A level Russian Easter Revision

Honestly, I had the best two years of my life as an A level student at Ashbourne. While attending music classes at Royal College of Music Junior Department on Saturdays, the flexibility of the time-table each of us gets from Ashbourne gave me plenty of time to practise on violin/harp. Not only did Ashbourne prepare me extremely well for the A level exams, the music opportunities I was exposed to during my time here really helped to develop myself into a better musician. We had at least one music concert every term, plenty of opportunities to play in ensembles as well as having our compositions performed by professional musicians! Ashbourne really focuses on bringing out the individuality and independence of its students. I am currently studying Instrumental Performance at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and am loving every second!

My time at Ashbourne was everything I hoped it would be and more. In the space of just two years my technical understanding and appreciation of music have rocketed higher than I ever thought possible. Thanks to Piers’ outstanding and engaging teaching, I’ve fallen in love with opera and have now, since leaving Ashbourne, written my own, incorporating all the musical devices and tricks we learned about in lesson. So thanks to Ashbourne, I now have the confidence and knowledge to not only apply to my own shows but to the musical developing company called ‘Wishful Thinking’ I now work with as a creative development assistant. I cannot recommend Ashbourne enough for anyone with a drive and a passion to succeed. You will thrive.

Choosing to study at Ashbourne College is one of the best decisions that I have made. All the academic tutors gave me a lot of assistance when I prepared for the exams and interviews, especially the Director of Studies, John Wilson and Principal, Mike Kirby, who pushed me a lot when I prepared for the Cambridge University interview

Ashbourne has provided me with the platform, the time and the space to grow intellectually. We are encouraged to read widely and since Ashbourne offers extra curricular critical theory, I have found my subjects being independently stimulated and motivated by cross disciplinary links. Aside from academic growth, Ashbourne has offered me a chance to feel a part of something. The opportunity to be the co-editor of Ashbourne Identity, the college’s student magazine, has given me a sense of responsibility, creative freedom and pride toward Ashbourne’s diversity. From Ashbourne’s Christmas Revue to its annual European trip, the college’s nurturing and collaborative atmosphere will remain a highlight of my time at Ashbourne