The News 31 January 2025
School News
St Aidan's
St DO's
St Bede's
St CT's
St John's
St Margaret's
St EW's
St Hugh's
Update from the Headmaster
Dear Parents,
As I come to the end of my first calendar month as Headmaster I would like to highlight the encouragement given to me by our students as something which has been so very special. One such example took place in the Lower Chaplaincy late last Friday afternoon where a mixture of students from every year group and House in the College came together in spirit and in prayer to mark the start of the Jubilee year in schools in the UK. Their approach and togetherness was an inspiration.
One of the privileges of being Headmaster is being able to celebrate the achievements of pupils. I would like to highlight a Y12 student this week who received an award for the best result in the world in iGCSE Spanish! William, who is a native Spanish speaker, did not perhaps at first understand this award. It is an international exam and there will have been a significant number of other native speakers taking the examination - this is truly remarkable.
Update from the Headmaster
Our boys' Hockey team had a great result against St Peter's on Wednesday afternoon, winning 4-3 to continue their unbeaten season so far. Speaking of Hockey, our U14 girls compete in the national finals on Monday. They have played some exceptional Hockey so far this year and we wish them all the best in their group fixtures against Kingswood School, Manchester High School for Girls and Seaford College.
Update from the Headmaster
On Tuesday afternoon, approximately 1,500 people attended the Brompton Oratory for a Requiem Mass in honour of Fr Edward Corbould OSB. It was a blessing to hear of the positive impact Fr Edward made on generations of Old Amplefordians and their families. Upon returning to school, a member of the Common Room told me about Fr Edward's leaving speech to staff upon his retirement, finishing with advice to colleagues on our pupils: 'Build them up'. Quite right. We look forward to receiving lots of families to the Valley this weekend for our Open Morning, where our pupils, the best ambassadors, will tour them around the school of which they are so proud.
Jon
Junior Hoys Boys Hockey V St Peter's
Lunar New Year Celebration
DO's House Recital Today
Pocklington Netball Tournament
Message from Mrs Dent
A little focus on food this week. Having had our fair share of winter viruses working their way through the house over the past couple of weeks, we've been keen to promote messages on the importance of our daily habits in bosltering our reserves. Breakfast, whether eaten first thing or hoovering up the left-overs at morning break, forms an important part of fueling the girls for the busyness of boarding life. We're lucky to be provided with a fantastic variety of options each day from the catering team, alongside the cereal, bread and yoghurt always available. Be it smoked salmon, hash browns, baked beans, overnight oats or pancakes with bacon, there is something different on offer every day. We add to this in-house, by providing additional eggs, avocados and a range of fruit to ensure that there is something healthy and appealing for everyone to start the day. We're always trialling special additions - this week it's the turn of sourdough bread, to see what goes down well for possible longer term inclusion. Feed back from the girls and close liaison with the catering team means we can manage to keep our breakfast offering fresh and appealing. Of course, breakfast in house is not just about food. It is vital touchpoint in the day, with the opportunity for the house team to catch up with and 'temperature check' the wellbeing of the girls, whether boarder or day student. Of course, it's of great value also to the connections between and integration of the girls themselves. Hooray for breakfast!
Ceri Dent, Housemistress St Aidan's House
Netball
It was fantastic to see so many of our girls enjoying their netball last weekend in fixtures against teams from Pocklington school.
A reminder that if you'd like to keep up with the goings on of the House and girls, then do find us on social media. Please do also feel free to drop me a line with news or pictures of interesting or note-worthy things the girls have been up to in the holidays. It's always nice to share their experience more widely on these pages to celebrate the many gifts and achievements of the girls.
Dear Parents, Confirmation classes with Miss Foster and Fr Phillip are full speed ahead for our confirmandi. We have welcomed Oblates from Manquehue, Chile, this week and they are helping us with Lectio in House. Our year 12s have been running kitchen duties and some are planning redecoration of the common room. Our talented girls are appearing in Shac rock this weekend. Film club has been in St Bedes and some preparations for House cross country and House Singing are evidently priorities for our tutors and girls! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Charmaine
Metacognition with Year 12s.
