Page 14 - Abingdon News

arts
14 April 2013
Chemical Laboratory
built in 1901
An Early History of Science at Abingdon School
ou of the past
“There has been a growth in sixth form work since
the last inspection and there are now eight boys in
their first year, seven studying physics, chemistry and
maths and one chemistry with maths.”
Inspection Report 1939
Extra science classrooms “are required to … meet the
expected requirements for sons of parents engaged
on Atomic research and living in the Harwell –
Abingdon area.” Governors Minutes October 1947
Physical Laboratory
built in 1901
Science Block built 1949
1952 Joe Talbot –
Biology Laboratory
“The science work is carried out by three masters
who are all well qualified by knowledge and
experience and practical teaching skills to carry out
this work successfully. The labs are two good and well
fitted rooms, equipment adequate for present needs
but not sufficiently extensive for magnetism
and electricity.” Inspection Report June 1907
Jennifer Pulley
Mrs Colin Wiggins, OA 1953, is that extremely rare species, a
female OA. A pupil at St Helen’s and St Katharine’s, Jennifer
took her S Level Chemistry lessons at Abingdon. Her arrival
was an unexpected consequence of Abingdon’s improved
science facilities.
A sceptical Mr Gray initially reported that her work was ‘not
yet’ up to the men’s scholarship standard, but through hard
work and determination she won his respect, and a State
scholarship to St. Hugh’s College, Oxford. Now living in New
York, she is a Trustee on the board of the Planting Fields
Foundation. The Foundation preserves and interprets the
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park – a Gold Coast
mansion and its 400 acres of greenhouses, woodland and
formal gardens with outstanding plant collections. n
Jennifer Pulley as President of the OU Scientific Society
with Sir John Cockcroft, who was giving its 59th Robert
Boyle Lecture in 1957. Sir John, who set up the Atomic
Energy Research Establishment (AERE) at Harwell, shared
the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1951.
1952 Mervyn Gray –
Chemistry Laboratory
“Science classes have now been started, one in
chemistry and one in botany.” Headmaster’s Report
to the Governors, November 1889