View from the Abbey | Wednesday 14 December 2022

VIEW FROM THE ABBEY

Wednesday 14 December 2022

On the slopes in Japan

The trip to Japan left on the last day of term and they are currently skiing in Shiga Kogen near Nagano, the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Everyone is sampling the delights of the local cuisine, learning the language and being surprised by the differences between cultures, such as heated toilet seats and a macaroni and cheese shrimp burger at McDonald’s!

They are finishing their trip by travelling back to Tokyo with visits planned to the snow monkeys, a river cruise, the Zenkoji temple, sushi making and the allimportant Harajuku shopping street.

Cross-curricular creative trip to the capital

Students from across our creative subjects had a fascinating visit to London, taking in different locations relevant to their courses.

Lower Sixth Performing Arts students were lucky enough to have a backstage tour of the Royal Albert Hall, where they got to experience the amazing space from various angles (including the Royal Box) and learn about the history of the venue.

After this, they headed to the V&A to explore the ‘Re:imagining Musicals’ special exhibition and the Theatre & Performance gallery. The students were extremely fortunate to have a personal introduction and tour from Simon Sladen, the museum’s Senior Curator for Theatre & Performance.

Fashion Design & Production students started at Dover Street Market, which was created by Rei Kawakubo from the Japanese fashion label Comme des Garcons. The store is set out over three levels with many innovative labels to research. They looked at pattern cut, texture, fabric use and silhouette to understand each label’s unique style.

From Dover Street they walked over to Harrods, which had been transformed into a giant gingerbread house to showcase the new Dior winter collection. The students took an immersive tour of the gingerbread grotto. It was a masterpiece of fine miniature Dior clothes with the sound of snipping scissors and whirring sewing machines as a backdrop. They also finished their day at the V&A, exploring the history of the fashion industry.

Design & Technology pupils took in the Design Museum, The Science Museum, and focused on production techniques through the ages at the V&A. This was to help gain inspiration for their practical assignments and to reinforce subject knowledge covered in class.

It was an inspiring trip. All the students enjoyed spending time together and taking in the sights alongside their peers from other courses.

Christmas treats for sale

Middle Sixth Hospitality students sold Christmas treats to showcase the products they have made as part of their course.

On offer were chocolate peppermint cookies, dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with candy canes, and mince pies made with a zesty lemon and orange pastry and topped with cranberries.

Staff were lucky to have the first sample with similar items available at our Christmas Fair, held after the end-of-term Carol Service.

Film & TV students visit famous film locations

In the last few months, Lower Sixth Film & TV students have been out and about shooting on location in some of the most fabulous spots in Dorset.

Following in the footsteps of other directors and film crews, they have been visiting locations that have featured in famous TV shows and films. Including West Bay, pictured below, the setting for Broadchurch,.

They are now working on the post-production of their up and coming documentary about the film industry’s connections to the county.

Webinars: Catch up on RSE and save dates for Lent Term

Since the last View from the Abbey, we’ve hosted one online event for parents, a briefing on our approach to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) led by Chris Barnes, Deputy Head (Pastoral).

If you missed this live, you can watch a recording by clicking the picture on the right. Recordings are available for 30 days.

Next term, we already have two more sessions scheduled, led by our Learning Development team. Dates for your diary are:

Monday 16 January: What are Exam Access Arrangements?

Monday 6 February: Tips to help your child with their revision

We’ll circulate links to join these events closer to the time.

This term has seen significant news emerge from the world of online safety, so with the Christmas break upon us, it seemed a good time to summarise the headlines, consider what they mean for us as parents of teenagers, and offer practical tips for safe internet use over the holiday.

Considering the headlines

In October, the Coroner investigating the death of 14year old Molly Russell concluded that she had taken her own life while suffering the “ negative effects of online content ”. Molly had been viewing large amounts of content relating to self-harm and suicide, something the Coroner stated, “should not have been available for a 14-year-old” and he criticised inadequate ageverification of the sites she was using for failing to protect her.

The Coroner also noted that the government should review how sites use algorithms to provide custom content to users. Most sites use algorithms to provide content for users based on past viewing: this means that users can end up going ‘down a rabbit hole’ and seeing increasingly extreme content and less posts that balance your social media experience. In Molly’s case,

the Coroner concluded that she was presented with a view that her depressive condition could not be recovered from, which resulted in a “limited and irrational view without any counterbalance”. Molly’s parents were not aware of the content she was being exposed to.

Parents in the UK may also be aware that the longawaited Online Safety Bill reached its third reading in the House of Commons on Mon 5 December. This bill is the result of many organisations expressing concerns about children’s wellbeing online and it introduces some new criminal offences and regulatory processes.

While cases like Molly Russell’s are thankfully rare, they illustrate that parents and other adults need to take a proactive interest in young people’s online lives, providing balance and

alternative views to help them.

