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05.16 - The News

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Created on May 16, 2025

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The News 16 May 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

Message from the Headmaster

It was lovely to attend the Anglican confirmation last Sunday where 6 current students and an OA were confirmed by the Bishop of Whitby; thank you to Mr Allisstone for all of the care and attention he has provided in preparation. In Sport the girls 1st XI have had a great week with a victory against Scarborough in the Yorkshire Cup, following up a thrilling 2-run victory over Durham at the weekend. The Boys Colts A side picked up a positive win by 5 wickets against Yarm on Wednesday while the U13 boys won a competitive fixture against Terrington Hall on Tuesday evening. In Tennis, 3 of our 4 sides had victories against Pocklington School last weekend. Having arrived back from successful prospective parent events in Gibraltar and Madrid last Friday, where it was lovely to have the opportunity to see many OAs, it was great to see a busy Open Morning on Saturday morning. Admissions numbers continue to look positive for September 2025. I have very much enjoyed being on retreat in Glenstall Abbey this week with fellow Heads of Benedictine schools. It was lovely to spend time reflecting on the importance of Benedictine education in our modern world. Congratulations to Hannah Tench and James Deacy who have been appointed Heads of School for next academic year, as well as Kofi Taylor and Hattie Roberts who were appointed Deputy Heads. I look forward to seeing you at Exhibition next weekend. During Prize Giving, I would like to thank all members of Y13 for their efforts in their time with us - all will come up on the stage to receive a gift which we hope will remind them of their time here in the Valley.

New Heads and Deputy Heads of School

After a tough selection process with strong competition, a huge congratulations to our new Heads of School, Hannah (12M) and James (12H), and Deputy Heads Hattie (12A) and Kofi (12CT). A very well-deserved achievement and a huge congratulations to them all.

Anglican Confirmation

We were delighted to celebrate the Church of England confirmation of six of our students, Freddie, Ned, Joshua, Serena, Maggie, and Ned alongside Rupert (T21) and a child from the village. Maggie was also baptised during the service which took place in St Hilda's Church, Ampleforth, led by the Right Reverend Barry Hill, the new Bishop of Whitby. The students were surrounded by their family, friends, and Houseparents and it was an honour to have our Headmaster, Fr. Ambrose, and Fr. Henry join this important milestone in the journey of our students. A truly special day for all.

Cricket Season Success!

A thrilling bank holiday weekend cricket match saw the Boys' 1st XI clinch a nail-biting 1-wicket victory against the Marylebone Cricket Club on a beautiful weekend in the valley. After some excellent bowling from Arthur and Rollo restricted the MCC to 131 all out, Ampleforth held their nerve to reach 134 for 9. Adding to the cricketing success, the Girls' 1st XI delivered an excellent all-round performance, securing a resounding nine-wicket victory which propels them into the Third Round of the Nationals.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

It's Duke of Edinburgh expedition season, and our first silver practice group got back yesterday after two chilly nights but glorious days in beautiful Rosedale. The DofE Award serves to develop confidence and resilience in young people as well as important life skills. One of the rewards for those who make it the whole way through to Gold, is to receive their Award from the Duke of Edinburgh himself at Buckingham Palace! Many congratulations to our OAs Daisy Park (A23), Mary Elmhirst (A23), Elspeth Blake-James (A23), and Cicely Johnson-Ferguson (M23) who did exactly this last week. We are very proud of you girls!

CCF - Air Flying Experience

Last week, our RAF cadets had the fantastic opportunity to visit RAF Leeming to complete Air Experience Flying. Under the guidance of some very experienced fighter pilots, cadets took to the skies and gained hands-on flying time in the Grob Tutor G 115, a fixed-wing propeller aircraft. All participating cadets are now working toward their Bronze Pilot Wings, the next step on their exciting journey in the RAF Cadet programme!

Exhibition Play 2025

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Message from Mrs Dent

Not so much in the way of wider 'news' this week as the big focus has been public examinations. It's the first big week of the examination timetable and the house has shifted into a mode of purpose and intense focus. The girls are doing themselves proud in keeping calm and carrying on. A level Artists are in the throes of their final practical pieces before adding the finishing touches to portfolios and GCSE exams are in full swing. With another big week of exams next week, we're counting down the days to Exhibition and welcome mood of collective celebration and joy that will bring. There are some significant event at the end of this week that we look forward to sharing with you in due course:

  • Year 10 DofE Silver Practice Expedition, returning to school this evening.
  • The BIG WALK to raise funds for the Friendship Project, with many of our Yr12 taking part.
  • The ACT performance of Moriarty next week
We're looking forward to seeing many of you next weekend at Exhibition. Ceri Dent, Housemistress St Aidan's House

We've had such lovely weather recently to enjoy the garden and our beautful surroundings.

