Abingdonian 2020

85 www.abingdon.org.uk House Reports was more important than anything else. We pulled ourselves together for one last, superb performance that outshone all expectations, singing difficult sections we had struggled with earlier that day, even, completely effortlessly. It was an all-round, rousing performance that succeeded in scoring us second place. I’d like to extend a thank you to all the boys in the house, and in particular the band members who provided the excellent backing which was singled out as a winning factor by the adjudicator. Raffy Armon-Jones, 7RMT Inter-House Sports Opportunities for inter-house sports were limited during the year but the Michaelmas Term drew to an end with some fantastic overall achievements for the house. Whilst only being overall winners in the U15 badminton, we did achieve top positions in a variety of sports. All boys who took part put in maximum effort and showed house spirit. During lockdown we won both the third and fourth year virtual sports days and, although it was a bit strange watching boys run, hop and jump around a mini box on a screen, it was really fun and provided a real sense of community. Summer Term The Summer Term was always going to be a challenge, as it started in such an unusual fashion. The Abingdon community however did not let this change get in their way as everyone managed to work together and get through. This was greatly helped by the tutors who made efforts to catch up with students one on one every week and by Mr Broadbent’s weekly quiz which brought everyone together on a Friday. Although certain events were not able to take place, like the Henley Regatta and end of year exams, lots of positive things still took place like the third and fourth year virtual inter-house sports day which everyone enjoyed from home. The third year mentoring programme also still took place weekly and saw members of the Lower Sixth have the opportunity to talk to the third years about anything they felt like talking about. Despite the fact that formal exams were unable to take place, students were still tested regularly online across their subjects, which enabled them to keep up to date and consolidate topics which they would have had to revise for their summer exams. Reports were also done online, and students were able to set themselves goals with the new system. There were also still opportunities for awards and charitable acts, as there were weekly house competitions, like the photography challenges and tutor cooking competitions. Mike MacLennan and Jayden Zamler raised money for various charities through sporting ventures. Sam Penrose won an award for his work as part of The Martlet design team, and Middle School prizes were awarded to Jake Church, Thomas Paddick, Jack Rickman, and Fran and Louis Trotter. Overall there was a greater sense of community than ever before, as it was paramount that everyone came together to push through the difficult circumstances of Covid-19. Unfortunately for the Upper Sixth, this meant that they didn’t get their farewells like they deserved, but they did receive a virtual pizza and drinks night! Hopefully something proper will be put in place for them soon, and, in the meantime, we wish them all luck in their future endeavours. Alex Hankinson, 6JAP