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VIEW FROM The Abbey Thursday 15 October 2026

Table of Contents Welcome

Life in Boarding

In The Classroom

Q&A with Mrs

Round Square

News and Updates

Sporting News

School Community

Student

Dates for your Diary

Weekend Activities

Commendations

Fearon-Lewis

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Welcome From... Mrs Badley

As we head into half term, the weather has turned, and the autumn colours are starting to show in the beautiful landscapes around the school. Our new hospitality kitchen, ‘The Old Miltonian’, was officially opened by Mr Hugo Mieville, President of the Milton Abbey Association, following a school fundraising project. It was a delight for many staff members to welcome back Matthew Brennan (OM ‘24), who spoke to our Middle Sixth students about university, work and making the most of all the opportunities available to them. October is Black History Month, and Mr Olufunwa has planned a number of events before half term. Houses and other areas of the school feature Black History contribution displays for students to read and reflect on. The Third Form will also have an opportunity to undertake further exploratory work on the subject. In tutorials this week, students have been discussing when personal choices become prejudice. They have also sampled cuisine from Black cultures, including jerk chicken, rice and peas, and African doughnuts at lunchtime. Students are also creating a Future of Black Miltonians video that will reflect the experiences and aspirations of our own students. Amid all these activities, the Health Centre will be encouraging staff and students alike to take part in a wellness walk to celebrate World Mental Health Day, which also falls this month. We wish all those staff and students travelling to Zimbabwe a fun and educational time. Students in exam years will have mock exams coming up soon after the half-term break, so, as well as resting and relaxing, there is some work and revision to be done.

Up The Abbey!

Mrs Badley | Director of Safeguarding and Behaviour

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In and out the Classroom

WORLD READY

Digital Skills How has technology changed the world in just a few decades? As part of their Third Form Digital Skills course, students explored the evolution of mobile phones. The activity encouraged them to reflect on how digital technologies have transformed communication, influenced culture, and changed the way we live, work, and learn. A hands-on lesson that brought the history of technology to life.

CMD Careers Milton Abbey’s Middle Sixth Form students recently welcomed CMD Careers co-founders Liam-Elio and Paul-Nino for an inspiring careers event focused on life beyond school. They were joined by Matthew Brennan (OM ’24), who shared his journey from Milton Abbey to Royal Holloway, University of London, and his current placement year with Rolls-Royce. Matt encouraged students to make the most of the opportunities at Milton Abbey, highlighting the importance of work experience, networking and developing skills beyond the classroom. Students also explored practical tips on CV writing, applications, career planning and building professional connections, while hearing about the varied career and entrepreneurial journeys of Liam-Elio and Paul-Nino. We were also delighted to welcome back Antoine Sharpe (OM ‘24), who joined Matt for the visit.

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The Tank Museum Our Third Form students visited the Bovington Tank Museum to support their study of the First World War. The day began with a session on recruitment and propaganda, followed by a visit to a replica First World War trench, where students learned more about the conditions faced by soldiers on the Western Front and handled equipment used during the conflict. Students also explored the development of military technology, including the opportunity to step inside a Mark IV Tank. The visit finished with a workshop on medicine, exploring some of the medical developments that emerged during the First World War.

Student Spotlight | Ferdinand R Middle Sixth student Ferdinand has been making an impressive impact in 3D Design, combining ambitious ideas with creativity, technical skill and a real willingness to experiment. His recent work includes a multifunctional headphone stand and desk organiser, combining oak and concrete with LED lighting and concealed MagSafe wireless charging. The project involved an impressive range of skills, including CAD modelling, CNC machining, laser cutting, concrete casting, soldering and traditional hand finishing. A fantastic example of how creativity, engineering, digital technology and skilled making come together in 3D Design.

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The Farm Our Fourth Form Land Based Studies students explored the world of photography this week, using cameras to capture the flora and fauna around Milton Abbey farm. As well as working towards their BTEC and collecting evidence for their studies, the students developed their photography skills, considering composition, detail and perspective to capture the beauty of the natural environment. Every photograph featured here was taken by the students, showcasing some wonderful observations of the landscape and wildlife right on our doorstep!

