South of England.. Ashford School. Kent.

What sets Ashford School apart

Ashford-school-music. When in September of each year all 7th grade students begin to learn a new musical instrument for them, it seems absolutely incredible that at the final concert of the year anyone will be able to enjoy this shrill, uncertain creak and clatter. But on June 6, 2015, the whole audience enthusiastically watched the transformation of the 7th grade graduates, listened to the well-coordinated work of the school orchestra and numerous solo performances.

The main principle of Ashford school is to take students out of their comfort zone. For some it is to make a presentation in front of the class, for others it is to learn how to play a new instrument. Free lessons on playing a musical instrument are offered to everyone, in addition, all 7th grade students are sure to learn a new instrument for them, so that every child sees that he can start something from scratch and succeed.

I visited Ashford School with a group of agents from different countries on another trip to schools in Southern England. The school has about 1000 students, including the elementary school.

Ashford School is very strong in the arts and sciences, drama and music.

In the scientific block opposite each class, there are photos of students who, for example, studied biology and where they entered last year. About 20 graduates entered biotechnology, medicine, and other universities of the Russell Group. All students who study science go on scientific trips to Iceland and Switzerland 2 times a year. Often scientific trips around the UK, for example, to the botanical garden, where they work with plants, do experiments, and then write reports. All the walls of the school are decorated with professional drawings of students. Last year, 7 students went to study architecture, some entered the first year immediately, others entered a special preparatory department for architecture.

The school has a large auditorium that is used for school plays and music concerts. For our group, a small concert was prepared in a professional performance of the school students: playing the organ, piano, and string ensemble.

For students who are seriously interested in theater, the school has 2 drama studios. Every year there is a school production of the musical, in which all students who study drama participate. In addition, many performances are organized as the results of the coursework of individual students.

In 2015, an international center was opened at the school. If an international student of 16-17 years old has English at the B1 level, he is not taken immediately to high school, - first, the student enters the international center and studies under the abbreviated GCSE program - instead of 10, only 8 subjects are studied but in 1 year.

A separate new building has been allocated for the international center, there are a luxurious residence and classrooms here. All double rooms with private facilities are very large and bright. Everything is new in this building - a girls 'floor, a boys' floor, and three classrooms for English and math classes. For the rest of the subjects, the students of the international center go to the main school, where they are engaged in a separate group since eight exams must be passed in 1 year. At the same time, they have many English lessons.

In the residences of the basic school (two for boys and one for girls), there are also large and bright rooms, mainly for 2 people, several rooms for primary school children for three, and all graduates live in single rooms. Almost all rooms are equipped with amenities. Only a few rooms for younger students share a shower on the floor. Also in the residence, there are several large lounges and study rooms.

Read also the student's review about Ashford school in my blog.