Newsletter 2/2008-9
October 2008
Dear Parents,
Over the course of the last few weeks there has been a rising level of both expectation and anticipation regarding the opening of the new Sports Centre. I can now put your minds at rest, and confirm that we have taken possession of this magnificent new facility and that the boys will start to use it in earnest immediately on return after half term.
Open Day, Saturday 4 October, provided the perfect opportunity for the razzamatazz appropriate to an opening ceremony for Abingdon’s largest development since the School moved to its current site from the town centre in 1870. Our guest of honour, Kate Hoey MP, ex-PE teacher and Minister of Sport, was extremely enthusiastic about the Centre and the opportunities it will bring as we develop the notion of ‘sport of all’, and as we ride the wave of growing interest in sport that will take us from Beijing to London 2012. It was most fitting that Miss Hoey unveiled the opening plaque to the sound of a dramatic fanfare composed specifically for the event by composer in residence Simon Whalley.
Miss Hoey was backed up by a trio of sporting stars: Robin Brew, the former British Olympic swimming captain; Kate Allenby who, having retired as a World Champion pentathlete, is looking to fence in the 2012 Olympics; and Martin Keown, the former England (43 caps) and Arsenal footballer. All three gave generously of their time to open the swimming pool, fencing salle and sports hall respectively.
In my brief speeches at various opening functions I have referred to the vibrant artwork, commissioned from Martin Donlin, that adorns the entrance foyer. The artwork is engraved with the words ‘Ingredere ut proficias’ - enter that you may progress. What better encouragement to boys from all points on the ability spectrum to challenge themselves. As we all know, physical fitness aids both intellectual stamina and agility!
Having such positive news to promote about the Sports Centre has clearly brought many benefits, not least a surge in interest and demand for places at the School, at a time when there is no shortage of ‘prophets of doom’, particularly about the impact of financial turmoil on independent schools.
In total contrast to the aforementioned excellent news was the dreadful information that arrived in the middle of our Headmaster’s Assembly on 6 October, that the Newbury bus had been involved in a collision with a cyclist. As time went on it was confirmed that the individual concerned was Sarah Waterhouse, a successful A level student at neighbouring Larkmead School, and that she had been killed at the scene.
The boys on the bus all conducted themselves with a calm and dignity that has been much commented on by the emergency services. I was able to join them in the immediate aftermath of the accident and was touched that the main concern was immediately for Sarah’s family, friends and colleagues in their grief. Condolences have been sent on behalf of all members of the Abingdon community. The family remains uppermost in our thoughts and prayers.
Academic matters
GCSE coursework deadlines. Parents of fifth-year boys will receive, with this newsletter, a letter from Dr Willis, Director of Studies. It is important that each pupil paces his coursework sensibly; if he expects to have difficulty in meeting a deadline, he should discuss the matter with his subject teacher in good time. Coursework deadlines issued by the examination boards are the latest dates by which Abingdon has to submit work.
Examinations. The only set of examinations this term will be the Lower Sixth Tests, which take place during lessons in the week beginning 17 November. Boys who perform poorly in these exams are liable to be required to take resits on the day before the Lent Term begins (Monday 5 January). It is likely that departments will have already been talking to boys about the content of these tests and may even be recommending that specific revision of topics be done over half term.
GCSE mock exams take place for fifth formers (and 'early take' fourth formers) immediately on our return after Christmas (running from Tuesday 6 to Monday 12 January). Boys will want to be using the second half of this term to secure their knowledge of what will be tested in these exams, and to plan their revision for the Christmas holiday. We will be asking fifth formers to indicate initial, non-binding, preferences for AS subjects towards the end of this term for our own planning purposes, but the more formal selection of options will not take place until after the mock exams and the fifth form parents' evening next term.
AS exams for upper sixth boys: upper sixth boys have now entered themselves for those AS units they wish to retake in the January session (up to a maximum of four units) and the Examinations Office has published the timetable. You can find this on the School's website under Academic > Examinations > January 2009. Boys should use the second half of this term to ensure they know what they need to do to improve on last summer's results and to plan an effective revision programme. As ever, guidance will be available from departments in the form of advice, the issuing of practice materials and/or the provision of specific clinics.
Access Arrangements. In order for arrangements to be granted to enable candidates with learning difficulties to have special arrangements when they sit examinations, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) requires a history of need to be provided by the School. This means the candidate should have had the arrangement for lessons and examinations for much of his time at school. Some arrangements, such as use of a word processor, are designated type A arrangements and for these we have to make application to the relevant boards. Others, such as extra time, are designated type C arrangements and we can grant these ourselves provided we have the relevant evidence. The evidence, usually in the form of a report produced by an educational psychologist, is held in the Examinations Office. The School Examinations Office needs to receive the request for access arrangements by 31 January 2009 in order to meet the application deadline.
