Independent Schools

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Newbury Weekly News

Abingdon School Sixth form –with a difference

and wide-ranging trips in the UK and abroad.

nised as some of the best in the country and their sportsmen have recently captained national teams in hockey and rugby, as well as represented their country in a wide range of sports from rowing to rifle shooting. Students with an interest in drama can take part in major senior school productions, or develop animation, film and documentary skills through the school’s renowned Film Unit. Musicians have numerous orchestras, ensembles and bands to choose from and in recent years boys have gone on to become classical musicians as well as members of the more contemporary Foals and Radio- head. Most years around 26 A-Level subjects and subject combina- tions are on offer, geared around what individuals want to study not what fits into the school timetable. Students are encouraged to take on the Extended Project Qualifi- cation (EPQ) in order to develop university research skills and either deepen their subject knowledge or broaden their interests. The topic is entirely their choice. The academic curriculum is complemented by a varied enrichment programme including lectures, discussion groups and practical workshops

AS a sixth form student at Abingdon, there’s a lot more to life than A Levels. Abingdon provides a stellar academic education, but believes just as much in the importance of broadening horizons and preparing for life beyond school. The school has specialist career advisors, a university applica- tions team and a wide range of initiatives to help students decide on their next step, includ- ing funding for travel plans, workplace internships and plenty of opportunities to study interests outside of A-Level spec- ifications. Sixth formers are encouraged to take on responsibility, to think for themselves and to develop as independent learners in preparation for moving on. The Abingdon staff appreciate that this doesn’t happen overnight and some students take longer than others so they manage the process, giving increased responsibility and freedom to boys as they earn it through their lower sixth year. Students are encouraged to take up leadership opportunities, both within school and through activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and CCF. They can sail, canoe or walk expeditions as part of DofE; the school’s CCF cadets are recog-

The majority of students get to their first choice of university, usually Russell Group, and 10-15 per cent receive offers from Oxford and Cambridge each year. The range of subjects they study reflects the diverse nature of the sixth formers. Recently boys who have not chosen to follow the university path have opted to study music at the Royal Academy, Drama at RADA or pursue sporting careers. Each year a number of students will go to university abroad, particularly the USA, and the school has specialist advisors to provide guidance in these appli- cations. At Abingdon School’s open day on October 1, they will be running a Sixth Form Forum. The Head of Sixth Form, Nick O’Doherty and his team will be There’s no need to book but if you would like to know more, visit abingdon.org.uk/ open_day_sixth_form_forum or email admissions@abing- don.org.uk. Abingdon School very much look forward to meeting you. there and all the academic departments will be open.

Bursaries available up to 100% of fees

“A first-class education” latest ISI Inspection

Open Events 2016 Abingdon School Saturday 1 October Prep School Saturday 8 October

abingdon.org.uk