ASiP Newsletter: Volume 1

7 6 Abingdon School in Partnership Abingdon School in Partnership Developing Leaders Programme For the second year running ASiP has run a sixth form academic mentoring programme to help develop student leadership. On Thursday 15 November we welcomed 15 sixth formers from Larkmead and Fitzharrys Schools to join 15 sixth formers from Abingdon School. The older students, who had met previously, split into smaller groups from each school and planned a series of 4 lessons to teach key stage 3 students from each of the 3 schools. Maths topics included quadratic sequences, polygon angles, and dividing fractions, while English lessons involved developing an understanding of the process of creative writing. English and Maths teachers from each school were on hand to oversee the delivery of the lessons, which took place over 4 weeks in November and December 2018. The standard of organisation, collaboration and engagement was superb. At the end of the 4-week period, 55 students and staff were surveyed: 82% found the experience very worthwhile or worthwhile and 80% would strongly recommend or recommend it to a peer. When analysing only sixth formers the results changed to 100% for both. During the Lent term 2019 we plan to roll out a similar programme across the sciences and we will welcome staff and students from John Mason School. ~ Robin Southwell-Sander On Saturday 1 December 2018 Abingdon held its inaugural Model United Nations conference, AbingMUN18. Over 150 delegates from nine schools took part in the day including Larkmead, Bishop Thomas Grant School, Aylesbury High School and Coloma Convent Girls School from the maintained sector. The standard of debate was very high and delegates in the committees were kept busy discussing resolutions on topics including sanctions against developing nations, the Iranian nuclear deal, contemporary slavery and the deforestation and destruction of habitats. The conference also held an International Court of Justice and a Security Council. ~ Kathy Yarker AbingMUN 2018 And More... l Extra GCSE classes in Latin, Geology and Astronomy are being offered to more than 20 local key stage 4 students from 3 partner state schools, Larkmead School, Fitzharrys School and John Mason School. The aim is to offer interested and able students the opportunity to gain a GCSE in subject areas not offered in their own schools. The students currently attend 1–2 lessons a week offered by Abingdon staff free of charge. l Staff from local schools are taking part in joint training in Mental Health First Aid. l 11 Abingdon staff are on the board of governors at local schools. l Sharing of curriculum resources. l Abingdon staff are supporting local sixth form mathematicians. l Shared support for Oxbridge applications and university interviews. “I learnt to collaborate with peers, plan a lesson and how to deal with unexpected situations flexibly.” ~ Ethan Chui, sixth form student I was struck by how effectively the sixth form mentors connected with their younger students, how quickly they learned to balance supporting and challenging their groups, and how thoughtfully they planned engaging activities. ~ Jason Taylor, Maths teacher The 6th form mentors for English were very enthusiastic and patient, carefully crafting lessons that were both fun and educational. There was an excellent working atmosphere in each room, and I feel like all involved really benefited from the experience! ~ Réna Papadopoulos, English teacher A word cloud showing the skills students said they learnt from the experience.