View from the Abbey | Friday 26 May 2023

VIEW FROM THE ABBEY

Friday 26 May 2023

Congratulations to our Confirmation Candidates, following their Confirmation Service in the Abbey on Sunday 14th May.

We were blessed with a beautiful early summer Sunday to welcome The Right Reverend Karen Gorham, the Bishop of Sherborne, and Lay Minister Peter Wells as her Chaplain, and of course the Confirmation Candidates and their guests.

Miles A, William N, Alex M, Evie H and Edward N had thought deeply about their beliefs, and taken their own decisions to confirm their baptisms as younger children. They were led through these theological considerations and prepared for Confirmation through classes held with Reverend Lewis Pearson, to whom we are very grateful.

As a school founded on Christian values - but one which embraces and encourages people of all faiths or none - one element highlighted in

our recent ISI inspection report was how respectful pupils are of each other’s beliefs and differences. This couldn’t have been better illustrated as our community of friends, staff and families gathered en masse to joyfully mark these five pupils’ personal commitment to their faith.

We are very grateful to all those who contributed to the Service, led of course by Bishop Karen and Peter Wells, but also to our Heads of School for their readings, and to Director of Music Mr Burke for his beautiful rendition of Mozart’s ‘Slow Movement’ Clarinet Concerto.

It was fantastic to have the opportunity to celebrate with the Candidates and their families in the King’s Room afterwards, so thanks must also go to our Holroyd Howe colleagues for the delicious refreshments.

Chris Barnes | Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Farm visit | Page 3

Cricket success | Page 4

Students at their Confirmation Service with the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne

Photography and STEP students work creatively

Fourth Form GCSE Photography students took their learning out of the classroom on a bright sunny morning to experiment with making a human-scale lumen print.

This method of photography does not rely on a camera: only photographic paper, sunlight, and something (or somebody) to place on the paper.

Students witnessed the magic of camera-less photography whilst utilising their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, analysing the available light, considering the placement of the models, and determining the exposure times to achieve the desired effect.

Students learned to experiment, assess the outcomes, and adjust their approach accordingly. This practical application of critical thinking skills cultivates a growth mindset and the ability to adapt to challenges, both inside and outside the realm of photography.

In Photography lessons we encourage collaboration and effective communication among students. They work in pairs or small groups, sharing ideas, offering feedback, and learning from one another. In this lesson, I was especially please how our more experienced Photography pupils worked alongside students who have joined us for the Summer Term Experience Programme.

After their photographs developed, we placed the individual images together, creating an impactful composite of a figure surrounded by hands. The students should be incredibly proud of their work.

Edward Lynn | Photography Teacher

New health warnings about vaping

You may have seen in the news this week, concerns about illegal vapes found in a school that contained dangerous amounts of lead and nickel metals, which can affect the central nervous system. Some vapes also contained harmful chemicals like those found in cigarette smoke.

Medical experts are recommending that parents intervene if they believe their children are using illegal vapes and, in the UK, people must be 18 to buy cigarettes or vapes. Vaping and smoking are not permitted at Milton Abbey. To protect the health of the whole community we will continue to be vigilant in light of this recent news.

Parents can read the full BBC article by clicking here or on the photo.

Sarah Badley | Head of Personal Development & Community Engagement

Fourth Form organic farm visit

Fourth Form IGCSE Agriculture pupils visited Launceston Farm - a nearby organic beef and arable farm - as a part of their course.

During the visit they saw some of the latest farming equipment being used, including a precision drill/weeder, controlled by a computer with GPS positioning to optimise seed placement.

They also met the cows and made their own bread with wheat grown on the farm.

COMMENDATION HIGHLIGHTS

Talisa N, Marina PJ, Chloe T | Middle Sixth

Chloe, Marina and Talisa have approached their A-Level Art Personal Investigations with perseverance and creativity, working calmly and maturely for hours on end to make the most of all the time available. They should be proud of their outcomes.

Freddie has been the driving force behind the Thursday evening Esports Club since its inception last year. As well as providing many of the consoles, extra controllers, and games which are played, he has also consistently encouraged other students to join in, welcomed new members, and provided the energy and enthusiasm that makes the whole thing work. The club would not have been as successful and fun without his time, energy and input.

Julie worked exceptionally hard in the build up to her French [A-Level], completing many past papers to the highest standards. She has shown sustained effort throughout the academic year.

Will took it upon himself to start a bible class on Monday and was a great help at the Confirmation Service, welcoming and serving food to guests.

Will H | Lower Sixth

Julie R | Middle Sixth

Freddie W | Middle Sixth

The 1st XI Cricket team has secured a fantastic string of results in their games so far this term, winning six matches in a row.

Their results include matches against Bryanston, Leweston, Clayesmore, touring team Horningsham CC, and two matches against different staff teams.

There have been solid performances across the team, with focused and well-paced batting

combining with some excellent movement and catching in the field.

However, all the team would recognise the excellent individual contributions from Roly K with the bat and ball and Tom M, who scored 50s against the three other schools played (including 51 from 40 balls against Bryanston and 64 from 26 balls versus Leweston).

Well done and we hope the form continues.

1st XI footballers travelled to Market Harborough FC, a neutral venue for the Society of Heads’ Cup Final against Langley School.

