View From The Abbey | Friday 24 May 2024

VIEW FROM The Abbey

Friday 24 May 2024

ZOE LIVINGSTONE

I am the new Deputy Head, Pastoral, and am delighted to have relocated from the depths of Lancashire to the South Coast to join Milton Abbey School It has been a wonderful whirlwind for me; I can’t quite believe I have been here for almost 3 months at the time of writing! My time has been spent getting to know the students and staff, becoming familiar with the ‘Milton Abbey way ’ and learning my way around the wonderful grounds and boarding houses. Coasteering with the Fourth Form on the Dorset Coast has been the most thrilling adventure to date Congo has become the highlight of my week, and supporting my Sixth Form linguists as they approach their exams has been a welcome refuge in my day

I am particularly passionate about the impact of a holistic education on young people, educating the whole child, and crucially recognising the impact all of those things taking place outside of the classroom, such as pastoral care, also have on a pupil's overall success.

10 members of staff and I recently attended Girls on Board training, which you can read about on page12

We hope the Girls on Board webinar will be the first of many as we roll out the ‘Learn Differently Together’ series for parents and carers, which recognises the importance of the relationship between home and school.

I hope to meet many of you at various upcoming events throughout the summer term; however, in the meantime, should you wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s pastoral life at Milton Abbey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch

In The Classroom...

WARNER BROS. STUDIOS TOUR!

Our BTEC Film and TV Production, Fashion and Drama students all enjoyed a day at Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter!

Students were asked to study the film making resources, props, costumes, visual effects, sets and artwork through the eyes of film makers

HOSPITALITY TRIP TO OXFORDS BAKERY

Lower Sixth Hospitality students visited Oxfords Bakery in Alweston, to find out about bread, cakes and the history behind this family business

Steve Oxford, a fourth generation baker enthusiastically explained the history behind a traditional afternoon tea in preparation for the students upcoming assessment Steve took the students on a tour of the bakery and spoke about the components relating to an afternoon tea, even divulging some of his secrets for the perfect scone!

FASHION FINAL PIECE

Paul M and Hope W, in Middle Sixth have completed their final pieces in Fashion With the theme of ‘curiosity’, each student took on a unique approach Paul’s idea was a culmination of journeys, books and the ‘opening of a door’. Hope leaned towards ‘looking and walking’ Both students have worked incredibly hard and should be proud of their final pieces

Paul M

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Good mental health and wellbeing is essential for all students It helps them learn effectively, cope with day-to-day challenges, and develop into resilient young adults. A positive school climate with caring relationships is key to promoting student wellbeing and preventing mental health issues With Milton Abbey School taking a comprehensive approach to mental health and wellbeing, we can help destigmatize mental health and equip students with vital coping skills

Milton Abbey School has a dedicated 24/7 team at the health centre, and around school to help promote wellbeing and positive mental health, whilst reminding students and staff that it is ‘okay not to be ok’, and that support and guidance is readily available to all with no stigmatism

Ashley Garrett | Senior Nurse Manager

PHOTOGRAPHY

Oscar S and George D, Lower Sixth Photography students, have recently assisted drama students, Scarlett H and Sophie C, in taking their headshots

The shoot was overseen by art scholar, Jamie T, Lower Sixth, ensuring a professional and collaborative environment The session was a wonderful example of cross-disciplinary teamwork, with Oscar and George applying their technical skills in photography to capture the perfect headshots for Scarlett and Sophie

OLD MILTONIAN FLYING HIGH

It was wonderful to welcome Charlie Tordoff-Gibson (OM18) back to Milton Abbey to talk to the school about his fledgling career as a pilot The pupils were spellbound by stories of his aerobatics training in Australia and New Zealand, the Netherlands, and London, especially the part about learning to right inverted planes! When thanking Charlie, Headmaster James Watson encouraged the pupils to use their time at Milton Abbey to find and follow their passions

SPORTING NEWS!

We are delighted to introduce a new element to our summer sports programme in the form of grass tennis courts! Our marvellous Grounds Team have worked very hard, and have conjured up beautiful grass courts, located near the Mansion House. With the annual excitement of Wimbledon fast approaching, we hope to bring a bit of Wimbledon magic to Milton Abbey School, and inspire some tennis stars of the future

Our students have been involved in over 25 fixtures, representing the school and practicing their sportsmanship over the last two weeks We have welcomed schools such as Downside, Sexey’s, Sherborne and Leweston for a range of tennis and cricket fixtures, and even some atheltics at Millfield The highlight was Billy H, in Third Form who scored his first ever 50 in our junior cricket match where he smashed the ball from Abbey Field, in front of Greenwalk Cottage, over Hughie's into the back quad carpark!

Billy H

Mr Lawes and some of our students had the privilege of attending Champion Sports 10 Year Anniversary celebrations at the Vitality Stadium (home to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth)

Euan B, and Lumka Z, in Middle Sixth, Antoine S in Lower Sixth and Kobi C in Fourth Form, had the honour of attending, having regularly represented Champion teams alongside their school commitments It was an amazing evening, with over 200 people attending.

