Welcome to Lower School

WELCOME

TO YEARS 7-8 AT

ASHFORD SCHOOL

Mr M Hall Headmaster

At Ashford School, our educational philosophy is based on a very simple assumption: if a pupil is happy and secure, they are more likely to be successful. As a result, our learning is underpinned by four key factors, namely Celebrating Individuality, Optimising Potential, Academic Rigour and Adventurous Learning. We believe that learning should be challenging, motivating and lead to a sense of fulfilment, which is why we strive to provide an inspiring environment that encourages growth and adventure so that our students can develop into all they are capable of being.

WELCOME TO YEAR 7

We are delighted that you will be joining us at Ashford School in September. You are, no doubt, excited about the transition but I imagine you may have some questions about what life will be like in Year 7 too. We have already visited some of you at your current schools and will endeavour to visit the rest of you soon, to introduce ourselves, to get to know a little bit more about you and to answer any questions you have about the transition process.

Mrs K O’Hara

Assistant Head

Lower School (Y7-8)

Mrs S Kirkham Head of Year 7

MEET THE PASTORAL TEAM

Mrs K O’Hara

Assistant Head of Lower School (Y7-8)

S

Head of Year 7

of Year 8

Miss

Kirkham

Ms J Dores Head

Mrs N Rayner

Miss C Beaty

Mr I Deverill

Mrs L Simes

Miss C Diaz-Bayon

Mrs R Craddock

Mrs S Hewitt

Mr M Buck

At the heart of academic life are the Ashford School Learning Habits.

These form the centrepiece of our wider ambition to stretch and challenge our students as much as possible across all areas of school life, in a way that is consistent, coherent and cohesive.

The six habits are designed to reflect the qualities that we most value in Ashford School students and will be used to help promote the very best progress and outcomes from the student body.

YEAR 7 PGL TRIP

(FRIDAY 13 - SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER)

A key part of our induction process for Year 7 is our fun-filled weekend away in Suffolk at a PGL camp. The trip features an action-packed itinerary of adventurous activities and games, but it is not only about having fun. While they are enjoying themselves, students will be learning new skills, rising to new challenges, developing their confidence and, above all, getting to know one another and building relationships that will see them through their school years and beyond.

The best part about PGL was that it gave me an opportunity to push my limits and try new things.

PGL was great because it brought everyone together and I made so many new friends.

I didn't know anyone but on PGL I made loads of friends and the activities were so much fun.

SCHOOL DAY 24/25

08:30 - 08:35 Registration

08:40 - 09:25 Period 1

09:30 - 10:15 Period 2

10:20 - 11:05 Period 3

11:05 - 11:25 Break

11:25 - 12:10 Period 4

12:15 - 13:00 Period 5

13:00 - 13:50 Lunch

13:50 - 13:55 Registration

13:55 - 14:10 Extended registration / assembly

14:15 - 15:00 Period 6

15:05 - 15:50 Period 7

15:55 - 16:40 Period 8 - Activity

16:40 - 17:30 Period 9 - Extended Activity

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMES

All children are encouraged to be as involved in our cocurricular programme as possible, and therefore students in Years 7-9 take part in at least three activities per week. Further up the school our students tend to take a more flexible approach, and you will even see a few of our Sixth Formers setting up their own clubs and societies.

Year 7/8 - Expected to attend three activities each week. A fornightly Friday pre-season sport session has been added and pupils can sign up for this in addition to their three commitments, not instead of.

Don t worry about homework – it s really not that bad!

“Don’t be scared of keeping up with the homework because they don’t all have to be in the next day.”

“Don’t worry about getting lost because it’s a lot smaller than it seems at first.”

“Don’t be nervous because once you get there all of the students and teachers are really nice, even if you don’t know anyone there.”

“Don’t be scared to talk to new people.”

“In the first week you might be worried because you’re little, but people will help you.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get lost or if you don’t understand something.”

“Ask the sixth formers – they can look scary but actually they’re really nice.”

“Remember to charge your Surface Go every night!”

“Always remember your lanyard.”