View from the Abbey | Wednesday 17 December

VIEW FROM The Abbey Wednesday 17 December

KNOW THYSELF 13 - 18 | Co-ed | Full Boarding and Day School in Dorset | www.miltonabbey.co.uk | admissions@miltonabbey.co.uk | 01258 881804

Table of Contents Welcome

03

Weekend Activities

18

In The Classroom

04

Life in Boarding

20

Music

08

Q&A with Mr Peel

21

Sporting News

10

Gallery

22

Student

13

News and Updates

23

Christmas

14

School Community

24

Capability

16

Dates for your Diary

25

Commendations

Celebration

Design by Nadiia S, Lower Sixth - “Oswald the Alpaca” Runner up in the BSA Christmas Card Competition 2025

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Welcome From...

Mr Watson

Thank you to all those who were able to join us for our Christmas festivities this week. Carols in the Quad is a tradition harking back to the earliest days of the mansion in the 18th century, and the singing and the brass band this year were as tremendous as ever. The parents also performed much better in previous years and were award two points for their efforts!

Our Capability and Carol Service the next day in the Abbey, where we officially welcomed our new students into the school, was also a terrific spectacle. Capability is our process of proving to our young people that they can achieve anything, and it is centred on the qualities of ‘character education’ laid down by our pioneering Headmaster of the 1950s, Hughie Hodgkinson, namely that Miltonians must not only aspire to success in scholarship and sport, but should also build confidence, service, mutual respect and an appreciation of the world around them.

In the ceremony our new students received their Capability Portfolios, which had been signed-off by their tutors and Housemasters to indicate their achievements in their first term. Those portfolios will be stuffed over their years at Milton with not only their GCSE, BTEC and A-level results but also everything else that will develop them into wellrounded young men and women; such courses and qualifications as sailing, drama, music, powerboats, horse riding, cookery, leadership, personal finance, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh…the list of what is possible goes on and on and will help our original objective from 1954 to be a school that seeks, ‘the discovery of talents and skills which perhaps have a greater value than paper qualifications, to provide society with leaders of integrity, sense of responsibility and duty to the common good.’ Our new Miltonians have already proven that they have integrity, responsibility and duty, and I am very much looking forward to seeing what they will achieve next.

Up The Abbey!

Mr Watson | Headmaster

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In The Classroom

KNOW THYSELF

FILM AND TV FILMING

Lower Sixth BTEC Film and TV students were out on their single-camera film shoot, collecting footage for their haunted Dorset fly-on-the-wall film.

Working out in the rural Dorset countryside gave them the perfect backdrop, its quiet lanes, atmospheric woodlands and historic landscapes added a natural sense of mystery to their project, while also offering the freedom and space to be creative without distraction. They visited some of the most interesting locations in the county, following their storyboards and planning.

JUSTICE INSIGHTS

Criminology students recently welcomed Dan Skakich, Senior Probation Officer, and Bethan Davies, OMU Governor at HMP Guys Marsh. They outlined the vital roles of the probation and prison services and brought along rarely used riot control equipment to illustrate safety procedures.

The talk offered valuable real-world insight, sparked thoughtful discussion on funding and the purpose of the system, and received highly positive feedback, with many students keen to learn more.

FIESTA!

Our Third Form Spanish students have now successfully completed their ASDAN qualification and celebrated the achievement with a small fiesta. As part of the event, they performed an original song they composed about daily life at Milton Abbey and shared Spanish palmeritas alongside French croissant pastries with their peers studying French.

Pictured: the Spanish group following their performance of “La rutina en Milton Abbey” — Vira S, Erin R, Poppy W, Harry R, and Leo H.

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MOCK COP Milton Abbey is a Round Square School, an organisation that promotes internationalism and global perspectives. Following the conclusion of COP30 in Brazil, Milton Abbey students held their own Mock COP30, a Model UN-style conference in the Abbots Hall. Students from each House and year group represented 15 countries, delivering speeches before negotiating ambitious climate targets. Students demonstrated impressive public speaking, research skills, and diplomacy, leaving the event feeling empowered, knowing their voices matter on global issues.

