils’ achievements, as well as their academic and personal development.

The ISI inspection is a rigorous process that evaluates all aspects of a school’s performance. Inspectors examine the school’s curriculum, teaching standards, extracurricular activities, pastoral care, and overall management to determine its effectiveness in delivering a high-quality education.

The “excellent” rating is the highest possible grade awarded by the ISI, and it reflects the school’s commitment to providing outstanding educational opportunities for its students. Ackworth School has demonstrated exceptional teaching, excellent support for student wellbeing, and strong leadership at all levels.

The inspectors were impressed with how pupils progress across our nursery, Coram House, and Senior School, as well as within our dedicated Autism Resource. They also commented on the wide range of community and volunteering activity that Ackworth School delivers within our local area.

In response to the inspection Ackworth School’s Head Anton Maree said, “We are delighted to have received an ‘excellent’ rating in all areas from the ISI. This inspection confirms what we have all known since our last full inspection, that Ackworth is an excellent small school that produces thoughtful and mature students who go on to do well beyond school. This is the result of the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and parents, who have all played a vital role in our success. We are committed to providing our students with the best possible education, and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain these high standards.”

The school’s governors (the School Committee) expressed their delight at the outcome of the inspection: “We are heartened by this public recognition of the quality of life at Ackworth School for all our students and staff. The ‘excellent’ rating is a deserved tribute to the hard work and dedication shown by so many in the school community over a number of years. We commit ourselves to building on this success by ensuring that Ackworth School continues to provide an outstanding environment for learning and teaching and well-being as we approach our 250th anniversary.”

Ackworth School is particularly pleased that the comments and feedback within the ISI report aligns with the school’s vision for education and reflects our Quaker ethos.

The ISI commented that:

The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. All pupils, including those with SEND and EAL, make rapid progress in their learning throughout the school.

Pupils throughout the school demonstrate excellent self-discipline and resilience in all aspects of their school lives. The spirituality awareness of the pupils is highly developed.

Pupils make excellent contributions to the lives of others in the school, particularly within the boarding community and to society more broadly.

Pupils deeply respect and show strong appreciation of the diverse nature of the school community, this is especially embedded in the boarding environment.

The full inspection report is now available to view and download on the Ackworth School website at https://ackworthschool.com/about-us/inspection-reports/.

If you are interested in applying for a place at Ackworth School, please contact the admissions team on 01977 233621 or admissions@ackworthschool.com

For more information, please contact James Busson, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications on 01977 233620 or james.busson@ackworthschool.com.

About Ackworth School

Ackworth School is a co-educational independent school located in the village of Ackworth, West Yorkshire, England. The school was founded in 1779 by the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, and it remains a Quaker school to this day.

Ackworth School has a long history of providing a high-quality education for its students, and it is known for its emphasis on academic excellence, personal development, and social responsibility. The school offers both day and boarding options for students aged 2.5 – 18, and it is known for its inclusive and supportive community.

The school’s curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, including the sciences, humanities, arts, and languages. Students are also encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and community service.

Ackworth School places a strong emphasis on Quaker values, which include simplicity, equality, truth, and peace. These values are reflected in the school’s culture and ethos, and they are an essential part of the school’s identity.

International Women’s Day

Mar 8, 2023 | Ackworth School

“We are all Queens today”

Today is International Women’s Day. A day where we recognise how to celebrate, support, and acknowledge ALL women around the world. Supporting International Women’s Day and “Feminism” means you support equality within our society. Equality is an important pillar for Ackworth School and throughout history there have been fearless and authentic Quaker women and Ackworth Old Scholars who have compassionately fought with integrity for what they believe.

Pioneering Quaker Women

One name you are sure to recognise from around School will be Elizabeth Fry (née Gurney). Elizabeth was born in 1780 and was one of the first people to campaign for an end to the death penalty in the UK. Her ideas spread slowly but surely, and eventually, the last public execution in Britain happened in 1964. During her lifetime Elizabeth pioneered initiatives that enabled women prisoners to develop employable skills. This work meant that in 1818 she became the first woman to present evidence in UK parliament. Elizabeth visited Ackworth School as part of the Women’s Committee and helped to conduct inspections of the Girls’ Side of School. On top of all this achievement, Elizabeth also went on to have 11 children.