It is important that access arrangements are carried out during the academic year, in lessons and examinations. Provision is made for this to take place. The JCQ is not duty bound to accept applications and is unlikely to accept those that do not meet the criteria outlined. Any queries about these matters should be directed to the Examinations Officer.
Reports. You should by now have received, or will soon be receiving, the first report of term for your sons. This report is designed to be a snapshot of performance and progress since the beginning of term and, as such, teachers' comments have been deliberately kept brief and to the point. Lengthier comments, alongside Other Half and instrumental reports, will come in the end of term report. One change you will notice immediately from last year is the adjustment to our grading system, which is explained at the bottom of the first page of each report. Also, we now give grades for all years in all reporting sessions. The Effort and Achievement grades then are turned into average percentages, which appear after the subject reports. This gives you and us a simple benchmark by which to measure progress from one reporting session to the next. As a guideline, an average of around 65% might be seen to indicate that things are going well, 80% and above that things are very positive and averages below 50% might indicate that there are a number of problems that need to be addressed. Please direct any comments or questions on the workings of our new system to the Deputy Head (Academic), Mr May.
Sponsored walk. The sun shone down on pupils and staff during this year's biennial Sponsored Walk on 18 September. Over 850 of us walked from Donnington Bridge in Oxford back to Abingdon, with a short but welcome stop at the barbecue held at Radley Boathouse. The money raised is still being counted but has already topped the £25,000 mark, a truly fantastic achievement. Many thanks to walkers and sponsors alike. Many thanks also to Tappins Coaches, who once again offered their services free of charge.
Chemistry lecture. On 7 October, Professor Jackie Akhavan, an explosives expert from Cranfield University, gave a lecture on the chemistry of fireworks to the Chemistry Society, entitled ‘Pretty Pretty Bang Bang’. Over 250 boys watched Jackie display roman candles, gunpowder, Catherine wheels and the explosive force of 'flash powder' whilst discussing their chemistry in the Amey Theatre.
Edmund Society. All are welcome to attend these Edmund Society lectures: on 18 November at 4 pm in the Chapel, Jane Nicholson, icon artist, speaks about ‘Icons – windows to heaven’.
Cranmer Awards. The annual competition of the Oxford Diocese will be held this year in Abingdon School on 6 November. Pupils aged 11-18+ are invited to read for five minutes from the Church of England’s 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Last year the senior and junior sections were both won by Abingdon boys, who later took part in the national final in London (the winners of which received £400!). Boys interested should see the Chaplain as soon as possible.
Pilgrimage to Taizé. The Bishop of Oxford is leading a church-organised pilgrimage for young people to Taizé, France, on 25 July – 3 August, 2009. Taizé is a famous international ecumenical Christian community [www.taize.fr]. On 5 November, the Bishop is hosting a Taizé ‘taster’ day, 12.30 – 4.00 pm, at the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Church Way, Botley, Oxford. This will be an opportunity to learn from Brother Paolo of the Taizé community, about its life, spirituality and worship. Lunch will be provided.
To book, please contact the Bishop’s Chaplain as soon as possible: e-mail amanda.bloor@oxford.anglican.org or telephone 01865 208221.
Nigel Hammond. On Saturday 22 November, at 11.00 am, there will be a memorial service in Chapel for Nigel Hammond, O.A. and former member of staff. His pupils, colleagues and friends are most welcome to attend.
High Sheriff’s Law Lecture. On 14 October, eight boys from the lower and upper sixth attended the High Sheriff''s Law Lecture at the University of Oxford's Examination Schools. The lecture, entitled ‘The Family in the Twenty-First Century - exploding the nuclear myth’, was given by the Rt Hon Sir Mark Potter, current President of the Family Division, and highlighted the changing dynamic of the family unit and the current social pressures affecting 'traditional' family values. The boys who attended the lecture are members of the Abingdon School Legal Forum, a new Sixth Form society established last year for boys interested in law, the British legal system and studying law at university.
‘Expanding Horizons’ careers courses. Sixth form pupils are strongly encouraged to go on these excellent one and two-day careers courses run by ISCO (Independent Schools' Careers Organisation). There are many courses on a wide variety of themes, for example: Acting Masterclass, Business Consultancy, Design, Engineering, Finance, Journalism, Law, Presentation Skills, etc. Sixth formers have been given a list of courses by their tutors. Full details can be found at www.expandinghorizons.info.
Art. The art department has had a busy term so far with three gallery trips and one workshop. On 24 September, a small group of first years visited the full size Victorian copy of the Bayeux tapestry at the Reading museum and gallery as a part of a joint project between English and art. The next day, 25 September, fourth year artists visited the exhibition of portraits by Wyndham Lewis at the National Portrait Gallery as well as an exhibition of Cézanne’s work at the Courtauld Institute gallery. Most recently, sixth form artists visited the British Museum to view an exhibition of drawings by sculptors and then on to the Tate Modern to see the late Rothko exhibition. They took the opportunity to see the just opened and well-publicised Turbine Hall installation by Dominique Gonzales-Foerster.
