8 Abingdon Prep • January 2023 YEAR 8 AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, OXFORD Starting at White Horse Hill, the pupils walked over seven miles on the first day. After hearty food, a good night’s sleep and a play in the hostel’s beech woodlands, we hiked another six miles to East Ilsley on our second day. We paused to learn more about the places we could see like: Dragon Hill, Devil’s Punchbowl and Segsbury Fort. Each member of Year 4 had chosen a place to research, becoming our ‘class expert’ on the topic and they gave interesting talks at each location. TRIPS Y4 WALK THE RIDGEWAY In September, Year 8 went on their annual trip to the Natural History Museum in Oxford. After a quick lunch and a visit to the Museum Cafe we enjoyed a talk from Sarah, one of the Education Officers, about Evolution and the Diversity of Species. Pupils were given the opportunity to model barnacle behaviour, test for the ability to taste PTC (the bitter chemical in brassicas), and handle the Madagascan ‘hissing’ cockroaches. This was followed by a wander around the museum and the all important time in the Museum Shop. PANTO TIME FOR JUNIOR SECTION A trip to the pantomime is synonymous with Christmas. Years 3 and 4 began the Christmas festivities with a trip to see Cinderella at the Oxford Playhouse. All the panto ingredients were there: the charming prince, a heinous villain, talking mice, water fights, bubbles, sweet throwing and more! We booed, hissed and laughed through the whole performance, and had a thoroughly good time! YEAR 8 DORSET FIELD TRIP In our first residential trip of the term, Year 4 slipped on their walking shoes to explore the Ridgeway with an overnight stay. The pupils demonstrated a super ‘can do’ attitude and super determination along the route. Year 8 spent two days in Dorset as part of their studies on coastal geomorphology. Being able to see up close Durdle Door, Stair Hole and Lulworth Cove on the first day, and Swanage Bay, Old Harry Rocks and Studland Bay on the second, helped them to appreciate real examples of the erosional and depositional features that they have studied in the classroom. A visit to the National Coastwatch lookout at Peveril Point, including an informative talk from Stuart, the chief officer, gave us a valuable insight into local geology, weather and tidal systems, marine activity and the role of this valuable institution. We also enjoyed time on the beach and the attractions of the ever popular seaside town of Swanage.
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