Travel & Tourism Milton Abbey’s Lower Sixth Enterprise and Hospitality students took their learning beyond the classroom on Tuesday 6 October with a fantastic visit to Longleat. The day gave students a behind the scenes look at how one of the UK’s best known visitor attractions operates as a business. They explored Longleat’s marketing campaigns, B2B markets and how the organisation uses data and customer feedback to make important business decisions.Students also discovered more about Longleat’s approach to sustainability and quality, as well as the people behind the business, looking at recruitment, selection, staff motivation and training. It was a great opportunity to connect classroom learning with a real business , while also enjoying everything Longleat had to offer! The learning has continued back at Milton Abbey, where students are now using Longleat as a real-life case study in their Enterprise lessons, exploring branding and how businesses set effective aims and objectives. A brilliant day of learning, discovery and inspiration and a great example of Hospitality and Enterprise education in action at Milton Abbey.

Marwell Zoo Our BTEC Level 3 Equine Management students enjoyed a fantastic visit to Marwell Zoo and the New Forest to observe natural equine behaviours for their Equine Behaviour unit. They observed Przewalski’s horses and New Forest ponies, discussing herd dynamics, communication and social hierarchies. This provided invaluable research for their assignments, learning beyond the classroom at its best!

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Round Square Round Square offers its member schools a respected framework for excellence and continuous improvement, along with opportunities to collaborate and share experiences with like-minded schools across the world. This framework centres around the Round Square IDEALS. These key principles which are integrated into the daily life of Milton Abbey and all member schools.

nalism o i t a n r e t In

Environment

Democracy Leadership

Adventure

Service

Gardening Club

The Gardening Club has been trying lasagna planting, a technique where bulbs are layered at different depths in a pot to create a long-lasting display of flowers throughout the year. We planted Allium cowanii, mini daffodils and Erigeron (Mexican fleabane), chosen for their beautiful blooms and low maintenance. As our planters are shallow, we used daisies for the top layer. Fingers crossed for a colourful display! We hope to use this method in most of our planters.

Combined Cadet Force Our CCF cadets have been developing their understanding of leadership and adventure through a series of teamwork-based obstacle courses on-site. The activities challenged them to communicate, build trust and support one another. One of the challenges required cadets to walk across a wooden plank while blindfolded, placing their trust in their peers as well as themselves. It was a great opportunity for them to step outside their comfort zones while strengthening their teamwork and leadership skills.

Hospitality Students developed their practical cookery skills by making a range of savoury scones, experimenting with flavours such as cheese and chorizo. Through preparing, shaping and baking their scones, students gained confidence in following recipes, using equipment safely and working independently. This activity links closely to the Adventure ideal of Round Square, encouraging students to try new flavours, experiment creatively and step outside their comfort zones while developing valuable life skills.

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SPORTING RUGBY Our Rugby Team has made an excellent start to the season, with players putting in the hard work at training alongside Mr Peel and Mr Strong. Their commitment has been evident as they continue to develop their skills, teamwork and confidence ahead of the season’s fixtures.

NEWS!

That hard work paid off in their opening match, where the team secured an impressive 36-7 victory against King’s Bruton. From the first whistle, the team demonstrated excellent attacking rugby, complemented by strong defensive organisation and a clear commitment to working for one another. Every player made an important contribution to the result, with particularly notable performances from Oli B, Lower Sixth, Seth B, Middle Sixth, Austin N, Fifth Form and Rory S, Middle Sixth. Most pleasing of all was the team spirit on display throughout the match. The players showed outstanding commitment, determination and togetherness, maintaining their intensity and focus from start to finish. A fantastic team performance and a brilliant way to begin the season. Well done to all the players for their hard work, determination and commitment.

