24 Jan 2020

WEEKLY MAILING

This week’s mailing is:

Letters:

Notices:

Virus outbreak in China

We are aware of concerns over the coronavirus outbreak in China and we are considering any possible repercussions it may have for our school community. We are following advice from Public Health England who, as of the 23 January 2020, has set the risk to those in the UK to “low”. We will continue to monitor the situation and update the Abingdon Community when necessary.

Mock Exam Results

5th year mock exam results were posted to the parent portal yesterday and an email regarding them was sent to all 5th year parents at the same time.  If you are having trouble accessing the portal please contact [email protected].uk.

For Lower Sixth boys and their parents: UCAS

After Abingdon, an introduction to the university application process and alternatives to university – Wednesday 12 February 6.30pm to 8.30pm, starting in the Amey Theatre.   This evening, which has been purposely designed to introduce the Lower Sixth to the options open to them after they leave Abingdon, is an important opportunity for boys and their parents to learn about some of the key features of the UK university application process, and alternatives such as vocational courses, work-based learning, apprenticeships and school leaver programmes.

Mrs Caroline Taylor, Assistant Upper Master, Universities, will give a key-note presentation outlining the UCAS process and what is expected of the boys at each stage, as well as highlighting key factors to consider when choosing degree courses, UK universities and writing the personal statement. This presentation will take place in the Amey Theatre from 6.30pm to 7.10pm.  After refreshments, served in the Amey Theatre foyer and nearby café, there is the opportunity to attend two of four different break-out sessions:

  • Oxbridge (Dr Katherine Clarke, St Hilda’s College, Oxford)
  • Alternatives to university (Michael Triff, Head of Career Guidance, Abingdon)
  • “If I’d known then what I know now” (U6 students reflecting on their application experience)
  • What makes a strong UCAS application? (Caroline Taylor)

These sessions will each run twice, once at 7.30pm and again at 8.05pm.

Boys are expected to attend both the key-note presentation and two of the sessions. They will be asked to sign up to their chosen sessions next week.  We very much hope that parents will also join us for this event which forms an essential introduction to the next stage of their education.

L6 Parents: OA Club Summer Work Experience Placements

The Old Abingdonian Club’s annual Summer Work Experience Scheme for L6 was announced at 6th Form assembly this morning.  Fifteen Abingdon School alumni will be hosting one- or two-week work experience placements (for current L6 students) during the upcoming summer holidays. There are placements in retail business, architecture, electrical engineering, corporate communications, medicine, investment management, law (Hong Kong only), the music industry, and even a social enterprise linked to the British armed forces – lots of choice!  Dates for placements vary – some weeks are set and others are to be agreed. L6 students are invited to apply no later than Sunday 23 February – the last day of February half term break.  Selections will be based on the quality of the application and the relevance of the placement to the student’s career interests.  Please encourage your son to read about the placements on offer on the Career Guidance pages of Firefly.  Michael Triff, Head of Career Guidance.

The Abingdonian magazine

The 2019 edition of The Abingdonian magazine has been given to all boys who were members of the school last year by their tutors. Parents should ask their sons if they would like to read this overview of a year in the life of the School.

Music:

  • Wednesday 29 January – Solo Concert Platform – CMR at 6pm.  All parents and friends are welcome to attend the first solo concert platform of the term. These concerts typically last about 90 minutes and give the boys an opportunity to perform their pieces in front of an audience in the CMR. These are great occasions, supported by teachers and families, which do much to enhance a musician’s confidence in performance and, for some, a chance to run a piece before an examination or a GCSE recording. Do come – admission is free.

January 2020 Middle School History and Politics Society Publication

Please click this link to read the January 2020 Middle School History and Politics Society’s first publication.

Latest School Blog – Apprenticeships: What’s in a name?

In the latest school blog, Michael Triff considers modern apprenticeships and why they should be seriously considered by some as an alternative to full-time university.

February Hockey Skills Camp

Join us for our February Hockey Skills Camp – Based at Tilsley Park.  Girls and boys: Aged 9-16 years.  All abilities welcome (beginners to JAC/PC)

Key areas of the course:

  • 1 v 1 skill development, game-play and movement, short corner skills, passing techniques, game-play.
  • This is a high-quality coaching course led by professional players and current premier league and regional coaches.
  • Learn and develop core skills such as hitting and slapping, tackling, movement, short corner skills and overall game-play. These will be covered in a fun, safe and enjoyable environment.
  • Available dates:
    Tuesday 18 February 2020, 9am – 3pm on this day.  The cost of this course is £48 for the day.  To book, please click here.
  • To find out more information, please visit the Abingdon Sports and Leisure website. You can also click here to download the information poster.

Ultimate Activity Camps

We are delighted to let you know that Ultimate Activity Camps will be returning to run their fun, safe and engaging holiday day camps at Abingdon Senior and Prep School during the Easter and Summer Holidays!

  • Easter Dates – Monday 6 – Friday 17 April 2020 also Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 at Abingdon Prep School
  • Summer Dates – Monday 20 July to Friday 21 August 2020

Ultimate Activity Camps offer exciting holiday day camps with over 40 activities every week delivered by engaging, enthusiastic and energetic staff who will instruct and encourage every child to try new activities and make new friends – and naturally have lots of fun!

*Early Booking Offer
£174 / week saving £40 off our standard rate of £214 / week
£41 / day saving £6 per day off our standard rate of £47 / day
Book Now to take advantage of this great offer which ends Tuesday 10 March *it is possible to change dates, free of charge, 14 days before your first day on camp.

Please visit www.ultimateactivity.co.uk for full details or you can call their friendly team on 0330 111 7077 (local rate).

News from the Week:

Food menu for the coming week – Week 1

Here is the link to previous weekly mailings.

For forthcoming events, here is the link to the School Calendar.