ABBOTSHOLME | NEWS

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 21 May 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:03:17 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 21 May 2012

Greenpower Electric Car Test Day

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:36:53 GMT

The electric car team travelled to Elvington in North Yorkshire for a test day on Wednesday 16 May. This was an opportunity for some Year 7, 8 & 9 pupils to drive our electric car. The track was a simple oval but it allowed everyone to drive the car at full speed. Matthias Owen-Sinclair produced the fastest lap showing fearless...

Tee Pee or not Tee Pee, that is the Question

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:32:39 GMT

Year 8 Set 3 have begun studying the Native Peoples of North America recently. When studying aspects of how they lived they discovered that their Tee Pees or Wig Wams would be decorated with images relative to the occupants. Therefore, the pupils designed and made their own Tee Pees. This is them next to a river, badly designed and coloured in...

The Infants Ride Out

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:26:25 GMT

Fun in the sun was had by the children in the Infants at the equestrian centre. They all had a turn to ride and also take part in an obstacle course. The course was set out by Suzanne and the ponies were led by Mrs Pennell and Carolyn. When they returned to the stables they were shown how to put a bandage on the ponies. What a fantastic time...

Firs Farm Garden Centre

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:37:47 GMT

Mr & Mrs Cox gave a warm welcome to Years 3, 4 and 6 children when they visited their Garden Centre this week. Mr Cox gave them a guided tour of the nursery and explained how the plants were gradually nurtured ready to be sold to the public. He explained about the different types of plants that there are and what provides the best...

The Story of Angulimala & the Buddha

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:33:27 GMT

In assembly Year 5 presented the story of how the evil thief Angulimala converted from a life of crime in which he robbed and killed and kept his victims fingers to make a necklace. When the Buddha invited him on an adventure and called him friend, it reminded him of his childhood and he realised how unhappy he was with his life now....

Abbotsholme Rounders - Wednesday 16 May 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:10:41 GMT

Finally the great British weather was kind enough to allow us to get out onto the rounders fields. With four teams out and about throughout the afternoon it was always going to be a busy one. Miss Worsley escorted our junior team over to Smallwood, where according to all reports, the girls played really well, fielding slightly better...

Rugby League Training

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:00:05 GMT

Tuesday evening was the second week that Abbotsholme Rugby players travelled across to train with Derby City Rugby League Football Club. Fifteen players mixed between U16 and U14 age categories continued to learn the skills of League and enjoy the demanding contact sessions. The players working in the U16s category showed improvement from...

Abbotsholme Cricket - U13 v Denstone

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:20:08 GMT

After two fixtures had been lost to the weather, this was the U13’s first match of the season. They lost the game, but it so very nearly resulted in a thriller. Abbotsholme lost the toss and scored a rather paltry 33 all out with four of their 20 overs remaining. They took the field with a positive approach and were...

Prep School Celebration of Success - 15 May 12

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:17:27 GMT

This week we celebrated the following Hannah’s success in gaining her ‘Night’s Away’ Badge in Guides having spent five different nights away from home; Jack gained a trophy for being the ‘Best Goalie’ for his football team, Leek Town Tigers and Ellie gained her Level 3 swimming award. Furthermore...

The New Dragons Enter the Den

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:55:14 GMT

Year 10 Business Studies students were set a task of creating their own Young Enterprise company into order to understand the priciples involved in business planning. A number of ideas have been discussed including, iPhone repair, iPhone/iPad stands made from reclaimed material, personalized tshirts that utilize the the talents of an...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 15 May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:17:47 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 15 May 2012

Tolkien, Bagpipes & Bugles in Flanders

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:13:23 GMT

As we passed under the eaves of Polygon Wood, with glorious sunshine streaming through the leaves, it was hard to imagine the devastation in that part of Belgium 95 years ago. All of the trees in this wood are less than 100 years old. The path was not too muddy and the weather was warm. JRR Tolkien had fought on the Western Front and had found...

Multi Pitch Climbing Weekend 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:50:42 GMT

This weekend saw six Year 8 & 9 pupils in North Wales on a multi-pitch climbing trip. They camped at Nant Gwynant and made the most of the sunny but cold weather, the driest for some time, to climb some long Welsh rock routes which are slightly different to our usual Peak District climbs. The group had obviously benefitted...

Historians put on their Thinking Hats

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:27:15 GMT

Their exam is tomorrow, so Sixth Form historians Charlotte and Matt were using Mr Wilson’s whiteboard to plan essays and compare their plans in preparation. They thought it necessary to adopt headwear to help the thinking process.

Abbotsholmian Completes Bala Challenge for Charity

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:23:35 GMT

Congratulations go to Frances Beattie, who took part in the Bala Challenge on Saturday 12 May. She completed the 14 mile circuit, which has a total ascent of 800 metres, over the hills around Lake Bala in Southern Snowdonia. She received a certificate for her achievement. The event is organised by Bala and Penllyn Rotary Club to collect funds...

Abbotsholmian Represents Staffordshire in Hockey Tournament

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:26:35 GMT

Congratulations to Claudia Bettson-Burdett who has had a wonderful season as member of the Staffordshire U14 Hockey Team. Their season came to a fabulous end when they won the Midlands counties tournament. Eight teams competed in the tournament Staffs, Northants, Birmingham/West Mids and Worcester in Pool B, and Leics, Shrops, Derbys and...

Abbotsholme Riders Enjoy Success at Dressage Competition

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:17:53 GMT

Tuesday night saw the first of many competitions this term for our Equestrian Team. We left for Hargate Equestrian, eagerly anticipating what lay ahead, just as everyone else was heading home for the evening. This was the first show for new partnership, Dominique Wilcox and her horse Zac, and the first show since becoming a team member for...

Abbotsholme Team Gives Strong Performance in Round Square Adventure Race

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:10:52 GMT

A team of six Abbotsholmians from Years 9 and 10 took part in the 7th UK Round Square Schools Adventure Race, over the weekend 11-13 May. This year’s event was held in the Lake District and attracted eight teams drawn from six schools belonging to Round Square, an international grouping of schools which share a holistic...

Abbotsholme Quiz 14th May 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:58:15 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 140512Q And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 14 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:23:09 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 14 May 2012

Year 8 Geography Field Trip to Malham

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:32:56 GMT

On Monday and Tuesday this week the whole of Year 8 made the journey up to the Yorkshire Dales National Park to deepen their knowledge and understanding of surface and sub-surface limestone features. On Monday the group visited Ingleborough Cavern, close to Settle, and took an amazing underground journey seeing first hand examples of flow stone...

Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane? No it's a Sandbag

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:36:00 GMT

From the staffroom window, it supposedly looked like Mr Wilson was getting pupils throttling geese. However, when it appeared that several people were picking up geese by the neck, it was actually sandbags. These were being used in Wednesday afternoon’s Strength and Conditioning activity. Pupils learn simple ways of improving workouts...

Jubilee Papier-mache

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:14:39 GMT

This half term, the art lessons in the Infant class are based around the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. All the children have made a bust of the Queen using their skills with papier-mache. Once her majesty’s head had been painted and her crown placed on her head, they looked at a book which was all about the Queen’s jewels, the...

Prep School Celebration of Success - Wednesday 9 May 2012

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:36:23 GMT

This week we shared in the following achievements Aneal gained his 20 metre swimming award and was also very proud that he had been able to swim 240 metres for Sports Relief. Phew! Well done Aneal! Luke told us all about his Dad’s new book which has just been published, titled ‘The Pyramids of Egypt. How were they...

Round Square News - 9 May 2012

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:29:37 GMT

Please find below a link to the new edition of Round Square News. http://www.roundsquare.org/uploads/media/Round_Square_News_-March_2012_Final.pdf All past newsletters including the new 'RSIS Update' is available to download from the website, click below. http://www.roundsquare.org/index.php?id=137

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh - Practice Expedition - 5-6 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:05:29 GMT

With six teams, totalling 40 students participating on this practice, it was necessary to have two locations. The boys headed for Cannock Chase whilst the girls travelled to Pindale in the Peak District. On Saturday, each group had to walk approximately 12km carrying all their expedition equipment including spare clothes, cookers, tents, food...

Prep School - Bikeability Day

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:45 GMT

The children in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 have had the most marvellous day undertaking specialist cycling training organised for us by Mr Jeffers. There was much excitement early in the morning as 40 or so children arrived with their bikes and helmets. The bikes were checked out and, if necessary, repaired, free of charge, and then off they all went...

Abbotsholme XV v Ashbourne Rugby Match

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:56:32 GMT

Saturday 28 April saw a rugby match take place between an Abbotsholme XV and a Ashbourne XV. This season many ex pupils from the school have played for Ashbourne 4th XV under Mr Ritchie’s captaincy. As so many have been involved this season it was suggested that the school could field a team to take on Ashbourne players as an end...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:51:09 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 8 May 2012

Abbotsholme Quiz 7th May 2012

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:33:11 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 070512Q And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:55:33 GMT

In History this half term the Infant focus is the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The children have looked carefully at a range of photographs and paintings of the Queen and created their own portraits. We are sure she would approve. On Friday the Infant classroom was transformed into Westminster Abbey and the children all watched the...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 7 May 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:09:19 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 7 May 2012

Cake Wednesday

Thu, 03 May 2012 16:36:48 GMT

On Wednesday night the girls in Orchard enjoyed an evening of cup cake baking. For some of the girls it was an opportunity to show off their baking skills; others excelled at the decorating, creating some deliciously beautiful designs, but some just showed their appreciation by eating them! It was a lovely mid-week treat for everyone; the girls...

Beatrix Potter in the Prep School

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:25:27 GMT

Year 3 and 4 went into the Dingle and 'created' homes for some of Beatrix Potter's characters. The Dingle was a perfect environment and even Jeremy Fisher managed to fish in the stream that runs through it. The class are using the stories of Beatrix Potter for their Literacy lessons and have been inspired to write some great stories. They...

Abbotsholme Welcomes Sporting Hero as part of 'Sports Schools' Initiative

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:33:58 GMT

During the month of March we received notification that our application to join the Sky Sports Schools initiative programme had been successful. In order to be included in this programme we had to supply information about the various sports and physical activities we would be holding at school throughout the next six months, in which...

Abbotsholme Girls & Mums to 'Race for Life' for Cancer Research

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:24:20 GMT

I am organising our very own Abbotsholme 'Race for Life', to take place on Wednesday 30 May 2012 at 5.30pm. It will be an identical event to the ones taking place around the country and all proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK. This is an open invitation to all you ladies. Please feel free to bring along your mum, daughters, sisters, aunts...

King Ahab, Jezebel, Baal (False God) and Elijah

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:55:56 GMT

Under the watchful eye of Nikki Knott, the Year Six pupils presented a thought provoking dramatization of this Bible story in assembly. The Moral of the story is in three parts. The first, that being bad can seem exciting and fun. The second, that it is hard to do the right thing when everyone else is doing wrong, and, finally, you must listen...

Prep School Celebration of Success - 30 June 2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:52:53 GMT

Star of the week was awarded to the following All the Infant children for their bravery in performing in front of the whole school in Chapel with their amazing singing poems based on the theme of London's burning. To Harry, Hollie, Hannah, Lucy and Henry for their emergency rescue of our small animals after the storm and finally, to all of...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 1 May 2012

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:46:41 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 1 May 2012

Years 7, 8 & 9 Examinations Timetable 2012

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:07:05 GMT

Debating Matters

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:28:32 GMT

On the first day of term, an intrepid group of Sixth Formers set off to Leicester University to take part in the Regional Final of the Debating Matters competition. Everyone knew this was going to be an intense day, having qualified in a fiercely fought battle at Bromsgrove last November, however, nerves settled as students discussed the...

New Training Opportunity for Abbotsholme Rugby

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:54:34 GMT

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for Abbotsholme players to attend training sessions with Derby City Rugby League Club. As well as being a coach on the Midlands Rugby League National Pathway, Mr Herbert coaches at the Derby City Club, and he is offering to take any player interested in trying Rugby League, along to the...

Abbotsholme Quiz 30th April 2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:22:50 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 300412Q And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Fuimos a Espana

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:22:18 GMT

During the final week of the Easter holidays a group of Year 9 and 10 pupils travelled to southern Spain to enjoy a variety of cultural and sporting activities. Our destination was Lo Pagán, a small town on the coast, about 30km from the city of Murcia. We stayed in a bi-lingual school and each morning pupils got the chance to improve...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 30 April 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:10:53 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 30 April 2012

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Success

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:27:32 GMT

Congratulations to Arran Sahota and OA Alex Mason, who have both been awarded the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

World Book Night 2012

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:24:28 GMT

Abbotsholme School took part in this year’s World Book Night, as book givers to both students and staff. World book night aims for one million books to be given away by volunteer book givers who share a love of reading. The 2012 books were chosen by a committee of advocates for reading from librarians, booksellers, authors, the...

Prep School Celebration of Success

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:24:54 GMT

This week the following pupils shared their achievements with us. Amelia (Year 3) – gained a rosette for her equestrian skills and also became a Sixer in her Brownie Pack. Elsie (Year 4) – has achieved her 600m swimming award, she had to swim a whopping 24 lengths! Pippa (Year 5) – Ran the sports relief mile...

Abbotsholme Quiz 23rd April 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:01:03 GMT

Welcome back to the Summer term! This week's quiz can be accessed below. To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 230412Q And for the...

Costa Rica Eco-Adventure 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:58:21 GMT

Pura-Vida! Update from the Costa Rica Eco-Adventure Trip - 6 April - 18 April 2012. Greetings to one and all; or, as they put it in Costa Rica, ‘PuraVida’, meaning ‘pure life’. It has taken a few days for all that the group achieved and experienced on this amazing trip to sink in. It is difficult to know...

Calling all Parents! Take the Afternoon off Work and Come and Have Fun!!

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:47 GMT

On Wednesday 2 May, Abbotsholme is giving parents of secondary age children the chance to re-live their school days by experiencing life as an Abbotsholme pupil. Starting at 1.00pm with a three course school lunch, parents will have the opportunity to take part in classes of Maths, Science, Drama, Outdoor Education and Life...

Fontainebleau 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:27:33 GMT

Check out Mr Stockton's lastest video, filmed whilst in Fontainebleau, France. This looks like a fantastic trip and it appears that the pupils ability has really improved.

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 23 April 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:49:02 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 23 April 2012

Abbotsholme School Website - Parent Communications

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:43:24 GMT

In order to improve communications between Abbotsholme School and the parents/guardians of our pupils a secure area has been set up on the School Website. This secure area will hold copies of all recent communications, including letters and notices. All parents & guardians will have received a Clarion Message with instructions and...

Easter 2012 Letter from the Headmaster

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:10:55 GMT

27th March 2012 Dear Parents I write at the end of another Easter term after nine years as Headmaster, when the glorious spring weather over the last few weeks has precipitated the arrival of short sleeves and shorter skirts! In an exciting new development, I am delighted to welcome Lucy Stirling, who will begin work...

Vacancy - Part Time Teacher of Music

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:59:02 GMT

We currently have a vacancy for a part time Teacher of Music. This position is required from September 2012. Music Advert Music Teacher Job Description For more information please click on the link to our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies

Vacancy - Teacher of French

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:55:39 GMT

We currently have a vacancy for a Teacher of French. This position is required from September 2012. French Advert French Teacher Job Description For more information please click the link to our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies

Vacancy - Head of Geography

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:49:35 GMT

We currently have a vacancy for a Head of Geogrpahy. This position is required from September 2012. Geography Advert Head of Geography Job Description For more information please click the link to our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies

Farm Managers End of Term Awards

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:04:45 GMT

Harriet, Manton, Harry, Cuthbert, Isabelle, Aneal and Ellie were all given a certificate in recognition of their hard work and support to the gardening club throughout the term. Also awarded were certificates for Photo of the Term, these were given to Henry and Luke. For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

Easter Raffle

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:25:34 GMT

This fabulous, enormous chocolate rabbit was very kindly donated by Peter Simpson (Harry's Dad). The raffle raised over £100 which will be donated to Peter's charity, 'Rainbows'. Many thanks to all who bought raffle tickets and congratulations to Henry who had the winning ticket, lucky 13! For more information about Abbotsholme...

Easter Bonnet Parade

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 09:44:35 GMT

The Headmaster, Jessica Ash, Helen Wainwright and Helen Meredith were our specially invited judges for the Easter competition this year. All of the children enthusiastically took part in this exciting event and made either an Easter Bonnet or an Easter Bow Tie. What a wonderful atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. Well done to the winners, Henry...

Literary Award for Year 6 Writers

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:20:34 GMT

Inspired by Helen Meredith, this week Year 6 pupils have written a short story, a Thriller! The Thrillers make knife-edge reading, they are real page turners and every single one is most certainly a thrilling read. However, three stories stood out just a little bit above the rest and were therefore awarded a Literary prize. The third and...

Spider Award

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:16:52 GMT

This morning Year 3 & 4 were presented with certificates by Helen Caunce in the Awards Chapel. The children each gained the ‘Spider Award’ for successfully traversing the school climbing wall (without falling!) and for completing one vertical climb. We are all very proud of their achievements. Well done! For more...

Easter Bunnies

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:14:24 GMT

Today Year 3 and 4 made rabbits out of face cloths (with a little help from Mrs Burton and Shelbie). When they were finished they held a cream egg. The rabbits all have googly eyes and look very cute. All the children have said that they will keep the flannel rabbits for ever, but the eggs will not last very long, they may not even...

Congratulations!

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:58:37 GMT

Four more Year 11 pupils have successfully completed their Silver DofE Award. Congratulations to Alex Grant, Katey Gardiner, Elliot Brookes and Josh Upton.

Cedarholme & St Vincents - End of Term Treat

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:54:29 GMT

To celebrate the end of the school spring term all of Cedarholme and St Vincent’s boys went on a mystery house outing. Despite my attempts to distract the boys from our destination they soon worked out that we were heading in the direction of Manchester. A little more research and they discovered Manchester United were playing against...

Qu� tiempo hace?

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:49:27 GMT

For the last three weeks Year 5 & Year 6 have been learning to describe the weather in Spanish. This afternoon we had fun on the field practising the new vocabulary that we had learnt. We played in two teams and when the pupils heard the weather phrase (e.g. Hace sol – It’s sunny) they had to run up the field to put on the...

Orchard House - End of Term Treat

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:44:41 GMT

Nothing says spring like tobogganing and snow-tubing, at least that was what the girls from Orchard House had in mind this past Tuesday evening as they ventured out for an end of term treat at Swadlincote Ski Centre. For more information about Boarding at Abbotsholme School – Click here

Junior Activity Weekend - 24 & 25 March 2012

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:41:22 GMT

Rock Scramble We met a group of junior pupils on Saturday morning. The day had started with low fog and poor visibility but, undaunted, we set off first to pick up Mrs Winbow from Ashbourne before heading out on our adventure. Our destination was Higgar Tor near Hathersage; our purpose, to go rock scrambling. As we neared...

Year 10s Bouncing & Shaking Their Way to Success!

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:33:50 GMT

This week the Year 10 GCSE Performing Arts groups have completed their first big, group assessment piece for their coursework. The students were put into groups of four and asked to perform extracts of John Godber’s modern classics ‘Bouncers’ and ‘Shakers’. These infamous plays are notoriously difficult to...

Year 8 OEd - 28 March 2012

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:31:52 GMT

As part of their outdoor education programme, a group of Year 8 pupils made the most of the glorious weather and headed to Windgather rocks. The usual wind was missing, which made for a great afternoon’s climbing at this high crag, near Buxton. The pupils showed that the climbing wall at school has allowed them to progress very rapidly...

Abbotsholmians Attend Youth Summit

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:25:48 GMT

On Saturday 24 March, fifteen pupils had an early start for their exciting drive down to the centre of London to attend the 2012 Youth Summit. The group consisted of pupils from Year 6 up to Sixth Form and all were looking forward to the day ahead. The 2012 Youth Summit was organized by “Free the Children”, one...

Celebration of Success & Star of the Week

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:36:36 GMT

This week we were pleased to share Harry's joy in gaining the 'Man of the Match' trophy for his football team, Rugeley Lions. We were also pleased for Pippa who brought in the medal which she gained after completing the 'Mile for sports Relief' Well done to them both. This week the worthy recipients were as follows, Harriet for being a true...

'Bikeability' Comes to Abbotsholme

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:26:06 GMT

Our thanks to Mr Jeffers (Hannah & Ellie's Dad) for presenting us with this exciting opportunity to learn and fine-tune our cycling skills. Mr Jeffers explained how the cyclist training day would operate and how we will be able to ensure that we have the necessary skills to keep ourselves safe on busy roads. We can't wait until Tuesday 8 May...

U13 Sports Tour to Cardiff

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:23:16 GMT

Our U13 Hockey and Rugby squads left school in glorious sunshine on Friday and headed off on the first leg of their mini tour. The atmosphere on the coach was electric from the start, with a constant, excited buzz of anticipation and nerves. Our first stop was at Chepstow High school just across the Severn Bridge. Both squads went their own...

Adventure Race Team Training at Cannock Chase

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:12:35 GMT

The Round Square Adventure Race team went to Cannock Chase on Sunday to do some mountain bike training, in preparation for the event in May. The focus was in developing greater confidence and efficiency on off-road terrain. The group was joined by Callum Bodger, a veteran from last year's event; his confidence on the bike didn't need much...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 27 March 2012

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:58:01 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 27 March 2012.pdf

Mufti Day - Friday 23 March 2012

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:51:04 GMT

On Friday 23 March, Abbotsholme pupils and staff donned their sporting attire and anything pink to support Sport Relief and Breast Cancer Research. Once again, Mrs Witcomb provided delicious cupcakes, a total of 186 which sold out in less than 7 minutes. Thanks to the other pupils and parents that also baked and decorated yummy...

Prep School - Celebration of Success - Friday 23 March 2012

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:41:29 GMT

This week, we celebrated Harry gaining his Level 2 Top Climber award and we enjoyed seeing Hannah's celebration blanket on which she has sewn her many swimming and Guiding award badges. Star of the Week Slava was given his star for his great help in welcoming our two young Russian guests, Marina and Kristina. Emily was rewarded for...

Photo of the Week - 26 March 2012

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:33:38 GMT

This week the farm managers, Hannah & Hollie, presented Henry with the prize for his photo entry. Henry took this photo of a fledgling Buzzard which was in need of help. Thanks to Henry, the Buzzard was subsequently rescued by the RSPB. Well done Henry! For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

The Infants were on Fire!

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:31:33 GMT

On Friday morning the infants led the Prep School assembly in chapel. The theme for the assembly was ‘London’s Burning,’ a traditional rhyme that has been sung for many years. The children started the assembly with a demonstration of how to perform singing in a ‘round,’ they then split the Prep School children...

Sports Relief

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:28:37 GMT

On Friday 23 March, the Prep School children, staff and some stalwart parents ran a mile for Sports Relief. The conditions were excellent and all who took part showed that they most certainly had lots of PMA, Positive Mental Attitude. Well done to all who contributed to this most worthwhile cause. For more information about Abbotsholme...

Abbotsholme Quiz 26th March 2012

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:12:32 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 260312Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 26 March 2012

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:16:43 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 26 March 2012.pdf

OEd - Wednesday 21 March 12

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:16:08 GMT

Abbotsholme OEd group discover some classic lines at 'Newstones', in the Peak District.

Canoe Paddle versus Doggy Paddle

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:07:06 GMT

It’s been a busy few days for this year’s intrepid Devizes to Westminster hopefuls. On Saturday the newly named Ru boat, paddled by Greg and Millie completed its longest pre-race test of 34 miles in 9 hours 45 minutes. Tigger, under the helm of Alex and Arran, completed the course in 9 hours 30 minutes. On Sunday, Luke and Big T...

Final Lambing Report from Gregory Roberts - Pupil Farm Manager

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:50:21 GMT

This year’s lambing at Abbotsholme has been hugely successful. Due to our very prolific sheep producing multiple lambs, most lambings had to be assisted. We have become quite experienced at identifying heads, feet and tails from the tangled mass inside the ewes. The end result was 69 lambs from 34 ewes with a yield of 203%. Due to the...

Wild Flower Planting in the Ecology Pond Area

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:47:53 GMT

The newly dug out ecology pond area is being prepared for seed planting along its banks. Pupils have been removing the rough grass covering and cultivating a seed bed. This will be planted with a mix of nectar rich wild flower seeds chosen to benefit bees and butterflies. The Environmental science group have assessed the soil type for its...

British Schools Karting Championship - Three Sister Regional Final

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:11:41 GMT

Ben Miller, Callum and Arran Bodger travelled to Three Sisters Race circuit for the British Schools Karting Championship regional final. Despite not being kitted out in ‘Lewis Hamilton’ designer race suits, unlike the majority of competitors, Abbotsholme’s finest three did their best and challenged far more experienced drivers...

Young Actors are 'Just So' Good!

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:52:46 GMT

I would like to say a huge well done to everyone involved in Abbotsholme’s first lower school production. On Friday 16 March students from Years 7, 8 and 9 performed a play based on Rudyard Kipling’s 'Just So' Stories. The students worked in groups to create their own short piece based on one of the stories. The play was a huge...

Business Studies Students Visit DHL

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:08:27 GMT

The Lower Sixth Business Studies students visited the DHL customer service hub at East Midlands airport this Tuesday. As part of their AS level, they have been studying the importance of customer service, so visiting a business that deals with over 100,000 packages each day gave pupils a practical insight into the theory they’ve been...

Year 8 Outdoor Education - Survival Skills 2

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:06:17 GMT

Remembering their shopping list from the previous lesson, each group, without assistance collected all of the equipment needed from the store before heading up into the top wood. Without the use of paper, and with only one match per person, they had to build and light a fire in order to cook bacon, sausage and egg. Some thought back to the...

Year 8 Bushcraft - Personal Camouflage!

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:04:04 GMT

Each person had to design their own pattern on paper before attempting to recreate it on their partner’s face. The whole group did exceptionally well, but Jack Hughes was definitely the scariest! For more information about the Abbotsholme Outdoor Education – Click here

Year 10 &11 Adventure Weekend - 17-18 March 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:00:19 GMT

At the weekend, some Year 10 and 11 pupils headed outdoors for some high adrenalin outdoor activities. Options were given to both year groups, allowing them to choose from: Caving, Mountain Biking, High Ropes Course and Climbing. The majority went for Mountain Biking & High Ropes Course. Saturday – Mountain Biking Cannock has...

Fun Run - Friday 23 March 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:52:50 GMT

Friday 23 March 2010 Run or walk a mile We will meet school games field at 4.15pm A mega cake sale in the pavilion will follow the event The proceeds will be split between 'Sport Relief' and 'Cancer Research' All parents and families are very welcome to join in!

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 20 March 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:46:53 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 20 March 2012.pdf

Fencing v Wrekin College - Wednesday 14 March 12

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:31:20 GMT

On Wednesday 14 March 14 fencing team travelled to Wrekin College to participate in a fixture. A very strong and experienced Abbotsholme epee team of Greg Roberts, Luke Seymour, and Ian Rios, turned in a 9-0 victory over Wrekin reserve team. The sabre team of Nick Fisher, Bradley Roberts, Reuben Wilderspin was a much closer fought...

Prep School - School Council Presentation

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:24:27 GMT

Members of the School Council (and a few volunteers) presented the Prep School pupils with a most entertaining explanation of the Abbotsholme five 'Star' principles. They have created an acronym to help us to remember them. The word they came up with (Huxley's 'light bulb moment) is RICH(squared). The letters, as you will all know stand for...

Spanish Omelette

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:21:04 GMT

This term Year 9 Spanish pupils have been studying the topic of food and drink. Last Tuesday they had the chance to try a Spanish omelette, La tortilla española. It was a resounding success, particularly when everyone was hungry, just before lunch. This is what some of the pupils said - Ed Pashley - Me gusta...

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Successes

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:15:01 GMT

Congratulations to Alex Kuster and Lucy Darling who have both completed their Gold Award. For the Gold Award, one of the requirements is for participants to undertake a residential project for a minimum of five days. Alex chose to travel to Cambodia and Lucy to Thailand to undertake projects through Round Square. Congratulations to the...

Prep School Photo of the Week - 19 Mar 12

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:50:49 GMT

This week's award goes to Henry who brought in a photo of 'Hugo,' his Golden Retriever puppy. Hugo is fourteen weeks old and is one of a litter of twenty two puppies. Henry's photo certainly has the 'ahhh' factor. Well done Henry. For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

Abbotsholme Quiz 19th March 2012

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:47:34 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 190312Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Abbotsholme Weekly Menu wc Monday 19 March 2012

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:46:32 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 19 March 2012.pdf

Our Special Mums

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:37:32 GMT

The infant children would like to tell you why their Mummies are so special. Aneal’s mummy is special because she always gives him a hug in bed. Raphe’s is special because she reads his book every day and Charlotte’s mummy is special because she lets her have late nights. Ozzy loves his mummy because she made him, Ella’s...

Wednesday Activity in Rockholme - 14 March 2012

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:44:30 GMT

This week the climbers in Rockholme ventured up onto the abseil platform and had a refresher on how to use and set up the equipment for abseiling. Some were more confident than others but all came back for another go, determined to conquer any fears they had. We also saw some good climbing skills being demonstrated, with pupils still working...

Prep School OEd - Spring Term

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:42:33 GMT

The Year 3 and 4 finished their OEd lessons on Friday with a trip up to the top woods where they used their team work to make dens in small groups. We made a small campfire on which, when the logs had burned to leave us with glowing embers, we roasted some marshmallows, which were delicious. The dens were then judged by Charlotte and Kieran who...

Year 6 - The Future of DW? Space Hoppers & KPPs

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:33:37 GMT

On Tuesday 13 March, Year 6 had a PE lesson with a difference. Not only did they have a big, bald, beardy history teacher taking them they also took some canoes for a run. They carried the two canoes down to the sports pitches and were intrigued by having to carry Space Hoppers in them. To warm up for the main event they split into two...

Climbers Limber up for Fontainebleau Trip

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:16:34 GMT

With only two weeks to go before some of our climbers leave the UK for the Fontainebleau bouldering visit, they have been very keen to transfer their climbing skills developed at Rockholme (the school wall) onto real rock. Yesterday’s venue was the Rubicon wall, at Water-cum-Jolly, close to Bakewell. The afternoon proved successful with...

Year 11 Geography Case Study Revision - 16 March 2012

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:13:52 GMT

Hockey Festival

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:30:34 GMT

Yesterday our U13 girls hockey team took part in a schools hockey festival held at Cannock Hockey Club. The tournament was totally new territory for us; not only was it on astro, it was also 7 a-side. In true Abbotsholme fashion our girls did not let this phase them. Over the course of the afternoon we played a number of games and the girls did...

Lambing Report - Tuesday 13 March 2012

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:25:02 GMT

Last night Amelia Woodruff and Alex Field were on lambing duty. When they went out for their 5.00am check they found a ewe that had produced one healthy lamb which was up on its legs, feeding. They penned her up away from the other ewes and then examined her. There was another lamb coming which Amelia delivered whilst Alex held the ewe steady;...

Young Entrepreneurs Deliver Company Presentation & Report

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:38:04 GMT

On Wednesday 14 March, members of the Young Enterprise company ‘Techniquez’ gave a presentation and submitted their year-end company report to a panel of judges at the National Brewing Centre in Burton on Trent. This is the culmination of their year’s work to date and they were judged on their presentation technique and...

Celebration of Success

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:27:25 GMT

This week we celebrated Harvey gaining his red belt in Karate, Luke achieving his first stage award in snowboarding and Pippa gaining two personal bests whilst swimming in the time trials at Matlock in the Derbyshire County trials. Very well done to all! For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

Prep School Star of the Week - 13 March 2012

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:25:40 GMT

This week, Bertie achieved the ‘Star of the Week’ for helping organise the Toy Box, Selina for consistently working hard and Jack and Finlay for improvement in their attitude to work. Fraser, Emily, Hollie, Lucy and Grace all received the award for improvement in their mental maths work and other pupils were awarded the ‘Star...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 13 March 2012

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:40:16 GMT

480Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 13 March 2012.pdf

Orchard's Pizza Parlour!

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:52:23 GMT

Last night the Orchard girls explored the culinary delights of Italy, as we all made our own pizza creations! The students prepared all the different toppings and then, to a fabulous soundtrack provided by gap student Molly, we all sang and danced our way to mouth watering masterpieces! It was a brilliant night, exactly what was needed at the...

Alyson Davies Running for Charity

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:42:50 GMT

Having spent the past five years providing help and support for my pupils, there is now a role reversal, whereby I am asking for the support of my pupils in a current project. I am running the Stafford Half Marathon on 25 March, with the aim of raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Those pupils and parents who have known me...

Prep School Prepare for Visitors

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:04:33 GMT

On Friday, the Prep School children were getting ready for the Open Morning, they were so excited and proud of everything that they had to show. Once they had finished their lessons, they were asked to tidy their drawers and put away all the equipment in the correct boxes. Aneal and Raphe went a step further and mopped the floors! We hope...

The Ancient Greeks

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:58:52 GMT

The Year Six children have been enthusiastically studying this ancient civilisation and have carried out much personal research using the new Prep School laptops. The class have had great fun writing a Greek myth in which a secret scroll was found. They then made the scroll and translated the secret message into ancient Greek to challenge mere...

Prep School Photo of the Week

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:55:32 GMT

This week there were five entries, they were from Harvey and Elsie; Pippa, Raphe and Manton. The winners were Harvey and Elsie, well done!

Abbotsholme Quiz 12th March 2012

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:50:23 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 120312Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Star of the Week Award - 9 March 2012

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:25:23 GMT

This week the cloakroom Managers, Henry and Matthew, the unsung heroes of the Prep School, were acknowledged for their sterling work as 'backroom boys' keeping the cloakroom in order. Thank you boys. Also awarded 'Star of the Week' was Hannah who undertook the longest ever guiding sessions of prospective parents last week, well done! For...

Traditional Tales from India

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:21:43 GMT

This week, the children in Years 3 and 4 have been studying traditional tales from India as part of their Literacy topic. Today, they made a banana lassi and imagined what it would be like to be able to pick fruit from gardens in India and make delicious lassi with mangoes, guavas and bananas. They enjoyed the drink so much that...

Lambing Duty

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:00:18 GMT

From Monday 5 March to Tuesday 6 March we participated in all night lambing duty. We started our shift at 6.00pm and finished at 8.20am. We found lambing duty a really good experience. We really enjoyed feeding the cade lambs every six hours. We also enjoyed our ewe checks every two hours. Unfortunately no lambs were born but we still...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 12 March 2012

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:48:31 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 12 March 2012.pdf

Pie Trip

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:53:18 GMT

Today Miss Ross and Mrs Philpot gave the students who study English as an additional language the opportunity to partake in another aspect of British culture, traditional pub food. The Tavern at Denstone prepared steak and ale pies and fish and chips for everyone. The students from China, Germany, Russia and Andorra cleared their plates. They...

New Lambs to Cuddle and Care For

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:58:21 GMT

The Prep School children have been up to see the Abbotsholme lambs, they were very lucky as they were all allowed to hold one. What an amazing experience! For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

Linking Science to Food Technolgy

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:55:31 GMT

The Infant Science lessons this term are all about healthy bodies. They have looked at the different foods and grouped them into the different categories to which they belong, they have discussed why it is so important to eat a balanced diet and have linked this to their weekly food technology lesson. The children then prepared a plate of...

It's ERA Week at Abbotsholme!

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:55:57 GMT

“ERA Week! What’s that?” “That’s Everyone Reading at Abbotsholme!” During the week 5–9 March 2012 everyone in school has been getting involved in reading. This was a successful initiative started by the Head of the English Department. The staff have been really enthusiastic about this, and...

Strength & Conditioning Coach Visits Abbotsholme

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:20:24 GMT

On Monday the Sixth Form and Year 11 had a talk by strength and conditioning coach Nick Grantham. The London Olympic Games will be his fourth games, having started with the gymnastics team, and later coached the wheelchair basketball. He will be training the British Women’s Olympic Basketball Team this summer. He...

Ready Steady Cook 2012

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:20:53 GMT

On Wednesday we held the Abbotsholme Ready Steady Cook competition. Different year groups were well represented and there were some stunning ideas, with recipes concocted from some basic ingredients. After much deliberation, Charlotte Hunt and Lucy Bradley came second with their delicious sausage and pepper puff balls and chocolate Victoria...

Hot off the Press

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:56:07 GMT

Hurray! The Prep School animal ark has arrived, much to the delight of the pupils. Many thanks to Bridget and her team for installing the ark ready for use. The Farm Managers, Hollie and Hannah are very excited because now it means that the Prep School can have their own lambs to look after, feed and care for. For more...

Infants Climb to Dizzy Heights!

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:53:14 GMT

This morning the Infants left base camp, in very bad weather, wearing all of their OEd kit, ready for anything! Mr Sellar and Helly were very impressed to see them so well turned out, that is until Mrs Winbow and Mrs Gould popped around the corner with their Ascot umbrellas!! However, Helly soon got them all warmed up and ready to climb;...

The Fairies' Lullaby

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:41:45 GMT

Year 8 have been working on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Drama as part of their enrichment programme. Today we worked on the fairies’ lullaby that is used to sing Queen Titania to sleep. The students worked in groups to perform the piece and they then spent time writing their own lullabies, following...

The (not so) Wise Man and His Donkey

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:23:26 GMT

On Monday morning the children in Years 3 & 4 took assembly and performed a short role play which taught us that we should not take things at face value, nor just believe what people tell us, but rather we should think for ourselves and ask for help from those most qualified. Our thanks to Mrs Knott for enabling the children to perform...

Prep School ERA

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:20:09 GMT

This week the Prep school have been delighted to join in with ERA week. The children have been collected every morning by their buddies from the senior school who have taken them to classrooms all around the Senior School. Raphe has to climb 43 steps to get to Miss Worsley’s room! Their buddies sit with them and help them...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 6 March 2012

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:18:50 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 6 March 2012.pdf

Birthday Cake in Barnfield

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:24:53 GMT

Thursday 23 February saw our first birthday of this term. It was also the formal dinner and I was concerned that a birthday cake for Agnes and everyone in the house may not get eaten with the prospect of a three course dinner looming. Needless to say the cake disappeared within a few minutes and everyone still had a healthy appetite for a...

Boarders Celebrate Chinese New Year

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:08:09 GMT

On Thursday 26 January the Abbotsholme Boarders celebrated the Year of the Dragon with our Chinese students. The catering staff provided an appropriate meal, and Darren got into the spirit of the event and wore the dragon face that had been constructed by Ozzy Edwards from the Junior School. Everyone was given a fortune cookie by the Chinese...

Boarders London Trip 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:05:14 GMT

The 5th Annual Boarders’ Trip to London took place on the 24 February. A group of forty boarders, five Staff and four gap students arrived at a youth hostel near Paddington Station in an elite area of London. It was a very different atmosphere to our usual YHA hostel in the east end of the city, as the building could house...

New Addition in Clownholme

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:59:53 GMT

The Clownholme girls received a welcomed gift from Mr Moon, a digital piano! Michelle Wu and Antonia Bernau have been filling the corridors of our girls’ boarding house with a rendition of their own music or other various pieces that they enjoy practising. For more information about Boarding at Abbotsholme School – Click here

Year 7&8 Adventure Weekend - 3-4 March 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:57:43 GMT

On Saturday morning, nine pupils headed out on an action packed weekend. The first activity was at Lea Geen Outdoor Centre, involving a very interesting low ropes course with lots of balances, cargo nets and everyone’s favourite, the zip wire. Then it was on to the amazing high ropes course and pendulum swing. All the children did...

RS Adventure Race Training Weekend

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:22:20 GMT

Six budding outdoor athletes took part in a demanding training weekend in preparation for an inter-school adventure race competition in May. After school on Friday they were driven off-site and given their first task, to budget for and choose a menu for their food over the weekend. After picking up supplies at the CoOp in Leek, they were...

Photo of the Week

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:17:21 GMT

This week's entries for the 'Photo of the week' competition came from Henry, Aimee and the infants; Caley and Pippa. The winner was Henry with his favourite photo of a deer. The Farm managers Hannah and Hollie presented Henry with his prize. For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

Junior Gardening Club

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:13:55 GMT

The members of the gardening club entertained the Prep School during assembly with a selection of poems and songs to celebrate 'Happy Gardening.' The gardening club meet weekly and thanks to the hard work and superb organisation of the Gardening Club managers, Hollie and Hannah, they enjoy a wide variety of interesting and fun activities. They...

Junior Round Square - 5 March 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:11:42 GMT

The Prep School Round Square Managers, Harvey and Harry were pleased to announce the newly appointed members of the Prep School Round Square Committee as Ellie, Pippa, Selina and Henry. This new team will work together to promote the Round Square projects and activities within the Prep School. For more information about Abbotsholme Prep...

Abbotsholme Quiz March 5th 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:39:53 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 050312Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Abbotsholme Weekly Menu wc 5 March 2012

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:49:45 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 5 March 2012.pdf

Lambing Update - 1 March 2012

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:13:17 GMT

'Last night I went up to check the ewes at 10.00pm. Nick Fisher and Callum Simpson were on night time lambing duty. They had spotted that a ewe was in labour and had put her in a pen where she produced a healthy lamb. I thought there were signs that there may be another lamb coming but it was taking too long. I put on some plastic gloves and...

The Tiger Children

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:07:51 GMT

This week the Infant children have been following the book 'The Tiger Child', by Joanna Troughton, which is a folk tale from India. They listened to the story being read by Mrs Gould then produced and acted out a play using the dialogue from the book. Then, in art, they made their own masks. For their final piece of work they went into the...

Chapel - Adityajit Singh Kang

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:05:19 GMT

Today I am going to talk about my country, my school and about my exchange so far… My country The reason I stand before you and talk to you about my country is not to boast about it, but to give the message that we should take pride in ourselves and who we are. Take pride in the achievements that your nation makes. Even...

Abbotsholme Netball - Wednesday 29 February 2012

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:33:10 GMT

It was an excellent afternoon out on the courts yesterday, with four Abbotsholme teams playing against teams from three different schools. Our U12 girls headed out to play against Yarlet School. It was a very close game with outstanding play from the whole squad. Lorna Cooper shot consistently well, Romy Haynes defended well in all...

Young Actors Prepare to Perform

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:02:13 GMT

A group of enthusiastic and creative Year 7-9 pupils have been working on Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Just So’ stories, as part of the Expectations programme on a Friday afternoon. Each group was given its own short story and has worked on bringing the ‘ad hoc fallacy’ to life! This is all about giving the students a chance...

A Walk in the Woods

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:04:02 GMT

We have spent the last six weeks building paths through the top woods. This is so that pupils can come and walk through and enjoy the scenery without disturbing the wildlife. In March, ground nesting birds including partridge and pheasants will have eggs and babies in the undergrowth. There will also be mice and foxes and other animals. It...

Leap Year Baby - Lambing News 29 February 2012

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:06:08 GMT

This afternoon when we fetched the sheep in we found a new born lamb with its mother sheltering near the hedge. Callum picked the lamb up, it was warm and slimey. Danny and Jenny carefully herded the mother back down the hill to the shed. Now the lamb is safely in a pen with its mum for the night. The lamb is a girl and we have called her...

Warhammer Schools League - 28 February 2012

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:47:13 GMT

Tuesday 28 February saw two Abbotsholme School teams head off to Warhammer World in Nottingham for the Midlands Schools’ League regional heats. Abbotsholme School were able to put eight members of the Warhammer club forward to play against other schools from around the Midlands. There were two categories for which the boys were split...

Preparations for Lambing Duty

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:17:13 GMT

Preparations for lambing duty have been taking place for the last week. Pictured here are Sixth Form pupils Antonia Bernau and Aditya Virwani instructing pupils on procedures and practice in the lambing shed. This counts as part of their assessment for their BTEC in Agriculture qualification. Lambing at Abbotsholme School started on Monday...

The Start of Lambing at Abbotsholme

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:52:51 GMT

The lambing season has started at Abbotsholme. The first ewe to lamb down gave birth to quintuplets! One sadly died but its four siblings are doing well. Two are with Mum being suckled and cared for the natural way whilst the other two are being cared for by pupils. This means bottle feeding every two hours through the first night and six hourly...

