Abingdon News No.58

Bones and muscles workshop Thank you to Year 3 at Caldecott School for inviting the Abingdon Science Partnership, ASP, to run a remote workshop on the topic of bones and muscles. The children discussed different types of skeletons by looking at a wide range of animals including our resident ball python, Felicity, and a lively musk turtle. After bringing the model skeleton out of the closet, children were challenged with identifying as many bones of the human body as they could, while ASP was challenged with answering the children’s brilliant questions. Last term saw the launch of an exciting new venture by ASiP as it hosted the first session of the Oxfordshire Academy of Broadcast Journalism (OABJ) for students from Abingdon, Larkmead, Fitzharrys and John Mason. The main aim of the OABJ is to introduce pupils from schools across the town to a range of broadcasting forms and outlets. Ultimately, the OABJ hopes to play a part in the gradual “democratisation” of the media. Abingdon News New College for the Humanities Congratulations to sixth former Joe Betts whose essay ‘Is literature always a force for good?’ was shortlisted in the New College for the Humanities essay competition. There were 6000 entries of which only 20 made the shortlist. Eight fourth year students completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s expedition via canoe on the River Thames. A strong river flow made the first day tricky and a fallen tree blocked the final stretch but all completed the expedition in high, if wet, spirits! Top awards The student-led publication, The Martlet, swept the board at the Shine Media Awards winning Best Overall Content, Best Newspaper and also Best Front Cover. It is the first time the paper has won the first two awards and the second year running for the ‘Best Front Cover’. Emma Williamson, who oversees The Martlet, also received a Highly Commended for the Most Inspirational Teacher. DofE expedition on the water 12