APS News No21

22 September 2019 Abingdon Prep Fond Farewells At the end of the academic year, it’s time for our gap students to move on after three terms of getting used to working with the boys: coaching on the sports field and in the pool, helping in a myriad of ways around the school - countless duties, trips, and even the role of Easter Bunny! Both have been very popular with the boys (if not with the cleaners!). Ned is returning to the USA to go to college in Boston, and Nathan will study Sports Science at Manchester. We wish them well in their next move and look forward to hearing about their future careers. It is with a heavy heart and a little envy that I say a few words about Steve. He arrived at our school having taught at several schools in Swindon and then Buckland where he was talent-spotted by the Hibberd family. The main thing we all associate with Steve is his love for outdoor learning and of course, Forest School. This has been his passion and something that he launched here during his first year. Many boys have now enjoyed the changing seasons sitting around the campfire, toasting marshmallows, whilst keeping an eye out for the infamous Wooly Rhinoceros! My class assure me of its existence. Steve has embraced the ethos of Abingdon Prep, working tirelessly to develop a purposeful, creative and fun-packed experience for our boys. In fact, ask the boys what they will remember about Steve and they’ll say that he is fun, amazing at Forest School, knows everything about trees and nature, builds great fires, they love his Maths teaching, he is so funny and generous, he teaches us to make fabulous models, he is a ‘superteacher’. This rounds up the impact he has had on APS. In the past I understand that Steve and his brother were weightlifters at County level. Whilst he may no longer have the physical presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger, I can say that his determination, dedication, inner strength, honesty, kindness and loyalty have not diminished. I want to share one last little known fact. Steve’s journey may have been very different if he had followed his teenage dreams to become a dancer. Apparently he competed successfully and was very lithe and supple - I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. In all seriousness, Steve, we are glad you didn’t trip the light fantastic, as we would have been robbed of a very creative, passionate and dedicated member of our school and I would have missed out on a friendship too. Who knows, Steve... perhaps you will go on to rekindle old pleasures, but whatever you do, make sure you enjoy every moment. We all wish you well. Linda Gaskell Ned and Nathan Year 8 Leavers Destinations: Abingdon School (40); Magdalen College School (2). Steve Treadwell