The Trial - The Trip

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:05:21 GMT

On Monday 27 February I took the GCSE Performing Arts and ALevel Drama and Theatre Studies groups to Buxton Opera House to see Steven Berkoff's surrealist play, The Trial. The play was stylised and physical, and although not to everyone's taste, all the students could appreciate Blackeyed Theatre Company's amazing physical theatre. We had the...

Prep School Toy Fair

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:03:22 GMT

The Charities Managers Olivia and Henry did a sterling job inspiring the Prep school pupils to 'bring and buy' for charity. They were enthusiastically helped out by Manton, Cuthbert and Fraser. The toy sale was a great success and raised £110 which will be shared between the Rainbow Hospice and Save the Children. Well done to all, keep...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 28 February 2012

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:59:34 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 28 Feb 2012.pdf

March's Geography Key Stage 3 Competition Question

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:48:44 GMT

. How are these two people’s lives connected? Correct answers to Mr Stockton.

Vacancy - Weekend Chef

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:53:19 GMT

We currently have a vacancy for a weekend chef to start immediately. If you are interested in this psoition then please click on the link below to view details. http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Weekend-Chef You can view our vacancies section here: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies

Geography Case Studies - Rivers

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:50:48 GMT

Geography - Rivers Case Studies.pdf

Abbotsholme Orienteering News

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:48:08 GMT

Fifteen Abbotsholmians took part in the latest orienteering event at Haddon & Lindop, organised by Derwent Valley Orienteering Club. In glorious spring sunshine in the beautiful surroundings of the White Peak District near Chatsworth, the junior and senior pupils competed on courses of different lengths and levels of difficulty. The sport...

Upper Sixth Business Students Take Part in BASE Competition

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:43:16 GMT

On Friday 24 February a team of four Upper Sixth Business Studies pupils travelled to Leicester University to take part in a regional heat of the BASE competition. This national Business, Accounting and Skills Education competition, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW), is designed to challenge pupils' decision-making...

Prison Officers Visit Year 8 - What have they done?

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:27:16 GMT

On Friday afternoon Year 8 were visited by members of the Prison Service. Not to worry, no one was in trouble. Instead, pupils who have been reading the book ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar, were given the opportunity to ask Senior Prison Officers Wood & Wood any questions they had about the prison service. There was never any...

Abbotsholme Quiz February 27th 2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:36:13 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 270212Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 27 February 2012

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:12:32 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 27 February 2012.pdf

Prep School Round Square Presentation

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:10:01 GMT

Harvey and Harry gave an interesting and very well prepared power point presentation to the Prep school and some Year 9 pupils in chapel on Friday morning. The boys are the Prep School Representatives on the Round Square committee and are making it their mission in life to inform and involve as many Prep School pupils as possible in the work of...

Prep School Farm Managers' Award

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:59:37 GMT

Hollie and Hannah, the Prep School Farm Managers, this morning presented their Award for the ‘Photo of the Week’ competition. This week’s runners up were the infant boys with their photo of themselves horse jumping (without horses!). The winner though was Ellie with her photo of an ice sculpture taken on holiday. Well done to...

Fun Maths in the Infants

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:08:09 GMT

The Infant maths this week has focused on ordinal numbers, we have covered this in many different styles; who would roll the ball first and fifth, looking at the fourth letter in words, in a race who came 3rd? We have also looked at the number words and matched those to the numbers. We finished our lesson today with a giant game of snakes and...

Bosworth Battlefield Site

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:05:43 GMT

On Monday 20 February, Year 3 and 4 went to Bosworth Battlefield Site to initiate their topic on Tudor Battles. Our guide, Eddie, walked us around the site and explained everything to us as if it was actually the 22 August 1485. We carried flags and some weapons and we could almost hear the screams of the wounded and the arrows whizzing by!...

GCSE Case Study Revision - Restless Earth

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:01:57 GMT

GCSE Case Study Revision - Restless Earth.pdf

Year 9 Visit the Holocaust Centre

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:15:04 GMT

This term Year 9 pupils are studying the Holocaust in both History and English. In History lessons they consider how the Holocaust has been represented in film by watching 'The Pianist' and 'Life is Beautiful'. In English they read 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas'. To reinforce their studies in both subject areas they all visited The...

Looking After Our Wildlife

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:09:42 GMT

The children in Year 3 and 4 have now hung the bird feeders that they made in a Design and Technology session in the refurbished Ecology pond area. We hope that the birds will enjoy feeding from them, we certainly enjoyed making them. For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

Abbotsholme School Summer Camp 2012

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:52:33 GMT

Abbotsholme School Summer Camp 2012 Following the success of the 2011 Summer Camps, Abbotsholme’s PE Department have decided to run them again during the Summer Holidays 2012 for children aged 4-14 This year the camps will be even better, as well as rock climbing, cricket, horse riding, swimming and multi sport...

Shrove Tuesday Inter Boarding House Pancake Race

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:00:09 GMT

Each year on Shrove Tuesday, whilst many revellers are chasing a ball at Ashbourne Shrovetide Festival, the Abbotsholme boarders make their way down to the flood-lit tennis courts for the annual event of pancake races. Mrs Witcomb provides suitable pancakes for racing rather than eating - slightly rubberised for longer use! The whole...

GCSE Chemists Pushing the Boundaries in Practical Assessments

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:28:04 GMT

Members of the Year 11 triple award science group have been carrying out individual investigations as part of their GCSE assessment in Chemistry. Derived from the study of reaction rates, students have been given the responsibility to reflect on the work covered and identify an idea to develop further in order to produce a research...

Abbotsholme Cooks Celebrate Pancake Day

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:16:50 GMT

Shrove Tuesday could not go by without a pancake or six from the Year 8 Food Technology group! Ocean Caroo had a few nervous flips before going for this spectacular toss.

Flipping Pancakes!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:14:07 GMT

Today the Infant Department held their annual Pancake races. The children took part in an assortment of challenging events which included a relay race; a sprint and an obstacle course. The most difficult part of the competition came when they had to complete the hopscotch game while tossing their pancake! Fabulous fun was had by...

Fencing - 19 February 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:09:58 GMT

On Sunday 19 February a group of Abbotsholme fencers travelled to Stratford Upon Avon for the West Midlands Regional Qualifiers. Amelia Bedson, Matthias Owen-Sinclair and Olivia Owen-Sinclair competed in the U16 and U14 Foil category. All three were able to finish in the top three places in their heats and thus earn a place in the National...

Abbotsholme at Ashbourne Shrovetide

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:10:27 GMT

Paul Kirtley throws up the ball at Ashbourne Shrovetide. The ball has the Abbotsholme Star engraved.

Abbotsholme 'in touch' - Tuesday 21 February 2012

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:08:31 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 21 Feb 2012.pdf

Abbotsholme Quiz 20th February 2012

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:39:54 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 200212Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Vacancy - Head of Marketing & Admissions

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:44:35 GMT

We currently have a vacancy for a Head of Marketing & Admissions. Please click on the following link for more information: Head of Marketing and Admissions.pdf This position is being handled for us by RSAcademics Ltd. To find out more about the role, including the application process and timeline, please go to...

Scottish Winter Mountaineering 2012

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:20:42 GMT

Groups from Abbotsholme School have just returned from the Cairngorm Mountains, where the OEd Department run a winter mountaineering course for its pupils. The course is tailored to the needs and desires of the pupils, whilst working around the vagaries of the Scottish weather. This year 20 pupils and staff took the chance to take part....

Abbotsholmian Takes the Lead

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:14:51 GMT

Year 9 Abbotsholmian Ellie Palmer spent three days of her February half term holiday on a residential music course with Derby City and County intermediate Orchestra. She thoroughly enjoyed the course and was proud to be selected to lead the orchestra for the final concert.

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 20 February 2012

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:32:49 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 20 February 2012.pdf

Perfect Polymers

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:34:27 GMT

A group of Year 9 scientists has been studying natural and synthetic polymers, so we decided to make a polymer of our own – nylon. This was very simple to make, adding two substances together and them undergoing polymerisation, but it required a lot of patience and skill as the pupils needed to work very carefully to draw out the nylon...

RSIS Cambodia Student Report

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:27:56 GMT

Alexandra Kuster - Cambodia.pdf

Love on the Yard

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:23:01 GMT

On thursday afternoon the Infants had a very different lesson at the equestrian centre, the children were told that the horses had not received any Valentine cards and they were down on their hooves! The children soon set to work and each chose a horse to make a card for. Thank you to Jodie for all the effort she put into this afternoon....

Year 7 Geographers Produce a Flood of Work

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:21:12 GMT

Year 7 Geographers have completed a unit of study on ‘Rivers and Flooding’. On completion of the unit pupils produced a poster to inform people about the causes and effects of flooding, along with how rivers are managed to reduce the risk of flooding. For more information about Geography at Abbotsholme – Click here

Business Lesson From Old Abbotsholmian

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:51:41 GMT

On Wednesday 8 February former pupil Alexandra Shermer gave an inspirational presentation to the Lower Sixth Business Studies students and many interested pupils from Year 11 about her life since leaving Abbotsholme. Alex has a specific focus on quality and customer service at Jaguar Land Rover, which helped the Lower Sixth put what they...

Year 10 and 11's Face BP Trading Challenge

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:48:37 GMT

All the Year 10 and Year 11 pupils took part in an exciting trading game run by three experienced staff from BP, designed to promote mathematics skills, business awareness and teamwork. The teams of four students had to operate as a business, with a chairperson, an accountant, a market analyser and a broker. The teams had to react to...

Love Is All Around

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:44:43 GMT

The infants were joined this afternoon by Years 3 and 4 for an art lesson, they listened to Disney’s love songs and created their very own Valentines card for someone special. They used a variety of mediums to create the cards and are now very excited to see who will receive one on Friday. For more information about...

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition Training - 28-29 January 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:45:29 GMT

Last weekend the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award walking groups headed out into the Peak District for navigation training. We were met with snowy hills and beautiful views. Saturday was spent expanding the trainees knowledge of map and compass skills around the Burbage valley. The day ended with a group emergency scenario in the dusk, before...

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Training - 4 February 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:42:27 GMT

A group of the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award trainees gathered on Saturday morning for a day of further training and assessment on key aspects of the scheme. The day began with a basic first aid assessment, which the pupils all passed with flying colours. This was followed by practical first aid scenarios out in the school grounds, assessing...

The Technicalities of Theatre

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:34:46 GMT

This morning professional Stage Manager Nick Bryan (son of former Abbotsholme Food Technology teacher, Gill Bryan) came in to talk to the Year 10 and 11 GCSE Performing Arts students about his career in the theatre. As part of their GCSE course the students need to have an understanding of how all aspects of the performing arts industry works...

Prep School Pupils Play Their Part

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:32:30 GMT

On the day before the Senior School took part in the Tenth Annual Music Competition, the children in the Prep school added their scores ahead of time. The individual performers were inspirational and the performances by the singers for each of the houses was uplifting! A big “well done” to all of the children and our...

Geography - GCSE Revision Sessions

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:47:11 GMT

As the examination season looms the Geography Department has organised a series of revision sessions. We urge pupils to attend these as they will provide the opportunity for consolidation of prior learning as well some examination technique tips. The sessions will be held every Thursday from 12.50pm to 1.25pm, from the week commencing 20...

Business Studies Students Hear Inspirational Story From Real 'Dragon'

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:54:55 GMT

On Monday 6 February Mr Brian McGowan gave a presentation to the Upper Sixth Business Studies pupils about his life as a businessman. Brian has had an astonishing career that took off in 1982 when he and a friend bought a controlling interest in a publicly quoted business called Williams Holdings. Its market value at the time was just...

Golf Drive at Abbotsholme as England & Northern Ireland Rule the World

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:38:22 GMT

With Luke Donald and Lee Westwood ranked number 1 and 2 in the world, and Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell now all majors winners, golf is the ‘in’ sport. On Wednesday afternoons a group of students, ranging from Year 8 up to Sixth Form, travel to Brailsford Golf Club for lessons with Dave McCarthy. They have...

The Paralysed Man Walks

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:33:35 GMT

During Monday morning’s assembly the children from years 3,4 & 6 retold the parable of the paralysed man who was cured by the miracle of Jesus. “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. The story was very well acted by the children with a guest appearance by Cuthbert as...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 7 February 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:49:17 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 7 Feb 2012.pdf

UK Maths Challenge

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:37:56 GMT

Fifty students from Year 11, 10 & 9 took part in the Maths Challenge, which is a national competition run by the UK Mathematics Trust. The challenges are lively, intriguing multiple choice question papers, which are designed to stimulate interest in maths amongst large numbers of pupils. The three levels cover the secondary school range...

Outdoor Education Summer Trip to France - 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:58:22 GMT

The Abbotsholme Outdoor Expedition of Summer of 2012 will take place in the French Region of Auvergne, a fantastic area with a great deal to offer. The trip will be suitable for pupils in Year 10 and above. The expedition will leave on Monday 9 July 2012 and return on Friday 19 July 2012 This trip is suitable for all abilities and...

Abbotsholme Entrepreneurs Attend Trade Fair

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:30:28 GMT

Saturday 4 February saw four members of the Young Enterprise Company ‘Techniquez’ travel to Burton’s Cooper’s Square for the annual Trade Fair. Whilst also having the ability to sell their wares to the general public, they were also judged by a number of local business people on their business model. Sales of...

Orchard House News

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:28:34 GMT

SNOW was the word of the weekend. Whether it meant snuggling up to a homemade brew, courtesy of India and Caitlin, or playing snow-baseball with Emellia and Ocean, the weekend for Orchard girls was frosty and fine. For more information about Boarding at Abbotsholme School – Click here

Year 7 Debate the School Rules

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:26:54 GMT

Last Friday Year 7 pupils debated the motion, ‘Teaching is all about control’. Each member of Set 2 prepared their arguments and delivered their side of the debate to a very appreciative Set 1 audience. There were some excellent performances and some interesting examples given to illustrate the argument. After taking questions (and...

Overseas Students Enjoy a Night Out

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:42:21 GMT

The overseas students were treated to a night out at our local Chinese restaurant. The mini-bus picked us up as soon as assignment time finished and we drove into Uttoxeter, to ‘Mr Woo’s’. There was a real cross-section of our wonderfully diverse school community with a mix of seven nationalities from Year 6 to Year 13...

Weekend at Abbotsholme

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:36:51 GMT

The snow came down fast on Saturday afternoon, curtain-like falling on a Governors’ meeting; raising for the start of the Six Nations! There were animals to be fed and thawed, drama teaches to be rescued, sledges to be ridden and roads to be cleared. The new snow plough was a good investment after all.

Abbotsholme Quiz 6th February 2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:02:17 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 060212Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 6 February 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:15:06 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 6 February 2012.pdf

Prep School Artists at Work

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:08:16 GMT

Under the guidance of the specialist Art staff, the Prep School pupils created beautiful studies of British birds using sketching skills which were further enhanced using pastels. The end results were worthy of exhibition in a gallery, well done Prep School artists! For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

Netballers Out in Force

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:04:38 GMT

Once again the girls were out in force yesterday, with six teams out and about playing netball. At home the U10 & U11’s had a fantastic match against Yarlet. The play was end-to-end stuff, watched by some very excited parents, filling the sideline. The final score was 10-8 to Abbotsholme. Olivia Player had an outstanding game...

Rock On!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:25:38 GMT

Today a group of Year 8 scientists learnt how sedimentary rocks are formed, and had a go at making their own rocks! The topic, which is part of a module on the changing Earth, looks at how different rocks are formed, how rocks change from one type to another, and theories on how the Earth was formed. The lesson included storytelling, making...

Food Safety Success for Abbotsholme Pupils

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:22:09 GMT

This week the Year 10 pupils studying GCSE Food Technology and six Sixth Form students received their certificates for passing the CIEH Food Safety in Catering level 2 examination. This will enable them to seek part time employment in the food industry or in catering, or could be the first qualification towards a career in the Environmental...

A Dramatic Exchange

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:18:29 GMT

Yesterday the GCSE and A Level Drama pupils went to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre to see a production of Jim Cartwright’s modern classic ‘Two’ and to participate in a workshop about the play. After a rather eventful journey, the pupils had the amazing opportunity to interview the set designer, Amanda Stoodley, and...

Veterinary Success

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:04:23 GMT

Rosie Campbell (OA), who left Abbotsholme last year, has qualified as a veterinary nurse. Congratulations! http://www.abbeyfieldsvets.co.uk/PracticeNews.html

Research and Art

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:47:13 GMT

As part of their Literacy work this week the Infants used the Senior School library to undertake research about animals that live in Africa. Mrs Wood even showed them how to use the Dewey Decimal Subject index! The children had already chosen the animal about which they wished to find out ‘facts.’ Mrs Gould told them that they...

Celebrities in Spanish

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:21:21 GMT

This term Year 8 Spanish pupils have been learning how to describe themselves and others. At the end of the topic pupils brought in a picture of their favourite celebrity in order to describe him or her. This was a great opportunity for the pupils to make their teacher feel completely out of touch, as I had not heard of half of the people they...

Changing materials in the Infants

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:47:52 GMT

Science this week is all about changing materials by heating them. The Infant children have all become research scientists looking at what happens to bread when it is toasted, how it changes in appearance, smell and texture. The young scientists reported back that after toasting, the bread had changed in colour and texture but still tasted...

Head on a Horse

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:55:24 GMT

The second lesson of, I fear, many in the Abbotsholme Ride to Canter scheme. This idea is for a total novice to get to a stage where they can ride on our beautiful estate. We continue to make progress. In my next lesson, I may be relieved of the shackles of the lunge rein and let loose on the manège! Time to get...

Abbotsholme Win!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:52:30 GMT

The Electric Car Race Team returned to Fast Lane Karting to compete in the British Schools Karting Championship. There were four teams of three drivers, two from Abbotsholme, A and B, and two from Madeley High School. Only one team would go through to the next round of the competition so the racing was going to be fierce. The teacher from...

European Round Square Opportunities

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:43:24 GMT

On Friday 27 January, Mrs Kuster and Mrs Burton travelled to Copenhagen, Denmark for a Round Square European Council meeting. The meeting was hosted by The Herlufsholm School and was attended by the headmasters and Round Square reps throughout the European region. One of the main areas of focus for the meeting was to implement a Junior...

Abbotsholme Fencers Compete in West Midlands Championships

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:41:00 GMT

This weekend, our U16 and U18 Epee Fencers, Jamie Taylor and Greg Roberts travelled to Packwood Haugh School in Shrewsbury to compete in the West Midlands Youth Championship qualifiers. Both boys were up against top talent and well done to Greg who came away with a 6th place finish. The Sabre and Foil Fencers will be competing during the...

Blue Chip National Showjumping Championships

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:37:26 GMT

Congratulations to Jack Hibbert who beat a very strong field of 66 competitors to win the qualifier to go through to the Blue Chip National Showjumping Championships in April.

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 31 January 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:36:10 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 31 January 2012.pdf

Abbotsholme Science - January Update

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:28 GMT

Abbotsholme A-level Sciences have gone digital! Last week, the A-level students in Biology were given individual access codes to activate the OCR A-level Biology course ebooks. What is an ebook? It is a book presented in digital form. You can read it on a PC, laptop, ebook reader or an up-to-date smart phone. The benefits to these students...

Art - January 2012 Update

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:48:20 GMT

Australia Day

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:43:32 GMT

Our Australian Gap Students Shelbie, Angus and Mollie treated the Prep School to a taste of their Australian culture and music on Australia day. During the assembly on Friday the children learnt about where the Gap students are from, what their climate is like and how they spend their leisure time back at home. Their power point presentation...

Abbotsholme Quiz 30th January 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:36:18 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 300112Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

The Infants Celebrate 'Australia Day'

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:36:12 GMT

Following the inspirational assembly given by our Australian Gap students on Friday, the Infants worked with Australian Shelbie to produce maps and information posters about Australia. They certainly learnt lots and thoroughly enjoyed working to the background music from Australia. For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School...

Farm Manager Awards

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:34:11 GMT

The Prep School Farm Managers, Hollie & Hannah, presented their key workers with prizes and certificates in Friday’s assembly. The teams of volunteers work on a rota basis, on the Prep School farm each break and lunchtime keeping the animals in order and ensuring quality care. Well done to the Managers for their dedication and...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 30 January 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:11:13 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 30 January 2012.pdf

Abbotsholme Football

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:48:58 GMT

Abotsholme’s Football teams have had a busy start to the season, which see’s many new faces involved in the teams. The 1st XI has a very different looking squad after losing ten of last years squad players. The U15’s have a new coach with Mr Anders now in charge, and the U13’s have another Australian coach who...

Mary Brings the Mountain to the Classroom

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:35:52 GMT

Year Six were totally inspired by a slide presentation and talk given by Mary Spencer about her expedition to Kyrgystan with an Abbotsholme group twelve years ago. The class are studying Mountain environments in Geography and Mary’s talk, stunning photographs and real life artefacts really brought the whole subject to life...

Year 8 OEd - Pupils Practice Map Skills

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:32:51 GMT

On Tuesday, 24 January a hearty group of Year 8 OEd’ers braved the drizzle and fog to sharpen their map skills in Dovedale. We arrived to an empty car park and spent the afternoon taking turns leading the group to various points on the map. The highlight of the walk are the stepping stones, where a few ended up with soakers from...

Year 9 Geographers Research Development

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:29:19 GMT

This week Mrs Stockton’s Year 9 Geographers have started an ICT research project on development. Students were put into pairs and given a specific country to find out a range of statistics to measure the development and quality of life. Students worked exceptionally hard to collate and present their data. Next week we will use the...

Hen Accommodation Secured by BTEC Pupils

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:27:39 GMT

The ravages of a windy and wet winter have taken their toll on the school hen houses. Antonia Bernau and Aditya Virwani, who study BTEC Agriculture in Sixth Form, have been busy re-roofing to keep the laying hens warm and dry whilst laying their eggs. Pupils also benefit as this work earns them credit towards their BTEC qualification.

Are They Making Mud Pies?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:25:30 GMT

Are they making mud pies? Answer - no! Final year BTEC Agriculture pupils are studying a unit on Soil Science as part of their Subsidiary Diploma. Assessing soil conditions such as pH, percentage organic matter content, moisture holding capacity, compaction and drainage is an essential skill for a farmer if he or she is to optimise the...

Year 11 - ELBS

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:23:41 GMT

Year 11 Environment and Land Based Science (ELBS) pupils have been busy practising their skills at taking soft wood cuttings. This is part of their GCSE course, on which they will be assessed. Most of the cuttings seem to have taken, so hopefully the school will be a blaze of colourful pelargonium plants soon.

Abbotsholme Netball - Wednesday 25 January 2012

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:21:26 GMT

It has been another busy afternoon for the girls out on the Netball courts. With six sides out against two separate opposition schools the pressure was on; but as we are proving more and more, we can take the pressure and come out on top! At home we hosted Denstone College. After our original games were cancelled we were able to help each...

Scutari

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:29:18 GMT

The Times - 2 October 1854 I am in Scutari in the hospital and the wounded soldiers are lying on the floor dying. There are rats scuttling along the floor and there is wee on the floor everywhere. The windows are boarded up and germs are trapped in. The Soldiers have no fresh food to eat because the rats have eaten it. There are no clean...

Inspired by Radish!

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:17:38 GMT

In Literacy this week, the children in Years 3 and 4 have been using the book “The Suitcase Kid” by Jacqueline Wilson. Inspired by Radish, an imaginary character in the book; the class have made a fairground in the Design Technology sessions. The children worked as a team and have created some imaginative and functional rides....

Charity Chapel

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:14:40 GMT

Today’s Chapel was about giving. Joe Heeley spoke about “Scent with Love”. This is a Valentine’s Day event where pupils (and staff) can send each other a single red rose. The money generated goes to help research into Cystic Fibrosis and to sponsor a pupil in Africa. Annabel Gill and Olivia Roberts spoke about...

Maths - Unit 1 Resits

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:20:35 GMT

Resitting Unit 1 GCSE? Or just want some more support before you do the exam this summer? Mrs Kenealy is running a weekly revision class Tuesday lunchtimes 1.00pm-1.30pm in her class room. She will be covering different topics each session & answering general questions, check out the timetable. This is your opportunity to improve...

Maths - Trading Game

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:22:48 GMT

For more information about Maths at Abbotsholme – Click here

Mr Simpson Talks to Year Six

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:48:53 GMT

Mr Peter Simpson (Harry’s Dad) gave a talk to Year Six about his planned trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro in June this year. Year Six have been studying Mountain environments in their Geography lessons and found his talk really interesting. Peter and his associate are hoping to raise £10,000 for the Rainbow Hospice Trust. We...

Star of the Week Awards

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:42:19 GMT

This week saw the first presentation to the junior pupils of the new ‘Star of the Week Awards’. The nominated pupils received our congratulations, a certificate to take home to share with their parents and a gold star badge to wear for one week. Well done to all who received the awards and good luck to those who will strive...

Chinese New Year Assembly

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:40:27 GMT

Kung Hei Fat Choy. This morning the Prep School have listened to an assembly led by Krista and Lewis who are Chinese pupils from the senior school. They explained to us what happens during the New Year celebrations, everyone cleans their house to remove all the bad luck from the previous year. They wear red for good luck, families all eat a meal...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 24 January 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:02:40 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 24 January 2012.pdf

British Schools Karting Championship - January 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:53:33 GMT

The electric car race team swapped battery power for petrol and took part in the first practice session last night. Abbotsholme entered two teams of three drivers, Ben Miller, Callum & Aaron Bodger made up one team, and Ted & Jack Hibbert and Joe Herbert were the second team. There were two other teams from Madeley High School...

Vacancy - Science Teacher (Physics)

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:49:33 GMT

We currently have a vacancy for a Science Teacher (Physics). This position is required from September 2012. Please click on the following link for more information: Teacher of Science (Physics).pdf

Whats On at the Equestrian Centre?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:47:12 GMT

Pony Club and 'What’s On?' dates for the Equestrian Centre are as follows Saturday 4 February 2012 ~ Pony Club ~ 12.00pm-2.00pm Saturday 18 February 2012 ~ Pony Club ~ 12.00-2.00pm Saturday 3 March 2012 ~ Own A Pony...

Year 6 Assembly - 23 January 2012

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:39:10 GMT

This morning during assembly, the Year Six children presented a very interesting improvised play as part of their 'Religion and Life studies.' The theme was leading up to Easter, to show how Jesus angered the Jewish authorities while carrying out his mission of teaching and healing. The pupils were dressed in appropriate costume and acted...

Aimee Plays in Assembly

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:54:36 GMT

This morning in the Prep School assembly Aimee played a duet with Mr Moon. The piece was called 'Punch and Judy' by Jessie Blake. After her performance Aimee said, "I felt very happy and a bit scared." We are all very proud of her. Very well done Aimee! For more information about Abbotsholme Prep- School – Click here

Round 2 of the 'Awesome Walls' Winter Bouldering League (WBL)

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:33:42 GMT

On Friday 20 January, nine students and I travelled to 'Awesome Walls' to compete in the second round of the WBL. This centre focuses specifically on bouldering as a means by which a climber can improve, unencumbered by safety equipment such as harness, ropes and karabiners; instead, it allows the climber to push themselves harder, above...

Year of the Dragon

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:30:44 GMT

It is the 'Year of the Dragon' in the Chinese New Year and the Infants at Abbotsholme Prep School have been learning all about this festival and how in China and all over the world people celebrate. We have watched a DVD, made dragons heads and prepared and eaten some traditional Chinese food. The Chinese pupils from the senior school came to an...

Abbotsholme Ride to Canter (ARC)

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:27:47 GMT

This was not my first time on a horse. No, I had ridden several times, even here at Abbotsholme. The last time was only…. well, if I’m honest the last time was well over forty years ago, when I was put on Punch and let loose in the front field. (If ‘let loose’ implies speed and daring, think again. Punch was solid and...

The Foundry - Sunday 22 January 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:39:04 GMT

On Sunday 22 January a group of students headed to Sheffield for an amazing day at The Foundry indoor climbing wall. Because of the high turnout we met up with John Allen, one of our contracted instructors. After a quick briefing and the distribution of equipment the group split; half started to warm up in the bouldering area while the others...

'Awesome Walls' - Saturday 21 January 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:30:19 GMT

On Saturday 21 January, Mr Stockton and I took a group of students to ‘Awesome Walls’ in Stoke. As the name suggests it is a very impressive indoor bouldering facility, not a rope in sight. Because of this it has a very relaxed atmosphere, where the students can wander around and attempt any of the challenges knowing that if they...

Orienteering - Sunday 22 January 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:24:23 GMT

On Sunday 22 January 2012, 11 Abbotsholmians took part in another orienteering event, this time on Gentleshaw Common, on the edge of Cannock Chase, organised by the Walton Chasers Orienteering Club. The performance of Enya Collier and Jenny Brown from Year 7 was particularly pleasing. Competing on an Orange course, they coped well with the...

Abbotsholme Quiz 23rd January 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:08:18 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 23.1.12Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 23 January 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:18:13 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 23 Jan 2012.pdf

Junior Netball

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:48:18 GMT

The Junior school netball team had a fantastic win against Smallwood Manor on Wednesday when they won 17/4. The girls played really well as a team and achieved this super result. The girls will give a full match report to the Junior school in assembly on Friday. Team members included Lucy Worthington, Hannah Jeffers, Olivia Player, Hollie Wood...

Year 6 Maths

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:48:46 GMT

Henry Lane and Bertie Burges-Lumsden pause for thought during their maths lesson. This week the Year Six children are investigating number patterns and have been immersing themselves in Prime, Square and Triangular number patterns. They have successfully completed the sieve of Eratosthenes and will get to know Fibonacci soon. Exciting...

I think that my school is fantastic because ....

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:49:14 GMT

Hollie Wood and Caley Brown proudly show off the Year Six class display entitled, 'I think that my school is fantastic because.....' The children were positively buzzing with their thoughts about why their school is so exciting and such a great place to be. These thoughts were then carefully transferred via their ICT skills to create their...

New Pupil Managers to take on Responsibilities

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:50:55 GMT

There is a lovely buzz going around the Junior School. Margaret Shermer has arrived and her assembly on Tuesday was all about exciting roles for managers in the Junior School. Margaret explained what a manager was and where they would be needed. Next the children put themselves forward for the various positions and the following...

Infants Visit the Climbing Wall

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:51:38 GMT

Today the infants visited Abbotsholme’s indoor climbing wall. Our instructors were Hellie and Kieran. The children started the session with a warm up and a talk about safety. Our first task was to get into a group of three and one would climb around the room with the other two following them around in the ninja...

BTec Sport

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:03:15 GMT

Year 12 BTec Sport pupils Matt Kuster and Jack Sanderson visited Riverside Bakery in Nottingham this morning as part of their research on Risk Assessments in various environments. We were very warmly welcomed and were given a presentation on Risk Assessment and Health and Safety in the work place by the company`s officer. The boys were then...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 17 January 2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:40:36 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 17 January 2012.pdf

Cambodia

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:52:34 GMT

During December 2011, I travelled alone to Cambodia on a Round Square International Service Project. The aim was to build a school with other Round Square students from around the world. We were there for three weeks and worked alongside 'A Mine Free World' and 'Ban Yan Learning Tree Schools'. After arriving we wasted no time in...

Orchard House Weekend News

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:00:12 GMT

For the first weekend back after Christmas we could not have asked for better weather. We had a wonderful time together, spending time catching up with old friends, shopping, cooking (Nadja makes a mean fajita!) and yesterday we all piled into a minibus took a short drive over to Denstone and walked along the old railway. Everyone was out...

Abbotsholme Orienteers Out in Force!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:49:13 GMT

Thirteen Abbotsholmians headed off on Sunday 15 January, in fine weather, to take part in an orienteering event at Shining Cliff, near Cromford. Although many were new to a competitive orienteering event, all finished their courses successfully, despite the quite intricate terrain, which made for challenging navigation. On the Yellow course...

Holocaust Memorial Day

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:47:46 GMT

To remember the victims of the Nazi Holocaust and all genocides since.

Abbotsholme Quiz 16th January 2012

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:27:06 GMT

Welcome to this week's quiz! To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library entrance. Click on the link below for this weeks questions. 160112Q.pdf And for the answers to last week's quiz click the link...

Abbotsholme Weekly Menu wc Monday 16 Jan 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:21:12 GMT

Menu - wc Monday 16 Jan 12.pdf

Linking Art & Literacy in the Infants

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:59:25 GMT

In literacy over the next two weeks we are studying the book, Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell and Helen Oxenbury. We will be producing our own creative stories in this style and have linked our design and technology lesson to this. The children have all enjoyed making a 3D animal. For more information about Abbotsholme Junior School...

No Existence, Without Coexistence

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:51:11 GMT

The Old Abbotsholmian Carol Service

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:51:44 GMT

A new, very special carol service was celebrated in December. There had been a request from an Old Abbotsholmian for the school to invite old pupils to an occasion that would appeal to and include other members of their families; children, partners and parents. Out of this request came the idea of having a special OA Carol Service in which as...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 10 January 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:59:45 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 10 January 2012.pdf

Abbotsholme Quiz 10th January 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:30:03 GMT

Welcome to the Abbotsholme quiz! How is your general knowledge? Have you been keeping up with the news over the holidays? Well if so have a look at this weeks quiz. To access the questions you will need a password which you can obtain from Mrs Wood at natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk or via the television screen in the library...

Equestrian Update - 9 January 2012

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:41:31 GMT

Rose Griffiths - 23 November 2011 We went on a Dressage trip to Beaver Hall, Imogen and Franca rode and had to learn and perform a dressage test. We all learnt how to prepare for the competition and the team did really well with Imogen on Chester coming first and Franca came second on Otto who had never done a dressage test before!...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Tuesday 10 January 2012

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:47:18 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Tuesday 10 January 2012.pdf

C.S.I. at Abbotsholme!

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:25:03 GMT

Pupils from Year 11, Lower & Upper Sixth Form science groups were in full C.S.I. mode today. They were investigating a mock murder scene staged by former forensic scientist Paul Smithard, with the aid of a gruesome ‘tactical body’ kindly loaned to the school by Professor John Cassella of Staffordshire University....

Bangs and Whizzes at Abbotsholme!

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:35:28 GMT

Year 5 and 6 groups were treated to a display of bangs and whizzes at Abbotsholme Science Department this week. Science teacher Paul Smithard and school technician Lynda Toner devised a session based on light and energy in Chemistry. The pupils started off by making chromatographic snowflakes before moving on to colourful chemical reactions...

Cedarholme and St Vincent's Celebrate Four Birthdays and the End of Term

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:14:07 GMT

The senior boys boarding house came together to celebrate the end term and Joe Hodgson’s, Tom Moseley’s, Sam Berry’s and Aaron Wong’s birthdays. All enjoyed pizza, cake and a drink. For more information about Boarding at Abbotsholme School – Click here

Agricultural Students visit Porters Feed Mill & Farm

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:05:02 GMT

On Thursday 1 December 2011. BTEC Agriculture pupils took a trip to Lincolnshire to visit Porters Feed Mill and Farm. Pupils were able to walk around inside the mill and learn about the complexities of mixing correct quantities of amino acids and enzymes into the feed to obtain optimum performance from livestock. Modern technology was much...

Equestrian - December 2011

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:06:27 GMT

It has been a fantastic term at the Equestrian Centre. All of the children have shown real progress. On the last Wednesday of term we had our end of term inter-house Dressage Competition. All of the riders put a huge amount of effort into preparing themselves and their horses. The best turned out prize went to Olivia Roberts and Emma Veninger...

Team Swing

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:56:35 GMT

This week the Wednesday afternoon OEd group visited Lea Green where they faced the challenge of the team swing. This involved working together to hoist those on the swing up. Those on the swing chose their point from which they would like to swing, then pulled the cord! Everyone had at least two goes, venturing higher on their second go, with...

Rimma's Last Day with Year 6

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:30:17 GMT

Year 6 are all sad to see Rimma leave and return to Germany. She has been especially helpful with Viacheslava, helping with translations when he started Abbotsholme in September. Rimma has also helped us in other lessons too. For more information about Abbotsholme Junior School – Click here

Letters from Santa

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:25:17 GMT

The Infants have had the most exciting phone call this afternoon, when John from reception rang down to tell us he had just received a box of letters from Santa. The childrens feet did not touch the ground as they raced eagerly to reception. Anyone who was in reception when we arrived will understand how magical Christmas is when you are...

Cedarholme & St Vincents's Christmas Party

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:22:46 GMT

The boys visited the local Indian Restaurant to start the Christmas celebrations. All started with a mixture of onion bhajis, samosas and chicken tikka. Second course was a selection of curries with rice and naan bread. The meal was completed with a double helping of ice cream. Everyone had a fantastic time and asked if they can return...

Paperless Communication

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:14:03 GMT

If you do not receive this terms report via email please email your relevant contact details and email address to contactdetails@abbotsholme.co.uk

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 13 December 2011

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:18:22 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 13 December 2011.pdf

Know Your Rabbits

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:24:33 GMT

At this time of year in any Infant and Junior school, you will find glue, glitter and very excited children. Teachers try to keep some sort of calm! Mrs Burton has been acting Head of Junior School this term and has been a great mentor to us all. The only mistake was last week when she took the female rabbit to the vets to see how its...

Weekly Quiz 12 December 2011

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:51:28 GMT

Welcome to Abbotsholme's Weekly Quiz. Why not challenge yourself! Click on the link below for this week's quiz. Don't worry if you can't answer everything the answers will be released with the following weeks quiz. The password is available from the library digital displays or via Natalie Wood natalie.wood@abbotsholme.co.uk...

A Level Business Studies

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:40:22 GMT

The Upper Sixth A level Business Studies students carried out a light-hearted activity, but one with significant learning value, in a recent lesson on communications. Designed to simulate the barriers to communication, particularly in large, hierarchical organisations, the pupils had to communicate messages (actually, the design of an...

Year 9 Caving - 8 December 2011

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:37:05 GMT

The first group of year 9’s started their caving rotation on Thursday. We drove in the torrential rain and gale force winds to Stoney Middleton in the Peak District. The wettest part of the trip was walking along the road to the caves, cars and lorries soaked us as they drove through the puddles (well, small lakes really), causing...

Year 9 Decorate Christmas Cakes

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:48:01 GMT

This week Year 9 students decorated cakes for Christmas. These were not your usual traditional Christmas cakes! Rich chocolate saucepan cake and fruity vinegar cake recipes were used with just a hint of additional Christmas flavours such as orange, cinnamon and cranberries. The decoration ranged from stencilled Santas to 3D bows and...

Abbotsholme Weekly menu wc 12 December 2011

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:15:39 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 12 December 2011.pdf

Bursary Applications for 2012-13

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:09:37 GMT

Abbotsholme is committed to operating a Bursary scheme to assist in widening access to the Education provided by the School to those who cannot afford the full tuition fees. All Bursaries are means tested and Abbotsholme can provide support up to full fees depending upon parental income and financial circumstance. Parents /...

Abbotsholme U13 Rugby v Stafford Grammar - Wednesday 7 December 2011

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:41:03 GMT

On a breezy afternoon the noble young paduans of the Abbotsholme Sharks headed to Stafford in fine ‘biffing’ mood after their 55-0 points victory against Denstone the previous week. Training had gone well and despite a couple of positional changes brought on by illness we entered the game ready for the rematch against a team...

Year 8 OEd - Elvaston Castle Country Park

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:32:16 GMT

One of the Year 8 Outdoor Education groups travelled to Elvaston Castle Country Park to do some orienteering. The pupils had a short orientation walk, getting used to the scale and features of the map, then had a competition to find a series of control points. They enjoyed the challenge of navigating around the country park, in the fading light...

Abbotsholme's Christmas Bazaar - This Friday!

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:21:15 GMT

Don't forget about Abbotsholme’s Christmas Bazaar which is taking place this Friday from 4pm until 6.30pm. The event is for everyone, so please feel free to bring your friends and family. There are over 25 stalls exhibiting a wide range of products and gifts, from handmade chocolate truffles, to jewellery...

Infants - Christmas Wish

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:39:20 GMT

The infants are all starting to get very excited about Christmas and are making lots of lovely things to take home. During the last few weeks we have been talking about the true meaning of Christmas, and not every one is as lucky as we are. Our circle time yesterday was all about thinking of others and what our Christmas wishes were for...

Headmaster's Advent Chapel

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:12:32 GMT

Advent is the time of expectant waiting. Waiting for the star to rise above the place where Jesus is born Waiting for the appearance of angels Waiting for trees, tinsel and tipples! We wait for our presents! Advent is the beginning of the Church year and starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The word Advent...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 6 December 2011

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:54:22 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 6 December 2011.pdf

Year 11 Team Challenge 2011

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:54:32 GMT

On Friday 1 December, the inaugural Year 11 Night Team Challenge event took place. Five teams took part. Each in turn was dropped in the Peak District and had to navigate through the night and complete a variety of team challenges on the way. These varied from toxic bombs, liquid rockets blind squares and various puzzles. They were...

Orchard Girls 'Deck the Halls'

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:59:41 GMT

Orchard girls were busy decking the halls this Friday night. We've got all our lights, tinsel, and garlands up and ready for Santa. Now we just need the tree, and then we're all set for Christmas! For more information about Boarding at Abbotsholme School – Click here

Clothes Show Live!

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:55:53 GMT

On Saturday 3 December some Sixth formers and Year 11 students visited the Clothes Show at the NEC Birmingham. The day was exhausting, with so much to see, do and buy. There were loads of bargains to be had, including free samples and trials, and the catwalk show lived up to all expectations. This season’s ‘must haves’ are...

Infants Literacy - Letters to Santa

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:52:53 GMT

In literacy this week the children have written a letter to Father Christmas; because Father Christmas is quite old they had to do it in their best hand writing. Mrs Gould told the children how impressed she was with their work. The children did not just ask for things for themselves they have also asked for some very interesting things for...

Christmas Cakes!

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:50:50 GMT

Infants and the Year 3 and 4 children have all had a very exciting morning making individual Christmas cakes. The children all took a turn to weigh out ingredients and stir the mixture. Then we lined the tins and made a Christmas wish. In the back ground we listened to Christmas music and practised our songs that we will be singing at the...

Weekly Quiz 5 December 2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:06:07 GMT

Lower Sixth Business Studies Visit

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:44:09 GMT

The Lower Sixth Business Studies group paid a visit to Indulgence in Uttoxeter, a coffee lounge run by Sue and David Hunter. Sue provided a detailed account of the process of starting up the business and some of the challenges she has faced, whilst the group sipped appreciatively on their Indulgence hot chocolates. The Business Studies AS...

Abbotsholme Weekly Menu wc Monday 5 December 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:53:13 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 5 December 2011.pdf

White Water Canoeing - 26-27 November 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:44:35 GMT

Last weekend fourteen pupils travelled to North Wales for two days of white water canoeing. Both days were spent on the River Dee near Llangollen. On Saturday we left school early and paddled the 14km grade two section from Newbridge to Erbistock. On Sunday the shorter but harder section from Llangollen to Newbridge. We worked in two...

1st Hockey v SIGS - Wednesday 30 November 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:41:06 GMT

1st XI stalwart and captain Alex Kuster played her last game for the senior girls’ hockey side and despite her and the team’s valiant efforts they lost 0-1 to a strong Stafford Grammar side. As usual, Abbotsholme started slowly and were under pressure from the outset. They soon regained their composure with the game...

Abbotsholme Debating Team Wins West Midlands Qualifier

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:09:58 GMT

On Monday evening our intrepid Sixth Form debating team, plus a band of faithful supporters, set off for Bromsgrove School to take part in the regional round of the prestigious ‘Debating Matters’ competition, run by the Institute of Ideas. First up were Chloe Cheshire and Oliver Turbitt who argued in support of the motion that...

Danni Returns to Abbotsholme

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:44:11 GMT

Old Abbotsholmian Danielle Knott visited school on 28 November to give talks to Abbotsholme pupils in Year 11 through to the Upper Sixth. Danni left Abbotsholme five years ago and proceeded to Loughborough University to gain a Management Science degree. She has just started a graduate job with Accenture, a business and technology...