HOCKEY

The Girls' U18A Hockey team travelled to Canford School for their first away fixture of the season. In a closely contested encounter, Canford proved more clinical in front of goal and secured a 2-0 victory. Despite the result, there were several standout performances. Luisa L, Middle Sixth, was outstanding in goal after stepping in at short notice, producing a number of excellent saves, while Gracie M, Fifth Form, impressed on her debut with a tireless display in midfield. The Girls' U15A Hockey team also faced Canford School and, although they came up against a strong side, gained valuable experience that will undoubtedly aid their development throughout the season. Flea B, Fourth Form, was a fantastic captain, encouraging everyone on and off the pitch to keep going.

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FOOTBALL

SPORT EVERY DAY

The U17A football team got the week off to a great start with a strong 3-1 win over Champion Football Academy, continuing their positive start to the season. The U15A had a mixed week. They were beaten by Purbeck School in a tough County Cup tie, but bounced back with an excellent 4-2 ISFA Cup win over Bedales School. Max B, Third Form scored twice, while Richi G-N M, Third Form and Harry R, Fourth Form, were named Players of the Match. The result puts them safely through to the next round. The 1st XI were involved in a thrilling league match against Wells Cathedral School. After taking a 4-1 lead, Milton Abbey were pegged back to 4-4. With five minutes left, Tommy H, Lower Sixth, making his first-team debut, scored the winner to secure a dramatic 5-4 victory. The result puts Milton Abbey top of the league. The 2nd XI faced a tough test away at Downside School, playing against their 1st XI with several players unavailable. Despite the result going against them, the team showed plenty of resilience and battled right through to the final whistle.

GOLF

Against Canford School, the match could not have been much closer, with the outcome being decided on the final hole of the final match. After excellent performances across the team, Milton Abbey were narrowly defeated 2½-1½, despite some superb golf being played throughout the afternoon. The team's league fixture against Sherborne School also resulted in defeat, but every player represented the school with distinction. Their effort, sportsmanship and commitment never wavered, providing plenty of positives to build on moving forward.

HYROX CHALLENGE! Kobi C, Middle Sixth, organised a HYROX challenge at school, giving both staff and students the opportunity to get involved and put their fitness to the test. HYROX is a fitness competition that combines running with functional exercises such as sled pushes, rowing, burpee broad jumps and wall balls. The challenge is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, whether you are a seasoned athlete or simply looking to try something new and challenge yourself.

SAILING The sailing team travelled to Oxford Sailing Club on 10–11 October for a two-day championship. Saturday brought strong winds and cold conditions, with six challenging races and two near victories. After a good supper and a restful night, the team returned on Sunday to lighter winds, securing wins against Ryde and Bryanston. It was an excellent weekend of competitive sailing, teamwork and camaraderie, and everyone should be proud of their achievements on and off the water.

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING The school shooting teams recently attended their first competition of the year at Honesberie Shooting Ground for the Rugby School Challenge. Despite limited training, they showed the true Miltonian spirit, finishing mid-table among 24 competing teams. Highlights included an excellent 5th place in The Flush, a simulated shoot featuring 50 clays from all directions, and an outstanding 3rd place for Gus C, Middle Sixth and our Deputy Head of School, in the individual event.The teams are looking forward to their next competition and building on this promising start to the season.

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Our Third Form Adventure took students to Portland for an afternoon of sailing, building resilience, confidence and teamwork on the water.

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Student

KNOW THYSELF

Commendations Ethan F | Spanish Ethan F, Fifth Form, has been recognised as a Pupil of Praise by Ms Marin for making an outstanding start in Spanish. His enthusiasm, positive attitude and willingness to support his peers make him a valued and much-appreciated member of the classroom.

Sidonie R | Hospitality Sidonie R, Middle Sixth, has been awarded as a Pupil of Praise in Hospitality for her excellent preparation and organisation ahead of the MA Makers Fair. She has shown real initiative by practising her chocolate fudge and cupcakes over the exeat weekend and bringing in samples for teachers to taste and provide feedback. With the Zimbabwe trip meaning she will not have time to practise over halfterm, Sidonie has planned ahead thoughtfully and demonstrated great commitment to making her bake a success.

