Students are nominated to receive a Head’s Praise for exceptional achievements and contribution to school life.
Headmaster’s Praise – 21 June 2019
21 June 2019
Today 15 boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Tom Cammell for coming forward to speak to staff about mental health and wellbeing issues in the Middle School and being proactive about this important issue and working with us on developments for the future.
- Cameron Eilbeck for his work as Science Ambassador for Horners' Company/Ogden Trust Science Opens Doors workshop for primary pupils and their parents.
- Aryann Gupta for producing an entire website detailing every possible moment of our 4th year history trip to Berlin. It is incredible!
- David Haar for his top score in the OA Croquet fixture with a total of 26 hoops run over 3 matches. Of note, all of the OAs have been coming back to the event for the past 4 years and their comments on how the standard of play from the boys is improving year on year is a great affirmation of the coaching and training taking place. They also mentioned how well David played despite this being his first season of croquet and this can be attributed to his match play already this term.
- Johnny James for his selection to run at the English Schools Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium.
- Matthew Johnson for coaching on the Swimming Partnership Programme, working with non and weak swimmers from Larkmead and Fitzharrys Schools over a course of 5 weeks, to help develop their water confidence and swimming technique.
- Lloyd Langley for his work as Science Ambassador for Horners' Company/Ogden Trust Science Opens Doors workshop for primary pupils and their parents.
- Steve Lin for producing the most amazing sketchbook full of detailed architectural drawings. He has done this outside of lessons to support his upcoming UCAS application.
- Alex Pennington for his work as Science Ambassador for Horners' Company/Ogden Trust Science Opens Doors workshop for primary pupils and their parents.
- Thomas Shannon for getting through to the Elite stage of the Cyberstart challenge, a national competition looking for the next generation of cyber-security professionals.
- Christoper Skelton for coaching on the Swimming Partnership Programme, working with non and weak swimmers from Larkmead and Fitzharrys Schools over a course of 5 weeks, to help develop their water confidence and swimming technique.
- Can Tugcetin for coaching on the Swimming Partnership Programme, working with non and weak swimmers from Larkmead and Fitzharrys Schools over a course of 5 weeks, to help develop their water confidence and swimming technique.
- Sam Turner for coming forward to speak to staff about mental health and wellbeing issues in the Middle School and being proactive about this important issue and working with us on developments for the future.
- Joe Watkiss for coaching on the Swimming Partnership Programme, working with non and weak swimmers from Larkmead and Fitzharrys Schools over a course of 5 weeks, to help develop their water confidence and swimming technique.
- Scott Yap for coaching on the Swimming Partnership Programme, working with non and weak swimmers from Larkmead and Fitzharrys Schools over a course of 5 weeks, to help develop their water confidence and swimming technique.
Headmaster’s Praise – 6 June 2019
6 June 2019
Today 21 boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Henry Beer for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
- Alex Bryant for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
- Jake de Jongh for being part of a newly formed band and releasing an original single recently.
- Liam Deegan for being part of a newly formed band and releasing an original single recently.
- Jamie Firth for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
- Alastair Gray for being a positive mental health role model. Having a mature approach in seeking help when he spots times when he may be struggling to manage things, and speaking to the pastoral team and talking through problems.
- Leon Guan for being the first to complete his 2018/19 AFU documentary, based on the stories of his Chinese grandparents and their experieces of meeting during the Cultural Revolution.
- Oliver Judge for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
- Noah Keighley for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge, as well as getting the highest score out of all schools and achieving the Marksmanship Crown Badge.
- Felix Kind for being a positive mental health role model. For his mature approach in seeking support from the pastoral team when he has bitten off more than he can chew, in order to avoid getting into trouble.
- Milo Lennox for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
- Arlie Macpherson for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
- James Mage for being part of a newly formed band and releasing an original single recently.
- Arthur Robertson for his excellent conducting debut with Second Orchestra in Beethoven Hymn of Joy at the Summer Concert.
- Jamie Robson for an outstanding year of leading Second Orchestra, resulting in higher standards and morale in the orchestra, clearly evident at the Summer Concert.
- Arthur Sheppard for taking a hat-trick against Shiplake and winning us the game (U14B).
- Oliver Smith for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
- Ollie Sutton for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and for gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge, as well as getting the second highest score out of all schools and achieving the Marksmanship Crown Badge.
- Alvin Tam for being part of a newly formed band and releasing an original single recently.
- Jack Tilley for helping a boy who was having a medical incident while on a trip away from home; he was willing to miss the trip to the Reichstag to support his friend and staff were incredibly impressed with his collegiate attitude. Well done.