Junior School Welcome Visitors from Korea

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:36:41 GMT

Today we had six visiting teachers from Cheong Shim school in Korea. They are setting up a Junior school and came to find out all about us! Their school will be finished in about three years time and from the plans we saw it looks as if it will be fantastic. They watched us have ourlessons and asked lots of questions about how we liked school....

Bad Light Does Not Stop Play at Abbotsholme

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:33:14 GMT

As the late nights draw in, the Abbotsholme Outdoor Education programme adapts and makes the most of the dark! In their regular Tuesday afternoon outdoor education session, some Year 7 pupils followed up their daylight training in orienteering techniques such as map orientation, scale judgement and reading features on a map to find points...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 29 November 2011

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:53:56 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 29 November 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Fencers Enjoy Further Success

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:11:31 GMT

On 26 November, two Abbotsholme teams joined five Shrewsbury teams to compete in a seven team relay competiton, with each match comprising of three 5-hit fights, of three minutes duration, to a total of fifteen hits. The competition was run on three pistes simultaneously and lasted for two hours. Due to time constraints the competition was...

Year 10 - Yule Log Competition

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:06:21 GMT

On Monday, Year 10 food technologists took part in the Yule Log Competition. Mr Palmer jumped at the chance of judging the 12 entrants and even went without dessert at lunch time in preparation for the testing. Competition was fierce, with students going to extra-ordinary measures to produce an unusual and tasty Christmas treat. The outright...

Los nach Birmingham!

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:01:53 GMT

On Monday the whole of the Junior School went to Birmingham to experience the German Christmas Market. There was lots to see and do and especially EAT! We tried 50cm sausages, doughnuts, gingerbread and those most famous German sweets, Haribos! There was a whole road full of stalls selling glass ornaments, lamps made from blocks of salt, wooden...

Boarding - Early Adventure to the Cinema

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:32:15 GMT

Cedarholme, St Vincent’s and Orchard boarding houses visited the local cinema on Sunday morning at 9.00am to see Steven Spielberg’s latest blockbuster ‘Tin Tin’. Everyone enjoyed the comic book adventure, especially the quality of the CGI film. For more information about Boarding at Abbotsholme School – Click...

Weekly Quiz 28 November 2011

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:51:20 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 28 November 2011

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:55:03 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 28 November 2011.pdf

Year 9 Abseil Black Rocks

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:28:44 GMT

For many of this group of Year 9’s this was their first term at Abbotsholme and as a result this was their first abseil. All completed two easier abseils before moving on to the steep wall. There were no problems for anyone and all look forward to the long abseil on the adventure weekend in Anglesey in the summer term. For more...

OEd Club - Wednesday 23 November 2011

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:26:09 GMT

The Wednesday OEd club left the rocks behind and headed for the River Trent. We paddled a lovely section from Twyford to Swarkstone bridge, visiting the stone caves on the way. Despite the strong headwind in places it was a pleasant day with lots of wildlife (including a flock of 30 swans who kept flying over our canoes). It was a change from...

Infants visit Rockholme

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:23:10 GMT

This week the Infants were invited to Rockholme, the session started with Hellie going through safety instructions. Next we had to do warm up exercises so that our muscles were ready for climbing, Hellie then told the children to chose a partner who was about the same size. Hellie then told us we were going to climb all the way around the room...

Equine Outing

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:20:52 GMT

‘Today we went out to another yard. I had a really useful experience and learnt a lot of things. Firstly that the horses are always excited when they go somewhere new and unknown to them and therefore you have to handle them calmly and not rush. Secondly you must always warm your horse up well before working them to reduce the risk...

Infants Make Their Christmas Puddings

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:03:30 GMT

It's that time of year again when preparations are under way for our Christmas puddings; the balloons have been blown up, the flour and water mixed and the newspaper torn into small strips. In art the children had their first experience of papier-mâché. Tom and Jamie at first did not like the feel of the mixture but when all the...

Fencing v Wrekin College - Wednesday 23 November 2011

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:59:12 GMT

On Wednesday 23 November the fencing team travelled to Wrekin College to compete in their second match of the season. The results from the match were The Epee Team of Greg, Luke, Ian and Robert - 10-6 to Wrekin. Well done to Abbotsholme against a very strong epee team from Wrekin with an average age of over 40 years old. The Foil Team...

Infants Tell the Time

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:09:19 GMT

The Infants' numeracy this week has been all about learning to tell the time, and why we need to know what time it is. Sharleen said it was very important we could tell the time because we might miss our lunch. The younger children have been working on 'o'clock and half past while the older ones have been using their skills to tell the time...

Round Square News

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:43:46 GMT

The Round Square Committee sent £250.00 from our fundraising fund to help out schools in the slum areas of Bangkok. The group from last year's conference worked with Father Joe at the Mercy Centre for the week before the conference, so it has touched the hearts of the Round Square community. Below is a message from the Mercy Centre....

Vacancy - Residential Head of Estate Education

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:06:13 GMT

We currently have a vacancy for a Residential Head of Estate Education. This position is required from September 2012. Please click on the following link for more information: Residential Head of Estate Education.pdf Or see our Vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies

Movember - Changing the Face of Mens Health

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:59:48 GMT

On Wednesday 30 Movember 2011, the Round Square committee will have a few contests for pupils to support the initiative of the Abbotsholme Men. Please bring change in on the day. Information on Movember On 1 Movember 2011, Abbotsholme men started off with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 22 November 2011

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:41:53 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 22 November 2011.pdf

Giants Hole Cave Day 2011

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:59:59 GMT

On Saturday 19 November a group of Year 9 & 10 adventurers descended into the darkness of Giant’s Hole Cave at 11.00am and did not see daylight again until 3.45pm. The group were keen to try everything from cave ladders going up, to 20ft lower offs; nothing seemed to phase them. There were some really tight squeezes and the first...

The New ERA Continues

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:13:26 GMT

Throughout last week each day started with a wonderful air of calm all around the school… Everyone was Reading at Abbotsholme For half an hour at the start of each day during tutorial time, all pupils and teachers were dotted around Abbotsholme in small mixed groups, reading. We have been delighted by the...

Weekly Quiz 21 November 2011

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:34:56 GMT

Abbotsholme Support Derby Trailblazers

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:06:33 GMT

On Saturday a group of 12 Abbotsholmian’s went to Moorways Leisure Centre to watch an incredible display of excellent basketball between Derby Trailblazers and Leeds Carnegie. Derby Trailblazers are in the first division and they are 6th in the league table, out of 13 teams. Stedroy, the school’s basketball coach on Wednesday...

Abbotsholme Orienteers

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:01:31 GMT

A group of pupils took part in the Derwent Valley Orienteers’ event at Calke Park on Sunday 20 November. Mostly consisting of pupils training for the Round Square Adventure Race, the group completed a range of different courses, in misty conditions. Particular credit goes to Ellie Palmer, who finished 4th on the Orange course, and Ian Rios...

Youth Speaks

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:58:38 GMT

On Tuesday 15 November 2011, three Year 11 pupils, Amelia Woodruff, Katie Edwards and James Hudson, took part in the Rotary Club ‘Youth Speaks’ (public speaking) Competition at Thomas Alleynes School, Uttoxeter. Having been somewhat cajoled to enter by Mrs Wilson, the three students took on the task of preparing...

Does this photo prove that Mrs Burton was at school with Cecil Reddie?

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:53:33 GMT

Does this photo prove that Mrs Burton was at school with Cecil Reddie?

Junior Fundraising for Children in Need

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:51:41 GMT

Some of the children in Year 5 and 6 decided that they would like to organise activities to raise money for Children in Need. Luke Massey’s Dad brought in a Crazy golf game and ‘Play your Cards Right ’and a Hoop la game. Huxley Edwards did ‘Guess how many sweets in a jar?’ The children made the posters wrote out...

U13 & U12 Hockey v St Bedes - Wednesday 16 November 2011

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:36:36 GMT

Wednesday 16 November was a dark, dismal and damp afternoon; however, the girls’ spirits were high. The girls were bubbly, loud and enthusiastic. After a rough journey St Bede`s arrived and we played the two teams together. The U13 set off to a flying start with some lovely cross pitch moves and three fantastic crosses from Emillie...

Magical Musical Evening at Abbotsholme

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:27:29 GMT

A ‘gig’ was held in the David Snell building in aid of the Paul Murfin fund to support young drummers. There was an incredible range of music on offer. The Junior Choir sang about Lowry; amazing vocals from Paige Harrison, singing about the Diary of Jayne; Becky Fry singing Fields of Gold, one of my favourite songs and...

Operation Christmas Child 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:12:41 GMT

Over the last few weeks the children at Abbotsholme have been taking part in the Christmas shoe box appeal organised by Operation Christmas Child. They were inspired by a Chapel given by Ian Taylor from the Charity. Today a lorry came to collect the 70 boxes filled with things to put smiles on the all the faces of the children who are lucky...

Abbotsholme Weekly Menu wc 21 November 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:51:37 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 21 November 2011.pdf

Year 10 Food Technology Students Visit Reaseheath College

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:44:47 GMT

Y10 food technology students visited Reaseheath College yesterday for an industry day. They took part in a product development workshop and came up with new and exciting recipes for sausages, ice-cream, burgers and cookies. The students are pictured in the food processing centre, using the equipment and machinery, and putting into practice...

Ithaca by C.P.Cavafy

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:37:06 GMT

Ithaka by C. P. Cavafy is read at the Leavers’ Service at the end of the summer term. We are researching material for the new prospectus and I came across this wonderful recital by James Bond himself. “For those who have stood at the graveside and cried.” Steve Fairclough

OA Christmas Carol Service

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:32:07 GMT

Dear OAs, Governors, Members of Council and all friends of Abbotsholme Do you remember Christmas at Abbotsholme? The house parties (and Moriarty was always there), Christmas lunch with everyone sardined into the Dining Room, the Christmas party with ‘Tom and Jerry’, of course, and the...

1st Team Hockey v Lichfield Cathedral School - Wednesday 16 November 2011

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:59:43 GMT

The 1st XI were back to their winning ways with a hard fought but deserved 0-1 victory away to Litchfield Cathedral School. Abbotsholme started brightly and positively against a strong opposition and, as in previous matches, dominated in the midfield without ever troubling the keeper. A change of approach at half time resulted in the...

U14 Hockey v Denstone - Wednesday 16 November 2011

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:00:16 GMT

On Wednesday 16 November the U14 hockey squad played hosts to their local rivals Denstone College. Abbotsholme were riding high after their recent 12-3 home win against Chase Academy and had been training hard to play even better! This was their second game against Denstone and they were determined to get the upper hand and win. The first...

Journey's End

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:51:36 GMT

Remembrance Day may be over for another year but for the Lower Sixth English Literature group the stories of WW1 were still very much in our minds. On Tuesday evening, accompanied by Mrs McNamara and Ms Dawson, we travelled to Nottingham to see a superb production of Sheriff’s Journey’s End at The Theatre Royal. This particular...

Infants PHSE

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:46:06 GMT

Today in PSHE, we have been talking about colours and how different colours mean different things to you. Amy said she liked red becauses it reminds her of beautiful roses. Jamie said he liked grey because he loves it when the sky goes grey and we have thunder and lightning. Tom said he liked green as it reminds him of the meadows. Raphe, Bethan...

Birthday Celebrations

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:00:04 GMT

Cedarholme’s latest arrival, Ethan, turned 15 this week. To celebrate his birthday all the year 9 and 10 boys feasted on pizza, nuggets and birthday cake. For more information about Boarding at Abbotsholme School – Click here

Students Visit Chester

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:54:23 GMT

The recent weekend trip trip to Chester enabled students to enjoy shopping opportunities, but more importantly they experienced the culture of a historic city on our doorstep. Cheshire Oaks is one of the best designer outlets in the UK. Our students took full advantage of the many bargains to be had in the great variety of...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 15 November 2011

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:47:55 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 15 November 2011.pdf

Power of One - 24 Hour Solo Experience

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:33:30 GMT

When this trip was advertised by Mrs Kuster, the response was incredible. In order to let all those who signed up, undertake this unusual experience a second weekend was laid on. As we drove up to Ennerdale on Friday evening the rain lashed down relentlessly, and everyone was thankful that we were in the bunk-barn that night. In...

Juniors Sell Cakes for Children in Need

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:28:42 GMT

The Juniors have been making and selling cakes for Children in Need. Over £100 was raised for this very worthy cause.

The Spanish Armada

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:22:56 GMT

On Friday two sets of Year 8 pupils refought the Spanish Armada. After a quick game of Rock-Paper-Scissors to decide which set was the Spanish Armada they set sail for battle. Set 2 sailed bravely up the channel showing some interesting sailing (and acting) skills. The British (Set 1) were ready for them, but they waited for them to meet...

Only Three Weeks Until Curtain Up!

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:40:50 GMT

Times flies when you are having fun – or when you are rehearsing for the school play! This year’s production of Willy Russell’s 'Blood Brothers' is a mere 3 weeks away. It is all coming together and the students are working really hard to perfect their Liverpudlian accents. I took the cast to see a professional production at...

Weekly Quiz 14 November 2011

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:35:39 GMT

Welcome to Abbotsholme's Weekly Quiz. How well do you think you can do? Don't worry if you can't answer everything. The answers will appear next week along with the new quiz. Click on the link below for this weeks quiz. The password is available from the library digial displays or via Natalie Wood...

Mathematics Challenges for Sixth Form

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:38:45 GMT

It was a busy week for Sixth Form mathematicians last week. On Monday, the “mathletes” team of Louis Zhang, Jon Hawinkels, Alex Lain and Jacob Threadgould attended the local heat of the Senior Maths teamchallenge in Stafford. The competition consisted of three rounds, each lasting 40 minutes. The first was a set of 10 questions...

Golf Success

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:25:08 GMT

Congratulations to Harrison and Manton Tudor-Jackson for their impressive golf success at Leek Golf Club this weekend. The following awards were made at the formal presentation evening on Friday. Monthly Medals April Manton Tudor-Jackson May Harrison...

Infants Literacy - The Boy Who Was Afraid of Spiders

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:06:33 GMT

Our literacy lessons over the week have been based around the story 'The Boy who was afraid of spiders.' The week started with the children acting out the story in groups of three, taking on several parts each. We then asked the children to chose an animal that they were afraid of, and as a class we brainstormed words to describe how the...

Abbotsholme Weekly Menu wc Monday 14 November 2011

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:38:32 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 14 November 2011.pdf

Junior School Service of Remembrance

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:33:20 GMT

The Year 6 children joined the Senior School for the Service of Remembrance this morning and the remaining Juniors took part in a service of their own by the commemorative stone at the front of the school. The service was led by Mr Newbitt who read the poem 'For the Fallen' by Lawrence Binyon. Some of the Year 5 children read the...

Scholastic Book Fair

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:39:38 GMT

The Scholastic Book Fair has arrived and the children will be able to browse the shelves this afternoon and decide what they would like their mums and dads to buy for them. For every book sold the Junior School will receive commission to spend on more books for school.

Fencers v Stone Fencing Club - 9 November 2011

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:10:20 GMT

On 9 November 2011 the Abbotsholme Fencers had a match against Stone Fencing Club. The epee team, consisting of Greg Roberts, Luke Seymour, Jamie Taylor and Ian Rios secured a win against the Stone epeeists, which was an excellent achievement given the experience and strength of their opponents. Luke and Greg, the older members of the team...

Year 8 OEd - Tuesday 8 November 2011

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:22:27 GMT

On Tuesday a group of Year 8 pupils went to Cratcliff Tor as part of their OEd lesson. The day was based on scrambling in, on and under the gritstone boulders and cliffs. Despite the grey day and the constant drizzle the pupils showed an improvement in their climbing skills and worked well as a group, helping and encouraging each other. For...

1st Hockey v Denstone

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:19:30 GMT

Having not had a game for a number of weeks, the 1st XI girls hockey team started slowly against a strong Denstone team. They dominated in the midfield with some excellent and determined play from the half-backs Claudia Bettson-Burdett, Annabel Gill, Chloe Cheshire and Agnes Brunner, without ever troubling the opposition keeper. A breakaway...

Russian Students Experience Equestrian for the First Time

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:27:18 GMT

We have a number of Russian students with us at the moment who are experiencing equestrian for the first time. Yesterday we had Slava and Daria who came to join us for a session with their teacher who was heavily armed with at least 3 cameras and a camcorder! They were a pleasure to teach, although Slava’s comment of “can we...

Abbotsholme Pupils Finish First and Second in Local Bouldering Event

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:21:38 GMT

On Friday 4 November 2011 I was joined by three of our climbers (Joseph Heeley, Samuel Weigart and James Porter), to enter the first round of the Awesome Walls Winter bouldering League, in Stoke. Competitors have three hours to attempt to complete 25 separate boulder problems. If the problem is climbed first go you receive 10 points...

Dyspraxia - National Awareness Week

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:39:40 GMT

31 October 2011 University survey reveals challenges facing students with Dyspraxia in National Awareness Week, 5-12 November 2011. Results from the first Dyspraxia Foundation survey for Awareness Week 2011 on University life has revealed the majority of students face increased challenges. The...

Vacancy - Grounds & Maintenance Technician

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:27:13 GMT

We currently have a vacancy for a Grounds & Maintenance Technician. Please click on the following link for more information: Grounds Maintenance Technician Job Advertisement.pdf You can view our Recruitment & Selection policy in our Vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies

A Familiar Face is Returning to Abbotsholme

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:40:12 GMT

It hardly seems like five minutes since I went on maternity leave, heavily pregnant and very daunted by what was to come. Seven months later I can hardly believe that so much time has passed and I am preparing to return to work in just three weeks time. The past seven months have been incredible. Life as Jack’s mum...

Year 5 & 6 Visit The Imperial War Museum North

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:24:39 GMT

On Monday 7 November 2011, Year 5 and 6 travelled to Manchester to visit the Imperial War Museum North. The museum is housed in an impressive building designed by Daniel Libeskind. The children made use of the exhibits inside to learn about the Second World War. The exhibits look at many different aspects of war and the children found...

Arty-fact Theatre Company Visit Abbotsholme

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:26:06 GMT

On the 7 November 2011, the Arty-fact Theatre Company, (actually three performers), came to perform in our school theatre. They acted out key scenes from ‘Macbeth’ to the Year 9s and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for the Year 8 pupils. During the play the actors asked for volunteers to go down and help act in a...

Abbotsholme goes up in smoke...

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:07:01 GMT

You can see a fantastic video of Abbotsholme's Bonfire Night celebrations made by one of our year 11 students by clicking this link... http://bit.ly/suz55l Remember, you can keep up with any videos that we are making via our Official channel... http://www.youtube.com/abbotsholmeschool Photo's and news articles...

Weekly Quiz 7 November 2011

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:28:20 GMT

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 8 November 2011

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:44:03 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 8 November 2011.pdf

Dovedale Dash - Sunday 6 November 2011

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:52:43 GMT

On Sunday 6 November 2011, an adventurous group of students took part in the local Dovedale Dash cross country race at Thorpe, near Ashbourne. This is achallenging 4½ mile run involving a very muddy, slippy and hilly terrain. At an early stage, participants also have to cross the freezing cold river Dove in full flow at the famous...

Fun Packed Weekend in Orchard

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:31:34 GMT

It has been a very busy period up at Orchard, both in the days and the evenings. The weekend got off with a bang on Friday evening with the school bonfire and firework display. This was followed on Saturday with some of our girls heading off into the hills on their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award training day, and others heading for some retail...

Infants Visit Sudbury Hall

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:22:10 GMT

The infants went on a trip to Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood on Friday to conclude our history topic 'What were homes like a long time ago?' The children particularly enjoyed 'washing' using a dolly tub and wash board. We were also lucky to meet a Victorian teacher in the school room, although the children were pleased that their school life...

Lydia Achieves Two Awards

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:52:55 GMT

Lydia Heath brought her photographs, trophy and rosettes into school to show us on Friday. Lydia achieved not one but two awards during the half term break. Congratulations Lydia on coming 7th out of 170 entrants in a gymnastics competition. We must look out for her in 2020 Olympics! She then went on the following day to a gymkhana...

White Water Weekend - 5 November 2011

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:18:17 GMT

On Saturday 5 November, 14 pupils and staff headed up to the south of Manchester to paddle on the River Goyt. The river gods had been kind and the rain on Friday had topped up the river to a good level. This section of river gives technical Grade 2 rapids and at the right levels good play spots. The group put in to practice newly acquired...

Year 6 Girls Make Cheesy Bread

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:05:50 GMT

Year 6 girls enjoyed making cheesy bonfire bread on Friday 4 November while the boys were busy playing rugby. They took it to the school bonfire party to share with mums and dads.

The Power of One 2011

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:54:47 GMT

On Friday 4 November, eight Year 11's left the bright lights of the bonfire and headed up six hours to Ennerdale in the Lake District to participate in The Power of One. Once the group reached their bunkbarn late Friday night, they were briefed on their early morning wake up call and headed right to bed. Morning quickly came and...

Junior OEd - Friday 4 November 2011

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:53:54 GMT

Today’s Junior OEd made a change from the planned activity of camp craft as the boys were all off playing rugby and we did not want them to miss out. So with the girls we headed into Rockholme, the schools climbing wall, to do some more climbing and to have a go at abseiling. The pupils are now learning how to tie in and to belay each...

Year 9 OEd - 30 Miler Training

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:53:46 GMT

Some of the Year 9 pupils had their first session on navigation in preparation for their 30 Miler at the end of the year. A tradition at Abbotsholme is for all Year 9's to complete 30 miles in groups of 6-8 without staff walking with them. They start up outside Buxton and walk about 10 miles a day, camping with staff at set campsites...

Abbotsholme Weekly Menu wc Monday 7 November 2011

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:35:35 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 7 November 2011.pdf

Junior Pupils Find a Newt

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:19:59 GMT

Just as we were going up to lunch today Lydia noticed something lying in the corner of the cloakroom door outside. When we looked closely we saw that it was a newt. We thought that it was dead. Mrs Burton put it in a container and when we put some water in with it, the newt moved its tail. We took it up to Mrs Hemmingway and she showed us some...

Weekly Quiz 31 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:16:26 GMT

Infants Art

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:59:34 GMT

The infants have been learning all about Diwali this week. In Art we have made Diwali patterns using things found in the Headmaster's garden. The children made a pattern on a tough spot using sticks and twigs and then had to fill in each section with the same leaves. Henry said this was a really fun thing to do. Aneal said 'I loved looking...

Year 7 OEd - Crate Stacking

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:20:18 GMT

Today a group of Year 7 pupils in their OEd lesson took part in the ‘crate stack challenge’. In the late Autumn sunshine they put into practice all the new climbing skills they have learnt this term; tied their own knots, belayed and supported each other as they tried to build a tower of crates as high as possible.

Year 7 Canoe on JCB Lake

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:20:35 GMT

As part of the regular Outdoor Education programme, pupils from Year 7 went canoeing on JCB lake this afternoon, in gloriously unseasonal sunny and still weather, on the 1 November. They learnt how to control these 16 foot boats, exploring different strokes and working together in various games and activities. This finished with some wacky...

German with Years 3 & 4

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:15:12 GMT

Today was the last day in the topic of animals in German for years 3 and 4. We enjoyed naming the cuddly toys in German and then we got to eat animal biscuits - but only if we could remember their German names!

Equestrian Update - November 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:21:00 GMT

Equestrian photographs include training days, a showjumping competition during half term and life on route to the show. Sophie Shanks - Year 9 tells us about the show. It was a lovely Tuesday afternoon and I was so excited to be going on my first equestrian outing with the Abbotsholme team. After school I hurried down to the...

Orchard House Celebrate Halloween

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:21:27 GMT

On Monday night, Orchard House residents were spook-tacularly transformed from lovely girls to ghoulish ghosts, witches, and zombies as they celebrated Halloween. Girls bobbed for apples, boogied to a special mix of their favourite songs, and feasted on a frightening amount of sweets and pizza. The costumes were all impressive, but...

Year 7 OEd - Survival Skills & Fire Building

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:21:44 GMT

This week's Year 7 Outdoor Education class ventured up to the top wood for their lesson on survival skills and fire building. The class was divided into two groups and had an introduction to what they thought they would need to survive. They then made up a list of items they thought they would need and went off to the OEd...

Movember

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:16:15 GMT

The male staff at Abbotsholme will be participating in MOVEMBER. It is the month that across the world, men sprout, grow and manicure their facial hair into a month long competition. Abbotsholme will have eight male staff participating and competition looks fierce! Stay tuned for weekly picture updates as there facial hair...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 1 November 2011

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:03:23 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 1 November 2011.pdf

APA Ask You to Please Check Out

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:17:27 GMT

APA ask you to please check out ... www.easyfundraising.org.uk Interested in shopping with thousands of well known retailer including Boden, M&S, Argos, Vodafone and many more brand name retailers whilst raising funds for Abbotsholme at no cost to you? Simply register by visiting www.easyfundraising.org.uk, find a cause...

Spooky Reading in the Infants

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:23:01 GMT

The infants had an exciting start to the term, during quiet reading something strange happened to our children. We enjoyed sharing Halloween news and when Mrs Kuster came down with their buddies they listened to spooky music.

Flaxfield Halloween Party - 31 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:22:05 GMT

The lounge was decorated, the pumpkins had candles in and eerie music was playing. The scene was set and the boys were ready to party. They were all dressed up in costume and looked fantastic; the effort put in by either themselves or Mum was great to see. Best dressed went to Adam Wright as ‘The Pumpkin’, second was Austen Pownall...

Clownholme & Halloween for Hunger

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:22:25 GMT

A moving presentation from delegates of Save the Children Foundation inspired Ella Pownall and Faith Adams to organise the girls from Clownholme to visit the households in Rocester in the evening of Halloween. But instead of asking for treats for themselves they asked for donations of non-perishable foods that would be forwarded to the...

Dyslexia Awareness Week

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:40:13 GMT

Spanish Climbing Trip Hits New Heights

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:22:44 GMT

Due to the opening of our superb indoor climbing wall ‘Rockholme’ last September, individuals have managed to train intensively under the guidance of Abbotsholme’s experienced staff, which has taken them to a different level. This meant that the students taking part in our fourth ‘Hot Rock’ trip to Calpe...

National Memorial Arboretum - Alrewas

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:36:08 GMT

The first term of A level English Literature can be quite a sombre and challenging experience for Lower Sixth pupils as they grapple with poets of the First World War. In order to create a context and help to bring the poems to life, we took the group to The National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas on the last Wednesday of the half term. It was a...

New Half Term, New Students!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:45:25 GMT

Abbotsholme is having a very busy start to the new half term today! Not only are we welcoming back our staff and pupils after the half term break, we also have the addition of seven new pupils joining the school. We are delighted to welcome Sharleen, Kaylee, Tom and Caley to our Junior School, and Max, Callum...

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 31 October 2011

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:34:22 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 31 October 2011.pdf

Spooky Homemade Jellies

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:25:26 GMT

The infants are having spooky homemade jellies today which they made yesterday in cooking, at the bottom of the pot something horrible is lurking ghost ,spiders and bugs. We have had a lovely, fun filled half term. Mrs Gould and Mrs Winbow would like to wish everyone a restful holiday.

Junior Hockey - Wednesday 19 October 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:18:36 GMT

The Junior Hockey teams continued their undefeated journey, when they played against Stafford Grammar school on Wednesday. The U11/U12 team, playing a 7 aside game in front of many supporters, set off at a fair pace. Olivia Player worked hard in the centre of the pitch, supported by Hannah Jeffers and Lorna Cooper on both wings. In midfield...

Overseas Pupils Take Tea at Callow Hall

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:24:07 GMT

Yesterday, the Lower VI overseas students accompanied Miss Ross to Callow Hall to take afternoon tea. Callow Hall is a stately old house with some beautifully decorated rooms. We were shown into a sunny drawing room with a fire lit in the hearth and tea laid out for us. It was fun pouring out the tea for each other and we felt quite refined...

U13 Rugby v Chellaston - Wednesday 19 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:23:19 GMT

Encouraged by two wins ‘on the bounce’ against Lichfield Cathedral School and Grace Dieu, the mighty young warriors that make up the Abbotsholme Under 13’s travelled to Chellaston eager to maintain their record but also aware that they were going to be playing a well drilled team, many of whom play locally for Melbourne Rugby...

Infants Prepare for Bonfire Night

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:07:51 GMT

The Infants have been doing some artwork in preparation for Bonfire Night, after half term. Plans are in place for doing some 'explosive' literacy work after the holiday, too, in the run up to the school event on Friday 4 November.

Equestrian Team Off Site Training at Stydd House

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:23:42 GMT

Rose Griffiths B Team We arrived at Stydd House with three horses, Chester,Bryn and Cassy. Helen had already gone on ahead with a group to set the course up. When we arrived we were amazed by the massive school and we were all eager to get started with our training session. I was put on Chester second which meant I could watch Emma...

U15-14 Hockey v SIGS - Wednesday 19 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:26:42 GMT

On Wednesday the U15/14 hockey squad travelled away to SIGS. The game took place on grass and so we were feeling quietly confident. The first half saw lots of Abbotsholme possession but little penetration into the SIGS defensive semi-circle. The forwards worked hard with Georgie McGregor in the heart of the action trying to drive the...

Overseas Students Visit Salt

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:50:39 GMT

This week Miss Ross and Mrs Wood accompanied the Year 10 overseas students to lunch at the Hollybush Inn in Salt so that they could experience a traditional English menu in a traditional English setting. The Hollybush is believed to be the second oldest licensed public house in England and continues to serve a variety of dishes based on local...

Duke of Edinburgh Update

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:29:03 GMT

Charlotte Thornewill is the first person in Year 11 to complete her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Congratulations Charlotte!

1st Team Hockey - Wednesday 19 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:29:31 GMT

This was the girls’ second game and they remain undefeated after a 4-0 victory away to Stafford Grammar School. After a painfully slow start to the game the girls soon hit their stride, and the benefit of positive passing and aggressive play soon paid off through a deftly taken goal from Georgia Haynes. Charlotte Thornewill soon added...

Cross-curricular Geography Links

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:29:53 GMT

Year 9 Geography students this week cooked their own selected Indian menus. The students are following a unit of study which investigates the modern state of India. Mrs Stockton’s 9(2) and Mr Stockton’s 9(1) groups cooked a variety of taster recipes including chicken balti, vegetable massala, chicken korma. There was certainly a far...

Headmaster's Chapel

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:14:12 GMT

The Headmaster's Chapel today was about Steve Jobs' untimely death. Please see attached link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Orchard House Cup Cake Competition

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:30:14 GMT

On Saturday night the girls in Orchard, and a few boarders from the boys’ boarding houses, had a cup cake baking competition. They worked in pairs to bake and decorate a dozen cupcakes. Some of the girls were naturally good bakers; however, some of them had a few problems - ending in some rather unappetizing looking lumps! A couple of...

The Dream - Performing Arts Assessment

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:30:40 GMT

Today the Year 11 GCSE Performing Arts group did their first assessed performance of the year. Their brief was to devise a piece of drama which would incorporate a variety of technical aspects, such as lighting, set, costume and sound effects. The students worked hard to create a successful and atmospheric piece, called The Dream. I hope this...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 18 October 2011

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:27:51 GMT

957Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 18 October 2011.pdf

Tennessee Williams - The Glass Menagerie at The New Vic Theatre

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:36:35 GMT

A small group of staff and pupils were lucky enough to spend a theatrical evening of warm Southern hospitality in St Louis, Missouri last Thursday night. Well, warm hospitality might be stretching it as the play portrays the funny yet tragic relationships in the loving but rather dysfunctional Wingfield family. Mother, daughter and son struggle...

Nadan Cox Joins Staffordshire School of Rugby

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:49:47 GMT

Following Nadan Cox's County Trials last week, he was selected as one of only 28 players from across the county to join the Staffordshire U13 School of Rugby.

1st Rugby v Challeston - Wednesday 12 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:31:43 GMT

The old sporting adage goes, ‘It was a game of two halves’, and this was certainly true of the Spartans’ first away match. The first half was very poor from the point of view of not executing any aspect of the game plan we trained for. Good midfield tackling from the centres Giles Green, James Pashley, and forwards Ed Thirkell...

Flaxfield Annual Conker Competition 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:31:22 GMT

This competition is now in its 7th year, and past champions have since left Abbotsholme. Alex Marren left the Upper 6th last summer, and Jack Richards and James Harker left at the end of Year 11. Their names permanently etched into the oak scroll which hangs at the entrance of the junior boy’s boarding house. As always the boy’s...

Year 9 Canoe Trip

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:31:59 GMT

After learning all about the canoe, the different strokes required, and the compulsory capsize drills on JCB Lake in Years 7 & 8, it is time to progress to a river trip. For this we travel to Shugborough and get on the River Sow near Milford, travelling downstream as far as Essex Bridge (picture) at Great Haywood. Then we cross over for the...

Snake Davis Band

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:32:48 GMT

A small but select party travelled to Repton School on Wednesday evening to hear the Snake Davis Band perform. Their mixture and Jazz, Soul and Funk music was a real breath of fresh air. The concert had been the idea of our own saxophone teacher Ms Sophie Freeman who often uses Snake as a role model to her pupils, and he did not disappoint. His...

Abbeyfields Visit Junior School

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:32:31 GMT

This morning the Junior School had a visit from Catrina one of the vets from Abbeyfields in Rocester and her two assistants, Rosie and Jim. She told us about the work of a vet and how to care for our pets at home. The children asked lots of questions and after the talk she went down with our Rabbit and Chicken ‘team of carers’ to...

Weekly Menu wc 17 October 2011

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:41:34 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 17 October 2011.pdf

Round Square Pre-Conference Tour to the Battlefields

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:20:06 GMT

The Abbotsholme Round Square conference delegates, together with those from other schools taking part in our own pre-conference tour, arrived safely in Belgium. The first day was centred on the re-burial site of some Australian soldiers, which was created and opened very recently. Those re-buried here were recovered from a mass burial site and...

Mufti Day - Wheres Wally?

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:48:18 GMT

Today saw a large gathering of 'Wallys' at Abbotsholme School in support of the charitable mufti day. Chapel was led by the Mrs Burton who explained why we were dressing up today and where our donations were going; to help buy bikes for people in Cambodia, where Alex Kuster will be going on a Round Square International Service Project at...

Geography Controlled Assessment ICT Workshop

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:33:08 GMT

Geography Controlled Assessment ICT workshop, Year 11 pupils. There will be a workshop on Tuesday 18 October in ICT 2 at 1.00pm to provide students with any extra support they need in using ICT for presenting data. The main focus will be on accurately producing and labelling a variety of graphs. If you wish to attend please sign up with KS/GS no...

Gideons International Visit Abbotsholme

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:42:41 GMT

David Craddock receiving his copy of the New Testament during the annual visit of Mike and Barbara Egerton of Gideons International

Electric Car Race Team Ready for the National Finals

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:33:34 GMT

The electric car race team have cleaned, polished and prepared the cars for the national finals which are held this weekend at Goodwood motor race circuit. Everyone is excited as this is the best qualifying position we have achieved in our history, both cars will sit side by side on the grid in 9th and 10th. This is from entry field of 180+ cars...

Year 6 Host Visitors

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:32:40 GMT

Today, Year 6 children have been hosts to pupils from the Heron Cross Speech and Language Unit. An exciting day of activities had been planned. In the morning, we took them horse riding and on the farm, they had a ride on the tractor and trailer and went collecting eggs. After a delicious lunch, we helped them to paint pictures of...

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:33:53 GMT

Congratulations to pupils in Y10 and Y11 who have successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Pupils will shortly be presented with their Bronze Certificate and Badge in Chapel. Rosie Sankey Callum Bodger Sarah Lymer Jacob Bushell Adrienne Kuster Christopher Contat Jack...

Hockey - 10-14 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:36:04 GMT

It has been a really busy week on the Hockey pitches, with games on Monday and Wednesday. The U13 & U14 teams played against Lichfield Cathedral School on Monday afternoon and had two excellent games. Both the teams had convincing wins, playing confidently and applying themselves wholeheartedly to their games. Sharlotte Amos was very...

Message from the Health Centre

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:32:56 GMT

We are now in the Autumn Term and the viral bugs are starting to emerge. Sore throats, coughs and colds are all prevalent. These are usually viral and therefore hand washing, using tissues and disposing of them, ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it,’ does work to help reduce the spread of germs. The Health Centre can advise on and treat...

Infant Design & Technology - 12 October 2011

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:17:35 GMT

My name is Ella and I want to tell you all about our brilliant Design and Technology lesson. We used K-Nex and we made all sorts of mini beasts. Ozzy made an amazing spider and I made a butterfly and a snail.

1st Hockey v Wolves Grammar - Wednesday 12 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:36:55 GMT

The senior girls played their first match at home to Wolverhampton Grammar School on Wednesday. A damp and dismal day did not diminish their resolve, and they played with purpose and positivity throughout. They went a goal behind in the first half but came back strongly towards the latter end of the half. They started the second...

Year 7 OEd - 11 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:37:16 GMT

As part of their OEd lessons a group of year7 pupils headed to the wet, wild and cloud shrouded Roaches for some rock scrambling. The grouped helped each other up, over, through and under parts of the cliffs as they made their way to the summit. The group not only improved the skills of moving on rock but supported each other...

Equestrian Update - Wednesday 12 October 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:37:53 GMT

19 September 2011 Adrienne Kuster - “ This week myself and three other people have been working at the stables from 7.10am until 7.55am, it has been a change because normally wake up is at 7.30am and I have had to be waking up at 6.40am! Overall it has been a good experience and I can’t wait to do it...

Horror Time in the Library

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:24:52 GMT

Its horror time in the library! Spooky stories and terrible tales await those brave enough to enter the fiction library. Come in and see the ‘hanging’ skeletons and witness the tomes on offer. How about Rhiannon Lassiter’s Hex Ghosts or The Scream by Penny Bates. Ghostlands by Stephen Elboz or the master scarer Darren Shan...

Year 3 & 4 Literacy - 11 October 2011

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:36:24 GMT

Year 3 and 4 are working on reports in Literacy this week and this is the report that they dictated for Mrs Burton!

Infants Numeracy - 11 October 2011

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:43:26 GMT

The focus in the infants' numeracy this week is money. Their first task was to recognise coins and to add 2 coins together. We have made our role play area into a toy shop. Raphe, Aneal and Jamie were the first customers - they had their own purses and had to pay for their new toys using the correct coins. The background music playing in the...

Geography - 11 October 2011

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:39:29 GMT

Year 9 Geography pupils have been working in the library today researching a range of factors from India’s physical landscape to culture and religion. This unit of work continues next week with Indian cooking.

Year 8 Bushcraft

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:38:26 GMT

Part of the Year 8 Expectations programme includes Bushcraft, where students take a step closer to being ‘in touch with nature’. Last week Adam Wright had helped out on a shoot, and brought in 4 ducks and 2 partridges. Those who were up for it helped to prepare the birds by firstly plucking, and then boning them. Once all the game...

Silver DofE Assessment in the Peak District - Year 11 Hikes

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:38:52 GMT

The 32 students participating in this year’s assessment could not have picked three better days of weather, even in the summer months. Their waterproofs remained firmly at the bottom of their rucksacks for the duration. The six teams were dropped off in three separate locations around the Hope Valley. Three walked clockwise and three...

Old Abbotsholmian Rugby Match 2011

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:59:29 GMT

Following the excitement of the morning in Wellington, and the drudgery in Auckland, the most important event of the annual rugby calendar took place on Saturday afternoon. Undeterred by the weather, a group of Old Abbotsholmians took to the pitch for their annual match. Players spanning school teams from 1993 to 2010 returned to renew...

Mufti Day - Friday 14 October 2011

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:49:49 GMT

Friday 14 October 2011 will be our first Mufti Day, the theme is 'Where's Waldo', the cost is £1 if in costume and £2 if not in costume. Money will go to buying bicycles for pupils to attend a school that is being built by Round Square in Cambodia. Alex Kuster will be participating in the first phase of...

Round Square Committee

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:51:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce this years Round Square Committee Head of Round Square - Alex Kuster Head of Junior School - Lucy Darling Head of Fundraising - Chloe Cheshire Head of Internationalism - Krista Chan Co-Heads of Fashion Show - Olivia Roberts and Annabel Gill Co-Heads of Free the Children - George Stone...

U14 Hockey v Lichfield Cathedral School - Monday 10 October 2011

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:07:13 GMT

On Monday afternoon Abbotsholme’s U14 Hockey team hosted Lichfield Cathedral School. The opposition arrived unbeaten and we were keen to put into action some of our newly practised set plays. This was an exciting 7-a-side game with Abbotsholme strength being seen throughout the side. Passing and movement skills between the attack and...

Clownholme & Open Day Weekend

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:52:50 GMT

On Friday the girls visited the local Cinebowl to laugh whole heartedly at the new movie, Johnny English. For some of the German boarders it was their first exposure to Rowan Atkinson’s sense of humour and they seemed to want to view more of his films. Mrs Kuster took Anna Rieke, Bronte How and Denise to see the Buxton Opera House. They...

Junior Assembly Play

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:43:37 GMT

For this morning’s junior assembly some of Year 5 presented a play featuring a good king and an unfair governor to demonstrate that it is important to treat others in the way we want them to treat us. The assembly also considered how important it is to forgive people and to give them another chance.

Cedarholme and St Vincent's Visit the Cinema

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:35:29 GMT

On Friday night Cedarholme and St Vincent’s boys, with a few friends from Clownholme and Orchard’ visited the cinema to see the first night showing of ‘Johnny English’. A good night was enjoyed by all and much laughter was to be heard.

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 11 October 2011

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:58:46 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tues 11 October 2011.pdf

Year 8 Adventure Weekend 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:36:33 GMT

On Saturday morning in the persistent drizzle we drove to Higger Tor and met up with Max Holliday. After the group had been given more detailed information about what to expect on the weekend and instructions for the first part, we all went weaselling. They went crawling under, squeezing through, and clambering over wet muddy rocks, without...

Language Awareness at Abbotsholme

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:17:09 GMT

Friday 7 October saw a talk given by Dr Jay Kettle-Williams to the assembled ranks of Years 9, 10 and 11 as part of their careers support, undertaken during tutorial time. The importance not only of the spoken word, but also communication as a whole was stressed. English is not the only language spoken in the world and a realisation that...

Infants Literacy Sets Sail

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:39:26 GMT

Continuing with our literacy theme of instructions, the children made boats using junk modelling resources. They worked in pairs and when the boats were finished they named their boats. Today The Shaggily Shoal, Lotty, The Golden Eye and Sailing Barnard all left Abbotsholme Harbour. We then reviewed how we could make our boats better. Aimee said...

U13 Rugby v QEGS - Wednesday 5 October 2011

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:36:24 GMT

On a breezy autumnal day the mighty young Paduans that make up the Abbotsholme Under 13’s travelled to QEGS for a later than usual start. Having had a very productive and useful time training beforehand the squad travelled with confidence; buoyed from the victory over Denstone, yet mindful of the threat posed by a QEGS side that...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 10 October 2011

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:00:53 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 10 October 2011.pdf

Geography Field Trip - Thursday 6 October 2011

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:25:02 GMT

On Thursday the Year 11 Geographers visited Castleton in the Peak District, for the second of two ‘controlled assessment’ visits. During the visit the students were looking for evidence of the impact tourism has upon a honey pot location. Students dodged the showers to conduct questionnaires and visit the visitor centre. The students...

Wednesday Climbing AX

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:10:13 GMT

This week the Abbotsholme climbers were at the Roaches, improving their technique and learning about the importance of friction. The session started on the lower tier boulders, tackling a variety of slab problems. This session was a huge success for all, particular Sam Weigart who finally ‘topped out’ on the very cool “Three...

Harvest Celebrations

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:06:08 GMT

Produce grown by Abbotsholme pupils on the school allotments was used to decorate the chapel for the Harvest Festival celebrations.

The Dog Ate My Laptop!

