Abingdon does not use a great deal of ‘private language’, but one colloquialism which is firmly rooted in the School is the term the ‘Other Half’ – meaning the other half of the curriculum, anything from chess to rugby, via community service and photography. Sports, school societies, service activities, the arts and expeditions, in fact, as many activities as our staff can organise, are seen as essential parts of the total educational experience offered to an Abingdon boy. Some elements in the ‘Other Half’ are compulsory while many more are voluntary; no boy can be expected to undertake all of them, but everyone is encouraged to tackle as many as possible at some time during his school career. The ‘Other Half’ is an integral part of the learning experience – but it is very much learning about life, its challenges and opportunities; as such, it comprises some of the most valuable things that an Abingdon education has to offer. I hope that boys will enjoy choosing from this comprehensive menu of activities, and I defy anyone to research what is on offer and find nothing that stimulates their interest or enthusiasm.
Mark Turner
Headmaster