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Abbot’s Hill Culture Day

Posted: 30th July 2025

On Wednesday 2^nd July, the Senior School came together to celebrate the richness and diversity of it school community and to help students explore themes of identity, heritage and belonging.

The day kick-started with a powerful assembly delivered by Inclusion Lead, Mayessa Hamdan and a Dhol Drum performance – which certainly made sure everyone was awake! Students took part in a global greetings workshop, exploration of key Mandarin and Arabic phrases and also a South African dance workshop led by Miss Madu.

The day of discovery also involved an ‘East Meets West’ session, looking at differences in medical treatment delivered by our science teachers and a particular highlight was the Keynote talk, delivered by Chimmy Ngoma, a podcast host (Talent Talks), speaker and award-winning senior leader in the financial services industry who spoke to our students about culture and heritage, as well as her experiences of racism and identity.

An interfaith panel with representatives from Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Humanism, Quakerism and the Hare Krishna movement provided different views on world issues and opened our eyes to different perspectives.

Miss Hamdan, said of the day ‘ I feel truly honoured and privileged to have hosted our school’s first ever Culture Day. The day was more than celebration though, it was about creating space for understanding and connection, while taking pride in who we are as individuals.’

@abbotshillschool

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As we reach the last day of this half term, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the kindness and generosity of our school community.

As part of our Harvest Festival celebrations, we came together to collect donations for the Foodbank at St Mary’s Church in Apsley, helping to support those in need within our local community. Pupils from both Prep and Senior School helped deliver the generous donations to St Benedict’s Church, demonstrating the importance of kindness, compassion and giving to others.

A huge thank you to all our parents, from Nursery through to Senior School, who kindly contributed items to this worthy cause.

We wish all our pupils, families and staff a restful and relaxing half-term break, and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the next half term!

#AbbotsHillSchool #HarvestFestival #CommunityKindness #GivingBack #HalfTermBreak

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As we reach the last day of this half term, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the kindness and generosity of our school community.

As part of our Harvest Festival celebrations, we came together to collect donations for the Foodbank at St Mary’s Church in Apsley, helping to support those in need within our local community. Pupils from both Prep and Senior School helped deliver the generous donations to St Benedict’s Church, demonstrating the importance of kindness, compassion and giving to others.

A huge thank you to all our parents, from Nursery through to Senior School, who kindly contributed items to this worthy cause.

We wish all our pupils, families and staff a restful and relaxing half-term break, and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the next half term!

#AbbotsHillSchool #HarvestFestival #CommunityKindness #GivingBack #HalfTermBreak

Abbot’s Hill Sports Round-Up | This Week’s Highlights
It’s been a fantastic week of sport at Abbot’s Hill, with our girls showing determination, teamwork and resilience across lacrosse, aquathlon and netball!

🥍 Lacrosse: Our U19 team secured an impressive 4th place out of 12 teams at the U19 Invitational Tournament, competing brilliantly against older opposition. Meanwhile, our U15s battled it out at Counties, with a standout 3–2 victory over Bedford Girls’ School. A great display of progress, teamwork and attacking play!

🏊‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Aquathlon: There was plenty to celebrate, with our Year 6 team taking 1st place and setting a new course record! Our Year 5 team finished 3rd, while Maya claimed the U11 individual title and Grace finished runner-up. An outstanding team effort saw Abbot’s Hill finish 3rd overall!

🏐 Netball: Our Year 5 teams got their season underway against St Hilda’s, showing fantastic enthusiasm and putting their developing skills into practice. Year 8 took on Tring in their first Dacorum Cup fixture, gaining valuable experience as a new team before moving into the Plate competition. Our Year 11 girls also faced a tough Habs side, keeping their spirits high and enjoying the experience together.

🏃‍♀️ Coming up today: We’re hosting the ISA Cross Country Qualifiers at Abbot’s Hill! Keep an eye on our channels for updates and news from the event.

From brilliant results to valuable lessons on the court and pitch, it’s been a week full of effort, growth and team spirit. Well done to everyone who has represented Abbot’s Hill!

#AbbottsHillSchool #SchoolSport #Teamwork #Lacrosse #Netball

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Abbot’s Hill Sports Round-Up | This Week’s Highlights
It’s been a fantastic week of sport at Abbot’s Hill, with our girls showing determination, teamwork and resilience across lacrosse, aquathlon and netball!

🥍 Lacrosse: Our U19 team secured an impressive 4th place out of 12 teams at the U19 Invitational Tournament, competing brilliantly against older opposition. Meanwhile, our U15s battled it out at Counties, with a standout 3–2 victory over Bedford Girls’ School. A great display of progress, teamwork and attacking play!

🏊‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Aquathlon: There was plenty to celebrate, with our Year 6 team taking 1st place and setting a new course record! Our Year 5 team finished 3rd, while Maya claimed the U11 individual title and Grace finished runner-up. An outstanding team effort saw Abbot’s Hill finish 3rd overall!

