18 Apr 2024

WEEKLY MAILING

Message from the Head

Dear Parents

I hope that you and your families were able to enjoy a good break over Easter. We’ve enjoyed a successful return to school and I enjoyed talking to a number of pupils in the lunch queue today about their experiences on some of the trips that took place over the holiday, including the 3rd Year Battlefields trip, the ski trip and Duke of Edinburgh Award practice expeditions. Our cricketers also enjoyed their tour to Sri Lanka where our spin attack prospered, which bodes well for the season ahead.

I’m conscious that we are all rather inundated by survey requests; you can’t complete a simple transaction nowadays without being asked to give feedback. Despite this, I hope that you will wish to take part in a survey that we will send out next week on Tuesday 23 April. The survey, which aims to gauge parental satisfaction, is short and should take no more than a couple of minutes to complete, though there is an opportunity to share further comments. Responses will be handled confidentially and further information about how we will deal with the data provided will be included in the rubrics of the survey. I’ll be very grateful for your participation.

Next week we will be also keeping a close eye on the weather as the Foundation photograph, including pupils from both Abingdon and Abingdon Prep, is scheduled for the afternoon of Monday 22 April. We’ll be checking pupils’ dress carefully as they prepare for the photo but we’d be grateful if you could ensure that your child arrives in school looking as smart as possible. Photos will be available for purchase at a later date.

Best wishes, Mike Windsor

 

UPPER SCHOOL

  • UCAS for L6 and any U6 who may be applying next year:
    • This is a key term for students to progress with their university intentions. Over the next couple of months, there’s a range of events and sessions to help students prepare for a strong UCAS application in the autumn. Below is a list of the main activities and note all L6 are expected to attend all sessions (aside from the Student Loan webinar which is optional) and sessions are open to any U6 who may wish to attend if they are expecting to apply through UCAS next year.
      • Futures Fair, Tuesday 23 April 4pm-6pm – a range of UK universities will be on-hand to talk to students about what they have to offer so students can start thinking about what’s important to them when looking at universities and start narrowing down where they might apply. This is a drop-in event and we suggest attendees plan to attend for at least one hour. Compulsory for L6 (no need to book) and open to 5th Years and U6 (please book here). Parents are also welcome to attend with their student.
      • UCAS Masterclass, Wednesday 24 April (in school hours) – a presentation discussing personal statements and our top tips to help students navigate the UCAS application process successfully.
      • Webinar on Understanding Student Loans for University in the UK, Thursday 25 April 7pm-8pm (Zoom) – a virtual session on UK student loans, how they work and how to apply for them (optional session, but encouraged), register here to attend.
      • UCAS registration, Wednesday 22 May (in school hours) – all L6 will register on UCAS in their tutor groups and will receive step by step guidance for completing the application.
      • 360 Degree event, Thursday 27 June 6.30pm-8.30pm (Amey Theatre) an event for students and their parents to find out more about studying different subjects at degree level and discuss individual aspirations for a successful university application. Full details to follow.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • Parents of  Fourth Year pupils – Parents’ Evening Letter
  • French GCSE will take place on the afternoon of Friday 26 April, ie before revision leave begins.  In this instance, French GCSE pupils are not expected to be in school on that day until the time of their exam (1.30pm).  However, should pupils wish to come into school for the morning (e.g. because they use the school bus service) they can either attend normal lessons or go to the Library where they can revise for their French exam.  All pupils are expected to fulfil their Other Half commitments until official revision leave begins at 5.20pm on Friday 3 May.

