28 Sep 2023

WEEKLY MAILING

Message from the Head

Dear Parents

I enjoyed spending time with pupils on Tuesday as we made our way along the Thames on the ten-mile Sponsored Walk route. They were in good spirits and were excellent company. They’ve made a terrific effort with their fund-raising efforts too – and it’s not too late to contribute.  The link to the donation page is here.

I’m looking forward to hearing a number of Lower Sixth students presenting their Summer Term Extension Projects in the Amey Theatre before our 4th and Lower Sixth Meet the Tutor events tonight.

Academic extension is very much on my mind at the moment as I’ve been reading the first drafts of the three Extended Projects that I’m supervising by Upper Sixth students. The topics I’ve learnt about include the regulation of cryptocurrencies, the impact of environmentally friendly policies on the Indonesian economy and ‘sportswashing’. I’ve enjoyed seeing these projects take shape over the last few months and look forward to their presentations on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 November.

Best wishes, Mike Windsor

 

UPPER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • From the English Department – Black History Month.  For Black History Month this October the English Department has produced a list of great books by black authors, (suitable for 4th year pupils and up), which is available at this link.

WHOLE SCHOOL

  • World Mental Health Day 2023
  • Reminder – Arrangements for Open Day: Saturday 30 September – 9am to 12.30pm
    • Open Day runs from 9am until 12.30pm.  All students, except first years and third years are expected to attend, unless they are required for a specific activity.
    • Students should arrive at School no later than 8.30am to register in their houserooms before beginning their Open Day activities.  They should arrive wearing full uniform unless directed otherwise for a specific activity.  All students will be either involved in activities or guiding our visitors.  Unless involved in an away match, all students will be required to stay until 12.45pm.
    • For students who use the joint bus service, all morning routes will be operating at their usual timings according to the normal weekday schedule.  Students on school buses should go straight to registration in their houserooms when their bus arrives.  For the return journey, buses will depart on all usual routes from the coach park at 12.45pm.  (SHSK 4.20pm service users will also depart SHSK at 12.45pm).
    • Usually we would welcome current parents to our Open Day. However, as we have received exceptional interest from prospective parents this year, we regret that we are unable to invite current parents – unless they are visiting with a sibling who is a prospective pupil.
  • Abingdon Michaelmas Fair: Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 October.  Parents should expect that traffic flow in Abingdon will be severely disrupted by the Abingdon Fair.  From 11pm on Saturday 7 October the entrance to the School is via the gate to the north of Park Crescent, on Faringdon Road.  Gates at Victoria Road and Conduit Road will be locked until early morning on Wednesday 11 October.  Please refer to this map showing alternative routes into Abingdon School during this period.
  • Driving near the School.  From a safety perspective, particularly with the onset of darker evenings, parents are kindly reminded not to drop off or collect pupils from the Park Lodge area, or Lower Field car park, please. This is because the area is already busy with pedestrians, pupils and school traffic. We therefore ask that parents drop and collect pupils in Park Crescent, operating a one-way system travelling clockwise past the private housing to the west of Albert Park, and ending up near the boarding houses. The Crescent ends at a cross roads, where halting is obligatory on these private roads. Wheel clamping operates on Park Road and Park Crescent, so you are advised not to leave a car unattended.  Please also be reminded that there is a speed limit of 20mph along these roads.  Parents are also reminded that cars waiting by the Coach park on Faringdon Road impede prompt departure of the buses as well as causing traffic problems.
  • Abingdon News – Featuring articles on wellbeing, AI and partnerships, as well as highlights from across the summer term, the latest issue of Abingdon News is now available to read here.
  • Music:
  • ASPA – Cheese and wine evenings for new parents.  These events can now be booked through the box office on the school’s website – at the following links:
  • OX14 Learning Partnership Upcoming Events
  • News from the week
  • Food menu for the following week – Week 2
  • School calendar
  • Weekly mailing archive
  • Box Office: