Abingdonian 2017

76 The Abingdonian Leavers’ Day Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. I think it’s safe to say that today marks a significant turning point in our lives. I’m sure we all feel a mixture of nostalgia, relief, maybe even joy - and that goes for teachers as much as students. Never again will we have to register with our tutors after assembly, never again will we live in fear of the librarians, and never again will we have to hold tense negotiations between the Sports and Music department. Although some of us have only been here for the last two years, some of us five and the elite among us seven, we have all had the pleasure of watching Abingdon change and grow whilst we have been at the school: the building of the new Science centre, of course, the introduction of football, the abandonment of the dreaded Saturday school. But as a community, and especially as a year group, we have only grown closer together and formed bonds that will last for many years to come. As I speak on behalf of all the Abingdon leavers here today, I’d like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the teachers, and staff members who make Abingdon such a dynamic, challenging, and engaging school. We can all agree that our teachers are truly inspirational. From the help we receive from our tutors about our personal statements, to the revision clinics and replies to emails at ridiculous times in the morning, it is clear how far beyond the call of duty our teachers go. In particular, as we have progressed through the school I think we have all started to realise how much Mr Dawswell does to co-ordinate our incredibly busy school lives. I wonder if anyone has ever left the school to go home later than Mr Dawswell, and if you have then there may well be a prize for you here today. And I’d also like to thank the Head. Indeed although the Head has only been with us for the last year, from the moment he started dancing on stage in the staff pantomime we all knew that he was the man for the job. And of course we were all so relieved to find out that he too had a dog. Let’s see if Bramble makes it into the portrait. I think it’s also fitting to thank our parents, some of whom have done a fantastic job in guiding us and supporting us during our time at Abingdon. Perhaps most importantly, we should not underestimate the patience our parents have shown, especially when waiting for Dr May at parents’ evening. But most importantly, today is about celebrating the entry of 180 Old Abingdonians into the mysterious “real world”. As a year group, despite being larger than most, we have broken the typical boundaries of social groups, and instead built an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation. You only have to read Abingdon News to get an idea of the breadth of talents that we all bring, obviously once you’ve flicked past the section about Magnus Gregory that is. But as well as being a day to reflect, today is also a day to look to the future. For many of us that involves university plans, for some of us gap year plans, and for the drama students: no plans at all. Whether academic, sporting or artistic, Abingdon has placed us all in incredibly strong positions to move on and make the most of whatever is coming our way. I’d encourage you all to remember the privilege that we have had here and I’d encourage you to find a way to give something back, to contribute, and to