Front Page News | Oathall Community College

Oathall compete in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge

10th July 2026Nathan Davidson

On Friday last week 20 of our Y9 students competed in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge hosted by Flowserve GB Ltd. This year, students were tasked with designing and building a vehicle powered by potential energy.

Oathall entered three teams and each had to deliver a presentation about the engineering, design and Science aspects of their train or car; and create a display to answer live questions from judges.

They competed admirably against eight other teams from other Sussex schools including Warden Park Academy, St Paul’s Catholic College, Sackville School, Chailey School and Burgess Hill Academy.

“The students worked really hard towards this throughout the year and we are really proud of all of them. I would also like to extend thanks from myself, Mr Rivadulla Salgueiro, and our students to our STEM ambassadors who were a great help.”
Mr D Nicholson, Science teacher and STEM club facilitator

Oathall compete in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge, gallery 8

Oathall compete in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge, gallery 7

Oathall compete in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge, gallery 6

Oathall compete in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge, gallery 5

Oathall compete in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge, gallery 3

Oathall compete in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge, gallery 2

Oathall compete in the Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge, gallery 1

Drama & Production Showcase 2026 is a triumph

10th July 2026Nathan Davidson

The Drama & Production Showcase on Tuesday was an unprecedented success.

Over 50 students, across all year groups, were involved in putting on 10 original productions – which they conceived, wrote, directed, rehearsed and performed themselves!

It was a memorable evening where the students creativity and confidence were centre-stage – it was a celebration of their enjoyment and commitment to drama and the arts.

It was a full house on a very humid night. The resilience the students displayed to not only rehearse all the day – but perform in costume was a credit to all of them.

Special mention to the sound and lighting team who put in a shift as well in trying conditions.

Funds raised from the tickets will be ploughed back into the Performance department and used to purchase essential equipment like lighting to ensure they can continue to put on productions like these for many years to come.

Mr Bethermin, drama teacher and facilitator of the event said, “A huge thank you to our Drama Prefects and the lighting and sound team for their support. Oathall students have done themselves proud, showing resilience, independence, and creativity in producing their own original performances. Well done to everyone involved!”

Drama & Production Showcase 2026 is a triumph, gallery 6

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Drama & Production Showcase is a sell out!

6th July 2026Nathan Davidson

The Drama & Production Showcase tomorrow night (Tuesday 7th July) has sold out!

The performance starts at 6:00pm, and due to exceptional demand for tickets, will now take place in the Hall.

The show will celebrate the many and varied talents of our KS3 and KS4 students.

If you’re lucky enough to get tickets, you’re in for a great night.

Make £5 Grow challenge completed

5th July 2026Nathan Davidson

On Tuesday lunchtime last week some of our year 7 students completed the Make £5 Grow challenge – that they started back in February during an Extended Learning afternoon – by selling their wares to other students in the Sports Hall.

Make £5 Grow is a nationwide initiative run in schools to encourage students to develop entrepreneurial and money management skills.

Our winners – two groups were selected from each tutor group – used their £5 investment to create and sell a range of different things, from cakes and sweets, to balloons and keyrings.

This initiative has helped these young students learn and develop new skills and build their confidence even further.

Make £5 Grow challenge completed, gallery 6

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Make £5 Grow challenge completed, gallery 1

Summer Concert 2026

5th July 2026Nathan Davidson

The Hall was packed to the rafters on Tuesday last week for the annual Summer Concert – a highlight on the Oathall calendar for many years now.

The school welcomed students from Teddington School in London who collaborated with our musicians throughout the night.

It was a full schedule which included performances of pop songs and classical music from our orchestra, the singing group, a number of small ensembles and the winners from the Battle Of the Bands event earlier this year – as well special guest appearances from Emmanuelle Frelin on flute, Tammy Nelson on piano and Manuel Meirinhos on Portuguese guitar.

It was a spectacular night and an incredible experience for our young performers. Mrs Mac Taggart and Mrs Dias are immensely proud of our young musicians – not only for their wonderful performances, but also for their dedication, careful preparation, and collaborative spirit that made these achievements possible. Special mention and thanks to all the students in the sound and light crew led by Mr Shambler and Mr Carter.

Thanks also to the Friends Of Oathall – our relaunched PTA – who served drinks both before the show and during the interval.

The video below compiles a few excerpts from some of the performances, which you can also watch on the Oathall Community College YouTube channel.

Hot weather adjustments from Monday 6 July

3rd July 2026Nathan Davidson

The forecast is for a return to higher temperatures so I want to provide an update on arrangements from Monday 6 July.

Students may wear their Oathall PE kit from Monday. Alternatively they can continue to wear normal school uniform without a blazer or tie. They may also wear hats when outside. These arrangements will be in place until further notice.

Please ensure that your child has a water bottle that they can refill at breaktimes. They will also be able to come into the hall during breaks if they would rather not be outside.

Whilst the current forecast is not expected to reach the temperatures experienced last week, and no red weather warnings have been issued, we feel that these measures are sufficient for students to remain safe and as comfortable as possible.

We will continue to monitor the forecast and let you know if further changes are required. We will review the plans for the scheduled School Games Day early next week and inform you if adjustments are needed.

Race For The Line 2026

26th June 2026Nathan Davidson

The Science Faculty and all Year 7 students explored the themes of aerodynamics and acceleration last week with the ever-popular and somewhat thrilling Race For The Line competition.

Students designed their cars which they’d go on to race against the clock on Race Day. Once designed, the bodywork of their polystyrene cars were shaped for them – and then handed back to be finished and decorated. The students also made posters and explained why they designed them in the way they did.

On the day of the race itself, students watched as their cars were propelled by C02 cannisters along a length of wire.

It was a fantastic event which generated lots of excitement amongst the students and staff who facilitated the event. Special thanks to our sponsor Ecotecture without whom the event would not be possible.

Take a look at some of the photos from the event below – and also a short clip of one of the cars in motion! You’ll also find this video on our YouTube channel.

Local Landscape and Nature photography competition winners announced

26th June 2026Nathan Davidson

You may recall back in May we launched a photography competition, the theme being Local Landscape and Nature.

The standard of the entries we received stopped us in our tracks. This competition really captured the imagination and we wanted to share the winners with you and extend our congratulations to them for their stunning submissions.

The video below reveals the winners and runners-up. You can also see this on our YouTube channel.

And here they are for the record:

1st Place: Valentina Findlay (Y9)
2nd place: Hristiyan Hristov (Y9)
3rd Place: Anastassia Babich (Y8)
Runners up: Alexander Templeman (Y7), Jensen Field (Y7) and Ella Winser (Y11)

The winners each received a certificate and can we proud that their photos are to be displayed in the school. Every entrant also received three credits for taking part.