Latest news at Ashmount School......
The Autumn term has flown past as usual, although it is always the longest and busiest period in school. It seems such a long time since the summer holidays, but suddenly here we are rushing round preparing for Christmas. I do hope you are enjoying the festive events that our pupils and staff have produced for us - it's not Christmas for me unless I've had at least four lunches, three Carol services and two Nativity plays! Congratulations to everyone involved in the variety of Ashmount celebration events which, every year, get better and better.
The Governors this term have been looking at developments to playground equipment and facilities to better provide for the ever growing school. In fact, work has already begun on a new gazebo and seating area in the primary playground. Hopefully more is to follow.
We have also been raising awareness of the possible changes to transport provision for post-16 and nursery age pupils—a consultation closes on December 21st, and we would urge parents to give serious consideration to responding to this consultation. Even if your children are not within this age range, it could still affect you in the future - so make sure you have your say!
And finally, congratulations to all those in school for the many awards which we have entered and been recognised for this term. Sporting awards, teaching awards, community awards—Ashmount has figured in them all—well done to everyone!
Happy Christmas to you all—pupils, staff and parents. Enjoy a relaxing holiday, and come back in the New Year to help Ashmount make 2018 an even more successful year!
Jean Lewis
Chair of Governors
We are delighted to announce that Ashmount scooped three prizes at the recent Leicester Mercury Education Awards 2017.
Class teacher Emma White was runner-up in the 'Inspirational Teacher of the Year' award. She was nominated in recognition of the standard of teaching and learning and the quality of care that she provides to her pupils.
Headteacher David Deacon said of Emma’s nomination: “Emma creates passion and excitement in her classroom to engage pupils in their learning by finding out what they are interested in and building on these interests to enthuse and motivate them.
“Her enthusiasm and passion for learning is infectious and she is constantly investigating new ways of meeting her pupils specific needs.”
Long-term volunteer Shaun Crate was runner-up in the ‘Community Champion’ category. Shaun has been volunteering at Ashmount for three years, supporting staff at lunchtimes to help pupils with the most profound and multiple learning difficulties to develop their fine and gross motor skills.
David said: “What is perhaps most inspirational is the fact that Shaun has cerebral palsy and has his own challenges to overcome when providing support to pupils.
“It is no surprise that some of our students who have physical disabilities feel comfortable in asking Shaun personal questions about the challenges he faces.”
Ashmount was also named as runner-up in the 'School of the Year' award. David said: “We are delighted with all three of these awards. The whole school team works closely together to provide teaching and learning opportunities that inspire and engage pupils in order to help them achieve their full academic and social potential.”
Ashmount students are walking from ‘Loughborough to Lapland’ in a bid to raise money for the school.
The sponsored Sensory Santa Fun Run will see students and staff completing 1226 laps of the school bike trail—the same number of miles that separate Loughborough and Lapland.
During the last week of term, the trail will be transformed into a magical Winter sensory trail. Staff and children will be wearing Santa hats and Christmas accessories to run, walk or be pushed around the trail as many times as they can.
On the last lap the whole school will come together and there will be a special surprise on the finish line!
Students have been busy preparing artwork to be exhibited at the Attenborough Arts Sensory Symposium next month.
Ashmount School and Ellesmere College have teamed up with Attenborough Arts Centre in Leicester to address the physical and curricular barriers to the arts and learning.
The project created a space and process for children with a spectrum of learning difficulties, communication disorders and disabilities within the classroom and at Attenborough Arts Centre.
Artist Sian Taylor has been working with students to create artwork to be displayed at the Symposium, which will be held at the Attenborough Arts Centre in Leicester from 10th–29th January 2018.
Charnwood Borough Council hosted their 9th annual sports awards on Monday 4th December 2017 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough. The evening is an opportunity to celebrate the sporting success of a wide range of individuals, teams and clubs from across the Borough. As well as presenting awards, a raffle and silent auction were held on the night raising over £600 towards the Loughborough Well-being Cafe, myaware-Fighting Myasthenia Together and the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust.
We are pleased to announce that Ashmount was named as runners up in the 'Outstanding Contribution to School Sport'.
In July 2016, we were awarded the Gold School Games Mark for the second consecutive year in recognition of our commitment to the development of competition across the school and into the local community. In 2016/17, an increasing number of students took part in lunchtime clubs and engaged in sporting competitions in school and out of hours, including boccia, kurling Aqua Splash, gymnastics and athletics. This is in addition to the PE, physio therapy, swimming and horse riding sessions that groups of students access throughout the school week.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our pupils and their families, and our teachers and support staff. Thank you very much for your support.
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