Page 5 - Abberley Adventures - Autumn 2020

ABBERLEY ADVENTURES
5
Sport
The first five weeks of term saw all Prep school children participating in mixed cricket sessions and all available children participated in cricket ‘challenge matches’ every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. It really was fantastic to see everyone playing and making use of our lovingly prepared pitches! After the most recent exeat, we made a significant shift to ‘Restart for Rugby’, football, indoor hockey and netball. This is in addition to Outdoor Education and swimming. To supplement our coaching this Half Term we have welcomed a number of professional coaches and ex-professional sportspeople, from various senior schools and this is something that we will be continuing after Half Term, with some exciting names on the list.
As well as focusing on team sports during Games, all have participated in weekly cross-country runs within their bubbles, including an inter-patrol competition that saw every child taking part. There was so much effort on display but an act that stood out as the epitome of the famous ‘Abberley Spirit’ was when Scarlett Wakeford went back to help a younger child who had fallen over on the course, thus sacrificing her leading position in the race.
There will be a shift in sporting focus after Half Term and all Prep school pupils (boys and girls) should return with their mouth guards (essential), shin pads (essential), a hockey stick (if possible) and 2 pairs of trainers (one pair for outdoor use and another pair to be kept clean for use on the all-weather pitch and in the Sports Hall). This is in addition to all other necessary equipment, as per the published kit list.
We long to be able to take part in fixtures against other schools soon but this is not possible for now. We will continue to follow government guidance and updates closely, as well as National Governing Body guidance and we will write to you as soon as we have any further update on either having parents onsite to watch designated games sessions or indeed any form of inter- school fixtures. Thank you for your ongoing patience.
Opening of New Astro
We are tremendously excited to announce that our newly refurbished Astro is in use and has been appreciated by a number of pupils already. We will be holding an official opening event on Wednesday 4th November and the new facility will be opened at 12.30pm by England Hockey player, Chris Griffiths. All Prep school pupils will participate in bubble-specific hockey training sessions run by Chris, Abberley coaches and hockey coaches from Malvern College. The event will be livestreamed for parents and pictures will be available on social media.
Clubs and Activities
Despite the challenges of Covid, children have enjoyed a vast range of clubs and activities from shooting, fishing and fencing to LAMDA, baking and plant propagation and from horse riding, swimming and woodland activities to Art, DM and ‘Juniors’ Got Talent’. The list of clubs and activities available has been staggering.
Our Top Year would have normally gone to London in September for a residential trip focusing on art and culture. Sadly, this was not possible but they had an amazing couple of days at school enjoying camping, an Art workshop, pizza making and orienteering as well as watching a live performance of ‘Hamilton’, which was shown in the Ashton Hall. Perhaps the highlight for many was the chance to abseil down our iconic Clock Tower. I’m sure that this is an experience that they will never forget. I would have been the first one down but sadly had an urgent meeting to attend!
The Pre-Prep have continued to make the most of their extra- curricular opportunities and it’s been great to see them outside whatever the weather and enjoying our stunning grounds. I was also delighted to hear of their excellent visit to Noverton Farm. The trip was a wonderful way to celebrate Harvest as well as to consolidate studies on Living Things and Our Wonderful World.