Seniors

Our senior pupils are aged 11-16. Year on year we find that most of our Junior Department pupils automatically move up to Year 7. They are joined by a growing number of new pupils to Abbotsholme mainly at 11 and again at 13.

During the next five years our seniors are introduced to a wonderful array of learning experiences and development opportunities both within and beyond the classroom.

In years 7-9 one afternoon per fortnight is spent on the Farm. From conservation to lambing, hoof clipping to hay baling, damson picking to egg collection, our youngsters are developing their sense of responsibility for the land around them and the animals upon it. Alternate afternoons each fortnight are spent experiencing the great outdoors. One week it could be raft building and floating (or sinking) their makeshift vessels on the Rive Dove; another week it might be learning how to cook safely using a camping stove. There’s plenty to choose from at the weekends with camping, caving, hiking, climbing, kayaking excursions and more regularly available. Pupils particularly interested in OED look forward to an expedition abroad in Year 9.

From Year 9 pupils get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme; the wide range of activities on offer at Abbotsholme ensures that all of our children are able to work through bronze, with many opting to carry on with the silver award in Year 10.

And then of course there’s Hikes in the Autumn and Camps in the Summer.

A shortened lunch break has been introduced to free up more time for activities in the middle of the school day, when pupils are fresh and can gain the most from these valuable lessons. During this time the emphasis is on activities to broaden pupils' personal development and understanding, such as music, minor sports, philosophy, ethics and practical life skills. There is also an opportunity to do homework in a supervised session, which should allow more free time, either with family at home or with friends in the boarding houses.

Despite the busy school week, there’s still time to pursue hobbies and other activities with friends, from 5.10pm to 6.15pm before supper and then again between 8.00pm and 9.15pm. Clubs and Societies include Chess, Drama, Singers, Art, Model Railway, Magazine Club, Bookworms, Model Making and Warhammer. After supper there are organised assignments between 6.30pm and 8.00pm each evening.

Whatever their age, as they progress through the years, our pupils find there’s always something new to look forward to.