WHOLE SCHOOL

  • Foundation Photograph.  The Foundation photograph will take place on Monday 22 April.  Pupils should be smartly dressed, please, in line with clothing regulations.  Sixth formers should wear suits and white shirts, please.  Middle school in blue or blue striped shirts.  NOT summer dress.
  • Abingdon News: The latest issue of Abingdon News is now available to read here.
  • School Policies:
    • A reminder to parents is that school policies are available on the website: https://www.abingdon.org.uk/about/school-policies/  These are regularly updated to comply with best practice, school procedures and regulatory requirements.  The School has recently launched a new Social Media Policy that offers guidance to parents/carers/staff/students on the use of social media.
  • From the Head of Wellbeing and PSHCE/RSE: RSE and PSHCE provision – Summer term update
  • Parent Webinars CAMHS:
    • The School In-Reach team is holding several webinars for parents over the coming year. These awareness sessions contain useful information about how to support a child with some of the commonly seen emotional and mental health concerns.  Parent webinars | Oxford Health CAMHSOxford Health CAMHS
  • From Helen Keevil, Deputy Head (Pastoral):
    • Dear Parents,  How would your family react to a smartphone ban for under-16s?  This is a question which I know is a high priority for many of our families and one I talk more about in the latest issue of Abingdon News.  It is also a subject Tech Shock, a company who help families thrive in the digital age, will be covering in their next podcast.  If you would like to contribute your view on this topic for their podcast, please email [email protected] or send a WhatsApp voice note to 07768 367213.  If you’re happy for them to use your comment or voice in their podcast, please include your first name and location – or let them know otherwise.  We will also be asking our parents for their view on this topical issue in due course.  Best wishes, Helen Keevil, Deputy Head (Pastoral)
  • From Tom Donnelly, Acting Director of Sport & PE:
    • Injured & Off-Games Pupils.  Should a pupil not be able to actively participate in their timetabled sport and Other Half programme, we kindly remind you that parents are asked to contact the relevant teacher to make the member of staff in charge of the activity aware.
    • Saturday Sports Fixtures.  Can I take this opportunity to remind you that the School expects all students to be available for Saturday sports fixtures within their own Core Sport or Other Half option. On occasions there may be an unavoidable clash. In such rare instances we ask parents to seek permission from the Head well in advance, at least a week, copying the Acting Director of Sport & PE (Tom Donnelly) into the e-mail correspondence. Without your support in this matter we will find it very hard to honour our competitive fixture list and provide the well-documented benefits team sport can provide.
  • Important notice for JBS (Joint Bus Service) users next term – action required:
    • You will have received this email from Vectare over the Easter break.  If you’ve already taken action, thank you.  If not, please can we draw your attention to Vectare’s email and ask that you take action as necessary.  If you have any questions please contact Vectare on [email protected]
  • Music: 
    • Please see here the Summer term music newsletter outlining some of the key events.
    • Trumpet Masterclass with Crispian Steele-Perkins, Thursday 25 April, 6pm – CMR, admission free.  We are looking forward to our first masterclass of the term as we welcome back Crispian Steele-Perkins to Abingdon School. Crispian has enjoyed a stellar career as one of the leading instrumentalists of his generation. Described as the ‘world’s leading exponent of the Baroque Trumpet’, he has recorded with as wide a range as artists including Emma Kirby, Bryn Terfel, Kate Bush and Cliff Richard. His expertise, insight and inspiration is not to be missed! This is very much suitable for any pupil who plays a brass instrument.
    • Solo Concert Platform 5, Tuesday 30 April, 6pm – CMR, admission free.  Our first solo platform of the Summer Term sees pupils in solo performance from all levels of the school. Admission is free and all are welcome!
    • U6 Leavers’ Concert, Friday 3 May, 6pm – CMR, admission free.  Our opportunity to celebrate the musical successes and contribution of our wonderful cohort of U6 musicians. With an array of performances across all musical genres, do join us for a celebration of these fine and dedicated pupils and all are welcome! The Music Department will be in touch with pupils in the U6 about this concert.
    • Music at Abingdon: Harry the Piano, Tuesday 7 May, 7pm – Amey Theatre, Adults £15, Concessions Free.  This term we are delighted to welcome the piano virtuoso, ‘Harry the Piano’ to deliver a series of masterclasses followed by an evening performance in the Amey Theatre. As Alex Armstrong quotes, ‘I’ve never seen anyone play an instrument like him, people will be amazed!’ Make sure you book your ticket for this unique opportunity to see one of the nation’s most inspiring musicians! You will not regret attending this event!
    • See other upcoming Music Events
  • From the OA Club Office:
    • Reminder: John Rayson Award – £250 Prize.  All current pupils of Abingdon School are eligible to apply for the John Rayson Award.  The John Rayson Award is a memorial to the late John Rayson (1924-2012), an Old Abingdonian (1942) who gave a lifetime of service to Abingdon School.  The award will be given to a current pupil to help fund a personal project/experience that embodies the defining characteristics of John Rayson himself – adventure, courage and resilience coupled with service, loyalty and commitment.  The award carries a value of £250.  Further information, and a link to the application form, is available here.  Application forms must be submitted no later than Wednesday 1 May 2024.
    • Reminder: ASPA / OA Club Travel Awards 2024.  ASPA and the OA Club have joined forces to offer travel awards to upper and lower sixth pupils undertaking some form of UK or overseas travel and activity either during the summer or in their gap year.  The awards range from £50 to £500 depending on the activity and its benefits.  Further details, and the conditions attached to the awards, can be found here.  Application forms need to be submitted by Wednesday 1 May 2024.
  • Important information for parents re driving near the School:
    • Further to a recent complaint, please be reminded to give cyclists a wide berth when driving on the roads near to School.  Thank you.
  • From the Chair of ASPA, Richard Stone:
    • ASPA Quiz: After the success of last year’s quiz we are holding this event again this term. It is on Friday 10 May in the new Pavilion facility. Teams of 6 or 8 people – so get together with friends and make a team. Alternatively if you want to just sign up to attend individually, we can assign you to team with others. Cost is £15 per person and includes a two course dinner. There will be a cash bar on the evening too. Sign up will be available via the box office next week – the link will be in next week’s mailing.
  • OX14 Learning Partnership Upcoming Events
  • News from the week
  • Food menu for the following week – Week 2
  • School calendar
  • Second Hand Uniform Shop (SUS) opening dates for the week ahead: Saturday 20 April & Wednesday 24 April
  • Weekly mailing archive
  • Box Office: