The Ashmole Blog
Before the Easter break, our Year 8 students partnered with the Publications Department to launch the very first student-led round-up and student blog!
Taking on the exciting challenge of journalism, they reported on school events and current affairs, drawing inspiration from their English lessons this half-term. This initiative not only gave them a platform to share their perspectives but also celebrated their creativity, writing skills, and hard work.
The Hidden Treasure of Ashmole: Its Extraordinary Library
Have you ever stepped into a place so magical it feels like stepping into another world? Ashmole’s library is exactly that—a sanctuary of knowledge, adventure, and inspiration.
From towering bookshelves to cosy reading corners, this library welcomes every curious mind. Whether you seek a gripping mystery, historical wonders, or scientific discoveries, there’s a book waiting just for you. More than just a room of books, it is a gateway to imagination!
Not only does it offer a vast collection, but it also provides a peaceful space to think, learn, and create. Who wouldn’t want to study in a place filled with wisdom and wonder? The library is the heart of Ashmole, beating with stories, facts, and endless possibilities.
So next time you walk past, step inside. You might just find the book that changes everything. After all, isn’t that what great libraries are for?
By Arabella C
The School Production from a musician’s perspective
At the start of the school term, Ashmole students from all year groups performed a magnificent and memorable performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. The play ,written by William Shakespeare, is a comedy set in Athens. It follows the story of four Athenian lovers and six amateur actors rehearsing a play. The storyline is romantic, witty, fascinating and so was their spectacular performance.
The rehearsals for the actors and musicians began in October and finished in February. We rehearsed for hours, in which we were professional and focused. As I was in the band, we rehearsed with Mr Angland to play suitable folk music. It was a new and unique experience for me to play folk music which was interesting and exemplary.
The actors and actresses in the play were very talented, passionate and enthusiastic which you could see in their acting. Their performance made me quite fond of Shakespeare ; an unforeseen opinion!
I am looking forward to seeing what the rising stars of Ashmole will perform next!
By Jess R (a member of the Midsummer Night’s band)
A Year of the Astro: The Best Addition to Ashmole Yet!
How the all-weather pitch has changed PE and football for the better
It’s hard to believe the astro turf has been at Ashmole for a whole year now! As a student, I can say that it has completely transformed PE lessons and football at our school. No more slipping on muddy grass or having lessons cancelled because of the weather—the astro means we can play all year round, no matter what.
Football has definitely been the biggest winner. Whether it’s during PE, after-school training, or just a quick game at lunchtime, the pitch is always in use. It’s made lessons more enjoyable and has helped improve skills, as we can actually focus on the game instead of worrying about the ground beneath us.
But the astro isn’t just great for students—it’s also helping Ashmole financially. On weekends, the school rents it out to local teams, which brings in extra money that can go towards improving facilities for us. So, not only do we get to enjoy a top-quality pitch, but it’s also benefiting the school in the long run.
Looking back on the past year, it’s clear the astro turf was a brilliant investment. It’s made PE better, football more competitive, and even helped Ashmole grow. Who knows what’s next? Maybe even more sports facilities in the future!
By Henry S
KS3 Book Club Reviews
‘Jane Eyre’ is a brilliant book because it has a highly satisfying story arc. Jane starts off in a harsh environment, travels to different places and ends in a nice environment. This embodies a classic coming of age story. I would recommend this book to the 13+ age range because it has some complicated language. I would rate it a 6/10.
I found ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ one of my favourites as it includes murder mystery and many plot twists, even up until the end of the narrative. It is about a 17-year-old girl who decides to do her school project on trying to prove someone’s innocence, as she believes this boy wasn’t a murderer. I found the plot twists and the mindset of the main character interesting. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy the murder mystery genre. I would rate it a 5/5!
‘Private Peaceful’ is a war-based, emotional book with a melancholy tone. I really enjoyed the story because of the exciting setting, the relatable characters and the unique plot. I would recommend this book to students aged 11+. It has simple yet effective language choices and beautiful imagery: 5/5.
Book Club
Poem - “This is me”
As your feet edge closer to the stage,
Your heart begins to pound.
You’re in a new place, with a feeling unknown.
Light fades quickly as your thoughts disappear
But… You’re not alone.
A hand reaches towards you,
Drawing it closer and closer,
All your fears go down the drain,
A ball of fire , full of hope and courage,
Fills your heart.
