Abingdon News 25-09-25 + Duke of Edimburgh Peak District

 

NEWSLETTER 25-09

Quick‑action checklist for Year 11 families

1. ✅ Verify you have the correct exam calculator; order a replacement if needed.
2. ✅ Review the DofE Gold PDFs and discuss timelines with your mentor.
3. ✅ Download the Black History reading list and pick 2–3 titles to read.
1. the list is suitable for “4th‑year pupils and up.” That includes all Year 11 students. It’s a handy resource for essays, presentations or personal reading over the autumn term.
4. ✅ Mark 4 Oct (Open Day), 29‑30 Sept (road closure), 6‑7 Oct (Fair) on your calendar; note the alternate gate.
5. ✅ Schedule time for the Wellbeing Hub podcast (29 Sept) and webinar (22 Oct).
6. ✅ Consider attending the Touchliners Quiz on 7 Nov for networking.
1.  Friday 7 Nov at Loose Cannon Brewery (£25 for members, £30 non‑members). A relaxed evening to meet other parents and alumni; a good networking opportunity if you’re thinking about post‑school pathways.

Feel free to reach out if you need any of the linked PDFs resent or have questions about the upcoming events. Good luck with your GCSE preparations!

Weekly Mailing – 25 September 2025
Key points for Year 11 (Form 5) students

---

Academic & Exam‑related notices

• Calculator letters – A reminder has been sent to all Lower Sixth (Year 12) families, but the same “Calculators Letter” also applies to Year 11 pupils who will sit GCSE maths and science exams this summer. Make sure you have the approved model and bring it on exam day.

• Duke of Edinburgh Award – Gold level – Two documents are linked for Year 11 students:

  1. Gold Canoeing Expeditions (PDF) – details of the water‑based expedition component.
  2. Gold Level (PDF) – overall requirements, timelines and assessment criteria.
     If you’re planning to complete the Gold award before leaving school, start organising your expedition and service hours now.

• Black History Month reading list – Compiled by the English Department, the list is suitable for “4th‑year pupils and up.” That includes all Year 11 students. It’s a handy resource for essays, presentations or personal reading over the autumn term.

---

Pastoral & Wellbeing

• Wellbeing Hub – upcoming content

  • Week of 29 Sept: Podcast series on talking to teens about alcohol, drugs, relationships, pornography and online influencers (hosted by therapist Alicia Drummond).
  • Week of 22 Oct: Webinar “Why every teenager needs a parrot” – practical tips for balancing independence and safety.
  • Access the hub and additional webinars/articles via the Wellbeing link in the mailing.

• Touchliners Quiz & Social Night – Friday 7 Nov at Loose Cannon Brewery (£25 for members, £30 non‑members). A relaxed evening to meet other parents and alumni; a good networking opportunity if you’re thinking about post‑school pathways.