Best of both worlds
Our partnership with Abingdon School is of long-standing and very fruitful duration. This connection becomes stronger in Sixth Form, with some jointly taught subjects and extracurricular activities, enabling the students to experience a co-educational element in school before university begins.
There is a shared vision for how the two sixth forms work together, advocating the same values of respect and consideration as well as celebrating the difference in perspectives. Students have the opportunity to lead on these values and set the tone in their schools, recognising the considerable influence that they can have on their peers.
Proximity in geography, ethos and aims allows for collaboration in many areas.
Curriculum
A-level subjects currently taught jointly between St Helen’s and Abingdon:
- Politics
- Economics
- Drama and Theatre
Design and Technology may be studied at Abingdon School, subject to demand and timetabling.
Extracurricular
St Helen’s and Abingdon have a range of collaborative extracurricular activities such as:
- Concerts
- Leadership
- Confirmation classes
- Lectures and talks
- Debates
- Subject dinners
- Drama
- Subject societies
- Foreign language exchanges
- Socials
- Joint Choral Society
The schools also organise a joint Careers Convention and collaborate on higher education support.
Joint Bus Service
An extensive joint bus service network with convenient collection points across the Thames Valley serves both schools, bringing over 1200 students to school every day.
Sixth Form students at both schools act as bus leaders, supporting younger students and taking on responsibility during journeys to and from school.