VIEW FROM The Abbey
Friday 20 June 2025
Welcome From... Head of Personal Development and Community Engagement
What a fabulous week we have had this week at school Exams are winding down and our Middle Sixth and Fifth Form leaving to start the next part of their journey or to enjoy a wonderful holiday before returning in September
We have welcomed nine new Digital Leaders this year, who will be receiving their certificates in next week’s assembly This term they have reviewed and updated our Pupil Acceptable Use Policy which all pupils have to sign and are expected to adhere to keep themselves and the community safe online at Milton Abbey
The Food committee received a presentation from one of our Middle Sixth hospitality students Lexi P, who had explored the issue of food waste in the school and also looked at the provision of packed lunches. Ideas were discussed and have been sent to the caterers so we await their feedback.
House councils and our school council called the Round table have met and Mr Barnes and Ms Livingstone have considered all the feedback - the main themes were behaviour, uniform, evenings and mobile devices
I would also like to draw your attention to two future activities. On Saturday 20 September, our Environment group is holding it’s first sustainable Fashion Show and charity sale, to showcase how clothing can be reused, recycled and upcycled They are still looking for donations and would also be very happy to see parents at the show Mrs Charlton has already made a prototype upcycled bag, the final version of which will be available at the show
We are extremely proud of our diverse student population and on the 25 of June, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group will lead a Cultural Awareness Day to give all pupils and staff a chance to experience food, music, dress, language and anything else culture from different communities and cultures
Please do encourage pupils to get involved in the many pupil participation activities here at school
Finally, I must congratulate the Lower Sixth Film & TV pupils The group planned, filmed and edited a short video on the theme “It’s not your fault ” How can we support each other against online scams? which has been selected as a finalist in the national secondary age Childnet Film Competition They were inspired by the work of the Digital Leaders for Safer Internet Day and have produced a film entitled Tyranno-Scam-Us-Rex
Mrs Badley
Upcycled bag made from old school skirts
In The Classroom
SPANISH TREAT
Our Third Form and Middle Sixth students were treated to an afternoon of Tapas in their Spanish lesson as a little farewell to the Middle Sixth students
With flags and hats at the ready, everyone enjoyed trying the new foods For the Third Form students, it was a delicious opportunity to taste the very dishes they had been learning about, perfectly timed to coincide with International Picnic Day
The students sampled an array of traditional Spanish treats, including picos, baby aubergines, serrano ham, chorizo, olives, banderillas, queso manchego, tortilla española, and buñuelos
It was a wonderful way to bring language and culture to life through flavour, fun, and a shared sense of celebration
MARINE BIOLOGY
Current A-Level Biology and Geography students, along with aspiring Fourth and Fifth Formers planning to pursue A-Levels, joined Mr Anderson and Mr Lynn aboard Southampton University’s Marine Biological Research Vessel Callista.
During the day, the students conducted hands on biological and oceanographic surveys, including bottom trawling to collect a diverse range of marine flora and fauna, as well as plankton trawls
Working closely alongside PhD researchers, the students identified and classified the various organisms they discovered, gaining invaluable practical experience in marine science.
ON THE SCHOOL FARM
As an engaging introduction to their upcoming Autumn Term programme, Fourth Form Land-Based Studies students had the delightful opportunity to meet and interact with three guinea pigs.
A big thank you to Zach J, who kindly brought in his guinea pigs and gave an excellent demonstration on their routine care. Students learned how to properly handle, bathe, weigh, and trim the nails of these small animals, an important foundation in animal welfare.
PHOTOGRAPHY
HOSPITATLITY
Lower Sixth Hospitality students produced an Afternoon Tea as part of their current practical unit.
Students have spent this last term running up to the event practising technical baking skills and took part in a creative sandwich session where they came up with interesting and innovative fillings
Students got to invite staff to the Afternoon Tea held in our courtyard on a beautiful sunny afternoon Guests were greeted with a carrot lemonade and canapes followed by a selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes
Some of the exciting flavours were Lavender with a lemon zest cream, elderflower and lemon cake and apple crumble scones Classic sandwiches with a twist were egg with a whipped herb butter, smoked salmon with horseradish cream and cheddar and rhubarb chutney
Where possible all ingredients were sourced locally supporting suppliers and the focus was on seasonal produce
As we soon say farewell to Middle Sixth, we ’ re shining a light on a powerful project by George D, a street photography series that captures the unexpected poetry of the everyday.
