www.abingdon.org.uk 11 On Tuesday 3 May, Abingdon School CCF underwent their first Biennial Inspection in four years. There was much at stake, but the cadets didn’t disappoint. The day began with a whole contingent inspection outside Big School. After a few last minute rehearsals, and hours of work beforehand, the parade began. The inspecting officer Air Commodore Woods came and inspected all of the RAF and Army Cadets and was very impressed at their turnout of dress, standards and drill and was very complimentary. He also gave a very engaging speech on what individuals can take from being part of the cadet force and how it can benefit future careers, even if they’re not military related. After the successful parade, cadets made their way up to Dalton Barracks where 3 Regiment RLC, who regularly assist us, put on a round Robin of activities from Military theory tests to the live ranges, the assault course and a casualty evacuation competition run. This showed Air Cdre Woods how we operate in a non-ceremonial environment as well as highlighting the excellent partnership opportunities 3 Reg offer us. Overall it was a very successful day, enjoyed by all cadets who attended. Many thanks to Air Cdre Woods for coming to inspect the contingent and for his words of wisdom. Similarly, a massive thanks to the 3 Reg team for the afternoon activities and, most importantly, the CCF staff who have spent months organising this. The hard work of the contingent truly paid off and we hope this will be reflected in the report of the inspection. Chemical reactions As part of their core practicals requirement for the A Level, the Lower Sixth chemists have been preparing a sample of a halogenoalkane (compounds in which one or more hydrogen atoms in an alkane have been replaced by halogen atoms). Purification of organic liquids is an essential skill that chemists need and the students, in spite of the apparent complexity of the apparatus, quickly mastered the technique and obtained some excellent yields using equipment much the same as that found in many chemistry research labs. Abingdon News Biennial inspection Artist in residence After running a successful workshop entitled Painting with the Limited Palette, Rob Pretorius embarked on a part-time Residency at Abingdon School in January 2022, offering students the opportunity to work alongside a trained painter and draftsperson, and providing ongoing technical mentoring during lesson-time - particularly in core skills like drawing and colour mixing. Rob trained in portraiture and figure painting at Sarum Studio between 2015-2018, an independent atelier of fine art in Salisbury, UK, under the tutelage of Nicholas Beer. He learned to paint and draw according to a tradition that has passed down through generations, and is commonly known as the “sight-size” method. Since graduating, Rob has adapted his training to suit his ambitions, though he still works in oils and charcoal, and continues to take the human figure as his central focus across a variety of genres. Rob is based in the Sixth Form studio, and can be seen working up his many sketches and studies as part of the lengthy process required to realise a final figure composition as oil on canvas. The procedure provides the students an invaluable glimpse of a creative process that runs in parallel to their own sketchbook development and visual problem solving. DofE Participants from Abingdon School dedicated 2,782 hours to volunteering between April 2021 and March 2022, with a social value of £12,853.
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