Tima T| Geography It is easy to choose Tima as Pupil of Praise for Geography, he has made exceptional progress due to his diligence and consistency throughout his geography journey from Third Form through to preparing for his geography exams this year. Tima delivers on all that is asked of him, learning to speak and write like a geographer with enthusiasm and relentless energy and enthusiasm. But, Tima goes beyond this, he is proactive and learns with the agency of someone who takes responsibility for achieving his successes. Tima is a young person with a positive outlook and definitive interest in the world, may it take him far.

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WEEKEND

ACTIV

Black Tie Social

Students in the Lower and Middle Sixth enjoyed a glamorous Black Tie Ball on site, held in our beautiful State Rooms. The evening featured a photo booth and music from Middle Sixth student Ben B, who took to the decks as DJ for the night.

The Lower School headed out to

Meal Trip to Langham’s

Langham’s for a relaxed evening of pizza, laughter and time spent with friends after another busy week of learning. To round off the evening, JJ P, Fourth Form entertained everyone with a little party trick, creating quite the noise from a can of pop and providing a memorable finale to the night!

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VITIES! Casino Royale Our Lower and Middle Sixth students enjoyed a spectacular Casino Royale Black Tie Event in the State Rooms. Dressed to impress, students enjoyed an evening of music, dancing and casino games, creating a wonderful atmosphere of glamour and excitement. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to relax, socialise and enjoy a memorable evening together.

Paintballing Mr Willson and Mr Crane accompanied 12 juniors to Skirmish Paintball near Bere Regis, as part of the broadranging Milton Abbey weekend activity programme. We played four different sessions over the course of three hours, initially in sunny conditions, but later amongst the trees in atmospheric autumnal rain. The pupils had the opportunity to hide in tanks, chase each other through a massive forest and complete some target practice too and a very good afternoon was had by all.

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Life in Boarding

FULL BOARDING

Life in boarding is always a busy one, with our evening and weekend activities programme.

With the start of a new year comes new, exciting activities for our students to get involved with. The Michaelmas Term brings pop and rock club, dodgeball, 5-a-side football, history club, water polo, book club and enterprise competition, just to name a few alongside our returning classics. Evening Activities

Art Club

Rock C l

Choir

aft Club Cr

ater Polo W

Football

ama Club Dr

Golf

dgeball Do

o yg

ok Club Bo

ble Mu em s ns

n shio Skills Fa

ard Games Bo

story Club Hi

ce Practic an

n Technol sig

Gym

terprise En

Damer and Hughie’s House have been doing an excellent job with chapel duty They have shown great commitment and responsibility, making sure that their duties are carried out properly and to a high standard.

The girls of Damer and Hughie’s, joined by a few honorary boys for the afternoon, have enjoyed a wonderfully relaxed Sunday baking biscuits and cookies, getting creative with decorations, and making the most of some well earned downtime together.

Living on site means our students have all our fantastic facilities right on their doorstep! It’s wonderful to see them developing their teamwork skills, building confidence and enjoying some rugby practice together.

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Q&A W IT H M RS F EARON-LEW IS Who are you, what do you teach and

Q how long have you been here?

Hi! I'm Hannah. I am the Milton Abbey School Counsellor and have been at Milton Abbey since the summer term of 2017.

Q Favourite memory of Milton Abbey? II have lots of lovely memories, but driving in every morning and seeing the school and Abbey as you turn the corner is stunning. Particularly in the Autumn and winter with the low mist and sun. I also loved carols in the quad last December - such an atmospheric and fun event.

Q Best and worst subjects when you were at school?

I loved PE, Music and English. I played kit drums in the school band and viola in the orchestra, (I wish I'd kept them up!) I loved playing badminton and hockey and got into acting in Year 11. I'll be honest, I dis-liked most other subjects apart from Maths, which was ok..... sometimes!

Q What advice do you give to our students?

Don't give up playing instruments you've learned! Try something new, you never know what talents and skills you have until you try. AND talk to someone when you are struggling - it can really help.

What book, play or film would you

Q recommend on every student’s bucket list?

The Shawshank redemption is one of my all-time favourite films. I also like Interstellar and pretty much anything Christopher Nolan has directed. My mind is too busy to read so I listen to audio books, so I don't miss out.

