Thinking supper 7 abingdon.org.uk First year academic award holders met with pupils from St Helen and St Katherine in February for a Thinking Supper. They discussed the pros and cons of space exploration, researching a range of viewpoints. Refreshed by a pizza supper, they then presented their findings to the group. Architecture workshop On a drizzly February afternoon, Abingdon's nascent Geology Department made the short trip to Dry Sandford Pit, an old quarry near Cothill. The objective was to investigate the nature of the depositional environments operating in the Boreal Jurassic Seaway during two of the subzones of the Oxfordian Stage of the Upper Jurassic. Beds were measured, sediments graded, fossils identified and litres of HCI pipetted onto potential carbonate rocks. In the end, and after much head scratching, a detailed graphic log of the exposure was completed and a full(ish) picture of how conditions changed over this relatively short period of geological time was gained. The day was rounded off with the examination of some spectacular Jurassic solitary corals. A splendid afternoon. GCSE Geology trip to Sandford Pit In February, students participated in an architectural design workshop run by 4 architects from ADP Architects. The event included a design competition, challenging the students to think conceptually about finding solutions; as well as to consider how the build environment provides a setting for the future of education. Given a model-making kit, the students were forced to focus on space as an abstract concept without considering the look of the building, enabling them to understand architecture from a more advanced perspective and to hone their presentation and teamwork skills. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day. News Abingdon
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNTM1