27 Feb 2015

WEEKLY MAILING

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Sculpture commissioned for the Science Centre

Parents are invited to take a look at the plans for a stunning artwork standing 10m tall and spanning the three floors of the School’s new Science Centre, which has been commissioned from sculptor Matthew Lane Sanderson. Intricately designed to combine art and science, the sculpture, made possible through a donation from an Old Abingdonian, will be the centrepiece of the new building.

Professor Frank Close: Half Life, the Divided Life of Bruno Pontecorvo Physicist or Spy – Wednesday 4 March, 7pm, Amey Theatre

With the publication of Frank Close’s new biography of Bruno Pontecorvo some of the questions raised by his disappearance can now be answered. Pontecorvo was a nuclear scientist working at the Atomic Energy Research Station at Harwell: had he defected or been abducted, what nuclear secrets did he take with him and what role did Kim Philby play? Frank Close is an excellent speaker and this is bound to be a fascinating evening. After the talk Frank Close will be signing copies of his book, which will be on sale in the Amey Theatre foyer. This is a public lecture, everyone is welcome and there is no charge. However, so that we can have an idea of numbers, please register your interest with [email protected]. Further event details.

ATOM – Abingdon-on-Thames Festival of Science and Technology – Friday 13 – Saturday 21 March

This extravaganza of science, entertainment and intrigue is full of exciting events right on our doorstep. Download your programme and book your place to hear Dr John Mason and Professor Chris Lintott explore some of the more unusual astronomical phenomena we experience on earth; Professor Heather Couper and Professor Nigel Henbest present Cosmic Quest, following humankind’s intrepid journey to understand the universe or, in Printing Hearts: Saving Lives, see how 3D printing technology is revolutionising medicine. All this and much more is on offer. For further information see www.oxscifest.org

Lost property

There are now three collection points for lost property. If the lost property is named, an email will be sent to the pupil concerned informing him that he has an item in lost property. Having been emailed he must then collect his property within two weeks, or it will be taken to the SUS.

  • Sports Centre: Any lost property found in the Sports Centre will now be taken to the front desk where the Sports Centre staff will keep it and store it. It can be collected whenever the desk is manned.
  • School site: Any lost property found in the main school site will be collected and taken to the current site of lost property in Boarders' Hall. It can be collected at break time every day.
  • Buses: Any lost property left on the buses will be taken to Faringdon Lodge (up by the Bus Park.) It can be collected from the Porters or Mrs Kirby between 9 am and 4.30pm.

Please note each of the three lost property sites will be cleared every half term.

World Book Day

As part of the celebrations for World Book Day 2015, best-selling and critically-acclaimed author Caroline Lawrence will be visiting Abingdon on Monday 2 March to speak to Lower School boys about her new series, The P.K. Pinkerton Mysteries. Every Lower School boy will also receive a £1 World Book Day token, which can be used in any bookshop.”

Music 

Abingdon Musicians’ at the Royal Festival Hall – Strauss: Alpine Symphony, Tuesday 31 March, 7.30pm 

Owing to the success of the acclaimed Mahler concert two years ago, the Duet Group have organised an exciting project that combines the orchestral forces of leading independent schools, including a large number from Abingdon School (the Principal Horn is our own Alexander Foster), to form a superlative ensemble of many musicians who come together as a team to enjoy this lifetime experience that no pupil will ever forget. There will be a three day residential course (Sunday 28 March – Monday 30 March) where students will work in activities including masterclasses, sectional rehearsals and full-scale rehearsals. The course concludes with a performance at the Royal Festival Hall of Strauss; Alpine Symphony and Four Last Songs at 8pm on Tuesday 31 March 2015. Tickets are available through the Royal Festival Hall.

Music Theory Exam – Wednesday 4 March, 5pm

A reminder that the Grade 5 Music Theory exam takes place next Wednesday in A214, Music School. Boys should remember to attend 10 minutes before (5.00pm). They need to remember to bring pencils, and a rubber. Note Grade 5 exams last 2 hours so boys should be collected at 7.00pm.

Music Scholars’ Concert – Thursday 5 March, 6pm, Amey Theatre

Parents are warmly invited to come and hear a group of Music Scholars’ and senior musicians in solo performances. Admission is free.

Food Menu for the coming week – Week 1