VIEW FROM The Abbey
Friday 14 February 2025
Welcome From... Deputy Head Academic
The weather has remained stubbornly cold, but the first snowdrops are out and about, and we are waiting with bated breath for the explosion of bluebells with which we are traditionally greeted at this time of year The Lent term coalesces the differing limits of the school experience, at once offering the hope of gradually lightening days whilst also making increasingly clear the short time that now sits between us and the summer exams As is so often the case, the students have stepped up to the plate in the first half of term, producing some excellent work across the wide gamut of subjects on offer, as well as creating some fantastic outcomes in support of house activities, sports events, and the wider co-curricular life of the school
As we head into half term, however, the Fifth and Middle Sixth must now really turn their eyes to their studies. Many have already sat official BTEC assessments this term, and our first day back from half term sees both the first GCSE of the year, the Drama Performance exam, and the start of the full formal mocks which will run for the whole week.
Half term is therefore both a time for a well-earned rest and a key point in the revision cycle as the pupils prepare for their mock exams, but with always an eye on the real thing in the summer. This a great opportunity for the students to test themselves against the exams, to show what they can achieve, and to identify those areas that still need work I wish all our students a fun and relaxing break, and for those sitting exams on our return, I hope that they can ready themselves to show off their skills and knowledge and make themselves and their teachers proud
In The Classroom
LEARN DIFFERENTLY CONFERENCE
We hosted our annual learn differently conference and welcomed SENDCOs from over twenty schools
It was an inspiring day, featuring insightful sessions from our experts: Laura Kleiser, Head of Learning Development and Lead SENCO at Milton Abbey, who shared her expertise on EHCPs; Victoria Bagnall explored Executive Functioning EF and neurodivergent traits; and Claire Ginty led an engaging discussion on ADHD.
We’re grateful for the valuable contributions from each speaker and all attendees
CLAY SCULPTURE
Sixth Form artists take part in life drawing on a Wednesday afternoon, as part of their Round Square activities
The focus this term has been on sculpture and students have been producing small maquettes in clay from life and gaining a deeper understanding of the human form in 3D
There will be an opportunity later in the term to spend a whole day working in clay and creating a larger scale piece to conclude the project.
Nadiia S, Fifth Form, has been joining the Sixth Formers as part of her DofE - to learn an additional skill
SCHOOL FARM
Down at the School Farm, Fifth Form Land-Based Studies students, Seth B and Yuya Y, helped Mr Willson introduce three new lambs to the fields, where they are currently settling in well with our Shetland Ponies and chickens We look forward to an alpaca joining us after half-term
NSPCC NUMBERS DAY
We celebrated NSPCC Numbers Day, where Third and Fourth Form students investigated “what is special about 2025?” Well done to our A Level Mathematics for helping Third Form students, highlighting our welcoming community
Congratulations to Namo K, Third Form, for earning a Silver medal in the UKMT Intermediate Mathematics Challenge!
This competition is open to students in grades 3-5 across the country, is highly competitive Achieving a Silver award in Third Form is a remarkable accomplishment.
CHEMISTRY
A-Level Chemistry students, Sol B, Lower Sixth and Maddie W, Middle Sixth, tackled the UK Chemistry Olympiad Challenge It was an opportunity for them to apply knowledge and skills to real life Chemistry problems,
Hospitality students from Lower Sixth had an incredible experience at Wagamama in Dorchester, where they were warmly hosted by Restaurant Manager, Adam, and Head Chef, Joey
The visit provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the business, with discussions covering the company ’ s history, values, food ordering process, forecasting, and menu creation. Students had the opportunity to make their own fruit juices, learn how to properly use chopsticks, and even prepare their own delicious chicken katsu curry
This trip not only gave students valuable insights into their business but also served as great preparation for their upcoming practical assessments in the kitchen this term
GEOGRAPHY POEM
In GCSE Geography, Fourth Form students have been learning about inequality in global development. We have discussed that physical and geopolitical factors that have led to some countries being more economically developed than others and explored the role of trade in contributing to these injustices.
Rahel K studies Geography and is also a very proactive member of the Environmental Committee She felt inspired to write this poem called ‘Good People’ to have her voice heard on issues she cares about
“In the boring days we spend on our phones, Sat alone, in different time zones; And we ’ re “good people”
If we knew how these came to be, would we still be GOOD people?
Somewhere across the world, there are good people 4 year olds,
Mining for the cobalt in our phones
Because their fingers are small enough to reach inside the enclosed spaces underground
Childhood as we know it stripped away from them
Now that you know, Are you all still good people?
Somewhere else in the world, There is a hungry mother
Weeping on her knees as she strives to feed her hungrier children
Because people on the other side don’t care about her problem if it’s not theirs
Are you all still “good people?