Bede's Tutor meetings always a win-win!
Bedes still thriving in lessons and working hard!
Bedes year 11s not studying for once this term!
Fun times with friends!
Year 9 Sunday board games with St Cuthbert's and St Thomas'!
Birthdays in Bede's!
Happy Birthday girls!
Goodbye Matron Penny! We will miss you!
Celebrations in school- Happy Chinese New Year!
Proud of our SportswomenStephanie, Kiki, Martha, Henrietta and Lidia!
Keep up to date with House events on:
Busy School Life
This has been a busy week in house and around school. As year 11 learn of their trial results, the house has really been under pressure to keep up momentum and to build on the positive start to the term. Days are slowly getting lighter, but even after the snow has melted we feel like we are in a winter wonderland and there is always something calming about seeing the mist resting below the house in the valley.
Key events this week include Holocaust Memorial Day, and one of our tutors, Mr Connor gave a moving talk in assembly this week as he explained why it was important to remember the Holocaust at this time. Chinese New Year is always a highlight and the food in the Refectory was outstanding on Wednesday, as you can imagine the boys were in food heaven! Ending the week with an Open Day too, really shows how we open our doors to the world outside of the valley.
We look forward this weekend to SHAC Rock and we have several boys performing and entertaining the whole school community. One of the great events this term!
As we look towards the final full week of this half term, I again politely remind parents and guardians to please let us know of travel plans for half term through the usual channels.
Saturday Shoot & Tea
Deli Night & NFL
Chinese New Year
Schola in Durham
Schola in Durham
Conratulations William H
An Outstanding Camridge Learner Award for being the best in the WORLD for iGCSE Spanish!
Memories
This week and last we have been united in prayer as a house community for the York family and for Fr Oswalds family. Mr Allisstone found this wonderful memory of Charlie for the boys in house.
Happy Birthday Louis!
Pupdate!
Message from the Housemaster
This week, we celebrated House Punch which was enjoyed by all. With over 70 boys and guests, we celebrated Mass, had a lovely dinner and engaged in some hearty sing-alongs at the end of the night. Other than that, the boys in Remove are receiving their mock exams results and very clear instructions on how to improve for the real "thing" in summer.
Storm Eowyn
The recent gale force winds distroyed parts of our treasured Summer House, built by OA Mark Bridgeman in the 80s. We are currently getting a quote for the repairs so that the boys can continue to use it in years to come.
Storm Eowyn
Sunday Mass
Finbar, Eddie, Pablo and Dom "in action" during Mass.
House Punch
Our House Punch on Monday began with a beautiful Mass in our house chapel.
House Punch
House Punch
House Punch
Emil on the piano and the organ - House musician of the year, clearly!
House Punch
We then enjoyed our pre dinner drinks with year 13s and their invited guests. Thank you to Minnie for the amazing display of canapees.
House Punch
House Punch
House Punch
Formal Dinner
House Punch
House Punch
House Punch
Speeches
House Punch
Speeches
House Punch
Speeches
House Punch
Speeches
House Punch
"Above & Beyond" awards for those boys who have contributed to the house in an extraordinary fashion and who represent the house and school values to a t.
House Punch
This year's recipients were Benny, Richard and Ben (sadly, no photo of Ben).
House Punch
Award certificate and house colours.
House Punch
We then performed out house song 2025 to show our gratitude to the catering staff: "Always look on the bright side of life".
House Punch
After dinner, the juniors enjoyed their alcohol free punch in the Common Room while the senior and guests gathered in the Study for some post dinner drinks.
House Punch
House Punch
House Punch
Above & Beyond
Compline
Antonius, Emil, Ben and Finbar cantoring our sung comline on Thursday night
Last but not least
We remember Fr Edward, former Housemaster in our House. About 1100 guests (mostly OAs of St Edward's) attended the Requiem Mass in London on Tuesday.
Junior House Newsletter 31/1/25
See what our Junior House has been up to this week...
Start!
