The Upper II year is an important transition point as Abbey girls move into the Upper Junior years. The girls are based in bright, modern classrooms in eco-friendly Somerleaze house with their own locker rooms and other privileges which recognise their growing maturity and ability to take greater personal responsibility. Upper II girls are very supportive of each other and enjoy participating in the wider school community, especially through their important task of being Playground Buddies .
The programme of special events and activities complements and enriches our core curriculum. The year is very busy for the girls and it begins with the residential visit to Dartmoor. This week has a Geography focus and the girls study rivers, explore and help to conserve the moorland. They also participate in exciting team-building activities with Science and History links.
Later in the term the girls’ study of the Victorians is enriched with a visit to The Victorian School Room at Reading Museum. The term ends with the girls participating in the Carol Service at Christ Church and enjoying a Victorian themed Christmas Party with afternoon tea and dancing.
The main event of the Spring term is the Upper II musical production that provides an excellent opportunity for the girls to showcase their many talents and again, to enjoy the experience of working as a whole year group on a shared goal. Other activities include the Fun Run and Charity Afternoon, the Life Education Bus and a variety of cross curricular events and visits. By the end of their Upper II year, the girls are becoming independent learners, confident to work in teams and on extended projects and rigorous in meeting deadlines. The year will be full of fun, hard work, a few surprises and a great deal of personal and academic development, preparing the girls for their final year at the Junior School and indeed, what lies beyond.