Algorithm ‘rabbit holes’ are also a problem if users look at other extreme content, for example far-right or misogynist views, which they may not be able to critically evaluate. Some online influencers are effectively grooming viewers by providing misleading information, usually for financial benefits. Influencers may sell themselves as successful role models: “Follow me. I can give you the same success as me and you can be part of my clan”.

Teenager viewers can be especially vulnerable to these influencers, as they are trying to discover and establish their own identities. They are sometimes willing to overlook abhorrent messaging, because of the positives they are experiencing getting attention and feeling part of a group. Some deliberately manipulative influencers have been banned by social media companies , but this is the tip of the iceberg.

Finally, in terms of our news round-up, with the wellpublicised change of ownership of Twitter, some more extreme accounts are likely to make a return to this platform. While this site is nowhere near the most-used by teenagers, commercial factors may potentially force other platforms to relax their approaches too.

Click to watch Molly Russell’s father, Ian, talk about how to have constructive con versations about online safety

We need to be clear by explaining that the primary aim of most influencers is to make money – at some point they will be advertising a service that users can pay for and most have little direct concern for the wellbeing of their ‘followers’ and would be unable to manage the volume of interactions they have even if they wanted to.

Fundamental British values underpin all we do in school, whether in the academic or pastoral spheres. We provide information and advice on wellbeing, critical thinking and understanding discrimination. Safeguarding pupils is our top priority, so if anyone expresses extreme views this would be responded to in line with our child protection and behaviour policies.

Parents can be reassured that our school Wifi filters out content that is considered inappropriate for young people, including extreme views. It does not cover their child’s activity on 4G mobile or on home networks, so appropriate filters should be discussed and set for each device and your home Wifi.

As parents, we can keep an eye on what our children are accessing online and have conversations with them about their current interests and viewpoints. If we are concerned that our child is expressing some extreme views then we can work with them to understand how this has come about.

Often, there is an underlying need or concern that has not been met that leads them towards extreme views. If your child expresses concern about content they have seen online, assist them to report on the

platform, and if necessary, assist them to report via www. reportharmfulcontent.com , who can assess whether it breaches the platform’s terms and conditions and communicate directly to them if it does.

If you have any concerns about online safety issues, then please contact me as the Online Safety Co-ordinator or your child’s Tutor. There are also online safety links on the school website that you may find useful.

On a more general note, CEOPthe Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre - have updated their advice for parents in the last few months and we would recommend this as a great resource for help with online safety issues.

Sarah Badley Head of Personal Development & Community Engagement

CEOP’s top tips for conversations between teenagers and adults

Find a good time and place. Pick an opportunity when you know you’re not going to be interrupted and you are both going to feel comfortable. Make sure you have enough time, without turning it into a stress-inducing ‘special talks’ moment.

Avoid the ‘big talk’. Talk little and often. It is more effective and helps build trust.

Prepare yourself. Have knowledge about the topic and ways to keep communication flowing.

Keep it age appropriate. Make sure the topic you want to discuss is explained to your child in an age appropriate way so they can understand it.

Keep conversations positive. Talk to connect with your child and to show interest in what they like doing online and why. Try not to interrogate them or apportion ‘blame’. Ask open questions, wait for their response, and listen to what they have to say. Don’t be afraid to embrace the awkward silences.

Don’t give up. If your child doesn’t want to talk right now, try another time or find a different way to start the conversation. Be patient.

What can we do to help young people manage their online lives?

End-of-term award winners

At our end-of-term Assembly, the school community recognised and congratulated these pupils for receiving the most awards, which are issued both for Academic achievement and commitment to learning, and for Community achievements in other aspects of school life:

Academic Awards

Charles R, 5th, Tregonwell

Alexia FT, 3rd, Damer

Solomon B, 4th, Athelstan

Oscar F, 5th, Hambro

Antoine S, 5th, Tregonwell

COMMENDATION HIGHLIGHTS

Matt T, M6th, Tregonwell

Jed B, L6th, Hambro

Roly K, L6th, Tregonwell

Rupert OK, M6th, Tregonwell

Mungo R, L6th, Tregonwell

Congratulations to these six pupils, who’ve all been commended for their musical performances across the Michaelmas Term. Mo, Grace, Juliet and Alexia all made their debut performances at Parents’ Dinners. Solomon was highlighted for his piano recitals at four separate events over two weeks, while Alex received special mention for playing the organ in the Abbey for our Capability and Carol Services.

Kobi C | 3rd

For consistent and unwavering effort in Geography. Your behaviour and work ethic has set an example to peers and you have worked hard on every task set, making the most of the feedback given to make brilliant progress.

Pablo J | 3rd

For producing fantastic additional Science work during the half-term break. You created an extremely well researched PowerPoint on Organisation in Biology, that was well presented and full of interesting information.

Harry M | 4th Grace L | 4th Juliet VDB | 3rd Alexia FT | 3rd Solomon B | 4th Alex M | 3rd

Venny K & Julie V | L6th

For volunteering to help coach Junior Hockey this term, supporting younger players, designing and running drills, and offering 1-2-1 support to players.

