VIEW FROM The Abbey
Friday 18 October 2024
Welcome From... Deputy Head Academic
The academic year is now firmly unde must those pupils in key exam years start to change gear The first set of m th Form will begin after half-term, giving students a chance to see where h Form in particular, this will be an opportunity to experience the rigours of a full exam schedule, similar to what they will encounter in the summer The focus for both exam year groups is on the experience itself and on identifying the work they will need to do over the coming months, before we take more formal mocks in the second half of next term
For those in non-exam year groups, the first half of term has been all about settling into their new subjects, learning new skills, making any necessary changes, and getting used to the rhythms of academic life It has been wonderful to see pupils across the school enthused by their subjects - whether through engaging discussions in the classroom, solving previously impenetrable puzzles, exciting trips around Dorset and beyond, or the fruition of a long-planned project These experiences will not only support their wider learning and final outcomes, but will also, hopefully, give each pupil the chance to find that special thing which is theirs and may provide the foundation for whatever comes next
Many pupils will by now have completed their first full BTEC unit of the year and will have a clear sense of the work required over the coming months to be successful, while others are focusing intently on the November sittings of Maths and English GCSE, which will take place immediately upon our return For many, the full summer exam timetables will be launched towards the end of the term, bringing into clear view the culmination of the work they will complete over the coming months In each case, we hope they can do their very best, achieve their potential, and perhaps most importantly, take pride - and (hopefully) some enjoyment in the educational journey upon which we are all embarked.
John Keats speaks of autumn, that time of "mists and mellow fruitfulness," as a season when all fruit is filled with "ripeness to the core " As we start to look towards the winter and the work that is yet to come, I hope that all our pupils are filled with the ripeness that learning can bring, and that it will carry them forward into new challenges and onto new successes.
Dr Bradbury | Deputy Head Academic & Head of Sixth Form
In The Classroom
NATIONAL POETRY DAY!
In Spanish, Third Form students have been working on adjectival agreement and genders of nouns In honour of National Poetry Week, the students created their own colour poems using similes in Spanish.
To celebrate this year ’ s theme of counting, our Middle Sixth students read a selection of poems in assembly all connected to numbers, through the structure of lines, syllables, or themes Highlights included Fibonacci poems, and a reading of Lemn Sissay's piece 'Catching Numbers', famously displayed at Manchester station
We're also excited to announce our Poetry Competition, open to students, staff, and parents! This year ’ s focus is of course on counting Whether you prefer free verse or a structured rhyme scheme, we welcome poems of any length
Deadline for entries: 5 November
Submit your work to Mrs Baney, Head of English, at karen baney@miltonabbey co uk
MENTAL HEALTH WALK
The whole school came together for an important cause - World Mental Health Day To celebrate active well-being, we took a refreshing group walk, reminding us how important it is to keep both our bodies and minds moving
GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP
GCSE Geography students teamed up to measure the river at three different points along its course Armed with wellies, raincoats, and plenty of good spirits, they embarked on a journey from the farm where the spring emerges, all the way to the wetlands at the estuary where the river empties into Poole Harbour
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In celebration of Black History Month, student shared powerful stories in assembly of trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm, Olive Morris, and Kamala Harris, aligning with this year ’ s theme of "Reclaiming Narratives "
From breaking barriers in politics to championing civil rights, these remarkable women inspire us all with their strength, resilience, and enduring impact on Black history.
NAOMI CAMPBELL EXHIBITION
Fashion students explored the life and career of supermodel Naomi Campbell at her exhibition at the V&A Museum. It showcased her rise to fame, featuring her magazine covers from The Face and Vogue Highlights included iconic fashion pieces she modelled, like the Vivienne Westwood shoes
Students also enjoyed a special catwalk lesson from Naomi herself, where they practiced their own runway walks, creating an inspiring experience
IN THE KITCHEN
Third Form Hospitality students visited Steeptonbill Farm Shop to gather fresh ingredients for a soupmaking project They explored seasonal vegetables, met farm animals, and spoke with Steve, the farm’s expert, about pig farming Back in the kitchen, they worked together to prepare a delicious vegetable soup from the use of fresh, local ingredients
DYSLEXIA AWARENESS WEEK
To mark Dyslexia Week, we celebrated the strengths of dyslexic thinkers. Gus F, Middle Sixth and Estee V, Lower Sixth, shared personal stories and poetry in assembly We are proud of our diverse learners and learning approaches. We are excited to share with you the launch of The Milton Abbey Story - An Illustrated History, by Design and Creative Media teacher, Mr Ratcliffe The book, inspired by student feedback, highlights over 1,000 years of the school's rich history, featuring key historical figures, and is designed to be accessible for those with learning differences.
