Ashbourne's focus is ultimately on securing good grades for students and helping them to realise their academic potential; however, Ashbourne's extra-curricular activities are also at the heart of the college's ethos.
Ashbourne runs a variety of clubs and activities that express the multiple and diverse interests of its eclectic student body. New students are hugely encouraged to indulge in these clubs and to make the most of Ashbourne's fantastic facilities. Suggestions for future clubs are very welcome since the college aims to support a range of student interests. If a student is interested in taking part in a club or activity they should email activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk, stating the club or activity they wish to take part in. Alternatively, they should speak to the relevant activity organiser.
CHOIR
Where: Young Street, Room Y3
When: Tuesday lunchtimes, 1pm
Who: Hannah Martin
Hannah Martin is a graduate of Music from Kings College London. Her particular expertise and passion is Opera. For two years now she has been running the Ashbourne Choir, which performs a number of pieces at the annual Christmas Revue. The choir takes place during Tuesday lunchtimes and is open to students of all musical backgrounds. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in, regardless of ability or experience.
Contact: Hannah Martin (hannah@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
DEBATING CLUB
Where: Old Court Place, 3
When: Monday lunchtimes, 1pm
Who: James Wykes and Michael Peat
Debating Club gives students an opportunity to develop skills in public speaking and think about contemporary issues in society. Each session, a motion will be set and students will decide whether they are for the motion or against it. An orderly debate will then be conducted and mediated by a member of staff.
Contact: James Wykes (james@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
LATIN CLUB
When: Wednesday evenings, 6-7pm
Who: George Chaldezos The study of Latin can result in the broadening and deepening of students' English vocabulary and can impact an understanding of word formation, a most useful tool in approaching unfamiliar words. Students will be introduced to the language of Classical civilization under the guidance of George Chaldezos, who teaches Latin as well as classics and Greek at Ashbourne. Regular write- ups of these classes will feature on the college's website.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
SPANISH CLUB
When: Monday evenings, 6-7pm
Who: Alberto Lado Ray
Nearly 400 million people speak Spanish worldwide, making it a very valuable language to learn. Under the direction of Alberto Lado Ray, whose interests are anchored in Spanish and Latino American culture, every week students will be exposed to the language and vibrant culture of Spain.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
JAPANESE CLUB
When: Tuesday evenings, 6-7pm
Who: Sakae Osakabe
Japanese is a particularly useful language and brings with it many advantages. As well as being a rewarding language to attempt to grasp, learning Japanese is a great way to absorb a part of Japan's culture.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL
When: Wednesday evenings, 6-8pm
Fabio Carpene, Ashbourne's IT and Premises manager, used to be a professional footballer. He now runs a popular and fun Wednesday football session, along with Andy Pitois, for any students who wish to come along. Students will depart with Fabio and travel together from the college at 6.
Contact: Fabio Carpene (fabio@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
FASHION CLUB
Where: Art Room
When: Thursday evenings, 6-8pm
Who: Sheila Cosgrove
This club will give students the opportunity to design and eventually create their own items of clothing. Run by Sheila Cosgrove, the fashion and textiles tutor at Ashbourne, the club is open to all students whether or not they study fashion. Students of fashion and textiles are strongly recommended to attend this club as it will help to strengthen their creative skills.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
BOLLYWOOD DANCING
Where: Old Court Place, Room 04/05
When: Thursday evenings, 6pm.
Sheetal Meswania is the college's Student Liaison Officer. She has been dancing as a hobby for most of her life and now runs a fun after-school dance club. This club is open to all students who feel like learning a fun and engaging style of dancing. The club will perform a Bollywood feature at the Revue.