The energy and ambition were palpable, and everyone left proud of their contributions. Their motivation ensures this will be the first of many opportunities to deepen their understanding of international relations.

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS

Lower Sixth Design and Technology students on the Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design have been working on Unit 4: Materials, Techniques and Processes.

Their brief was to design and make interior products inspired by a design movement.

Ferdinand’s Laptop Stand Project: Ferdinand created a striking Art Deco–inspired laptop stand. Using Fusion 360 for development and multiple

design iterations, he refined a complex angular form made from Sapele hardwood, acrylic, and integrated LED lighting.

His project used advanced processes such as CNC routing, hand routing, 3D printing, line bending, and detailed finishing, resulting in a high-quality, professional product.

Ben’s Wine Rack Design

Oscar’s Wine Bottle and Glass Stand:

Inspired by Art Deco, Ben’s birch-plywood and acrylic wine

Oscar designed a distinctive Art Deco-influenced wine

rack features clean geometric lines and a built-in cork storage

bottle and glass stand intended as a dining-table

section. Using both traditional and modern techniques—finger

centrepiece. Combining natural wood with resin and gold

joints, cross-halving joints, drilling, sanding, and painting—he

leaf, he achieved a strong contrast of textures and tones.

has created a functional, stylish piece. With only final finishing

Through techniques including CNC routing, drilling, joinery, touches left, the project highlights his precision, creativity, and resin casting, sanding, polishing, and finishing, he produced a attention to detail. unique, elegant piece that demonstrates creativity and craftsmanship.

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ADVENTURE EXPEDITION

Third Form students participated in a expedition as part of their Adventure Programme, undertaken in preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Organised into two separate teams, the pupils completed routes to the east and west of Milton Abbey School, covering approximately six kilometres of rural terrain. Throughout the journey, they employed Ordnance Survey maps to support their navigation, thereby developing both confidence and competence in essential outdoor skills.

The expedition provided valuable opportunities for meaningful conversation, exposure to fresh air and the natural environment, and the practical application of route-finding techniques.

HISTORY DEBATE

Middle Sixth History students have been exploring the workings of Mary Tudor’s Privy Council and the dynamics among her key advisors. As part of their study, they were challenged to plan an imaginary Tudor-era dinner party, justifying where Mary and each of her councillors should be seated based on shared beliefs, political differences, and factional rivalries. The results were telling: the girls’ team placed Mary safely among her loyal supporters, while the boys took a bolder approach...keeping her enemies close.

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK This year’s theme, “The Power of Good” challenged each House to create their own way of spreading kindness, the cornerstone of our school community ethos. While each House shared a common goal, they expressed it in uniquely creative ways. In Athelstan, every student was paired with another, exchanging messages. Hambro decorated a tree with wooden baubles inscribed with positive messages, while Hughie’s filled their tree with uplifting interactions and motivational notes. Damer and Tregonwell brought their Common Room walls to life with inspiring quotes, spreading kindness throughout their spaces.

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MATHEMATICAL ACTIVITIES In the lead up to Christmas, students enjoyed a variety of festive mathematical activities. The Third Form explored the fascinating world of binary numbers, discovering how they can be used to “read minds” and also took part in an exciting mathematical relay race. Meanwhile, the Fourth Form put their powers of deduction and equation-solving skills to the test as they cracked a thrilling murder mystery.

A special shout out goes to Lower Sixth students Muriel T and Nadiia S for lending their expertise and supporting the Lower School throughout the activities.

CAPABILITY HISTORY Our Third Form Capability students recently enjoyed a captivating history session with our School Archivist, Mrs Litchfield. She shared fascinating insights into the history of the Abbey and explored how its rich past connects to the students’ own boarding Houses - Tregonwell, Damer, Hambro, Athelstan and Hodgkinson (Hughie’s).

