Abingdon News No.59

www.abingdon.org.uk 7 Abingdon News Classicists in the Sixth Form visited the Nero exhibition at the British Museum, enjoying the wealth of 1st Century AD evidence brought together from museums across Europe. It was amazing to actually see some of the artefacts the students have been studying, including beautiful coins and statues, as well as frescoes from Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius. Classics at the British Museum Community Service Students have enjoyed being back in the community, helping at the Older and Bolder exercise group in Abingdon town and taking part in the class! Keen gardeners, are volunteering at St Ethelwold’s House in Abingdon where the beautiful gardens are open to the public and are a peaceful space to sit and relax. Four sixth formers help with patient rehabilitation at the Stroke ward in Abingdon Hospital and others have been volunteering at charity shops in the town centre. European Day of Languages Starting in September 2001, the European day of Languages celebrates linguistic diversity across Europe. To celebrate 20 years since its creation, we asked a number of our bilingual pupils to tell us what they like here at school in a different language. The video can be seen on the website. Other events ran throughout the week, including a European-themed dining hall menu, tutor time challenges, badges for staff with ‘hello’ printed in different languages, and a special chapel service focusing on the importance of having an international outlook. The I Can & I Am bus gave lower school pupils a unique opportunity to reflect on their self-worth and consider how to develop a growth mindset. The day began with an inspirational talk by James Shone, who explained how losing 90% of his eyesight has shaped his positive attitude and his work, and why he believes that every child deserves to have true confidence and self-belief. Groups of students were then invited onto the bus for an hour’s workshop, where they had fun making pizza and talking to the team about their personal strengths, abilities and hopes for the future. I Can & I Am