The crowd is cheering your name,
A glow fills the room.
You smile with glee.
So,as the curtains come to a close,
You miss that time you had.
But this time will come again,I guarantee.
So don’t be sad, be glad,
Because your time will come, wait and see.
By Malaika B
Boys in Yr8 Table-Tennis final show vicious ambition to win, but who actually did?
Late into Friday lunchtime on the 28th, Peter K and Luca A battled in an intense match to decide who would be crowned champion of table-tennis. The match took place in the gymnasium and both boys showed fiery determination to secure a win.
Both boys had fiercely fought their way to the top of the tournament after beating all the people opposing them, In the semi-finals they faced two worthy opponents, Rohan T and Kyri A. Previously Peter and Luca had battled in the finals in Yr7 and although Peter had emerged victorious, Luca was determined to change that this year.
Starting off the match, Luca served brutally and did not hold back, raising the score to 6-0, but Peter combated mercilessly with a series of savage smashes that ridiculed Luca’s previous attempts. He leveled the points easily before proceeding to obliterate any hope in a win for Luca. Although he fought valiantly, he could not stop the powerhouse that was Peter, so in the end sadly lost 21-9. Once again, Peter had repeated history and won the Yr8 Table-Tennis competition…
But who do you think will win next year? Guess you’ll have to wait and see.
By Arden H
Year 7s, Buckle Up: Your Secondary School Adventure Awaits: Why Year 7 might just be the best year yet!
Let’s cut to the chase, starting secondary school is a big deal. It’s nerve-wracking, exciting, and let’s be honest, a little overwhelming. But here’s the thing: Year 7 is your golden ticket to a fresh start. Embrace it, because this is where the fun begins.
Looking back, I vividly remember my first taste of independence on the Year 7 trip to Péronne. It wasn’t just about history lessons or practicing a new language, it was about the camaraderie, the belly laughs, and the memories we still talk about today. That trip taught me more than any textbook ever could: the thrill of stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering the world (and yourself).
So here’s my advice: don’t hold back. Secondary school is like an all-you-can-eat buffet, and you should try a bit of everything. Join that club, audition for that play, or sign up for that trip, even if it terrifies you.
Be kind and always make sure to treat others with respect, acts like these will help you navigate easier through not only year 7 but the following years to come.
Some people will tell you Year 7 is tough. And sure, it comes with its challenges; getting lost on your way to maths, forgetting your locker number, or navigating the social jungle. But let it’s the start of your epic adventure. Make it count!
By Maya C
Film Review -Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016)
This inspiring film shows how Pelé rose from poverty to become a world-class footballer. Many believe success requires wealth, but this movie challenges that idea. Pelé grew up in a poor family, playing football on the streets with a ball made of stolen socks. He even resorted to stealing food to help his family survive. The film portrays his childhood struggles with racism, injustice, and poverty, highlighting how he channeled his hardships into extraordinary talent. I recommend this film—it reminds us to appreciate what we have. By Alex S
Young Ashmole Poets
Every Wednesday lunch time from 1:40 - 2:20, Ms Agnew runs a poetry club for all students. The club is held in EN4. In the club, you can do a range of activities such as writing your own haiku to using another poem's theme to write your own version.
This is incredibly beneficial to students' literacy skills but also great fun!
By Erin C
Artemis Fowl Books
The Artemis Fowl Book Series are enticing, grasping and honestly outstanding. It’s one of Eoin Colfer’s best books receiving an amazing 4.5 stars. The Artemis Fowl series, aimed at children, helps them escape reality to a world where anything is possible for young Artemis Fowl with the help of his supernatural friends.
This fantastic fantasy fiction was created because of one question that Eoin Colfer had, if fairies do exist how would they survive? And these books not only invent an extraordinary explanation to this but also show the journey of how these creatures come to create bonds and friendships with the humans who were thought to be just selfish, power-hungry beings.
The Artemis Fowl books use a range of conflicting characters to add different aspects to the story. Some being strong, mountainous humans, others always thinking they're the smartest people in the room but most not even being quite human at all. This allows the reader to connect with different characters whether they're high achieving like the first female police (holly short) or if they’re meant to add a little humour to this super story(mulch).
This brilliant book has had over 25 million copies sold around the world and is a best seller of Eoin Colfer. It uses suspense and danger to create a rollercoaster of emotion for the reader as they wonder if the child genius will succeed on his next mind-blowing heist or not?
