Abingdon News No.49

24 January 2019 You need to: • sleep well • eat healthy meals • exercise – preferably outdoors • be in positive relationships • find your workplace fulfilling • help others The Other Half It is the sense of purpose, relationships, and helping others that we are particularly keen to engrain in our pupils. It is in these areas that the Other Half really comes into its own with over 120 different extra-curricular clubs at Abingdon. The Other Half revolves around finding an area and activity in which to immerse yourself. This might be producing an economics magazine, lego architecture, rowing, chess, badminton or bell ringing – it doesn’t matter so long as you feel valued and included. This value isn’t dependent on extrinsic success. For example, the value in sport is not that you play fly half for England, or stroke the GB Eight. It is as important – perhaps more important - that those who don’t see themselves as physically adept find exercise that suits them. The Other Half also allows Abingdon boys to place themselves within their community and to give something back. This might be through charity work, community service or helping others within school. We are also very proud of our partnership work with maintained schools. Values for Life We know that life can be problematic. Given that, at Abingdon we aim to provide a climate - academically and pastorally - in which boys have the opportunity to thrive and establish habits for life. We want them to be physically active, to build lasting relationships, to be purposeful, and to understand the value of putting yourself out for others. Hopefully this provides the bedrock for them to have a happy and fulfilling life. To be happy, Google would seem to suggest certain core requirements. How does this influence our pastoral care at Abingdon? What makes you happy? by Mark Hindley, Deputy Head (Pastoral)