20 April 2023 Abingdon School in Partnership Continuing to develop The mutual value of partnership work was highlighted this term in 2 important events which promote the continued professional development of teaching staff. On 3 March, staff from the Abingdon Science Partnership (ASP) attended the Oxfordshire and Reading Secondary Science Conference, held at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. The event provides local teachers with an opportunity to share best practice and to network. Following the conference’s theme of encouraging diversity in science, ASP Lead, Jeremy Thomas, gave a formal presentation on ‘astronomy for all’. The event also highlighted the resources and programmes on offer to local schools through ASP. In March, the termly meeting of the Abingdon Partnership for Schools (APfS) Science Group took place in the Yang Science Centre. Focusing on practical science at the transition between Year 6 and Year 7, the meeting was supported by Adam Easton, Head of Science at Fitzharry’s. Primary school science coordinators and Year 6 teachers enjoyed carrying out ASP’s Lab Skills workshop, which is designed to increase confidence in Year 6 pupils about to encounter secondary school science labs for the 1st time. Carrying out the practical work themselves encouraged discussion in how pupils could be prepared for the transition, through the correct use of scientific vocabulary, practising safe procedures and the use of standard equipment including thermometers and simple glassware. Arts partnerships It’s been a busy and exciting term in arts partnerships which has seen the launch of the Oxfordshire Academy of Broadcast Journalism workshops. Led by professional broadcasters, Olly Hogben and Blythe Lawrence, students have heard about the challenges and thrills of a career in broadcast journalism; learned some more practical skills such as ‘writing for broadcast’; and have even enjoyed a session on audio broadcasting (delivered virtually from Doha where Olly was commentating on a Champion League match!). Thameside Primary School Performing and Creative arts club Every Wednesday afternoon, Jason Preece, Regina Engel-Hart and OA, Mac Adams, take 10 Abingdon students to run 2 clubs at Thameside Primary School. The music club is attended by 15 enthusiastic Year 5 and Year 6 students who learn the music and lyrics of songs by popular artists and shows; and the creative arts club sees Abingdon school students work alongside Thameside students to create artwork such as nativity calendars and Easter cards. Rob Southwell-Sander, Director of Partnerships, comments: “These valuable initiatives provide our students with the opportunity to learn to be role models and develop skills associated with listening and leadership.” On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March the inaugural RoboCon Oxfordshire event came to a climax. Launched back in November, students at schools around Oxfordshire have spent intervening months experiencing engineering first hand by designing, building, programming and testing their robots. Their work culminated in a 2 day competition last weekend. Teams also took the opportunity to work with mentors from Abingdon School (“pink shirts”) who helped them make improvements to their robots. This resulted in a keenly contested final round with Gosford Hill taking 1st prize, a team from Europa School 2nd, with John Mason and Larkmead joint 3rd. Robocon
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