Ashton School: A Busy and Exciting Time for Students

Ashton School continues to thrive with a variety of exciting events and activities this term. Our art students have recently participated in nature-themed workshops at the Glucksman Gallery at University College Cork (UCC). Fifth-year students attended a workshop titled Every Species Matters, which focused on endangered animal and bird species. During the session, students created impressive posters highlighting these species. Meanwhile, second-year students took part in the Birds of a Feather Field Guide workshop, where they explored the natural environment around UCC. They went on to create their own field guides, filled with both illustrations and text. The artwork produced by both groups will be on display at the Glucksman Gallery from March 13th to 16th. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students, and we extend our thanks to Ms. O’Shea for coordinating these enriching events.

Sport at Ashton: From Strength to Strength

Sport remains a vital aspect of school life at Ashton, with our students excelling in a wide range of activities. The Ashton badminton club has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with Mr. Kelly, Mr. Lee, and Ms. Desmond currently coaching the teams. Their hard work paid off during a recent inter-school badminton competition at Nagle Community College, where five other schools participated. Ashton was represented by teams at U14, U16, and U19 levels. Our junior teams played exceptionally well, gaining valuable experience. Notably, our U19 team emerged victorious, beating a tough Rochestown team to win the final! Congratulations to Jack Kiely, Aurelius Weber-Shevchenko, Jamie McNally, Loughlan Beck, Eddie O’Sullivan, and Adam Kamal. Ashton abú!

Basketball is another sport rapidly gaining popularity at Ashton. In February, our First Year girls’ basketball team represented the school for the first time in a match against Bandon Grammar School. While the result didn’t go in their favour, the team gained invaluable confidence and experience, which will no doubt serve them well in the upcoming league season. Well done to the girls and their coach, Mr. McBride.

Hockey Highlights at Ashton

Exciting developments in the world of hockey at Ashton too! Our Minor Boys’ hockey team  recently triumphed over Newtown School in the Minor Cup semi-final, securing a place in both the cup final and the John Waring Tournament. Our First Year Girls’ hockey team has also been making impressive strides this year, with recent victories over Bandon and Mount Mercy, led by captains Georgina Kenny and Heidi Treacy. Congratulations to our Minor Girls’ hockey team, who won their cup match 2-0 against Killorglin, advancing to the next round.

Soccer and Charitable Efforts

In soccer, Ashton’s U15 Girls’ team has been training hard and getting fantastic results. They recently travelled to Douglas Hall to face Terence MacSwiney Community College, where they put on a stellar performance, winning 9-1. A truly remarkable effort!

Our Knitting and Crochet group has also been involved in a heartwarming project. After completing a beautiful blanket for Blankets of Hope, staff and students have contributed to the blanket, which will soon be presented to the Cork Cancer Care Centre. Work continues on additional charity projects. Congratulations to all involved in these meaningful initiatives.

Cultural Enrichment and Learning

The Irish Department recently welcomed the group Caith Amach É, who performed their comical roadshow and workshop for Sixth Year students. The event was designed to help students prepare for their upcoming oral Irish exams in an engaging and interactive way. The group brought the notoriously challenging sraith pictiúr series to life for our Gaeilgeoirí, and the students embraced the experience with enthusiasm, thoroughly enjoying the event.

Additionally, our Fifth Year students had the opportunity to attend a screening of a new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at the Arc Cinema in Cork City. Accompanied by their teachers, Ms. Burke, Ms. Falvey, Mr. McCarthy, and Ms. O’Leary, the students watched the production filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London, specially adapted for the big screen. This immersive experience brought the tragic tale of love, murder, and power to life, providing students with a deeper understanding of this classic play.

 2 total views,  2 views today