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 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.

The Importance of the House Family

In many ways, the week that has just been has challenged the boys tremendously. The GCSE examination season is now fully underway with some boys having as many as nine assessments this week. Several sixth formers have had assessments and A Level examinations too. The work focus is clear and the boys are supporting each other in their studies. School life is always busy and with assessments and the pressure of performing as well as the can, the boys are doing their absolute best. What has been even clearer is that the family feel of the house is very important at these kind of times. Whether that be kicking a football around to relax, enjoying a birthday gathering for one of your friends or an evening BBQ with your year group. It is these events and times which give the boys the strength and focus to carry on and to find enjoyment in amongst the daily pressures of school life. It makes me proud to see the boys growing together, cementing friendships and above all supporting each other so well. With Exhibition just a week away, I look forward to many of you visiting the valley and seeing how well the boys are doing firsthand. It promises to be a celebratory weekend and we look forward to welcoming you all.

Footy to relax

Footy to relax

Weekend Sport

Kip throwing the ball down!

Oliver read well in Mass

Sunday BBQ - quick photos!

Confirmations

Confirmations

Confirmations

Happy 18th Theo!

We welcomed Y8 into house for a visit

We welcomed Y8 into house for a visit

Biology GCSE Revision

Y11 Mid-Week Break

Oliver Proudly showing the Drum Major Sash

Happy 17th Birthday Ben T!

Happy 17th Birthday Ben T!

Pupdate - Watching the Boys Leave House

Pupdate - A Tiring Week

Dear Parents,We are in mid exams seasons as you are no doubt aware. Girls in year 10 and 12 are feeling relieved after exams. Those in yr 11 and 13 doing public exams are working hard. Year 9s are supporting the House with their endless energy and enthusiasm. GCSE scientists have been doing extra lessons with Mr Devitt. In yr 13 Anastasia Wu has been busy with extra Chemistry while Amber has taken over a lab to perfect her statistics for A level Mathematics. Audrey is getting on with the production of Moriarty as well as her Drama A level pieces. Yr 10s have been away on D of Ewhile Year 12s are preparing for the Big Walk all day and night on Saturday. - Meg has made us proud as she represented Bede's in the 1st XI that won through to the last 16 in the Cricket Cup (NATIONALS). - a rainbow shining over Bede's despite public exam season! Looking forward to seeing many of you next week for prizegiving and Exhibition
Bede's Academic Focus !

Everyone loves St Bede's !

CCF in Action with Margaret, Amber and Anastasia

Sport is always on our minds!

St Bede guiding us through the day everyday
Bede's girls' grateful for our stunning location

Keep up to date with House events on:

Message from the Housemaster

The weather continues to be magnificent, although I do wish for some rain in support of our farming community. A level and GCSE exams are in full swing, and we are on the home straight regarding Exhibition and the half term holidays in a bit over a week. Can't wait!

Sporting Success

Emil had another great match, this time against Durham. Another victory in the (cricket)bag.

Sunday Night is Deli Night

Another Sunday, another Deli Night. This time everybody enjoyed the Currywurst I made from the leftovers of our BBQ at lunch time.

Sunday Night is Deli Night

Again, it tastes nicer than it looks...

Sunday Night is Deli Night

Also, the cheesy nachos with pickled chillis and hot sauce went down a treat.

Sunday Night is Deli Night

Happy customers.

Sunday Night is Deli Night

Happy customer.

Sunday Night is Deli Night

Happy customers.

Sunday Night is Deli Night

Future DO's boys?

On Monday evening, we had the year 8 boys from Junior House visiting DO's to see if they could envisage joining us in year 9. They particularly liked the tuck shop, Common Room, Rock Room and of course the sports pitch.

Assembly

On Tuesday, our boys were very attentive during the assembly in the Abbey Church. We are now sitting in the gallery. Great view!

View from the balcony

Junior House's chaplain Fr Ambrose celebrated an open air mass with the boys and girls from years 7 and 8. What a lovely idea.

Thank you!

Some of our Upper Sixth enjoying the comfy sofas their parents donated to the house. What a great present, thank you very much indeed.

Last but not least

We were close to simply dismantling the summer house which was damaged so badly in the strong winds last term. However, Fr Henry is not someone who gives up easily, so he got in touch with Estates who did a really good job. I guess we will get another 5 - 10 years of use out of it.

