7 Mar 2024

WEEKLY MAILING

Message from the Head

Dear Parents

It’s World Book Day and I breathe a sigh of relief that my daughters left primary school a while ago and my wife and I no longer have to come up with an imaginative costume reflecting their favourite character from the world of literature.

It is though much more importantly an opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading. I very much enjoyed observing an English lesson earlier this week where students were discussing Macbeth with great insight and enthusiasm and it reminded me of the valuable opportunity that discussing literature offers to understand nuance and complexity, as well as to revel in the sheer power of language.

I am an evangelist for the importance of reading for pleasure and I always have a book on the go; I’m currently enjoying The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, set on the Dorset coast. I’m conscious of course that our students are busy and bombarded with a myriad of other distractions but I would love every one of them to make reading part of their daily lives. There is such a huge array of material available – fiction and non-fiction – that I’d hope everyone could find something that they enjoy and find interesting. Certainly Dr Gardner, our librarian, is always able to provide recommendations and many students enjoy the superb range of books available in the library.

Happy World Book Day!

Best wishes, Mike Windsor

 

UPPER SCHOOL

  • Final Reminder to Upper Sixth Students and parents: Griffen Ball BOOKING LINK.  Please note that ticket sales will close on Monday 11 March at 9am.
  • Futures Fair – Tuesday 23 April, 4pm to 6pm
    • Mark your calendars for the Futures Fair where students can speak to 25 UK universities to find out more about university study, available degree courses, entry requirements and what different universities have to offer. We have an excellent list of confirmed university exhibitors plus information on other post-18 options.
    • All L6th students are expected to attend and interested 5th Years and U6th students are also very welcome. More information is available here. There is no need for L6th students to book. Booking for U6th and 5th Year students is not required but it is appreciated so we can better gauge expected numbers. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend with their child.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

  • Futures Fair – Tuesday 23 April, 4pm to 6pm
    • Mark your calendars for the Futures Fair where students can speak to 25 UK universities to find out more about university study, available degree courses, entry requirements and what different universities have to offer. We have an excellent list of confirmed university exhibitors plus information on other post-18 options.
    • All L6th students are expected to attend and interested 5th Years and U6th students are also very welcome. More information is available here. There is no need for L6th students to book. Booking for U6th and 5th Year students is not required but it is appreciated so we can better gauge expected numbers. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend with their child.

WHOLE SCHOOL

  • Road Relay – Driving Around Park Crescent
    • On Monday 11 March we have the annual whole school Road Relay, and therefore parents are kindly requested to not drive or park around Park Crescent until after 4.30pm when collecting their child.
  • Letter to parents of users of the JBS service from September 2024 re fares for 2024-25
  • Music: 
    • Wednesday 13 March, 7pm – School Choirs’ Concert – St Michael’s Abingdon.  Our annual School Choirs’ evening takes place in the stunning setting of St. Michael’s Church this term with a programme performed centrally by the School Chapel Choir. The centrepiece of the concert is Vivaldi’s exuberant and joyful Gloria whilst there is time for performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. Three U6 pupils will sing Vaughan Williams’ ‘Songs of Travel’ whilst the trebles will perform Alexander L’Estrange’s Panis Angelicus. A concert with something for all! Tickets are free of charge but need to be booked at the following link: https://www.abingdon.org.uk/sports-and-leisure/performance/school-choirs-evening-2/ 
    • Thursday 21 March, 7pm – Spring Concert – Amey Theatre.  Our final concert of term sees the larger ensembles take to the stage. The Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band, Sinfonia and Symphony Orchestra will all perform their term’s work with notable highlights including U6 performances of Shostakovich Piano Concerto, Koussevitzky Double Bass Concerto and Vaughan Williams’ ‘Songs of Travel’. Interval refreshments will be served in the Pavilion. Do join us for a wonderful evening of music making to round off the term’s musical activities. Tickets need to be booked at the following link: https://www.abingdon.org.uk/sports-and-leisure/performance/spring-concert/
    • See other upcoming Music Events.