ART SPOTLIGHT

This term, we are delighted to highlight the outstanding work of Tom B, Fifth Form, and GCSE Art student, who has transformed his personal passion for manga into a fully developed creative project. What began as a personal interest has grown into an ambitious and highly imaginative exploration of visual storytelling. Tom has channelled his enthusiasm into designing his own manga concept, complete with an original cover illustration, detailed character artwork and dynamic splash pages. His work demonstrates not only impressive technical skill but also a strong understanding of narrative, composition and the expressive qualities that make manga such a distinctive art form.

At Milton Abbey, we are committed to nurturing each student’s individuality and encouraging them to bring their personal interests into their creative practice. Tom’s project is a perfect example of how personal passions can flourish within the GCSE Art curriculum, producing work that feels both authentic and artistically accomplished.

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U MS

Our Christmas Soirée Concert brought the Abbey to life with a lovely variety of seasonal favourites and contemporary pieces. From vocal performances to expressive instrumental pieces, our performers captured the spirit of the season and filled the space with warmth, joy, and celebration. Thank you to our Hospitality students for helpings Mrs Monaghan in serving the mince pies and mulled wine to guests.

Fifth Form music students have been completing their solo performances and sharing them with the Lower School.

They have been researching performers and developing their own performance and rehearsal plans to prepare for their final assessments. Cato B is working on four pieces that showcase her guitar and vocal skills, while Lissy A has created an impressive selection of musical theatre performances.

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SIC

Middle Sixth BTEC performance students have been working on their solo performance unit, which culminated in their final presentations this week.

Each student is required to perform a set of four pieces of their choice, and we are fortunate to use the New Barn Theatre, giving them the valuable experience of performing on a professional stage in front of an audience. This unit encourages students to reflect on their skills and abilities while developing a personalised rehearsal plan to prepare for their final performance.

The feedback was outstanding and clearly reflected the students’ dedication and hard work.

CHARACTER EDUCATION

At Milton Abbey, students can take instrumental lessons throughout the week. Our peripatetic teachers bring extensive industry knowledge and experience, enabling them to support students effectively, whether they’re preparing for a future in music or simply nurturing their passion for it. Each lesson is personalised to reflect the student’s unique interests and learning style.

Each lesson is personalised to reflect the student’s unique interests and learning style.

To discover more about our musical opportunities, please see our website here

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SPORTING CROSS-COUNTRY

Our Couch to 5k group has completed their first ever 5k run at Blandford Parkrun!

After working hard throughout the term, the students rose to the challenge brilliantly, with every single runner finishing in under 40 minutes, an outstanding achievement, especially for those who had never run before. A special congratulations goes to Immy C, Lower Sixth, who finished in an impressive 27 minutes.

With regular runners unavailable, four Athelstan Sixth Formers formers stepped up to represent Milton Abbey.

Max-Henry W, Tommy G-M, Lower Sixth and Middle Sixth students, Toby A and Wilf W, gave everything in tough conditions, finishing seventh overall. Their resilience and fortitude drew praise from spectators, a proud moment for Milton Abbey School!

NEWS! HOCKEY The 1st XI Girls' Hockey Team enjoyed their final practice before the end of term and made it a festive event, dressing up in the Christmas spirit before enjoying a decent run around on the Astro.

In true Milton Abbey style, every effort was made to make the afternoon a fun and festive event. From Wham!'s "Last Christmas" being played during the warm-up to tinsel attached to hockey kit, the afternoon was a truly memorable event.

BASKETBALL

Our boys' basketball team took on a very strong Canford team in their first game of the season.

The result didn't go our way, but outstanding performances by Yuya Y, Lower Sixth and Max H, Middle Sixth, showed fantastic spirit and everyone followed their example.

The last two quarters were only separated by five points.

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FOOTBALL

SPORT EVERY DAY

It has been another busy and successful term of football at Milton Abbey, with all four teams making strong starts across their competitions. Each squad has shown fantastic progress and development, setting the stage for an exciting Lent term.

The 1st XI team have enjoyed an excellent term, playing 13 matches and recording 9 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. This gives the team a 73% win rate and places them 21st out of 245 schools nationwide – an outstanding achievement given the size of Milton Abbey compared to many of its opponents!

The highlight of the term has been the remarkable success of the Second XI, who went on to win their league – a competition previously won by our First XI – with 3 wins and 2 draws. This achievement is particularly impressive given the strength of opposition, which included Canford, Warminster, Kings Bruton, Downside, and Taunton.

The girls’ football programme continues to grow, with sessions introduced during Round Square on Friday afternoons and coaching provided by Mr Burrows of Weymouth FC and Champion Academy. Football will also be added to the summer sports programme, further strengthening opportunities for girls at Milton Abbey.

The U15s faced one of the toughest fixture lists this term.

A highlight of the term was their 2–1 victory over Marlborough in the ISFA first round, handing Marlborough their only defeat of the season. The U15s now look forward to the West Dorset Cup with optimism.

RUGBY A brilliant end to the season for both our 1st XV and Junior Rugby teams, who claimed impressive victories over Sherborne Boys in their final matches!

The boys should be incredibly proud of their hard work, determination, and outstanding performances throughout the term. A well deserved break now awaits.

A special thank you goes to Emanuel W-Z, Fourth Form, for capturing these fantastic photos and helping us celebrate the moment.

A physical and tight game saw Milton Abbey’s U16A team lose 19–10 against Leweston. The team showed immense heart and defensive resilience, with standout performances from Fifth Form students, Billy H, Arthur H, and Freddie L, as well as, Austin N, Fourth Form.

Special shout out to Austin and Keenan P, Fourth Form, who played Rugby and then Football back to back - true Milton Abbey spirit!

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END OF TERM SPORTS AWARDS

Rugby 1st XV Player of the Season – Charlie H, Middle Sixth 1st XV Most Improved Player of the Season– Max H, Middle Sixth Junior Player of the Season – Billy H, Fifth Form Junior Most Improved Player of the Season – Robenson C, Fourth Form Colours – Max C, Charlie H, Geordie M, Neo T, Conor B, Max H and Milo V-S Hockey 1st XI Player of the Season – Claudia B, Middle Sixth 1st XI Most Improved Player of the Season – Estée V, Middle Sixth Junior Player of the Season– Lissy A, Fifth Form Junior Most Improved Player of the Season– Eliza T, Fifth Form Colours – Phoebe K, Leila P, Estée V, Eliza GDC, Fran P, Claudia B, Elena T, Olivia B and Teresa K Football 1st XI Player of the Season– Theo S, Middle Sixth Most improved 1st XI Player of the Season – Khalid A, Lower Sixth 2nd XI Player of the Season – Aleksei D, Middle Sixth Most improved 2nd XI Player of the Season - Harry C, Lower Sixth Junior Player of the Season – Keenan P, Fourth Form Most improved Junior Player of the Season – James SV, Fourth Form Colours – Hannibal FVC, Sihle M, Theo S, Sammy OC, Oli W and Euan J Running Runner of the Season - Immy C, Lower Sixth Most improved Runner of the Season - Rahel K, Fifth Form Colours - Wilf W Swimming Swimmer of the Season – Sebastian S, Lower Sixth Cycling Road Cyclist of the Season – Adam H, Lower Sixth Golf Golfer of the Season – Rocco T, Lower Sixth Most improved Golfer of the Term – Alex M, Lower Sixth Sailing Sailor of the Season - Freddy H, Fifth Form Most improved Sailor of the Season- Ferdinand R, Lower Sixth Badminton Players of the Season - Will W and Harry M, Middle Sixth Most improved Badminton Players of the Season - Iman T and Anisha M, Middle Sixth Colours - William W and Harry M Equestrian Horse Rider of the Term – Marion G, Fifth Form Most Improved Rider of the Term – Alyssa H, Lower Sixth Colours - Grace L and Elena T. Special Award - British Horse Society Silver Challenge - Hannah P Basketball Player of the Term - Yuya Y, Lower Sixth Colours - Aziz A, Olie S, Yuya Y, Sammy OC and Kweku OD Clay Pigeon Shooting Shooter of the Term – Jovie C, Lower Sixth Colours - Charlie H and Geordie M