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:39:09 GMT

Traditional excuses like “I left my textbook at school” or “The dog ate my homework” are a thing of the past in the Maths Department as it has recently begun using the “MyMaths” website for on-line revision and homework. All pupils have been issued with a unique user ID and password so that they can...

U15-U14 Hockey v Denstone - Wednesday 5 October 2011

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:58:35 GMT

Yesterday the U15/U14 Hockey played hosts to our local rivals, Denstone College. Both teams were keen to play and eager to establish themselves on the game. With the home advantage and on grass, Abbotsholme got off to a confident start and were a constant threat to their opposition. Opportunities were frequent, with attempts on goal...

1st Rugby v QEGS - Wednesday 5 October 2011

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:06:08 GMT

The Abbotsholme 1st XV’s nickname, the ‘Spartans’, was particularly apt for this first match of the season. Abbotsholme with its 300 or so pupils versus QEGS with its 1700+ pupils is always a David and Goliath challenge in sporting fixtures. The match was played as a training game with three 20 minute periods being played....

Healthy Eating with Year 7

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:16:17 GMT

On Tuesday Year 7 had an extra life and cookery session with Mrs Rowley and Mrs Knott. The purpose was to encourage the students to be adventurous with fruit and vegetables and to educate them in the health benefits of eating more fruit and vegetables. Not only were they encouraged, they wolfed the lot down! The students said that the dips and...

Founders Day 2011

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:13:52 GMT

Yesterday was a very special day for our youngest member of the infants and junior school. Aneal was asked to lay the flowers at Reddie's grave on Founder's Day.

Rams 'Raddled up and Raring to go!'

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:47:20 GMT

Jasper and Vincent were introduced into the ewes yesterday and have already started ‘work’. This provides many opportunities for pupils to learn lessons about life, for example, the nutritional aspects of promoting ovulation and conditioning, body and behavioural changes over the 147 day gestation period and pre-tupping checks...

Sorrell's Birthday

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:47:09 GMT

It was Sorrell’s birthday last Tuesday and her family surprised her with a visit and a meal out – to McDonald’s! On her return back to the house we gathered everyone together to wish her a happy birthday and a scrumptious slice of cake.

Junior Literacy - 4 October 2011

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:41:25 GMT

The Infants' Literacy this week is focusing on instructions.Today we looked at the style of language used in written instructions. The children enjoyed following the instructions to make a paper aeroplane. Once they had completed their pilot's course they took off from the junior playground.

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 4 October 2011

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:59:22 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 4 October 2011.pdf

Canoe Hike 2011

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:21:53 GMT

The Canoe Hike of 2011 made the most of the good weather and the huge tides in North Wales to paddle both the Conwy from Dollgarog to the coast, and a trip down the Menai straits. The members of the canoe hike were those preparing for their Gold DofE expedition in canoes and pupils preparing for the annual Devizes to Westminster race. After...

Two sets of twins of the farm

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:52:31 GMT

The new calf twins were fed by twin brothers this morning. A twin study and more experiential learning to follow.

The Final before the Final

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:59 GMT

The Electric Car Race team competed in the last qualifying race for the national final on Sunday. Despite an early start (7.00am) and a three hour journey we arrived in good spirits at Castle Combe motor race circuit. As we had already qualified for the final from our race win and third place at Aintree during the previous week, this was an...

Orchard House visits the Monkey Forest

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:14:56 GMT

Having spent Saturday recovering from last week's hikes and engaging in restorative activities (aka shopping, eating, and sleeping), the Orchard House girls, along with some friends from Clownholme and St V's, ventured forth to the Monkey Forest in Trentham on Sunday afternoon. Home to 140 Barbary macaque monkeys, including 13 new babies...

Hockey Congratulations

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:43:09 GMT

Information was posted on the England Hockey Board site yesterday relating to Emily Paige Thomas (Year 10) being chosen as one of the two keepers for the Midlands Mercia Linx U16 squad for the Futures Cup Competition 2011. You will be able to access this information very easily by inputting: England Hockey into Google, go into...

The London Hike is Back!

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:16:54 GMT

The London hike is back! Mrs Fairclough and Miss Ash have returned from the Independent Schools Expo at Alexandra Palace, after a very warm two days! They met some lovely parents and children, some of whom are going to be visiting Abbotsholme shortly, with the first family arriving on Monday! If you missed them don't worry...

The Infants Hike is Back

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:44:04 GMT

The Snowdownia Hike is Back!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:42:53 GMT

The Bradbach Hike is Back!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:41:14 GMT

The Hartington Hike is Back!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:41:39 GMT

The Black Sail Hike is Back!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:23:28 GMT

The Bretton Hike is Back!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:22:01 GMT

Duke of Edinburgh Silver Assessment

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:11:10 GMT

The heat has made this a real challenge for our students over the last few days. Some of them have aged considerably.

The Ilam Warriors hike is back

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:58:48 GMT

Film Hike back!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:46:04 GMT

The "Film Hike" is the first one back...

Abbotsholme arrives at the Independent Schools Expo in London!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:28:39 GMT

Abbotsholme is in the big smoke! Mrs Fairclough and Miss Ash are in London to attend the Independent Schools Expo at Alexandra Palace this Friday and Saturday. They are having a great time and are looking forward to the weekend's events. Whether you are a former, current, or prospective parent or pupil, or...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 3 October 2011

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:18:27 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 3 October 2011.pdf

Sunny Day for the Infants & Juniors

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:42:55 GMT

The juniors have made good use of the outdoor classroom and swimming pool today, before joining the seniors on hikes tomorrow.

Year 11 - Geography Fieldtrip Day 1

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:34:50 GMT

Year 11 embraced the wonderful weather yesterday as we collected data for controlled assessment. The students were taken to Rushup Edge located on the Pennine Way in the Peak District National Park. The purpose was to collect data to assess the impacts of tourism on the National Park. Students worked exceptionally hard to collect a wide range of...

Abbotsholme's Happy Hikers

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:58:32 GMT

The senior school leaves for hikes today. The whole school is ‘out of class’ for the next three days. Groups are led by teachers and instructors, older pupils help younger ones, experiential learning at its best. Groups are walking and canoeing in Wales, the Lake District, Yorkshire and the Derbyshire Dales. ...

Fencing - Shropshire Open Tournament

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:47:13 GMT

Last weekend the fencing team took part in the Shropshire Open Tournament. The team did well competing against many world class competitors. Of special note is Luke Seymour U6th who came a very creditable 23rd out of 50 in the Men’s Epee.

Year 7 Canoeing at JCB Lake

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:26:39 GMT

On Tuesday afternoon, a group of Year 7s enjoyed a session of canoeing at JCB lake, in gorgeous sunshine. The pupils learnt five important paddle strokes for controlling the boat’s direction, had plenty of fun and competitive games with balls and a Frisbee, and developed a great deal of confidence on (and yes, in) the water....

Infants go on a Nature Trail

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:24:19 GMT

The infants were with their buddies on Tuesday afternoon. They were set a task to go and find some objects to do with nature, when they returned to the outdoor classroom they laid the objects out to tell a story. Next week they will be painting a picture of this experience. A big thank you to our buddies.

Harvest Festival Service

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:21:43 GMT

Today in Chapel we celebrated Harvest festival, the service started with the singers performing the Harvest song 'Sunshine in my Heart', the Juniors had been working very hard learning a poem and producing art work to go with it. Mrs Pritchett read a poem by Keats and we all joined together singing traditional Harvest Hymns and...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 27 September 2011

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:43:59 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 27 September 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme School pupils sell store cattle at Bakewell Livestock Market

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:14:12 GMT

BTEC pupils are studying the welfare of livestock and, as part of this unit, store cattle were taken to Bakewell Livestock Market. Continental bull calves are purchased at about 3 weeks of age. They are fed and looked after by pupils at Abbotsholme. The BTEC pupils also assist in veterinary tasks including vaccinations...

Harvest Festival

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:54:36 GMT

The Harvest Service was held at Abbotsholme today. The school choir, made up of staff and pupils, opened the service and the Chapel was dressed with traditional fayre from the school farm. ‘To Autumn’ by John Keats was beautifully read by Mrs Pritchett, one of our new teachers from America. The school sang their...

European Council of Round Square Schools

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:33:52 GMT

Over the weekend of 23-25 September 2011, three pupils travelled to the Landheim Schondorf School in Munich, Germany to attend the European Council of Round Square schools. Sixteen schools were represented from around Europe; each school brought 2-3 pupils. The pupils had an agenda of sharing service ideas that they do in their...

Games Day - Sunday 25 September 2011

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:23:44 GMT

The Warhammer group from Abbotsholme travelled to the LG Arena yesterday for the annual Games Workshop Games Day 2011. As part of the day gamers from all over the country came together to enjoy one of the biggest hobby competitions The Golden Demon. The Golden Demon is a paint competition and we were lucky enough this year to have Jacob...

Art Department - September 2011

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:19:16 GMT

Year 7 - Sweets Project Miss Kerry’s group have been learning about using charcoal and chalk pastel, through creating colourful sweet towers. Group Sweet Picture Year 8 – Shoes Project Mr Jones’ group have created fantastical shoe designs. The watercolour paintings will go on to form the basis of a 3D clay...

Year 6 Make Bread

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:07:14 GMT

On Friday Year 6 students made bread for the harvest festival. They enjoyed the experience and were particularly enthusiastic with the kneading.

Year 8 Visit Wirksworth Climbing Wall

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:17:10 GMT

Year 8's ventured off to Wirksworth Climbing Wall to polish up their skills acquired on our own climbing wall. Challenges were set up for the students and they all pushed themselves to accomplish their own set goals. The wall at Wirksworth is twice the height of our wall so it really gave the students a fantastic climbing experience.

Full Boarders First Outing in the Local District

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:13:39 GMT

It is traditional for full boarders to visit the most visited theme park in England, Alton Towers, on the first weekend of the term. The new boarders were encouraged by the regular goers to try all the big rides, Air, Nemesis, Rita, Oblivion and Thirteen. The younger boarders enjoyed the company of Mrs Witcomb, Mrs Seymour, Mrs Webber and Mrs...

Remembering a Teacher

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:07:54 GMT

The big trees outside are into their poker game again, shuffling and dealing, turning, folding, their leaves drifting down to the lawn, floating away, ace high, on a breeze. You died yesterday. When I heard the hour - hometime, last bell, late afternoon - I closed my eyes. English, of course, three decades back...

Thumbs up for the Bakewell Pudding

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:08:25 GMT

On Sunday the Clownholme and Orchard boarders travelled to Bakewell to imbibe the atmosphere of a quaint English village in the Peak District. The origins of the Bakewell pudding were shared with this group of international girls. After some time exploring the alley ways of this picturesque market town, the 13 young teenagers were treated to...

Science Support Sessions ('The SSS')

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:05:09 GMT

The Launch of ‘The SSS’! From next week, there will be Science Support Sessions (‘The SSS’) available for any student in Years 7 to 11 every Tuesday to Friday lunchtime throughout the year. Details are summarised for you as follows Who can ‘enlist’? ny student in Year 7 up to Year...

London Hike

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:28:26 GMT

Mrs Fairclough and Miss Ash will be taking part in the 'London Hike' to Alexandra Palace this Friday and Saturday. We would love to see any old Abbotsholmians or friends during this two day education expo. To register for a free ticket, please go to http://www.independenteducationexpo.com/visitor-registration/, or for more information...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 26 September 2011

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:52:35 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 26 September 2011.pdf

Junior Chapel - Friday 23 September 2011

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:02:04 GMT

In Junior Chapel this morning, Mrs Buton talked about the king losing his ring. He announced that whoever found his beautiful ring could have what ever they wanted. The kingfisher used his gift and found the ring. The children were told to think about what gift they had been given and how they could use it to help others.

Years 3 & 4 - Geography

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:56:28 GMT

Year 3 and 4 children have been looking at Kenya for their Geography topic. The costumes that the girls are wearing come from Northern Kenya. We are lucky that Mrs Kay and Mrs Burton have both been to Kenya and have brought back lots of artefacts for us to use and look at. Elsie Jones, Lydia Heath and Ellie Jeffers are our models.

U15-U14 Hockey v Abbots Bromley - Wednesday 21 September 2011

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:51:42 GMT

Yesterday the U15/U14 Hockey squad travelled to Abbots Bromley to play their first game of the season. Abbotsholme got off to a confident start and were a constant threat to their opposition. Throughout the first half, Claudia Bettson–Burdett and Tara Witcomb played well in midfield, sending searching passes to the...

Food Technology - Year 7

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:48:17 GMT

Year 7 made sandwiches today. The students were excited about cooking in the new food room for the first time and had some unusual and interesting ideas. The sandwiches were healthy, nutritious and tasty, and there was not a crumb left on their plates!

Round Square Project Opportunities

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:22:15 GMT

RSIS Update - September 2011.pdf

U15 Rugby v Derby Grammar - Wednesday 21 September 2011

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:45:45 GMT

Abbotsholme U15’s XV kicked off their season with a tough fixture away to Derby Grammar. With a much smaller squad than last year, in numbers and size, the boys are well aware that they are going to have to work hard for results this year. The first game showed some real determination, flair and willingness to work hard for the team. The...

U13 Rugby v Denstone - Wednesday 21 September 2011

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:55:11 GMT

On a cool September afternoon the mighty young Sharks of Abbotsholme U13 Rugby team set forth to Denstone on what promised to be a stern test of where we might be going this season in terms of progress. For many in the side it was the first time that they had played ‘in anger’ and it was the first time that the team had played...

Pupil Farm Manager

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:47:44 GMT

Gregory Roberts has been appointed as the new Pupil Farm Manager of Abbotsholme School Farm. His duties include organising and training younger pupils who help on the farm, as well as working on the farm himself. Gregory is studying Agriculture and Technology in Sixth Form and is planning a career in forestry. He was awarded this position...

U11 Hockey - Wednesday 21 September 2011

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:44:51 GMT

Abbotsholme U11 Hockey team travelled to Smallwood Manor this afternoon, with their very own cheer leaders led by Ellie. It was a game, that Abbotsholme had trained hard for, and the set moves paid off; Abbotsholme won the game 2-0. The goal scorers were Olivia Wood and Olivia Player and player of the match was Harriott McFarland.

Free the Children

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:41:16 GMT

On Wednesday 21 September, representatives from a charity called ‘Free the Children’ visited Abbotsholme. A presentation was given to the whole school, showing the inequity in the world and how we could help to create change. The presentation focused on what real leadership is and how it can be found in anyone, regardless of...

Year 8 OEd - September 2011

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:18:49 GMT

This week’s Year 8 Outdoor Education lesson involved some of the pupils practising their kayak skills in the school pool. This was a session designed to build confidence on the water, exploring the feel of the boat and the paddle and completing some capsize drills. Further sessions will be on the lake at JCB and possibly on some moving...

Cedarholme Birthdays

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:15:54 GMT

The first birthdays of the new term were celebrated last night. Reuben, Jacob, Sam and Seth all turned 15 over the past few weeks and the Cedarholome boys celebrated with pizza, chicken nuggets and cakes!

Salmon Fishing

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:07:11 GMT

1,2,3,4,5.....once I caught 1,500 salmon. The infants and juniors have been down to the River Dove this afternoon. We were met by a man from the Environment Agency who told us that the fish were six months old and had come all the way from Northumberland. The children had to catch the fish in a net from special containers and transfer...

Young Enterprise 2011

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:04:00 GMT

Some of the Lower Sixth took their first steps towards fame and fortune at the annual Young Enterprise launch event at the JCB Visitors’ Centre today. With the help of business advisors from around the county they participated in teamwork activities and presentations aimed at helping them in their quest for a successful year within...

Henry Visits Goodwood

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:46:03 GMT

In 'Show and Tell' time today, Henry shared with us all about his special sweekend to Goodwood festival, he dressed up in a RAF uniform and saw lots of cars and motor bikes. Henry told us his sister wore a Mod dress and his favourite part of the day was seeing the Spitfire and the Lancaster bomber.

Numeracy with the Infants

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:37:16 GMT

In the infants the numeracy lesson today was all about 2D shapes. We talked about how many sides a shape has. We then went around the School with our binoculars looking for shapes. Raphe was very excited when we eventually found a triangle; he was also able to tell us that the triangle was showing us danger, as it was a sign showing that...

1st Team Replica Rugby Shirts for Sale

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:24:47 GMT

This year everyone has the opportunity to order thier own 1st Team Replica Shirt. These will be available to order from our sponsor, The Crown Inn, Marston Montgomery. They will cost £39 each or two for £68. All sizes are available, you also get to choose your own number. Please place your order by half term. Just pop into...

Getting Year 7 in Order

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:21:42 GMT

Year 7 have recently been learning about chronology. To do this they had their first fieldtrip of the year to the Roseyard! Each pupil was given a date; some AD and some BC. They then had to line up in chronological order. The next field trip maybe a little further afield.

Abbotsholme Connections in Ashbourne Rugby Match

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:19:08 GMT

OAs, teachers and parents from Abbotsholme played for Ashbourne 4ths Rugby Team last Saturday. Tom and Joe Robinson (and their cousin), Josh Morris-Adams, Jack Amos, Mr Ritchie and Mr Bettson-Burdett all took part in Ashbourne's crushing defeat of Stoke. Two more OAs, Sam Benjamin and Tristan Wilson, also played for the 2nds. Daisy Lafferty...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 20 September 2011

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:38:51 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 20 September 2011.pdf

Barnfield Weekend 16-18 September 2011

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:53:07 GMT

Barnfield started the weekend with a most enjoyable Chinese takeaway. It was a nice relaxing way for the full boarders to end the week, having a casual meal together as well as a chance for pupils old and new to get to know each other better. Saturday involved the usual shopping trips where the new pupils were able to discover the joys of...

Year 7 Adventure Weekend 2011

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:43:25 GMT

The new Year 7 really impressed us with their courage and determination to take part in highly challenging activities. Although well out of their comfort zones, they maintained a positive attitude throughout and worked well together, supporting each other to achieve team targets. Behaviour was generally excellent and understanding of...

Equestrian Team Selections

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:30:29 GMT

It has been a very busy week with the team selections and more to follow this Wednesday. The quality of riders we have this term is very high and therefore places are limited however there is always next term! For those who do not quite make the selections there is always the opportunity to compete individually in the end of term inter-house...

Sunset over Abbotsholme

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:49:22 GMT

Autumn is my favourite time of year at Abbotsholme. The trees starting to turn red, swallows about to ‘turn-tail’ and the crisp, late September weather; an Indian Summer. An Indian Summer is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs at this time of year. The day temperatures are higher than normal, the skies are...

Orchard House

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:31:31 GMT

It was a busy weekend in Orchard House, with many trips happening and plenty of extra fun thrown in on the spur of the moment. On Saturday our older girls spent most of their time either in Uttoxeter or Derby shopping, whilst the younger members of the house ventured to a local village country show in Denstone. The afternoon consisted of them...

Abbotsholme Singers

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:13:13 GMT

The Singers started last Friday, at lunch time in the Chapel. As well as many old faces it was great to see so many new ones including two whole rows of boys! We started with a really lively song called ‘Sunshine in my heart’ and then spent the rest of the time working on a Spiritual ‘You gotta move’. Same time next...

Gold Award for Catering Team

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:57:35 GMT

Congratulations to Racheal and her catering team who achieved the Gold Award (the highest) for excellence in all areas of catering in the prestigious CAP award scheme. The food inspector arrived, unannounced, last week and was extremely thorough. He stayed all day from breakfast through to supper. Racheal Lancett...

Abbotsholme at Denstone Show

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:45:28 GMT

This weekend, Denstone village held its annual show and Abbotsholme School played a valuable part in the proceedings. The Headmaster and daughter, Meg, were in charge of Skittles, introducing a challenging range of new kinds of delivery of the ball, and raising an impressive £40 for Macmillan Nurses in the process. Mr...

Electric Cars Win at Aintree

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:55:02 GMT

The Electric Car race team travelled to Aintree to compete in the third qualifying round for the national final. The weather for the day was perfect, sunny and more importantly no wind! From the start of the race both cars were performing very well, running slightly slower than the lead cars but maintaining a speed that will allow them to...

The Start of Something Dramatic!

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:49:05 GMT

Work has already started for this year’s school production. In December we will be performing Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, a tragic story of twin brother separated at birth. The play sees the vast differences in the brothers’ lives and upbringings, but somehow they are always drawn to each other, concluding with an...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 19 September

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:29:16 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 19 September 2011.pdf

Working with Numbers

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:06:28 GMT

The Reception class are working on numbers 1-10. Aneal was very excited when he realised that his number towers were getting taller as we went up the number line.

Lower Sixth Induction

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:54:26 GMT

The Lower Sixth induction weekend was a trial by fire for me (I was never big on camping!) and the pupils. On the Friday all pupils worked on a film project. Split into four groups, the pupils had to make a short sequence for a film. They had to include the words from the behavioural charter in the film. After that we camped on the...

Art Produced by Lower Sixth Pupils

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:06:56 GMT

The artistic talents of the new Sixth Form were put to the test during their induction last week. They produced this large collage which will hang in the new Sixth Form common room.

Year 7 Get Booked Up!

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:54:01 GMT

All of Year 7 pupils enjoyed an exciting afternoon choosing their free books from a wide selection of titles. They could pick their favourite from a choice of 17 books, many prize-winning titles by some of the nation’s best-loved children’s writers. A few of the most popular books were Mortlock by Jon Mayhew (sounds a bit scary to me...

Conkers!

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:03:27 GMT

The headmaster's garden was taken over this morning, when the infants and juniors went on a walk in search of conkers.

Dreams - Vision

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:41:18 GMT

The Headmaster’s Chapel today was about dreams: Have a dream, have a vision that really matters to you, something you really care about. Something you aspire to achieve, really believe you can do it. At the start of the World Cup, the English Rugby Union had a vision: “Too lead, promote and govern the whole of...

Real Life Maths!

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:38:09 GMT

The Mathematics Department welcomes two new teachers this year and their backgrounds promise to emphasise the many applications of maths outside the classroom. Mrs Kenealy (Head of Department) and Mr Cameron both have considerable experience of working in the engineering industry and are therefore well placed to show how the...

Outdoor Education Lessons Start for Year 7 Pupils

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:33:22 GMT

The Year 7 pupils enjoyed their first Tuesday afternoon session of outdoor education on the school estate, in the late summer sun. Pupils were given an introduction to some of the problem solving they will be doing, with a 'ski walk', 'trust games' and other team building activities. They also learnt about appropriate gear for outdoor...

Reading Buddies

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:29:47 GMT

As part of our Monday Abbotsholme Expectations (AX's) the Year 7 pupils will be acting as Reading Buddies to the Years 1 and 2 for 9 weeks. This week’s group was mostly made up of past Junior School pupils and they were so excited to go back and see the changes that have occured in the Reception and Year 1/2 classes. The Year 7's...

6th Form Cookery

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:06:59 GMT

On Monday the Sixth Formers had a taster of university life by learning to cook for themselves. Rich oriental aromas filled the new food room and surrounding area. The fact that there was very little left over of the stir fry was a good measure of the students’ success!

Abbotsholme Science Department - New Year, New Team

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:12:29 GMT

After some of the comings and goings within the Science Department last year, there are a few new faces in the Department and positions held by new names. It is hoped this mini report will provide you with details of the new, excited, enthusiastic, experienced and complete science team now in place for this new academic year at...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 13 September 2011

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:47:36 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 13 September 2011.pdf

Electric Car Race, Bedford Autodrome - Sunday 11 September 2011

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:52:18 GMT

The Electric Car Race team travelled to Bedford Autodrome race circuit for the second qualifying race for the national final in October. After the cars passed the compulsory scrutineering the race commenced at 1.00pm. Initially both cars where competing for the lead position in the race but the windy conditions took its toll on the batteries...

Infants History

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:30:56 GMT

The Infants' History topic this term is 'What were homes like long ago?' We started our lesson with a walk around the school looking at old windows and new windows and old and new chimneys.

Lower Sixth Induction Weekend

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:13:38 GMT

On the Lower Sixth Form Induction Weekend, one of the activities the new Sixth Formers undertook was problem solving. In this activity students had to cross an imaginary crocodile infested river using a minimal amount of equipment. To complete the task inside the time limit the teams of students had to communicate and execute their plan with...

Abbotsholme Strategic Planning Weekend - 'Future Back'

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:57:11 GMT

Members of the extended Abbotsholme family, including staff, parents, governors and past pupils, were invited to consider the strategic plan for the next ten years. We met on Friday evening and had an inspirational talk from Sir Ken Robinson, ‘The Educational Revolution’, to set the scene. This was followed by school...

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 12 September 2011

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:47:07 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 12 September 2011.pdf

Equestrian Team Selection

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:22:25 GMT

A huge amount of enthusiasm is building, towards the equestrian team selection next Wednesday, with a rapidly increasing number of students wishing to represent their school. It was great to see the infants back in the saddle with huge smiles all round, even if some of them have forgotten how to get on!

Making Apple Crumble

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:01:24 GMT

The Infants have had cooking this week and made crumble; we are eating it today!

Equestrian Update September 2011

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:27:46 GMT

I would like to welcome back everyone to the equestrian centre, to what looks like being a very busy and exciting new term. Please get involved at what ever level you are at, even if you have never tried it before. Gve the equestrian experience a go, you will thoroughly enjoy it! Team selection for the more advanced riders are being held on...

The Tenth Anniversary of the 9-11 Attacks

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:19:00 GMT

The Headmaster led Chapel today to remember the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

An Important Day at the Office

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:45:22 GMT

Abbotsholme cows await the results of their annual TB test today. Hopefully, there will not be any reactors (shown by bumps on their necks as a result of immunity to an injection of the killed virus) and the cows will pass with flying colours. However, it is a bit of a mixed blessing as passing this test will result in them going to...

Orchard House First Night

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:30:51 GMT

New boarders at Orchard House enjoyed a sweet first night out for dessert at Frankie and Benny’s in Uttoxeter. After a busy afternoon and evening of moving in, the girls got to know each other as they chatted and chowed down. Miss Webber, Orchard Houseparent, drove the mini-bus of hungry girls and was accompanied by new...

Apple Crumble

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:12:16 GMT

The Infants have had a very exciting start to the new term. We collected apples, which we are going to make into a crumble. We then went down to the new ecology pond and all had a go at pond dipping!

Reception Class

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:51:44 GMT

The new Reception class is now up and running. If you would like to visit with your child we have spaces available. Please call Jessica Ash to make an appointment.

On the Buses

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:43:20 GMT

A new system is in place to bring our day pupils to school. Reception is now open from 7.00am to 6.30pm to field any queries. Please do not hesitate to contact Sue or John on Reception if you have any questions.

Emily Thomas & James Hudson Midlands Hockey U16

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:42:50 GMT

Both Emily based at the Mercia Linx Beeston site & James at the Mercia Linx Cannock site have been put through to the next stage of the process the Midlands U16 tournament at Cannock on Sunday 11th Sept & Sunday 25th September. Sixteen girls/boys + 2 keepers have been chosen from each of the three sites, Beeston, Cannock...

New Year 10 Pupils

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:08:52 GMT

New Year 10 pupils visit vintage tea emporium in Uttoxeter for tea and cake.

Staff First Aid Training Course

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:52:56 GMT

Mr Palmer finds himself in good hands with staff members who recently completed a two-day first aid course, emphasizing wilderness care. With such well trained folks at the ready, Abbotsholme pupils will be in similarly secure hands during their School Hikes at the end of September.

The Wedding of Old Abbotsholmian Kirsten Lund & Simon Rinaldi

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:12:20 GMT

When OA Kirstin Lund married Simon Rinaldi on 20th August 2011, the school Chapel was filled with their families and their friends. Kirstin, the daughter of ex-Head of German and ex-Housemaster of Flaxfield, Manfred Lund and his wife Mavis and the sister of OA Benjie, met her new husband when both were medical students in Manchester....

Abbotsholme Equestrian Centre - Forth Coming Dates

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:27:23 GMT

17 September 2011 @ 9.30am-3.00pm Own a Pony Day 1 October 2011 @ 10.00am-3.00pm Showjumping Training over 85cm 8 October 2011 @ 10.00am-3.00pm Junior Horse Owners Certificate 22 October 2011 @ 10.00am-3.00pm Showjumping Training Ground Poles over 85cm

Arrangements for the beginning of term

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:46:22 GMT

Arrangements for All Pupils for the Beginning of Autumn Term Tuesday 6 September 2011 All new boarding pupils to arrive at school by 4.00pm Wednesday 7 September 2011 All Junior School pupils (new and existing) are in school from 9.00am until 4.00pm All new Senior School pupils are in school...

Scott Owners Club Rally Weekend

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:59:05 GMT

Over the August Bank Holiday weekend 2011, Steve, Heather and Meg Fairclough threw open the doors of Abbotsholme School to welcome the Scott owners’ Club for their fourth weekend get-together and annual gathering. The link between Abbotsholme and the Scott motorcycle goes back to 1891 when the young Alfred Angas ...

It's not too late! Places Still Available for September!

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:29:36 GMT

It has been a very busy summer the Admissions Department, and although we are now nearing the start of the new school year, we are still taking admissions enquiries on a daily basis. It's not too late to join us. We still have some places left for both the Junior and Senior School. If you would like some more...

GCSE Results 2011

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:15:20 GMT

This year has produced another excellent set of GCSE results for Abbotsholme pupils. I am always very pleased when hard work is rewarded and you see the relieved smiles, on faces, on results' day. Abbotsholme pupils are great and I am very proud of all of them. GCSE's, however are only part of an holistic education and they...

How to Collect Your GCSE Results

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:02:44 GMT

GCSE results tomorrow! For all our students anxiously awaiting your results, you can collect them in 3 ways: You can call us on 01889 590 217, email us at enquiries@abbotsholme.co.uk, or come and collect them from 9am onwards. Some of our teaching staff also will be on hand to give lots of advice during the day. Good...

Abbotsholme Summer Sports' Camp

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 11:32:08 GMT

The first week of Abbotsholme's Summer Sports' camp finshed on Friday with Mrs Margaret Shermer presenting certificates before the final team games. Mrs Bennett who organised the week said " it has been exhausting but the kids have been brilliant and they have had great fun. They had tried many new things, I am sure that we will all sleep well...

Finance Administrator Vacancy (Maternity Cover)

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:55:27 GMT

If you would like to see details of this vacancy please click on the following link: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Finance-Administrator

Abbotsholme A Level Results 2011

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:20:27 GMT

It infuriates me intensely when people at this time of year degrade the great achievements of hard working pupils who are about to set forth on the next stage of their lives. It’s not exactly confidence boosting! It is not fair to compare the results year on year; exams these days have different rules and different...

Multi Sports Summer Camp

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:10:05 GMT

A beautiful morning greeted eighty budding sports’ people to attend the Multi Sports Summer Camp at Abbotsholme School. Multi sport activities will include swimming, cricket, climbing, football and have been organised by Ms Bennett and her team of helpers. Great fun in prospect.

School Bus Timetable for 2011-2012

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:48:59 GMT

Abbotsholme has five buses running from Derby, Eccleshall, Ashbourne, Leek and Alrewas at the beginning & the end of each school day. You can view our timetable & pricing for 2011-2012 by clicking on the link below: School Bus Timetable.pdf If you are a parent or guardian who wishes for your son or daughter to travel...

Equestrian Update - 10 August 2011

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:03:52 GMT

The Summer has been a busy one so far for the equestrian centre with our two week non residential pony club camps, jumping clinics and pony club weekends. We have had huge success so far with the new sports camp week and fingers crossed next week will be just as good, the yard has been alive with lots of green,blue and red...

Connecting with Abbotsholme

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:47:53 GMT

Keeping up to date with what's happening at Abbotsholme just got even easier, thanks to our new facebook and twitter pages. It doesn't matter if you use the sites or not. Anyone is able to access both pages simply by clicking on the facebook and twitter icons on the top right hand corner of our...

Sweden Canoe Trip - July 2011

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:26:09 GMT

A group of fourteen pupils have just returned from a ten day Canoe trip down the River Harken system. They were led by the schools head of outdoor education, Rory Sellar and regular instructors Tim Bird and Phil Pearson. This fantastic 150km journey took them through lochs, rivers and included some big portages around some...

A Year in the Life of Abbotsholme

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:45:45 GMT

What an exciting year we have had at Abbotsholme! To show you just a few of the things we have been up to, we have added a photo album on our facebook page. To view, go to http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Abbotsholme-School-Official-Facebook-Page/168832456490264 or search facebook under 'Abbotsholme Official Facebook...

Parents Handbook 2011-2012

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:08:01 GMT

The Parents Handbook for 2011-2012 is now available. Please click on the following link to enable you to view the handbook: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Parents-Handbook

Social Networking

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:37:23 GMT

There are many different ways of staying intouch with what's happening at Abbotsholme. Our website is updated constantly with news events and is a great resource. There are three other online resources available to staty intouch: Headmaster's Blog Click on the "Blog" tab on the homepage of the website, or click on the...

More Summer Gathering Pictures Available on Our Facebook Page

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:22:05 GMT

We have added some more Summer Gathering photo's to our facebook page today, and will adding some more soon (there are so many!). There are some fantastic pictures, why not stop by and see if you can spot anyone you know? Our page is 'Abbotsholme School Official Facebook Page', and can be found at: ...

Summer 2011 Letter from the Headmaster

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:51:19 GMT

To view the Summer 2011 Letter from the Headmaster please click on the following link: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Summer-2011-Letter-from-the-Headmaster

Equestrian Update - 13 July 2011

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:55:59 GMT

After a long Summer Term we decided to take a handful of our riders & ponies to a club show at Hargate. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all those attended. It was a great opportunity for those who had not been at with us before to experience 'show atmosphere'. They all did extremely well. Sharlotte Amos and Rodney made a great team, came...

Calling all Old Abbotsholmian's! Want a New Adventure?

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:00:42 GMT

Are you an Old Abbotsholmian? Do you fondly remember Abbotsholme school days gone by when you were taken up hill and down dale as part of your OEd activities? Are you looking for a new adventure? Well here is your chance! In April 2012, Old Abbotsholmian Teacher Mike Ritson will be leading a group of Old...

Places Still Available for September, Contact Us!

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:18:03 GMT

The end of this academic year is here, and students and teaching staff are now on a well earned break. However it is still a very busy time for the Admissions Department! We work throughout the Summer period, and are still busy dealing with admissions enquiries from home and overseas right up until the start of...

Abbotsholme Joins Facebook!

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:15:49 GMT

Abbotsholme now has an official facebook page, which is updated daily with news, events, photos, and general chat about Abbotsholme! You may be interested to know we have just posted some photo's from the Summer Gathering last weekend. Why not visit our page to see what we got up to!? Whether you are a current...

Vacancy - Maintenance Technician

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:46:34 GMT

Due to retirement we have a vacancy has arisen for a Maintenance Technician. Please click on the following link to view our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies Click on the following link to view the job advert: Maintenance Technician Advert.pdf

Abbotsholmian 2011 Online

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:19:23 GMT

The Fantastic Abbotshomian 2011 magazine is now available for you to view online. It is the best way to see what the pupils have been up to at our Outstanding School during the last 12 months. Please click on the following link to view the magazine. http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Abbotsholmian The Abbotsholmian 2010...

Summer Gathering 2011 - Chair of Govenors Presentation

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:09:19 GMT

Please see the attached Chair of Govenors 2011 Presentation Summer Gathering 2011 - Chair of Govenors Presentation.ppt

Standing Upright

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:20:43 GMT

Twenty years ago, I was leaving Abbotsholme for the first time, my frequently used analogy for the ethos in the school, ‘It’s hard for an empty bag to stand upright’, still fresh in my head. Now, for the summer term I have come back to what feels like the ‘mother ship’. The place still feels the same like returning...

Flaxfield ends the term with a Splash!

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:04:05 GMT

Yet again Flaxfield boys finished the term off, in the boarding house, in style. Fourteen boys ran down to the pool at 2345hrs and stayed in until 0010hrs and even had their own version of the interhouse competition, of course Weaver won! The lights went out before we even reached home. Alan & Anne

Equestrian Update

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:37:26 GMT

We are very proud to announce that Olivia Player has qualified for this years Equifest which will be held at Peterborough 18-21 August. She has worked really hard in her lessons with us and has put in many hours on her ponies Conker and Cracker at home. We wish her lots of luck and fingers crossed she will bring home some ribbons. We have a...

Dingle Bridge re-built

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:29:25 GMT

The bridge at the start of the dingle was rotten and a health and safety issue so at the beginning of June it was cordoned off and the BTEC Agriculture students started to dismantle it. Greg Roberts, James Porter and Joe Heeley were very enthusiastic and the old bridge had been removed in just over an hour. Building the new bridge was a...

Abbotsholme Cricket Festival 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:50:58 GMT

Abbotsholme Cricket Festival July 2011 The beginning of July is synonymous with festivals around the world. Pamplona has its San Fermines, famous for the early morning ‘running of the bulls’, prior to the corridas in the afternoon, and around the UK there are a multitude of music festivals with Glastonbury and Rewind to name but...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 5 July 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:37:18 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 5 July 2011.pdf

Rhubarb and...Apple!

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:43:33 GMT

Cooking in the newly refurbished kitchen at Abbotsholme gave the year three and fours a chance to put together one of the nations favourites. No not rhubarb and custard but rhubarb and apple crumble! They have watched the rhubarb grow and once ripe they harvested it ready for their cookery lesson. Finlay enjoyed cooking in...

Chick-a-dee-do-dah!

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:15:42 GMT

Exciting times for the infants here at Abbotsholme as this morning saw the arrival of seven chicks. Mrs Gould had set up the equipment and luckily came into school on Sunday evening to find the first chick had already hatched. As Monday progressed the rest of the brood hatched out much to the delight of Mrs Gould’s...

116 Abbotsholmians Gain Duke of Edinburgh Awards!

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:26:29 GMT

This year has been very successful for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Abbotsholme. Since the summer of 2010, 66 pupils have completed the Bronze level, 30 the Silver Award, and 20 the Gold Award. Congratulations to all of the pupils mentioned below on your fantastic achievement. Mrs J Holmes, DofE Manager...

Mimi Fletcher Exam Success!

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:55:04 GMT

Mimi Fletcher makes history with outstanding Year 9 English exam result. Mimi achieved 100% in her English examination; this is a first at Abbotsholme as full marks are rarely given in the subject. With English being such a subjective subject we often think pupils could have written a bit more, been more creative or analysed the...

Vacancy - Receptionist

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:21:21 GMT

Abbotsholme has a vacancy for a part time receptionist. To see details of this position please click on the link below: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Receptionist

James Gardiner 'Psychopath' concert

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:10:34 GMT

Abbotsholme pupil James Gardiner performed a spectacular concert in front of a packed crowd this lunchtime (1st July). This is the first time that a concert of this type has been performed in the schools theatre and James was the sole organiser and promoter of the event. He sang and danced his way through 8 tracks three of which can be...

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 4 July 2011

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:03:33 GMT

http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/write/Documents/Abbotsholme Menu wc 4 July 2011.pdf

Holka Polka Junior Production

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:12:34 GMT

Witches and wizards, gnomes and all have gathered together for the Junior School production of 'Holka Polka'. Under the direction of Miss Worsley, the tale unfolds of fairies hatching a plan to deprove the witches and wizards of magic forever. Not all is what it first appears in Fairy Tale Land, but do they find someone they can...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 28 July 2011

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:04:02 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 28 June 2011.pdf Urgent Appeal From the Library - 28 June 2011.pdf

Becky Dykes (OA) Wins Top Student in National Award in Horse Management at Hartpury College

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:22:33 GMT

Becky Dykes (OA) was awarded the Top Student in the National Award in Horse Management at Hartpury College. She was presented with a silver cup (which was engraved with her name but she is not allowed to bring home) however she was presented with an engraved replica to keep. Congratulations from all at Abbotsholme

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 27 June 2011

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:58:11 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 27 June 2011.pdf

Vacancy - Teacher of Year 6 (Temporary)

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:40:07 GMT

For more information on this vacancy please click on the following link: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Teacher-of-Year-6

U15 Cricket v Denstone - Wednesday 22 June 2011

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:36:51 GMT

On the 22 June we played against Denstone College in our last match of the season. We won the toss and chose to bowl. We started with enthusiasm as Alex Christie and James Hudson opened the bowling and took an early wicket in the second over. Some great fielding by everyone in the team gave us high hopes. With some good bowling from...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 21 June 2011

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:44:02 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 21 June 2011.pdf

First Aid

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:02:18 GMT

Year 9 pupils this term have been learning basic first aid training through the St John Ambulance program. On their last class, we invited Cliff Bailey, a Staffordshire First Responder, to show us the first aid kit he carries with him. The students were able to ask questions about what it takes to be a first responder and of course the...

End of School - Friday 8 July 2011

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:45:11 GMT

Friday 8 July 2011 The end of the School Day on Friday 8 July 2011 will be 1700hrs, after the End of Term Service and Raising of the Flag.

Clownholme at Alton Towers and Music Concert

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:00:25 GMT

Clownholme Girls decided to have day at Alton Towers as a final get together for 2011. Most of them were delighted that the day they chose coincided with a concert featuring JLS, McFly, The Saturdays, Eliza Doolittle and Charlotte OConnor. As there were spare seats on the buses, the invite was extended to full boarders from other...

Annual Sports Dinner 2011

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:29:43 GMT

Abbotsholme held its annual Sport’s Dinner on Friday 17 June 2011 with over 150 guests representing 30 teams. Guest speaker, Sam Benjamin (OA), a semi professional Rugby player based at Cardiff University, spoke about what it takes to be a successful sport’s person. It was a very glamorous occasion. Each team received three awards...

SPA Training Course

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:24:05 GMT

Over the weekend of the 11-12 June, three Upper Sixth formers joined Mr Sellar, Head of Outdoor Education as he ran a SPA training course. The SPA is the only nationally recognised award that enables holders to supervise novices and others on single pitch crags and climbing walls. This award is for those who wish to supervise a group on...

Multi Sports Summer Camps 2011

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:12:33 GMT

Multi Sports Camps - Summer 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 20 June 2011

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:08:19 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 20 June 2011.pdf

Head of Junior School

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:01:50 GMT

Margaret Shermer joins the Abbotsholme team in January 2012 to take up the post of Head of Junior School. Margaret has a firm connection with Abbotsholme as she previously worked here from 1988 until 2001. During this time she was a teacher and Housemistress, and opened the Junior School in 1998. She enjoyed the role of Head of Junior School...

Cedarholme Boys Join the Fast Lane

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:31:19 GMT

The year nine and ten boys from Cedarholme visited Fast Lane Karting for their end of year trip. Everyone had a great night with some superb driving skills on display. Dimitry Vladimirov produced the fastest lap only being beaten by the staff! We also celebrated Will Amy’s birthday with a slice of birthday cake which rounded of the...

Year 9 Anglesey Adventure Weekend - 10-12 June 2011

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:57:20 GMT

On Saturday we ventured to North Stack on Holyhead coast to do the Sea Level Traverse. We braved a 50 abseil down into Parliaments Cave. The local seals were keeping an eye on us as we made our way through the back of the cave. We scrambled round on the rocks but on some parts we could not get round so we had to JUMP IN! There were...

Abbotsholme Cricket - 1st Team v Uttoxeter Young Farmers

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:28:19 GMT

The scene was set fair for an evening 20/20 match between Abbotsholme and a Young Farmers team, all of whom were friends of Ben Hall. It was decided that the guests would bat first and they got off to the worst possible start being reduced to 22 for 7 from 8 overs by some accurate bowling from the Abbotsholme opening partnership of Alex...

Junior & Infants Coffee Morning Saturday 17th September 10am - 12pm

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:02:14 GMT

Abbotsholme School Infants & Junior Coffee Morning Saturday 17th September On Saturday, 17th of September, Abbotsholme School will be holding a Junior & Infants Coffee Morning from 10am until 12pm. Activities will be available for children of all ages, so please drop in for a coffee and a friendly...

A word from the Headmaster

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:39:11 GMT

All new pupils arrive at Abbotsholme this morning. Boarders returned last night and were treated to the customary house parents welcome of bowling and ice cream. Today is rather more formal. New pupils will meet their heads of year, tutors and all the staff. New pupils will get to know their new friends, the new...