Shot on entirely on 35mm film, George’s work explores intervention and interruption: moments where objects, people, or structures block or crop the frame, creating tension and intrigue These compositions aren’t mistakes; they’re deliberate choices that challenge how we view and interpret the urban environment
Influenced by the colour and spontaneity of William Eggleston, the layered energy of Michael Spano, and the raw intimacy of Bruce Davidson, George’s series balances control and chaos, presence and absence George intends to study a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Kingston University
INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY
In celebration of International Picnic Day, the entire school gathered on the Abbey outfield for a picnicthemed lunch, enjoying the sunshine and showcasing the spirit of our school community!
ARCHIVES DAY
Mrs Litchfield, our School Archivist, organised an ‘Archive Day’, inviting students, staff, and Governors to take a walk through history
Through a fascinating display of artefacts from our Historic Archive, attendees explored the rich heritage of Milton Abbey School, tracing its story back to the time of Damer and Tregonwell
CHILDNET FINALISTS IN NATIONAL COMPETITION
A group of talented Lower Sixth Film and TV students have been named finalists in the Childnet Film Competition 2025 This year ' s theme, "It’s not your fault: How can we support each other against online scams?", challenged young filmmakers to explore the importance of online safety and peer support
Ay, Will W, Rathani M, Olly S, Theo B, and Xavi W rose to the occasion with their brilliant short film, ‘TyrannoScam-US-Rex’ The creative and thoughtful story follows a student who falls victim to an online scam and learns how seeking help from friends can make all the difference
We’re thrilled to announce that their entry has been selected as one of three national finalists in their age category! The winners will be revealed on Tuesday 1 July, best of luck!
SPORTING NEWS!
100 MILE CYCLE RIDE
Toby A, Middle Sixth and Lower Sixth students, Wilf W, Max H and Sol B achieved their term's goal of completing an 100 mile cycle ride It was a very hot day, but they remained focused throughout and rode immaculately as a team to reach 100 miles in just over ten hours. They were welcomed back to school by a great reception and a welldeserved pizza. An incredible achievement, Mr Ratcliffe is so proud of them Now they can forever say "I completed an 100 mile cycle ride"
24 HOUR LAKE SWIM!
The fabulous 24-hour swimmers completed their challenge at Shepperton Lake with Level Water UK This was the fourth year they had attended the event! It was a tough 24 hours, with lots of rain and cold overnight temperatures, but all the students were amazing and showed true Milton Abbey spirit Congratulations to Leila P, Lower Sixth, and Middle Sixth students Evie H, Daisy Q and George D
Thanks also to Mr Hanney, Mr Denness, Mrs Burg, and Ms Garrett for all their help and support
HOUSE ATHLETICS
Congratulations to Tregonwell House for winning in the InterHouse athletics showdown against Hambro and Athelstan! For the girls, Damer and Hughie’s shared the top spot in a thrilling joint win.
Well done to all houses for their fantastic effort and sportsmanship!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Since joining Milton Abbey in September, Mazarine M, Lower Sixth has eagerly taken up new sports, including tennis, golf, horse riding, and football. Her enthusiasm and commitment earned her spots on the golf and girls' football teams, where she regularly represents the school “I never felt embarrassed to be new, everyone ' s so welcoming Trying something new here feels exciting, not intimidating.”