- Harrison Walton for taking part in and completing the CCF Range weekend, being a credit to the school, and gaining the GP Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
Headmaster’s Praise – 24 May 2019
24 May 2019
Today 10 boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Harutyun Badalyan for creating a series of podcasts with a linked theme of Pierres de France's adventures throughout the year in 2nd Year Podcasting club.
- Oliver Clark for creating a series of podcasts with a linked theme of Pierres de France's adventures throughout the year in 2nd Year Podcasting club.
- Aryann Gupta for running the Timepix particle detector experiment and engaging with visitors at Abingdon Museum.
- James Healey for performing exceptionally well in the History mock exam and completing a phenomenal amount of revision; James has also consistently scored the very highest marks this year and takes immense pride in his work. He is a pleasure to teach.
- Harry Litchfield for creating a series of podcasts with a linked theme of Pierres de France's adventures throughout the year in 2nd Year Podcasting club.
- Oliver Millbourn for creating a series of podcasts with a linked theme of Pierres de France's adventures throughout the year in 2nd Year Podcasting club.
- Christopher Nikolaev for voluntarily giving his time in helping with the Lower School science club all year. He's been fantastic with the lower school boys, helping them with their experiments but also managing tricky behaviour at times and staying positive throughout. Christopher has displayed a mature attitude and lots of perseverence.
- Luc Tucker for stepping up to the roll of Deputy Stage Manager for the Lower School production, at the last minute. He is now responsible for calling all of the technical cues for the performances, with only time for one full rehearsal beforehand. He has acted with maturity and responsibility and has greatly impressed the staff involved.
- Peter Wan for planning and leading the Timepix particle detector experiment at Abingdon Town Museum.
- Johnnie Willis-Bund for working steadfastly on his 2018/19 AFU film with the tutors over two consecutive weekends and creating a fascinating portrait of a pair of lifelong Combe vilage residents and their experiences of the changes that have taken place in village life during their lifetimes.
Headmaster’s Praise – 16 May 2019
16 May 2019
Today 12 boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Tom Batchelor for excellent marks for his A Level Geography investigation.
- Henry Channon for an outstanding performance at the County Championships. He is now ranked 4th in the country for 800m (2.05) and 2nd in the country at 1500m (4.18).
- Sam Collins for almost single handedly leading the 2nd XI to an unlikely but famous victory versus Warwick, hitting 68 off 36 balls and a 6 off the penultimate ball to bring it home – a very memorable match!
- Will Franklin for excellent marks for his A Level Geography investigation.
- Johnny James for an outstanding performance at the County Championships. He is now ranked 5th in the country for 1500m, running a time of 4minutes 20s.
- Max Kidd-May for demonstrating outstanding leadership on the Bronze DofE expedition. He really pulled his group through with positivity and excellent navigation and campcraft skills.
- Matthew Lau for producing a really well researched and excellent essay on the topic of 'Why was the Spanish Flu pandemic so deadly?' over the Easter holiday, which showed exceptional clarity and reasoning.
- Aron Lavis for organising the U6 MFL leavers' awards and being an all round great MFL rep this year.
- Steve Lin for outstanding quality of work (drawing) in seperate sketchbooks that he works on in his spare time. This is additional to his coursework.
- Chris Monnery for outstanding results in his Geography coursework.
- Noah Walker for excellent marks for his A Level Geography investigation.
- Harry Winsey for qualifying for the English Silver Tumbling Championships in Telford at the weekend and coming fourth in the men’s 11-12 years level 2 NDP.
Headmaster’s Praise – 10 May 2019
10 May 2019
Today nine boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Ollie Breach for excellent leadership in organising a team presentation for the Matter from Light for Prof Rose's group at Imperial College Physics department.
- Freddy Chelsom for outstanding effort and result for holiday homework. Students were given the choice of doing a self directed piece and Freddie did a beautiful A1 still life of a chinese jug (painted) with some dried flowers in.
- Sam Collins for his brilliant innings to win the game for the 2nd XI against Warwick – hitting the penultimate ball of the match for 6 to win the game.
- Oscar I'Anson for outstanding effort and result for holiday homework. Students were given the choice of doing a self directed piece and Oscar made a 3D picture of sunflowers, including soil.
- Ben MacLennan for outstanding effort and result for holiday homework. Students were given the choice of doing a self directed piece and Ben did a beautiful woodcarving.
- Caspar Mannix for his magnificent 110 for the U15A against Warwick on Saturday.