🏐 Netball: Our Year 5 teams got their season underway against St Hilda’s, showing fantastic enthusiasm and putting their developing skills into practice. Year 8 took on Tring in their first Dacorum Cup fixture, gaining valuable experience as a new team before moving into the Plate competition. Our Year 11 girls also faced a tough Habs side, keeping their spirits high and enjoying the experience together.

🏃‍♀️ Coming up today: We’re hosting the ISA Cross Country Qualifiers at Abbot’s Hill! Keep an eye on our channels for updates and news from the event.

From brilliant results to valuable lessons on the court and pitch, it’s been a week full of effort, growth and team spirit. Well done to everyone who has represented Abbot’s Hill!

#AbbottsHillSchool #SchoolSport #Teamwork #Lacrosse #Netball

This Black History Month, we are exploring the UK theme, Honouring Our Communities, reflecting on the people, past and present, who help shape the world around us.

Through assemblies and lessons, our pupils have been learning about the experiences of the Windrush Generation, who came to Britain to help rebuild the country after the Second World War, and the challenges they faced, including racism and discrimination.

We have also been discovering the remarkable contributions of Claudia Jones, who helped give Black Britons a voice and founded the event that grew into Notting Hill Carnival; Baroness Doreen Lawrence, whose tireless campaign for justice following the murder of her son brought attention to racism and failures within the police; and Lord Simon Woolley, a leading anti-racism campaigner who works to improve political representation and empower Black communities.

Alongside these important stories, pupils have been considering what makes a community feel like home: safety, belonging and shared strength. We have explored the importance of everyday heroes, from NHS workers and mentors to teachers, friends and the quiet helpers who make a difference through their care, courage and commitment.

As part of this learning, pupils are being encouraged to recognise and thank those who make a positive difference in their own lives, and to think about how each of us can help build a stronger, more inclusive community.

#BlackHistoryMonth #HonouringOurCommunities #AbbotsHillSchool #Belonging #Inclusion

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This Black History Month, we are exploring the UK theme, Honouring Our Communities, reflecting on the people, past and present, who help shape the world around us.

Through assemblies and lessons, our pupils have been learning about the experiences of the Windrush Generation, who came to Britain to help rebuild the country after the Second World War, and the challenges they faced, including racism and discrimination.

We have also been discovering the remarkable contributions of Claudia Jones, who helped give Black Britons a voice and founded the event that grew into Notting Hill Carnival; Baroness Doreen Lawrence, whose tireless campaign for justice following the murder of her son brought attention to racism and failures within the police; and Lord Simon Woolley, a leading anti-racism campaigner who works to improve political representation and empower Black communities.

Alongside these important stories, pupils have been considering what makes a community feel like home: safety, belonging and shared strength. We have explored the importance of everyday heroes, from NHS workers and mentors to teachers, friends and the quiet helpers who make a difference through their care, courage and commitment.

As part of this learning, pupils are being encouraged to recognise and thank those who make a positive difference in their own lives, and to think about how each of us can help build a stronger, more inclusive community.

#BlackHistoryMonth #HonouringOurCommunities #AbbotsHillSchool #Belonging #Inclusion

Last week, the cast of our Senior School production visited Milton Keynes Theatre to see the latest reimagining of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

The production featured a number of bold theatrical ideas, including inventive staging, physical theatre and striking visual effects. It was a valuable opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of the plot, themes and characters, while gaining inspiration from a professional production.

Although our own interpretation is likely to be very different, the experience has given the cast plenty to think about as rehearsals continue. We’re now well underway with the rehearsal process and look forward to sharing more updates as our production begins to take shape.

#AbbotsHillSchool #SchoolDrama #Theatre #CuriousIncident PerformingArts

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Last week, the cast of our Senior School production visited Milton Keynes Theatre to see the latest reimagining of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

The production featured a number of bold theatrical ideas, including inventive staging, physical theatre and striking visual effects. It was a valuable opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of the plot, themes and characters, while gaining inspiration from a professional production.

Although our own interpretation is likely to be very different, the experience has given the cast plenty to think about as rehearsals continue. We’re now well underway with the rehearsal process and look forward to sharing more updates as our production begins to take shape.

#AbbotsHillSchool #SchoolDrama #Theatre #CuriousIncident PerformingArts

We’re kicking off the week by introducing our Year 11 Senior School Leadership Team. From championing student voice and supporting their peers to strengthening our Clan spirit, our Prefects have plenty of ideas and plans for the year ahead.

Meet our 2026–27 leaders:
Olivia – Head Girl
Elena – Deputy Head Girl
Emilia – Prefect for Learning Support
Rubi – Prefect for Inclusion
Maddie – Prefect for Pathways
Mathilda & Rebecca – Head and Deputy Head of Cameron Clan
Megan & Emelia – Head and Deputy Head of MacDonald Clan
Delilah & Lorna – Head and Deputy Head of MacNeil Clan

We can’t wait to see what they achieve!