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Student

KNOW THYSELF

Commendations Cato B | Hughie’s House Mr Hanney, Hughie’s Housemaster, has awarded Cato B, Fifth Form in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the House. Cato has represented Hughie’s with unwavering pride, consistently leading the way through her impressive academic achievements .Cato is always visible offering help, supporting others with their duties, and demonstrating the values and spirit that define Hughie’s.

Nico E | Creative Media Fifth Form Creative Media students were tasked with creating an impartial film for their Component 2 assignment. Nico E, went around his house to find out who people prefer - Messi or Ronaldo. Equipped with a cameraman and microphone, he set off as a roaming reporter to settle the score. Nico has been praised for his focus in lessons and his commitment in clinics, ensuring the post-production of his film came together.

His extra effort outside of lessons has truly boosted his performance and will make a real difference to his grades.

Ruby R | Mathematics Ruby R, Fourth Form, has made significant progress this term in Mathematics. This has been highlighted by her work with finding mean from a table and solving equations which was completed to a high standard with clear and accurate working. Well done Ruby!

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Capa Celeb The Power

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ability ration to Achieve

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WEEKEND

ACTIV

CHRISTMAS MARKETS As term drew to a close, every House was treated to a festive Christmas Market trip. Hambro, together with Damer and Hughie’s, discovered the charms of Winchester; Athelstan explored the lights and stalls of Southampton; and Tregonwell enjoyed a magical day in Bath.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

The whole school enjoyed an evening of good food, fires, and festive Christmas music in the Quad. Students spent time together, sampling dishes from a local food vendor before heading back to their Houses to prepare for the night’s events.

The Lower School gathered in Damer for their party, while the Fifth and Sixth Formers attended a black-tie celebration in the State Rooms with a photo booth. It was the perfect way to mark the Christmas season before the end of the Michaelmas Term.

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VITIES! SIXTH FORM PUB OUTING Small groups of students headed out for a very Dorset evening, driven by their teachers to a few of the county’s best pubs. There were open fires, proper dinners, and plenty of easy conversation. It turned into a warm, relaxed night and a reminder that some of the best memories come from simple moments shared around a fire.

LOWER SCHOOL BLACK TIE

Our Third and Fourth Form students enjoyed a memorable black tie social this week, made even more special by a

surprise visit from a magician. The evening began with a formal sit down meal in Abbot's Hall, followed by an entertaining and hilarious magic performance, before everyone headed to the King's Room for dancing.

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Life in Boarding

FULL BOARDING

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

Towards the end of term, Lego club explored the link between art and engineering by making and modelling existing designs, from Bonsai trees to Guardians of the Galaxy to creative Christmas designs, architecture and 3D Letter visualisations. Well done to the students for their enthusiasm, dedicated building and artistic flair!

Evening Activities

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Head of Hughie’s House, Phoebe K, Middle Sixth, organised for some of the Third and Fourth Form students to go out for an Italian supper with Resident Tutor, Ms Marin.

Damer House have been getting into the Christmas spirit by baking and decorating their own festive biscuits.

Afterwards, the students enjoyed a Christmas-themed charcuterie board complete with deli meats, crisps, and plenty of tasty ‘picky bits’ for everyone to share, as well as House Secret Santa!