Fry reading to prisoners – The Saint of Prison Reform

The women of Greenham Common. In the 1981, a group of women set up a peace camp outside a cruise missile base in Berkshire. Over nineteen years, thousands of women took part in the nonviolent actions at Greenham. Moved to act by the peace testimony, a generation of Quaker women were part of this very public objection to war. They included the veteran peace activists Sylvia Boyes and Celia Davies, who, despite sustaining significant injuries as a result of forceful policing at Greenham, campaigns against arms fairs to this day.

In 1986 a Friend who participated in the camp described it as “women waiting, watching, just being there, behaving as if peace were possible, living our dream of the future now.”

Influential Female Old Scholars

Fiona Wood (born February 2, 1958, Hernsworth, Yorkshire, England), British-born Australian plastic surgeon who was a pioneer in the field of treating burn victims by inventing “spray-on skin” technology. Fiona was raised in a mining village in Yorkshire and educated at Ackworth School. Fiona’s expertise in burns treatment came to the world’s attention in 2002 in the wake of the Bali bombings but she hasn’t let fame stand in the way of her research or teaching which she continues at the RPH, the PMH and the University of Western Australia. (right hand photo)

Anna Heslam (née Fisher) was a suffragist and a major figure in the 19th and early 20th century women’s movement in Ireland. She helped in soup kitchens and became involved in setting up cottage industries for local girls in lacemaking, crocheting and knitting. She was brought up believing in equality for men and women and also supporting the campaign against slavery and for temperance and pacifism. She was also an educational pioneer and taught at Ackworth School. (Left hand photo)

Female Scholars

Women’s Day is something special for me, because on this day all men treat you very kindly and lovingly. I associate this day with my family, because every year on this day, my dad comes home with flowers and small gifts, and it’s very nice. I hope that all men do the same to please their girls!

Anhelina (Fifth Form) international pupil from Ukraine

There’s a tradition where on the 8th of march, the husband buys the wife a big bouquet of flowers and gives one or two of the flowers to his daughters. And so, when the day came, my dad and my brother would go out and get me, my mom, and my sister some flowers. Although I loved this tradition, I didn’t like that I didn’t get to give back as well. So, every year I would draw flowers, get some sweets, and hand them out to my friends and my family. Sometimes we forget how much people do of us and how important they are in our lives. This day is about giving back and appreciating all the women in our lives.

Tamar (Lower Sixth) international pupil from Georgia

For me international woman’s day is so important and extremely needed due to the lack of celebration of women’s achievements in past years. We as a society are finally recognising womens accomplishments and international woman’s day contributes to this. International woman’s day not only recognises the achievement of women but allows us to discuss the troubles they face and it helps me as a young progressing woman feel seen in the troubles I face in my day to day.

Olivia (Upper Sixth)

The International Woman’s Day is a day to thanks your woman like your mum, your grandmother, your girlfriend, etc. Because they was doing amazing job, they take care of us. It a specially for your mum because she has been rest of her life to take care and protect you.

Sunny (Third Form) international pupil from Vietnam

As a Quaker School one of the testimonies that underpins our ethos is Equality. This testimony has a special meaning to me through my upbringing, Quaker education, and work. I expect to be treated as an equal, and strive for all the girls in our school to feel empowered to call out inequality in society.

We are committed to Equality for women and girls, I am proud that Ackworth School is working with Aisha Thomas, author of Representation Matters, to make sure the school is exemplary in its equality, diversity and inclusion practice.

Nancy Newlands, Senior Deputy Head (Pastoral & Academic)

Useful resources:

www.quaker.org.uk/blog/8-badass-quaker-women

www.positive.news/society/international-womens-day-inspirational-women/

Steinway Showcase for Ackworth School

Mar 3, 2023 | Ackworth School, Music

On Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd March, Ackworth School were lucky enough to take seventeen students down to London, to perform at Steinway Hall.

This comprised of our Senior Choir, and three pianists, who received a masterclass each from internationally renowned pianist, Ashley Wass. The students also received a tour of the Steinway showrooms, learned about the history of the company, and got to play on the piano that is used in the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms! The first day ended with a recital given in the Steinway Hall by the pianists, Senior Choir and other selected musical numbers. The opportunity to then watch a matinee performance of Hamilton the following day was very well earned!