Conservation project in Costa Rica (Second Update)

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:51:38 GMT

Dear all, It's now day 3 at Durika and as we write the students are having a latin dance lesson! Everyone is very well and having an excellent time, and we have been complimented on the behaviour of our students. We have been on two hikes into the forest in preparation for our two day hike up to the continental divide which will begin on...

Conservation project in Costa Rica (First Update)

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:50:37 GMT

Abbotsholme pupils have gone on a Conservation project in Costa Rica, living with a village community, helping with daily tasks and long term projects as part of a Round Square international service. Here is the first note back from them Dear all, Just to let you we�ve arrived safely after a very long and tiring journey. We�ve had...

Abbotsholme welcomes Flutewise

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:20:35 GMT

We are back at Abbotsholme, Rocester, Staffordshire (near Alton Towers) for one of our fabulous residential courses for young flute players this Easter holiday. If you are aged between 8 and 18, from Grade 1 to post grade 8 standard you really should come along to this very special event. Flutewise parents have said that one residential...

School's Founder seen in the Dining Room

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:05:27 GMT

Early one morning during the first week of the holidays, Cecil Reddie was spotted in the Dining Room. Sue Moss was alone and buffing the floor when she looked up and saw a tall, thin man in his late 30s with dark curly hair. He was wearing a long black knee length coat with an upturned collar, trousers and a waistcoat. Initially he was...

Easter letter from the Headmaster

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 10:11:14 GMT

Much of the story of this term has been told via the medium of our exciting new website which is still to be found at www.abbotsholme.com. I believe that the new site is a great improvement, as it is far more informative and it allows you, as parents, to be kept 'in touch' quickly, but I would welcome your thoughts on our site so that we can...

Juniors perform play for local dignitaries

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:33:04 GMT

When the year 3 and 4's couldn't perform their play in Junior Assembly, they were very sad; but then they had a brilliant idea! A special audience was quickly invited to watch their play about how the Buddha convinced King Pasenadi to stop eating so much and follow the Middle Way. Financial considerations, house keeping and...

Interhouse Netball

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:27:13 GMT

Wednesday 24th March was the day for Interhouse Netball. Teams picked, supporters at the ready, the Netball courts crowded with all girls from year 7 - year 13. Each and every game was tightly fought, costly for a couple of houses as injuries occurred. However, the girls soldiered on, Junior players were quickly adopted into the senior...

Intouch - Awards Chapel - Thursday 25th March 2010

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:59:25 GMT

Abbotsholme Intouch - Awards Chapel - Thursday 25 March 2010.pdf

Shaun the Sheep, RIP

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:35:01 GMT

� It is with regret that I inform you that Shaun passed away yesterday. He died peacefully at Julie Himms' surgery. � �

Senior Girls' netball tour to Shropshire

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:56:13 GMT

� On Friday 19th March, Mrs. Johnson and I took a selection of 1st and 2nd team netball players on a mini-tour of Shropshire. On Friday afternoon we traveled to Wrekin College who are renowned for having a very competitive netball organisation. We were welcomed into their sports hall and�the girls completed a very thorough warm up to ensure...

Canoe Gold D of E Training Weekend

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:39:35 GMT

The forecasted rain had arrived during Friday night and early Saturday morning and with it a marked drop in temperature. The campsite at Low Wray on the banks of Lake Windermere looked a little empty and careworn, this was the first weekend of business for this spring and repairs were still underway from the huge floods at the end of last...

Intouch Monday 22nd March 2010

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:51:35 GMT

Intouch Monday 22 March 2010.pdf

Shaun the Sheep

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:06:32 GMT

Farming is full of ups and downs � Shaun the Sheep arrived 2 weeks premature and his mother died soon afterwards. His lungs not functioning and unable to support himself, he was destined to join his mother in sheep heaven. He was described �as a "project" by a friendly farmer �("He's got two choices"), �who fully supported the idea of...

Last Lambing Duty yields 4!

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:01:55 GMT

The last scheduled lambing duty of the season�saw Ewe 109 deliver quadruplets. The four healthy lambs were helped into the world by Andrew Meredith ,Paul Cotterill and Anthony Coates. Congratulations to all !

Junior Department Evening of Music

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:36:21 GMT

The Junior Department Evening of Music is an eagerly anticipated event. It gives all the pupils in the Junior Department the opportunity to perform both as soloists and in ensembles in front of their parents in Chapel. The variety of music performed and instruments played was impressive and highly entertaining.�� All the pupils in Years...

Netball season ends

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:58:14 GMT

�The U13 & U12 Netball teams played their last games of the season today against Trent College and St Bede`s. Trent arrived at 2pm for our first games. The U13 team started slowly and Trent took advantage of this, by half time we trailed 2 - 5. After a wake up call during our half time team talk the team pulled together and...

U15 Football

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:53:44 GMT

�On Wed 17 March Abbotsholme U15 Football Team travelled to QEG's for our last fixture of the season. Still unbeaten, with 5 wins and�1 draw behind us we knew that this was going to test us, and probably be our hardest match. From the kick off it was easy to see that they were well drilled, and some, very skilful. After only two minutes...

Abbotsholme Sixth Form formal dinner

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:16:07 GMT

Abbotsholme's Upper Sixth held their final of three formal dinners in the school's dining hall. The menu was Indian food, with starters of samosa, popadom and bargi:� various curries for the main course and Indian sweets for deserts.� The meal was prepared beautifully by Racheal Lancett, our Catering Manager and her team.� The after...

Westfield Conference

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:48:48 GMT

Abbotsholme pupils joined schools from Switzerland, Germany, France, and the UK in a European Round Square conference at Westfield School in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The conference was based around Culture and the Arts.� Abbotsholmians played impromptu concerts and had a chance to visit the Sage Centre.� Mrs Kuster, Round Square...

Lambing Live

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:44:43 GMT

Lambing continues at a fair rate at the farm. Luckily, at Abbotsholme we are not short of willing volunteers to help out! 67 and counting...

Lambing Preparation 16-03-10

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:23:16 GMT

Preparation for lambing (Guidance from Pupils to Pupils) Purpose of Lambing All our lambs are bred for meat However a small number of ewe lambs are kept to replace any old ewes � Selecting the Ram When breeding sheep the first thing you need is a ram A good breeding ram should have the following qualities: ...

Year 9 Trip to Land Rover

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:10:27 GMT

This year's visit to Land Rover saw the robotic production line almost working at full capacity, and the company now seems to have turned the tide in terms of the recession. Our Year 9 Geographers could therefore now consider the key question, 'Is the Solihull site the best location for the manufacture of Land Rover'. This demanding question...

Intouch - Monday 15th March 2010

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:23:00 GMT

Intouch Monday 15 March 2010.pdf

Year 8 Science Trip to "The Big Bang Fair"

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:12:35 GMT

Being the first time to attend this fair, we were not quite sure what it would be like and what we would see at it but as soon as we reached the coach set down area and saw the numbers of other students from other schools all over the country disembarking from their own coaches, we began to get the feeling that we were about to enter something...

Under 11 Netball & Football Tournament

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:11:03 GMT

During the morning of Saturday 13th March we hosted our annual U11 Netball and Football tournament at school. We played host to 8 Netball teams and 6 Football teams from, Stafford grammar, Smallwood Manor, Brooklands, The Old Vicarage and Norbury. It was a very busy morning and we were fortunate that�the weather�was fine. The netball...

Full Boarders Formal Meal

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:22:47 GMT

On the 14th March, Mothering Sunday in Britain, the full boarders were treated to a formal meal, cooked by Rachel and her team, and personally served to the Boarders by the Team of Housparents. The boarders had input into the menu, and the outcome for the day was: Prawn cocktail as starter followed by either steak or chicken in a mushroom sauce....

Hot Rocks Expedition

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:13:54 GMT

Abbotsholme Pupils Annual Climbing Expedition to Spain. � Every year pupils visit the warm rocks of Spain to climb.� Beginners and experts alike go to experience great climbing and beautiful scenery.� Top roping and lead climbing on bolted and unbolted routes�are tackled by all pupils.� In their presentation, pupils explained how much...

U15 Football Match Report

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:07:29 GMT

�"Still Undefeated" On Wed 10 Mar Abbotsholme U15 Football Team travelled to Concorde College for a return fixture. After winning 4 - 2 at home earlier in the season, we knew that it should be a closely fought contest. The pitch was new and far bigger than the First X1 were playing on. Also the slope ran directly from one end to the...

Abbotsholme's Expectations Programme (AX's)

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:59:33 GMT

The Monday expectation programme at Abbotsholme is a unique education, in areas of life that we expect our pupils to have experienced at some point in their school life.� The programme is�extremely varied from debating and cooking to etiquette and domestic skills. On Wednesday afternoon we expect all our pupils to do some kind of physical...

Abbotsholme Skipathon

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:36:34 GMT

Throughout this week more than 60 pupils have taken part in a sponsored Skipathon to raise money for The British Heart Foundation. There were a variety of skipping activities that pupils had to attempt from individual skills such as Jumping Jacks and the Twister, as well as partner skips such as Double Dutchy. It was a fantastic week...

Netball Reports - 10th March Fixtures

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:37:26 GMT

Once again we have had a full afternoon of Netball fixtures. The senior teams played against Denstone College and had 2 very exciting matches. Final score for the 1st VII was, Abbotsholme� 34 Denstone 11, the 2nd VII : Abbotsholme 15 -� Denstone 13. The U13`s had a very tightly fought match against Yarlet School. After a slow start we...

Politics Today

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:26:43 GMT

From our Political correspondent Tom Palmer: Abbotsholme pupils were privileged to be shown around the House of Commons this morning to view the venue for the forthcoming political battle. Tom Palmer announced in Chapel on Monday that preparation for the mock Abbotsholme election on May 6th was already well under way. The...

Lambing Live 08 March 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:50:21 GMT

Lambing was a very new experience and apart from the late night and waiting for something to happen it was lots of fun. We had no trouble feeding the lambs. One of the lambs had been looking unwell and wasn't expected to make it through the weekend. So after all the worry of finding three lambs, I was so happy to see four. Not only were all...

Intouch - Monday 8th March 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:16:05 GMT

Abbotsholme Intouch Monday 8 March 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme's Fencers - First Competitive Match

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:42:55 GMT

On Wednesday 3rd March a group of 9 Abbotsholmians travelled to Wrekin College for a fencing match. Our fencing group was established this year, and this was the first competitive match for the Abbotsholme fencers. They put up an excellent fight and were not daunted by their more experienced opponents. George Atherden proved unbeatable, winning...

Netball Reports - 3rd March fixtures

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:38:56 GMT

On Wednesday 3rd March Abbotsholme girls had a full fixture list. It was great to see so many girls out representing the school in what proved to be an exciting and very productive afternoon. Our 1st and 2nd senior teams played against Adams Grammar School from Telford.� The 2nd team had a very exciting game, well fought and closely matched...

Year 2's Impromptu Visit to the Farm!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:38:08 GMT

Just before lunch Anthony came to our classroom to tell us a sheep was about to lamb. We scrambled into our wellies and raced to the farm but the sheep was struggling to give birth. After several minutes farmer Bridget had to assist the sheep with her difficult birth. We returned after our lunch break to find two beautiful healthy lambs which...

5th Round Square Adventure Race Training

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:58:17 GMT

A group of 12 Abbotsholmians recently completed a demanding weekend of training in preparation for representing the school in the 5th Round Square Adventure Race, in May. The group camped on the school estate (quite a challenge in itself, in the chill of February), planning and cooking their own food. They spent Saturday completing...

Intouch - Monday 1st March 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:53:07 GMT

Intouch Monday 1 March 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme says farewell to Andy McQueen

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:47:40 GMT

The service of celebration for the life of Andrew McQueen ended with an emotional toast when all of the congregation raised their charged glasses to the memory of this outstanding young man. Andy, who was pupil at Abbotsholme from 1998 - 2005, died in a car accident at the beginning of February, in South Africa where he was working for Unilver...

Andy McQueen Memorial Service

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:27:17 GMT

A memorial service has been held for former pupil Andy McQueen in the school Chapel this afternoon.� The Headmaster unveiled the new Andy McQueen�trophy and a tree was planted in his honour.� This was followed by an Old Abbotsholmian Football match in which all of the players wore a black armband to commemorate the occasion. The...

Successful Open Morning

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:49:29 GMT

Abbotsholme held a very successful open morning today. All staff and pupils were at school to provide an insight into what makes Abbotsholme unique. Parents and Guardians of prospective new pupils were able to speak to teachers of all areas of the curriculum including outdoor education and the co-curriculum, view our boarding...

Fairtrade Fortnight 22-02-10 - 07-03-10

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:31:26 GMT

Between February 22nd and March 7th it is Fairtrade fortnight. Fairtrade is the product range which tries to support, directly through consumer power, the lives of the worlds poorest farmers.��Ensuring they get a fair wage for the produce they grow and collect. The theme for this year's campaign is 'Swap It'. If we could all swap one of the...

Lambing Duty - 25th Feb 2010

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:11:21 GMT

Lambing duty has begun this week at school. There have been nine lambs born so far.� It was me, who hasn't done lambing before, on duty last night along with Alex Nicholls. Fortunately, we got the chance to see the birth of a baby lamb early ithis morning, which makes it ten in total. Brandon Ip

The Opening of the Old Abbotsholmian Library

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:28:21 GMT

Opening of the Library�� On a sunny Saturday afternoon Lady Moss arrived from Birmingham station. After a lot of catching up we arrived at Abbotsholme with the sweet smell of bacon butties in the air. I took her on a tour around the School and then we returned to Dad's office. She was amazed by the School. We asked Lady...

Intouch - Monday 22nd February 2010

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:26:51 GMT

Intouch Monday 22 Feb 2010.pdf

Service of Rememberance

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:23:44 GMT

In November Abbotsholme held its Service of Remembrance in the chapel. It was naturally a sombre occasion and the chapel had a very eerie feeling to it as the names of Abbotsholme’s dead from both World War One and World War Two were read out. During the Silence the whole school honoured the dead, not just of Abbotsholme, but of all wars...

Full Boarders Trip to London

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:19:43 GMT

From Friday the 29th to Sunday the 31st the full boarders went on a brilliant trip to London. On the way through London, most of the buses went directly to the Hostel, whereas Bev Philpots bus got lost while enjoying the Tower Bridge at night. The Youth Hostel was ideally situated right next to the Thames and had a nice pub just across the...

Sixth Form Induction Weekend 2009

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:18:27 GMT

Friday, September 18th,�after Mr Palmer's introduction to the weekend, saw us making our way to Much Wenlock.�Our journey began with Miss Brick stalling her way to camp for nearly 3 hours.� We arrived in the pitch black to a shadow of a giant hay barn.� As usual the girls and boys were separated into two separate barns that were on either side...

Year 7 Hikes - Badger Group

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:02:50 GMT

The hike began on Wednesday on a sunny day with no rain. Both groups started at the same place, Fairholmes on Ladybower reservoir. We started off up a steep hill and most people were complaining! At the top of the hill we stopped for lunch. At last! The lunch was a sandwich, an apple and the legendary Mars bar!� After lunch we continued on the...

Year 7 Hikes in Derwent

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:01:20 GMT

It took about an hour and a half to get to Derwent. When we got there we went to the bunk barn first and dropped off our bags. Then we�made our way�to Derwent Reservoir and split up into our groups to go our separate ways. One group went walking towards the bunk barn and one group went walking towards the youth hostel. All we needed to carry...

Hiking in the Hayloft, Peak District

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:59:26 GMT

This year our hike in Hayloft, Peak District, Buxton area was led by Sam Ritchie.� We had lots of fun and played several games along the way, including horse spotting money gobblers.� The game was if you spotted one horse it was 1 point and a horse and rider is 2 points a stable was 5 points and a horse in a stable was 10 points.� We also...

Hiking in North Yorkshire (Wensleydale)

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:57:51 GMT

We arrived at the campsite in North Yorkshire at about two o'clock after a 4 hour journey.�Once there,�we pitched our tents and unpacked our belongings we were split into ability groups.� We then headed out for a 'short' 5 km walk.� When we got back, each tent group got a tranger and we made our tea.� After we washed up we walked to the local...

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Hikes in the Yorkshire Dales

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:56:12 GMT

On Wednesday morning at around ten o'clock we set off for a long four hour journey to the Yorkshire Dales.� Once we arrived at two o'clock we set up our tents.� We were then split into three groups of capability.� The members of staff that led or helped each group were Mr Sanderson, Mr Witcomb, Mr Meredith and Max who came to help the lower...

Junior Hikes in the Peak District

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:53:27 GMT

On Wednesday the 7th of October we went on hikes. Me, Clarissa and Amba walked all the way through hikes. First we had to go up a really steep hill. We got to a river�and we had to go over a stile to get to the bridge. When we got to the bridge Amber saw a cave up ahead. We couldn't see it because it was dark. We all had to have a photo taken...

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Hikes - Year 11

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:51:36 GMT

From the 30th September to the 2nd of October, the majority of year 11 went to Yorkshire Peak District near Lady Bower Reservoir.� It consisted of three days hiking.� On the first day, due to a late start, we had our route cut short and started 5 km into the walk.� We continued for what was�an easy mornings walk to meet Mr. Herbert.� We...

Hiking in Snowdonia

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:50:05 GMT

We were on the coach going to Wales to climb Snowdon.� We were dropped off and started to walk and we went on the road for a bit.�Next we�went into a field and we had to read the map to find out where we were.� Then we had to cross a small bridge and a cattle grid.� There was a steep hill up to the road.� We could see Snowdon and it looked...

Year 3 Hikes

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:48:42 GMT

Huxley Edwards Y3 � On Thursday 1st October we went to Hathersage by mini bus for Hikes. We stayed there for a night and came back on Friday. First I unpacked my suitcase, then we set off for a walk. We went over bridges and found a tree with lots of old coins hammered in it. Then we started back and when we got back we got into our...

Infant Hikes

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:46:04 GMT

We had a really nice time at hikes because we were all helping each other. We played with Miss Ward and called her Aunty Alien. I enjoyed going down the really steep hill to the waterfall. It was really cool. I had to share a bed with Caleb and in the middle of the night I had my legs hanging out of bed! I had a chip butty for lunch with my...

Hiking in the Lake District - Year 9

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:44:01 GMT

We arrived at school and�put our bags at the octagon and went up to Reddies grave for the service. When it had finished we went back to the octagon and put our bags on the coach. We arrived at our campsite in the lake district near lake Windermere� and we got all of our bags off the coach and put them in our dry area which was a building...

Hiking in Snowdonia - Year 8

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:42:29 GMT

On Wednesday 29th September 2009 Abbotsholme�School took Year 8 on a trip to Snowdon.� We had lots of fun but at the same time it was very tiring, so we had to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and work together as a team. The members of staff Mr Greensmith and Mrs Philpot, along with the sixth form helpers, Kelvin and Alex helped us...

The Black Sail Hike 2009

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:40:52 GMT

Coming from a school that hasn't had all that much involvement in outdoor education I didn't really know what to expect the Abbotsholme "hikes" to be like.� I had a vague feeling that the weather may not be as promising as I would of anticipated but here the Black Sail Hike of 2009 unravels. � Wednesday morning a small group of...

Hiking in Bretton

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:39:01 GMT

We got on the mini bus at 10.30.� We then set off on our long journey to Bretton.� When we got to Bretton we dropped our bags off at the hostel,�packed our day bags and got back on the bus and travelled to our start point.� We then walked for a few hours and stopped at a cafe and had lunch.� After lunch�we continued on walking to the hostel.�On...

Duke of Edinburgh - Snowdonia

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:53:13 GMT

The hike started in good spirits. We left by mini bus to Snowdon in Wales. When we arrived all was well but about ten minutes in to walking to our first campsite, I tore my finest pair of walking trousers trying to negotiate a rather difficult stile. After setting up our tents we disembarked on what would prove to be the most hard core...

Duke of Edinburgh - Lake District

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:50:57 GMT

In the first week of the summer holidays, my Duke of Edinburgh group and I decided to get our expedition done. Having been to Wales on numerous occasions, we decided to go to the Lake District.� We planned our routes, booked our campsites and, most importantly, got our food. Mr Whitcombe was to be our assessor and drove us all up to...

Canoeing - River Derwent

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:49:23 GMT

On Saturday the 10th of October a group of Abbotsholme pupils managed to miss open morning to go paddling on the River Derwent. We left school at eight o'clock in the morning in an attempt to get to the start for nine o'clock. We started by learning basic manoeuvres in slow moving rapids in preparation for the faster water. When...

Year 7 Adventure Weekend

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:47:35 GMT

We started off on Saturday morning at 8 o'clock in the car park. It was quite cold.� We put all the bags in this massive trailerattached to one of the�two mini buses.� We travelled to Thornbridge Hall.� We unloaded the trailer and were put into our groups, banana, cucumber and carrot.� Bananas went walking, carrots went climbing and cucumbers...

Year 8 Adventure Weekend

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:46:28 GMT

On the year 8 adventure weekend we went to Pindale. We were split into two groups. On the first day our group walked seven miles. We followed the river along the Hope valley. On the hillsides the paths were made out of slate but they were quite slippery. The other group went climbing and rock scrambling. On the second day it was our...

Orienteering at Calke Abbey

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:45:02 GMT

On Sunday 20th September, a group of year 5 and 6 pupils went to Calke Abbey for an orienteering competition. It took us about 40 minutes to get there in the minibus. When we arrived there, Mrs Taylor gave us a compass and a whistle. We would use the whistle to attract attention in case of emergency and the compass was to help us navigate...

Mountain Biking at Cannock Chase

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:43:43 GMT

With an early start of 10:00, we headed out to Cannock Chase for an enthusiastic day of mountain biking. Matt Kuster, Callum Bodger, Tom Bird, Nick Fisher, Jeremy Clark and Dave were pumped and ready to go. We got our bikes and warmed up around the little car park�we were currently standing in. We were set to go and headed out. The first...

The Power of One

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:42:19 GMT

The Power of 1 2009, we left school at 4:00 on Friday afternoon. Unfortunately the traffic was really bad so the bus journey took us about 5 hours so everyone was pretty tired. When were got to the Youth Hostel Mrs Kuster� and Mrs Witcomb gave us a talk about what was going to happen on the next day. We woke up the next morning at 6:30 and...

White Water Weekend

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:31:23 GMT

Waking up at 7 am meant that there�was no lay in for anyone after a hard week at school. But a group of kayakers and canoeists did. Travelling for around an hour listening to the new Now 74 CD which seemed to keep very one occupied to the river Derwent. Before any trip at Abbotsholme takes place, normally the day before, the group gets...

Old Abbotsholmian Hockey Match

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:37:34 GMT

On Saturday 10th October, after a very busy Open Morning, the girls 1st team played an Old Abbotsholmian (OA) team at hockey.� The OA team was compiled of a wide range of years, and the 1sts were amazed to find that some were at Abbotsholme before they were even born! The match started with the OAs gaining possession and a lot of good...

Abbotsholme 120th Anniversary Mountain Challenge

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:36:01 GMT

On Friday the 16th of October eight pupils and three staff set off from school to the Lake District in attempt to climb all peaks over 3,000ft. We arrived at the campsite at ten o'clock at night, pitched the tents and got given fantastic news from Mr Palmer that we would be getting up at half five in the morning! Next morning at half...

Gold Duke of Edinburgh - Canoe Training

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:34:39 GMT

Gold D of E Canoe training Hike Ben Hall & Michael Wells During hikes a group of willing lower sixth departed on the first stage of their gold Duke of Edinburgh training. This comprised of the group first heading off to Darley Abbey near Derby to do some initial skills, especially capsizing drills. As most people will agree the water...

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Trip to Yorkshire

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:32:23 GMT

During the summer holidays, our Gold D of E group travelled to Yorkshire to complete our expedition.� This was merely the end of a long organisational process, which mostly included Craig playing on the computer.� Upon arrival in Yorkshire we had a huge slap-up pub meal - just to get us into the 'D of E frame of mind'.� We met our...

Under 15's Girls Hockey Season Review

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:30:28 GMT

This season the U15 girls' hockey team worked consistently to represent Abbotsholme, playing against a range of ability from many different schools.� We started well as any other school would, improving all the time.� Each team practice was useful in improving our skills.� Each team player improved their team skills and stick skills and our...

Under 13's Hockey Season Review

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:29:04 GMT

The U13 Hockey squad have had a fantastic season. After drawing our first game we then went on to win the remaining 9 fixtures of the term, making us undefeated. We have worked really hard as a unit throughout all our games, trying different positions in some of our 7 aside matches and then extending on our skills when playing 11 aside. Our...

The Harris Trophy

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:27:37 GMT

In the Harris Trophy everyone at the start ran out at a sprint and lost all their energy. Even though there were 140 people running, only 110 people finished because they used up too much of their energy in the beginning.� It was raining and a lot of people, including me, were wearing their football boots.� A few people who were only wearing...

Hockey Tournament - Years 5 & 6

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:26:17 GMT

One Saturday, a group of year five and six pupils played a hockey tournament against Chase Academy from Cannock. We started practising and warming up at 9 o'clock before the opposition arrived in time for a 10 o'clock start. Each school had an A and B team.� First of all, Abbotsholme A team played Chase Academy B team. The Abbotsholme A...

Under 13's Rugby

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:22:24 GMT

The season started out with lots of new players and the return of Mr. Ritchie. The first match of the season was at Tettenhall with the help of Old Abbotsholmians watching from the side line. We started off poorly, conceding three tries in the first half. In the second half we came back stronger and got three tries, but they got one more, so...

Under 15's Rugby

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:20:55 GMT

This rugby season went well for the U15 rugby team.� We started off strong by gaining our first win of the season against Tettenhall.� Over the season we had a few consistent loses with Hudson breaking his nose! This also resulted in some good wins, though, such as against Denstone; absolutely thrashing them.� Matt Wilcox hammered the...

Hockey Goalkeeper Training

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:19:10 GMT

On Saturday Meg and I went to Denstone to learn how to warm up and practice our skills as goalies with Miss. Bennett and Mrs. Johnson. Our coach was the New Zealand number one and he was teaching us how to warm up and showing how to run around four cones in a certain order. Then Meg and I went to put our goalie kit on so we could get better at...

First 15 Rugby 2009 - The Captain's View

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:12:15 GMT

Following our tour to South Africa we have played many games in which we have had full concentration and�we have demoralised the opposition. When we lose�our concentration it always gives them a chance and these chances are shown on the scoreboard. There seems to be more Lower Sixth this year and this will be an advantage next year as we will...

Bonfire Night

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:08:30 GMT

On Friday 6th November, Abbotsholme had their own Bonfire Night. Lots of people came. We had a stall with hot dogs, burgers, toffee apples and sweets. There was a large bonfire. When the first firework was set off, everybody crowded round - it was very exciting. The fireworks were amazing. Everybody really enjoyed themselves and we can't wait...

Founders Day

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:07:22 GMT

We walked to the top of the field for the Founder's Day Service. It was my job to pass the flower over the fence to Brandon. The flowers were in a basket and they were beautiful red roses. I was scared in the Dingle but not when I got up the field. After I had given the flower to Brandon I had to stand at the front with Mrs Wainwright. I...

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:05:33 GMT

We went on the bus to Manchester to Bridgewater Hall with Mr Wilford, Mr Moon and Mr Palmer.� When we got there we got our tickets and found our seats. As we were going up we saw Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Philpot as well. In the first half there was one man who recorded himself many times, and he sang, played the guitar and harmonica. After...

Alton Towers Trip

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:03:58 GMT

On Sunday the 11th of October, Mrs. Degg and Miss. Davies took us on a trip to Alton Towers. About thirteen of us went and we had a great day for most of it as it was sunny. We set off at ten and got back at four. When we got there we split in to two groups and went around the park on the rides. This included Mrs. Degg and Miss. Davies who...

Alton Towers

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:02:45 GMT

On the 13th September all the boarders had a day trip out to Alton Towers.� After handing out packed-lunches hectically it was time to set off.� As we arrived, we had to get into groups before going in�groups of two, at least.� This provided a perfect opportunity for the old-hands to mix with the new-hands. There were surprisingly not...

Melbourne Hall Trip

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:00:16 GMT

On Saturday (12th September) all the international students went to the lovely Melbourne Hall Tea Rooms with Mrs Ross and Mrs Philpott. Even if one of the buses had a flat tyre and one group had to spend some time at the side of the road everybody arrived in the end. At the old Tea rooms we got wonderful tasting scones with jam and...

Pantomime Performance

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:59:01 GMT

Pantomime�� - Joshua Clark and Chloe Cheshire On the 11th of September we were given a production brief. It explained that we, Year 11, were going to perform a TIE (Theatre in Education) performance on Monday 9th November to Dove First School, St. Peters C of E School and Abbotsholme's Juniors. The audience were aged between 4-9 years...

Beauty and the Beast

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:57:35 GMT

Asher King I liked the bus journey to Nottingham, especially when we went by the Hilton Hotel. I also really liked it when The beast got married and kissed Belle and they lived happily ever after. It started at 2.30 and ended at 4.30pm. We had good fun at the pantomime, the best bit was when my brother went on stage. � Beauty and...

Chatsworth House

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:55:36 GMT

On Sunday 15th of November , Mrs. Donnachie and Ms. Mullan took three younger girls to Chatsworth House. It was all made up for Christmas and it looked beautiful. We went around the house taking pictures and we even got a chance to dress up. We had time to wander around the garden and to go to the Christmas markets. It was so much fun as it...

Chester Zoo

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:54:24 GMT

On Sunday 8th of November we left for Chester Zoo at 10 am. We had a long drive because there was a big diversion. When we got there it didn't take long to get the tickets so we got in after about two minutes. We firstly had a look at the elephants in their paddock and we went to see the bats. We went the wrong way and so instead we saw...

Paintballing

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:52:53 GMT

After a gale force storm the day�before, Abbotsholmians brave enough to bear the stingingly cold morning of Sunday 15th November got up to go to paintballing in Kegworth. After lots of safety briefs the teams were made; 26 a side.� The banter on the bus earlier had made the new comers to paintballing very nervous.� After Miss Philpot...

Boarders Trip to Edinburgh

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:51:28 GMT

Lauren Amy, Joanna Walker, Tatum Roberts & Flora McLaren Where can you take tea at the Queen's table, touch a real iceberg, see Hogwarts and buy lots of sweets? On Friday evening we left school early and went to Derby to catch the train to Edinburgh. We ate our M&S sandwiches and salads, read books and kept the rest of the...

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:49:13 GMT

It took us about an hour and a half to reach the museum on the minibuses. When we arrived, a lady showed us where to put our bags and coats. After an introduction, she guided us to an area where we talked about the Egyptians. Some of it was really disgusting - she told us how they got the organs out of the bodies. �We had the opportunity to...

Flutewise

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:46:53 GMT

On Thursday the 12th November Chloe Cheshire, Manton Tutor-Jackson, Rosie Sanky, Eloise Baker, Paige Harrison, Joe Wardle, Charlotte Amos, Brianna King and Claudia Bettson-Burdett attended a flute workshop held at Abbotsholme by a man named Steven from Flute Wise.� We did some 'interesting' warm ups and throat and breathing exercises.�...

Trio Atem Workshop

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:43:53 GMT

On Thursday afternoon the GCSE and A level music students were lucky to be able to spend the afternoon working with Trio Atem, a group of musicians who work on experimental music. This group specialised on making different sorts of sounds than the usual sounds with instruments. The music that was made was extremely different to anything...

Lunchtime Concerts

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:41:09 GMT

Lunchtime concerts are an excellent opportunity for students to practice playing their pieces in front of an audience, to prepare for exams or just for the pleasure of performing. My siblings and I often like to perform in these concerts, as Huxley says, 'I really enjoy singing and practicing the songs with my sisters. I am nervous at the...

Debating Competition at Walton High School

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:38:48 GMT

Now, although it may not be a sport, the amount of physical exertion taken out on the Abbotsholme 1st debating team is undeniable. At precisely 3:30 last Wednesday, Mrs. Davies, Will Hudson, Tristan Wilson, Candace Freeman and myself headed out to Walton High School. Once there we were informed that there had been a slight change of...

Debating Competition

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:36:24 GMT

When Ms. Davies asked Ben and I to take part in a debating competition, we had no idea the scale of what we were letting ourselves in for. We were proposing the motion 'We should increase taxes, rather than cut spending'. We planned our speeches individually (Ben's two weeks prior to the competition, mine two days) then read through the two...

Junior Department - Visit to Uttoxeter Fire Station

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:21:06 GMT

On Thursday morning, 26th November we went with Mrs Kuster, Mrs Gould and Mrs Burton to visit the Fire Station in Uttoxeter. Mrs Kuster dressed up in a Fireman's uniform, it was very heavy and we all put helmets on and suddenly the alarm went off and the fire engine and firemen had to rush off to a fire in a skip. We talked to...

Support our Forces

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:26:30 GMT

We were asked to wrap up a shoe box in Christmas paper and fill it with lots of goodies for all the soldiers who will be fighting in Afghanistan over Christmas. We put in deodorant, sweets, chocolate, biscuits, Christmas decorations and loads of other things that the soldiers might be missing while they are away from home. We took them in to...

Round Square Trip to India

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:25:09 GMT

This whole adventure all started when Robert and I arrived in Delhi, by this time we had been awake for 36 hours. Much to our amazement it was very hot compared to the climate we are used to in England.� To complete the day we arrived at the YMCA where we were greeted by the team.� This consisted of Indians, Scots, English and...

German School Visit

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:16:40 GMT

On Thursday 5th November some German students from the Hermann-Lietz-Schule in Hohenwehrda came over to Abbotsholme. We met up with them in the morning (unless they were staying at your house, in which case you were already with them!) They were with us to our lessons all day and were a pleasure to have. During the weekend the German...

Haiti Mufti Day & Round Square Conference

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:20:31 GMT

On January 21st we travelled down to Cobham hall for the round square heads and reps conference, here we discussed how round square operated within our school along with any problems and the ways in which we could tackle them. Pupil reps attended from all over England, Germany and Switzerland, ensuring that we had a broad range of different...

Abbotsholme Pupil Heads Down Under

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:18:17 GMT

Going to Australia is a rather long way and to be honest it kind of scared me.� The idea seemed simple, it was putting it into place that was the difficult part.� But needless to say after 24 hours of travelling I had finally set foot in Australia and had the great news that England were 3 wickets down on the opening morning for not very many...

Round Square Conference 2009

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:16:00 GMT

On a chilly October morning, a group of us got ready to go India! Our journey started off with a bus journey (the first of many)! We got to Delhi at about 7am and hardly any of us had slept! Having met the Westfield school from Newcastle the day before, our group had already grown and all pilled onto a bus with our marigold necklaces off to...

Go Karting

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:13:31 GMT

One Monday in February, Abbotsholme took two teams to Fast Lane Karting circuit in Stoke. The team consisted of Callum Bodger, Ben Miller and Keller McHenry in Team A. Team B consisted of Jack Sanderson, Will Walker and Jacob Bushell. After our practice we felt confident that we would do well in the race. The carts that we had practised in the...

Warhammer Games Day

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:11:55 GMT

Games Day 2009 was the latest gathering for fans of Games Day. We arrived at the NEC at 8 o'clock on Sunday morning and split into two groups; Lauren Timson, Emily Bradley, Will Mills and Raph Kennedy went and queued to get into the main hall while George Atherden, Jacob Palmer and Mr Kenyon went to the Golden Demon competition.� After waiting...

South African Exchange Visit to Abbotsholme

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:09:44 GMT

When I first walked through the front doors at Abbotsholme, I was very warmly welcomed by all the teachers dressed very smartly in suits. I was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and some flip flops, and a bit unshaven. At first I felt very nervous, but very quickly I realised how friendly the people here are. One of the things I've come to realise is...

Exchange Visit to Australia

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:07:43 GMT

In the summer holidays I went on exchange to Australia for six weeks. I stayed with Lance Lefbvre and his family in Bumbry, Western Australia on their sheep and beef farm.� I enjoyed staying on the farm because I got to use their motorbikes, but I had to get up early to help with de-tailing the lambs which was a good experience, but I didn't...

Hockey Tour - Girls Under 14's

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:46:59 GMT

On Friday 29th January a very excited U14 / U13 squad of hockey players left school heading for the Lake District. We had a great coach driver in John, who proved to be great fun throughout the whole weekend. Once on the coach we settled down to texting and talking. We were greatly amused by the adorable Ella B, games of eye spy, text the...

Snibston Science Discovery Park

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:21:36 GMT

On Monday, Years 5 and 6 went to Snibston Discovery Science Park. When we arrived there, we dropped off our bags and went around the Extraordinary Science exhibition. My favourite invention was a camera which took a picture of your shadow. I thought it was really cool! We also had a go at making fire and lifting a Mini car with a...

Intouch - Monday 25th January 2010

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:41:31 GMT

Intouch Monday 25 January 2010.pdf � Lunchtime Concert 28 January 2010.pdf � Abbotsholme Arts Society 27 January 2010.pdf

Intouch - Monday 1st February 2010

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:05:14 GMT

� Intouch Monday 1 February 2010.pdf

Intouch - Monday 8th February 2010

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:21:42 GMT

� Intouch Monday 8 February 2010.pdf

Chinese Dinner with Ashby Grammar School

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:31:07 GMT

In February, thirteen Abbotsholme pupils met up with seventeen pupils form Ashby Grammar School. All of the people went to Derby by minibus to the restaurant and we had dinner.� We had lemon chicken, pork and some dumplings.�There were�a hundred delicious dishes and you could order as much as you wanted. The food was wonderful . We had a...

Juniors Visit to Ford Green Hall

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:05:23 GMT

On Thursday 17th September we went to Ford Green Hall. We had loads of fun because it was all about Tudors. First we went outside to look at the wood patterns on the house they showed that the people were rich. The people who used to live there were called the Ford family. We went into a room where they ate and there was a fire where they could...

Junior Inter-House Music Competition 2010

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:17:22 GMT

In February, the Junior Department had their round of the Inter-House Music Competition. We began by singing the house hymn, 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. The second round was the solo round. Harvey Jones began by playing a violin piece called "Chinese Lanterns". Eventually it was our turn to perform and Tilly and I sang 'I'm yours' by...

Netball October 2009

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:27:28 GMT

On Sunday 11th of October Miss Bennett and Miss Bebbington took us to Manchester to see England playing Netball.�When we arrived we quickly tried to find our seats and watch the game. We decided to bring England Flags so we could cheer them on. England first played Jamaica but unfortunately England lost.� After England played Jamaica, New...

South Africa Rugby Tour 2009

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:46:48 GMT

Over the first two weeks of August the 'Abbotsholme Spartans' travelled to South Africa for a rugby tour.� Expecting high temperatures and hard rugby, we prepared ourselves with a day of hard training before departure. On arrival in South Africa we discovered that it was not as hot as we were hoping,� however, we still spent our first day in...

Bouldering

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:23:12 GMT

On Sunday at 10:00am Will Tranter, Alex Gray, Alina Koelbl and Victoria Dahmen set off for rock-climbing with Mr Stockton. The plan was to climb outside at Curbar, but when we arrived there was some rain in the air. We all completed a FONT 3 warm up, which forced us to think carefully about our footwork. Unfortunately the rain got heavier so...

Sweden - 2009

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:54:22 GMT

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh award is, in my opinion, one of the hardest things I have done.� It tested my body, my mental endurance and my friendships, all in�an attempt to better yourself and for an unbelievable experience. It was Monday morning, about 7:00 and the group (Simon, Josh, Laura, Kalvin and myself) started to slowly, very slowly...

School Play - Oliver

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:36:13 GMT

This year's production of Oliver Twist has been one of the most successful productions ever thanks to a mixture of fantastic cast and technical team.� Everyone thoroughly enjoyed putting together the show even though we were short for time.� There were some comical moments when Mr Bird got over-excited with the smoke machines.� There...

1st Hockey

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:26:07 GMT

Our first hockey season was eventful, to say the least.� One girl was taken to hospital by ambulance, another unable to move in the D without being smacked by a ball, but overall the season was positive. At the beginning of the season everybody was a bit rusty, no-one had played in 6 months and the U6th had never played alongside the Yr...

Sea Kayaking Weekend - September 2009

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:24:45 GMT

On 11th September 2009, seven�Abbotsholmains set off on a�long drive to Anglesey straight after tea. We arrived at Anglesey late that Friday night.� It was dark and�we had�a tricky time setting up for the night. �We then went straight to bed.� The next morning we woke at 7am and we were told to pack things for the night ahead in which we...

Climbing in Spain - October 2009

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:23:10 GMT

Waking up at 4 in the morning is not something that you want to do on a Friday but if it's for climbing then it is worth it. We drove from Abbotsholme school to East Midlands airport to catch a flight to Alicante in the south of Spain. Once there we sat next to the pool for a fair few hours while everyone else was in lessons, (a good feeling!)...

Pupils Build Foundations of 120 Anniversary Cairn

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:16:44 GMT

Abbotsholme School pupils have begun to collect stones in order to create a Cairn to become a focal point at the end of the avenue of trees at the front of the school. In conjunction with the school's 120th Anniversary celebrations next year, pupils and staff have been asked to bring stones from all corners of the world to place on the Cairn....

Pupils Enjoy Founders' Day

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:15:46 GMT

Abbotsholme School teachers and senior pupils gathered to celebrate Founder's Day at a sumptuous formal dinner. The annual event marks the date when Dr Cecil Reddie established the school in 1889. Guests arrived to a "champagne" reception where anecdotes and pictures were shared before taking their seats in the Dining Hall which was...

Pupils Answer Call for Clothes

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:13:55 GMT

Pupils have discovered that it is possible to provide cheap clothing for poorer nations in eastern European countries while at the same time raising money for the County Air Ambulance Service. European Textiles UK operates a clothes' recycling scheme which in turn provides an income for the Air Ambulance. Sixteen year old Simon Clark, a...

Relics from the Past Point Pupils to the Future

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:13:12 GMT

Pupils at Abbotsholme School, Rocester, are preparing to become Time Travellers to help to commemorate the school's 120th anniversary. The idea took shape after old exercise books and correspondence from the early 1900's came to light during the gutting of the School Library. The new Library, which is being completely redesigned and...

Pupils Beat the Freeze

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:10:51 GMT

Whoops of delight and screams of excitement were the order of the day at Abbotsholme during the worst of the snow, when the pupils who had managed to get into school sped their way down 'Toboggan Hill' on all types of sledges. Aided and abetted by the Headmaster, Steve Fairclough, a great number of the pupils were supervised during their...

Music Making hits the High Notes

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:07:59 GMT

The annual inter-house music competition was declared a hit at Abbotsholme School which involved pupils performing solos and ensembles from artists as diverse as Handel, Eric Clapton, The Kooks and Rogers & Hammerstein. Noise levels hit a high when the house choirs performed their own choice songs which included "We are the...

Pupils go for Gold

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:06:59 GMT

Five local sixth formers are awaiting an invitation to St James' Palace to collect their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. The pupils, all from Abbotsholme School, are very proud that they have managed to complete the award so early in their final year at school. There are several sections in the award which have to be completed, including a 50...

Pupils Show a True Christmas Spirit

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:05:53 GMT

� Digging trenches through the jungle for water pipes in the remote hills of Thailand is not a typical way of spending a Christmas holiday, but this is exactly what two generous-hearted pupils from Abbotsholme School did. They had decided that spending the Christmas period making a difference to other people's lives was an exciting...

Best Year Ever for Abbotsholme Students

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:04:08 GMT

Abbotsholme School's pass rate this year was 98% with no fewer than 62.2% A/B grades. Steve Fairclough, Headmaster, was delighted. 'I am thrilled with this year's results. We all remember how we felt on results day, that mix of anticipation and dread. As I watched our students take stock of their results this morning I was full of pride. Not...

Abbotsholme Adventurers Win Round Square Trophy

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:01:24 GMT

Abbotsholme School won the recent Round Square Adventure Race held over a weekend in North Wales in which eight teams from Round Square schools across the country competed. Abbotsholme entered two teams into the race, Team One won the competition and Team Two achieved fourth place. Winning team member, Molly Chattaway (14) from Leek...

