Top of the Bench News Abingdon Is it possible to disagree agreeably? Social media, rather than opening our eyes to new perspectives, tempts us instead to double down in our own thinking, secure in our echo chambers. Schools have, therefore, a greater responsibility than ever to teach our students not just how to express their own views but to listen to those of others with courtesy and consideration, even if they might differ from their own. Message from the Head The debating society is a wonderful laboratory where students can develop these skills while thinking on their feet. Led by a committee of Sixth Formers (supported thoughtfully by a member of staff) who devise motions, assign speakers and chair debates, the society meets every week to debate pertinent motions, some light-hearted, many serious. Society members learn the art of agile thinking and how to express themselves with confidence and respect. A junior society embraces the same principles and gives Lower School students the opportunity to prepare themselves for the step up to the senior counterpart. The Model United Nations (MUN) is another vehicle for our students to engage with global affairs. Featuring individuals from across the year groups, our older students guide their younger counterparts through the potentially arcane world of resolutions, points of order and so on. At a recent event, Abingdon students formed delegations representing countries as diverse as Oman, Russia and Hungary, which they did with distinction, winning ten different awards. If we need a source of optimism as we navigate these challenging times for our world, look no further. Four Abingdon students competed in the regional heat of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Top of the Bench Challenge at the University of Oxford's Chemistry teaching lab in January. Using the latest equipment and techniques, which form part of the undergraduate teaching programme, our four students correctly worked out the identities and concentrations of three chemicals in a CSI style challenge. The students were praised for the way they worked together as well as the accuracy of their results, for which they finished just outside the top three. 2 April 2025 Golden days Forty Lower Sixth students completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award practice expedition in the Lake District between 23 and 26 March. Their three day routes in the North Western Fells included ascents of 16 Wainwrights: Hopegill Head, Hindscarth, Catbells and Haystacks were particular highlights. The weather was magnificent throughout. The cool, dry and sunny conditions saw Buttermere and Borrowdale at their very best. All six groups showed team work and resilience in completing the trip. The qualifying expedition takes place in North Wales at the end of June.
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