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Library Team
The Library Team is integral to the library service at
Abingdon, operating both front-of-house at the library desk
and behind the scenes. Students are expected to commit for
a year at a time, and usually do so from the beginning of
their second year, having undertaken a ‘taster term’ at the
end of their first year. On Wednesday afternoons, every
student librarian is in the library, preparing books for the
shelves, tidying, discussing priorities and undergoing
training. Student librarians also commit to at least one lunch
slot and one morning break slot a week, when they help
manage the library desk, re-shelve returned books and
answer queries from students. Most students who join the
Library Team remain part of it as they move up the school,
taking on increasing responsibility for managing other team
members and developing valuable skills in ICT, information
management, display and problem-solving.
Moldova Project
Since 2000, Abingdon has been supporting the work of
AGAPE, a charity working with young people in Moldova, the
poorest country in Europe. There is an annual Sixth Form
visit to Moldova to run a summer camp for disadvantaged
Moldovan children, while third years can find out more about
the project through the Service and Citizenship Scheme.
The project represents an excellent chance to learn about a
culture very different from our own – and to provide support
and friendship to those in real need of it.
Older and Bolder
Help make tea and chat to Abingdon ladies who attend
an exercise class.
Sensory Garden at Abingdon Hospital
Help tend the Sensory Garden at Abingdon Hospital. The
garden is maintained by volunteers and is used by patients
to speed their recovery and relax.
Third Year Service and Citizenship Scheme
The Third Year Service and Citizenship Scheme helps pupils
develop a broader understanding of their place in the wider
community (local, national and global) and encourages them to
make an active contribution to the society in which they live. All
pupils in the Third Year who are not involved in CCF participate in
the scheme.
A range of different activities is available. Boys can go into the
local community to undertake activities ranging from visiting
residential homes and entertaining the residents, to offering ICT
help in the Abingdon town library. In other groups boys may
acquire life skills such as managing personal finance or touch-
typing. Contemporary global issues are covered by activities
such as Environmental Service and the Moldova Project.
Within the scheme, pupils have the opportunity to do a basic
First Aid course or some expedition training that will be
particularly useful if they are thinking of participating in the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in the Fourth Year.
With such a wide range of activities on offer, boys are able to
gain experience of different aspects of service and citizenship
and many choose to continue serving the community higher
up the school.
Visiting the Elderly
Boys visit the elderly, providing company and conversation
at various venues in Abingdon.
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