25 May 2023

WEEKLY MAILING

Message from the Headmaster

Dear Parents

Finally we have some proper cricket weather and as I write combined Lower School/Abingdon Prep School teams take on the Dragon School on Upper Field, after a broadly successful set of fixtures against Winchester on Saturday.

Over the weekend, the focus switches to our oarsmen as they participate in the National Schools Regatta at Eton Dorney; always a fantastic event. I know that our students will get tremendous support as they make their way down the course.

Over the last few weeks, many of our Lower School pupils have been working hard on their production of Peter Pan: The Lost Boy. In a possible first for the Amey Theatre, this involves numerous children flying across the stage, as well as a large cast and a sumptuous set. It should be an unforgettable sight.

Our students and staff have worked extremely hard over the past few weeks. I’d like to thank them for their efforts and hope that there are good opportunities for some downtime over half term, while recognising that public exams continue in the second half of term.

Best wishes, Mike Windsor

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • For parents of Fourth Year pupils – RSE talk LGBTQIA+.  On Tuesday 6 June, Natalie Hunt (Mental Health & Wellbeing Coordinator) will be speaking to the 4th years about LGBTQIA+ Allyship. This talk falls within Pride Month and so this is a good time to be addressing these issues within the RSE programme. She will include a brief history of the Pride Progress flag, what it means to be an ally, what LGBTQIA+ means, signposting for help and support, and the wider value of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our society. Aligned with the school’s ethos, this talk aims to promote the values of kindness and respect for others, irrespective of our own thoughts and beliefs around these sensitive issues. If you have any questions or queries please contact Natalie Hunt ([email protected]) or Paul Gooding ([email protected]).
  • Fifth Year letter to parents on STEP: Summer Term Extension Programme. All Fifth Year students will shortly be sent the following letter regarding STEP, the voluntary Summer Term academic extension programme. We have had some excellent projects over the past few years, and we hope many Fifth Year students will consider it this year.

WHOLE SCHOOL

  • Music:   Parents and friends are warmly invited to attend the concerts in the second half of term. Below is a quick resumé of what’s on – please see the link to the box office for more information.  Please note that we are expecting all the usual members of our bands and orchestras to participate in the Summer Concert on Friday 23 June. There will be a rehearsal in the afternoon and supper will be provided at cost. This will be an opportunity to say farewell to musicians who are leavers – please let us know if any pupils are not intending to participate.
    1. Lower School Gala Concert,  Friday 16 June, 6pm, Amey Theatre, admission free.  This concert is our annual celebration of music-making in the Lower School, involving our 1st and 2nd years. The items include a range of solo performances, bands and singing.
    2. Summer Concert – Orchestras, Bands, Friday 23 June, 7pm, Amey Theatre.  Tickets from Box Office.  Our Summer Concert provides the termly platform for the students to show their work in the larger ensembles that meet to rehearse weekly – the orchestras and bands. This is also the concert when you can hear the orchestras and bands for the final time in school, especially if you can’t attend the pre-tour concert at the Sheldonian Theatre the following week.
    3. Arts Celebration Concert, Wednesday 28 June, 6pm, admission free, al fresco if fine.  The Arts Celebration is traditionally the “Anything but Classical” event of the year – though we hope that the Lent Term Rock Concert will also become a regular fixture. We hope that the weather will permit the usual al fresco format and refreshments will be available. Do join us.
    4. Pre-Tour Concert, Friday 30 June, 7.30pm, Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford.  Tickets from the Box Office.  Our Pre-Tour Concert gives us a chance to show-case the pieces that the Big Band and the Orchestra will be taking with us on tour to Abingdon’s twin towns in France and Belgium, Tuesday 4 – Thursday 13 July.  As well as the touring orchestra and Big Band we will also be inviting our Second Orchestra to perform their pieces in this inspiring venue. We hope that we will also be able to present one or two smaller ensembles from some of our exceptional musical leavers.