Once again the art department joined in the Campaign for Drawing’s Big Draw 2008 with its own drawing workshop on 14 October, when our fourth year GCSE artists spent a morning away from other lessons working in the studios at still-lifes and portraits.
This half term holiday sees the department embark on its first foreign tour with a six-day visit for sixth form artists to the museums and galleries of New York. With a visit to the Ashmolean for our GCSE graphic students and an all-day workshop for the Lower Sixth at Modern Art, Oxford in November, there is still more to come.
Drama. Sketch, Drugs and Rock’n’Roll, the upper sixth comedy revue, attracted a large and enthusiastic audience to the Amey Theatre on 10 October for what is fast becoming an Abingdon tradition - an evening of original comedy sketches in aid of charity. Congratulations to Mark Heffernan, Stephen Hodgetts and Jack Trotman, who, together with Jo Hall, Andrew Partridge, Lindsey Russell and others, helped to raise nearly £2,000 for Cancer Research and entertain their supporters with some excellent new comic material.
Shortly after half term, the upper sixth theatre studies students present more original work, this time as part of their A Level course. Performances of a number of new plays take place in the St Helen's Studio Theatre on 10 and 11 November from 5 pm on both days. Please see the drama newsletter for further details.
Tickets are now on sale for The Crucible and An Italian Straw Hat - the two main senior productions at the end of this term. Once again, please see the drama newsletter for further details.
Film Unit news. Two members of the Film Unit have achieved the distinction of having their films accepted for national and international film festivals. James Yan has had two of his documentary films selected: Dance With Stacey is being screened at the Bacup Film Festival (based in Lancashire) whilst The Silent Massacre has been selected for the CAN 2008 Leicester International Short Film Festival.
Pierre Leveque's animation Oh No My Dog! is one of the five films selected for the Best Children's Animation Award at the Bradford Animation Festival, to be held at the Museum of Media and Photography in Bradford. A party of animators will be making the trip to Bradford on Saturday 15 November to attend a screening of the five nominated films, and witness the presentation of the award.
At the ‘New Shoots’ Wheatley Park Film Festival, Tom Bateman's film Delicate Boys of Secondary Age scooped two awards - for Best Cinematography and Best Composition - whilst Matthew Copson's film Perception was awarded the prize for Best Narrative Structure. The awards were chosen by students from six Oxfordshire schools and presented by Mark Reid, Head of Education at the British Film Institute.
Finally, in the wake of the screening at the Raindance Film Festival in London earlier this month of the AFU's 2007 documentary Gravel and Stones, Chris Wilson, Head of Broadcasting at Comic Relief, has asked to see a copy of the film. He writes, ‘It’s incredibly impressive that you and your pupils should have put together such an ambitious and well received project from within a school film unit. I can’t wait to see it.’ We hope Comic Relief may be able to help the film reach a wider audience in this country. It has already received a commercial release on DVD in France this month, paired with Mike Grigsby's 1970 film about three Vietnam veterans, I Was A Soldier. A proportion of the sale price of this DVD will be donated to Landmine Disability Support, the charity whose beneficiaries feature in Gravel and Stones. Should any parents wish to purchase copies of the film (which can be viewed with English as well as French subtitles), please contact Mr Taylor in the Drama Department for further details on how to order.
Music
Choral Society Concert on Sunday 23 November – a date for your diary. Rehearsals for the Joint Choral Society’s performance of a programme of Mozart and Haydn are well underway and will result in a concert on Sunday 23 November at 7.30 pm at the Yolande Paterson Hall at St Helen’s School. Please see the Director of Music’s letter for a ticket application.
Parents’ Evening with Visiting Music Staff, Thursday 6 November. Parents of musicians have been invited to speak with their sons’ instrumental teachers on Thursday 6 November and should contact the music department to request an appointment, if they have not already done so. The letter recently sent by the Director of Music clarifies which of the visiting music teachers will be in attendance at that Parents’ Evening.
Christmas concerts, Monday 8 and Wednesday 10 December. Please apply in good time for tickets for these concerts. Both concerts will share the same programme, which will include Tchaikovsky’s famous Romeo and Juliet fantasy, together with the normal fare of bands and choirs, including appearances of our newly reformed ensembles, school choir and Lower School choir.
Sport
Rugby. The first half of term has seen a successful start to the season with the overall statistic for matches won standing at a reasonable 60%. Ideally we would like to improve on this and all our squads are working hard in training to improve our match day performance.