TENNIS
Students from Tregonwell, Hambro, and Athelstan took to the grass courts for their Inter-House tennis competition With some impressive rallies, Athelstan emerged victorious Hambro and Tregonwell shared a well-fought second place. A special mention goes to Fourth Form students Nico EVDS, Otis V, Sean U, and Seth B for their outstanding performances throughout the match. Ms Cooper was particularly pleased with the progress shown by all players
GOLF
The Golf Team wrapped up their summer season in style, clinching a well earned victory against QE Wimborne
Pablo J, Fifth Form, and Zach J, Fourth Form, delivered a confident performance, securing a 2&1 win. Meanwhile, Neo T and Sam M-A, Lower Sixth, edged out a close match, sealing the win on the penultimate hole.The final and closest match saw Lower Sixth duo Rocco T and Josh W take on QE's top pairing in a competitive battle Ultimately, the team triumphed with an overall score of 3½ to ½, a fantastic finish to the season!
Hornets
Parents’ Sports Day
Student Commendations
HOUSE AMBASSADOR
Chanah L, Fourth Form, has been recognised as a Pupil of Praise in Damer House for her outstanding efforts in welcoming and supporting our Short-Term Experience Programme (STEP) students, helping them feel at home and settle into the Damer community
FOUTSTANDING WORK IN DRAMA
Gabe D-B, Third Form, has been commended by Mr Lucas for his outstanding work in the tech box for the Third Form production - ‘Here Comes The Sun’.
DEDICATION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
Cato B, Fourth Form, is a dedicated photography student who consistently puts in effort to improve her skills She takes initiative in her independent work, exploring new ideas and refining her craft She’s also open to seeking advice, using feedback to grow and develop her artistic approach Her commitment to learning makes her a commendable student in the field.
A NATIONAL BOARDING WEEK
To celebrate National Boarding W of the activities from BSA: Hughie’s - Made fudge
Tregonwell - Mini Golf Competition
Athelstan - Big Summer Solstice Camp Out
Damer - Self-Care night
Hambro - Created Music Videos
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES!
MILTONBURY!
Everyone had a fantastic time at our Miltonbury festival!
Within their Houses, students organised a variety of fun stalls and activities for one another, including classics like hoopla, soak the teacher, hook the duck, ring toss, coconut shy, wellie wanging, and many more exciting games
The festivities continued with a sizzling BBQ, a visit from an ice-cream van, bouncy castles, and live music performed by our talented students!
THIRD AND FOURTH FORM SOCIAL
As part of their weekend activities programme, students in Third and Fourth Form were treated to a black tie dance with a DJ and disco Everyone enjoyed letting their hair down and throwing shapes, with lots of party games for all to enjoy after a busy week.
CREATIVE SHOWCASE & HEADMASTER’S DRINKS
Students from Fashion, Art, Film & TV, Design, and Technology showcased their outstanding work in the Tuck Shop, offering parents and friends of Milton Abbey School a vibrant and inspiring exhibition Guests enjoyed a relaxed evening on the lawn, with live music from Fever Street and delicious canapés and refreshments prepared and served by our talented Hospitality students
Middle Sixth students enjoyed their last ‘girls gym session’ with Ms Pull before the end of term
Damer House wishing their Housemaster Mr
Max C, Lower Sixth, has been helping Leonard K, Third Form, with his DT homework in Hambro House
Daisy Q, Middle Sixth is fundraising for a Msambweni in Kenya, to volunteer as a teaching assistant in January 2026 To support her, please see her GoFundMe page here
Fourth Form Hughie’s students enjoyed a trip out to Nandos with their Assistant Housemaster, Ms Crow
Dates For your Diary
Saturday 28 June
Week Commencing 30 June
Thursday 3 July
| Black and Gold Day
| End of Year Residential Trips & DofE Bronze and Silver Expeditions
| Speech Day Service, Prize Giving and Middle Sixth Leavers’ Ball
Despite the annual Alumni vs 1st XI cricket match being rained off, generations of Miltonians descended on the school for the annual AGM and lunch, with a fond farewell to our teacher of 40 years, and former
Athelstan Housemaster, Mr Hugo Mieville, who is retiring at the end of term
In a packed King's Room, Mr Watson, the Headmaster, heartily thanked Mr Mieville for his sterling career of service to the school and the crowd cheered him to the rafters in a very poignant moment.
If you couldn't make it to Alumni Day, please do register for Speech Day on Thursday 3 July where we will be celebrating the graduation of our Middle Sixth students alongside Mr Mieville's final goodbye.
