Ashbourne College Blog

The Oxbridge interview strikes fear into the hearts of many an aspiring Oxbridge applicant and a whole mythology has developed around it – online chat rooms, books, and even designated training courses exist for the Oxbridge interview. However, a recent conference presented by some of the senior admissions representatives of both universities* has done much to dispel both the myths and the terror. To begin with, both universities make it very clear that the interview is only one component of a multi-part application process that centres on subject interest, proven academic skills, and the potential to learn. All applications are Continue Reading →

  A recent UCAS conference* leads us to think so. The conference presented some fascinating data and information that leads us to think that this autumn could be the best-ever time in recent years for sixth-form students to apply for undergraduate courses in British universities. This year an incredible 95% of all UCAS applicants who made five university choices received at least one offer, while 18% of all applicants received at least one unconditional offer – this is the highest level of acceptance for undergraduate courses in UCAS history! Indeed, such is the high availability of places on undergraduate courses, Continue Reading →

Running out of ideas on what to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Ashbourne is located in a prime location in London, with various events happening around the college over the summer! Here are 5 things we think you would enjoy doing this weekend:   GARDEN HISTORY TOURS Take a FREE walking tour around the gardens and grounds of Kensington Palace. Learn about the surprising facts and stories about the royal family. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and have your camera ready for some nice shots! Garden History Tours       2.  SENSATIONAL BUTTERFLIES Get up-close Continue Reading →

We had a fantastic event last Friday where we celebrated our Year 13 students and their amazing academic achievements throughout their time at Ashbourne College. The evening consisted of a 3 course meal, Prosecco arrival drinks, a DJ, a photo booth and an amazing chocolate fountain! This was a great way to end the year and say our last goodbyes before their exams. We wish them all the best and luck as they head out to the real world. Scroll down to see the pictures and video below and click here to see the rest of the pictures on our Continue Reading →

If the outcome of your examinations is important to you, you will be nervous before you take them. When there is a great deal riding on the outcome of an event, you will naturally be tense and worried about it going wrong. In many ways, it’s a bit like gambling or watching a football match! But, unlike these events, you can be in a position to influence the outcome. The better your preparation, the better your chances of getting the outcome you want. Try some of these tips during and just before your exams: You may find reading over your Continue Reading →

Our AS Fine Art and Textile students visited the Serpentine Sackler Gallery in Hyde Park yesterday, to see Sondra Terry at the Sondra Perry, as well as visiting the upcoming Christo installation. The visit was part of their investigation for their upcoming projects. It is great to take advantage of the location of Ashbourne College! There is so much to see and do. Ashbourne is located just off of High Street Kensington, surrounded by museums and galleries. The amount of culture is endless.

Our AS Textiles & Art students visited the Victoria & Albert Museum in Kensington to attend a talk and exhibition for Fashioned in Nature. This visit was organised for our AS students, who are studying and working on Organic Forms, as a starting off point for their personal investigations. The exhibition focused on nature as an inspirational source of creative inspiration and also as an environmental warning about sustainable fashion. Perfect for primary research for their projects. They also attended a talk given by the senior curator and author of the exhibition’s book, Edwina Ehrman, which helped explain what the Continue Reading →

Our AS Fine Art, Design and Textile students took a trip to the CSM Foundation Show at the Lethaby Galley. The students had a opportunity to look at the work made by The Central Saint Martins Foundation graduates in Art and Design, across 4 curriculum areas: 3D Design and Architecture, Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art and Graphic and Communication design. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to understand what they can expect from next year. They also had a talk by the head of course Chris Roberts, who talked about the course and what is expected.

Ashbourne’s Drama department has become one of the most exciting and successful departments over the last few years. We pride ourselves for providing an outstanding learning environment for our Drama students and giving them the opportunity to showcase themselves in a few of London’s high-class theatres. Click here to read more about Ashbourne’s Drama department.

During the most stressful period of the year, our Revision Pod is here to help you. In this episode, our Head of Year 13 and Maths teacher, Sean Pillai, will help explain geometric sequences and series, a topic which students seem to have most difficulty with when revising.