After a long journey, it was a tough game against very strong opposition. Langley took a rapid 4-0 lead, before our team found the strong standard they’ve displayed this season: playing more connecting and cohesive football in the second half, and bringing the final score-line to 5-2 to Langley.

It was an amazing experience for both the teams. While the MA boys were understandably disappointed on the day, they are now looking back positively and recognising that they have done brilliantly well this season, with this second-place finish in a national competition something to be proud of.

Our Sailing Team have been braving all weathers to take part in their choice of sport for this term, with multiple fixtures already held for our more experienced sailors and new students also having the chance to train and race.

We’ve also been delighted to welcome some of the international students on our Summer Term Experience Programme to try sailing for the first time.

Regular training takes place at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and Spinnaker Sailing Club. We are lucky to have such brilliant training facilities on our doorstep, meaning students benefit from expert tuition for both coastal and lake sailing.

Fixtures have already been held with Sherborne and Bryanston schools and the team has also taken part in three schools’ regattas in the Western, Southern and Thames Valley regional championships.

Register now: Parents’ Sports Afternoon

Our annual Parents vs Pupils Sports Afternoon returns on Saturday 17 June . We’re not just inviting parents, but also grandparents, siblings, guardians or other relatives who are up for the challenge!

You can take on our pupils in Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Road Cycling, Mountain Biking, Volleyball or Sailing. Plus everyone can take part in the 100m race and fun events like Welly Wanging, a Tug ‘o’ War and an Egg and Spoon race. Spectators are welcome and all can enjoy a legendary Milton Abbey Match afterwards.

Click here for more details or to register to attend.

Animals and wellbeing

Mental Health Awareness Week took place from Monday 15 May and we marked it across the school with ‘Wear It Green Day’ on the Thursday, when students and staff sported a green item alongside their usual clothing. Animals provide an important boost to day-to-day wellbeing here at Milton Abbey, whether that’s taking time out on the School Farm while revising for exams, spotting wildlife during a walk in the surrounding countryside, or getting to know the friendly staff pets who live at, or visit, the school.

Young or old, dogs are particularly popular. There has been much excitement as Mr Barnes’ cockapoo puppy Summer has made her first visits.

Elsewhere, matron Lucy’s golden retriever Ned is a popular character around Tregonwell House and grooming time is enjoyed as much by him as it is by the students!

As we reflect on our mental health during the awareness week and beyond, we feel very fortunate for our abundant open green spaces at school, the surrounding natural wildlife, and the time we have with pets and the school farm animals.

A sunny Sunday afternoon was the perfect setting for what is rapidly becoming one of the favourite cocurricular social activities at school: our annual colour run.

A DJ blasted out high-tempo tunes to keep the pace up as the runners passed the Pavilion and - to the delight of the Grounds Team - we also avoided any temporary colourful patches in the car park thanks to a longer route this year!

Well done everyone for taking part.

Our Combined Cadet Force had an exciting weekend of camping, hiking and training at Bovington.

The weather was lovely - if a little too hot to be in full uniform - and the CCF were in good form when inspected by the Commanding Officer of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry.

Photo Special: Parents’ Summer Ball

Thank you to everyone who attended our inaugural Parents’ Summer Ball. As you can see from the photos below, we proved that having fun at school isn’t only for the students! Thanks to your generosity - especially by those offering lots and making bids in the auction - we estimate to have raised at least £10,000 for The 75th Fund through ticket sales and auction bids.

Some of the lots on offer included holidays - a week’s stay in a lodge in Switzerland or a trip to a Dorset cottage in Osmington - to more creative offerings including customised panama hats, the use of a private chef for a night, and some beautiful art and photography prints. There were also plenty of sporting opportunities: shooting trips, sailing excursions, two signed England rugby jerseys, and a golf round at the Royal Wimbledon with Mr Watson, which was so popular it was auctioned twice!

Closer to home, two pupils will join our Grounds Team for a day’s work experience thanks to a bid from the Platt family and, perhaps the most coveted prize of the night, the chance for a pupil to be ‘Head for a Day’, will be going to Juliet VDB in the Third Form, thanks to a bid from her parents.

RSVP: Speech Day & Leavers’ Celebrations

Please check your emails for a personalised invitation to attend our end-of-year Speech Day and Leavers’ Celebrations. Different versions have been sent depending on the year group of your child, so please contact us if you haven’t received yours.

To help us plan for the day - organise seating in the Abbey, prepare food for the afternoon tea, assign players for the cricket match and get everything ready for the Ball - please let us know if you are able to attend by Monday 20 June

You should respond once on behalf of your whole family group, including your child and any other guests who wish to attend.

Below-left: Chloe’s investigation has been on the topic of Image, Identity and Culture, with her final acrylic on canvas reflecting colour themes and family life in her home country of Eswatini.

CREATIVE SHOWCASE

Today we are featuring the final outcomes of our Middle Sixth A-Level Artists’ Personal Investigations into topics of their choice.

These large-format pieces have been worked on painstakingly over many hours, following deep research and prototypes.

Return to school:

Left: Marina’s project has been a study of the female form, with her final piece presented as acrylic on canvas.

Below-right: Talisa has created a diptych in the medium of acrylic on canvas, exploring still life art and contrasting Hong Kong and Portuguese snacks.

Boarders: Sunday 4 June from 17:00-21:00

(supper served 18:00-19:00) Day pupils: Monday 5 June from 08:35 for tutor groups

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