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‘Free time’ and the
chance to ‘get muddy’ are an important part of life and tradition at Ashdown.
Children enjoy climbing trees (and occasionally fall out of them); they make
camps in the ‘Jungle’ and spend many an afternoon playing ‘cops and robbers’ in
the extensive school grounds. At Ashdown we like to give children space and
time, but we do keep a discreet eye on them to ensure their safety and
well-being.
Ashdown has a well
stocked Library, where children can catch up on current affairs by reading a
newspaper, or spend time over a favourite novel. The Library is also ideally
suited for a game of chess in the evening, or for a story read by the fire. |
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We also run a ‘Clubs’ programme each
day for all the children. These are usually ‘in-house’ and would include things
like Model Making, Cookery, Indoor Football, ICT, Art, Design Technology and
Drama. These clubs are run by the staff and we change the programme each term.
On Fridays we run ‘Activities’;
these are slightly more adventurous and give the children the opportunity to try
something completely different. At present there are more than a dozen different
activities and we are always willing to try new ones! Below is a brief
description of some of them. |
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Polo
Polo is a very popular activity at Ashdown and is played at nearby Knepp Castle
Polo Ground. The children receive professional coaching and have shown their
success in winning several tournaments. Polo is open to all who can ride with
confidence.
Golf
The Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club is the location for our keen players of golf.
Children receive professional coaching in small groups and can also practise
their newly acquired skills on our own golf course at school.
Tennis
This is an extremely popular option, especially during the summer term, when
coaching is available five days a week. We have three courts at Ashdown and use
a local company who offer expert coaching. We can also arrange private lessons
and on Thursday we run a session for mothers. |
Riding
This takes place up on the Ashdown Forest at Porches Farm and is available to
all. Children ride in groups of no more than two or three.
Archery
Archery takes place at school, in conditions foul and fair! Children enjoy
working towards ‘badges’ and we have recently started competing against other
schools.
Squash
This is held in East Grinstead and is very popular with older children. All kit
is provided by the school.
Watercolours
This is a lovely activity Ashdown children are encouraged to develop their
artistic skills under the under the expert and caring eye of a local artist.
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