Young Racers make an Electric Impact

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:07 GMT

Abbotsholme have done themselves proud again at the Greenpower Corporate Challenge held at Goodwood motor race circuit. This race was an innovation in that ten corporate cars were invited to compete against the fifteen school qualifiers from the 2007 national competition. This really added to the anticipation and the excitement of the event....

Sarah's Appointment at the Palace

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:48 GMT

Local girl, Sarah Howson, has just returned from St James' Palace where she received her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. The occasion was particularly special as a BBC documentary on Prince Philip was being made, and television crews were there to record the award ceremony. 'It was a really exciting day,' said Sarah (18) from Ashbourne. 'I...

Music Making Raises the Roof

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:55:20 GMT

The tiles of Abbotsholme's Chapel roof were recently in severe danger of flying off when they were hit by a deafening wall of sound produced by the combined forces of all of the pupils and teachers in a rendition of 'Hit the Road, Jack'. The occasion was the inter-house music competition, and the song was one of the compulsory items which each...

Youngsters Build for Kenya's Future

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:52:58 GMT

Two pupils and a teacher from Abbotsholme School have recently returned from a two-week service project undertaken in a remote part of Kenya. Their mission, as part of an international group of students drawn from the world-wide Round Square Association of Schools, was to build a science laboratory for Ilbissil Secondary School for Maasai...

Abbotsholme Wins Green Flag Status

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:51:52 GMT

Abbotsholme School has just achieved the highest accolade for environmental excellence which can be awarded by the nationally recognized Eco Schools' initiative. We have achieved excellence in six areas of environmental good practice: energy efficiency, water usage, grounds and living conditions, waste minimisation, healthy food and exercise...

A Dream Production

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:50:59 GMT

In Abbotsholme School's recent production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, a snow-white set transported the audience into a timeless world of love, madness and mayhem. David Bird, Head of Drama at the school and the play's director, started from the point of view that Shakespeare is thoroughly accessible to all but that it needs to be seen rather...

Toyah is given a nature lesson from children

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:50:01 GMT

As part of a planned BBC series on environmental issues to be broadcast next year, Toyah Willcox visited Abbotsholme School to film and to learn about the annual restocking of the river Dove with 150.000 young salmon. The salmon are hatched in Kielder Water and then brought down by the Trent River's Trust to be released into the Dove by the...

Abbotsholme School Welcomes Lord Stafford

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:43:00 GMT

Lord Stafford is to open two new facilities at Abbotsholme School. The first is the newly refurbished block for the Junior Department situated in the heart of the school, and the second is the exciting new Sixth Form boarding facility, which takes the form of a log-cabin village. 'The pupils are delighted with both these facilities and are...

Abbotsholme Sends Love to Australia

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:45:39 GMT

On Valentine's Day, the Abbotsholme Upper Sixth deliver carnations to pupils and staff. They wear formal dress and give each flower with a kiss as part of their fund raising activities. Steve Fairclough, Headmaster said, "This year the pupils decided to show the whole school a presentation of the devastation in Australia and that all the money...

Pupils Enjoy Scottish Mountain Biking Adventures

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:42:10 GMT

Eight pupils from Abbotsholme School travelled to Scotland's "Mountain biking Heaven" namely the "Seven Stanes" near Dumfries to practise their skills. The area is renowned for its network of bike trails with different features to test the most intrepid riders. Alan Witcomb, the expedition leader said, "I am very pleased with the levels of...

Successful Junior School Sports Tournament

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:32:13 GMT

Abbotsholme School hosted their first Under 11 tournament last weekend. Teams came from Abbotsholme, Edenhurst, Old Vicarage, Norbury, Stafford Grammar School and Smallwood Manor to play football and netball. The event was organised by Dina Bennett from Abbotsholme's PE department to promote sport for younger pupils. It was a good natured...

Life is Full of Ups and Downs

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:31:26 GMT

Abbotsholme was buzzing with 55 boys and girls, aged 11 - 12 who had travelled from Germany, France, Switzerland, Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom to participate in a conference titled, "Life is full of ups and downs". All of the schools belong to an organization called Round Square, which shares a common goal of empowering student...

Max Houghton U18 Golfer

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:30:36 GMT

Abbotsholme pupil, Max Houghton (16), has just returned from Spain where he competed successfully in the England U18 golf team in a tournament in Barcelona. He was the youngest on the team and won his singles medal games 6 and 5 and 7 and 5. Max explained, "My dad got me into the game and I started when I was two years old. I play off scratch...

Abbotsholme Win Prestigious Trophy

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:29:42 GMT

Abbotsholme School won the recent Round Square Adventure Race held over a weekend in the Lake District in which eight teams from Round Square schools across the country competed. Teams gathered from as far as Box Hill in Surrey, Gordonstoun in Scotland and Westfield in Newcastle. Each team, consisting of six members (at least two of each...

About the woodlands I will go.. by Jenny Richardson

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:15:51 GMT

Janus is a two-headed god. He is the one who gave his name to January, where we are now, and he's always shown facing backwards to the end of the old year and forwards to the new year at the same time. I suppose it's only because of the way that we write, left to right, but I always see him as looking backwards first, and that's what I'm going...

"Its a Knockout"

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:14:41 GMT

Chapel this morning was full of water, foam and frolics! We were fortunate to welcome into Chapel Mr Dave Billington who was representing the "Its a Knockout team" and will be working with us on Wednesday 6 April to hold our very own Abbotsholme "Its a Knockout" competition. From the short film we watched and his presentation it certainly...

100% Success Rate in Functional Skills

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:57:23 GMT

Eleven Year 10 students sat the first Functional Skills Examination in Mathematics during November. Functional Skills is a new examination available in Mathematics, English and ICT. The eleven students sat at the highest level, Level 2 and the results were published on Christmas Eve. I am delighted that all students passed...

1st Cricket v Derby Grammar - Wednesday 18 May 2011

Thu, 26 May 2011 14:13:57 GMT

The omens did not look good in the morning but, knowing that God likes to watch cricket at Abbotsholme we believed that the clouds would go and the threat of rain cease as the afternoon approached and the visitors from Derby arrived. Abbotsholme batted first, not due to the skill of skipper Will Hudson, but because of exam timetabling meaning...

1st Cricket v QEGS - Wednesday 11 May 2011

Thu, 12 May 2011 14:56:35 GMT

A changeable Wednesday afternoon saw the visit of QEGS 1st XI for Abbotsholme's first match of the season. Abbotsholmes 1st team squad had worked hard over the winter under the watchful and patient eye of Clive Jacobs and were eager to put right the disappointment of last season when they felt that they had underperformed. Skipper Will Hudson...

1st Cricket v Thomas Alleynes - Wednesday 25 May 2011

Thu, 26 May 2011 14:50:31 GMT

On an overcast afternoon the expectant Abbotsholme cricketers welcomed the visitors from Thomas Alleynes. The home side were eager to avenge the previous year's defeat and were confident that history could be re-written. Abbotsholme had first use of the track and got off to quiet start, with the first wicket falling in the 4th...

1st Netball v St Josephs College - Wednesday 19 January 2011

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:47:08 GMT

The 1st team girls were set to play a very challenging opposition in St Josephs college for their first match. The opposition are well known for being well drilled and experienced. Still, the 1st team were both excited and anxious about the prospect of playing such an established side. The squad has got strength and depth and it was a...

1st Team Football

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:59:30 GMT

What a final week of football for the 1st Team boys. Wednesday afternoon the team welcomed Thomas Alleynes and saw a fantastic match. The team had to have a slight re-shuffle due to the absence of Tristan Wilson in the centre of defence. The game kicked off and the Abbotsholme boys, who have usually been the second team to get going this season...

1st XI Hockey v Abbots Bromley - 22 September 2010

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:11:16 GMT

After a cheeky lunchtime practice to decipher penalty and long corner tactics, the 1st XI were eager to get into their first fixture of the term. The team combines a mixture of experienced 6th Form students; fresh blood in 6 Year 11's and a keen exchange student who together form a team with bundles of potential. The girls have been training...

1st XI Hockey v Thomas Alleynes - Wednesday 6th October

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:44:22 GMT

After a mid season break due to hikes the team were eager get their shin pads back on and get on the pitch. With a few key team members missing this week due to illness and the Thailand Round Square conference, a new team set up was adopted with some players trying out new playing positions. Tactics were discussed and objectives directed to...

1st XI Hockey v Wolves Grammar - Wednesday 3 November 2010

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:49:04 GMT

After the half term break, with some girls�having attended the Malta Rally Trip the team were eager to reunite and perform well on their home turf. The weather conditions were not perfect for field hockey; however, the 1st team was eager to play their only match of the season in front of a home crowd. The starting X1 were allocated their...

A day out at Chester Zoo

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:16:30 GMT

On Saturday 11 June, a bus full of Orchardites plus a few gate crashers headed up the road to play spot the relations! A day at Chester Zoo is always guaranteed to be a good day out, we were not going to let a sky full of black clouds dampen our spirits. Once we arrived we planned our meeting times and places by Coffee shops, to keep...

A lamb with a difference!

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:30:45 GMT

On the farm this week we have had a little lamb with a difference! This cute lamb was born 2 weeks premature, her mother is a Mule ewe and father is a Texel ram, I'm not sure what went wrong but she has floppy ears that fall over her face however she is a strong little lamb with a will to survive! The staff and children here on Abbotsholme...

A Level Results 2010

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:23:51 GMT

Abbotsholme pupils have exceeded expectations in their A Level achievements. Top student Julianne Sanner leaves to read medicine at Nottingham University received three A*, and two A grades. Steve Fairclough, Headmaster said 'I am very proud of my pupils, who will now reap the harvest of their school education. Although...

A Roman Adventure in Chester

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:57:00 GMT

Today we went to Chester with Mrs Seymour and Mrs Burton to find out about the Romans. We went on a march around Chester with shields and with two Roman soldiers to the amphitheatre where we found out about what fights used to happen there. The gladiators used to fight; bears, boars, lions, wolves and tigers . Sometimes the gladiators fought...

A Snow Detention - Poem by Harvey Jones

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:26:23 GMT

A snow detention The snow falls elegantly through the cold winter sky. The boy sat in the class room watching time go by. He imagined himself playing leaping, jumping, rolling and laughing. He started working, his hand darting line-to-line. The boy was in detention, he was in it all the time. He thought he was the class clown, but that was...

A Traditional Summer Gathering - 9-11 July 2010

Fri, 28 May 2010 09:53:08 GMT

Dear�Parents Further to a discussion at SMT, I have consulted with a selection of parents, Governors, pupils and staff and overwhelmingly their opinion of Summer Gathering is: Summer Gathering is a celebration of the whole year, as well as�a fitting goodbye to the 6th form leavers.� It provides an opportunity for parents...

A Wild Walk!

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:45:22 GMT

Wild Walk 2011 The main purpose of the Wild Walk is that we get wet and muddy. So we did! After parking at the base of Mam Tor, ten children from years five and six headed off into the clouds. It wasn't windy so the low temperatures didn't really bother us once we were moving. But during the morning the clouds were low and the...

Abbothsholme Menu wc Monday 28 March 2011

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:30:58 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 28 March 11.pdf

Abbotsholme 1st Team Football - Wednesday 16 March 2011

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:47:08 GMT

Wednesday 16 March saw another busy afternoon of football at Abbotsholme, with all three teams hosting Chellaston for the first ever football fixture between the two schools. The 1st team were without three of their regular squad members but the remaining boys played a superb match which turned out to be game of the season so far. The first...

Abbotsholme awarded 2nd Green Flag for Environmental Excellence

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:08:31 GMT

Abbotsholme is proud to have achieved its second Green Flag Award. This is our second award for Environmental Excellence, covering areas such as our dining experience, musical and artistic ambience, internal and external surroundings and our environmental impact. Well Done Everyone! To read�an article about our first award...

Abbotsholme Awards Chapel - Friday 8 April 2011

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:52:15 GMT

Awards Chapel - Friday 8 April 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Chapel - Thursday 18 November 2010

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:41:44 GMT

Anti Bullying Week Abbotsholme pupils and staff highlighted 'Anti Bullying Week' in a thought provoking Chapel. Please take a look at this excellent link - http://www.vimeo.com/7704547

Abbotsholme Christmas Bazaar

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:52:56 GMT

Abbotsholme recently held its very first annual Christmas Bazaar, which was a roaring success! With over 20 stalls, selling all manor of gifts and wares, ranging from delicious cakes and other delicacies, to Joules clothing, candles, cushions, jewellery and even gifts for pets! There was something for everyone. The Abbotsholme...

Abbotsholme Cricket Festival - Summer 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:58:18 GMT

Day One - All day game against Ewel Castle Someone 'up there' must love his/her cricket because, yet again, the weather, the surroundings and the teams were set fair for an enthralling contest.� Our usual and much valued guests had arrived the previous evening�after a long journey�from London.� They have a younger yet no less skilled team...

Abbotsholme Farm Tractor

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:28:11 GMT

The Ford tractor which Abbotsholme School owned was 25 years old and did not comply with Health & Safety regulations, it has been part exchanged for a more up to date tractor.�Farm manager Bridget Jackson sourced the Massey Ferguson tractor from Barry Wilson, sales representative for Startin Tractors Limited. The tractor is well suited to...

Abbotsholme Football - Wednesday 2 March 2011

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:37:26 GMT

Wednesday 2 March saw the first game back after half term for the Abbotsholme football team. A clear, still afternoon saw superb conditions for Abbotsholme to host three home fixtures. The 1st Team faced the return fixture of Concord College. The game started in much similar fashion to the away fixture, with Abbotsholme taking the lead in...

Abbotsholme Football - Wednesday 26 January 2011

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:54:19 GMT

U15 Football v Denstone College We started strongly, putting passes together and moving the ball out wide to either Keller McHenry or Jeremy Clark to cross. After only five minutes Dmitriy Vladimirov timed his run perfectly, connecting with a cross from out wide to have a good effort at goal parried by the keeper, Jeremy Clark...

Abbotsholme Football v Royal Wolves - Wednesday 19 January 2011

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:53:29 GMT

U13 Football v Royal Wolves On the brightest day of the year so far the mighty young Paduans of Abbotsholme travelled to Wolverhampton for their first game of the season. Having only had one and a half practice sessions they started the game wondering how things would turn out. Dressed in green they started the game full of running and...

Abbotsholme Football v Stafford Grammar - 9 February 2011

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:41:23 GMT

1st Team Abbotsholme 1st team made the short journey to Stafford Grammar to face a team that gave them a 6-0 thrashing last year. The start of the game did not go to plan as Abbotsholme stepped back and allowed Stafford too much time on the ball, which saw a good strike from 18 yards put Stafford in control early on. An unfortunate...

Abbotsholme Hockey - Wednesday 20 October 2010

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:19:14 GMT

Both the 1st XI and the U13/14 XI travelled to Cannock Hockey Club for their games this week, where they played against Chase Academy. The main objective of the day was to ensure positive communication across the pitch, due to the re-introduction of the Thailand delegates. Also to improve on our attacking play from last week including...

Abbotsholme in the Press! Outdoor Education Takes Pride of Place

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:32:26 GMT

We are very pleased to be featured in this weeks Uttoxeter Advertiser. Last week reporters from the local publication visited our Junior School children during their annual camp, and seemed to be very impressed with what they saw! It is a long tradition at Abbotsholme that every year, all our pupils, and many staff undertake annual...

Abbotsholme 'in touch' - Monday 13 Sep 2010

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:49:22 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Mon 13 September 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme 'in touch' - Monday 21 June 2010

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:43:04 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 21 June 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme 'in touch' - Monday 5 July 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:25:39 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 5 July 2010 - 2.pdf

Abbotsholme 'in touch' - Tuesday 14 June 2011

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:06:39 GMT

326Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 14 June 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme 'intouch' - Wednesday 8 September 2010

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:53:04 GMT

Abbotsholme 'intouch' - Wednesday 8 September 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Masterchef Competition

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:35:57 GMT

The first Abbotsholme Masterchef competition was won by Mr Wainwright and Mrs Fairclough with their signature dishes of Antipasti with Roasted Figs, presented on salami arranged in the form of the Abbotsholme Star, and Seafood Thai Curry.�Mrs Fairclough, as a vegetarian, insisted on a Vegetable and Feta Cheese Curry as an alternative.� The...

Abbotsholme Menu - wc 14 Jun 2010

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:58:23 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 14-06-2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu - wc 28 June 2010

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:39:25 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 28-06-2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu - wc 7 March 2011

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:22:10 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 7 March 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 21 March 2011

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:05:21 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 21 March 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 23 May 2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 16:33:59 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 23 May 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu - wc Monday 28 February 2011

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 11:38:11 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 28 February 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu - Week Commencing 17th May 2010

Thu, 20 May 2010 16:19:28 GMT

Each week we will publish the latest week's menu please click on the link below to view: Abbotsholme Menu wc 17-05-2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu - Week Commencing 24th May 2010

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:12:35 GMT

Please click on the link below to see next weeks menu at Abbotsholme: Abbotsholme Menu wc 24-05-2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 1 November 2010

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:06:03 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 1 November 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 11 October 2010

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:43:11 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 11 October 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 13 December 2010

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:10:10 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 13 December 2010.pdf Abbotsholme Menu wc 13 December 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 14 February 2011

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:39:30 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 14 February 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 16 May 2011

Fri, 13 May 2011 16:39:39 GMT

http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/write/14Abbotsholme Menu wc 16 May 2011.pdf??

Abbotsholme Menu wc 17 January 2011

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:04:28 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 17 January 2011

Abbotsholme Menu wc 18 October 2010

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:40:19 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 18 October 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 20 September 2010

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:50:42 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 20 September 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 21 June 2010

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:53:45 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 21-06-2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 22 November 2010

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:02:09 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 22 November 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 27 September 2010

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:14:32 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 27 September 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 29 November 2010

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:48:33 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 29 November 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 31 January 2011

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:51:59 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 31 January 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 4 October 2010

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:27:32 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 4 October 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 5 July 2010

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 10:48:13 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 5 July 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 6 December 2010

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:27:12 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 6 December 2010

Abbotsholme Menu wc 6 June 2011

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:15:08 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 6 June 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 6 September 2010

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:32:18 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 6 September 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 8 November 2010

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:28:14 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 8 November 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc 9 May 2011

Fri, 06 May 2011 14:16:41 GMT

?Click here for this weeks Abbotsholme Menu

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 13 June 2011

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:30:44 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 13 June 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 14 March 2011

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:57:33 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 14 March 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 15 November 2010

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 16:57:17 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 15 November 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Menu wc Monday 7 February 2011

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:03:19 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 7 February 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Menus wc 4 April 2011

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:05:01 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 4 April 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Netball - 10 February 2011

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:11:39 GMT

The girls had a very busy afternoon with 6 teams out and about at various opposing schools. It was a very exciting day for many of junior girls who had their very first match. The U11 team played a hard game against a lovely team from The Elms. Once the nerves disappeared there was some lovely passes up and down the court from both teams. Goals...

Abbotsholme Netball - Wednesday 16 March 2011

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:54:19 GMT

The 1st team played SIGS at home. The girls decided to change the venue slightly and opted to play outside. The opposition were a very strong, well drilled side and took the game right from the beginning with excellent play across the court. Abbotsholme struggled to gain any momentum and found it difficult to keep their chins up. Diligently...

Abbotsholme Netball - Wednesday 2 February 2010

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:26:44 GMT

Abbotsholmes 1st, U15 & U13 teams took on Denstone today. After a slightly unsettled start due to the opposition arriving an hour early, the 1st team warmed up well and were ready for the challenge ahead. Objectives were set and the team were determined to obtain their targets. The first quarter was hard fought, every player giving...

Abbotsholme Netball - Wednesday 2 March 2011

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:40:22 GMT

On Wednesday 2 March, Four Abbotsholme Netball teams ventured off site to play against opposition. The U15 were the closest to home, they travelled over to Denstone College where they played a really enjoyable game. The final score was 22 to Denstone 11 to Abbotsholme, however this didn not really reflect the game. Well played to all the...

Abbotsholme Netball - Wednesday 26 January 2011

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:24:30 GMT

Five Netball teams took to the courts this afternoon. Our U12 team travelled to Smallwood Manor for their first game of the season. As always when we play at Smallwood, the game was played as a training match. Both teams working on specific things but against friendly opposition. The game was highly beneficial to both sides and the two...

Abbotsholme Netball - Wednesday 9 March 2011

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:16:49 GMT

After having time to fully prepare for the home fixture the 1st Team were both psychologically and physically ready for the game. This was demonstrated significantly within the first 2 minutes of the game, as the team stormed to a 3-0 lead. I am not sure whether it was shock or fatigue, that then hit the starting seven as we then went...

Abbotsholme now on National Television

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:11:56 GMT

BBC Breakfast have said that they will broadcast an article about Abbotsholme tomorrow morning between 7.00am and 10.00am. Worth giving up a lie in for!

Abbotsholme on Facebook & Twitter

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:14:12 GMT

Abbotsholme School is open for business as usual. Most teachers have made it in today to teach their lessons. There will be time for study, sledging and snowballing. Abbotsholme is a superb place to learn. You can now follow the Headmaster on Facebook or Twitter: Facebook Search for steve.fairclough@abbotsholme.co.uk and add as a...

Abbotsholme on the BBC

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:43:23 GMT

If you would like to watch a short video about Abbotsholme from the BBC last night then please click on the link below: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10444059.stm

Abbotsholme on the BBC tonight...

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:43:13 GMT

Everyone, Just a short note to let you know that Abbotsholme is likely to be�featured on BBC West Midlands news tonight between 6.30pm and 7.00pm.

Abbotsholme Open Evening 13 May 2010

Mon, 17 May 2010 14:15:57 GMT

Abbotsholme enjoyed a successful and busy Open Evening last night.� Prospective parents and pupils who visited experienced a personal tour of the school and facilities, and the chance to see many activities and displays, before being able to chat to current parents, staff and pupils over a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Admissions...

Abbotsholme Parents' Association Pig Race - Friday 24 September 2010

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:03:18 GMT

APA Pig Race Evening - 12 Aug 2010.docx

Abbotsholme Parents Association Pig Racing - Friday 24 September 2010

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:40:48 GMT

The APA Pig Racing evening was an outstanding success, good old-fashioned fun for friends and family. �The APA Committee is a great support to Abbotsholme, organising many social fund raising events which are always successful, always fun. For further details of APA events please contact any of the committee via the following�link...

Abbotsholme Parents' Association Summer Ball

Thu, 06 May 2010 10:32:14 GMT

Abbotsholme Photography Competition 2010

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:49:49 GMT

We�received a�huge number of entries for our Photography Competition. Here are the�top ten photographs. The final result will be announced at the end of term.

Abbotsholme Pupils at Round Square Conference in Thailand

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:44:32 GMT

Matt Fletcher, Lucy Darling, James Mitchell, Rachel Waring, Josh Wirz, Alex Kuster and �Mrs Kuster are representing Abbotsholme as delegates �at the international Round Square conference in Thailand. Read below the report from Abbotsholmes's own international correspondent�. �WOW! What an experience so far - it seems like we have been here...

Abbotsholme Pupils Coached by Superstar

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:04:04 GMT

Abbotsholme Sports Development Programme has been launched and is in full flight. The scheme is to enable us to offer high quality coaching through a wide range of sports to a large number of Abbotsholme pupils, but also to encourage selected players from neighbouring schools to become involved with the scheme. The main advantages for our...

Abbotsholme Pupils Visit the Theatre of Dreams

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:55:25 GMT

Thirty Abbotsholmians went to Old Trafford last night to see Manchester United play Aston Villa and Wayne Rooney returning to form. A fantastic trip organised by Mr John Meredith who tells me that the title is "done and dusted , United were brilliant!"

Abbotsholme Rugby

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:02:20 GMT

Wednesday 17 November 2010 saw the U15 and U13 Rugby teams travel to Chellaston for their return fixture of the season.� �With Alex Christie, James Hudson & Jack Nunn out, the U15's struggled to even put a team together, however�the squad played well, especially the pack. At half time the score was 10-7 to Chellaston with Ed Hames...

Abbotsholme Rugby - Wednesday 13 October 2010

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 11:38:42 GMT

Abbotsholme 1st XV travelled to QEGS for their second game of the season. It proved to be a very tough match requiring grit and determination from the boys to come out with a 10-7 win. Tries were scored by Michael Wells and Felix Prince, with 'Man of the Match' going to Will Hudson. Abbotsholme under 15's travelled to Ashbourne for the�second...

Abbotsholme Rugby - Wednesday 24 November 2010

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:13:11 GMT

Wednesday 24 November 2010�saw another full fixture list for Abbotsholme Rugby with all games being played at home. The 1st XV had a tough fixture against a useful Dixie Grammar team that were physically more powerful and managed to put 17 points on Abbotsholme without reply in the team's poorest performance of the season. Man of the Match...

Abbotsholme Rugby - Wednesday 3 November 2010

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:53:00 GMT

The�1st�XV had an impressive win against Stafford Grammar School. An excellent try by Felix Prince and good goal kicking by Greg Elmes was the difference between the sides. The U15 also won continuing with their excellent season.

Abbotsholme Rugby - Wednesday 6 October 2010

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:39:45 GMT

Wednesday 6 October saw a fantastic afternoon of sport for Abbotsholme Rugby.�The 1st XV had their opening match of the season at home to Thomas Alleynes, the game was controlled from�the�kick off with good support runs and strong tackling. A penalty from Felix Prince and a strong run from Kieran Allen to get himself over the try line gave...

Abbotsholme School - Internet Hardware Failure - 5 January 2011

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:20:04 GMT

Due to hardware failure we are without External Email and Internet Access. Should you need to contact school please telephone on 01889 590217. We are currently waiting for new hardware to be installed and thank you for your understanding.

Abbotsholme School Internet - Normal Service Restored - 7 January 2010

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:34:59 GMT

We would like to confirm that our External Email and Internet Access has now been restored.

Abbotsholme School is Open.

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:33:06 GMT

Abbotsholme School is open today. Possibly the only school in Derbyshire to do so! Whilst a revised academic program is being delivered the school is giving the students the opportunity to experience some time in the snow. As Head Teacher Steve Fairclough explains, "These are times when even Abbotsholme excels itself. We are open and teaching...

Abbotsholme School Lunchtime Concert - Monday 15 November 2010

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:01:53 GMT

The Abbotsholme Lunchtime Concert�which took place on Monday 15 November 2010 featured pupils from Year 4 through to Upper�Sixth and also several members of staff. Many thanks and congratulations to all the musicians. It was an excellent occasion and thoroughly enjoyable. Tim Moon Lunchtime Concert - 15 Nov 2010.docx

Abbotsholme School Menu - Week Commencing 10 January 2011

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:27:48 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 10 Jan 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme 'School of Rock' - Friday 18 June 2010

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:25:29 GMT

Abbotsholme held its third 'School of Rock' festival last weekend.� Pupil bands (and the obligatory staff band) performed in front of a huge audience of fellow pupils, Governors, Old Abbotsholmians, parents, friends, and school staff, and produced a fabulous evening.�The parents association provided a barbeque and refreshments on the front lawn...

Abbotsholme School Photograph

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:44:43 GMT

The Abbotsholme School Photograph is now available to order on-line from The School Photograph Company. Please log on to www.tspc-shop.co.uk/groups using the username and password below and follow the instructions. Ordering is simple and there is a 'zoom in' facility on the website. User...

Abbotsholme School Wins Top Catering Award

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:04:09 GMT

A school in Rocester near Uttoxeter is celebrating the receipt of an award in recognition of the excellence of its Catering Department. Abbotsholme School received a Bronze 'Continuous Advancement Programme' or CAP award in November from independent assessors of the CAP Award Programme. CAP awards are presented only to departments who...

Abbotsholme Site Plan - New for 2010-11

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:32:31 GMT

Our new site plan is here. To download the site plan please click on the link below: Abbotsholme Site Plan 2010 (Colour).pdf

Abbotsholme Summer Ball - Saturday 2 July 2011

Wed, 25 May 2011 09:25:42 GMT

Summer Ball 2011 Flyer.pdf Summer Ball 2011 Ticket Application.pdf We understand that as an Abbotsholme parent you may not have had the chance to meet many of your children's friend's parents. Either because they board, travel on the bus or even just because you are doing a rush drop off and pick up every day. This event is a great way to meet...

Abbotsholme Theatre Company presents "Arabian Nights"

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:41:54 GMT

Arabian Nights.pdf

Abbotsholme Visit to the World Rally Championships in Mid Wales

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:06:12 GMT

On Saturday 13 November 2010,�Mr�& Mrs Stockton and seven students met at the Abbotsholme Car Park at 5.20am, with the aim of reaching Radnor Forest for Special Stage 8 in the World Rally Championship. � It takes a huge amount of skill to control a 300 brake horse power rally car through the twisting forest stages over highly variable...

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 1 November 2010

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:47:58 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 1 Nov 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 11 October 2010

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:49:15 GMT

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 11 October 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 13 December 2010

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:41:35 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 13 December 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 15 November 2010

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:45:20 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 15 November 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 17 January 2011

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:56:04 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 17 January 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 20 September 2010

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:52:08 GMT

Abbotsholme 'in touch' - Mon 20 September 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 22 November 2010

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:44:47 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 22 November 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 24 January 2011

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:27:30 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 24 January 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 27 September 2010

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:28:39 GMT

Abbotsholme 'intouch' - Mon 27 September 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 29 November 2010

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:43:50 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 29 Nov 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 4 October 2010

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:16:58 GMT

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Mon 4 October 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 6 December 2010

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:43:19 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 6 December 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 8 November 2010

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:46:21 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 8 Nov 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 1 February 2011

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:06:19 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 1 Feb 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 10 May 2011

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:03:37 GMT

http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/write/Documents/Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 10 May 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 11 January 2011

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:59:38 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 11 January 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 15 February 2011

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:14:35 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 15 Feb 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 15 March 2010

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:38:14 GMT

APA News Spring 2011.pdf Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 15 Mar 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 17 May 2011

Tue, 17 May 2011 14:09:59 GMT

http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/write/Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 17 May 11.pdf http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/write/APA - Summer Ball Flyer 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 22 March 2011

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:28:56 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 22 Mar 11.pdf Caribean Night Flyer.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 24 May 2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:12:55 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 24 May 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 29 March 2011

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:53:13 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 29 Mar 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 5 April 2011

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:13:24 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 5 April 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 7 June 2011

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:09:49 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 7 June 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 8 February 2011

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:30:21 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 8 February 2011.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 8 March 2011

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:58:15 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 8 Mar 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Wednesday 18 October 2010

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:52:17 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Monday 18 October 2010.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' - Wednesday 4 May 2011

Wed, 04 May 2011 16:08:04 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Wednesday 4 May 11.pdf

Abbotsholme Weekly 'in touch' Tuesday 1 March 2011

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:01:16 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' - Tuesday 1 March 11.pdf

Abbotsholme 'Well Dressing' - 7 July 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:15:10 GMT

Abbotsholme held a Well Dressing Service today, where Reverand Jane Leigh blessed the Abbotsholme Well. Lynda Herbert designed and made the Well Dressing on the theme of Alfred Lord Tennysons Memoriam words �"Men may rise on Stepping Stones".

Abbotsholme's Election

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:32:11 GMT

To coincide with the General Election, Abbotsholme School has held a mock election. 6th form pupils have volunteered to represent the three main parties and the whole school will be voting, on the same day as the actual polling day. The candidates have been producing posters and canvassing for support already, but the main event will be a...

Abbotsholmian 2010

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:07:25 GMT

The Abbotsholmian 2010 is now available to download.� Please click the link below or to save a copy to your PC, right click the link and select, save as.

Alevel Design Students Visit Perkins Engines

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:03:11 GMT

Eight Alevel design students, Chris Brown, James Porter, Alex Wilford, Greg Roberts, Donald Shaw, Will Tranter, Alex Mason and Ton Harrison visited Perkins Diesel Engines at Stafford. They had a tour of the factory to see industrial production techniques which are being studied as part of their course. We visited the design office where...

Alevel Design Visit to the Design Museum, London

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:22:27 GMT

On Monday 13 June, four Alevel design students travelled to London to visit the Design Museum. This was to allow them to see exemplar design work produced by graduates and professional designers. There were some superb examples of design thinking with practical and interactive displays. This has given them inspiration for their A2 project work...

All change! New for 2011

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:35:14 GMT

Over the Christmas period the Junior School has seen some changes. The coat and bag room have been completely renovated and now have purpose built storage units, benches and peg units. A new doorway gives access directly through into the junior school. Perfect for these cold wet and windy months! The old blue paint work is no more, replaced...

Almost Made It!

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:08:23 GMT

The Royal Academy Summer Show in London is an annual art exhibition that stretches back over hundreds of years.� Every year it allows professional and amateur artists to submit their art to a jury for selection.� This year there were over 13,000 entries. Katie Edwards and Mr Rattigan (Year 25) both had a piece of their art shortlisted.�...

An Evening Of Music

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:22:00 GMT

Thursday 29th March the Abbotsholme Chapel was the venue for the junior school evening of music. This much looked forward to annual event was every bit a success. All the pupils within the junior school actively participate whether in the school choir, playing an instrument or singing a solo. Parents, grandparents, family and friends gathered...

An Evening with James Mitchell

Fri, 13 May 2011 14:52:49 GMT

James Mitchell is an immensely talented singer songwriter. Last night he performed a wide range of his pieces and talked about his musical journey at Abbotsholme. The concert was recorded professionally and CDs will be available. Many prominent musicians were in the audience, the reviews were as follows "James' showed maturity and...

And the snow keeps coming!

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:17:22 GMT

What a morning!! After a night of continuing snow fall Abbotsholme awoke to a magical winter scene. The boarders, after having a hearty breakfast, took a few minutes to enjoy the snow before starting their lessons. Yes Abbotsholme continued to stay open. The school intends today to operate an academic program in the morning followed by...

Anglesey Adventure - 11 - 13 June 2010

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:43:33 GMT

On Friday the 11 June 2010 a group of Year�9 pupils set off to Anglesey for a weekend of adventure. They arrived at camp shortly after 9.30pm, set up their tents and got their head down in preparation for a long day. Thankfully the sky was clear and the sun was shining on Saturday morning, so the group set off to the coast. When the pupils...

Animals Arrive At Abbotsholme!

Wed, 11 May 2011 16:30:24 GMT

Abbotsholme is now home to some new arrivals in the junior school! Over the last few months the junior school has gone through 'a bit of a transformation!' Those of you who have already seen the outdoor improvements will have noticed the animal pens at the end of the junior field. The first of our arrivals over the weekend were Tilly and...

Annual Visitors From the South

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:52:58 GMT

Bishop Stortford College are with us on their annual visit from the Deep South! Year 8 pupils from the Headmasters former school camp on the school fields and use the facilities for 2 nights. This is the treat that they all look forward to after sitting their common entrants exams. They have a day walking and trekking and one day up at...

Another fun Weekend in Orchard

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:27:17 GMT

Saturday morning a group of us decided we needed a change from Uttoxeter for our weekly retail therapy trip, so we headed off to see what excitement Burton had in store for us. After deciding on our best meeting point, coffee shop, we all went about our therapy in our own special way. Princess went off to Primark, closely followed by her little...

APA - Pig Race Evening - Friday 24 September 2010

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:56:33 GMT

The APA will be selling tickets for the upcoming Pig Racing Evening in the Junior Department on Thursday & Friday morning and weather permitting in the carpark on Friday evening this week. Admission for the evening is by ticket only so please come and find us in the junior department, carpark or reception. Tickets cost £5...

APA Notice - Second hand Uniform & Kit

Thu, 06 May 2010 10:45:18 GMT

Second hand Uniform�& Kit If any parents have any uniform, OEd kit or riding gear that their children have grown out of, the APA would be delighted to take it off your hands. Please bring any 'recyclable' clothing, boots etc to reception, addressed to Sarah Green - APA. There will be a sale of second hand uniform and OEd kit on...

APA Summer Ball

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:50:31 GMT

The Summer Ball held on Saturday 3rd July was a great success.� 190 guests enjoyed fine food, congenial conversation and dangerous (!) dancing.� Abbotsholme would like to thank the APA for all of the hard work that went into organising this very special event.� A list of patrons who helped to support this event is shown below: Ace Sports...

Arabian Nights

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:43:34 GMT

Last week saw this year's Abbotsholme Theatre Company school production of Dominic Cook's Arabian Nights. After a long term of very hard work, the performance was a huge success, thoroughly enjoyed by the audiences and cast alike. It was a fun, light-hearted and colourful production, which let the students really use their imaginations and put...

Arabian Nights - Opening Night!

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:46:38 GMT

Arabian Nights - Opening Night I would like to remind you that tickets are available for this year's School Production of Arabian Nights. The performances are on Thursday 9 December @ 7.30pm Friday 10 December @ 7.30pm Saturday 11 December @ 2.00pm Saturday 11 December @ 7.30pm This production is set to be an...

Arkwright's Open All Hours at Abbotsholme!

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:29:42 GMT

Arkwrights Summer Holidays at Abbotsholme! Abbotsholme school’s enquiry office is ‘Open All Hours.’ We have limited spaces for September 2011. If you are interested in our school please do not hesitate to contact Jessica Ash our Admissions Coordinator on 01889 594 265. Alternatively you can contact us via...

Assistant Head Vacancy at Abbotsholme

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:05:00 GMT

A vacancy has arisen for the position of Full Time Assistant Head (responsible for academic staff development). Please click on the link below to view the Vacancies section of the website: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies The advertisment for this position can be accessed by clicking on the following...

Barnfield Theatre Trip "Jesus Christ Superstar" - Saturday 20 November 2010

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:48:01 GMT

On the evening of Saturday 20 November, Barnfield Boarding House travelled to Stoke to see�an amateur production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' produced by Stage Productions, The Regent Theatre. The storyline, that of the final week on earth of Jesus is one of the most familiar in the world but through staging and innovative direction in this...

Basketball Finals - NEC Birmingham

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:02:50 GMT

On Sunday 17 January 2011 a small group of pupils set out to see the Basketball Cup Final at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. The event saw a warm up match between England and Wales which England comfortably won. There was then some fantastic entertainment as some of the best players in the league competed in a Slam Dunk competition....

Battlefields of Flanders - 22-23 May 2010

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:21:28 GMT

Day 1 - On the 22 May 2010 Year 8, some Year 10 and 12s, 3 members of staff, a Gappie and an exchange student set of early to visit the Battlefields of Flanders. An early morning ferry got us to Belgium in time for lunch at Hill 62, otherwise known as Sanctuary Wood. On the way we had visited the grave of Noel Chevasse, a double Victoria...

Boarders Basketball - Sat 6 November 2010

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:05:28 GMT

A team of 10 Abbotsholme boarders, with�five keen supporters, travelled to Ashby de la Zouch today to play in an invitation challenge basketball match against the international boarders of School House.�Captained by Tsz Fai Tong, the starting�five confidently took the first basket to lead.�Great Abbotsholme defence, especially the inexhaustible...

Boarders day out at Alton Towers

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:07:19 GMT

On Sunday 12 September 2010, 45 boarders were able to enjoy a fantastic day at Alton Towers. The sunny weather meant that thousands of other adrenalin seeking people decided to join our excited group. At least 20 of the boarders had never been to Alton before and they thought Oblivion and Air were two of the best rides. There was mixed...

Boarders Ice Skating - Sunday 5 December 2010

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:55:34 GMT

On Sunday 5 December a number of intrepid explorers braved the arctic conditions to go Ice Skating? What began as an Orchard trip ended up being an outing for the "St. Orchard Clowns". Once we had managed to defrost the mini bus doors, we set off gingerly down to Trentham gardens. The Christmas atmosphere was there for us to absorb, a set of...

Boarders London Trip - February 2011

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:24:33 GMT

This year the Houseparents decided to introduce a surprise event to the annual full boarders trip to London. It is traditional for our pupils to participate in an Abbotsholme Boarding Event on the Saturday morning, after arrival in London the previous Friday night. There were several attempts to guess the secret occasion but no one was able to...

Boarders Paintballing - Sunday 21 November 2010

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:54:38 GMT

One of the traditional annual events for Boarders is a day out in the woods, pelting each other with brightly coloured paintballs. The 37 boarders accompanied by an enthusiastic Joe, made an early start on Sunday, over to Kegworth, where they played�five matches of two rounds within each game. The Purple team lead by�Sixth Formers, Kieran...

Boarders Quiz Night - Thursday 2 December 2010

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:14:15 GMT

Thursday 2 December saw the 1st round of the Flaxfield v Orchard quiz night. With pencils at the ready quiz master Mr Witcomb began. After the first couple of rounds it was clear that the girls needed to up their game if they were going to stand the test of time against the boys. The boys quickly moved into a convincing lead after both...

British Schools Karting Championship - Monday 24 January 2011

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:40:13 GMT

Callum and Aaron Bodger, Will Walker, Keller McHenry, Tom Bird and Ben Miller travelled to Fast Lane Karting in Stoke-on-Trent for the first round of the British Schools Karting Championship. This weeks event was a familiarisation of the circuit and getting use to the more powerful karts. The boys were split into two teams and then given 25...

British Schools Karting Championship Success

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:16:17 GMT

Two teams raced on Monday night at the British Schools Karting Championship held at Fast Lane Karting, Stoke on Trent. The competition was intense and fierce with all four teams entered battling for race wins. Four drivers entered each heat with six races deciding the overall winners. Abbotsholme team A managed a creditable second place and...

British Wildlife Rescue Centre Visits Abbotsholme

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:37:49 GMT

Today Abbotsholme School held a mufti day in aid of The British Wildlife Rescue Centre, based at Amerton Farm. The centre's main aim is to rescue, rehabilitate and release back to the wild the animals that come into them, however due to the nature of some of their injuries this is not always possible. These and other animals that were bred...

Burns Night

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 08:49:38 GMT

Abbotsholme Parents' Association organised a highly entertaining and successful Burns Night at Abbotsholme School on Saturday 22 January 2011. Parents and friends of the school came to listen to and celebrate the work and life of Robbie Burns. Bill Melrose, a visiting Scott and friend of Abbotsholme was Master of Ceremony and the haggis...

Bursary Applications for 2011-2012 - Reminder

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:07:51 GMT

Business Competition - Thursday 17 February 2011

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:14:32 GMT

This week, a team of six Abbotsholmians, Ben Hall, Freddie Jackson, Jake Pryszlak, Sarah Glynn, Kervin Chan and Freddie Skitt, went to Nottingham University Business School to take part in a business competition organised by the accountancy institute ICAEW. The BASE competition (Business, Accounting and Skills Education) involved analysing a...

Business Studies' Visits

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:53:51 GMT

The Upper 6th Form Business Studies group had an extended visit to the headquarters of Games Workshop p.l.c., in Nottingham, last week. The group had presentations from GW staff, including Mark Wells, the Chief Executive, and enjoyed a tour of the production and distribution facilities. The visit was closely focused on curriculum needs, with...

Camping with the Infants

Fri, 27 May 2011 09:26:15 GMT

It's camp time again at Abbotsholme! Mrs Burton and Mrs Gould took years 3-2-1 and Reception down onto the school playing fields to set up their tents. Everybody gets involved and the youngest do their best to put the right pole in the right place. Once they had completed this first task they then went on what the children described as 'a...

Camps Kit List and Kit Checks - June-July 2011

Thu, 26 May 2011 09:00:13 GMT

Years 7, 8, 9, 10 & Lower Sixth Kit Lists for Camps 2011 Lower Sixth Kit List - Camps 2011 (Boys).pdf Year 7 Kit List - Camps 2011.pdf Year 10 Kit List - Camps 2011.pdf Year 9 Kit List - Camps 2011 (Boys).pdf Year 8 Kit List - Camps 2011.pdf

Carbon Neutral!

Fri, 20 May 2011 10:24:15 GMT

A group of year 8 mathematicians here at Abbotsholme have been finding out if it is possible for the school to become carbon neutral. Led by the school headmaster Mr Fairclough they set about measuring the school grounds! Using trundle wheels they walked the perimeter of the estate including the woodland. They then had to calculate...

