A big, green, thumbs up! News Abingdon I’ve had plenty of opportunities this term to catch up with Old Abingdonians, including at the Henley Royal Regatta and various reunions that have taken place. I always enjoy hearing their memories: invariably it’s the characters that they recall best, amongst both their peers and the staff. I suspect that the current generation of Abingdonians will, in future, recall with great respect and affection the Reverend Simon Steer, our recently retired chaplain. Simon has ensured that our Chapel services have offered a warm and inclusive atmosphere, kicking off proceedings with a hearty introduction before inspiring students to join in with Message from the Head Joe and Freya in our grounds team, ably assisted by students Lucas and Chi-Hoi, have been busy planting a small new garden outside Greening Court. It features a colourful collection of plants which, aside from brightening the environment, will provide food for passing insects, helping to boost biodiversity. 2 September 2025 Gold canoeing expedition Eight Lower Sixth students completed a four day Duke of Edinburgh Gold canoeing training and practice expedition in April. Focusing on paddling skills, capsize and rescue training and learning to portage locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal. They then went on to undertake and complete their assessment expedition on the River Wye from 29 June to 2 July. Showing great determination and teamwork, they paddled over 110 km across four days to Monmouth. This was no small feat and they left the Wye with lasting memories and newfound confidence. Congratulations to all! his cheerful singing of the school’s favourite hymns. He’s also made sure that we’ve benefited from those key moments of quiet and reflection that are so precious in the busy whirl of school life. We all wish Simon well for the future of course - as we do to his successor, the Reverend Paul Gooding. But reflecting on Simon’s contribution has also reminded me of our key responsibility to develop our pupils’ spiritual life, to help them recognise the importance of life beyond the material and to engage with the big questions of the human condition, all aspects which underpin our collective lives of study and play at Abingdon. Army scholarships Very many congratulations to Harry, Harold, Freddie, Max and Ed. Each of these cadets has been awarded a prestigious full or part Army scholarship, providing them with a place at Sandhurst for officer training - either after Sixth Form or after university. Contingent Commander, Abingdon School CCF, Lt Col R Cottam, comments: “I am thrilled for the cadets - this is a great honour and a new record in my tenure.”
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