abingdon.org.uk/prep 9 IN SCHOOL Gas Between Branches That very first night I lost my way In pitch black swamps where shadows play, Almost drowned in Tortille stream, A place of unfathomable mystery and dream. The night before, without a trace, A mutinous cart vanished in that place. A shell-crater vast, crusted with mud, Hidden deep in the wilderness flood. I made good my escape, then tried To reach the nameless woods nearby. Shelling low-level, unremitting sound, British detonations shook the ground. I headed there, pretty insouciantly, Veteran ammunition fired distantly. A puff of wind, oniony smell, Then came the shout, a gas-born yell. “Gas, gas, gas!”—the cry so small, Like crickets chirping through it all. Next morning brought the bitter news: Men died in the woods, poisoned by fumes. With weeping eyes,I stumbled back, To Vaux woods, misted visor black. Plunging from crater into the next, The night was eerie, solitude vexed. Each time I blundered into troops, Lost sentries roving in ghostly loops. Icy sensation, demons instead, Off the charted world we tread. An enormous dump, inhospitable space, We wandered far from time and place. James, Y8 (Based on an extract from ‘Storm of Steel’ by Ernst Junger) Pupils and staff commemorated Remembrance Day in a number of ways. The week began with a special assembly led by the Reverend Gooding, Abingdon’s chaplain, with pupils from Y8, reflecting on the service and sacrifice of past pupils who gave their lives in military service. On the 11th, the entire school gathered outside to hold a two minute silence marked by the playing of the Last Post and Reveille by Zac in Year 8. Both our school charities visited to give assembles this term. First Flexicare, followed by MyVision Oxfordshire who explained what visual impairment means, how technology and equipment helps, and the invaluable role played by guide dogs like Grover and Maisy. Grover was happy to demonstrate his skills at stopping at hazards and finding chairs and doors. We plan to work with the charity to develop our understanding of visual impairment as well as raising some money for them. MYVISION ASSEMBLY REMEMBRANCE TO BE A JEDI Our year in the world of Junior Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) got off to a flying start with 30 pupils eager to contribute to various projects in this group. Our projects involve displays and assemblies promoting the inclusive ethos of APS, and all members will help with one of them. We also learned more about Autism from Sarah, our Head of Learning Support. The group was challenged to remember what JEDI stands for and be able to explain it to proudly receive their JEDI badges. We have now created two displays, one celebrating clothing from around the world and the other showing where the children in our school or their parents and grandparents have lived. Some have helped with assemblies celebrating the achievements of older people, Black History and para sports. Our learning theme was Autism and Sarah explained that it is a wide spectrum and that it is important we see the person inside not just the difficulties they may have. CLASS PAIRINGS Young and older pupils teach each other games
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