Carol Service - Friday 17 December 2010

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:35:44 GMT

Abbotsholme Christmas term finished on Friday with a Carol Service held in the School's Chapel. The Headmaster welcomed parents, old Abbotsholmians and old friends. "This is a joyous time, a time for reflection, a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Look around this beautiful place and see the smiles of Children on adult faces...

Catering Department - CAP Programme

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:28:55 GMT

To recognise the Catering Department's standards of service delivery, operational best practices and legal obligations, it was decided to enter the Continual Advancement Programme (CAP) which many schools and colleges are taking part in. The department was assessed on Tuesday 9 November 2010�and we are pleased to announce that we have been...

Cedarholme & St Vincent's Boarding House Trip to the Motor Heritage Centre, Gaydon

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:22:51 GMT

On Saturday 26 March eleven pupils set off to visit the Motor Heritage Centre at Gaydon. The centre is a collection of motor vehicles which are a reflection of the British Motor Industry. Some of the cars dated back to the early days when cars were first invented, up to the most modern Aston Martin's of today and cars from the movies. We also...

Cedarholme and St Vincent's go on a Swashbuckling Adventure!

Mon, 23 May 2011 13:27:05 GMT

Ceadrholme and St Vincent's boarding houses with a few friends from Orchard, Clownhome, Barnfield and Flaxfield went to the local cinema on Friday night to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean film 'On Stranger Tides'. Everyone enjoyed the evening out especially as the mufti day had been the theme of the Caribbean. The evening was capped with a...

Celebrations and Sadness in the Juniors.

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:39:28 GMT

Both celebrations and sadness was felt in the junior school this week. Elsie Jones celebrated her 8th birthday with her class by bringing in a fantastic caterpillar cake! Year 6 sadly said goodbye to Jose Lucey who is leaving us this week. Jose chose a chocolate cake to bring in for his friends to share and as you can see from the photo's they...

Census 2011 - Parent Information

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:46:52 GMT

If your child is a full boarder the Houseparent's will be filling in the appropriate Census forms on their behalf. If your child is a flexi or weekly boarder you will need to include them in your Census form, even though they may just happen to be in school for the 27 March. If your child is on a school trip and is a day pupil or weekly or...

Chapel - Wednesday 24 November 2010

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:30:45 GMT

The Headmaster delivered a light hearted presentation about Homophones based around fencing.

Chatsworth International Horse Trials

Tue, 17 May 2011 14:27:48 GMT

On Saturday 14 May 2011, three cars worth of chatty Abbotsholmians set off for Chatsworth Horse Trials. Not long after we arrived the rain stopped and the excitement began. We were expecting to see a range of novice horses, as the advanced trials were on the Sunday, however as luck would have it, the advanced dressage competition was...

Children in Need - Mufti Day

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:09:42 GMT

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Children in Need 2010

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:49:10 GMT

The Bear Facts Abbotsholmians of all ages revisited their childhood in 'Bring a Bear Day' in aid of Children in need. Ben Hall drove to School in a Pudsey outfit (he hasn't been so smart for some time). The Juniors proudly dressed in Character for Book week and took their old friends to Chapel and the Headmaster's Bear, Byron, sat next...

Chinese New Year Chapel - Thursday 3 February 2011

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:38:30 GMT

Abbotsholme pupils celebrated the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit in Chapel this morning. A Chinese supper and the release of lanterns is organised for this evening. Good luck to all Bunnies

Chinese New Year in the Junior School

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:10:30 GMT

Chinese New Year was celebrated in style in the junior school. The children were entertained by our senior school overseas students who explained how the Chinese spend their new year and how much preparation is needed. Kervin, Krista and Louis explained to the juniors about what happens before the New Year Celebrations. Kervin recalls...

Christmas 2010 Letter from the Headmaster

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:17:00 GMT

To see the Headmaster's Christmas letter please click on the link below: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/christmas-2010

Christmas Card

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:43:12 GMT

Have you seen Abbotsholme's Christmas card this year? The Nativity scene that's on the front of it is shown below. It's very Abbotsholme! You can read about the fun and games involved in taking this picture here http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/christmas-2010

Class Cat

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:41:36 GMT

One of the School cat's has taken to joining the Years 3 and 4 for their lessons, walking in and making himself very much at home in the class, watching the children do their work and chasing pencils across the floor. This afternoon he was obviously very tired, as he stretched out on Osler's lap during the younger class's 3T session at the end...

Climbing Works - Winter Bouldering League

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:04:03 GMT

On Friday 7 January 2011, Mr Stockton agreed to meet me in Sheffield to enter the Third Round of the 'Climbing Works' Winter Bouldering League. Bouldering is an exciting element of climbing which focuses on the very hardest individual moves that climbers can make. All you need is climbing shoes and chalk. Thick crash provide the only means...

Commiserations to England on their unsuccessful World Cup bid.

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:38:39 GMT

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Competition Winner

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:02:08 GMT

Congratulations to Indya! Last term the library ran a competition for pupils to make their own Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This series of books written by Jeff Kinney follows the adventures of Greg Heffley. He receives a diary from his mum and refers to it as his journal and in it he records the course of his first year of middle school. Pupils at...

Conservation project in Costa Rica (Final Update)

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:40:36 GMT

Dear all, It is now our last morning at Durika and we would just like to give you a final update before leaving to begin the last part of our trip.We have spent the last two days hiking up to the continental divide and back. It was an amazing experience for all, and everyone has done extremely well, pushing themselves beyond what they...

Costa Rica April 2010

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:16:39 GMT

On Saturday 3rd April, 7 students and I left Abbotsholme to embark upon a Round Square service project to Costa Rica. After travelling for 24 hours we arrived in San Jose where we had a much needed sleep, before getting up the following morning to travel to Durika community where we were to live and work for the next 8 days. Upon our arrival...

Crate Crazy Campers!

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:48:01 GMT

Mrs Burton's and Mrs Gould's classes finished off their camps with a spot of crate stacking down on the sports field. As you can see from the pictures there was definitely an element of 'No Fear!' The children were helped by our lovely and exceptionally skilled climbers Will Tranter and Kieran Allen. They in turn were helped by Kervin Chan who...

Cricket and Rounders, Wednesday 19 May

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:55:25 GMT

Rounders Another busy afternoon, with 2 home games and training with all 3 teams. The 1st XI took on Thomas Alleynes in their last home game of the season. Some excellent fielding , but we struggled to get contact on the ball, with their excellent bowler. However all that said it proved to be an enjoyable game - final score was Thomas...

Design and Technology in the snow

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:55:39 GMT

Design and Technology took an interesting twist today. Year six pupils had to design and build a snowman thinking about how they would overcome the problem of it being 'the wrong sort of snow' to successfully build a solid snowman. Mr Newbitt explained that "it was all in the pressure." "You have to really compact the snow, because it is quite...

Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race

Tue, 04 May 2010 16:31:54 GMT

Due to the harsh winter conditions the training for the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon was severely limited this year. Compared to the other schools which take part we usually do much less training. This year we did less still. So it was therefore a quite staggering achievement for any pupil to have actually taken part: let alone finished...

Dinosaurs Unleashed on the Infants!

Mon, 09 May 2011 15:51:10 GMT

On Friday Mrs Gould took her class to London for what we think was the best trip ever! An early start was required of our young travellers and the first form of transport of the day was the school minibus to Lichfield. Once on board the train the children settled down for the long journey to London with colouring books and pens. On arrival...

DofE Gold Expedition Training - 29-30 January 2011

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:46:42 GMT

On Saturday the group went to the Dark Peak near Ladybower reservoir and practised their navigation skills. Areas covered included, pacing, bearings, breaking down legs into manageable sections, micro and general navigation features and contour recognition. They navigated using these skills as individuals and as small groups. As the sun...

Double, double toil and trouble! Year 3 and 4 boil and bubble!

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:14:38 GMT

This week Years 3 and 4 have been working on Performance Poetry as part of their Literacy sessions. We decided to learn the Witches' Poem from Macbeth and Mrs Burton arranged for us to perform it to Ms Dawson's Year 9 class. We were all really excited and learnt our lines well. We brought in costumes and we had a real cauldron to dance and chant...

Drumming up a Song!

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:24:12 GMT

Henry started playing drums in September with Mr Murfin. He is thoroughly enjoying both learning and practicing. Santa bought drums for Henry for Christmas. Mrs Gould went to watch and listen today and was amazed at the standard he has reached already!!!!!!! His teacher Mr Murfin agrees and comments that Henry is incredibly enthusiastic and is...

Ducklings!

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:04:46 GMT

On the first day back in school after half term, Sam Hall from Year 10 gave the Infant class 20 duck eggs and an incubator. The children marked the eggs with an X on one side and a 0 on the other side, to help us ensure the eggs were turned properly each time. The children took turns in turning the eggs twice each day with me on egg turning duty...

Easter 2011 Letter from the Headmaster

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:55:26 GMT

To see the Headmaster's Easter letter please click on the link below: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/easter-2011

Easter Adventure 2011

Wed, 04 May 2011 16:50:35 GMT

The Scottish weather was kind to the eight Abbotsholme pupils who headed up to Scotland for a multi activity week. Luckily we did exactly what it said on the tin! Day 1 - Glorious sunny weather, no wind The main group ascended Ben Macdui by the Fiacaill Ridge of Corie an t Sneachda, a grade 2 scramble, then on to the summit, a long...

EcoKids

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:19:49 GMT

Two of our school prefects have uncovered an amazing scheme! Following their excitement about it I have recently entered Abbotsholme into the 'EcoKids' scheme and see it as a fantastic way of fundraising and helping our environment. All we need now is your support. Abbotsholme is an eco friendly school and we are attempting to...

Electric Car Activity - Wednesday 9 February

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:07:25 GMT

Ben Miller and Sarah Lymer are now fitting the side panels to the new electric cars. These are made from plywood that is less than one millimeter thick. This will help to keep the weight to a minimum making the cars go faster. Fabian Hauf is working with Mr Shermer on the new steering mechanism. This is being manufactured from Aluminium...

Electric Car Race - Silverstone - 1 May 2011

Fri, 06 May 2011 16:21:16 GMT

On Sunday 1 May the Electric Car Race team departed from school at 6.00am to make their way to the first race of the season. This was to be held at the home of British Formula 1, Silverstone. We arrived at 8.00am and quickly prepared the cars for scrutineering. Once the cars were given the ok for the race we prepared the drivers and lined...

Enya Collier - Wolverhampton Wanderers Mascot

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:06:42 GMT

Year 6 pupil, Enya Collier, became a mascot for the day at the match between Wolverhampton and Arsenal. She was able to run out with the team and was awarded an Arsenal souvenir pendant and a match program signed by the Wolverhampton team. Enya had a fantastic time and said that the game was very exciting and she loved the fact that she got to...

Evaluating Year 11 Designs For Toys

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:16:17 GMT

This term Years 1 and 2 have been evaluating toys designed by Year 11 as part of their GCSE coursework. Each week the infants go to the Design and Technology Department and look through the work Year 11 have created. They give feedback on each element of the design process. Firstly the children looked at the designs on the computer and helped...

Everybody's Reading at Abbotsholme

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:53:14 GMT

Everyone Reading at Abbotsholme This week we will all be reading with pupils in our mixed aged reading groups. It is an exciting opportunity to promote reading and to try to create new habits for pupils who never read for pleasure. Reading will be during tutorials on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Some of the Juniors will...

Exciting Times Ahead for Abbotsholme Junior School

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:35:28 GMT

We are delighted to announce that from September 2011, Abbotsholme Junior School will now include a Reception class. Reception aged children will be able join the older Juniors , in taking advantage of all that Abbotsholme's 140 acre estate has to offer. As well as lessons in Numeracy, Literacy, and Science, children are able to...

Fencing - Saturday 22 January 2011

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:32:28 GMT

On Saturday 22 January 2011 a group of four members of the Abbotsholme Fencing Club went to compete in the West Midlands Championships, in Birmingham. Luke Seymour competed in the Under 18 Sabre category and was placed 8th. Greg Roberts finished 10th in the Under 18 Foil and George Atherden and Jacob Palmer took part in the...

Fencing News

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:29:15 GMT

The Abbotsholme fencing team has been in action in recent days. They travelled to Wrekin College on the 10 November for a match, with a team of�four fighting with foils and another�three fighting with the heavier weapon, the epee. The Wrekin club is a large and well-established one and we lost the match but gained a great deal in experience. On...

First Team Cricket 28 April 2010

Tue, 04 May 2010 07:05:53 GMT

What do wish for on your birthday?� Usually something you really like - cake, cricket?� I was very lucky and got both, and especially enjoyable - Mrs S. forgive me - was the cricket. The trip to Derby Grammar was highlighted by the fact that we had difficulty finding the venue, the instructions from the school website being a touch vague.� The...

Fishing ,Fencing and Farming

Thu, 13 May 2010 09:32:25 GMT

The first fish of the season was caught on Wednesday afternoon. A huge fish which fought for hours, according to the fisherman's tale of Jack Richards. The Abbotsholme fencers travelled to Wrekin College on Wednesday 13th May for their second fencing match. The 10 fencers competed well against their more experienced opponents and were pleased to...

Fixture Changes - 5 May 2010

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:32:57 GMT

U14 Cricket v QEGS (A) - 4.30pm 1st Team Cricket - postponed U11 Rounders v St Bedes (H) - 2.00pm U13 Rounders v St Bedes (H) - 2.00pm U12 Rounders v Denstone (H) - 3.00pm U15 Rounders v Denstone has been rearranged for a later date in the term

Flaxfield Annual Conker Competition 2010

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:17:10 GMT

This competition is in its 6th year, with past champions like Alex Marren and Ed Thirkell whose names are permanently etched into the oak scroll which hangs at the entrance of the Junior boys boarding house. Boys who are now men and have left Flaxfield what seems like a long time ago. As always the boy's had to make their own string from...

Flaxfield Easter Egg Hunt 2011

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:06:21 GMT

What a great way to finish the term off. The Easter bunny (with help from Mr Witcomb) hides five different brightly wrapped chocolates in five areas of the garden. Once the boys have found an egg or bunny in one area they must move to another area. After collecting all five it was into the house to search for an extra one in the lounge...

Flaxfield Halloween Party

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:31:43 GMT

The lounge was decorated, the pumpkins had candles in, and eerie music was playing. The scene was set and the boys were ready to party. They were all dressed up in costume and looked fantastic, the effort put in by either themselves or Mum was great to see. Best dressed went to Jacob Bushell as 'The Clown', second Sam Wiegert who had made his...

Floods in Orchard

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:11:52 GMT

A burst water pipe resulted in two rooms being flooded in Orchard last night. Help came swiftly from our excellent maintenance staff and soon the flow was stemmed . The Headmaster joined in the mopping up, even rescuing a drowning Teddy Bear and was most impressed with the calm and sensible approach of the girls, sitting calmly in the common...

Fontainebleau Bouldering - 29 May - 6 June 2010

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:20:02 GMT

The bouldering trip to Fontainebleau left on Saturday 29 May 2010, leaving school at about 6am. Following a 9 hour drive and a one hour ferry ride we arrived at our accommodation in Herbervilliers, on the outskirts of Fontainebleau. Day 1 began with a slightly damp start, so the team headed to Larchant and the climbing area of L'elephant....

Founders Day - Wednesday 6 October 2010

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:48:10 GMT

Abbotsholme held its Founders Day Service at Abbots Nook on the school grounds at the place where Dr Cecil Reddie was buried. The Headmaster and senior staff lead the service and paid tribute to our founders life work, his Abbotsholme. Dr Reddies aims for the school were read out and red roses laid on his gravestone by one of our youngest...

Friends of Round Square Fundraising Event

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:37:29 GMT

On Thursday 10 March 2011 Mrs Kuster, Ms Ash, Rachel Waring and James Mitchell travelled down to London for a Friends of Round Square Fundraising event. "Friends" are a like minded group who want to maintain their connections, remain involved, and give financial support to the work of Round Square. The event was held at the Royal...

From Domestic Science to Food Technology

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:51:27 GMT

Once upon a time, a long time ago, when I was at secondary school, things were very different. Only girls were allowed to learn to cook and only boys could do woodwork and metalwork, and electronics was just a dream. Girls learned to cook and sew and it was called "Domestic Science" and boys learned how to make things and become...

Fun and Games in Orchard House

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:57:14 GMT

The girls in�Orchard House decided they wanted to spend their evenings doing "fun stuff" so together we have drawn up a weekly programme of whole house activities to be done on Thursday evenings. The activities range from, pamper nights, art competitions, games nights to DVD sessions, photography/modelling sessions, building up to the event of...

Fun in the Sun - May 2010

Mon, 24 May 2010 16:14:00 GMT

The sun was out, not a cloud in the sky: bags packed, cooler filled and inflatables bought.� No I wasn`t going on holiday, just popping up to the school pool for a QUIET, LAZY afternoon in the sun! However, best laid plans and all that! As soon as I put the key in the gate lock, people appeared from everywhere. It was very clear, very quickly...

Geography visit to Malham Cove - 3-4 May 2010

Thu, 06 May 2010 13:39:23 GMT

On Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 May 2010, the Year 8 Geographers travelled to the Yorkshire Dales National Park to study 'Surface Limestone Features'. This work had already been covered in detail in school and the visit set out to reinforce from first hand experience features such as resurgent streams, sink holes, dry valleys and v-shaped...

George Takes the Gold!

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:54:29 GMT

Abbotsholme pupil George Stone became a British Champion at the weekend. Skating at Madison Heights in Maldon, Essex George won 3 titles in the 500m, 1 kilometre and 2 kilometre races earning him 3 gold medals and the championship cup and shield. He also raced in the 500m and 2 kilometre relay. George skates for Ashbourne speed skating...

Girls Hockey - Wednesday 10 November 2010

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:11:17 GMT

Our 1st XI had a tough game against SIGS, back on astro turf and a few positional changes, left the team on the back foot. After the first half Abbotsholme were 3-0 down and very disappointed. In the second half Abbotsholme came out fighting and played as a different team, with all players fulfilling their roles effectively resulting in a 0 -0...

Girls Rounders - 26 May 2010

Thu, 27 May 2010 12:18:58 GMT

The last Wednesday of this half term proved to be another good one for our rounders girls. We had an U14 and an U13 game planned against Lichfield, however due to transport issue at their end only the U14 team turned up to play. We fielded a very competent team who took to the field focused and all the players demonstrated an excellent...

Girls Rounders - 28 April 2010

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:58:13 GMT

The U13 Rounders team got their term off to a flying start with an excellent match against Chase Academy. Having such a large squad gave us real depth in our fielding and tremendous power in our batting. The fielding was composed, sleek and very well organised and they proved themselves very capable of scoring a number of Rounders. It was a...

Girls Rounders - Wednesday 11 May 2011

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:42:38 GMT

The 1st Rounders team headed to QEGS for their first match of the season. The team had trained very successfully early in the afternoon and were ready to put training into practice. Newly elected Captain Charlotte Tims won the toss and opted to field first. This was an excellent decision as all of the opposition were out with two balls...

Goats, Chickens and the Broken Egg!

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:22:22 GMT

As part of their lesson Luke, Maisie and Olivia went onto the farm here at Abbotsholme. Their task was to feed the chickens and to bring back any eggs. Boy did they have an adventure. As Maisie explained: "When we went onto the farm we had to go through the gate into where the chicken run is. As soon as we had shut the gate the goats came up to...

Gold Canoe Training-Practice 23rd - 25th April

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:28:07 GMT

This Weekend of training for the Canoe Gold groups was all about fine tuning the systems that the pupils would need for their practice and qualifying expeditions in the summer. These two days concentrated on the journeying aspects of an expedition. These included packing full expedition kit into their canoes, trying out (and testing!)various...

Gold D of E Canoe Expedition - River Spey

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:22:22 GMT

Nearing the end of the summer holidays, our Group of 8 lads, known as the gold Duke of Edinburgh canoe group set off on a 9 hour journey to the River Spey in Scotland. Before this expedition we had completed numerous training weekends and practices, with 3 white water trips and several other training events. We quickly discovered that...

Gold DofE Training Weekend - Dark Peak District

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:48:53 GMT

A group of thirteen Abbotsholmians took part on a Gold DofE training weekend, involving intensive micro-navigation work in the Dark Peak District. The group practised techniques such as compass bearings, pace counting and appreciation of contour features on the Saturday, including a section at night. On the Sunday they undertook a journey...

Gold Duke of Edinburgh - Bread Making

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:57:10 GMT

The Lower Sith Gold Duke of Edinburgh pupils spent their Monday training session this week exploring some recipes for outdoor cooking in preparation for forthcoming weekend trips. Used to more conventional menus such as the ubiquitous Pasta n Sauce, Lucy and Alex tried their hand cooking Indian flat bread. I think the dough was a...

Green Fingers In The Junior School Garden

Mon, 16 May 2011 16:03:44 GMT

The Year 3 and 4 class went to Firs Farm Nursery at Scropton and picked lots of different plants to put in our raised beds. We all chose something; William picked some strawberries, Henry picked sweetcorn and Phoebe chose a lovely scented rose. Everyone came back to school with a plant and on Friday afternoon we planted them. Everyday we have...

Happy Hikers

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:39:05 GMT

Abbotsholme hikers returned on Friday evening after three days' hiking in North Wales, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and the Lake District where they were 'blessed' with mixed weather which tested character, camping equipment, and waterproofing. Abbotsholme hikes, where every pupil and teacher has the chance to learn about themselves and others in...

Headmaster takes on Toboggan Hill

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:50:33 GMT

Headmasters Midnight Bandit Run from Andrew Greensmith on Vimeo. Please see the above video link of Abbotsholme's Cresta Run with the school's own Amy Williams!

Help 4 Heroes - Fundraising Event

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:12:20 GMT

On Sunday 7 November 2010�I took a group of parents and children on an Army Combat Fitness Test, letting them experience what all soldiers go through at least once a year. An 8 mile forced march in 2 hrs, and it was optional to carry the 44lb bergen (or rucksack to civilians). The aim was to raise money for those now less able than ourselves...

History Trip - Monday 22 November 2010

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:51:43 GMT

On Monday 22 November 2010,�eight Sixth Formers visited London as part of their English and History courses. A minibus to�St Albans was replaced by a train to St Pancras. From there we visited the Cenotaph to lay Remembrance Crosses for Old Abbotsholmians killed in the World Wars. Next on the agenda was the Imperial War Museum. After the...

HIV & Aids Awareness Chapel - Friday 26 November 2010

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 10:06:42 GMT

Ahead of 'World Aids Day' which is on Wednesday 1 December, Kevin Guthrie from�the Derbyshire Sexual Health Promotion Service visited Abbotsholme. He presented a Chapel to Year 9 and above on HIV and Aids Awareness. The presentation can be viewed in the link below. Year 8 discussed�HIV and Aids Awareness within their Tutor Groups. HIV...

Hockey With a Difference

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:52:01 GMT

The U15 Hockey squad travelled to Uttoxeter today to play their match against Thomas Alleynes. It was a bright but bitterly cold day, the team spirit was high and they were really up for their game. We arrived in plenty of time and were able to access the pitch to begin our warm up.You can only imagine the disappointment, when the game was...

If you go down to the woods today....

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:46:51 GMT

A very successful Junior Activity day was held on Saturday from 11.00 until 2pm, which took the form of a Teddy Bears picnic. Visitors were asked to bring a bear and get involved in activities such as face painting, animal care, horse riding, storytelling and climbing along with arts and crafts. A fantastic time was had by all including the...

Imperial War Museum North - Monday 31 January 2011

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:25:08 GMT

Sixteen Year 11 historians visited the Imperial War Museum North on Monday 31January 2011. This trip ties in with their controlled assessment and enabled them to see artefacts relating to the two world wars. In some cases it was quite a smelly experience. To add a little culture, the pupils also had the opportunity to cross the Manchester...

'in touch' - Monday 14 June 2010

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:15:30 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' Monday 14 June 2010.pdf

'in touch' - Monday 28 June 2010

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:38:35 GMT

Intouch Monday 28 June 2010.pdf

'in touch' - Monday 7 June 2010

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:07:04 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' Monday 7 June 2010.pdf

Infants Paint The Great Fire of London

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:56:51 GMT

The infants took advantage of the bright blue skies today and stepped out with their paint brushes. Their task? To paint a backdrop for their History topic. As part of the History curriculum years 1 and 2 are looking at The Great Fire of London. By looking at a historical event that is beyond living memory the pupils are able to develop their...

Information for Parents for Autumn Term 2010

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:29:42 GMT

Dear Parents, I hope that you enjoyed the Summer Gathering.� We were certainly blessed with fine weather. I am about to leave for Austria for a couple of weeks.� I am contactable by e-mail on stevefairclough@abbotsholme.co.uk if you need any information. I would like to remind you that the parent handbook and calendar are...

Inspirational Chapel on '127 Hours' by Mr Tom Palmer

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:23:05 GMT

"In your busy life this week, spare a thought for what are the important things in life." Last week, I went to see the new film '127 Hours'. Some of you may have seen it. It is about a man called Aaron who went out on his own into one of the national parks in America. He biked about 20 miles to a remote spot and went exploring and scrambling...

Interhouse Netball - Wednesday 30 March 2011

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:19:22 GMT

On Wednesday 30 March the girls took part in an Interhouse Netball competition. This comprised of teams from Needwood, Dove and Weaver playing at all ages in a round robin tournament. The afternoon was well attended by the house members and it was great to see girls who do not normally play in the Netball squads, turning out to be part...

Intouch Monday 10 May 2010

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:48:32 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 10 May 2010.pdf

Intouch Monday 17 May 2010

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:42:52 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 17 May 2010.pdf

Intouch Monday 24 May 2010

Tue, 25 May 2010 13:48:20 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 24 May 2010.pdf

Intouch Monday 26th April 2010

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:33:02 GMT

Abbotsholme Intouch Monday 26 April 2010.pdf

Intouch Monday 3rd May 2010

Tue, 04 May 2010 16:54:30 GMT

Abbotsholme Intouch Monday 3 May 2010.pdf

Intouch Tuesday 20th April 2010

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:36:56 GMT

Abbotsholme Intouch Tuesday 20 April 2010.pdf

'Its a Knockout' - Wednesday 6 April 2011

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:01:35 GMT

Whenever a big event is being organised, stressful days, sleepless nights, endless changes to paperwork are all part of the territory. However, as I stepped out of the front door of Reddie Hall at 1.30pm this afternoon I knew that it was going to be a great afternoon. The sun was shining, the air was filled with excited chatter and laughter and...

Jolly Hockey

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:12:27 GMT

More Hockey success, as Abbotsholme pupil Claudia Bettson-Burdett represented Midlands County Hockey U13. Claudia played for Staffordshire who came 3rd out of nine counties.

Junior Activity Afternoon

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:33:07 GMT

Junior Activity Afternoon Friday afternoon became very festive in the junior school. As part of the junior school activity afternoon pupils were able to take part in many arts and crafts and were joined by children from neighbouring schools. Some of the activities that could be enjoyed were Mrs Burton's bird cake where children made...

Junior Camps - 24-28 May 2010

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:51:07 GMT

The junior children were split into three groups for camps this year. Years R-3 camped on the school playing fields with Mrs Burton and Mrs Gould. For them, sleeping in a tent away from their parents ought to be a great enough challenge but there were lots of activities in store for them during the days. Mr Sellar took them rock scrambling on...

Junior Department - Book Week

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 09:51:18 GMT

This week has been Book Week in the Junior Department. We have sold books and raised money to buy lots of fabulous new books for the Department and had 'story tellers' come into the classes and read to us. Staff and pupils from throughout the school have read their favourite stories to the younger children who thoroughly enjoyed the...

Junior Department Pantomime - The Three Little Pigs

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:11:32 GMT

The Junior Department performances of Three Little Pigs take place on Wednesday 30 June at 6.00pm and Thursday 1 July at 4.00pm. All of the Junior children are involved with Year�6 taking the lead roles. In this Roald Dahl version of the well-known story, Piggy Number Three is in a tight corner. Wolf has gobbled up his neighbours and now...

Junior Interhouse Swimming Gala - 15 June 2010

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:19:53 GMT

Finally we stumbled upon a dry and sunny Tuesday and�the Junior children�had their chance to shine in the swimming pool. It was a fabulous afternoon with a packed house of very proud spectators and all the pupils either swimming, cheering or both. The events were extended this year and a wider range of swimming races were added to the...

Junior It's A Knockout!

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:44:04 GMT

Wednesday 6th April will be forever etched on the minds of the junior school children as this was the day that they took part in it's a Knockout! The sun came out to greet all of the children as they made their way down onto the playing fields. Waiting for them were giant inflatables and bouncy castle structures. The juniors were put into teams...

Junior School Playground Markings

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:11:11 GMT

?After 4 weeks of having a lovely new playground (albeit quite plain) to play on the Juniors will be pleased to know that the playground has been marked today! We now have the following to entertain both the youngsters and the young at heart: Co-ordinates Grid (with integrated chessboard) Great for playing but also a fabulous tool for...

Junior School take on the Haka

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:48:27 GMT

This half term in PE lessons Year 3-4 have been taking on the spirit from the 6 nations and Autumn Rugby Internationals, as well as using their knowledge of the aboriginal culture to produce their own version of the New Zealand Haka. After watching some alternative versions from Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand the students used their creativity...

Junior School Trip To Blue Planet

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:59:44 GMT

Blue Planet Trip We have had a fabulous day. We went to the 'Blue Planet' near Chester and walked through plastic tunnels where sharks, fish and sting rays swam over our heads. We saw man eating piranhas and beautiful sea horses. We found out what it would be like to sit under a waterfall and we stroked rays but not sting rays! We went...

Junior School Trip to The German Market

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:15:41 GMT

Winter in Birmingham brings the familiar sight of craft and confectionary stalls lining the streets and the mouth watering smell of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and gingerbread in the air with the largest authentic Christmas market outside Germany. As always this year the whole of the junior department descended on Birmingham to sample...

Junior School Visit to Birmingham's German Market

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:16:14 GMT

As you may be aware the whole of the Junior School are going to the German Market on Monday 29 November 2010. We will be leaving at 8.30am and returning at approximately 2.45pm. Birmingham's 'Frankfurt Christmas Market' has become a huge favourite with both residents and visitors to the city from all over the UK and Europe. It is now the...

Junior Spanish

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:22:29 GMT

Year 3 and 4 have been learning directions this afternoon. In the sunshine of the playground we had fun taking steps to the left - a la izquierda, to the right - a la derecha and to the middle - al centro. Perhaps Year 3 and 4 will be able to lead the navigation on our next hike!

Junior Sports Development Programme

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:42:14 GMT

It was Week Two for the Junior Sports Programme and it was great to see the addition of two small people who hadn`t been here last week,�word�must be�out that it is�the place to be! Having�practiced a wide range of ball skills last week�along with some fun fitness, this week it was the� turn of Hockey. A number of fun, skilled small games...

Junior Swimming Gala

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:10:50 GMT

The annual junior swimming gala took place today and as usual the juniors were in fine form! Weaver, Dove and Needwood battled it through heats showing their skill in front crawl, breast stroke, freestyle and back stroke. Although Weaver took an early lead it was a close swim as they were under threat from both of the other houses. At...

Junior Visit to Chester Zoo

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:57:28 GMT

On Saturday 10 June Years 3 and 4 went to Chester Zoo with Miss Brick and Mrs Burton. We saw the elephants being fed while we were having our lunch. We saw loads of animals, I really wanted to see the tigers but I actually liked the red pandas the best, they were so cute and one was curled up in the top of a tree, having a sleep. I didn't like...

Juniors visit Rockholme

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:06:32 GMT

When Mr Sellar wanted to check out his route seeting at the newly opened Rock Climbing Centre (Rockholme).� There were no shortage of volunteers in the Junior Department! Mrs Gould and Mrs Burton accompanied Years 1 and 2 to the new facility to play a series of games designed to encourage the younger ones to�develop their...

Kenton Cool visits Abbotsholme - Tues 12 Oct 2010

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:18:19 GMT

Kenton Cool, one of Britain's leading alpine climbers will be giving a talk to the Sixth Form at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12 October in the Chapel. �Any pupils or parents who would like to attend are welcome.

Lamb Tours

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:16:55 GMT

London has the "Duck Tours", Abbotsholme has "Lamb Tours". What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, out in the blazing sunshine, taking in the views from all areas of our estate, with the excited chatter from a group of visiting primary school children. Reception and Year 1 children from Denstone All Saints Primary School, spent the...

Lambing Complete

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:27:53 GMT

This year's lambing has been the most exciting since I took over the position of Farm Manager in 2003. Junior school pupils watched as I delivered our first set of quintuplets. We could not believe our eyes, we have had several quads in the past and this year 15 ewes have given birth to triplets. There are usually highs and lows over...

Lambing Live - 14 March 2011

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:31:00 GMT

Another busy weekend lambing, with 60 lambs now born. Not all births are easy and some ewes do require a little help. Abbotsholme pupils get to experience lambing live. "The head of the lamb was protruding with both legs back inside the ewe. The lamb would not be able to be born from this position. The head had to be pushed...

Lambing Season 2011

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:45:49 GMT

Lambing season has begun in earnest! Nine lambs have been born so far, three of which were not without complications. Charlotte Tims, (Pupil Farm Manager), Bridget Jackson and Anthony Coates took a ewe with 'ringwomb' to the vet last night for a caesarean section (the cervix was not dilated enough for the lamb to pass through the birth...

Lambing Season is almost here!

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:29:34 GMT

The pre lambing organisation has started with pupil farm manager, Charlotte Tims drawing up the lambing rota. This is a list of volunteers who take responsibility for the 40 strong flock overnight and hopefully assist in a lambing. The ewes are also preparing themselves, increasing their daily food rations in the "Steaming up" process. The first...

Lambing Spring 2011

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:14:50 GMT

Abbotsholme pupils are almost a third of the way through the lambing season with 25 lambs born from 14 ewes. It has been steady progress so far with over 20 pupils involved. The pupils sleep over in a bunk house on the farm and are responsible for the monitoring of the flock overnight (most lambs are born between 10.00pm and 4.00am). A...

Latest Catch

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:26:07 GMT

The Wednesday afternoon fishing group had a trip off-site last week, to fish at nearby Yeaveley Estate. They have caught some fish on our own stretch of the River Dove, in their regular sessions, but the trip to a well stocked lake gave them the opportunity to experience a more reliable catch. The group is a thriving part of the school's...

Leadership Day At Alton Towers

Mon, 23 May 2011 10:03:20 GMT

On Saturday, May 21, a group of Year 6 and 7's took on the challenge of thrills and spills with their leadership day at Alton Towers. The pupils were divided into 3 groups based on their thrill level, Mr Newbitt had the 'We are up for every ride' group while Mrs Knott and Mrs Kuster took the tamer groups that preferred the rides of...

Les cr�pes sont formidables!

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:57:38 GMT

This week years 5 and 6 have had the chance to sample some typical French food. As we are learning French this term we thought it would be fun to try some cr�pes. We had a choice of fillings, jam, chocolate spread, chopped bananas and cream. We liked all of the flavours but the out and out favourite was chocolate spread with banana and a big...

Lilleshall - Friday 5 November 2010

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:26:09 GMT

On Friday 5th November 2010 the year 12�& 13 BTEC Sport groups set off for a visit to Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire. On our arrival we were given a brief overview of the history of the wonderful venue and how it operates. During the tour of the site we visited the amazing Archery facilities. Here we were able to watch�one...

Lower Sixth Surf Weekend - 10-12 June 2011

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:20:08 GMT

A group of Lower Sixth formers headed to Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire for a weekend of surfing. They camped at a beachside campsite and had two surfing lessons on Saturday in glorious sunshine, and one more, despite the rain, on Sunday. By the end of the weekend all of the group had managed to get up on the board and enjoy riding the...

Luke's Roman Transformation

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:05:03 GMT

Continuing on from their visit to Chester to take part in a Roman walk Years 3 and 4 have been looking at the Roman army. The groups of Soldiers were called legions and a legion was made up of 5000 soldiers. Many of these soldiers were very young when they entered into the army, as the tombstones at Chester's Grosvenor Museum show; some...

Malta Sports Tour - October 2010

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:25:58 GMT

On the 26 October 2010�a party of 25 pupils and 3½ staff went off to Bugibba in Malta for a hockey and football coaching tour. The trip consisted of 2 days of specialist coaching for both of the squads followed by matches with local Maltese teams and other UK teams. There was a free day on the Friday where both squads enjoyed lots of fun in...

Mayhem in the Art Room

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 12:07:31 GMT

Fun and games continued last night with the Orchard girls turning their hands to an art master class! Although Picasso didn`t appear there were certainly some individual pieces created. Judging is still out on the overall winning group, the final decision will be announced on Sunday evening! Next week we are taking on the Flaxfield...

Midlands Hockey Trials for Emily and James!

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:07:31 GMT

Hockey playing Abbotsholme pupils Emily Thomas 15 and James Hudson 15 have been selected for trials for the Midlands hockey squad. Emily plays in the position of goalkeeper for her local team in Beeston and for Nottingham county in both ladies and U16 squads. She has played at club level for 2 Years and at County for 6-7 months. James...

Millie & Tilly Visit Abbotsholme

Mon, 09 May 2011 11:26:24 GMT

The first visitors arrived yesterday to the Junior School animal enclosures. Millie and Tilly join us for three weeks on loan. They will provide an opportunity for Junior pupils to work with large, friendly animals.

Mountain Bike Day at Cannock Chase

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:43:26 GMT

On Sat 13 Nov 2010�I took a group of seven students from Year 9 around the 'Follow the Dog' Mountain Bike trail at Cannock, the first dedicated cross country trail on the Chase and in the Midlands. This 11km trail designed for intermediate riders and above offers tight single track descents through dense woodland including the 'Chainslapper', a...

Mrs Burton finds a mummy in the classroom!

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:54:26 GMT

Mrs Burton Finds a Mummy in the Classroom! �� Year three and four have been looking closely at the history of Ancient Egypt and what they found inspired them to create an actual size sarcophagus. As you can see they have worked incredibly hard and it looks fabulous. At the beginning of term Mrs Burton's class visited...

Multi Pitch Climbing Weekend - 7 - 9 May 2010

Mon, 10 May 2010 14:07:54 GMT

As part of Abbotsholme outdoor education program, a group travelled to North Wales to try some long rock routes.� This was both an introduction to multi pitch climbs for some and for others the chance under close supervision to lead climbs for themselves. This �is a 'big step' in their development incorporating advanced rope work skills...

New Cooks at Abbotsholme

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:03:16 GMT

We are investing in a new food technology room. The building work started yesterday and will hopefully be completed over the Easter holidays. Cookery has always been important at Abbotsholme, our aim is to get pupils to understand food and its origins. Next year we will be offering Food Technology at GCSE, leading to BTEC or A Level in...

New pupils at Abbotsholme junior school

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:55:29 GMT

This term saw the arrival of four new pupils to Abbotsholme Junior School. Eleanor, Lydia, Hannah and Harry have been thinking about all the new and exciting things they've experienced already at Abbotsholme. Hannah admits that she was nervous when she started on that first Tuesday morning but by morning break she had got to know her class...

New Term - Return to School Timings

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:04:11 GMT

Tuesday�7 September 2010 0900 - 1530 - All Junior Department�in School� 0900 - 1530 - All Year 7 and Lower Sixth Form pupils arrive 0900 - 1530 - All new years 8, 9 and 10 pupils� arrive The school bus service will not be running on this day Wednesday 8 September 2010 0820 - 1710 - All pupils return to...

Newsflash: Outstanding Inspection Report is here...

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:14:14 GMT

The wait is finally over! Click the link to read our outstanding Inspection report... ?ISI Inspection Report.pdf

Non Residential Pony Club Camp 2011

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:54:08 GMT

For details of this years non-residential pony club camps please contact the equestrian centre on 01889 594277, or email Alex.HowardMarshall@abbotsholme.co.uk

OA Hockey - Saturday 9 October 2010

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:55:32 GMT

OAs travelled from far to play a match against the School. Old acquaintances made, old battle's renewed. The game was very entertaining, fast and furious with the OA's finally winning 5-4. Well done to all those involved.

OA Netball - Saturday 12 March 2011

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:45:40 GMT

Saturday 12 March 2011 bought together the past and the present with the current 1st Netball team and OA's from the past 5 years. The game began in great spirit with the OA's soon getting back into a rhythm and the 1st Team battling hard. The first quarter finished 5-8 with fabulous shooting from Sarah Davies. Some changes were made in the...

OA Rugby - Saturday 9 October 2010

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:49:05 GMT

The 4th Annual OA Rugby match took place on Saturday afternoon. On a glorious Autumn afternoon, two teams of OAs, spanning 19 years of Abbotsholme rugby, met to contest the trophy. The game was an excellent contest of open running rugby, played in the spirit of friendship that it should be. It was an even contest with some breath-taking skills...

OAs Cricket - Saturday 3 July 2010

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:11:22 GMT

Abbotsholmes Cricket Festival started with the 1st XI playing an Old Abbotsholmian team. The OA Captain, Chris Davies, won the toss and the 1st XV batted first on a beautiful day and flat wicket. William Hudson was dismissed early in a controversial fashion, however, technology later upheld the umpires excellent decision. "The camera and...

Oh! To be at Abbotsholme now that Summer is here!

Wed, 04 May 2011 16:29:16 GMT

'Oh! To be at Abbotsholme now that Summer is here!' Now that is what Robert Browning meant to say! Had he been present during the early evening at the closely-cut sward that is the Cricket Square then he would have witnessed the first practice of term. Thinking that we had a match on the opening day of the summer term, oh, what joy! a...

Old Abbotsholmian Visits Sixth Formers

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:35:04 GMT

As part of the Sixth Form tutorial programme, Old Abbotsholmian Alex Shermer visited school today to talk to the Upper Sixth about the transition to university life. She left Abbotsholme in 2008 and is in the final year of a Management degree course at Manchester University. She provided some valuable advice about finances, looking after...

Operation Christmas Child

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:18:57 GMT

Operation Christmas Child � In the junior department over the last couple of weeks the children have been bringing in lots of lovely goodies to fill up shoe boxes as part of the Abbotsholme commitment to Operation Christmas Child. Samaritans Purse is a Christian relief and development organisation which works closely with families across...

Orange Wednesdays!

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:58:18 GMT

A popular but unusual activity at Abbotsholme as part of the Wednesday afternoon AX programme. Pupils undergo strength and conditioning training using a variety of techniques and equipment. Muscle development, flexibility and improved range of movement will facilitate improved performance in all sports. The adult size space hopper looked...

Orchard - 22-23 January 2011

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:18:28 GMT

This weekend Orchard girls have been gallivanting all over the place. Of course the weekend would not get off to a good start if we didn not pay our weekly visit to Tescos and take in a "skinny Latte." Once laden with goodies we headed back to school to meet the rest of the troops, had lunch then ventured off into the city, Derby Rollerworld!...

Orchard Flood Meal

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:13:35 GMT

After a very eventful 24 hours in Orchard House, it was felt that what was needed to lift the girls spirits was a huge amount of TLC and of course a slap up meal with lashings of ice cream! With a minibus and a car full to the rafters we headed down town to The Dapple Grey restaurant. Although they had been pre warned that a school group would...

Orchard House - 12-13 March 2011

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:08:31 GMT

Another joyous weekend of busy excitement in Orchard house. Sleepovers was the name of the weekend. Starting on Friday evening with the girls playing their part in the school fashion show, strutting their stuff on the stage, many of them showing they were very much at home. Once the models came back down to earth it was simply a night to...

Orchard House - Weekend 29-30 January 2011

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:04:54 GMT

It was a quiet weekend up at Orchard this weekend with plenty of girls opting to take time off to see families. However, the girls in house went off for some retail therapy of the cuisine type, then ventured home to cook their purchases. A relaxed and casual Saturday was followed by our ladies doing lunch on Sunday! All dressed up in...

Orchard Junior Girls House Christmas Party!

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:17:48 GMT

When asked what they would prefer to do for their Christmas party - all agreed that an in house party was the way to go. The house was split into 3 groups - cooking, decorating and entertainment! The cooking group headed off on Wednesday afternoon for a trolley dash around Morrisons (having collected their Orchard House hoodies!) that in itself...

