News Abingdon What are the memories of school that stay with us throughout our lives? I reflected on this question as I sat down to write this introduction and my mind took me back to my own school days. The first memories that came to mind were some of the adventures that I enjoyed on various school trips. The feeling of exhilaration - or rather sheer fear - as I leant out over the top of a cliff in north Wales before my first attempt at abseiling. The sense of wonder I felt when I saw Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence for the first time on a choir tour. The camaraderie and fellowship of a rugby tour. Message from the Head These are precious moments and I’m delighted that Abingdonians are able to benefit from so many opportunities to participate in stimulating educational trips and visits. During half-term in October alone, two year groups took part in rugby tours, while the CCF ran their annual Adventure Training trip to Yorkshire. Further afield, there were departmental visits to France, Germany, Spain and India. I’m grateful to my colleagues who put so much time and effort into ensuring that our students can benefit from these valuable experiences. I hope you will enjoy reading about our recent trips in these pages and that you will get a strong sense of the value that they bring to the personal development of our students, providing opportunities for them to build their independence, confidence and social skills - as well as memories for life. Geography trip to Iceland Towards the end of the summer, 54 students across the Sixth Form, Third, Fourth and Fifth Years visited Iceland to learn more about its geography. From relaxing in the Secret Lagoon and walking through the mists of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, to hiking on the Sólheimajökull Glacier or enjoying the enormity of the Raufarholsheillir Lava Tunnels, there was plenty to see. Highlights included visiting the island of Heimaey to ascend Eldfell Volcano and witness the stunning view of Iceland's southern coast and seeing the Sundhnúksgígar volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula actually erupt! 2 January 2025
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