Message from the Housemaster
Dear Parents and Guardians,Junior House had an exceptional week, starting with an excellent performance in the Schola Mass on Friday. On Monday, our academic scholars delivered brilliant presentations, and our sports teams excelled in netball and hockey. We also welcomed Geoffrey/Richard the tortoise as a new member of our community. Saturday's Year 7 assessment day allowed us to meet potential new starters, making it a week full of achievements and excitement. Here's to another busy and brilliant week ahead for Junior House! 🥳📚🏅 Warmly, Mike Slingsby Head of Junior House
Start!
Next
Lectio Divina
This week's chaplaincy period coincided with the visit of 6 Manquehue oblates to Ampleforth College. They mixed with the children, to get to know them and help them with Lectio Divina. The four key steps in Lectio Divina are: Lectio (Reading): Slowly and attentively read a short passage of Scripture. Meditatio (Meditation): Reflect on a word or phrase that stands out to you from the passage. Oratio (Prayer): Respond to God through prayer, based on your reflections. Contemplatio (Contemplation): Rest in God's presence and allow the Scripture to transform
Next
Tutor Focus
Mr Ruane Star of the Week: Our 'Star of the Week' this week is Florence. Through her leadership as a Prefect, Florence exemplifies the Benedictine core values of attentiveness, respect, and integrity which she demonstrates in our tutor group and around the House. In addition, she recently represented Ampleforth at the Epworth Equestrian Centre and achieved 2nd place, qualifying for the finals at Hickstead in May. Mrs Cook, Ampleforth's Equestrian Manager, says that Florence has a bright future in the Eventing World, and she is very proud of her achievements since she joined the school. Well done, Florence.
Next
Next
Achievements
Saturday
A shout out to Willow in Year 8, who won Club Person of the Year at the City of Yor Athletics Club. An amazing achivement from this all-round superstar!
Games Night
On Sunday, both Ettie and Florence competed at Epworth. They both qualified for the NSEA Eventers Challenge Championships in May Awesome work girls!
Tuesday
Squash Club
Next
Sport
Saturday
Amazing results vs Pocklington in the Netball and St Peter's in Hockey this week!
Games Night
Tuesday
Should you wish to have any of these photos - please contact Hugh Codrington on hgc@ampleforth.org.uk
Next
Squash Club
Next
Sport
Saturday
Games Night
Tuesday
Next
Squash Club
Next
Follow us....
Saturday
Sports Fixtures Please follow this link to keep up to date with all our fixtures.
Games Night
Tuesday
Password - Benedictine 1802
Squash Club
Next
Message from the Housemaster
Dear Parents and Guardians, The days are getting longer and the boys are looking forward to the Cross Country next week. Well, at least one of those is true. At the end of last week the Year 10s met Olympian Anthony Harding, who spoke about his Bronze-winning synchronised diving at the Paris Olympics. Also last week, the Schola Cantorum sang with the Durham Cathedral Choir in a joint evensong. This week we celebrated Chinese New Year with a delicious feast. The boys relished the savoury dumplings, mouth-watering stir-fries and some amazing fried rice. The 1st XV won 40-5 over Malton Rugby Academy, while the 1st and 3rd XI Hockey teams beat St Peter's, York 4-3 and 3-2 respectively. We have a good day of Football, Swimming, Rugby, Hockey, Golf, Fitness and Cross Country to look forward to tomorrow. Dan Housemaster, St Hugh's House
The News 31 January 2025 - St John's
Congratulations to Henry for being awarded his 1st XV rugby cap.
Message from Ms Paterson
Dear Parents, This week has been filled with a variety of memorable events. We began by supporting many of our girls as they played Netball against Pocklington and Ripon, followed by a delightful movie night with guests from other houses, offering a lovely chance to unwind. This weekend, however, will be a vibrant contrast as a few of our students take the stage at SHAC Rock. We also celebrated three birthdays, marked the beginning of Chinese New Year, and enjoyed a wonderful cheese and wine evening hosted by our Year 13 students—a well-deserved treat for their hard work so far this year. Wishing you all the best, Rebecca
Chinese New Year
Netball v Pocklington
Netball v Pocklington
Netball v Ripon
Y13 Cheese and wine night
Birthdays this week!
Happy Birthday to Maggie, Isabel & Emily!!!