Orienteering at Apedale - Saturday 20 November 2010

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 11:52:41 GMT

On Saturday six children from years 5 and 6 went orienteering with POTOC Orienteering Club at Apedale Country Park near Newcastle Under Lyme. Grace Pennell and Ellie Oldham competed as a pair and were shadowed by Mrs Mills. They were very enthusiastic and have learnt to use a compass and set a map. Harry Simpson and Manton Tudor-Jackson also...

Orienteering on Cannock Chase

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:27:08 GMT

On Sunday 23 January 2001, six Abbotsholmians competed in an orienteering event on Cannock Chase. After winning his first event last term, Joe Spurway moved up to a tougher 'light green' course but still managed to complete the course in a respectable time, which is a pleasing achievement for someone of his age, running at this level of...

Places available for September 2010

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:59:43 GMT

Now that term has finished, we are looking forward to the next academic year.� The school is almost full, however there is a limited availability in some year groups.� If you are interested in joining the school in September and experiencing our unique educational ethos please contact our Admissions Co-ordinator Jessica Ash as soon as possible...

Planting Out Potatoes With Years 1 and 2

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:31:28 GMT

It's potato time in Mrs Gould's class! Every year Mrs Gould and years 1 and 2 grow potatoes outside their classroom. Firstly Mrs Gould checked through the potatoes she would be planting out and stood them in an egg box. Taking care to ensure that the end of the seed potato with the most buds and eyes was facing upwards. She then left them to...

Power of One

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:01:48 GMT

On Friday 5�November 2010, Mrs Kuster, Mrs Witcomb, Dan James, Charlie Philips-Moul, Reece Knowles, Callum Timms, Oliver Turbitt, Joe Webb, Charlotte Bishop and Olivia Roberts left school for�a long 6 hour drive up to the Northern Lakes to begin the Power of One.�We arrived at our bunkbarn just after 10:00pm and had a quick debrief for the next...

Read all about it! Music Competition

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:41:43 GMT

Read all about it in the Post and Times. Abbotsholme Music Competition is front page news with a picture of Katie and Tom. A full article can be found on page 5.

Red Nose Day Cake Sale

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:12:35 GMT

All the juniors contributed to raising nearly �250 for comic relief. Mrs Gould's class held a cake sale for the juniors raising �74 John and Toby (Yr 6) organised a cake sale for the seniors that raised �115.15 Sponsored silences raised �46.50 (Romy and Lorna - Yr 6) and �11.94 (Yr 5)

Rockholme - Our new indoor climbing wall

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:05:02 GMT

If you've not had chance to see our new indoor climbing wall please take a look at the new video below.� The new academic year promises to be a great year for OEd.� This video is also available on the OEd page. �

Rotary Youth Speaks

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:02:41 GMT

Three Year 8 Abbotsholme girls took part in a public speaking competition held at the JCB Academy on Tuesday night. Organised by the Rotary Club, the event brought together pupils from a number of local schools. Ellie Palmer won the competition, speaking on 'Why I hate McDonalds', Florence Miller was placed third, talking on chocolate, whilst...

Round Square Adventure Race

Mon, 03 May 2010 16:20:04 GMT

Over the Spring bank holiday weekend, a group of Abbotsholmians travelled to North Wales to compete in the 5th Round Square Adventure Race. The event was conceived and is organised by Abbotsholme and draws together teams from Round Square schools across the country. This year eight teams (each with six pupils from Year 9 and 10, containing at...

Round Square Adventure Race - 5-6 March 2011

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:54:56 GMT

Twleve hardy Abbotsholme pupils took part in a demanding outdoor venture in North Wales this weekend. The pupils were on a training weekend in preparation for the Round Square Adventure Race, an annual outdoor competition amongst Round Square schools in the UK, for Year 9 and 10 pupils. The weekend involved two nights camping, in chilly, clear...

Round Square Adventure Race 2011

Thu, 12 May 2011 14:29:08 GMT

On Friday 6 May 2011, two teams of well trained and determined Abbotsholmians travelled the long journey up to Aviemore, Scotland to compete in the 6th Annual Round Square Adventure Race. This year's race was hosted and organised by Gordonstoun School and attended by all the regions in the UK. Apart from Abbotsholme we had Windermere from...

Round Square Adventure Race Training

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:37:44 GMT

Two teams of Abbotsholme pupils were out on Wednesday night taking part in training for the annual Round Square adventure race competition which is due to take place in May. Abbotsholme has won this annual event on two occasions. The task of this week's training session was to complete a course of waypoints in a circuit from the school....

Round Square Conference, Zurich - 1 - 3 May 2010

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:48:08 GMT

Three�pupils spent a long weekend in Switzerland attending a conference hosted by the International Community School of Zurich. The theme of the conference, Democracy, was quite a tall order for pupils aged from 11 to 13 to get their heads round, but after team-building activities �designed to promote skills of negotiation and problem solving...

Round Square Fashion Show

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:18:15 GMT

On Friday 11 March 11, the Round Square Committe organized a Fashion Show to support Father Joe's Farm Project in Thailand and the organization Oxfam. Last October, a group of Sixth Formers worked on the farm prior to attending the International Conference and were so touched by the boys they met in Thailand, they wanted to support...

Round Square Fashion Show - Donations

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:50:55 GMT

On Friday 11 March the Round Square Committee organized a Fashion Show. The evening raised just over �500. From the donations, the senior students donated to Father Joe's Farm Project at the Mercy Centre in Thailand - www.mercycentre.org and the Junior students were given an Oxfam booklet full of ideas of 'unwrapped gifts' to support...

Round Square Fashion Show - Friday 11 March 2011

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:24:58 GMT

The Round Square pupil committee has organised a Fashion Show for the evening of Friday 11 March 2011 from 5:30pm, to raise money for Oxfam and for Father Joe's Farm project in Thailand. The show will last around 45 minutes and refreshments will be served in the Snell building immediately afterwards. Tickets for the event are �5.00 for adults...

Round Square information

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:10:27 GMT

Round Square at Abbotsholme � Abbotsholme is a member of Round Square which is a worldwide association of schools which share a commitment beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility through the IDEALS of Round Square - which are, I- international understanding, D - democracy, E - environmental stewardship...

Round Square Workshop - 22-23 January 2010

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:08:38 GMT

On Friday 21 January 2011 the Headmaster, his family, James Mitchell, Lucy Darling, Alex Kuster and Suzanne Kuster left Abbotsholme for a quick journey to Hamburg, Germany for the European Round Square Heads, Reps and Students weekend workshop. The weekend was hosted by Louisenlund School whose main building is a 16th century castle set...

Rounders - Wednesday 12 May 2010

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:18:37 GMT

Although the weather was dreary the girls came out fighting in our games this week. The U13 team played at home against Edenhurst school and�were focused from the start of the game and having won the toss we opted to field first giving us the chasing advantage. Our fielding was tight, although Edenhurst threw everything at us. By the end of...

Rounders' Fixtures Wednesday 5 May

Sat, 01 May 2010 11:07:44 GMT

We have a full afternoon of Rounders planned for next Wednesday with our U11 team making their first appearance of the season: U11 & U13 against St Bede`s @ Abbotsholme starting at 2pm - 3.45pm U15 against Denstone @ Abbotsholme starting at 2pm - 3.15pm 1st against Chase Academy @ Chase Academy starting at 2.30pm - returning by...

Rounders' reports

Fri, 07 May 2010 07:08:34 GMT

1st Rounders v Chase Academy On Wednesday 5th May Abbotsholme traveled away to play against Chase Academy. The�opposition chose to field which put us under pressure to start off the scoring. Our batting started off slow due to lack of a proper warmup�as traffic prevented us from arriving on time. Towards the end of the innings we picked...

Samuel Pepys Diaries Inspire Year 1 and 2

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:38:04 GMT

As you will know from previous website news years 1 and 2 have been looking at The Great Fire of London as part of their history project. They have also been looking at Samuel Pepys and the diaries that he kept. To finish off their fantastic classroom display the children imagined what it must have been like to have been living in London at the...

Scent With Love

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:35:26 GMT

Scent with Love. Today being Valentine's Day the Upper 6th gave out red carnations. As is tradition at Abbotsholme the Round Square committee organise this event every year and the funds raised go to worthy causes. This year the worthy cause is Marie Curie Cancer care. Mrs Clixby, parent of an Abbotsholmian, will be horse riding across Jordan...

School Bus Timetable

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:24:01 GMT

The School buses will start running again on Wednesday.� You can find the timetables for the various routes on the links below: Summary...

School of Rock - Friday 18 June 2010

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:20:41 GMT

Abbotsholme Parents Assocciation will be supporting 'School of Rock' by providing a�BBQ of locally reared meat supplied by Denstone Farm Shop.�A�bar with wine, beers and soft drinks.� Sweets and Ice Cream will also be available. Please support us and why not join us for the�England�football match on the large screen in the theatre...

Scottish Mountain Biking Oct 2010

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:28:58 GMT

Back in March 2008 Andy Greensmith and I took a group of 8 pupils to the '7 Stanes' near Dumfries, Scotland's Mountain Biking Heaven. The trip was very successful and students too young at the time, and some who went first time around were requesting a re-run. This time we took ten students ranging from year 9 to the Upper 6th. We...

Scottish Winter Mountaineering 2011

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:24:30 GMT

Twelve pupils from Abbotsholme braved the wind and fickle conditions to take a Winter Mountaineering Course based in the Cairngorms Mountains. The first group accompanied by staff left Abbotsholme early on the Saturday morning taking the long nine hour journey north. After settling into the accommodation, equipment was issued and food...

Seasons of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:08:34 GMT

Abbotsholme held its Harvest Service today which was led by Mrs Lynda Herbert. On a stunning Autumn morning Grace Pennell and Ellie�Oldham read about the 'Parable of the Sower' and Joe Heeley and Greg Roberts spoke about the produce that�is produced on our own farm. School sang traditional harvest hymns and thoroughly enjoyed the...

Service of Remembrance - Thursday 11 November 2010

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:23:14 GMT

Remembrance Service - 2010.pdf Abbotsholme School held two Services of Remembrance�today. The Senior School Service was held in the Chapel and a Order of Service is attached A Memorial Service for Junior school was held at the same time. The children heard the Last Post from the War Memorial at the front of school and Harry Simpson...

Severe Weather Warning

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 09:01:42 GMT

Severe weather warning? Not for children on the Abbotsholme Outdoor Education Programme. One of my favourite sayings is "There is no such thing as bad weather.just poor clothing", and I do not think these students suffered on their Outdoor Education lesson yesterday. Whilst having the best snowball fights ever in a foot of snow where nobody...

Shaun the Sheep

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:24:06 GMT

What we are doing. As a group we have decided to sell stuffed sheep toys to raise money for a good cause. Where is your money going? On Friday March 10th, Japan was rocked by a 9.0 earthquake and a powerful tsunami. We thought it would be a good idea to raise money for them. Obviously the money we raise isn't going to buy...

Shearing Time at Abbotsholme

Fri, 20 May 2011 10:59:54 GMT

Shearing time on Abbotsholme farm came around again and it seemed like the whole school got involved! From early this morning each of the junior school classes made their way up to the farm to watch Abbotsholme's star shearer Stan start his enormous task of shearing the sheep. It couldn't have been easy with a continuous audience of children...

Shrove Tuesday - Inter Boarding House Pancake Race

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:36:59 GMT

Each year on Shrove Tuesday all the boarders make their way down to the flood-lit tennis courts for this annual event. Using the whole area, and with badminton nets stretched across the middle, each team were given four pancakes and two frying pans. There were meant to be four races; 'Collect' the pancakes, 'Pass' the pancakes, 'Toss' the...

Silver DofE Training Weekend - 2-3 April 2011

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:32:53 GMT

Early on Saturday morning I met up with nine pupils, eight girls and James Hudson. After loading the camping equipment we set off for Rowsley in the peak District where Hellie Caunce, our other instructor was waiting for us. The group were training for their practice expedition later this year in June. Their aims were to improve...

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Training - 12-13 March 2011

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:26:27 GMT

Mr Stockton, myself and 24 pupils met at school early Saturday morning and set off for Rowsley in the Peak District where we met up with the other instructors Paul and Hellie. Each team of six were training for their practice expedition later in June of this year. Their aims were; to improve navigational skills by taking compass bearings, to...

Siver Duke of Edinburgh Training 01-02 May 10

Tue, 04 May 2010 07:21:24 GMT

� This weekend it was Group 2 who had their training. We met at school early Saturday morning and set up the new Tri-space tents specifically bought with expeditions in mind. Rehearsing� camp-craft skills including; stoves, rucksack packing, and tent erection made for a more professional and organised approach on arrival at a very...

Sixth Form Founders Dinner

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:24:26 GMT

Being in 'Event Management' for Expectations means that my group and I were able to plan the Founders Dinner. Our first task was to come up with a theme. We had so many ideas from Medieval to Maskerade but we wanted something different and original. So after lots of debating we came up with a Holywood theme of 'A Night at the...

Space Centre Visit - 6 July 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:47:45 GMT

The Year 8's enjoyed a trip to the National Space Centre at Leicester for this year's KS3 Science themed day trip.� It was the first visit to this venue for all of the students and staff so no one was quite sure what to expect.� Upon arrival, we were greeted by very friendly personnel from the centre and provided with 'Astrotours Trail' quiz...

Spanish Feast

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:57:11 GMT

This morning in Spanish, Year 9 have been trying Spanish food. First of all we set up a caf� in the classroom and practised ordering Spanish food and drink. The best thing came after that, trying the chorizo, Spanish omelette and olives. Noah thought the omelette was delicious, everyone loved the chorizo an even Georgia had to admit...

Sports Dinner - 21 May 2010

Mon, 24 May 2010 15:30:10 GMT

Friday 21 May 2010 was the evening of our first Abbotsholme Sports Award Dinner. The evening was held to recognise all pupils in school who have contributed to the school sports teams throughout the year. A total of 130 pupils dressed up for their special occasion, attending the evening which proved to be a huge success and will only continue to...

Sports Fixtures - Wednesday 6 October 2010

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:13:02 GMT

Sports' �Fixtures �Boys' Rugby - Wednesday 6 October 2010 1st v Thomas Alleynes (H) - 3.45pm U15 v QEGS (A) - 4.15pm U13 v Lichfield (A) - 2.30pm �Girls Hockey - Wednesday 6 October 2010 �1st XI v Thomas Alleynes (A) - 3.30pm U15 v QEGS (A) - 4.15pm U14 v Lichfield Cathedral (7 aside) (H) -...

St Vincent's Go Karting at Fast Lane

Thu, 26 May 2011 14:37:26 GMT

On Wednesday evening the Year 11 boys from St Vincent's boarding house visited 'Fast Lane Karting' track for an evening of motor sport. Each driver had two sessions of 30 lap timed racing. We also celebrated Felix Prince's birthday who produced the fastest lap of the evening! All had a fantastic time and can't wait to return in the future.

Staff v 1st Cricket - 16 June 2010

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:39:29 GMT

A summer's evening in June, in England.� The end of a beautiful day with work done.� The reward for a hard day's toil - a game of cricket! The now annual test of calibre for the 1st XI took place in idyllic surroundings which are the envy of many. The Staff XI batted first as is the custom and through an array of batting partnerships that...

Staff v 1st Team Rounders - 25 May 2010

Thu, 27 May 2010 09:46:25 GMT

On a lovely evening at Abbotsholme there is no better place to be than the sports field. Following on from the victory at Football last term, the staff were looking forward to the next encounter. There was no toss, so we took up our fielding positions and Suzanne Kuster started the first innings. Good hitting from Sarah, Amy, Charlotte and...

Staff v Pupils Volleyball

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:12:57 GMT

On the final day before the half-term break, not one, not two but three pupil teams appeared to test the might of the Abbotsholme Top Guns. With our very own Hightower Wilson and Maverick Bebbington the staff team felt confident of doing well and even more so when tactics had been given. When commentators attempt to report on great...

Sugar Science With Year Five

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:39:17 GMT

In Science year five are carrying out investigations into how well sugar dissolves in water. Some groups are trying to find out if the amount of sugar affects how long it takes to dissolve while others are looking at whether the temperature of the water will speed up the time it takes the sugar to dissolve. They are recording their results...

Summer 2010 Letter from the Headmaster

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:28:14 GMT

To view the Summer 2010 letter from the Headmaster please click on the link below: Summer 2010 Letter from the Headmaster

Summer Term Sport

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:53:13 GMT

After a wonderful afternoon of training for all Cricket and Rounders teams on Wednesday, everyone is raring to go with our first fixtures next week. We are fielding 3 girls Rounders teams, 1st team will be playing at Stafford Grammar School at 3pm, U15`s are playing at home against Thomas Alleynes 3.30pm and also the U13 team will be playing...

Sun Safe news from the Health Centre

Wed, 11 May 2011 16:51:36 GMT

Now the summer term has started I wanted to inform you about our Sun protection policy. This has been developed with the help of parents, teachers and pupils to ensure that we all enjoy the sun safely over the coming months. The sun's rays are particularly strong over the summer and damage children's skin, which can lead to...

Super Steve to the Rescue! Headmaster Saves Sheep!

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:46:59 GMT

Shaun the sheep left his mum, and his flock to go swimming on Sunday, and ended up stranded on the banks of the River Dove. This is not just aliteration, but an increasingly commonplace occurrence when silly sheep get stuck and will die if not rescued. The Headmaster and his family came to the rescue, and Steve inevitably ended...

The Abbotsholme Literary Festival

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:43:18 GMT

This week is a blaze of drama, poetry and stories at Abbotsholme School as we celebrate writers, writing and language. There are a range of events at the school, big and small, appealing to all age ranges and offering fantastic opportunities for students to experience poetry and music. On display around school are poems and songs chosen...

The Classic Buskers Entertain the Juniors

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:34:27 GMT

The Classic Buskers have a knack of communicating their passion for classical music in two of the best ways possible - virtuosity and laughter. The audience comes away from a Buskers' concert on a high, having been both entertained and educated. That's the Classic Buskers' secret - an ability to communicate their love of music, which is after...

The Headmaster's Select v Abbotsholme 1st XI - Thursday 8 Jul 2010

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:26:48 GMT

"Can you bring the family?" the Headmaster asked. "How many?" I replied. We settled on five. My cousin David Griffiths who was Head of PE and is now Head of�Sixth Form at Kings School in Gloucester, couldn't make it because of speech day. However, his four sons Jonny, Peter, Ian and Ben were up for it. John Shaw, a cricket fanatic and close...

The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company's Sound and Fury Lyric Writing Workshop

Sat, 01 May 2010 10:17:31 GMT

What relevance does Shakespeare have for young people today? Shakespeare is about English classrooms, poetry, the 'Royal' Shakespeare Company, essay writing, exams and posh people, right? Wrong! The Hip Hop Shakespeare sent two practitioners to work with students at Abbotsholme School on Thursday 29th April. The workshops were...

The Snowman - Poem By Year Five

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:41:20 GMT

The Snowman On a cold winter night, When the stars were shining bright, The snow had fallen all around, Making a blanket over the ground. Nothing was moving, but suddenly a twitch, A wink of an eye, and an arm with an itch, Thoughts of a new wife, A giant snowman came to life. He rolled over the fields and...

The Taste Of Home Baking

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:33:36 GMT

Years 1 and 2 are starting to find their feet in the kitchen. Every Friday Mrs Gould takes the youngsters along to the school food technology room to try their hand at baking. So far the Young Jamie Oliver's and Nigella's have made Muffin's, soup, shortbread biscuits, Christmas Cakes and this week Jam tarts. Everyone gets to have a go and all...

The Times Article - Saturday 12 June 2010

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:47:06 GMT

Dear Parents Please see the attached article from the Times on Saturday, 12 June 2010. � http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article7148403.ece

There's no business like Snow business!

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:44:07 GMT

A wonderful white winter already! The junior school took advantage of a break in the blizzard and marched on up toboggan hill with an assortment of sledges. A great deal of energy and enthusiasm went into every journey up and down the hill with year six helping those much younger, in year one, to ensure that they had an equally good time...

Three Peaks Challenge

Tue, 11 May 2010 09:09:02 GMT

Danni Knott, daughter of Nikki Knott and OA organized a�Three Peaks Challenge of Ben Nevis�which is the highest peak in Scotland, Scarfell Pike, the highest in England and Snowdon, the highest in Wales. Along with 12 other Johnson and Johnson placement students and her sister Franki they took on the challenge to raise money for Whizz Kids, a...

Tight: play about teenage drinking

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:46:24 GMT

A visit by the Brief Candle drama company left Yr 9 pupils vowing never to drink alcohol to excess. In a play that totally engaged the children and let their imaginations create all manner of potential outcomes, we saw a realistic snapshot of teenage life and the pressure to escape parental control and 'have fun' with friends.�...

Times Educational Supplement

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:08:13 GMT

Dear Parents You may be interested to know that Abbotsholme is featured in this weeks edition of the Times Educational Supplement.� To view the article, please click here:� http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6053537

Toboggan Hill!

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:36:54 GMT

What is this life, that silken twine, Sheep watch at morning feeding time, The children play in new fall snow, And boldly down t'hill they go. We both stand and stare as sheep or cows, And feel the furrows leave our brows, Laughter shared with friend and foe, On Toboggan Hill in new fall snow.

Tractor Drive Land's End to John O'Groats

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:44:42 GMT

Ben Spink, a former Abbotsholme pupil, who�is doing a sponsored tractor drive from Land's End to John O' Groats called in at Abbotsholme on Sunday. Ben was ill whilst at school but did not give in.� He was pupil farm manager and a Prefect. �He recently had a kidney transplant. �Abbotsholme had a "Farmer's Day" this Friday, where pupils...

Trekking trip to Mallorca

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:19:30 GMT

A group of intrepid Year 9 pupils from Abbotsholme spent nine days over the Easter holiday on a trekking trip to Mallorca. Whilst perhaps not famous for its mountains, the island has a rugged range of called the Serra Tramuntana. The Abbotsholme group trekked along it, from Pollenca to Soller, staying in mountain refuges and carrying all their...

Trip To Jorvik

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:51:48 GMT

It was an exciting trip and we enjoyed it a lot. At the Jorvik Centre we went on a ride through a Viking town. There were models that looked very real and they told us about what it would have been like living then. We could smell lots of different smells - some were not very nice! The Vikings liked trading and were great explorers. Lots of...

U11 and U10 Netball

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:54:04 GMT

Junior Netball - Wednesday 9 February 2011 The girls had a very busy afternoon with six teams out and about at various opposing schools. It was a very exciting day for many of junior girls who had their very first match. The U11 team played a hard game against a lovely team from The Elms. Once the nerves disappeared there was some...

U11 Football at Smallwood Manor

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:21:24 GMT

U11 Football v Smallwood Manor The Abbotsholme U11 A and B team made the short journey to Smallwood Manor for what is always a very tough fixture, and sadly see's more defeats than victories for the Abbotsholme youngsters. However this Wednesday afternoon would see a different outcome, with the A team this year strengthened due to players...

U11 Hockey - Wednesday 29 September2010

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:05:17 GMT

Whilst all the members of the senior school�battled the elements of the outdoors the U11 Hockey squad were battling on the pitch. They had a busy afternoon of fixtures in the wind and the rain, however it proved to be one of excellent positive play. Their first game was a training match against Edenhurst Prep School. The very nature of this...

U11 Rugby v Smallwood - Wednesday 17 November 2010

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:22:44 GMT

On Wednesday 17 November the U11 Rugby team travelled to Smallwood Manor for their second game of the season. With cold, wet and windy conditions the boys had to dig deep and play hard for 40 minutes. A strong first half saw much of the game played in the Smallwood half with Jose Lucey and John McFarland being driven into touch just before...

U11 Tournament

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:25:15 GMT

On Saturday 5th February Abbotsholme Junior School hosted an Under11 Netball and Football Tournament. Teams from local schools, Norbury, Stafford and Smallwood Manor all competed in what can only be described as severe weather! Along with the blustery gales came the pouring rain but in true Abbotsholme spirit the games continued! The girls...

U13 Hockey v Denstone - 22 September 2010

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:40:15 GMT

On Wednesday the U13 Hockey team played against Denstone College. We started in a positive manner, winning the toss and from the first hit of the ball we were strong in� possession and managed to get the ball into our attacking circle, creating many scoring opportunities. Unfortunately these opportunities didn`t materialise due to Denstone...

U13 Rugby v Chellaston - Wednesday 20 Oct 2010

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:34:59 GMT

On a beautiful late Autumn day the mighty warriors that make up the Abbotsholme Sharks welcomed the visitors from Chellaston for the first home match of the season.�Shaken and still smarting from a 50 points to nil drubbing the week before, the Sharks were determined to put the bad experience behind them. Within a few minutes the opposition were...

U13 Rugby v Derby Grammar - 22 September 2010

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:53:06 GMT

On a bright Autumn afternoon, the latest batch of young warriors made their debut for the Sharks against Derby Grammar.� Taking 20 out of a possible 24 players we arrived full of optimism expecting a stern test. We were not disappointed, but found that we more than held our own in the scrum, pushing the opposition back at will. Our backs...

U13 Rugby v Grace Dieu - Wednesday 13 October 2010

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 11:22:33 GMT

Fresh and eager from their victory the previous week�at Lichfield, the noble warriors of the Abbotsholme Sharks were keen to keep the travelling bug in their journey to Grace Dieu.�We had the same conditions and even the same driver! We started the game full of confidence but quickly realised that we were up against a very well drilled side...

U13 Rugby v Lichfield Cathedral School - Wednesday 6 October 2010

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:31:27 GMT

The noble band of warriors that make up the Sharks set forth to play against Lichfield on a pleasant sunny afternoon.�The full squad of 25 players including the injured Ramon Cierco-Palau�as water-boy arrived determined to achieve a win after the previous match at Derby. Aided by an injured 1st XV player, the team warmed up and were eager to...

U13, U14 & U15 Netball v Chellaston - Wednesday 19 January 2011

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:43:50 GMT

On Wednesday 19 January Abbotsholme U13, U14 & U15 Netball teams travelled up the A50 to Chellaston school. It was the first time the girls had played against Chellaston so everyone was feeling a little anxious. However, our nerves were soon put to bed as the three games got under way. As we were able to play all three games at the...

U13s Rugby Training Postponed

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:53:50 GMT

The U13s rugby training that is due to take place this weekend, Saturday 25 Sep 10, has been postponed due to lack of numbers ahead of Hikes.

U14 Cricket - Wednesday 12 May 2010

Thu, 13 May 2010 15:38:01 GMT

James Hudson won the toss and Abbotsholme went into bat. In this our first 25 over game and gave the openers a chance to settle in. However, that didn't happen. Tom Benjamin was caught off the third ball, shortly followed by James Hudson who was caught behind. Alex Christie came in and hit six fours in quick time but was out LBW trying for...

U14 Cricket v Grace Dieu - 26 May 2010

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:08:15 GMT

Another 50 not out for Alex Christie! James Hudson won the toss and chose to bat. From the start Grace Dieu's bowlers found their line and length, making runs hard to come by. James Rowe who opened managed 14 but lost five partners along the way. James Hudson and Alex Christie once again showed patience though, and put on 80 for the...

U14 Cricket v Lichfield - 16 June 2010

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:38:30 GMT

On a beautiful but rare summer's day the U14 Cricketers hosted Lichfield in the last match of the season. James Hudson won the toss and chose to bat. Most of the season we have relied upon Alex Christie and James Hudson to get our runs, batting at 3 and 4, and it looked as though we were going to again, when Jack Sanderson and Tom Benjamin both...

U14-U15 Hockey v Lichfield School & QEGS - Wednesday 6 October 2010

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:40:30 GMT

It was a very busy afternoon for many of the squad with 2 matches to play. First we stayed at Abbotsholme and played against Lichfield Cathedral School. From the first strike of the match the game was fast flowing. There were plenty of excellent runs up both of the wings by Georgia Haynes and Georgia Collins, with strong defensive work from...

U15 Cricket v QEGS - Wednesday 11 May 2011

Fri, 13 May 2011 14:58:13 GMT

Our first match of the season and definitely not an easy one. James Hudson won the toss and put us into bat. Due to the late start we played a restricted 16 over match. Tom Benjamin and Matt Willis got the team off to a great start, putting on an opening partnership of 59 in the first eight over's. After Tom was dismissed for 38, wickets...

U15 Cricket v Thomas Alleynes - Wednesday 25 May 2011

Fri, 27 May 2011 10:12:00 GMT

The mighty warriors that comprise the U15 Cricket XI made the trip to Thomas Alleynes on an overcast afternoon after having made use of a training session with the 1st Cricket XI squad prior to their departure. The team were eager to compete and the desire to get out and play was evident. Skipper James Hudson won the toss and...

U15 Football v QEGS - Wednesday 23 March 2011

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:11:58 GMT

In glorious sunshine we kicked off on a very large dry pitch, on a very big slope. Once the team became accustomed to the conditions they started playing some impressive football. Jeremy Clarke and Alex Christie won plenty of ball in front of the back three, and then strung lots of short passes together through Dominic Lloyd and Josh Sulin. In...

U15 Football v Thomas Alleynes - Wednesday 30 March 2011

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:25:41 GMT

Our last match of the season saw us host Thomas Alleynes. After an encouraging performance last week against QEGS, and this week fielding what was possibly our strongest side, spirits were high. Thomas Alleynes started the better, gaining control of the midfield and spreading it wide to the wing then delivering telling crosses. We held out for...

U15 Hockey

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:29:54 GMT

Over the past couple of weeks we have had intense training. Last Wednesday we were fortunate to have some International coaches working with us. Throughout the afternoon we worked on everything from the very basics of stick skills and plenty of fitness. By the end of the afternoon we had played systems of play, small sided games ending in 7...

U15 Rugby v Derby Grammar - 22 September 2010

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:53:39 GMT

Following our training game against Denstone last week which we comfortably won, we were keen to put into practice several new moves this week against Derby Grammar. Initially it did not go according to plan. Within the first 15 minutes we had been sucked in, lost our defensive line and conceded two tries on the outside. Gradually we found...

U15 Rugby v QEGS - Wednesday 6 October 2010

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:01:36 GMT

It was the perfect weather and ground conditions for tactical rugby. The wind was blowing straight down the pitch and the sun was in the oppositions eye's if you used the high ball, unfortunately we lost the toss! Something strange happened though straight from the kick off, the team�played as a 'team'. The forwards won all their scrums and a...

Untold Stories

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:02:16 GMT

Abbotsholme pupils lit a candle and listened to untold stories from the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. Pupils from Year 6, the Upper Sixth and staff were given coloured pieces of paper with information about: The Holocaust The genocide in Cambodia The genocide in Bosnia The genocide in Rwanda The genocide in Darfur Quotations from...

Vacancy - Food Technology Teacher

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:22:48 GMT

We are currently recruiting for a Full Time Food Technology Teacher to start in September 2011. If you are interested in this opportunity please click on the link below to view our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies To view the job advert please click on the link...

Vacancy - Head of Drama

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:24:35 GMT

A vacancy has arisen for the post of Head of Drama at Abbotsholme. If you are interested in this position please click on the link below which will take you to our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies Or, click on the following link to view the job...

Vacancy - Head of Junior School

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:36:10 GMT

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Junior School. If you are interested in this opportunity please click on the link below to view our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies To view the job advert please click on the link below: Head of Junior School Ad.pdf

Vacancy - Head of Mathematics

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:40:23 GMT

Due to retirement we are currently recruiting for a Head of Mathematics to start in September 2011. If you are interested in this opportunity please click on the link below to view our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies To view the job advert please click on the link below: Head of Maths Advertisement...

Vacancy - Headmaster's PA

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:24:15 GMT

A vacancy has arisen for the post of�Headmaster's PA�at Abbotsholme. If you are interested in this position please click on the link below which will take you to our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies Or, click on the following link to view the job...

Vacancy - Teaching Assistant for Reception Class

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:58:56 GMT

We are currently recruiting for a Teaching Assistant for our Reception class. If you are interested in this opportunity please click on the link below to view our vacancies section: http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Vacancies To view the job advert please click on the link below: Teaching Assistant Ad.pdf

Victorian Paper Theatre

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:57:47 GMT

Victorian Theatre As part of their studies of Victorian childhood Year 5 and 6 have been looking at the toys that children played with in the past. To try and get a feel of what it was like playing with these toys they are building Victorian puppet theatres and working on shows for their classmates. They have made good progress with these over...

Views from the Headmasters Window & Beyond - 3 December 2010

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:58:29 GMT

Vintage Scott Motorcycles Meet at Abbotsholme

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:42:32 GMT

This weekend, 35 vintage Scott motorcycles met at Abbotsholme School for the owners' club's annual rally. Alfred Angas Scott was an old boy of the School in the very early years of the twentieth century and was an engineering enthusiast from an early age. At Abbotsholme, he developed a passion for motorcycles and an understanding...

Want to reduce your School fees or ease your cash flow?

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:13:06 GMT

Times are hard and there are two ways in which Abbotsholme can help parents make school fees more affordable: Advance Fee Payment Discount Pay your childs annual School fees up front by August 31st and recieve a 3% discount. A particularly strong benefit during these times of low interest...

Water Aid Charity Day

Fri, 20 May 2011 15:55:20 GMT

Abbotsholme held a Mufti day today 20th May to raise awareness and funds for Water Aid. Water Aid is a charity that enables the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water and sanitation. Together with improved hygiene, these basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods, forming the first essential step in overcoming...

Water in Context

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:37:02 GMT

On the last Thursday before the Easter break, the Abbotsholme AS and A2 Biology and BTEC Agri students along with their teachers, Miss Coonan and Mrs Hemmingway partook in a 'Water in Context' field study trip to Blithfield reservoir and education centre near Rugeley in Staffordshire. This field trip was designed specifically for 6th Form...

Website Updates

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:36:04 GMT

The following web pages have been updated Co-curriculum Overview - http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Co-Curriculum-Overview Abbotsholme Expectations - http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/School-Life/Co-Curriculum-Overview/Abbotsholme-Expectations- Outdoor Education - http://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/Outdoor-Education Abbotsholme Farm...

Wednesday Activity - Electric Car

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:52:24 GMT

Since the end of the 2010 race season the Electric Car activity has met each week on a Wednesday afternoon. We have carried out essential maintenance work on the trailer, whilst the weather was warm and have also evaluated the new competition rules for the 2011 season and drawn up a strategy to modify the cars so they will pass...

Wednesday Afternoon Activities

Thu, 12 May 2011 13:51:41 GMT

Weekend Races

Wed, 05 May 2010 07:13:26 GMT

'A Racy Weekend!' - Last Sunday May 2nd, a number of Abbotsholmians took part in some local races. In the morning, Will Tranter was first to the finish line from the school entries, followed closely by Alex Mason, Jonathan Wood, Kiernan Allen and Charlotte Tims in the Uttoxeter ½ marathon fun run race held at Uttoxeter racecourse.� All...

Welcome back

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:31:53 GMT

Welcome back. � "Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness." � School has started well (and also the rugby season) and staff and pupils are eager to get on with teaching and learning. � It was an incredibly busy day yesterday with information overload for all.� I sat in Mr Palmer's Expectations Chapel and was very...

Welcome Holme

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:36:24 GMT

"Welcome holme" Abbotsholme's term started well with Staff INSET and some AS exams. Looking forward to getting back to normal routine with Chapel at 8.30 tomorrow. A long term ahead , and the prospect of a very good one

We're still here!

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:30:35 GMT

Summer Gathering has finished, and Abbotsholme feels much more serene and calm. However, We're Still Here! If you are interested in Abbotsholme's unique educational ethos then please contact our Admissions Secretary, Miss Jessica Ash on (01889) 594265. We can arrange for a prospectus to be sent out, a meeting to discuss all...

What Came First the Chicken or the Egg?

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:51:14 GMT

With regards to the age old problem of what came first the chicken or the egg here at Abbotsholme we can finally answer this! The chickens definitely came first as they arrived on Thursday of last week and have been cared for by the junior school pupils. Then on Friday came the egg! So there you have it! Chicken - egg!

What Is Christmas? rhymes from year 1 and 2

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:50:10 GMT

What is Christmas? Christmas is church bells ringing, Outside the church. Christmas is mince pies, My favourite food. Christmas is fantastic presents, Under the Christmas tree. By Raphe Player What is Christmas? Christmas is ringing bells In the street. Christmas is spiky Christmas trees In the...

Winter Cricket at Abbotsholme

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:15:36 GMT

Snow holds no restrictions to the winter training session adopted by the Abbotsholme 1st XI. Keen as ever to hone their skills and prove adaptable to whatever conditions they meet, a hardy group of squad members, along with a couple of the support staff, spent a few pleasant moments in the sunshine. The rough conditions underfoot...

Winter Term 2010 Planner

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:16:00 GMT

The new winter term planer is now available on-line.��For your convienience you�can now import this planner into your Microsoft Outlook calandar.� All information regarding this can be found by clicking Here.

Woodland Walk For The Junior School

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 10:25:26 GMT

The junior school children took advantage of the lovely weather yesterday and went for a woodland walk at lunch time. Usually lunch time break sees the children playing on the tennis courts but as we have had continuously dry weather Mrs Burton took all of the children up into the woodlands at the back of the school just behind Reddie's...

World of Warhammer

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:31:21 GMT

Tuesday 8th February saw Abbotsholme Warhammer team visit the Games Workshop headquarters for the Midlands School league regional heats. Jacob, George, Tom and Joe are all experienced gamers and were looking forward to the day. Once in the main hall it was impossible not to be inspired! The Gaming Arena lies at the heart of Warhammer World and...

Year 10 Work Experience

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:23:46 GMT

Year 10 returned from their week of work experience on Monday. It was really good to hear about their experiences, and reading through some of their work experience diaries was really most interesting. It is always amazing how varied their experiences are, and this year was no exception. One thing that evidently the pupils found most...

Year 11 Formal Dinner

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:12:22 GMT

On a beautiful spring evening at Abbotsholme, following three days of inspection, the year eleven pupils had their formal dinner. With the theme of Bugsy Malone, the pupils arrived elegantly dressed in suits, tuxedos and special dresses. One of the pupils, Sam Hall, arrived on his John Deere tractor and the moment was set for some amazing...

Year 3-4 Science - Play dough and Gravity!

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:45:05 GMT

As part of Year 3-4 Science the children have been looking at forces. Before they even began Mrs Burton asked the children to have a go at making some Play dough, (see recipe below!) which would be used in the experiments, much to their delight. The first experiments that they carried out were what effect different surfaces had on the play...

Year 5 Geography Field Trip - 11 June 2010

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:51 GMT

On Friday 11 June 2010, Year 5 went out of school to study a local river. We found a spring near Cotton and followed the water downstream in order to carry out various measurements as the stream twisted its way down the valley. The children worked in two groups to record the depth and flow speed at different points across the stream. This...

Year 5 Spanish

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:17:11 GMT

Today in Spanish Year 5 have been testing their heart rates. We tried out four different activities to find out which one raised our heart rates the most. We tested leer (reading), ver la tele (watching TV), bailar (dancing) and hacer footing (jogging). We discovered that watching TV didn't alter our heart rates much and neither did reading. The...

Year 7 & 8 Adventure Weekend 14 - 16 May

Mon, 17 May 2010 14:47:32 GMT

Nine�pupils had signed up for a weekend in the Lake District with Mr Witcomb and Mr Stockton, and left straight after tea on Friday. Based in the heart of Ambleside they could have literally carried their kayaks to the Lake. The weather on Saturday was fantastic and the group were up for paddling the full length of Windermere, North to South a...

Year 7 Adventure Weekend in the Peak District - 26-27 March 2011

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:47:55 GMT

On Friday evening after supper, Miss Kerry and I took ten enthusiastic young people to Hagg Farm, near Ladybower Reservoir. On Saturday morning we drove to Stanage Edge and met up with Max, one of our regular instructors. We spent most of the day climbing and all ten managed to complete three 'very difficult' routes. They took it in turn to...

Year 7 Camps - Lake Windermere

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:38:45 GMT

Year 7 Camps were based at a�site on the shores of Lake Windermere.�The advance party�went on the Monday to set up camp and the rest followed on the next day. Once everybody had arrived�at the campsite we were split�into three groups;�green, red and blue, each group having a�different activity to do; mountain biking, orienteering�or kayaking....

Year 7 Examination Timetable - Summer 2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:23:26 GMT

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Year 7-8 Educational Ski trip to Bormio Italy. March 27th to April 3rd

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:18:24 GMT

Miss Coonan and her partner Andy Keeling took a group of 12 Year 7 and 8 students to the Bormio ski resort in the Italian Alps, about a 3 hour drive from Milan and on the Italy, Switzerland border. This was a new resort to the school but the tour company had promised us great things from this resort and now upon our return, it can be said that...

Year 8 Adventure Weekend in the Peak District

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:47:39 GMT

We had Caving planned for Saturday and Climbing on Sunday, so it was a good job the weather forecast looked promising for the whole weekend. With twelve children and Gill Mills assisting, we drove to Matlock and met up with our instructor Max. He was taking us to the Devonshire Cavern, or to use its miners name Coalpit Rake which was an old...

Year 8 Camps - River Wye, Herefordshire

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:22:56 GMT

I have never seen Ross on Wye look so good. The weather was fantastic and the scenery beautiful. Also, thanks to Andy Greensmith, Suzanne Kuster, Charlotte Hudson and the advance party, camp looked pretty good too. Once lunch had been made and the remaining tents set up, we had no problem encouraging the children to put on swimwear for the...

Year 8 Examination Timetable - Summer 2011

Tue, 24 May 2011 15:21:20 GMT

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Year 8 Mountain Biking - Tuesday 8 February 2011

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:23:16 GMT

Year 8 Outdoor Education afternoon on Tuesday was blessed with some glorious sunshine this week. One of the groups went mountain biking where they learnt how to use their gears efficiently, control speed safely and at the same time enjoy some wonderful views of Carsington Water, in the (nearly) spring sunshine.

Year 9 Caving Experience

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:02:57 GMT

Year 9 pupils are having a taste of caving as part of their outdoor education program. They visit Carlswalk cavern in Stoney Middleton, and explore some small side tunnels before climbing down into the main system. This can be wet and muddy depending on the weather. If the pupils discover they enjoy this activity there is the...

Year 9 Examination Timetable - Summer 2011

Thu, 26 May 2011 09:26:19 GMT

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Year Nine Enterprise Group

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:43:10 GMT

This term a group of year nine students formed a company that produced glow in the dark wrist bands as part of a young enterprise initiative. The idea behind the company was to research and source a product that would be suitable to promote and sell in school and that would be profitable in order to raise funds for charity. It was decided that...

Young Enterprise 2011 - Talk Chalk

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:55:38 GMT

Abbotsholme's Young Enterprise company this year is called Talk Chalk. Led by Managing Director Alex Field, the company is manufacturing mirrored chalk memory boards, using the Technology Department's CNC equipment. In addition, the company is promoting its brand name through the sale of Valentine's bands. Imported from the United States and...

Young Enterprise Trade Fair - Saturday 5 February 2011

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:58:18 GMT

The Abbotsholme Young Enterprise company attended the East Staffordshire Trade Fair in Burton upon Trent. They set up a stall to sell their products, mirrored memory chalk boards, sold under the brand name 'Talk Chalk' and a promotional St Valentine's gift, a bracelet band engraved with "I Love You" and the company's brand name. The group...

Youth Speaks Competition - Tuesday 17 May 2011

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:52:19 GMT

'Why I hate McDonalds!' Well, not me personally, but it's the view of Ellie Palmer and she feels passionately about it: the salt, the fat content, the Americanism of the chain. (not that she has anything against America or Americans, however). She spoke on the topic for 5 minutes in front of an appreciative audience at the annual Uttoxeter...

Yummy Apple Pie!

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:11:24 GMT

Today in years 1 and 2, the children went into the cookery rooms to make the perfect apple pie! To begin with the children peeled the apples after careful instruction on how to use the peelers they set to work, peeling the bags of apples that were waiting for them on the table. Once the peeling was complete the children had to chop up the apples...