- James Robson for a stunning distinction pass in his ARSM diploma – 45/50
- Freddie Smith for his magnificent 139 not out for the 1st XI aganst Warwick on Saturday.
- Sebastian Watkins for a really outstanding effort with English revision/holiday work; Seb produced a large number of high quality essays and clearly spent a huge amount of time on his work.
Headmaster’s Praise – 3 May 2019
3 May 2019
Today 23 boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Archie Bermingham for being awarded first prize in the Blott Matthews competition.
- David Bicarregui for a stunning distinction pass in his grade 8 Singing exam last term – 139/150.
- Joseph Bradley for a stunning distinction pass in his grade 8 Cello exam last term – 139/150.
- Oliver Breach for a stunning distinction pass in his grade 8 Violin exam last term – 139/150.
- Ivan Chan for being awarded first prize in the Blott Matthews competition.
- Tristan Clark Lam for gaining the highest number of commendations (29) in the first year last term
- Alex Cooper Marcos for representing his house in the house water polo tournament when his team of five was reduced to two, and winning the match!
- Alasdair Czaplewski for helping with the Schools Together conference at the end of the Lent Term.
- Charles Engwell for being awarded first prize in the Blott Matthews competition.
- Oliver Glover for a stunning distinction pass in his grade 8 Oboe exam last term – 142/150.
- David Harding for being awarded first prize in the Blott Matthews competition.
- Brian Ho for being awarded first prize in the Blott Matthews competition.
- Lloyd Langley for helping with the Schools Together conference at the end of the Lent Term.
- Ben Lovejoy for stepping in to fill a lifeguard shortage to allow the house water polo competition to continue.
- Thomas Mennie for gaining the highest number of commendations (25) in the second year last term.
- Freddie Nicholson for helping with the Schools Together conference at the end of the Lent Term.
- Oliver Simpson for a stunning distinction pass in his ARSM diploma – 45/50.
- Thomas Streatfield for representing his house in the house water polo tournament when his team of five was reduced to two, and winning the match!
- Iman Taghol for helping with the Schools Together conference at the end of the Lent Term.
- Perry Tsai for being awarded first prize in the Blott Matthews competition.
- Manaswith Vipperla for showing true courage and determination to conquer his fear of heights, climbing all the way to the top of the climbing wall, albeit through tears, on the 1st year PGL trip.
- Thomas Wilson for showing true courage and determination to conquer his fear of heights, climbing all the way to the top of the climbing wall, albeit through tears, on the 1st year PGL trip.
- Scott Yap for representing his house in the house water polo tournament when his team of five was reduced to just him. Well done for persevering and not conceding!
Headmaster’s Praise – 22 March 2019
22 March 2019
Today 18 boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- David Bunn for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 146th place.
- Henry Channon for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 240th place.
- James Coode for completing the Reading Half Marathon in a time of 1hr 24 minutes 27 seconds (18th place in the U23 age category).
- Will d'Arcy for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 14th place. Will was only 6 places away from earning himself an England vest.
- Alexander Darbishire for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 273rd place. This is a fantastic acheivement, considering he is still a 2nd year and will have another year to compete as a junior.
- Johnny James for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 39th place, a remarkable achievement backed up by a 6th place finish at the British Schools Modern Biathlon Championships the next day. Two great achievements in one weekend!
- Matthew Kunov for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 286th place.
- Brian Lim for completing a highly-ambitious water-cooled PC build for CompSci during Lent Term Other Half.
- Benjamin MacLennan for finishing in 23rd place at the British Schools Modern Biathlon Championships.
- Rowan Miell-Ingram for coming 4th on the Oxfordshire U15 team and 119th/400 nationally at a national cross country event recently, and competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship finishing in 271st place.
- Rory Mitchell for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 111th place. He was the first Intermediate Oxfordshire runner across the finish line.
- Freddie Nicholson for completing a highly-ambitious water-cooled PC build for CompSci during Lent Term Other Half.
- George Nott for completing a highly-ambitious water-cooled PC build for CompSci during Lent Term Other Half.
- Will Nutbrown for completing a highly-ambitious water-cooled PC build for CompSci during Lent Term Other Half.
- Alexander Pennington for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 162th place.
- Thomas Roskell for completing a highly-ambitious water-cooled PC build for CompSci during Lent Term Other Half.
- Jack Tilley for showing kindness and support to a Year 9 Young Enterprise team from another school at the Cowley trade fair.
- Louis Trotter for competing for Oxfordshire at the English Schools Championship, finishing in 208th place.
