There have been an awful lot of stories about UFOs in the news recently. That this is not even the most remarkable or surprising feature of the world’s current headlines, and that this has rapidly disappeared off the front page of news feeds, says something about the circumstances in which we live.
There is so much happening that makes so little sense. But, we remain down to earth, and as noteworthy as all of the unusualness has been the gradual thawing of school life. I have enjoyed more than ever standing on the touchlines at a whole host of fixtures in recent weeks, even the mighty First XI football squad’s drenched game against Rossall, dropping in on the Bronze DofE qualifying expedition, and seeing the range of activities in the Prep School Science Week (where our Year 6 students enjoyed a remarkable heart dissecting session), amongst so many other events. It has been wonderful to welcome some new, very young faces in our Baby Room, and old friends as the fantastic Steve Shepherd rejoins our Catering Team. This newsletter captures just a handful of the many hundreds of individual journeys and adventures across the school, and we look forward to sharing so many more in the months to come.
David Harrow, Headmaster
Student-led Medical Society
Our latest student-led initiative is our new AKS Medical Society set up by AKS Year 10 students Kate and Anna. They are looking forward to thought-provoking medical ethics debates and aim to set up seminars to hear from real-life doctors, dentists, vets, and allied health professionals. Anyone in Year 9 and above is very welcome to join on Friday between 4-4.30pm.
Pre-A level programme announced
After last year's success, our Pre-A level Programme continues this summer, running for a two-week period following GCSE examinations. The construction of the programme is tailored to students' A level choices and includes a variety of enrichment opportunities to expand their learning and interests. Read more here.
Science Week in Prep
From biscuit dunking, double bubbles, optical illusions and paper aeroplanes to changing states, the theme of our Prep Science Week in April was to make the everyday exciting and inspire the next generation of scientists to enjoying being inquisitive, curious and explorative.
Mr Worthington provides the full run-down of the week's activities here. Year 6 were tasked with 'saving a patient's life' in a simulation which required them to put their knowledge to the test in dissecting a heart.
New Baby Room now open!
Our Baby Room opened its doors on Monday 1st March 2021. Our youngest children will enjoy a range of activities in our refurbished double-aspect room and dedicated garden area. Our specialist music and Spanish teachers will also visit the Baby Room on a weekly basis to deliver ten-minute sessions. As places are in demand, please contact Nursery Manager, Vicky.Reynolds@akslytham.com to find out more and book a tour.
DofE Award Scheme achievements
Whilst the pandemic presented a substantial challenge to our students, their tenacity and adaptability enabled them to complete their volunteering, physical and skills sections during the national lockdown. An impressive 70 pupils have been awarded their Certificates of Achievement; a new Award created by the Duke of Edinburgh scheme given to participants who have completed their three sections in the absence of an opportunity to do their expeditions.
We were also one of the first schools nationally to complete a successful Bronze qualifying expedition at the beginning of May. Read more here.
Award-winning chef returns!
We're delighted to welcome back Steve Shepherd as Catering Manager at AKS, who was previously at the helm when AKS won “Best Independent School in the UK for Catering and Hospitality" in 2018.
Those who know Steve have great memories of the wide and varied way he brought food to life at AKS, not only in our dining rooms and pavilion cafe, but across the campus at our many events. Read our interview in full here.
Smashing sport!
Our sports teams have enjoyed a raft of successes, including Senior Cricket, Rounders as well as a debut performance from Year 7 and 8 girls in Athletics. In addition, our Enhanced Sports Performance Programme is going from strength to strength, with a number of high profile external speakers including Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Jessica Piasecki and Marc Woods.
Johnnie's 50 mile triumph!
Congratulations to Johnnie who completed a phenomenal '50 miles in 50 days' challenge to raise over £2000 for children's mental health charity Place2Be. He was joined by teachers and school friends for his final mile. Read more about this heart-warming event here.
Recommended reading for Middle School Mr Smyth and the English department are sharing their recommended reading, from classics to new-finds. Each week a different genre is given the spotlight. There's something for everyone in these brief overviews. Great for that inspiration you may be looking for! So far we've had space, dystopian novels and the coming of age part 1andthe coming of age part 2. We welcome your feedback to news@akslytham.com on which you have enjoyed most.