The News 7 march
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Transcript
The News 31 January 2025
School News
St Aidan's
St DO's
St Bede's
St CT's
St John's
St Margaret's
St EW's
St Hugh's
Update from the Headmaster
Dear Parents, As I come to the end of my first calendar month as Headmaster I would like to highlight the encouragement given to me by our students as something which has been so very special. One such example took place in the Lower Chaplaincy late last Friday afternoon where a mixture of students from every year group and House in the College came together in spirit and in prayer to mark the start of the Jubilee year in schools in the UK. Their approach and togetherness was an inspiration. One of the privileges of being Headmaster is being able to celebrate the achievements of pupils. I would like to highlight a Y12 student this week who received an award for the best result in the world in iGCSE Spanish! William, who is a native Spanish speaker, did not perhaps at first understand this award. It is an international exam and there will have been a significant number of other native speakers taking the examination - this is truly remarkable.
Update from the Headmaster
Our boys' Hockey team had a great result against St Peter's on Wednesday afternoon, winning 4-3 to continue their unbeaten season so far. Speaking of Hockey, our U14 girls compete in the national finals on Monday. They have played some exceptional Hockey so far this year and we wish them all the best in their group fixtures against Kingswood School, Manchester High School for Girls and Seaford College.
Update from the Headmaster
On Tuesday afternoon, approximately 1,500 people attended the Brompton Oratory for a Requiem Mass in honour of Fr Edward Corbould OSB. It was a blessing to hear of the positive impact Fr Edward made on generations of Old Amplefordians and their families. Upon returning to school, a member of the Common Room told me about Fr Edward's leaving speech to staff upon his retirement, finishing with advice to colleagues on our pupils: 'Build them up'. Quite right. We look forward to receiving lots of families to the Valley this weekend for our Open Morning, where our pupils, the best ambassadors, will tour them around the school of which they are so proud. Jon
Junior Hoys Boys Hockey V St Peter's
Lunar New Year Celebration
DO's House Recital Today
Pocklington Netball Tournament
Message from Mrs Dent
A little focus on food this week. Having had our fair share of winter viruses working their way through the house over the past couple of weeks, we've been keen to promote messages on the importance of our daily habits in bosltering our reserves. Breakfast, whether eaten first thing or hoovering up the left-overs at morning break, forms an important part of fueling the girls for the busyness of boarding life. We're lucky to be provided with a fantastic variety of options each day from the catering team, alongside the cereal, bread and yoghurt always available. Be it smoked salmon, hash browns, baked beans, overnight oats or pancakes with bacon, there is something different on offer every day. We add to this in-house, by providing additional eggs, avocados and a range of fruit to ensure that there is something healthy and appealing for everyone to start the day. We're always trialling special additions - this week it's the turn of sourdough bread, to see what goes down well for possible longer term inclusion. Feed back from the girls and close liaison with the catering team means we can manage to keep our breakfast offering fresh and appealing. Of course, breakfast in house is not just about food. It is vital touchpoint in the day, with the opportunity for the house team to catch up with and 'temperature check' the wellbeing of the girls, whether boarder or day student. Of course, it's of great value also to the connections between and integration of the girls themselves. Hooray for breakfast!
Ceri Dent, Housemistress St Aidan's House
Netball
It was fantastic to see so many of our girls enjoying their netball last weekend in fixtures against teams from Pocklington school.
A reminder that if you'd like to keep up with the goings on of the House and girls, then do find us on social media. Please do also feel free to drop me a line with news or pictures of interesting or note-worthy things the girls have been up to in the holidays. It's always nice to share their experience more widely on these pages to celebrate the many gifts and achievements of the girls.
Dear Parents, Confirmation classes with Miss Foster and Fr Phillip are full speed ahead for our confirmandi. We have welcomed Oblates from Manquehue, Chile, this week and they are helping us with Lectio in House. Our year 12s have been running kitchen duties and some are planning redecoration of the common room. Our talented girls are appearing in Shac rock this weekend. Film club has been in St Bedes and some preparations for House cross country and House Singing are evidently priorities for our tutors and girls! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Charmaine
Metacognition with Year 12s.
