Charities Week 2024
It has been 4 years since The Ashcombe School had its last Charities Week – a frenetic, feel-good explosion of fun and talent from staff and students to raise money for good causes. Back with a bang from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd February, it started fairly quietly. But, despite only 6th formers and Year 10 having any memories of what it was all about, nearly 500 weekly tickets were sold in advance and about 100 more by students on the day for Monday’s launch of Taskmaster – several teachers pitted themselves against each other and the Taskmaster and the audience loved it.
By Tuesday’s Upper School Talent Show, word was getting out and more students were queuing at break to snap up a ticket. High quality singing and musical performances were the order of the day. Wednesday saw Ashcombe’s version of The Wheel and more teachers being tested. The Lower School Talent Show on Thursday had a wide variety of expertise on display – baton twirling, stand up, rock band and more. By Friday, every ticket had been bought up by break and interest in Teachers Got Talent had reached fever pitch. The hall was full to capacity and the crowds were not disappointed. From the raw energy of ‘The Ranmores’ strutting their stuff to ‘Hey Ho Let’s Go’, MFL Rap Stars, Art and Photography ‘Jumping’ and break dancing, a Taekwondo demo, a heart stopping Titanic performance on the glasses, flute and vocals by the Science department’s Ms Payne, there could only be one winner – Mr Rhoden in reggae mode singing ‘One Love’ - cue phone lights waving throughout the hall. What a week – thank you to everyone who contributed, worked hard and took part.
If you ever want to know how to transform a school fed up with winter and then create a whole-school ethos which values individual effort, collective experience of joy, respect for all in the community and gratitude for the part that everyone plays in making this? Get a great team of creative and committed sixth formers, a handful of staff, some willing Year 8, 9 and 10s and make Ashcombe School Charities Week.
Almost £2000 was raised for our 4 charities – Joe’s Buddy Line, Dorking Area Foodbank, Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network and a Senegalese NGO supporting education and the rights of women and children.
Ashcombe - you are amazing.
