APS News 37

8 Abingdon Prep • April 2024 SONNETS COMPETITION ENGLISH AND DRAMA “Thine eyes I love, and they, as pitying me, Knowing thy heart torments me with disdain, Have put on black and loving mourners be, Looking with pretty ruth upon my pain.” With these words, the opening quatrain to Shakespeare’s Sonnet 132, Sam in 8S laid the foundations of his victory in this year’s senior section sonnet competition. Rupert, also of 8S, was a worthy runnerup, with Harry and Aaron, both of 7N, both highly commended by judge Dr Dani Heywood-Lonsdale from Abingdon’s English department. They may have formed the cream, but it was no mere trifle below. All the competitors recited their sonnets with aplomb; none required prompting at all, a reflection of the high ambitions and standards set by all those from Years 7 and 8 who entered. ALEX IN WONDERLAND Years 3 and 4 performed Alex in Wonderland, taking the audience with them down the rabbit hole in Abingdon Prep’s take on the Lewis Carroll classic. There, Alex encountered many well-known characters including the White Rabbit, the Duchess, the Cheshire Cat, the Caterpillar and the King and Queen of Hearts, not forgetting the Mad Hatter’s bizarre tea party. Sherrey and Claire made some special props including a teapot for the sleepy Dormouse and a super caterpillar suit! Congratulations to all for their hard work giving such an enjoyable evening’s entertainment. Performing Arts Year 8 were asked to create performances using characters from their favourite books. From Harry Potter and Alex Rider to King Arthur, we enjoyed their work’s diversity. Year 6 studied Macbeth, and in particular the title character himself. Working in small groups the children prepared and presented cases for the prosecution and the defence of Macbeth. Did he murder King Duncan?

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