In this Section
The aim of Abingdon School in Partnership, ASiP, is to build relationships with the local community, and in particular our partner schools, to the benefit of and to challenge all staff and students across the town.
Our Vision:
- Central to an Abingdon School education is our nationally respected partnership programme where community, collaboration and challenge run through all aspects of school life.
Our Mission:
- To help our students become ambitious and resilient, staff to be collaborative and reflective , parents to feel informed and engaged, and for all stakeholders to feel supported by, and given opportunities through, partnerships.
ASiP news and updates
Keep up to date with the latest ASiP news and projects around the school.
Last year:
hours of partnership activity
hours of student experience
Abingdon School has a rich educational heritage and we have worked with local schools for many years. We work closely with Fitzharrys School, the School of St Helen and St Katharine, Radley College, Larkmead and John Mason as well as many of our local primary schools. The fundamental aim of this partnership is to build a culture of learning opportunities for students and staff across the whole town.
schools and institutions involved in partnership activities
Abingdon students involved in partnership activities
of our teachers have been involved in Partnership activities
events and activities in a year
Our partnership programmes have become increasingly embedded within the community and staff and students from across schools have benefitted from our programmes. Our programmes cover a range of areas including mental health and wellbeing, performing arts, sport and leadership.
The Partnerships Team
The Partnerships team is made up of a group of staff members led by Director of Partnerships, Robin Southwell-Sander. The team is supported by Partnership Coordinator, Jess Burns.
OX14 Learning Partnership
OX14 Learning Partnership is a formal partnership between Abingdon School, John Mason, Fitzharrys, Radley, Larkmead and St Helen’s. Events and activities that fall within OX14 Learning Partnership focus on the core aims below:
- INSPIRE: To provide opportunities for aspiration and challenge though widening horizons for all stakeholders.
- CHALLENGE: Use extra-curricular activities to develop character, promote cultural engagement and support civic pride.
- SUPPORT: Support the mental health and wellbeing of students, staff and parents using a whole partnership approach.
Through these aims we provide mutually beneficial, sustainable opportunities for students, staff and parents across the town.
Abingdon Science Partnership (ASP)
The Abingdon Science Partnership (ASP), proudly supported and funded by Abingdon School, is dedicated to boosting engagement in Science across the town and surrounding areas.
What we offer:
- Primary science workshops: Curriculum workshops resourced and led by our science teachers on site in our community science lab.
- School visits: Engaging and educational visits to local schools.
- Equipment loans: Access to our ‘workshop in a box’ resources to help support the Primary Curriculum.
- State-of-the-art laboratory: Use of our dedicated and well-equipped science teaching laboratory, and planetarium resource available to all types of school and community groups.
- Student led primary science club: Weekly after school science club led by our trained student ambassadors. Interactive, practical sessions based on a variety of topics.
- Family science: A weekend opportunity for families to take part in practical, hands-on acience activities led by our teachers and supported by our students.
Who we work with:
- Local primary and secondary schools.
- Community groups (e.g. Scouts and Guides).
Find Out More about the Abingdon Science Partnership
Academic Partnerships and opportunities for Challenge
Our Academic Partnerships foster collaboration among students and staff across our partner schools, aiming to develop core skills and ignite a deeper passion for various subjects.
Key initiatives:
- Broadened curriculum: Abingdon staff offer subjects beyond those available in partner schools (e.g. Classics and Astronomy), providing a richer curriculum for students with specific interests.
- Staff development: These partnerships offer valuable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for staff, as they gain experience teaching new subject matter to a diverse range of students.
- Model United Nations.
- Challenge days including the Business Language Challenge.
Developing Leaders
Through Partnerships students are empowered to embrace leadership roles and collaborate effectively. Our programmes support the development of key skills relevant for the 21st Century workplace.
Opportunities include:
- Student collaboration: Opportunities for students from across schools to work together.
- Academic coaching: Older students mentor younger students through the coaching conversation, developing core skills in collaboration, communication, and initiative.
- Peer Support Lead role: An opportunity for Sixth Form students to mentor younger students and support wellbeing. Students also take part in collaborative training with other PSLs to support them in the role throughout the year.
- Leading primary school clubs.
These experiences cultivate fundamental skills crucial for future success, such as communication, teamwork, public speaking, creativity, and initiative. Leadership achievements can also contribute to accreditations like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Partnerships: Supporting Our Community
Recognising the increasing pressures on young people, our Mental Health and Wellbeing Partnerships adopt a cross-partnership approach focusing on prevention and early intervention for mental health-related issues. We are committed to supporting students, staff and their families.
Our support includes:
- Webinars
- Toolkits
- Training for staff
- Early intervention work
- RSE and PSHCE assemblies, lessons and workshops
- Peer mentoring training for students
Our aim:
To provide opportunities for students and staff to share experiences and best practices, promoting positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the local community.
We have a dedicated group of colleagues who support the delivery and running of these programmes using their expertise in the field.
Arts Partnerships: Inspiring Creativity
Current initiatives:
- Abingdon Film Academy: Launched in 2019, this group, based at one of our partner schools, offers students the opportunity to get involved with filmmaking led by AFU tutors.
- NT Live screenings for partner schools in the Amey Theatre.
- Performing arts workshops for primary and secondary students.
- Music opportunities for local groups such as the Anything But Classical concert.
Primary School Partnerships: Building Strong Foundations
Our Primary Partnerships programme strengthens links between Abingdon School and surrounding primary schools, creating meaningful collaborative opportunities for students and staff. Student led clubs and activities provide our students with opportunities for developing leadership skills such as communication, leadership and empathy.
Key Activities:
- Extra-curricular activities: Running various clubs and sessions, including “Fun with Languages,” an introduction to humanities, business challenges, sports clubs, and reading mentors.
- Mutually beneficial experiences: Drop-down days in Humanities, Languages, Business, and Sport provide engaging and interactive experiences for primary students.
- Student led clubs and workshops: Promoting student leadership, many of our Key Stage 4 and 5 students support these activities, offering clubs in STEM, Classics, Chess, and Mandarin, supported by our subject specialist teachers.
- CPD for staff: Our staff gain valuable CPD by experiencing a different teaching environment and supporting primary school students.
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Further information:
The school is part of the newly formed Schools Partnership Alliance, a not for profit organisation bringing together schools who take part in cross sector partnerships.
