Page 11 - Abingdon News
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Abingdon news
11
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
In September, Year 5 ventured to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as part of their study of
Nelson’s navy. The tour around HMS Victory was superb and to stand in the very spot
where Nelson was shot provoked many questions from why he wore his full Vice Admiral
uniform to how long it took him to die. In keeping with this rather gruesome trend, the
Orlop which boasted a full array of primitive surgical instruments, proved popular and the
boys were delighted to be able to distinguish the saw used to amputate a leg from that
used to cut off an arm. The pace of the day was frenetic with an opportunity to see the
original sail cloth from HMS Victory (complete with battle scars), a film depicting ship life in
October 1805 (some boys stayed to watch it twice), the museum, to do some sketching
and of course a trip to the shop.
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Firework
Chemistry
Year 7 explored some of the chemistry
behind this term’s firework display
investigating the different colours that
metal salts give when flame tested.
The boys also saw how fireworks get
their fizz with iron filings. They were
then able to put their new knowledge
to good use identifying the colours in
the School’s fireworks display.
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Festive Fun at
the Farm
On 5 December all three Pre-prep
classes were wrapped up warm with
hats, gloves and scarves and set out
into the cold, snowy morning for a
festive adventure at Roves Farm. The
boys had a superb day with starring
roles in the nativity play complete
with real animals, a visit from Father
Christmas and plenty of time to
enjoy making Christmas decorations,
the pets’ corner and the adventure
playgrounds.
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Carol Service
Jasper Perry began this year’s Carol Service at St Helen’s Church in the traditional way
with Once in Royal David’s City. His beautiful voice created a wonderful atmosphere
which was followed by rousing singing from the rest of the School and congregation.
Musical items ranged from instrumental groups, choirs and soloists to year group singing
and congregational carols, all interspersed with readings. Most of Abingdon Prep’s
musical ensemble featured including the School Orchestra, Brass and Guitar Groups and
Senior, Junior and, of course, the staff Choir ‘Glee Club’. It was a thoroughly enjoyable
evening and a lovely start to our festive celebrations.
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