Message from the Housemaster

Dear Parents and Guardians, The sun is shining and the weather is sweet. Willow being wielded, golf balls flying at the Golf Course and the tennis courts are buzzing with activity. Outside studying, lots of sunlight well into the evening. Not much is as good as spring in the valley. The GCSEs and A Levels are well-and-truly underway; as the boys come back into the house after the exams there are looks of happiness, some of doubt, but many of relief for the hard work in preparation is over. There is just one more week before Exhibition and the Leavers' Ball; it will be a wonderful celebration of everything your boys are doing here in the Valley. Dan Housemaster, St Hugh's House

Cricketing success

Arthur and Harrison have been working very hard on their cricket and have been integral parts of the U14 Yorkshire CCC team. This week they beat Leicestershire.

The boys did a House Review survey last week. One of the questions was: "describe your house atmosphere". Here are the responses:

VE Day parade

Follow us on social media for updates!

Message from Ms Paterson

Dear Parents This week overheard in St Margaret’s, birthday candles being blown out, volleyballs thwacking gloriously into the net, pages turning in revision guides, and the angelic echoes of Confirmation hymns. A week of celebration, dedication, and enough sugar to power a small country. Happy birthday to Rose, who celebrated another spin around the sun this week! Her day was marked with much laughter, too much of Moragh’s cake (if that’s possible?), and some impressively enthusiastic renditions of “Happy Birthday” in four different keys. On Sunday, the Village church of St Hilda’s became the setting for something deeply moving: the Anglican Confirmation of two of our girls, Serena and Maggie. The service was rich with tradition, heartfelt faith, and more than one misty eye among the congregation (I was not prepared with tissues for other people of course). It’s always a privilege to witness these moments of spiritual commitment, and we hold them in our prayers as they step boldly into this next chapter of their journey. Meanwhile, God has been smiling on the valley, because the weather decided to join the party just in time for our Sunny Weekend Socials. And what a weekend it was! We welcomed Year 10s for an evening of volleyball, laughter, and cookies—so many cookies, in fact, that it briefly became unclear whether we were hosting a social or opening a bakery. The spike-happy sportsmanship was outdone only by the baking brilliance (sadly of Tesco’s this time I was in charge of this event). Community spirit (and sugar levels) were sky-high. Amid all this festivity, there’s also been a quieter triumph happening behind the scenes: our Year 11 and Year 13 students are deep in the throes of exam revision—and doing brilliantly. Flashcards are flying, past papers are being tackled with steely resolve, and the library has never looked so studious (or so well-caffeinated). We’re incredibly proud of the discipline and camaraderie on display. So here’s to a week of sacred milestones, sugar-fuelled volleyball, and revision sessions powered by grit. As always, St Margaret’s continues to be a place where hearts are full, minds are focused, and there’s usually a spare biscuit or two if you know where to look. Best wishes Rebecca

Anglican Confirmation

Anglican Confirmation

Happy Birthday Rose!!!

Congratulation to our New Head of School

We are so proud of you Hannah!!

Junior House Newsletter 16/5/25

See what our Junior House has been up to this week...

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Message from the Housemaster

It's been another bustling week here in Junior House, and the energy is absolutely buzzing! There's a palpable sense of excitement in the air, particularly amongst our Year 8s who are eagerly anticipating their upcoming tours of the Senior Houses. It's a significant step in their journey, and we wish them all the best as they explore their future learning environments. This week has been packed with highlights. A huge well done to Mrs Graham's tutor group for their excellent presentation on revision techniques. They shared some fantastic tips and strategies that will undoubtedly benefit all our pupils as they approach future assessments. It's wonderful to see such proactive and thoughtful engagement with their studies. On the sporting front, our cricket teams have had a busy schedule with exciting fixtures against Durham, Terrington, and Yarm. We've seen some brilliant performances and great sportsmanship throughout the week. Well done to all who participated! And who could forget the glorious sunshine that graced us last Sunday? It made for a truly brilliant day out in York, enjoyed by our students. A perfect way for the children to unwind after a busy week. Looking ahead, the excitement continues to build as we approach Exhibition next week. We can't wait to see you all in the valley for what promises to be a special weekend. Best, Mike

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Revision Tips

A big well done to Mrs. Graham's tutor group for their insightful presentation on revision strategies this week! They shared some fantastic tips and tricks to help everyone gear up effectively for the exam season.

Mrs. Graham's group also highlighted the value of different learning styles, encouraging everyone to find revision techniques that work best for them – whether it's visual aids, auditory learning, or kinesthetic methods.

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York Trip

Quick update from a sunny Sunday in York! We had a few hours to explore the charming streets, do some shopping, and indulge in lots of tasty food. The sunshine made everything even better, and we finished it all off with a perfect ice cream. A lovely day out!

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