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Q&A WITH MR PEEL Q how long have you been here?

Who are you, what do you teach and

Q What advice do you give to our students?

My name is Mr Peel, and I've been at Milton Abbey for nearly eight years. I started as a peripatetic rugby coach. I then became involved in pastoral interventions and started to get invited into wider school events and being on call overnight. I'm currently the Head of Boarding and Head of Rugby. I also run the Ineat provision. I enjoy all of the outdoor activities we offer and am happy to 'muck in' wherever needed. I've been married for 27 years to Victoria and have two sons and two granddaughters, Cassie and Darcie.

My advice to our students is this: try everything, maybe twice or more.

People change, and so will you. Form your own opinions. Be passionate, and don’t be afraid of your emotions; use them to drive you, not derail you. Appreciate what others like and love. Find common ground and build from there. Be kind. Train hard, play easy.

Q Favourite memory of Milton Abbey?

I have been very lucky to make lots of fantastic memories at our school. Whether it was taking groups to the Dorset Water Park and mud run, coasteering off Dancing Ledge, or exploring the mountains of Wales on residential trips and kayaking in the rivers, each experience has been special. One standout memory is the Milton Abbey rugby team in 2019 reaching the final of the Portugal 7s in Lisbon. Watching the boys play in front of over 2,000 spectators, with the crowd shouting the school’s name, will forever remain a great, passionate, and emotional moment for me. I also really enjoy it when past Miltonians meet you at an event or return to the school and share their memories of the times we spent together.

Q Best and worst subjects when you were at school?

It won't come as a surprise, but I was an outdoors child, and the 'indoor' classroom was a challenge. I wasn't naughty, I just needed to work hard all the time, which I didn't always do. I wasn't keen on Physics (sorry Mr Vigar), but managed to get my qualifications and really enjoyed all sports, drama and home economics, I did manage to get a C in Physics in the end!

What book, play or film would you

Q recommend on every student’s bucket list?

My favourite film is Top Gun. I was 15 when it first came out. I like to read about people, whether sporting or military. As a coach, I like to learn from others, both the good and the bad.

I recently had to recommend a book for school and chose The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell. Steve Coogan has recently brought it to life in a film. Have a read and give it a go.

Having studied Drama at school, I love to see a show in London. I recently saw Chicago, and Les Mis was first class. We’re seeing Moulin Rouge later this month.

Q What don’t we know about you?

Family first, and people know I was a civil servant for 32 years and have played lots of sports, three at a representative level. Rugby, Basketball and Australian rules football. I gained my Gold duke of Edinburgh's award in 1989 and I have a keen interest in open water swimming and have completed seven recognised swims and the ‘great south’ swim in 2015. I was in the Air Cadets for 16 years as a cadet and finished as an adult Warrant Officer.

Mr Peel

Head of Boarding and Rugby

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Some of our Hospitality students helping at the Music Soiree, serving mulled wine and mince pies to guests.

Our Shetland Ponies, Amber and Lexi, have got new turnout rugs to help keep them dry.

Our first competitive volleyball fixture against Bryanston School, saw many players give the sprot a go for the first time.

Laure V, Lower Sixth, made Mr Watson bread and butter pudding (his favourite) as part of her European food unit.

Miss Birch, Athelstan’s Matron, has made little Christmas gifts for all her students.

Fifth Form students have finished the majority of their English Language and Literature coursework!

The Gardening Club have been doing some fantastic work this term, come rain or shine! They have cleared the polytunnel out ready for the Lent Term.

Scientists in Fourth Form have been exploring the structure of a heart and had the chance to dissect it!

A tutor treat from Mrs Burg for the Fifth Form Damer girls!

Rory S, Lower Sixth, was invited to Chippenham Rugby Club to trial for the U16/17 Bath Rugby squad and has been invited back in January.

Congratulations to Theo S, Middle Sixth, who has been signed for Blandford United in the Dorset Premier League.

