Abingdon News No.59

www.abingdon.org.uk 11 The Class of 2021 In August 2021 there were celebrations in the Sixth Form Centre as our leavers received their results and had their university places confirmed. The students rose to the challenge, despite much of their sixth form studies being undertaken during the pandemic, and they went on to achieve impressive results securing places at top universities in the UK and abroad. We are proud of each of them as they leave us for their individual pursuits. The vast majority went on to Russell Group universities with the most popular destinations including Durham, Oxbridge, Bristol and Bath. In what proved to be a highly competitive year for university applications, 87% of Abingdon students who applied, received places at their first choice of university. The range of courses chosen to study was broad with STEM subjects continuing to be a strong focus for many. Of the year’s applicants, 39 have gone on to read Physics and Engineering, 17 Biological and Chemical Sciences and 9 Medical Sciences. Humanities and Social Sciences were also very popular with 29 students reading social science courses, 12 in Modern and Ancient Languages, and 29 in Economics and Business. There were also students who pursued their creative talents taking up courses including Architecture, Animation Production and Film and Screenwriting. Internationally, places were secured at Yale (USA) and Waseda University (Japan). Many congratulations to all; we look forward to hearing about the Old Abingdonians’ continued success at university and beyond. University sponsorship Congratulations to 2021 leaver Tristan Mann Powter who was awarded sponsorship for his civil engineering degree from MJA Consulting, a Civil and Structural engineering consultancy based in Abingdon. Tristan joined MJA Consulting in September 2021 and receives £500 a month for the duration of his degree at the University of Bath as well as support for his studies and work experience. Tristan with MJA Consulting MD, Jeff Kerton Jack Wills Founder gives Roysse Society Lecture The second Roysse Society Lecture was given by Peter Williams, British business leader, famed for founding the Jack Wills clothing company. The scholars and A level business and economics students enjoyed hearing about his rise from school days in Birmingham to leader of one of the most identifiable global brands.