www.abingdon.org.uk 3 Abingdon News 3rd Year visit WW1 battlefields In April, 60 3rd Year students and 6 members of staff visited the battlefields of Ypres and the Somme. The battlefields guides were very knowledgeable and helped bring the subject to life. In particular, students learned about the role of the Indian Army in 1915; day one of the battle of the Somme (1 July 1916); and the battle of Arras in 1917. They also learned stories about some of our OA’s who are remembered at the Thiepval and Pozieres cemeteries and laid a wreath on behalf of the School at the Menin Gate memorial. MFL Society dinner Going for Silver and Gold in Snowdonia Six Abingdon Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) teams completed exhibitions to the Snowdonia national park over the Easter holidays. Two teams successfully passed their silver expeditions, demonstrating excellent organisation and navigation skills; and four successfully completed their Gold expeditions. All went on to do their assessed expeditions to the Lake District. In addition, a group of determined Gold canoeing participants embarked on a challenging practice expedition on the Oxford and Kennet & Avon Canals. The 4 day expedition required the team to learn how to work together to paddle efficiently upstream, navigate locks and negotiate waterways, as well as learning about what to do if you capsize and how to rescue capsized paddlers and equipment. The expedition provided an opportunity for the participants to develop their resilience, self-confidence and problem-solving skills, all whilst enjoying the beauty of the British countryside. The group successfully completed the expedition, and will now use the experience gained to prepare for their final DofE Gold Assessment expedition on the River Wye in July. Sixth Form Spanish students enjoyed a practical and cultural trip to Valencia during the Easter holidays and, with their Spanish pre-U just around the corner, there really couldn’t be a better way to revise than to learn in a Spanish school and stay with Spanish families! In addition to taking Spanish lessons, the students also enjoyed a tour around the city centre; ascending the Cathedral to take in the view; the opportunity to reenact a Formula 1 race on bikes around Valencia’s very own street circuits; as well as trips to the Oceanografic, the Mestalla Stadium, and the El Museo Marqués de Dos Aguas. A great time was had by all. 6th Form visit Valencia
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