Q What don’t we know about you? I sing and play the bodhran in a folk band, write songs and love acting. One of my favourite hobbies is cooking and Dorset is my happy place.

Mrs Fearon-Lewis School Counsellor

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News & Updates

Keep up to date on school news by visiting our news page on the website

ISAMS PARENT APP UPDATE We would like to make parents aware of a change to the iSAMS platform. As iSAMS continues to develop its cloud-based services, the iSAMS Parent App is no longer supported. The good news is that all the features you currently use are available through the iSAMS Cloud Portal, providing a simple, secure and convenient way to stay connected with school life. The Cloud Portal offers 24/7 access to key information, lesson timetables, school reports as well as being able to check examination entries, access arrangements and timetables with data updated directly from the school's iSAMS system. There is no need to download a separate app. The portal can be accessed via the Parent Portal link on the School website (click on 'Parent' on the top menu), and for even quicker access you can add it to your phone's home screen or pin it to your desktop taskbar, allowing you to open it with a single click. If you need any assistance accessing the portal, please contact the School Office on communications@miltonabbey.co.uk.

OLD MILTONIAN NEWS We are delighted and incredibly proud to share the news that the very first Commander of the Royal Navy’s newest nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Agamemnon, is Old Miltonian John Gabb (OM '06) John left us in 2006 as a highly capable and much respected Head Boy. Twenty years on, he has reached the pinnacle of his naval career, taking command of one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced and powerful attack submarines. A huge congratulations to John on this remarkable achievement. We couldn’t be prouder of all he has accomplished since his days at Milton Abbey and, in true naval fashion, he is now diving ever downwards in order to help protect us all up here!

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School Community

SMALL BY CHOICE

Zimbabwe Tag Rugby Trust Trip Twenty of our students and four members of staff have set off on an incredible trip to Zimbabwe with Tag Rugby Trust. During their stay at Sizinda Camp, near the spectacular Victoria Falls, the group will be teaching tag rugby to the local community, as well as getting involved in a range of community projects. Follow our social media channels to keep up to date with news of their adventures.

Marathon!

Congratulations to Mr Power! On Sunday 11 October, Mr Power, Teacher of Design & Technology, took on the Bournemouth Half Marathon, completing the challenging 13.1-mile distance in an impressive 2 hours and 8 minutes a distance he had never run before. Mr Power took on the challenge to support his nephew Coby, who is raising funds for his 2027 Camp Borneo expedition. As part of the expedition, Coby will spend four weeks supporting local communities and conservation projects. Mr Power said: “If I can raise a little bit to reward Coby’s hard work and help make sure he gets to Borneo, every difficult training run and every mile on the day will be worth it.” If anyone would like to support Mr Power, please see his JustGiving page here.

Football Success

Two of our Middle Sixth students, Kobi C and Phanuel A, represented Milton Abbey at the ISFA U18 National Representative Trials at Eton College. Both impressed throughout, finding the net and creating numerous chances while showcasing their talent, determination and ambition. A fantastic achievement and experience for both players. Congratulations, Kobi and Phanuel, we’re incredibly proud of you!

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DATES FOR diary YOUR The Milton Abbey Story

Mr Ratcliffe’s book is available to purchase on Amazon, the only illustrated book that tells the story of Milton Abbey, blending history with a light touch suitable for younger readers from age seven through to the history curious adult. Written and illustrated by James Ratcliffe, a teacher at Milton Abbey School, this book promises an engaging journey through history.

Sunday 1 November

Wednesday 4 November | | Saturday 7 November

Boarders return 17:00-19:30 Third Form Parent Consultations Online

Sixth Form Experience Day

Sunday 8 November

Remembrance Service

Saturday 14 November

Dorset/Academic Scholarship Assessment Day and House Music

Wednesday 18 November | Thursday 19 November |

Lower Sixth Form Parents’ Dinner Lower Sixth Parent Consultations/Exeat 12:30 Keep up to date with our school news by following our social media channels

www.miltonabbey.co.uk

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