Bede's Tutor meetings always a win-win!
Bedes still thriving in lessons and working hard!
Bedes year 11s not studying for once this term!
Fun times with friends!
Year 9 Sunday board games with St Cuthbert's and St Thomas'!
Birthdays in Bede's!
Happy Birthday girls!
Goodbye Matron Penny! We will miss you!
Celebrations in school- Happy Chinese New Year!
Proud of our SportswomenStephanie, Kiki, Martha, Henrietta and Lidia!
Keep up to date with House events on:
Busy School Life
This has been a busy week in house and around school. As year 11 learn of their trial results, the house has really been under pressure to keep up momentum and to build on the positive start to the term. Days are slowly getting lighter, but even after the snow has melted we feel like we are in a winter wonderland and there is always something calming about seeing the mist resting below the house in the valley. Key events this week include Holocaust Memorial Day, and one of our tutors, Mr Connor gave a moving talk in assembly this week as he explained why it was important to remember the Holocaust at this time. Chinese New Year is always a highlight and the food in the Refectory was outstanding on Wednesday, as you can imagine the boys were in food heaven! Ending the week with an Open Day too, really shows how we open our doors to the world outside of the valley. We look forward this weekend to SHAC Rock and we have several boys performing and entertaining the whole school community. One of the great events this term! As we look towards the final full week of this half term, I again politely remind parents and guardians to please let us know of travel plans for half term through the usual channels.
Saturday Shoot & Tea
Deli Night & NFL
Chinese New Year
Schola in Durham
Schola in Durham
Conratulations William H
An Outstanding Camridge Learner Award for being the best in the WORLD for iGCSE Spanish!
Memories
This week and last we have been united in prayer as a house community for the York family and for Fr Oswalds family. Mr Allisstone found this wonderful memory of Charlie for the boys in house.
Happy Birthday Louis!
Pupdate!
Message from the Housemaster
This week, we celebrated House Punch which was enjoyed by all. With over 70 boys and guests, we celebrated Mass, had a lovely dinner and engaged in some hearty sing-alongs at the end of the night. Other than that, the boys in Remove are receiving their mock exams results and very clear instructions on how to improve for the real "thing" in summer.
Storm Eowyn
The recent gale force winds distroyed parts of our treasured Summer House, built by OA Mark Bridgeman in the 80s. We are currently getting a quote for the repairs so that the boys can continue to use it in years to come.
Storm Eowyn
Sunday Mass
Finbar, Eddie, Pablo and Dom "in action" during Mass.
House Punch
Our House Punch on Monday began with a beautiful Mass in our house chapel.
House Punch
House Punch
House Punch
Emil on the piano and the organ - House musician of the year, clearly!
House Punch
We then enjoyed our pre dinner drinks with year 13s and their invited guests. Thank you to Minnie for the amazing display of canapees.
House Punch
House Punch
House Punch
Formal Dinner
House Punch
House Punch
House Punch
Speeches
House Punch
Speeches
House Punch
Speeches
House Punch
Speeches
House Punch
"Above & Beyond" awards for those boys who have contributed to the house in an extraordinary fashion and who represent the house and school values to a t.
House Punch
This year's recipients were Benny, Richard and Ben (sadly, no photo of Ben).
House Punch
Award certificate and house colours.
House Punch
We then performed out house song 2025 to show our gratitude to the catering staff: "Always look on the bright side of life".
House Punch
After dinner, the juniors enjoyed their alcohol free punch in the Common Room while the senior and guests gathered in the Study for some post dinner drinks.
House Punch
House Punch
House Punch
Above & Beyond
Compline
Antonius, Emil, Ben and Finbar cantoring our sung comline on Thursday night
Last but not least
We remember Fr Edward, former Housemaster in our House. About 1100 guests (mostly OAs of St Edward's) attended the Requiem Mass in London on Tuesday.
Junior House Newsletter 31/1/25
See what our Junior House has been up to this week...
Start!
