Ash Manor School

Ash Manor Blog

Author Visit: Ali Sparkes

On Thursday 1st May, the wonderful author Ali Sparkes, who has written books such as Finding Fox and the Shapeshifters series, visit our Y8 students.

In the morning, she gave a talk to Y8 and gave the students an insight into the ups and downs of life as a writer, offering students the opportunity to interact and ask questions.

During the day, selected students were able to take part in one of two X-Factor Workshops run by Ali. In these sessions, students came up with their own stories: writing the blurb and first page. The ideas were amazing, with topics including: AI parents, mysterious disappearances, and killer clowns! Each idea was put forward to a vote and one team in each session emerged victorious.

At lunch, Ali was in our school library meeting students and signing books and postcards for them. There was a scene of excitement as students from all years flocked to ask Ali questions about being an author and her stories.

Finally, our budding journalist Leela Peters interviewed Ali for the school newsletter asking her a series of probing questions about what it is like to be an author. Look out for this half term’s issue of Manor Mail for the interview.

Many thanks to Ali Sparkes for visiting us at Ash Manor and it is great to see how many budding authors we have amongst us! And thank you also to Mrs Van-Niekerk, our librarian and the English team for their organisation.

 

Ash Manor CCF – March and April Update

March – Air Rifle Training at Tongham Scout Hut

In March, selected cadets from both the Army and Royal Navy sections had the opportunity to test the newly established indoor air rifle range at Tongham Scout Hut. The training day was a great success, with cadets demonstrating excellent focus and safety awareness. We’re excited to continue using this fantastic facility in future training sessions.

March – Bowling Social at Superbowl, Aldershot

In March, almost the entire contingent headed to Superbowl in Aldershot for a fun-filled social evening. The event gave cadets and adult staff a chance to relax and bond outside of lessons and uniform. After a couple of lively games of bowling and a meal together, the cadets took to the arcade machines for some friendly competition. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all.

March – SCIC: Senior Cadet Instructor Course Awards

 Two of our senior cadets, Cadet Sergeant Majors Kavanagh and Moore – both former Ash Manor students who have chosen to continue parading with our CCF – successfully completed the week-long Senior Cadet Instructor Course (SCIC). The course, attended by cadets from across the South East, focused on developing high-level instructional techniques and advancing fieldcraft skills. Highly competitive and regarded as a stepping stone to the prestigious Master Cadet programme at Frimley Park, the SCIC demands both commitment and capability. Congratulations to both cadets for their outstanding effort and dedication.

April – Exercise Sore Feet – Hankley Common

Cadets from both the Army and Royal Navy sections came together in April for Exercise Sore Feet, a challenging one-day expedition held at Hankley Common. The experience began on Friday evening, with cadets working in teams to plan their route cards — a crucial step in avoiding navigational errors and preparing for potential scenarios such as group separation.

 Saturday put their planning and navigation skills to the test across the tough terrain of the Hankley Training Area. With steep hills, sandy tracks, and blazing sunshine to contend with, cadets had to remain focused and work together to stay on course. For several newer cadets, this was their first residential experience, where they learned how to cook and eat Army rations, adapt to life without home comforts, and manage being away overnight.

 As darkness fell, senior cadets undertook the added challenge of night navigation. With only a few glow sticks for guidance and the light of a clear, moonlit sky, they successfully navigated a large area without losing cohesion — completing the task shortly before midnight.

 The weekend concluded with a physically demanding stretcher race on Sunday morning. Cadets worked in teams to carry a simulated casualty over hills and rough ground, testing their fitness, teamwork, and determination to reach the finish point under pressure. 

April – National Music Camp, Otterburn

During the Easter break, three of our Corps of Drums cadets — Lance Corporals Barrie, Couchman, and Hatherley — attended their first National Music Camp at Otterburn Training Area, near Newcastle. This marked a significant milestone for Ash Manor CCF, as it was the first time our cadets had participated in this national event.

The camp brought together cadets from the Royal Navy, Army, and Air Force sections — both ACF and CCF — from across the UK, all united by a shared passion for music. Over the course of the week, our cadets were immersed in a rigorous schedule of musical training. They developed their understanding of music theory, learned new pieces, and refined the challenging skill of playing the side drum while marching in time.

Through hard work and dedication, they earned a Level 1 CVQO award for music as part of their progression to the 1 Star cadre — a fantastic achievement. Inspired by the skills of more senior musicians, all three cadets are already looking forward to returning for the next camp in October. 

  

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