#AbbotsHillSchool #StudentLeadership #SeniorSchool #Prefects #StudentVoice

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We’re kicking off the week by introducing our Year 11 Senior School Leadership Team. From championing student voice and supporting their peers to strengthening our Clan spirit, our Prefects have plenty of ideas and plans for the year ahead.

Meet our 2026–27 leaders:
Olivia – Head Girl
Elena – Deputy Head Girl
Emilia – Prefect for Learning Support
Rubi – Prefect for Inclusion
Maddie – Prefect for Pathways
Mathilda & Rebecca – Head and Deputy Head of Cameron Clan
Megan & Emelia – Head and Deputy Head of MacDonald Clan
Delilah & Lorna – Head and Deputy Head of MacNeil Clan

We can’t wait to see what they achieve!

#AbbotsHillSchool #StudentLeadership #SeniorSchool #Prefects #StudentVoice

40 years ago today, a very special visitor came to Abbot’s Hill.

On 9 October 1986, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne visited the school to officially open our brand-new Prep School Hall, St Nicholas House Hall.

Four decades later, we’re looking back at this memorable moment in Abbot’s Hill history through a wonderful collection of archive photographs and newspaper cuttings, capturing a very special day for our school community.

Today, St Nicholas House Hall remains a much-loved and well-used part of daily life in our Prep School, continuing to bring pupils together for lessons, activities and shared experiences. It’s wonderful to celebrate a building that has played such an important role in school life for 40 years and continues to do so today.

Swipe through the archives and take a step back in time with us!

#AbbotsHillSchool #SchoolHistory #PrincessAnne #AbbotsHillArchives #SchoolMemories

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Every Friday, our Year 9 and 10 students step outside the traditional classroom as part of our InspirEd programme.

Students rotate through a choice of exciting 10-week courses, giving them the opportunity to explore new interests, develop new skills and challenge themselves in different ways. This year, they can choose from:

Child Development – exploring how children grow, learn and develop.

Current Affairs – investigating the stories shaping our world and learning to question sources and perspectives.

Outdoors – exploring our school grounds, discovering the natural world and connecting the landscape with literature.

Heritage – going behind the scenes at Abbot’s Hill to uncover the history of our school and its connections to the past.

iDEA – developing digital skills through interactive challenges in areas such as coding, cybersecurity, creativity and entrepreneurship.

One of the highlights for our students is the opportunity to volunteer at a local primary school, where they listen to younger pupils read, help with activities, choose books together and enjoy playtime along the way.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to support younger learners while building their own confidence, communication and leadership skills.

InspirEd encourages our students to be curious, compassionate and confident, while giving them the opportunity to discover new interests and learn beyond the classroom.

#InspirEd #AbbotsHill #BeyondTheClassroom #Volunteering #StudentLeadership

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Every Friday, our Year 9 and 10 students step outside the traditional classroom as part of our InspirEd programme.

Students rotate through a choice of exciting 10-week courses, giving them the opportunity to explore new interests, develop new skills and challenge themselves in different ways. This year, they can choose from:

Child Development – exploring how children grow, learn and develop.

Current Affairs – investigating the stories shaping our world and learning to question sources and perspectives.

Outdoors – exploring our school grounds, discovering the natural world and connecting the landscape with literature.

Heritage – going behind the scenes at Abbot’s Hill to uncover the history of our school and its connections to the past.

iDEA – developing digital skills through interactive challenges in areas such as coding, cybersecurity, creativity and entrepreneurship.

One of the highlights for our students is the opportunity to volunteer at a local primary school, where they listen to younger pupils read, help with activities, choose books together and enjoy playtime along the way.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to support younger learners while building their own confidence, communication and leadership skills.

InspirEd encourages our students to be curious, compassionate and confident, while giving them the opportunity to discover new interests and learn beyond the classroom.

#InspirEd #AbbotsHill #BeyondTheClassroom #Volunteering #StudentLeadership

Year 8 have been stepping into the world of Ancient Greek Theatre this half term – performing in our very own amphitheatre!

Using masks they have created themselves, students have been exploring powerful myths and legends including Medea and Pandora’s Box, experimenting with Greek chorus, physical theatre, exaggerated movement and choral storytelling.

There’s something rather magical about bringing Greek Theatre to life in the space it was inspired by.

#AbbotsHillSchool #AncientGreekTheatre #DramaAtAbbotsHill #CreativeLearning #GreekTheatre

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Year 8 have been stepping into the world of Ancient Greek Theatre this half term – performing in our very own amphitheatre!

Using masks they have created themselves, students have been exploring powerful myths and legends including Medea and Pandora’s Box, experimenting with Greek chorus, physical theatre, exaggerated movement and choral storytelling.

There’s something rather magical about bringing Greek Theatre to life in the space it was inspired by.

#AbbotsHillSchool #AncientGreekTheatre #DramaAtAbbotsHill #CreativeLearning #GreekTheatre