20 Apr 2023

WEEKLY MAILING

Message from the Headmaster

Dear Parents

Each term has its own sense of rhythm and routine and the start of the summer term always has its own particular feel. We look forward to the sound of leather on willow, the regatta season, croquet on the lawns… and public exams. It is of course the start of the final term for our Upper Sixth students and we will ensure that we give them a good send-off and celebrate their contribution to the School before they move on to fresh pastures.

I have been away from school for a couple of days this week to participate in an inspection of another school conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. This is a valuable exercise as it’s always fascinating to meet pupils and staff from other schools and learn more about their approach. I’m looking forward though to getting back to Abingdon and catching up with the pupils.

I will look forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks and wish you and all our pupils the very best for the term ahead.

Best wishes, Mike Windsor

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • Parents of  Fourth Year pupils – Parents’ Evening Letter
  • French GCSE will take place on the afternoon of Friday 28 April, ie before revision leave begins.  In this instance, French GCSE pupils are not 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 should report to the Library.  All pupils are expected to fulfil their Other Half commitments until official revision leave begins at 5.20pm on Tuesday 9 May.

WHOLE SCHOOL

  • Foundation Photograph.  The Foundation photograph will take place on Monday 24 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.
  • From Paul Gooding, Head of Wellbeing:  RSE and PSHCE provision – Summer term update.
  • Parent Webinar: Supporting your child’s mental health with consultant psychiatrist, Dr Mei Simmons, Wednesday 26 April 7:30pm.  We are hosting a parent webinar for the OX14 Learning Partnership with Dr Mei Simmons, a consultant psychiatrist on Wednesday 26 April at 7:30pm. Mei will explain how we can support our children’s mental health and will give practical advice on managing anxiety, harmful behaviours and challenges with school attendance.  Please complete this sign up form here, in order to receive the webinar link.
  • Music events in the first half of term:
  • From the OA Club Office:
    • Reminder: Informal professional networking evening for parents and OAs.  Abingdon School parents working in the finance, investment, law, technology and consultancy sectors are warmly invited to join Old Abingdonians at a networking reception. Join us on Tuesday 25 April 2023 from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm at the City University Club, 42 Crutched Friars, London, EC3N 2AP (the nearest stations are Tower Hill and Tower Gateway). Booking is available here.
    • Reminder: The John Rayson (OA 1942) Award.  All current pupils of Abingdon School are eligible to apply for the John Rayson Award, a memorial to the late John Rayson (1924-2012), an Old Abingdonian who gave a lifetime of service to Abingdon School. The award, which carries a value of £250, 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. Further information is available here.  Application forms must be submitted no later than Monday 1 May 2023.
    • Reminder: ASPA / OA Club Travel Awards.  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 must be submitted no later than Monday 1 May 2023.
  • OX14 Learning Partnership Upcoming Events
  • News from the week
  • Food menu for the following week – Week 2
  • School calendar
  • Weekly mailing archive
  • Box Office: