G R I F F E N 2 0 2 3 | 1 5 School News From the Second Master The academic year 2021–2022 began with the ending of year group bubbles, so students returned to their own houserooms. Parents were able to attend in-person socials and ASPA events and watch, unrestricted, sports fixtures, concerts and productions. As Covid waxed and waned so various staff and students were off School, but much teaching and learning was still able to happen online and in-person simultaneously. OAs have continued to support the students with careers and university advice in person and online, for which we are most grateful. Trips, such an important part of a broad education, were able to resume: not just day trips to London, but plenty of DofE trips, overseas skiing, and modern language trips to France and Germany at Easter. During the year, work began on the large extensions to Crescent and Austin (formerly Waste Court) which will vastly improve the provision for their boarding and day students. This summer Abingdon Prep buildings have expanded, providing a brand new music school, second science lab, purpose-built CDT room and new classrooms for its Year 5 and 6 pupils. Just before half term, Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was marked in style with a CCF parade attended by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire and the whole School, organised by a Sixth Former. A barbeque and jubilee cakes marked the day for our entire School community (photo above). In another area of student leadership, prefects have been the driving force behind the Equalities Committee, producing presentations for their peers. We have seen a few members of staff moving on, although our retention rate continues to be high. Recent OAs will remember Lucy Moonen, History, and Adam Treadaway, Choral Music Director and live-in tutor and assistant boarding housemaster in School House. Adam is now running his own boarding house at Milton Abbey. Kathy Yarker, Geographer and Model United Nations enthusiast has moved north to Oundle to lead her own department. Sarah Gibbard (formerly Carey) gave countless hours of advice as Head of Careers and then as Universities Assistant, in addition to teaching biology and coaching the junior rowers. Celia Collins, who championed the cause of those at Abingdon with different learning needs for so many years, has retired and is currently travelling the world. Nick O’Doherty, Upper Master for 9 years, after time as a day housemaster, has handed the Sixth Form on to Simon James. Will Stockdale (2007) takes over from Simon in his house. Still teaching English and coaching three terms of games, Stuart Evans has relinquished leadership of activities, having led the whole of the Other Half for over 20 years. The academic year ended with a Celebration of the Arts Day, a welcome addition to the summer calendar, spearheaded by Paul Williamson, Head of Art, and in which the Headmaster joined our student bands. In addition a successful telephone campaign raised awareness and funds for our growing bursary programme. Young OAs applied to work as student callers and spoke with many OAs, current and former parents during the two-week initiative. David Dawswell Equalities Committee Mission Statement The Equalities Committee is a student-led body with the aim of increasing awareness surrounding topics regarding equality, diversity and inclusivity. We seek to reduce stigma and negativity for those affected by these issues. We produce a number of resources each year, normally centred around a primary focus for each term or half term. This year, one of our main aims is to focus on creating an environment where everyone will feel safe and accepted through wider education using leaflets, posters and in-school screens and working alongside students and staff. Celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in May 2022
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