abingdon.org.uk/prep 19 ABINGDON NEWS The ASP Motorsports Club, with members from Abingdon, Fitzharrys and John Mason schools, worked on design and development plans with undergraduate engineering students on placements at GKN Automotive’s Innovation Centre in Abingdon. The blue team is continuing to develop last season’s successful Fitz24 electric racing car; the red team has begun renovating a second car, aptly named the Red Kite. Under GKN’s guidance, students worked on bodywork designs and materials and improved power control systems for the new racing season in 2024. It was inspiring to see the constructive working between pupils and the young engineers at the forefront of automotive technology innovation in Abingdon. RACING FEVER Congratulations to Gordon, who has been named global finalist in the John Locke Institute’s essay competition (Law category) for his essay ‘Suppose you were contemplating, in violation of the rules of this competition, submitting an essay written for you by AI. What would be the difference between such an act and ordinary attempted theft?’. Gordon was invited to a weekend of lectures and college dinners, culminating in a presentation at the Sheldonian and a reception at the Ashmolean Museum. EVENSONG AT ST MICHAEL’S JOHN RAYSON AWARD We are so proud of 3rd Year student, Anur, who used the £250 he won from the John Rayson award (topped up with additional funds he earned doing chores) to host a drama workshop for differently able children at Kingfisher School, Abingdon. In conjunction with staff from Kingfisher School and Boost! School of Acting, the 3 hour October workshops saw over 20 differently able students take part. Anur said of the experience: “Drama allows us to express and process our own voices and knowledge. It aids in collaboration and creation allowing participants to share art. In the process, it builds confidence and, more importantly, it is fun. I learned how, even with very limited ability to speak or express themselves, children at the workshop were able to engage and have fun. Kingfisher is special for educating children with special educational needs, but also for having exceptional teachers and staff who help their pupils achieve their potential. I am so grateful to Caroline and Tom from Boost! who were a key part of the project, as well as Dr Gardner, Mr Stockdale, Dr Howe, Mr Jenkins and Miss Sharman for their help in bringing it to fruition and to Abingdon for awarding me the John Rayson award.” On St Cecilia’s Day (22 November), it seemed fitting that the Chapel choir would sing their termly evensong in St Michael’s Church in Abingdon. For many of our choristers, this was their first experience of this reflective service, which included pieces by Vaughan Williams, Stanford (whose Psalm 150 was accompanied on the organ by Philip), Howells and Bach. The choir coped with the challenging long phrases brilliantly alongside singing with clear diction and balance. JOHN LOCKE ESSAY FINALIST
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