This book is truly one of the best for adventure lovers with all its unexpected twists and turns.
I would rate it a 5/5
By Denisa P
Dribbling through this Inter-Form - One bounce at a time.
Ashmole’s Year 8 Inter-Form Basketball was an exciting display of talent, teamwork, and school spirit. Students competed fiercely for the title in a night of intense action at the school’s sports hall.
The final match between Form 8HIS and Form 8MOH was a thrilling contest, with 8HIS securing victory in a hard-fought battle. Spectators were kept on the edge of their seats by fast-paced play, impressive shots, and strategic teamwork.
Beyond the competition, the tournament highlighted sportsmanship, with players showing respect both on and off the court. It was a true celebration of school spirit, where every participant, win or lose, gained valuable lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and character.
For some, it was a step toward a lifelong love of basketball; for others, an unforgettable school memory.
By Ellie A
Behind the Mask
I wear this mask, it fits so well,
A silent story none can tell.
A painted smile, a steady gaze,
Hiding the storm beneath the haze.
I stand among the crowd so bright,
A soul that shivers in the night.
The laughter flows, the joy seems real,
But in my chest, it’s hard to feel.
I carry on, I play my part,
Burying the ache inside my heart.
Afraid of judgment, scared to fall,
I built this mask to shield it all.
But oh, the weight is hard to bear,
This hidden truth I cannot share.
The tears I’ve swallowed, the dreams I’ve lost,
The silent battles at such a cost.
I fear the world would turn away,
If they could see the price I pay.
So I stand behind this crafted face,
And wonder if I’ll ever find grace.
But deep inside, a flicker burns,
A quiet hope that slowly churns.
That one day soon, I’ll break the chain,
And let the world see all my pain.
For in the truth, I’ll learn to breathe,
And in freedom, I believe.
I’ll take off this mask and finally say,
I am enough, just as I am today.
So to the ones who hide their light,
Who wear a mask to get through night—
Know you are loved, you are seen,
You are worthy of all you dream.
The mask may shield, but it can't last,
For in the end, the truth will cast
A glow so bright, a heart so free—
The world will finally see the real me.
By Amaya P
Artemis Fowl Books Review
The Artemis Fowl Book Series are enticing, grasping and honestly outstanding. It’s one of Eoin Colfer’s best books receiving an amazing 4.5 stars. The Artemis Fowl series, aimed at children, helps them escape reality to a world where anything is possible for young Artemis Fowl with the help of his supernatural friends.
This fantastic fantasy fiction was created because of one question that Eoin Colfer had, if fairies do exist how would they survive? And these books not only invent an extraordinary explanation to this but also show the journey of how these creatures come to create bonds and friendships with the humans who were thought to be just selfish, power-hungry beings.
The Artemis Fowl books use a range of conflicting characters to add different aspects to the story. Some being strong, mountainous humans, others always thinking they're the smartest people in the room but most not even being quite human at all. This allows the reader to connect with different characters whether they're high achieving like the first female police (holly short) or if they’re meant to add a little humour to this super story(mulch).
This brilliant book has had over 25 million copies sold around the world and is a best seller of Eoin Colfer. It uses suspense and danger to create a rollercoaster of emotion for the reader as they wonder if the child genius will succeed on his next mind-blowing heist or not?
This book is truly one of the best for adventure lovers with all its unexpected twists and turns.
I would rate it a 5/5
By Denisa Packova
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
From Monday 17th - Sunday 23rd March, it was National Neurodiversity Celebration Week. All through the week Monday to Friday, we were doing activities during form time.
People from the Equalities Committee came to each form group for two days to read through a presentation on Neurodiversity Awareness. In this presentation, there was even statements from Neurodivergent students at Ashmole!
One student from Year 8 said about the presentation: ‘I think it can help students to understand the true meaning of Neurodiversity and what we can do to respect people who are Neurodivergent’.
During the week, we also learned about some neurodiversity people who’ve changed the world (such as Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton).
By Florence W
Beast Games Series - Running time: Year: 2025
“Beast Games,” the reality competition series from YouTube personality MrBeast, is now Amazon Prime Video's most-watched unscripted series ever. As it has the famous MrBeast to influence the show and makes you want to watch more with the cliffhangers and the underdogs.
