The Upper II year marks an important transition for Abbey girls moving into Upper Juniors, and several girls join this year group each year. There is increasingly demanding work, a widening range of opportunities and the chance to develop independence and self confidence through the greater responsibilities placed upon them. The girls are based in Somerleaze house, have their own locker rooms and move around the school for their various lessons. The girls are expected to be self reliant and supportive of one another, taking on the role of Playground Buddies for the Junior School.
The programme of events and activities is designed to enable the girls to become independent learners, with an increased emphasis on the ability to carry out project work, meet more complex criteria for their work and to be rigorous in meeting deadlines.
The whole year is very busy for the girls and it begins with the week long residential trip to Castle Head in the Lake District where the girls study rivers, traverse the coast and take part in team-building activities.
Throughout the Autumn term the girls study the Victorians and support their learning 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 musical production that the girls perform, which provides an excellent opportunity for them to showcase their many talents. It is also during this term that the girls will begin their Local History project and undertake a textiles assignment.
The Summer Term brings a whole host of activities such as the Fun Run and Charity Afternoon, the Life Education Bus and a variety of workshops. Sadly, all too soon we bid farewell to our Upper II girls, now much grown in confidence and maturity and ready to face the challenges of their final year at the Junior School.