Message from the Housemaster
Dear Parents and Guardians,Junior House had an exceptional week, starting with an excellent performance in the Schola Mass on Friday. On Monday, our academic scholars delivered brilliant presentations, and our sports teams excelled in netball and hockey. We also welcomed Geoffrey/Richard the tortoise as a new member of our community. Saturday's Year 7 assessment day allowed us to meet potential new starters, making it a week full of achievements and excitement. Here's to another busy and brilliant week ahead for Junior House! 🥳📚🏅 Warmly, Mike Slingsby Head of Junior House
Start!
Next
Lectio Divina
This week's chaplaincy period coincided with the visit of 6 Manquehue oblates to Ampleforth College. They mixed with the children, to get to know them and help them with Lectio Divina. The four key steps in Lectio Divina are: Lectio (Reading): Slowly and attentively read a short passage of Scripture. Meditatio (Meditation): Reflect on a word or phrase that stands out to you from the passage. Oratio (Prayer): Respond to God through prayer, based on your reflections. Contemplatio (Contemplation): Rest in God's presence and allow the Scripture to transform
Next
Tutor Focus
Mr Ruane Star of the Week: Our 'Star of the Week' this week is Florence. Through her leadership as a Prefect, Florence exemplifies the Benedictine core values of attentiveness, respect, and integrity which she demonstrates in our tutor group and around the House. In addition, she recently represented Ampleforth at the Epworth Equestrian Centre and achieved 2nd place, qualifying for the finals at Hickstead in May. Mrs Cook, Ampleforth's Equestrian Manager, says that Florence has a bright future in the Eventing World, and she is very proud of her achievements since she joined the school. Well done, Florence.
Next
Next
Achievements
Saturday
A shout out to Willow in Year 8, who won Club Person of the Year at the City of Yor Athletics Club. An amazing achivement from this all-round superstar!
Games Night
On Sunday, both Ettie and Florence competed at Epworth. They both qualified for the NSEA Eventers Challenge Championships in May Awesome work girls!
Tuesday
Squash Club
Next
Sport
Saturday
Amazing results vs Pocklington in the Netball and St Peter's in Hockey this week!
Games Night
Tuesday
Should you wish to have any of these photos - please contact Hugh Codrington on hgc@ampleforth.org.uk
Next
Squash Club
Next
Sport
Saturday
Games Night
Tuesday
Next
Squash Club
Next
Follow us....
Saturday
Sports Fixtures Please follow this link to keep up to date with all our fixtures.
Games Night
Tuesday
Password - Benedictine 1802
Squash Club
Next
Message from the Housemaster
Dear Parents and Guardians, The days are getting longer and the boys are looking forward to the Cross Country next week. Well, at least one of those is true. At the end of last week the Year 10s met Olympian Anthony Harding, who spoke about his Bronze-winning synchronised diving at the Paris Olympics. Also last week, the Schola Cantorum sang with the Durham Cathedral Choir in a joint evensong. This week we celebrated Chinese New Year with a delicious feast. The boys relished the savoury dumplings, mouth-watering stir-fries and some amazing fried rice. The 1st XV won 40-5 over Malton Rugby Academy, while the 1st and 3rd XI Hockey teams beat St Peter's, York 4-3 and 3-2 respectively. We have a good day of Football, Swimming, Rugby, Hockey, Golf, Fitness and Cross Country to look forward to tomorrow. Dan Housemaster, St Hugh's House
The News 31 January 2025 - St John's
Congratulations to Henry for being awarded his 1st XV rugby cap.
Message from Ms Paterson
Dear Parents, This week has been filled with a variety of memorable events. We began by supporting many of our girls as they played Netball against Pocklington and Ripon, followed by a delightful movie night with guests from other houses, offering a lovely chance to unwind. This weekend, however, will be a vibrant contrast as a few of our students take the stage at SHAC Rock. We also celebrated three birthdays, marked the beginning of Chinese New Year, and enjoyed a wonderful cheese and wine evening hosted by our Year 13 students—a well-deserved treat for their hard work so far this year. Wishing you all the best, Rebecca
Chinese New Year
Netball v Pocklington
Netball v Pocklington
Netball v Ripon
Y13 Cheese and wine night
Birthdays this week!
Happy Birthday to Maggie, Isabel & Emily!!!