Kobi received special recognition for the dedication and effort that he puts into his football sessions Kobi is coached by Champion Sports at Milton Abbey School and was recognised for the dedication and effort that he puts into his football sessions Kobi is scheduled to also train with Champion Under 18s outside of school in the coming season - amazing news!

Mr Peel, Head of Boarding, has commended Lily H, in Lower Sixth, continually pushing herself to improve her skills at cricket, playing superbly in

Hornets

Our new Clay Pigeon Shooting Team kit has arrived! Congratulations to the team on their win in their final match of the year!

Student Commendations

TENNIS AMBASSADORS

Congratulations to Annabel F and Miles A in Middle Sixth who were highlighted by Head of Sport, Mr Lawes and Head of Tennis, Miss Cooper, for their recent dedication to Tennis Mr Lawes said both Annabel and Miles have been fantastic ambassadors for our Tennis team They have been fantastic role models as they approach every training session with tremendous attitude and encourage others

SUPPORTING OTHERS

Jimmy L, Lower Sixth, has been commended for his continual support for others in Athelstan house He is often seen going above and beyond to help and guide peers and younger students

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES!

BLACK TIE SOCIAL

Saturday night normally means party at Milton Abbey School and that is no different for students in the Third and Fourth Form.

The evening started with a wonderful BBQ supper prepared by our kitchen.

With groups of students taking photos in front of the abbey, they then quickly made good use of the surf simulator set up inside, then had a dance on the disco floor The night was a roaring success with some great memories made and great photos captured.

View the gallery here

SIXTH FORM TRY GO-KARTING!

Middle and Lower Sixth students enjoyed an adrenaline pumped day of go-karting The students headed to the track at Haynes Motor Museum to see who was the fastest driver After an initial safety briefing and equipment fitting, they got to see their karts They split into 3 teams and raced twice for 12 minutes.

Congratulations to Jamie T, in Lower Sixth who was the fastest student of the day!

- 10 Third and Fourth Form Social

MILTONBURY!

We hosted our annual ‘Miltonbury’ festival on the school grounds, providing a delightful weekend activity for all our boarders

Under sunny skies, students participated in a variety of House activities and games. Huggies' face painting stand and musical chairs were a big hit, while Damer's sponge-the-teacher and hoopla drew crowds Hambro's raffle and cricket matches kept everyone engaged, and Athelstan’s lucky dip and welly wanging added to the fun Our talented students, along with a local band, delivered fantastic music performances, enhancing the festive atmosphere Everyone enjoyed treats from an ice-cream van and a sumptuous BBQ prepared by our on-site caterers.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Students in Third, Fourth and Fifth form enjoyed a day out at Go Ape, followed by a post high rope ice cream!

Page - 11

Life in Boarding

GIRLS ON BOARD

MOCKTAIL MAKING

During the first weekend of Exeat, students in Hughies engaged in an exciting evening of mocktail making, alongside a movie night

Some members of staff took part in ‘Girls on Board’ training, a programme designed by Andrew Hampton, which helps girls, their parents, and their teachers to understand th complexities and dynamics of girl friendships

It is an empathetic approach which teaches and empowers girls to resolve their own friendship challenges, carefully led by staff

We will be inviting parents to a Zoom webin early in the next academic year with Andrew to understand more about the programme

We look forward to rolling this out across th school in September

RELAXING AFTER EXAMS

Mrs Monaghan brought in a fruit bowl into Athelstan House as a quick treat for students who had exams that day.

Fourth Form enjoyed a geology trip, coasteering and climbing and shimmying up the cliff face of the Dorset Coast

Mrs Charlton treated the Damer Middle Sixth students to a delicious home-cooked risotto In anticipation of ‘Wear It Green Day’ the risotto was even green!

William N and James S, in Lower Sixth, have been working on their hospitality skills when they shared with members of staff their Victoria Sponged Cake (It was delicious!)

Headmaster Mr Watson, took part in ‘ sponge the teacher’ at Miltonbury festival.

As a British Boarding School with International students, we were delighted to celebrate Europe Day Our school catering, Holroyd Howe, also put on a delicious spread of paella, wraps and salads to help celebrate

Lower Sixth Tregonwell boys enjoyed a relaxing night with burgers and milkshakes at Hub Box in Dorchester Page - 14

Dates For your Diary

Saturday 8 June | 24 Hour Lake Swim at Shepperton

Monday 17 June | Lower Sixth Form Parent Consultation Online 17:00 - 19:30

Tuesday 18 June | Third Form Parent Consultation Online 17:00 - 19:30

Friday 21 June | Fourth Form Parent Consultation Online 17:00 - 19:30

Wednesday 12 June | Art and Sports Day

Friday 21 June | Black and Gold Day

Saturday 22 June | Lower Sixth Trip to Festival of Design and Engineering

Thursday 27 June | Speech Day and Middle Sixth Leavers’ Ball