Contact: Sheetal Meswania (sheetal@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
DRAMA CLUB
Where: Old Court Place, Room 04/0
When: Tuesday evenings, 6-8pm
Who: Frances Burns
The Drama Club at Ashbourne is run by Fran Burns. It is compulsory for all A Level Drama students but it has also proven popular with lots of other students in the college. Students will engage in fun role-playing activities and devise their own short sketches. Drama Club is a fantastic way to meet other students in an engaging atmosphere. The Drama Club plays a central role in the annual Christmas Revue.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
KNITTING CIRCLE
Where: Young Street Building
When: Wednesday lunchtimes, 1pm
Knitting circle is a club run by Ashbourne German teacher, Louise Forster.. The circle is popular among students and is conducted at lunchtimes in a relaxed, friendly and informal manner.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
CHESS CLUB
Where: Old Court Place, Room 3
When: Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes at 1pm
Who: Micheal Peat
Chess Club is one of Ashbourne's most established and popular clubs. Run by Chris Todd and Michael Peat. Chess Club is a great way to relax with friends over lunch. A chess tournament will be conducted at the end of the year.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
BOOK CLUB
Book Club is conducted on an ad-hoc basis by the English Department. Students interested in joining will read novels, plays, short-stories, poetry and critical essays. Although the club is made up of predominately students of English Literature, Book Club welcomes anyone with a passion for reading.
Contact: James Wykes (james@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
THE ASHBOURNE NEWSPAPER
The Ashbourne newspaper is a college newspaper written, designed and produced entirely by the student body. All students, under the leadership of James Wykes, are encouraged to write articles, or contribute in some way towards the final paper. Now in its third successful year, the paper features interesting and diverse articles, and artwork, expressing the range and scope of Ashbourne's student body. Anyone interested in contributing should speak to James Wykes.
Contact: James Wykes (james@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
RAMBLING SOCIETY
When: Saturday, 8th October 2011
Who: Hussein Mitha
There is often no better way to see and experience London in all its variety, than walking. Hussein Mitha, whose previous ramblings have taken him as far afield as Paris, will be leading the way on a variety of interesting and quirky walks through the city. The first walk in October will be a riverwalk, all the way from Richmond-Upon-Thames to Westminster.
Contact: (hussein@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
TRIPS TO ART GALLERIES
Three or four times each year, Christopher Masters, a published Art Historian will be taking students to some of London's excellent art galleries. London is a world-centre for art and these trips are an excellent opportunity to see some of the most beautiful art in the world. Art students are encouraged to go on these trips, but they are open to everyone. Please indicate which trips you would be interested in attending.
National Gallery, 22/10/2011
Tate Modern, 10/12/2011
Victoria and Albert Museum, 04/02/2012
Contact: Christopher Masters (chris@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
FOOD SOCIETY
Amateur food-critic, excellent chef and general Francophile Shaheena Teeluck will be visiting three of London's top and most exciting restaurants. Spaces are limited to seven per trip and, as a general rule, students who haven't been before get first priority. There will be a charge of £35 per head for each trip. This is obviously an alcohol-free event.
Contact: Shaheena Teeluck (shaheena@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
FLAMENCO DANCING
This is an five-week course. Students must sign up in advance and pay a small fee of £10 for the full course. They will learn to dance in the Flamenco style and be taught by a trained professional. Students are recommended to sign up for this event well in advance as it is likely to be popular (especially among the staff). Spaces will be limited.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
TANGO & SALSA DANCING
John Wilson our wonderful Director of Studies is introducing a lunch time club. This is a five-week course is open to all staff and students who feel like learning the Tango and Salsa, energetic and fun styles of dancing. It'll provide a fantastic new skill to showcase at the Revue. A man of many talents indeed.
Contact: (activities@ashbournecollege.co.uk)
CRITICAL THEORY SEMINARS
Last year Wesley Rykalski and James Wykes conducted interdisciplinary seminars on Critical Theory. These seminars exposed students to thinkers such as Barthes, Foucault, Zizek and Lacon. They will also be conducted this year during selected lunchtimes. Please speak to Wesley or James for more information.
Contact: James Wykes (james@ashbournecollege.co.uk) |