Middle Sixth Hospitality students, Ben R and Milo V-S, met with Lily H (OM'25) who is in her first semester at Les Roches during their visit to Switzerland.

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News & Updates

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

FAREWELLS

Written by Headmaster, Mr Watson: I am saddened to announce the retirement from our Board of Governors of The Reverand Cannon Charles Mitchell-Innes after 32 years of sterling service to the school. After serving as a Master and Head of Classics at Sherborne School, Charles was ordained Deacon in 1986, ordained Priest in 1987 and became Chaplain of Milton Abbey School in 1990. In 1996 he moved to become Conduct of Eton, returning to the Abbey as a Governor in 2000, a role he has held for an incredible quarter of a century! Since 2007, Charles has also been Vicar of The Close, Salisbury Cathedral, and was made Honorary Canon of Salisbury Cathedral in May 2013. In 2009 Charles also became our governing ‘Visitor,’ a crucial role linking the governing body to the staff. Together with his wife Patsy, Charles has been an institution at Milton, taking innumerable services in the Abbey, marrying Old Miltonians and baptising their children. We are very grateful for the wise and thoughtful counsel Charles has given to generations of pupils and staff in his various capacities, and I am personally indebted to him for the tremendous support he showed me as a new headmaster and his ceaseless efforts for the spiritual life of the school.

Please do join me in congratulating Charles on his decades of dedication and on his impending retirement. As a local resident I am sure we will see Charles and Patsy at many school events over the coming years.

HOLIDAY WORK

After a long term, it is truly a time for some rest and recuperation alongside some festive cheer. However, it is important that the pupils keep some momentum ready to start again in January.

All pupils will have holiday work set for each of their subjects and this can be checked by asking the pupils to go into Teams and clicking on the "Assignments" tab on the left hand side of the page. This will produce a list of all live assignments for each pupil, with the pertinent ones being labelled "Holiday Work" or similar. It is especially important that pupils in exam years (Fifth and Middle Sixth) and those with critical BTEC exams in January (some Lower and Middle Sixth) pay close attention to the instructions given by their teachers. This is the launch point for success in the summer and a good start in January will see them well on their way.

Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year and we will look forward to seeing everyone again in January, ready for more success.

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School Community

SMALL

BY CHOICE

As a small by choice school, we take time to make sure that every student is known, noticed and nurtured.

After our whole school Christmas lunch, the community gathered for the annual ‘Ho-Ho-Ho Walk’ around the school grounds and Abbey.

This year, we were treated to a special surprise: Father Christmas himself joined us, leading the way in his very modern sleigh and filling the route with festive cheer.

Carols in the Quad After the Headmaster’s drinks, parents and friends of the school joined the rest of the community in the Quad for our Carols Service.

With Mr Treadaway leading, all Houses sang Christmas Carols, around the Christmas tree, accompanied by the the Brass Ensemble, resulting in everyone feeling very festive before the end of term. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Learning Champions The purpose of this group is for students to have a voice about how to improve engagement and motivation in academic learning.

The students and Mrs Kleiser had a good conversation about motivation, and it was decided that over the next few weeks, the students will work on bringing together a poster that supports the lower school students in how to create good study habits during prep time.

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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.

Tuesday 6 January

|

Boarders return 18:00-19:00

Wednesday 7 January

|

Start of Term

Wednesday 21 January

|

Middle Sixth Parents’ Dinner

Thursday 22 January

|

Middle Sixth Parent Consultations and Exeat from 12:30

Thursday 12 February

|

Fifth Form Parents’ Dinner

Friday 13 February

|

Fifth Form Parent Consultations and Half Term

Monday 16 February

|

Dubai Drinks with Headmaster

Keep up to date with school news by following our social media channels

www.miltonabbey.co.uk

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13-18 | Co-ed | Full Boarding and Day | www.miltonabbey.co.uk | admissions@miltonabbey.co.uk | 01258 881804