Somewhere on a raging sea, is a small boat full of people
Different people, with different stories.
Risking their lives all to get to the same place
To escape.
To seek refuge
To then be told to “ go back to their own countries ”
To the merciless war they fled
From peace-seeking “good people“
But where there are problems, there is hope
Hope for a better life.
For a better future for our world
Hope is the glimmer in a dying man ’ s eye
As he wishes a better life for his children
Hope is a person who’s lost everything, still believing in something
Hope is what you can be if you look at the bigger picture
If you become the change you wish to see in the world ”
SAFER INTERNET DAY
This year ’ s theme is ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online‘ Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety This year Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them
The Milton Abbey Digital Leaders have focused on three critical areas: Fake Online Stores, Phishing, and Social Media Scams, and shared their findings with the rest of the students during assembly
A huge congratulations to all our Digital Leaders for creating outstanding videos that offer valuable tips on how to stay safe online which can be viewed on our Social Media.
Students were treated to a Q&A with former double hockey Olympian, Susan Wessels, who captained the women's national team in South Africa. Susan told the students about her experiences at the Sydney and Athens Olympics, as well as her meeting with Nelson Mandela and what it takes to captain a team at the Olympics.
TRIP TO MACBETH
Our GCSE English Literature students in Fourth and Fifth Form were treated to a screening of 'Macbeth' at Dorchester's cinema
The performance, starring David Tennant, was filmed at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre in London and gave the students a fantastic opportunity to see the play enacted on stage It was an excellent production with minimal use of props and intense, emotional scenes It has the students gripped with many commenting on the atmospheric use of lighting and sound to convey the magical and tragic elements of the story.
The students study Macbeth in order to write a piece of coursework for their GCSE, so the performance gave them plenty of material to draw upon.
ART & PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP
Middle Sixth Art and Photography students explored the independent galleries of Mayfair and the West End, seeking inspiration for their chosen starting points for the external A Level assignment
The diverse range of artwork on display provided a wealth of creative ideas, and the students had an enriching day out in London They returned brimming with fresh material to fuel the development of their concepts and practical experiments, setting the stage for their respective creative journeys over the next few weeks.
ENTERPRISE EASTER PROJECT
Third Form Enterprise students are starting an exciting Easter project
Working in teams, they each have a £20 00 budget to l d i d k d Th ill ll b
Third Form Creative Media students have set up a temporary visual effects studio for their upcoming filming session.
SPORTING NEWS!
SENIOR CROSS COUNTRY
What a fantastic Milton Abbey Cross Country event we had this year! The sun shone brightly, the grounds looked stunning, and our athletes delivered outstanding performances.
George T, Middle Sixth achieved Silver in the Senior Boys race, Kobi C, Fifth Form, got Bronze in the Inter Boys race, and the Senior Boys Team achieved Gold, thanks to the combined efforts of Archie L-W, Middle Sixth, Oscar F, Middle Sixth, George Telfer, Middle Sixth and Tevin N, Lower Sixth This is the first time we have ever won a team prize at our own event!
Other honourable mentions go to Estee V, Lower Sixth, who was 15th in Senior Girls, Immy C, Fifth Form who was 11th in Inter Girls, and Zac A, Fifth Form, who was 9th in Inter Boys
BASKETBALL
Our Basketball team played Bryanston, narrowly loosing 46-41in the last minute of a frantic, pulsating game Stand out performances from Oliver H, Middle Sixth, Max H, Lower Sixth, Kweku O-D, Lower Sixth and Yuya Y, Fifth Form, who showed massive improvements and discipline in a brilliant game of Basketball
RUGBY
Fifty students had the exciting opportunity to travel to Bath for the Six Nations U20s rugby match between France and England Despite the gloomy weather, the group relished the thrilling game and the atmosphere that surrounded it It was an unforgettable experience for our students, made even more special as England triumphed with a 27-10 victory
STUDLAND
STAMPEDE Victory for our Cross-Country runners!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT!
Congratulations to Kobi C, Fifth Form, on his fantastic experience with Lincoln City FC Kobi played a full match against Peterborough, showcasing his skills throughout the game
Milton Abbey School came out in force for the Annual Studland Stampede along the sand of Studland Bay
Congratulations to Holly O'N, Third Form for claiming gold in the Inter Girls category and George T, Middle Sixth, for retaining his reign at this event, achieving his second consecutive gold medal
Hornets
Student Commendations
DEVELOPING SKILLS
Ms Oliphant has commended Victoria F, Third Form, for developing her piano skills and working in ensemble to accompany other students She is always polite, ready to learn and has a great attitude to learning Victoria has been working on her independent learning and finding the learning style to further develop her musical skills, and her confidence has increased
RESILIENCE AND HARD WORK
Mr Burnham-Slipper has praised Geordie M, Lower Sixth, for his exceptional dedication and commitment to his Countryside Management lessons. Geordie consistently demonstrates focus and enthusiasm, actively engaging in both practical and theory sessions He frequently volunteers to assist his peers and staff, contributing positively to the learning environment.
