Middle School Simply extraordinary
Welcome to the Middle School Led by Mr Andrew Crisp, the Middle School years are a very exciting time at Abingdon. Students have a huge number of opportunities both through our broad curriculum with the chance to learn new subjects; as well as through our Other Half co-curricular programme with a wide range of activities to choose from. During their time in Middle School, young people mature and become more independent learners. In the safety of the school environment, we encourage them to try new things, to go beyond their comfort zone and to explore. We foster a friendly, approachable and stimulating atmosphere where students grow in confidence and are not afraid to make mistakes. Consisting of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Years (equivalent to Years 9, 10 and 11 in the state sector), the main entry point into Middle School is in the Third Year. Students come from a wide range of Prep and international schools and join those who have already been at Abingdon for two years as part of our Lower School. Weekly and full boarding is available at Abingdon from the Third Year and boarders and day students are fully integrated within each of the year groups.
A caring environment Moving to senior school is a big step and often daunting but, at Abingdon, we have many years of experience in helping children to settle and they quickly feel that they belong. Students attend an induction day before starting at school to ensure that everyone knows a familiar face and can find their way around campus, even before term starts. Year groups are split into houses and tutor groups with a ratio of between 10 to 12 students per tutor. There are nine houses, three of which are boarding and day houses. Each house has a houseroom where students go to relax, enjoy each other's company or to study quietly. Each tutor has daily contact with tutees and is the main link between school and home, ensuring each individual is known and cared for. Tutors quickly get to know the children and we have specialist tutors for the Third Year who are well-versed in helping children acclimatise to their new surroundings. Older students also act as mentors, helping their younger counterparts from an insider’s point of view! Find out more: Pastoral care
Those joining in the Third Year study a core of subjects which comprise English, Maths, Science (taught separately as Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Humanities (History, Geography, Philosophy & Theology), Art, Product Design & Engineering, Computing and either French or German. In addition to this core, students choose two options from Latin, Ancient History, Ancient Greek, Drama, Music, French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin. PE, Sport, Career Guidance and PSHCE programmes run alongside these subjects. In the Fourth Year, students choose their GCSE options, usually in ten subjects, and follow the GCSE syllabus for two years, taking their public exams at the end of the Fifth Year. Part of each student’s development in the Middle School is to establish good habits, learning to work more independently and to improve organisational skills. However, we do not expect this to happen overnight and there is plenty of help along the way! Class sizes are capped at 24 students, except for the top set in maths, but numbers are often much smaller than this. We do have setting in some subjects but it is not widespread across the curriculum. Homework is an important part of the learning process at Abingdon and we have guidelines as to what we expect students to undertake. We keep the work expected outside of class to a manageable level. In the Third Year, students might expect to start with around 15 hours per fortnight, moving up to approximately 20 hours per fortnight in the Fifth Year. When a student joins Abingdon School in the Third Year (Year 9), they will be issued with a school-owned iPad Air with a keyboard case, Apple Pencil (engraved with their name) and a charger. This will be used to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom and will be on loan to them for the duration of their time at school. Teaching
The Other Half The Other Half is the term used at Abingdon to refer to our co-curricular programme. Regarded as of equal importance to academic studies, it is integrated into the school timetable. Students are encouraged to try a range of sporting and non-sporting activities and to follow at least three activities every half term. There are over 150 activities to try and so there really is something for everybody. Whilst we are keen that students develop their existing skills, we also encourage them to try new things and to challenge themselves. Trips are an important part of school life at Abingdon - whether it is to improve language skills, volunteer overseas, search for adventure or tour with fellow musicians or sports teams. There are a wealth of opportunities and we encourage students to broaden their horizons and to give something back through our Service and Citizenship Scheme, working with our partnership schools or through the CCF. “School leaders emphasise the breadth and benefits of opportunities for pupils to develop new skills through an extensive range of Other Half activities.” - ISI Inspection Find out more: An introduction to the Other Half Other Half activities
Boarding at Abingdon Boarding is an integral part of school life at Abingdon and is available from the Third Year (Year 9) at age 13. We have around 140 full and weekly boarders, made up of UK and international students. Our vibrant boarding community enjoys an enhanced activity programme and makes the most of the School’s impressive facilities. It is a very happy and relaxed community, cared for by a dedicated team of Heads of House, tutors and house managers. The renovation and extension of our boarding accommodation has created a modern, flexible home from home environment in which boarders can study and relax. Find out more about boarding.
A guide to the school day 8.35am - 9am 9am - 4pm 4pm - 5pm Homework Morning tutor period, assembly or a weekly Chapel service Academic lessons - five lessons of 50-55 minutes Note: Only four lessons on a Wednesday as there is additional Other Half Other Half activities Third Year students might expect to start with around 15 hours per fortnight, progressing up to around 20 hours per fortnight in the Fifth Year Each day includes lunch and mid-morning breaks. Some Other Half activities take place at lunchtime and on Wednesday afternoons.
Admissions Abingdon is able to offer some free and subsidised places to local day pupils who would otherwise not be able to afford full school fees. These free and subsidised places can be worth up to 100% of day fees. Further information can be found on the website. Help with fees Admissions If you are interested in joining Abingdon, all our admissions information is available on the website or if you would like to speak to our admissions team call +44(0)1235 849041 or email: [email protected] At 13+, academic and music scholarships are offered, with assessments taking place in the spring of Year 8. Students must first have a confirmed offer of a place at the school. Art, product design & engineering, drama and sport scholarships are also offered, but not until after joining Abingdon School, at the end of the Third Year. Scholarships entitle the holder to a nominal fee remission of £300 per annum. Scholarships
Useful information To find out more about our available bus routes, costs and how to book, please visit the Joint Bus Service website. Places can be booked on the bus service in the Summer term preceding a pupil starting at Abingdon. Uniform and sports kit can be purchased from our uniform supplier, Stevensons, who operate either online, or from their shop in Summertown, Oxford. Second hand uniform is available from the Second-hand Uniform Shop. Uniform requirements and the dress code for all pupils can be found here. Bus service School uniform Entry to the Sixth Form Fifth Year students are well prepared for their move into the Sixth Form. As they progress through the Middle School, the teacher-student relationship matures in preparation for the more university-style approach of the Sixth Form. Taster lessons in A Level subjects are available to try and we have an ‘Into the Sixth Form’ evening where academic departments discuss their individual subjects. Our students go on to study at leading UK and international universities and each year we publish a list of leavers’ destinations. Students benefit from our specialist team of career advisers who mentor the Sixth Form on university applications, including studying abroad.
+44 (0)1235 849041 [email protected] abingdon.org.uk A leading independent day and boarding school for children aged 11 to 18 Last updated: September 2024 Simply extraordinary
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