www.abingdon.org.uk 23 Our dining hall was transformed into a design exhibition space during Artsweek with pupils’ very impressive CDT and artwork on display. Tying in with this, we held our first whole school Big Think Friday in which every year group had the opportunity to spend time reflecting on, and responding to, a piece of art by Jean-Michel Basquiat. The pupils moved around different zones where they could respond through art, construction, creative writing, discussion and silent reflection. We are also very proud of Ryan, Sam and Charlie for passing their Bronze level Arts Award. Awarded by Trinity College, London and supported by The Arts Council England, it takes commitment and perseverance to gain this award and they should, rightly, be very proud of their creative achievement. Top table tennis Having won the U11 South Regional Selection/Qualifiers at Cippenham in March, Joe found himself once again battling against the same opponent in the Inter-Regional Finals at WV Active Wolverhampton in May. Over 100 players were competing in both team and individual events in Under-15, Under-13 and Under-11 categories. Joe was competing in Group 4 of the individual Under 11 Boys and lasted the distance to win two five-setters, beating the opposition 8, -8, 8, -7, 5 and 10, 5, 8, -9, 6. He went on to reach the quarter-finals, losing to the eventual finalist. To get so far in such a big event is quite an accomplishment! House charity day Our House Charity Day, held in May encouraged the pupils to wear something red in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and raised over £250 in all. Then, on 19 May, Dragon House ran a cake sale raising £449 worth of funds for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. This was followed in June by Phoenix House who ran a tuck shop and who raised £313 for H-ABC. A huge thanks to all those who have supported our charity events this term. The sky’s the limit … There have been so many charitable initiatives this term. Celebrating the Arts Pupils in Year 7 explored the qualities they need to undertake leadership roles in the school during an interactive workshop with Michael Triff, Abingdon School’s Head of Career Guidance. They were able to discuss in groups both the leadership qualities they feel are strengths and explore those they need to develop. After reflecting on these, we hope that many of the pupils will feel confident to take up leadership roles on offer at school including House Captain, Vice Captain, School Council, Eco Club, Junior Equality and Diversity group and Young Leader as they move into Year 8. Leading the way Eco Committee In May, our newly elected Eco Committee held their first meeting to discuss the kind of themes they wanted to prioritise over the course of this term. After much discussion and an array of excellent ideas, the pupils will focus on recycling in classrooms, reducing litter on site and encouraging less food waste from the dining hall. Watch this space!
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