SPORTING NEWS!
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING TEAM
The Clay Pigeon Shooting Team attended their first fixture of the term at Sherborne and Millfield home ground
Despite the unfamiliar site, the boys showed excellent teamwork, achieving a second in the flush!
We wish them the best of luck for the Millfield Invitational Shoot next month.
INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING
A huge congratulations to all the Houses for their enthusiastic participation in the Inter-House Swimming event! It was incredible to see the energy and camaraderie, with everyone cheering each other on A special highlight was the final race, where a junior student teamed up with a senior, gliding across the pool on a noodle in a dash to the finish line.
A big round of applause to Hughie's for taking the top spot in the girls' competition, and for the boys; Hambro claimed victory, closely followed by Athelstan in second place, and Tregonwell securing third.
STAFF V STUDENTS: NETBALL
The students who have been training during pre season netball had a very lively and exciting match against staff. The girls showed great resilience and it was a very close match! Player of the match went to Phoebe K, Lower Sixth and Puddle H, Middle Sixth and for the staff Mr Drewitt and Ms Lucas A very well fought game by both sides and hopefully we will see a rematch in the near future
RUGBY
The Junior Rugby team has had a strong start to the season, with an impressive record of four wins from six games What makes this even more remarkable is that five of the 18 boys in the squad are completely new to the sport, having only taken it up this year Their enthusiasm, combined with the fast-paced, expansive style of play, has made coaching and watching their matches a real pleasure
Special mention goes to Third Form students, Tima T and Freddie S as well as Tommy G, Fifth Form, who have poured immense energy and dedication into learning the game Tom T, Fifth Form, Ernie B, Bear H, both in Fourth Form and the Hughes brothers in Fourth Form have consistently displayed passion, flair, and resilience, particularly in the physical contests. The team is truly coming together, working hard in training and playing with purpose on the field. Mr Peel | Rugby Coach
HOCKEY
The Junior Hockey team faced a tough match against St Michael's but bounced back with an impressive 3-1 victory over Clayesmore
Meanwhile, the Senior Hockey team has demonstrated outstanding teamwork in their recent fixtures. In particular, Puddle H, Middle Sixth scored a spectacular goal, while Libby B-S also in Middle Sixth was named Player of the Match for her brilliant performance as goalkeeper Well done for a brilliant 6-2 win against QE Wimborne!
Hornets
Student Commendations
DEBATE CLUB
Mr Webb has commended Eliza GDC, Tessa MW, and Anisha M, all in the Lower Sixth, for starting a debating society from absolute scratch They have gone above and beyond to create an intellectual and inviting atmosphere where anyone is welcome. They’ve been creative in selecting topics and have researched them in depth beforehand They have established a welcoming space and have been very encouraging to younger students, helping them to participate Their consistent effort over several weeks is greatly appreciated by students and staff alike
ASSISTING WITH PHOTOGRAPHY
Pilot, Justin M in Middle Sixth has consistently gone above and beyond to support the Marketing Department by capturing photos during our home fixtures, particularly when we have multiple matches scheduled
INSPIRING STORIES
Mrs Kleiser commended Gus F, Middle Sixth and Estee V, Lower Sixth for their inspiring talks during Dyslexia Awareness Week. She said, "What a story about your journey with dyslexia! Your words captivated the audience Sharing your story of dyslexia was a turning point for all dyslexic thinkers Your strengths shone, and you spoke from the heart - a true inspiration."
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES!
PAINTBALLING!
A group of students headed to Dorset Paintball for an adrenaline-packed adventure, and they had an absolute blast! From intense team battles to navigating the wooded terrain, everyone was fully immersed in the action. The highlight was the paintball grenades! It was the perfect way to unwind, bond, and enjoy some outdoor fun together.
SIXTH FORM SOCIAL
Our Heads of Houses were given the exciting challenge of planning a social night for their peers With a budget for food, games, and activities, each House brought their A-game and made sure there was something for everyone
Damer & Tregonwell teamed up for a James Bond Casino Night, complete with a Chinese meal, glam, games, and high stakes fun! Hughie's & Athelstan threw it back with a Great Gatsby soirée, with lots of dancing
Well done to all our students for their creativity and teamwork! Every House made sure all voices were heard and that the socials were a blast for everyone
WIND-DOWN TIME
The first half of Michaelmas Term has been packed with exciting activities, including off-site trips, residentials, dinners, and discos, just to name a few
Some weekends, students take the lead and organize their own events
After a day of exploring Bristol and playing in a match, Hambro House opted for a more laid-back evening, enjoying a cosy night in with dodgeball, pizza, and a movie marathon.