PROFICENCY IN DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Mr Power has praised Ila K, Fifth Form, for developing proficiency in using a jigsaw to precisely cut a large princess template for her Design and Technology NEA project As part of this project, she is constructing a princess-themed children’s wardrobe designed for storing dress-up clothing. Initially apprehensive about operating the jigsaw, she demonstrated perseverance and has now gained full confidence in utilising this technique effectively.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES!
BURNS NIGHT
Our Sixth Form students enjoyed a fantastic Burns Night celebration as part of their Weekend Activities programme The evening was filled with Scottish traditions, laughter, and memorable moments
Mr Anderson kicked off the night with a reading of “Ode to the Haggis”, followed by Mr Watson’s rendition of “To a Mouse”. The room was then filled with the beautiful sounds of “O’ Flower of Scotland”, bringing a touch of Scottish pride to the festivities.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Ceilidh! Watching our students attempt to master the dance routines was both hilarious and heart warming There were a few tangled limbs and missteps, but their enthusiasm and laughter made it a joy to watch Luckily the caller from the brilliant Anter Ceilidh Band kept things (reasonably) civilised!
A huge thank you to Mr Fraser for organising such a memorable night.
CHINESE BANQUET
The Lower School celebrated the Lunar New Year with a delicious Chinese Banquet in Abbot’s Hall Students savoured a variety of dishes, accompanied by an abundance of crispy prawn crackers, making for a festive and flavourful celebration
FAREWELL PUNO!
As part of our STEP (Short-Term Experience Programme), we often have International students stay with us for half a term, to improve their English, learn about British culture and immerse themselves in a traditional boarding school
Puno T, Third Form, received a card from his House, Athelstan, and Head of House, Jimmy L, Middle Sixth, gave a fantastic leaving speech We wish Puno all the very best and would love to welcome him back! Page - 15
HUGHIE’S HOUSE
Students in Hughie’s House love relaxing together, sharing snacks, and catching up with one another. Each House is a tight-knit community where all year groups are seamlessly integrated, allowing every pupil to feel a true sense of belonging, pictured here in Hughie’s.
Annual London Drinks
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Lansdowne Club
News & Reminders
News from the School Farm
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mervin, one of the beloved goats at the School Farm.
Mervin, a British Saanen goat, was a loved companion to both students and staff alike Known for his bubbly personality, he brought joy and laughter to everyone around him Mervin loved his daily walks to the Mansion House, often stopping to nibble on shrubs along the way, especially during events like Open Day
Mr Burnham-Slipper said "Mervin was truly the School Farm’s mascot, and his absence will be deeply felt by Bramble and the entire team at the farm "
Charity Fundraising
Milton Abbey School are raising funds for school development (equine arena, learning development and sports facilities) as well as two charities chosen by the students: Project Planet Earth and Tiny Miracles
Over 60 students and staff have already signed up for the running and swimming challenges at the end of the term
RUN CHALLENGE:
Students will complete either a 7km or 12km trail run, including some epic hill climbs!
SWIM CHALLENGE:
Within groups, students will simulate the famous Oceans Seven Swim Challenge with seven swims ranging from 15km to 42km. The distance that individual students will swim range between 3km and 21km (two-eight hours in the pool) depending in ability and swim endurance experience
If you would like to support us, please donate here
H O T O
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The Mountain Bikers have a new two-way tap to wash bikes with!
Now Tima T, Third Form and the rest of the students can keep their bikes clean!
Manuel G-P, Third Form, finished his Creative M di k h d d d id d h i h
Namo K, Third Form, received his Silver award for the UKMT Intermediate Mathematics Challenge from his proud Housemaster, Mr Drewitt
Damer’s House charity this year is Dementia UK Head and Deputies of House (Libby B-S, Lexi P and Lily F, Middle Sixth) sold Krispy Creams at break and Housemaster, Mr Treadaway is running the London Marathon!
Dates For your Diary
Wednesday 26 February
Saturday 1 March
Tuesday 4 March
Saturday 8 March
Friday 14 March
Sunday 11 May
Saturday 14 June
| Online consultations for Fifth Form 17:00 (parents who could not make it)
| Open Day and Day Parent Coffee Morning
| Shrove Tuesday and Milton Abbey Pancake Day Races
| International Women’s Day MAA Event
| Football Tour to Lisbon
| Confirmation Service
| Parents’ Sports Day and 20th Anniversary of Milton Abbey Girls Ball
We hosted a Sixth Form options evening for all our Fifth Form students to come and learn more about what subjects they may like to study in Sixth Form For more information, please
