THE OTHER HALF
The Other Half is the term used at Abingdon to describe our co-curricular programme. It acknowledges that what a student does in the classroom makes up only half of their educational journey, with the other half made up of a variety of interests and activities. Intended to enhance and hone essential life skills as well as complement the academic curriculum, the Other Half offers over 150 activities for students to choose from, so there really is something for everyone. Integrated into the timetable, students are encouraged to make the most of the extraordinary opportunities available to them through the Other Half as we believe this rounded educational experience better prepares them for life beyond the school gates. The pages which follow provide a small glimpse into some of the Other Half activities, with a comprehensive list made available to students at the beginning of each term. The Other Half The school promotes an educational culture that sees the pursuit of high academic standards as equally balanced with the value of pupils engaging in a wide range of extracurricular pursuits and personal development opportunities. ISI May 2023
Good design is like a refrigerator - when it works, no one notices, but when it doesn’t, it sure stinks. Irene Au, UX Designer Art, Product Design and Engineering Abingdon students have the ability to extend their art, product design and engineering skills, choose to explore something new, or develop coursework when working towards exams. There is plenty of choice whether experimenting with different fabrics in Fashion and Textiles, or designing and creating buildings in Architecture Club, to sculpting in Ceramics or working with metal in Silversmithing. Pictured left: rings made in silversmithing club. Notable alumni James Allison, British motorsport designer and engineer Philip Johnson, architect Louis Davis, painter and stained-glass artist
Discussion and Debate Debating has a long tradition at Abingdon and there are plenty of forums for students to share their ideas. Ranging from mock trials as part of the Law Society, or a delegation through the Model United Nations Society; to learning and trying out the practices of mindfulness, or simply discussing current affairs in the Debating Society, the possibilities are endless. We should use our opinions to start discussions, not to end them. Madeleine Albright, American Diplomat and Political Scientist Notable alumni Mark David Andrews, distinguished lawyer Roger Blackmore, politician Charles Dixon, politician
Drama, Film and Media Those who love the limelight will thrive in our annual Lower, Middle and Senior School productions but, at Abingdon, even if you don’t like being centre stage, there are all manner of ways to take part if you love drama, film or media. Find out about all aspects of technical theatre with our Amey Theatre technical crew; throw yourself into exploring the works of different playwrights in Page to Stage; or get creative with photography or filming your own documentary. Pupils enjoy high levels of success in the creative arts, music, drama and sport. ISI May 2023 Notable alumni Michael Grigsby, documentary maker Mike Holding, film maker Tom Hollander, actor Toby Jones, actor Tom Swarbrick, radio talk show host
Finance and Business Young Enterprise and our Investment and Trading Club help our students to gain first hand experience of the fast-paced and ever evolving financial world. Whether it’s a visit from an industry expert, creating your own product and brand, or taking part in national competitions, there’s a lot to keep interest high. Many pupils relish the challenge of and enjoy success in numerous academic competitions. ISI May 2023 Notable alumni Peter Douglas, entrepreneur and pioneer in the investment industry Nick Drake, Vice President of Global Marketing, Google Tim Parker, British Executive Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA
Get Writing! The opportunities to get involved with writing and journalism at Abingdon are extensive. The variety of clubs include our century old School magazine - The Abingdonian; the School newspaper - The Martlet; and dedicated publications for economics, biology and languages, to name but a few. Today, Abingdon; tomorrow, Fleet Street! The act of writing is – should be – an act of discovery. Rose Tremain, novelist Notable alumni Michael Bateman, journalist Ben Macintyre, author Michael Bartlett, playwright David Bobin, sports journalist Antony Fawcett, British writer and art critic Russell Taylor MBE, British writer, journalist and composer
Music Music is an integral part of an Abingdon education and all students are encouraged to grasp the many music-making opportunities which exist. These range from Orchestral and Choral music to Jazz and Pop. There are plenty of occasions to perform, learn and appreciate music - whether in a House singing competition or School production; one of our showcase concerts; or for the most able musicians, taking part in a musical masterclass. I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music. Billy Joel Notable alumni Theo Green, Award-winning British composer and Oscar winning sound designer James Sedwards, English guitarist, musician, and composer
