What Mock Week and The Revue (Our Annual Show) Reveal About Ashbourne
Mock weeks and The Revue might seem like opposites, one focused on serious exams, the other a lively school production, but at Ashbourne, they’re two sides of the same experience. Our Mock weeks take place four times a year, during the penultimate week of each of the first four half terms, while The Revue takes place in the final week of HT2, just before the Christmas break. Together, they capture what life at the College is all about: focused yet creative, demanding yet inclusive, and always full of personality.
Mock Week: More Than Just Practice
Mock weeks happen in the penultimate week of every half-term, and it’s exactly what it sounds like, a full week of mock exams. Every student sits formal papers in exam conditions, designed to mirror the real thing as closely as possible. But they are not just a rehearsal, they are an opportunity to measure your progress, sharpen your strategy, and understand how you respond under pressure. And with small classes and personal tutors, there’s always someone checking in on how you’re doing, both academically and mentally.
At Ashbourne, mock weeks are taken seriously. Teachers use it to give detailed feedback, identify gaps in your knowledge, and shape your revision plan moving forward. You don’t just get a mark, you get insight. It’s part of the College’s strategic and supportive approach: giving you the information you need to make real progress. With mock weeks held in the penultimate week of each half term and The Revue taking place in the final week of the second half term, students have only a few days to prepare for the show. However, they are encouraged to prioritise their mocks and begin preparing for The Revue afterwards. Although this leaves a shorter preparation period, it reinforces an important lesson about balancing priorities, a valuable skill both at college and beyond.
The Revue: A Celebration of Creativity and Community
This is Ashbourne’s annual student-led performance show, taking place during the final week of half term 2. It includes music, dance, comedy, short films, theatre, fashion, and more, whatever students want to create. It’s held in a professional venue and is open to family, friends, and staff. The atmosphere is electric.
What makes The Revue special is how different it feels from the rest of the academic calendar, but also how naturally it fits. It’s not just a break from exams. It’s a space to express yourself, collaborate with others, and contribute to something bigger than yourself. Whether you’re performing, working behind the scenes, or just cheering from the audience, you’re part of it.
The Revue reflects Ashbourne’s vibrant and dynamic culture. It proves that being serious about academics doesn’t mean giving up creativity. It shows that hard work can exist alongside fun, that discipline can live next to self-expression.
A Clear Picture of Ashbourne
Taken together, mock weeks and The Revue reveal the balance that makes Ashbourne so unique. This is a place where students are pushed to succeed, not pressured to perform. Where you’re expected to work hard, but also to take part, speak up, and bring your whole personality into the college experience.
You’re surrounded by people who care about results, but also about your growth, your confidence, your sense of identity. Teachers go the extra mile. Students support each other. And there’s a sense that everyone here is part of something shared.
Overall
Mock weeks and The Revue are not just events in the calendar. They’re part of the rhythm of Ashbourne life. One helps you measure your progress. The other helps you celebrate who you are. Together, they show that this college isn’t just about getting you into university, it’s about helping you become someone who’s ready to be there.
1. What is Mock Week at Ashbourne College?
Mock weeks are a full week of practice exams held in the penultimate week of the first four Half-terms. Students sit formal papers under real exam conditions, helping them track progress, refine strategy, and prepare confidently for final A-level, AS or GCSE exams.
2. How often does Ashbourne College hold Mock Weeks?
Ashbourne runs four mock weeks each academic year, one at the end of the first four half-terms. This consistent schedule ensures students get regular feedback and clear guidance on how to improve before final exams.
3. What is The Revue at Ashbourne College?
The Revue is Ashbourne’s annual student-led performance show, featuring music, theatre, dance, comedy, short films, fashion, and more. With an audience of over 200 viewers, The Revue takes place in a professional venue and celebrates the creativity and community spirit of the college.
4. Who can take part in The Revue?
The Revue auditions are open to all students who wish to perform in the show. However, if your audition doesn’t go as planned, we’ll still do our best to find a role for you, whether that’s in a different act or by giving you the opportunity to contribute behind the scenes.