Extended learning afternoon – January 2024

17th January 2024Joanna Patch

On Tuesday, 30 January, our students will be taking part in the next extended learning afternoon. 

  • Year 7: The focus of the afternoon is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activity ‘Race for the line’. Students have to design, build and race a rocket car.   
  • Year 8: Students will be based in the Mathematics department and spend the afternoon taking part in activities that help to develop their financial awareness.  
  • Year 9: We will be launching the option process with students; this will involve an assembly and each student participating in three taster lessons from a variety of subjects they have chosen from.
  • Year 10: Students will spend the afternoon focusing on careers and their future plans. We have a large number of volunteers coming into school from various industries and the students will get to speak to them all and ask them questions in a speed networking activity.  
  • Year 11: Students will be completing a mock examination in English. They will go on an early lunch so please be aware that although the canteen will be open it will only have sandwiches and wraps available. Students entitled to extra time; please note the exam will finish later than the regular finish time of 3.05pm. 

Year 8 Information Evening

15th January 2024Joanna Patch

On Wednesday, 17 January, from 5:30 until 6:45, Oathall will be holding an information evening for our year 8 parents.

The evening will commence with a short presentation from Mr Parry in the hall. Following this, there will be four breakout sessions:

  • Understanding your child’s anxious and negative brain – Lisa Blackwell from Youth Fairy
  • Maths – how can I best support my child? Miss Arbon – Deputy Faculty Head 
  • English – how can I best support my child? Miss Chinn – Deputy Faculty Head
  • Head of Year/Deputy Head of Year/Assistant Head of Year drop-in

We ask that parents wishing to attend please complete this form by 3:00pm on Tuesday, 16 January. 

Participants will need to arrive for a 5.30pm start in the main hall, and refreshments will be available from 5:00pm. 

We look forward to welcoming you to this event.

The attendance of students at this event is optional. 

Author visit for year 7

12th January 2024Joanna Patch

We are thrilled to announce that the renowned author Ross Welford, who wrote books such as ‘Time Traveling with a Hamster’, ‘What Not to Do if You Turn Invisible’, and many more, will be visiting Oathall to speak to our year 7 students on Friday, 9 February.

Mr Welford will be speaking to the year group and holding workshops throughout the day. There will also be an opportunity for students to have their books signed.

We hope our year 7 students will enjoy this experience, and we look forward to welcoming Mr Welford to our school.

More information can be found in the year 7 newsletter.

Public speaking success

11th January 2024Joanna Patch

Our students knocked it out of the park at the public speaking. Their confidence, creativity, and passion were truly inspiring, and the audience was completely captivated.

Here are just a few highlights:

  • Everyone was wowed with an insightful presentation on Dark Tourism. A clear and engaging delivery kept the audience on the edge of their seats- even winning the Chairperson of the event! 
  • A bold approach to the topic of religion and Cults was taken, using humour and storytelling to convey the message effectively. The response was phenomenal!
  • Students overcame their nerves to deliver a powerful speech. Their vulnerability and courage resonated deeply with the audience.
  • Students presented such an intellectual debate last night on international relations with China and Africa, showing just how intelligent and worldly-wise they are! 

The team truly represented the very best of Oathall’s talent, showcasing their critical thinking, communication skills, and stage presence.

A huge well done to all involved.

Half-term focus: Equality

2nd January 2024Joanna Patch

Equality and diversity are at the heart of what we do at Oathall. Opportunities such as Oathall Pride and the Racial Equality Ambassadors are just two examples of how our students can develop their experiences and make their contributions to our continued drive for equality. This half-term focus will celebrate and embrace uniqueness and difference.

Merry Christmas

15th December 2023Joanna Patch

Merry Christmas to all of our students and families. We hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable break. 

The spring term starts on Tuesday, 2 January 2024. Students should arrive at the usual time and it will be week A.

End of term arrangements

13th December 2023Joanna Patch

Our last day of this term will be Friday, 15 December. On this day, students will only need to bring books and equipment for periods 1 and 2. After an assembly and tutor time, students will be dismissed from school before lunch at approximately 12:30. School bus times have been adjusted accordingly.