Solomon B | 5th

For consistently high effort and independent working in Geography. You have pushed yourself to achieve, helped others when needed and shown strong leadership skills.

Neo T | 4th

For volunteering to participate in the ‘sudden death’ playoff in a golf fixture, having already matched an older and more experienced golfer.

Annabel F | L6th

For perseverance and commitment to learning in Geography, furthering your understanding, advancing your writing style and becoming more confident.

Tom M | L6th

For preparing and helping to deliver a fantastic Tregonwell chapel service, including writing an impressive sermon that was delivered with character.

Toby A & Adam H | 4th & Charlotte T | L6th

For winning our National Poetry Day competition. They all showed flair and imagination writing on the theme of the natural environment, with clear planning, drafting and redrafting having taken place.

Jack AM | 5th

For showing real commitment to the mock exams process, revising hard over the half-term break and attending revision sessions for each subject to make sure you are ready for each exam.

Antoine S | 5th

For your selfless community work over the Exeat break, when you took it upon yourself to hand-out fish and chips to the homeless community, which were leftover from a group meal.

Edmund T | 3rd

For consistent application and effort in English. Your approach has enabled you to produce an outstanding essay to show your skills at the end the term.

Nica M | M6th

For designing, branding and cooking a fantastic artisan product for you Hospitality assessment, including creating a delicious chutney and cracker set sold at the Christmas Fair.

Michaelmas Term Sports Awards

Well done to all the students who have represented the school in their chosen sports this term.

The following students were recognised for their exceptional contributions and efforts at the end-of-term Assembly: ��  Rugby

1st XV Player of the Season | Jed B

1st XV Most Improved Player of the Season | Enrik S Junior Player of the Season | Solomon B Junior Most Improved Player of the Season | Onch BE Girls’ Player of the Season | Georgie B Girls’ Most Improved Player of the Season | Eunice C ��  Colours awarded to: Marcus T, Ollie C, Julie R, Georgie B, Theresa W ��  Hockey

First XI Player of the Season | Julie R

First XI Most Improved Player of the Season | Chloe T Junior Player of the Season | Olivia B Junior Most Improved Player of the Season | Alexia FT ��  Colours awarded to: Julie R, Nica M ⚽ Football

First XI Player of the Term | Oli H

First XI Most Improved Player of the Term | Edi A Junior Player of the Term | Kobi C

Junior Most Improved Player of the Term | Pepe Jose MR ��  Colours awarded to: Oli H, Amaury D ��  Basketball Player of the Term | Mohamed M ��  Colours: Enrik S ��​ Runner of the Term | Annabel F Most Improved | Max B ⛳ Golfer of the Term | Neo T Most Improved | Sebastian S ����​ Swimmer of the Term | Zeno G Most Improved | Matt T ����​ Road Cyclist of the Term | Julie U ��‍♂️​ Mountain Biker of the Term | Ferdinand R ��​ Horse Rider of the Term | Grace L ����  Polo Player of the Term | Juan T

Ten Tors team tackle first Dartmoor expedition

Over the last weekend of November, we took ten pupils to Dartmoor to train for their Ten Tors expedition in the spring. They practised their navigational skills, got familiar with their bag and other kit, and acclimatised themselves with the moor.

They group left MA at 7:15am and arrived at Okehampton around 10am after a stop for breakfast. It was wet underfoot, but the weather was kind and a lot was learnt. The team showed great resilience and commitment to the training programme.

We have a really keen, physically fit and mature group of students taking part, who will no doubt be a credit to the school during the challenge.

IN PHOTOS HO HO HO HOUR & CAROLS IN THE QUAD

The collection from our Carol Service and our first annual ‘Ho Ho Ho Hour’ charity walk were in support of these charities chosen by pupils. You can click the links to make a donation to the school’s charity campaign:

SKRUM | Using rugby to educate and tackle HIV and AIDS in Africa Period Poverty UK | Providing essential support to women and girls at home and abroad

CREATIVE SHOWCASE

Creative Media BTEC students have completed assignments this term to devise, film and edit their own videos, produced in and around the school. Click the picture to watch this excellent promotional video for Steeptonbill Farm Shop made by Euan B.

The Farm Shop is a popular destination for students after a weekend walk and we invite the owner, Steve, to hold pop-up kiosks at school. Euan enjoyed working on this realistic brief and was pleased to produce something that can be used to support and promote a very local business.

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James Ratcliffe | Head of Design & Creative Faculty

Photography and Countryside Management pupils worked together to ‘capture’ - inside their new pens and on camera - our new piglets, which arrived at the School Farm in November. The rare breed Saddlebacks and Oxford Sandy & Blacks are already a firm favourite and our Agriculture pupils will be rearing them throughout the year, as they learn more about the animal life cycle and welfare in the UK supply chain.