8 Abingdon Prep • September 2025 The quality and range of recitals in this year’s Year 3-6 Poetry Recital Competition was of a notably high standard. This was a credit to all of the competitors who made it through to the final. All pupils had the opportunity to learn and recite their poems in front of their peers, giving them the chance to learn valuable life skills in speaking or performing in front of others and, we hope, to enjoy reading poetry in the future. Michael Rosen was the most popular choice of poet. Poems selected dealt with serious matters, including climate change, to advice, such as on how to get on with your siblings or eat potatoes or tomatoes. One poem was recited in Mandarin, showing that poetry is universal. The reactions of the audience complimented the choices made by both poets and recitalists. In the end, in a highly competitive field, our adjudicator, Mr Coolin, Head of English at Abingdon School, chose the following winners: Year 3 – Peter – Witches extract from ‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare Year 4 – Ollie – ‘Ugh’ by Jenny Joseph Year 5 – Toby – ‘Dad and the Cat and the Tree’ by Kit Wright Year 6 – Alex – ‘The Outing’ by Michael Rosen AROUND SCHOOL This year’s Balloon Debate gave pupils in Year 6 an opportunity to research an individual they believe led a great life. The research was turned into a speech and the speeches formed the basis of the competition. Pupils in years 3 to 5 were invited to listen to the finalists and to vote for their favourite. The 2025 competition was won by Clarence who promoted the great life of King Charles III; his delivery was full of energy and charisma. Harry was voted as runner up for his interesting speech about a crowd favourite, Steve Backshall. Alex (Sir Isaac Newton) received the Judges’ award for his excellent oratory skills and highly polished delivery. This was a super opportunity for all of the pupils to practise public speaking and a brilliant way to celebrate the work of all the finalists. YEAR 6 BALLOON DEBATE SCIENCE BIG THINK Summer Term’s Big Think sessions had the Science theme ‘What makes me me?’ The whole school took part year by year to draw, write, just contemplate, or join in a lively discussion with Becky about that central question. In May during Swimming Club, Year 5 and 6 pupils tackled an important life skill: water safety. Donning pyjamas, they bravely practised essential survival techniques, including treading water, floating, and even performing rescues. What a fantastic and potentially life-saving experience! YEARS 3-6 POETRY RECITAL WATER SAFETY
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