Ashton School News March 2023.

Ashton School.

Transition Year students participated in the excellent Driving Lessons programme where they each actually drive a car around the car park supervised by a Driving Instructor.  This is in addition to actually changing a tyre, being informed and shown how to check the oil, water, and so much more under the bonnet of a car.  They complete the process with a simulated ‘Theory test’ on the computer, where their results are analysed and they learn what their shortcomings are subsequent to the feedback each student receives.  An amazing opportunity.  Co-Ordinated by Ms. Dennehy T.Y. Co-Ordinator.

All 3rd and 6^th year Examination students have completed the ‘Pre-Examinations’ successfully, and are now preparing for the next stage of State Examinations process,  being the completion of Practical Projects, and Oral language Examinations at Easter time.  We wish them and their Teachers well in all they do.

Adult Education has long been a ‘Staple’ of after-school educational activity at Ashton under the direction of Mr. Dave Hobbs, capably assisted by *****         Ms. Alex Kingston, ***  and Keith **  who supports all attendees with a great ‘cuppa’ and cheerful conversation each night, an essential part of any course.    Every class is full to capacity, with a huge variety of courses to choose from, including Crafting, Nutrition and Diet, Pilates, Spanish, Singing,  Furniture Restoration, Cake decoration, Art and lots more. The general public love the range and variety, some returning year after year, such is the success of the combination of content and excellent tutors, along with central city location, with lots of carparking spaces.  An excellent educational support to the community of Cork City.  Well done to Mr. Hobbs and his ‘team’.

Congratulations to Franco Umeh in 6^th Year on his most recent exciting news regarding starting to play with Crystal Palace in England, as he starts out on a professional soccer career path.

Franco has been playing soccer with Cork City, and at a recent pre-season friendly match with Dundalk, a delegation from London had travelled to watch Franco play.  Immediately after this match negotiations commenced, and  Franco signed professional terms.  Umeh signed a contract with a  75,000 Euros release clause.  Several lucrative add-ons have been put in place also in the event that Umeh eventually breaks through at Crystal Palace.  We warmly congratulate Franco for his outstanding ability and expertise in the skilled game of soccer, and his committed soccer coaches at Ashton over the years.  We also extend warm congratulations to his parents for their unstinting support of Franco throughout his fledgeling career, for their patience at long training sessions in Dublin and elsewhere,  their guidance and support of Franco in his educational ‘goals’, and all aspects of his life.  A smiling, unassuming student, with ‘the world at his feet’.  Heartiest congratulations.