Ashton Notes February 2015

The storms of Winter rejuvenate and yet haunt us at times with the threat of snow beloved of all students, but ‘dreaded’ by staff and parents!  Such is the beauty and power of Nature.  Yet school life carries on apace.

Second Year students are presently undertaking the Discover Cork History Project to explore local history and develop an understanding of the role of the historian and their work as professionals, along with developing an appreciation of their culture.

Leaving Certificate students Art Class recently visited Crawford Art Gallery and had a tour of the permanent collection including Harry Clarke’s stained class collection, Cassanova sculptures, Sean Keating’s work and that of Jack B. Yeats, as part of the Art Appreciation module for the Leaving Cert. Examination organised by Ms. O’ Shea.

Transition Year students have been exceedingly busy as they finalised their preparations and rehearsals for ‘Annie’, the musical which they performed from Jan. 19^th to 23^rd in the P. E. Hall at Ashton to rave reviews and capacity audiences.  The singing, props and costumes, along with innovative set and stage backdrops ensured audiences were at the edge of their seats at every show. We congratulate each and every one involved, along with the dedication of Mr. Ruttle in ensuring  excellence at all levels.

Drive for Life always proves most popular with students, and provides a very ‘real-life’ experience for those who participate, along with sound effects!  A very worthwhile experience for young drivers.

The second rotation of Community Action has commenced with students in voluntary placements all over the city, volunteering their time on a Tuesday morning to help those who are not always as lucky in life as we are.

Spanish students are presently preparing for orals, and continuing their cross-curricular development of the language and Latin-American culture, using internet in the classroom, which students thoroughly enjoy.

The French Exchange group had a most worthwhile visit when they visited Ashton for the first two weeks of February, visiting Cobh Heritage Centre, and Spike Island.  They also visited UCC and enjoyed a tour of the complex, followed by the excitement of completing the ‘climbing wall’ exercise at the Mardyke Arena, also at UCC.  Ashton students are keenly looking forward to the return leg of the trip to Pontivvy in France later on in March.

In Soccer, the U 19 team had magnificent win against Presentation Brothers College recently, despite most inclement weather conditions, winning with a score of 1-0 to Ashton.  Diligence and endurance winning the day for both teams.

Hockey teams are currently training very hard for the Junior and Senior Cups, despite appalling conditions on many occasions.  Their love of the game carrying them through the weather!.