“I extremely enjoyed our visit to London. The masterclass on Wednesday afternoon was extremely interesting and I learned so much from it as it allowed me to develop my skills to a further extent, and explore different aspects of music. Exploring the different pianos, and learning about the wider context of steinway’s pianos. I also really enjoyed exploring the streets of London, and engaging in musical activities such as ‘ creating a piano by using only our bodies’. Hamilton was also extremely exciting. The music was great, and the choreography was phenomenal. The actors were very talented and a great inspiration” – Charlotte

“First, I want to appreciate Mr. McCarthy, Miss Strong, and Miss Younger for planning this wonderful trip to London. I was astonished by the Steinway Spirio’s ability to accurately capture your playing, stimulate the pianist’s style, and actually show the keys moving up and down, note by note. I occasionally join the choir, sometimes with the wrong lyrics, but it’s a lot of fun. I had the great fortune to attend Ashley Wass’ Master Class, during which he demonstrated a novel fingering technique and described the importance of breathing properly. I love this trip!” – Brian

Children’s Mental Health Week – CONNECT

Feb 8, 2023 | Ackworth School

The week is Children’s Mental Health Week, and we are putting all our focus on CONNECTIONS!

We live in a modern world where we are constantly connected through online and digital platforms, and yet isolation and loneliness seem to have become a top concern for young people. During the COVID pandemic our society was forced to close doors and open computer screens causing much of the population to lose face to face communication skills. In fact, research undertaken by Archives of Disease in Children suggested that babies who were born within the mass lockdown period may have missed out on those vital first social interactions and may develop slower [1].

There is no doubt that the prolonged lockdown period between 2020 – 2022 had an effect on many of us, but did it just highlight an already growing sense of lost connections? A survey circulated in 2018 found that 40% of respondents aged 16-24 reported feeling lonely often or very often, with 2% saying that they are lonely all the time.

So, in support of this year’s theme “Connections” we are communicating ways in which we can begin to reconnect and not feel as lonely. Here are a couple of thought-provoking statements…

Become your own best friend. Being alone and feeling lonely are two different things.

Put your digital device down and look up! Social media can be paradoxically anti-social. (nothing is ever truly “free” to use)

Let’s have a look at some activities we and the Place2Be Charity suggest you taking part in if you are ready to connect with other:

Focus on self-love.Spending time alone might not seem fun, but the more time you spend doing things you enjoy and being kind to yourself the more confident you will feel. It’s ok to have time just for yourself.
Express your feelings.It is important to have ways to express yourself, even if right now you don’t have people close to you who you can talk to. Keeping a journal can help you to track your mood and reading over it might help you to see things that keep happening in your life which you might need some help with. Some people like to express themselves through drawing, painting, music, fashion or sport.
Join a club.You don’t have to be good at something to give it a go and enjoy it. A regular hobby with other people can help you build new friendships and have fun. It can feel really nerve-wracking to turn up to a new place, especially if the people already know each other, but you’re likely to find people who are very happy and willing to help you settle in. Additionally, Ackworth School run after school clubs every night of the week! We also actively encourage children to start clubs if they wish to do so.
Try volunteering.This can be a great way to learn a new skill, give back to your community, feel good about yourself and meet people passionate about the same things as you.
Follow your passions.If there is something you absolutely love there will be other people out there who feel the same. Whether that’s an online fan forum or a local writers’ group, find ways to connect with the things you love and you might be surprised about what opportunities that leads to.
Reach out if you’re struggling.Talk to someone you trust. It could be your parents or wider family members, like older cousins, aunts or uncles. Outside home, it could be a teacher, a neighbour or a close family friend. You can also speak to your GP about how you’re feeling. They can listen, tell you about local services and support groups, or they may suggest specific treatment for the way you’re feeling.
Just speak to someone. Your teachers will always listen to you and even if they can’t solve the problem, they can help you to find a way of dealing with.

Making that first step can be the most daunting. Ackworth School now has many services in place to help and guide our young people such as our Peer Mentoring program (read all about that here), and the School Counselling available. Reach out to your Form Tutors, Nancy Newlands-Melvin, or Hannah Ellis to find our more.

Let’s take time to re-connect.

Author: Rebecca Edgington, Marketing & Alumni