ABBOTSHOLME | NEWS

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

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:21:54 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...

Scent with Love

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:16:49 GMT

In February 2010, eight Upper Sixth formers set out to bring a little love into Abbotsholme in time for the looming St Valentine's Day. It was the traditional Scent with Love; where the school buys in a bulk of red carnations and students are able to purchase one to send to the person they admire for a small cost. All profits went to the...

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

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:23:00 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...

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...

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 - 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...

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...

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...

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...

Intouch Tuesday 20th April 2010

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:36:56 GMT

Abbotsholme Intouch Tuesday 20 April 2010.pdf

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Intouch Monday 26th April 2010

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:33:02 GMT

Abbotsholme Intouch Monday 26 April 2010.pdf

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...

Sun Safe news from the Health Centre

Thu, 20 May 2010 13:56:35 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 skin cancer in...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

Intouch Monday 3rd May 2010

Tue, 04 May 2010 16:54:30 GMT

Abbotsholme Intouch Monday 3 May 2010.pdf

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...

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...

Abbotsholme Parents' Association Summer Ball

Thu, 06 May 2010 10:32:14 GMT

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Intouch Monday 10 May 2010

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:48:32 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 10 May 2010.pdf

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.�...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Intouch Monday 17 May 2010

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:42:52 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 17 May 2010.pdf

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...

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

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...

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...

Intouch Monday 24 May 2010

Tue, 25 May 2010 13:48:20 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 24 May 2010.pdf

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...

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...

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...

Battlefields of Flanders - 22-23 May 2010

Fri, 28 May 2010 11:46:51 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 Cross...

'in touch' - Monday 7 June 2010

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:07:04 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' Monday 7 June 2010.pdf

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...

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....

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...

'in touch' - Monday 14 June 2010

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:15:30 GMT

Weekly 'in touch' Monday 14 June 2010.pdf

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...

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

Abbotsholme Menu - wc 14 Jun 2010

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:58:23 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 14-06-2010.pdf

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...

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.

Juniors visit Rockholme

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:48:59 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...

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...

Abbotsholme Menu wc 21 June 2010

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:53:45 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 21-06-2010.pdf

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...

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...

Abbotsholme 'in touch' - Monday 21 June 2010

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:43:04 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 21 June 2010.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 Menu - wc 28 June 2010

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:39:25 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 28-06-2010.pdf

'in touch' - Monday 28 June 2010

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:38:35 GMT

Intouch Monday 28 June 2010.pdf

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.

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...

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

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 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...

Want to reduce your School fees or ease your cash flow?

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:04:58 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 the beginning of the Autumn Term and recieve a 3% discount. A particularly strong benefit during these times of low interest...

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...

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.�...

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 Menu wc 5 July 2010

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 10:48:13 GMT

Abbotsholme Menu wc 5 July 2010.pdf

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...

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...

Ducklings!

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:29:22 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...

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 'in touch' - Monday 5 July 2010

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:25:39 GMT

Weekly Newsletter Monday 5 July 2010 - 2.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".

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...