Mock Exam Season

Indeed, all our pupils have exams next term, whether internal or public, important markers of their progress and providing direction for the next stage. To help the whole school concentrate their efforts in the summer term, we will centre as many of our co-curricular activities as possible in the valley and ensure that pupils and staff are not removed from lessons to go on trips or visits. Pupils will still have the opportunity to go out for sports fixtures, with parents, and on Sunday trips, to get important breathing space. This does not mean the broad and rich wider curriculum Ampleforth offers is curtailed; rather it is refocused and works to support academic excellence in this crucial time period. This is a team effort with everyone focused on the same goal. Combining academic excellence with our mission and ethos ensures all have the best opportunity to flourish now and in the future.

The girls continued to impress in sport with very competitive matches against Sedbergh, who put out their very strongest teams for a great afternoon of high-level netball. The U18, U14 and U13 hockey boys also saw wins against Pocklington and the 2nd XI football boys were victorious over St Peter's.  All in all, a great weekend of sport in the valley.

It was also a busy weekend in terms of service. St John's boys Thomas, James, Fergus and Nicko hosted an exhibition of female pupils' art in aid of women's rights in Afghanistan while Rollo, Kofi and Ben T from St Cuthbert's & St Thomas' held a raffle for the same cause. Between them they raised £1,300. Plus, a group of 15 Year 12 students braved the elements and slept outside to raise more than £1,200 for St George's Crypt, Leeds and St Pio's Friary, Bradford which provide support for the homeless and hungry. These good works are testament to the school community's desire to serve a greater need.

On Saturday evening I joined students, staff, parents and OAs for the College Shoot Dinner - an enjoyable way to celebrate our young people dedicated to the future of the countryside. Our girls and boys were sociable, well turned out and a credit to all the staff, their role models.Last night we hosted our latest e-Open Evening for families overseas and across the UK to hear more about the education we offer. I was very proud of how articulate our students were as they spoke about their life in the valley.

This evening, we welcome Lord Deben, former Chair of the UK's Independent Climate Change Committee, who is speaking about the Gospel Imperative for Climate Action.  This is a joint initiative between the College, Ampleforth Society and the Catholic Union and we hope there will be many more.  We are also welcoming 27 prospective students for an overnight stay this evening before they join our students for Sixth Form taster lessons tomorrow - a fantastic way for them to experience the kind of education we provide.

All best wishes,

Peter