11 Oct 2019

WEEKLY MAILING

This week’s mailing is:

Letters:

Notices:

Parents of 6th Form Boys: North American Universities Advice Evening, Thurs 21 Nov 2019, 6.30-8.15pm, CMR

Is applying to an American or Canadian university right for your son, especially since there are so many excellent universities in the UK (and other European countries)? If this is a question you and your son are pondering, you are invited to attend the North American Universities Advice Evening at Abingdon School on Thursday 21 Nov 2019, 6:30 to 8:15pm in the CMR. This event will provide detailed insights into all the important considerations required to decide whether or not to apply to—or attend—a uni in the USA or Canada. There is much to consider! The event will focus primarily on American universities, with comparative information provided on Canadian universities. No booking is necessary—just turn up on the night. For more information, contact Michael Triff, Coordinator of Non-UK University Applications, [email protected], 01235 849129.

Reports

Abingdon’s reporting system is an active process whereby we hope that communication between boys, staff and parents/guardians is fluid and dynamic. We continue to hope that our reports are ‘meaningful rather than mechanical’. Please click here to see the updated reporting policy.  We have spent time reappraising our reporting system and will be giving more focus to your son’s attitude to learning (ATL) both in the classroom and homework. We will no longer be giving grade only reports. Rather, instead of grades, there will be comments in reports to give additional context to the ATL comments. You can read the comments in the policy.  The pattern for the year has been updated. First we look at how your son is settling in, followed by a more formal report at the end of the first term. Following this, we will ask students for reflections on their own goals followed by a response from academic and pastoral teachers. The year will include a parents’ evening and a formal report after exams towards the end of the year.  You will receive the settling-in report at the end of this first half term. Tutors and Housemasters will have collated comments from all subject teachers and will feed back to you on your son’s first half term: academically, pastorally and his involvement in the Other Half. This report will include details on any praises received.  In the report at the end of the second half of the Michaelmas term, academic subject teachers will comment on your son’s ATL and progress, with reference to assessment results where appropriate.  Though we recognise that the report is essentially directed to a boy’s parents/guardians, we think it is important that boys are involved in the process. To this end, we will be introducing a self reflection report in the Lent term, where boys will reflect on goals (three in 1st and 2nd year and one goal per academic subject for all other years). The discussion time with academic staff and tutors is a valuable part of this new process and there will be time to evaluate the boy’s progress and, if needed, refocus before the end of the academic year. A response to these goals and ATL will be reported on at the end of the Lent term or beginning of the Summer term.  We are keen to ensure that our reporting system is robust and encourages the boys to enter into a dialogue about their learning with you at home as well as at school. We trust that the way forward will be positive and we thank you for your feedback in the initial gathering of information towards these changes.

Reminder for parents of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th: Geography Trip to Slovenia

The deadline for the Geography Trip to Slovenia has been extended until Sunday 27 October. Attached is the booking information and the link to the school consent form.

School Uniform

Half term is a good opportunity for parents and boys to check that School Uniform fits, and purchase any larger items if necessary, as well as getting ready for colder weather.  School Uniform, Sports Kit lists and the Dress Code for all years are on one website page: School Uniform.  Boys are expected to have their shirt top buttons done up.  Dates of opening of the Second Hand Uniform Shop are on their usual page, together with details of how to sell your second hand uniform.  Many thanks to all involved in SUS, as the boys benefit from money raised which is donated to the School.

Sixth Form Dress and Appearance

As has long been our practice, boys should have clean-shaven faces, unless this has been agreed, for religious reasons, by the Headmaster.  Full details of the dress code are available on the School Uniform Page.

Music notices

There are lots of musical events to look forward to after half term – and you are most welcome to join us.

  • Thursday 31 October at 6pm – Senior Solo Competition. This is designed for pupils of grade 8 standard or above and our adjudicator is Peter Foster, Director of Music at Oxford High School. The prize winner will receive a shiny cup, won last year by Ashwin Tennant.
  • Wednesday 6 November – Solo Concert Platform No 2. This is the second solo concert platform of the term and an opportunity for pupils to play their latest pieces – some will be in preparation for music exams at the end of the month.
  • Thursday 7 November at 6.15pm – Chapel Choir sings Evensong at Merton College, Oxford. Do come and hear our singers who will be joining the Choir of Merton College for an exciting joint venture.
  • Abingdon School Music Society wishes you a happy half term and invites you to join us when you get back for a fun family quiz night on Friday 8 November. It’s all happening at 7pm in the CMR with star Quiz Master Michael Windsor.  It’ll be a relaxed and sociable way to end a busy week, and don’t worry, there’s no need to be a musical mastermind as there will be a variety of questions on offer.  A Spanish themed 3 course meal is included and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are available through the school box office, but don’t leave it too late to book as numbers are limited!  Any questions?  Please contact Gillian, Chair of ASMS.

Abingdon Sports and Leisure – Hockey Camp

Read the latest School Blog

What is Athletic Development and its role within Abingdon School?

News from the week:

Food menu for week beginning Monday 29 October – Week 1