Science and Computing From entomology to robotics, natural history to computer animation, code breaking to Greenpower, the wonderful world of science and technology awaits discovery through the Other Half. Both inquisitive and practical, the activities on offer reach beyond the academic curriculum, enabling students to develop a deeper interest in STEM and make some fantastic new discoveries. What could be more exciting? If you’ve ever watched a child with a cardboard carton and a box of crayons create a spaceship with cool control panels, or listened to their improvised rules, such as ‘Red cars can jump all others,’ then you know that this impulse to make a toy do more is at the heart of innovative childhood play. It is also the essence of creativity. Bill Gates Notable alumni Mark Bretscher, biological scientist Sir Christopher Dobson, British chemist Sir Martin Jonathan Landray, physician, epidemiologist and data scientist
Service and Partnership Activities From playing an active role in the Combined Cadet Force, taking part in Duke of Edinburgh, participating in one of our many Partnership initiatives or volunteering within the local community, service activities are highly prized at Abingdon. Through them, our students gain a sense of fulfilment, insight into the lives of others and, for our international students, a more comprehensive understanding of British culture. Over the years, those who have seemed to me to be the most happy, contented and fulfilled have always been the people who have lived the most outgoing and unselfish lives. Elizabeth II Notable alumni Sir Clive Alderton, diplomat Sir Kim Darroch, diplomat Sir Andrew Foster, KBE, British public servant Matthew Lodge, diplomat
Skills and Games From the traditional English art of bellringing to cooking, flight simulation, bridge and strategic wargames, there are opportunities aplenty to try out something fun, make new friends and learn a new skill through our Skills and Games clubs. The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct. Carl Jung Notable alumni Andrew Robson, professional bridge player, writer and teacher Graham David Scott, professional football referee
Sport Sport plays a central role in the Abingdon journey and is prized far beyond its physical benefits for also helping to develop interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. In addition to our sporting curriculum, students have the chance to take part in a wide range of sporting experiences - all of which seek to inspire, nurture, encourage and challenge our young people. So, whether it’s yoga or waterpolo, squash or volleyball, Karate or croquet, there are plenty of options to instil a life-long love of sport. Participation in sport is valued as much as success, but a significant number of pupils do enjoy achievement at county level or higher in sports such as rowing, fencing, water polo, rugby and shooting. ISI May 2023 Notable alumni Charlie Atkinson, professional rugby union player Oliver Cook, British international rower and Olympian Will Carter Keall, men’s England hockey league player Alexander Fisher, professional football player Magnus Gregory, international canoeist Charles Quarterman, British cyclist
Subject Stretchers Our extension clubs provide an outlet for students to examine a subject in greater depth and detail. Topics which aren’t covered in the core lessons can be investigated and new languages acquired. So whether it’s learning poetry by heart, puzzling out a mathematical problem, beginning a course in Japanese or finding out more about ancient societies, the minds of our students are broadened and challenged. The enormous range of activities promoted through the school’s Other Half programme enables pupils to develop their skills and talents extremely well and to unlock their enthusiasm. ISI May 2023 Notable alumni Andrew Fisher, professor of physics (UCL) Nicholas Lemoine, British academic, professor at Queen Mary University of London, director of the Barts Cancer Institute and centre lead, Centre for Molecular Oncology
Trips Action and adventure are a big part of school life at Abingdon. In addition to the myriad of subject related trips which complement our broad and varied curriculum, there are a number of other exciting opportunities to explore. Whether trekking, climbing, sailing or canoeing. School leaders emphasise the breadth and benefits of opportunities for pupils to develop new skills through an extensive range of Other Half activities. ISI May 2023
Last updated: October 2024 Simply extraordinary abingdon.org.uk
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