Many avid golfers take advantage of our golf course early in the morning for extra practice - one of many great perks of being a full boarder! Thank you to Lachlan B, Middle Sixth for sharing these pictures.
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Thank you to all our Lower Sixth Parents who joined us for our Parents’ Dinner before half term
HUGHIE’S
Life in Boarding
Dara A, Third Form and Rachel K, Fourth Form, have been enjoying winding down with Alfie, Ms Nicholson’s Australian Terrier.
TREGONWELL
The Tregonwell boys have been relishing some wellearned downtime in House, embracing friendly competition that even Mr Buckingham couldn't resist joining in!
DAMER
Alma G, Middle Sixth has been teaching Estée V, Lower Sixth and Yazma A, Fourth Form how to play the card game ‘Shed’ with some hot chocolate in the common room.
ATHELSTAN
Athelstan Sixth Form teamed up with Hughie’s for a Great Gatsby themed night, organised and planned by the students themselves
News & Reminders
Confirmation Service |
Sunday 11 May 4pm
We are delighted that the Bishop of Sherborne, Karen Gorham, will be coming to Milton Abbey in the spring to lead a confirmation service
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptised If you were baptised at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you If you haven’t been baptised/christened don’t worry as this can take place at the same service and often does! The Bishop will lay their hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of your life During the service you will also be able to take Holy Communion (bread and wine that is shared in remembrance of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples)
Confirmation Classes
Samaritans Shoebox Appeal | Christmas Boxes
This year we will be sending Christmas shoeboxes out to children who would otherwise not get one. Please see below a list of what each House have been asked to bring
Hambro - School Supplies
Tregonwell - Toys
Damer and Athelstan - Personal Care
Hughie’s - Accessories
To prepare for you confirmation you will need attend confirmation classes with Rev’d Pearson In these you will have the chance to explore more about the Christian faith and importantly to ask any questions that you may have Themes of the classes will include:
Understanding God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit How do I pray?
Reading the Bible What is communion?
If you would like to explore confirmation and sign up for classes starting in January please let Rev’d Pearson know lewis.pearson@miltonabbey.co.uk
We are also asking for shoeboxes to be donated!
A full list of recommended supplies has been emailed out from Ms Pull
Please bring items back after half term, ready to pack and send the boxes!
If anyone would like to support Samaritan’s Purse, you can do so on our JustGiving page here
As
Third and Fourth Form students had a fantastic time dressing up for the Black Tie Ball and Disco We're proud to provide exciting weekend activities like this, ensuring our boarders always have something fun to look forward to!
H O T O G A L L E R Y
Pablo J, Fifth Form, celebrated his 17th Birthday with his House, Athelstan
part of their weekend activities, students were very excited at the prospect of paintball grenades!
CCF Cadets at Blandford Camp, practising their rifle firing with Ms Nicholson
Fifth Form students in Damer enjoyed a meal out to Wagamama’s with Ms Cooper and Ms Pull
Staff vs Students Badminton was played in excellent spirit The standout players for the students were
Austin M and Artur A, Middle Sixth, who were both undefeated!
Dates For your Diary
Wednesday 6 November
Sunday 10 November
Wednesday 13 November
Wednesday 20 November
Thursday 21 November
Wednesday 27 November
Saturday 30 November
Wednesday 11 December
Thursday 12 December
Wednesday 29 January 2025
| Lower Sixth Online Parent Consultations 17:00 - 18:30
| Remembrance Service 10:30 - 11:30
| Third Form Online Parent Consultations 17:00 - 19:30
| Middle Sixth Parents’ Dinner 19:00 - 22:30
| PTA Coffee Morning & Middle Sixth Parent Consultations 12:30 - 14:30
| Middle Sixth Online Parent Consultations 17:00 - 18:30
| Parents’ Events: Termly Masterclass (Christmas Baking)
| Headmaster Christmas Drinks 18:30 - 20:30 & Carols in the Quad
| Capability Celebration and Carol Service 11:15 - 12:30
Carol Service Refreshments and MA Makers 12:00 - 13:00
| London Drinks at The Lansdowne Club invitations have been emailed
Happy Half Term!