Beast's content and kind of know what to expect. And well, it is essentially a big Mr Beast video with the same flaws and strengths as his usual content, but both sides are exaggerated. The production of the show is insane, sets are great, the show looks awesome and of course the prizes and such are exciting.
It has a good rating as 50 million viewers for Beast Games puts the series ahead of Cross, which Prime Video said reached 40 million viewers worldwide in its first 20 days but didn't acquire 10 million more by day 25. Donaldson is one of the biggest YouTube creators in the world, with some 344 million followers for the MrBeast channel.
It's also the fact that he put the biggest ever prize pull in YouTube history, meaning people want to watch it more and want to see who wins it.
Its based on squid games, as squid games is one of the highest revenue shows in the world and is all about drama and a fight-to-the-death scenario.
Tv show which makes it so popular and famous.
By Joshua Tsang
GCSEs Early Birds - Drama students find the key to success is working hard early on!
There are 3 components to drama GCSEs: understanding drama (40%) - which is the written exam; devising drama (40%) - which consists of a performance and a log; and text in practice (20%) - which is another performance.In this year, Year 10 drama students look at two components.
First of all, the devising component, which is widely explored and completed in Year 10. Devising is when you are split into groups and have to create a scene from scratch. During this time, students keep track of what stage they are at because at the end of the year, they are graded on 3 written logs about their progress, collaboration and response to the stimulus (the starting point). This part of their GCSEs is to show their creativity, communication, theatrical, analysis and evaluation skills.
Two Year 10 drama students, Kenza Benchekroun and Jess Cooper, stated “devising is hard but it’s worth it”.
The second component explored is the written exam; this is completed in Year 11 but preparation is done throughout Year 10. There are three sections in the written exam: section A, multiple choice questions; section B, four questions on an extract of a play; and section C, a question on live theatre. This section mainly focuses on the student’s understanding and knowledge of drama, theatre and how it is developed/performed.
I hope this article was informative and helped those considering taking drama GCSEs.
By Keira I
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man: No Way Home is an amazing movie that is full of action, surprises, and emotions. From the very start, it grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. The story is thrilling and full of twists, especially with the multiverse being a huge part of the plot. It’s like watching a dream come true, with characters from old Spider-Man movies showing up, which made me feel excited and nostalgic.
Tom Holland as Peter Parker does an incredible job, showing how hard it is for him to handle all the problems in his life. The way he struggles with being Spider-Man really makes you feel for him. The return of old villains and Spider-Man actors adds so much to the film, making it feel like a big celebration of everything Spider-Man.
The action scenes are some of the best I’ve ever seen, with huge fights and stunning special effects that are jaw-dropping. Watching Spider-Man swing through the multiverse was just epic.
In the end, No Way Home is a must-watch. It has everything you want in a Spider-Man movie—action, heart, and lots of surprises. It’s definitely one of the best Spider-Man.
By Samik S
Seagulls stop it now - and geese and pigeons too - we’re not ‘birdist’
Seagulls, scourge of the seaside; nature’s peak performance picnic pirate; devourer of fish and chips; champion rooftop rooster; and the bane of the open bin. I say NO MORE. We should put a stop to these pesky pests and their pigeon and goose allies. I think we should train falcons (preferably peregrines) to slaughter the seagulls and pigeons and an eagle to deal with their flying bowels of geese allies. But luckily it seems we need not take such measures as some rather racist radical far right reform seagulls have set about backstabbing their allies (mentioning no names) and slaughtering the pigeons for SPORT,
“I was just walking through my local park when a huge seagull swooped down and savagely bit through the neck of an unsuspecting pigeon. It then proceeded to start eating it while it was still warm – it put me quite off my coffee,” said a Southgate local resident. And it seems that this was not an isolated incident. But luckily an upstanding Ashmolean citizen has took measures into his own hands by feeding the vile vermin paperclip-filled chips. Obviously this is a bit too far as they should be scared off or be kindly disposed of not left to die a death of internal bleeding. Also it is illegal to deliberately harm seagulls, their chicks and their nests.
On a more serious note, the amount of seagulls in cities are a serious problem with their being 176,000 to 195,000 breeding pairs of seagulls in urban areas so something has to be done. I have no clue whatsoever, but someone can probably come up with something hopefully that isn’t to expensive, but meanwhile SEAGULLS STOP IT NOW.
By Zach G