Both the 1st XV and the U15 XV are still in the Daily Mail Cup competition. Neither side has faced onerous matches in the early stages. Both will face stern opposition as they progress – the 1st XV are on course to play Wellington and the U15 XV will face RGS High Wycombe. Team of the term so far are the U15C XV who are the only side to remain unbeaten.
All our sides are playing attractive rugby and spectators have been lucky to witness some superb tries right across our age groups from 1st XV to Minor Ds.
Arguably our strongest performances to date have been against Magdalen College School with the 1st XV winning 39-3, and the U15As 66-0.
Badminton. A selection of badminton players sampled the refurbished sports hall on Open Day; it will be a relief to have a home again, after the trek to the Vale of the White Horse centre.
Bloxham felt unequal to Abingdon's challenge in early September, but an 'A' and a 'B' team visited Cheltenham on October 4 and both teams won 6 - 3. On 15 October Abingdon played The Oratory and won 14 - 2. New recruits to the team are David Choy in the lower sixth and Daniel Chen in 2E. They have readily absorbed the tradition of competitive play and cheerful goodwill that so impresses the staff at the schools we visit.
Fencing. Will Fotherby flew to Godollo in Hungary for the under 17 international sabre competition on the weekend of 18-19 October. There were 188 male fencers from 12 nations, and Will came 25th – the highest ranked British fencer. This should put him, for the first time, at number 1 in Great Britain for the under 17 rankings.
Hockey. Christopher Green has recently been selected to play for the Mercia Lynx regional hockey team. He is training with the squad at present and is due to play in the England Futures Cup during half term. From 12 regional training centres in the country there are now just four teams competing in the U16 cup, from which the National U16 team will be picked.
Karate. Karate lessons will now begin on Tuesday 4 November, in the studio on the first floor of the Sports Centre, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm and Fridays 3:45 to 4:45 pm. No experience necessary. Boys should come in a track suit if they do not yet own a gi.
Rowing. A senior rowing squad is away over half-term at a new event, The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, in the USA. This will represent the chance for some worthwhile pre-season training. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Macdonald, an ex-South African Lightweight who competed in several world championships, as Assistant Director of Rowing. Rob will be joining the School in January and working initially with J16 squads.
Sailing Club. Nick Wilkinson and Rory Spriggs have been selected for the RYA National Youth Keelboat squad. They were both in our winning team at the National Schools’ Championships and the RYA National Youth Championships, and impressed the selectors at the trials held at the National Sailing Centre in Weymouth.
Guy Stephens was a member of the Oxfordshire team that won the National Schools’ Team racing competition, and he goes on to compete in the Magnum inter-university competition run by Oxford University.
Picking up from school trips. Although we like to help parents to minimise hours and miles spent retrieving their sons, recent attempts to meet parents 'en route' from school trips have resulted in delays suffered by the 40 or 50 parents waiting at the School, as well as the staff and boys in the coach. We feel that it will be fairer to the majority if we have an official 'no waiting' policy where everyone knows that a coach will continue immediately to the School when an arranged roadside pickup does not happen promptly.
Abingdon School travel plan. In the second half of term we will be sending out a simple questionnaire to all parents as part of a travel survey. This is not only to ask about current travel arrangements, but any changes and improvements that we can offer. From this we will create a strategic travel plan. All schools within the Abingdon Schools collaboration are conducting these surveys separately, but we would also like to overlay the results. This may assist us in identifying areas in which we can cooperate in future.
Burns Night. Once again The Abingdon School Society committee are organising a dinner for Burns Night, to be held on Saturday 31 January at the Abingdon Guildhall. This is traditionally an extremely enjoyable evening, and tickets sell fast – so if you were thinking of attending, could I urge you to reserve your tickets as soon as possible?
Rugby Club Dinner. The Abingdon Touchliners invite all parents and friends of Abingdon School to attend the annual rugby club dinner to be held on Saturday 6 December. It promises to be a tremendous evening where we celebrate the successes the Club has enjoyed during the course of the season. Your attention is drawn to the deadline for replies to this event.
Griffen Ball 2009. The 2009 Griffen Ball will be held on Saturday 27 June. All parents, friends and staff are invited to attend, as well as upper sixth form boys and their guests. It is the ball for the School and it is a wonderful event, celebrating the end of the boys’ time at Abingdon School and the completion of their schooling. The Ball is organised by committee, and Tamsin Burford, the chair, is looking to form a committee of ten or more parents to help arrange the evening. Tamsin was on the committee last year and as her son, James, is now in his final year, she wants to help him and his friends and their parents have a wonderful final memory of Abingdon School. If you feel that you can help in any way, please call Tamsin on 07770 933291 or email her at tamsin@winternational.co.uk.
I am delighted to report that our 174 new boys seem to have settled to their new routines in a remarkably straight-forward manner. The first reporting session shows that the vast majority have already found their feet and are thriving. I wish you all a relaxing and restful half-term.
Yours sincerely
