The Abingdonian 2019

8 The Abingdonian celebration. The survey, along with conversations throughout the year, reveal widespread enthusiasm for the new space. More than 95% of students reported that when they visit the library they “always” or “usually” find “what I’m looking for”. More than 95% also described the library as spacious, comfortable, easy to use and friendly, and more than half described it as inspiring. Written comments suggest that students particularly like features which were at the heart of planning and design for the new library. The features singled out were: • The variety of work spaces, which facilitate different types of study • The spacious open-plan layout • The separate area for quiet study • The provision of charging points for laptops and Chromebooks • The comfortable seating • The colour scheme • The selection of books • The organisation of books • Easy access to Chromebooks • Easy access to the printer / copier Numerous students have also singled out something less tangible but equally important: the atmosphere or “mood” of the library. In response to the question “What do you most like about the library?”, a great number of responses and perhaps sum up what Abingdon students think of the new library: “It offers the type of space and working opportunities that no other part of the school can provide”. Given that Abingdon School offers so many innovative and popular places to study, that’s quite a compliment. Graham Gardner A reflection on the year in art It has been an extremely exciting year for Art and Design at Abingdon. In November BBC Art editor Will Gompertz opened our new facilities in Beech Court. In his key note speech he enthused about how important it is for our students to think and work creatively for companies - especially in our current political climate. This year our students have worked extremely hard to raise their performance in art by improving their skills in drawing and developing ideas and final were along the lines of “general mood”, “the nice feel” and “the productive atmosphere”. While the atmosphere or “mood’ of a library is not the be all and end all, it makes a huge difference to the likelihood of students making best use of it, perceiving it in positive terms, and making return visits. Inevitably, the new library does not please everybody all of the time. Some students have complained that the main area is too noisy at times, so library staff are working to ensure that the atmosphere remains conducive to study while encouraging students who want to work on their own to make use of the separate silent study room. A handful of Upper Sixth students preferred the traditional wood panelling and brick walls of the old library to the modern aesthetic of Beech Court. Overwhelmingly, however, when asked “What do you most dislike about the library?” the majority of students replied, “nothing”. One boy’s words stand for many