Headmaster’s Praise – 21 March 2019
21 March 2019
Today 17 boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Henry Bury for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Dominic Cook for his highly commended Geography Prize essay entry: an essay on the costs of natural hazards.
- James Daly for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Ollie Deans for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Gregor Hawkes for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Liam Hilditch for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Eliot Hyman for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Henry Lykke Dahn for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Oscar Mitchell for his highly commended Geography Prize essay entry: an essay on migration.
- Liam O'Hickey for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Nick Pearson for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Pierre-Louis Peuch for consistent help in the houseroom and for taking time out each day to spend time with the younger boys in the house. He helped build our new table football and encouarged the 5th years to help out. He is such an amazing role model and he has been a superb Head of House to date.
- William Putt for his highly commended Geography Prize essay entry: an essay on migration.
- Jasper Rolls for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- George Siriwardene for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Fergus Sweeting for showing outstanding grit, determination, skill and effort in winning the Stowe U16 7's Plate Tournament.
- Jake Wallis for leading an excellent session of primary science club.
Headmaster’s Praise – 15 March 2019
15 March 2019
Today 24 boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Callum Aiken for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended. Callum was a great Captain.
- Freddie Badcock for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Alasdair Czaplewski for his excellent speech on his partnership experience at the Foundation Dinner, and for editing the new edition of Timeline.
- Barney Fox for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Oscar Frost for editing the new edition of Timeline.
- Felix Kind for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Rory Kind for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Rory King for his outstanding achievement as part of the swimming team that finished 6th in the Otter Medley Cup and 7th in the Bath Freestyle Cup. Both of these are national finals with over 80 schools competing across the UK and these are the best finishing positions the school has achieved. The team also won the Otter Challenge Cup against schools such as Harrow, Royal Belfast and St Paul's.
- Ilya Korzinkin for organising a fantastic Abingdon Investment and Trading Club event.
- Ben Lovejoy for his outstanding achievement as part of the swimming team that finished 6th in the Otter Medley Cup and 7th in the Bath Freestyle Cup. Both of these are national finals with over 80 schools competing across the UK and these are the best finishing positions the school has achieved. The team also won the Otter Challenge Cup against schools such as Harrow, Royal Belfast and St Paul's.
- Charles Maddison for writing an excellent article about the German exchange with much warmth and humour.
- Joshua Mensah for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Kai Miles for his outstanding achievement as part of the swimming team that finished 6th in the Otter Medley Cup and 7th in the Bath Freestyle Cup. Both of these are national finals with over 80 schools competing across the UK and these are the best finishing positions the school has achieved. The team also won the Otter Challenge Cup against schools such as Harrow, Royal Belfast and St Paul's.
- Robert Monnery for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Johan Nerlov for getting Timeline print-ready and helping publish it.
- Ollie Northwood for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Tom Perrot for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Krishen Rao for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Tom Robson for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Iman Taghol for his excellent speech on his partnership experience at the Foundation Dinner.
- Sam Turner for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Harvey Vinton for beating Wellington College, Reigate Grammar School, St Edward's School, St Joseph's School (Ipswich), and Trinity School Croydon to reach the finals of the Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet 2019 Sevens tournament. Abingdon has never had a team reach the final of this tournament. The team narrowly lost (19-14) to Whitgift School in the final, and therefore came 2nd out of the 32 schools who attended.
- Johnnie Willis-Bund for writing an excellent article about the German exchange with much warmth and humour.
- Lance Wilson for his excellent speech on his partnership experience at the Foundation Dinner.
Headmaster’s Praise – 8 March 2019
8 March 2019
Today nine boys came for Headmaster's praise:
- Oliver Elly for his superb commitment on work experience, hugely impressing his OA boss.
- Aryann Gupta for his excellent optional video project on the flora of Gabon complete with English transcript.
- Lloyd Langley for organsing and leading a fish dissection practical at Primary Science Club.
- Freddie Nicholson for desiging the poster for the ATOM/Larkmead Careers Fair.
- Nicholas Raptakis for his outstanding performance of Dvorak's Piano Quartet in Assembly.
- Robert Smith for his role in the 2nd VIII crew this year, showing a superbly positive attitude. He has become a motivator and leader for the crew and they are making great progress.
- James Sparkes for organising an alternative activity for queasy pupils during Primary Science Club fish dissection.
- Alvin Tam for his outstanding performance of Dvorak's Piano Quartet in Assembly.
- Ashwin Tennant for his outstanding performance of Dvorak's Piano Quartet in Assembly.
