Oathall switch to plant-based cleaning products

15th June 2026Nathan Davidson
Oathall switch to plant-based cleaning products, featured image

As part of the school’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, our team of cleaners have been assigned new biodegradable, plant-based cleaning products, which has reduced the total number of cleaning products being used and reduced costs.

We trailed the products from a local supplier – which deliver in electric vehicles only – for four months. The number of products our team now use has been reduced from 12 to five. Some of the products are refillable which has meant a reduction in waste also. In addition, we have switched to washable cloths and mopheads as part of this initiative.

This has been a hugely successful change to our operations. The cleaners are happier because they have less products to carry with them during their shifts and the high quality results of their labours have been maintained follow the switch to this more sustainable solution.

We’ll have more news about the drive towards net zero in due course.

Third Extended Learning afternoon of the year delivered

5th June 2026Nathan Davidson
Third Extended Learning afternoon of the year delivered, featured image
Third Extended Learning afternoon of the year delivered, gallery 2
Third Extended Learning afternoon of the year delivered, gallery 1
Third Extended Learning afternoon of the year delivered, gallery 3
Third Extended Learning afternoon of the year delivered, gallery 4
Third Extended Learning afternoon of the year delivered, gallery 5
Third Extended Learning afternoon of the year delivered, gallery 6

The third and final Extended Learning afternoon of the school year took place yesterday, and was a great experience for all that participated.

Our Y7 students discussed crucial first aid procedures and had some hands on experience thanks to the Mini First Aid volunteers who helped deliver the sessions. When they weren’t learning these essential life lessons, they were engaged in Summer team sports ranging from cricket to rounders to tennis.

Meanwhile Y8 were involved in Romeo & Juliet workshops in the classroom and then were treated to a performance of Shakespeare’s play by The Globe Players in the Albemarle Centre.

In the Science and maths block Y9 students got to grips with some important financial problem solving – they had to use their budgets wisely to plan and book a holiday.

And finally, in the main hall, various local colleges including Varndean College (pictured here), presented to our Y10 students which provided plenty of food for thought for them as they approach their final year at Oathall.  They also had some time to research the variety of different course and colleges available to them in the local area.

Thanks to everyone involved in facilitating these experiences for our students.

You can watch some footage from the afternoon on our YouTube channel. Why not subscribe while you’re there?

Theme for June Parent Partnership Meeting next week is confirmed

5th June 2026Nathan Davidson
Parent Partnership Meeting, June 2026, featured image

We would like to welcome you on Thursday 11th June to our next Parent Partnership Meeting from 5pm to 6pm in the Library. The theme for this meeting is Living with Teenagers: Part 2 – managing a Teen and how to support their wellbeing.

We would be delighted if you could join us, but if you are unable to attend and would like to know more, please email Ms L Somers, Head of Performance Faculty.

Art GCSE students polished presentation at Lindfield Primary Academy

5th June 2026Nathan Davidson
Art GCSE students polished presentation at Lindfield Primary Academy, gallery 1
Art GCSE students polished presentation at Lindfield Primary Academy, gallery 2
Art GCSE students polished presentation at Lindfield Primary Academy, gallery 4
Art GCSE students polished presentation at Lindfield Primary Academy, gallery 3

Earlier this week two Y10 students and Oathall Art teacher Miss Raphael visited Lindfield Primary Academy to present some of their GSCE work to their pupils – over two sessions – to inspire and show them what they can expect should they decide to join Oathall Community College after Year 6.

The two students did a fantastic job of talking them through the topics they’d covered recently and answered their many and varied questions with clarity. The reception our students and their work received can only be described as off the scale.

It was a very successful trip and we look forward to further collaborations in future with this local school.

Hands-on plumbing workshop for Y10 students is just the job

2nd June 2026Nathan Davidson
Hands-on plumbing workshop for Y10 students is just the job, featured image

An absolutely fantastic, hands-on start to the half-term for some of our Y10 students this week; a plumbing workshop with Steve Willis Training.

It was a real test of teamwork, accuracy and attention to detail, using equipment safely – a chance to further develop our students’ workplace skills. They also learned lots about apprenticeships and careers in the heating and plumbing industry, which will be invaluable to them as they start thinking more seriously about their Post-16 choices.

Some of the students were a little camera shy, but their pipework speaks for itself!

Hands-on plumbing workshop for Y10 students is just the job, gallery 1
Hands-on plumbing workshop for Y10 students is just the job, gallery 2
Hands-on plumbing workshop for Y10 students is just the job, gallery 4
Hands-on plumbing workshop for Y10 students is just the job, gallery 3

Pre-school learners visit Oathall Farm

2nd June 2026Nathan Davidson

Before May half-term, Oathall Farm had the pleasure of hosting a group of excited pre-school learners from Hedgehogs and Badgers Nursery School.

Pre-school learners visit Oathall Farm, gallery 1

Farm Education and Engagement Officer Mx Sveinsson delivered a session highlighting the life cycles of frogs and sheep, where the group were able to observe and ask questions about the natural habitat of our recently restored school pond as well as the baby lambs frolicking in the adjacent field.

Pre-school learners visit Oathall Farm, gallery 2

It is a delight to host educational visits from our community here at Oathall Farm, and we are privileged to be able to highlight the amazing learning opportunities that can be found outside of the classroom. We look forward to welcoming Hedgehogs and Badgers back in the future!

Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember

2nd June 2026Nathan Davidson

Just before the half term break, 79 Y9 students and eight staff spent two days in the Ypres area of Belgium with our two guides John and Eugenie from Anglia Tours. The trip was informative and thought provoking.

We visited Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, where we learned about the soldiers who fought in the First World War. Here we laid a wreath in our own service of remembrance. We also explored several museums and cemeteries around Ypres as well as a visit to Menin Gate.

These sites and the expert guides gave all of us not only a deeper understanding of the history of the area but also a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who served.

Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 1
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 2
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 3
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 5
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 6
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 7
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 8
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 9
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 10
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 11
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 12
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 13
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 14
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 15
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 16
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 17
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, gallery 18

Credit to Mr Parry for the photos above. For the photos below the credit goes to our Y9 student, budding photographer Hristiyan. Great work.

Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, Hristiyan 6
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, Hristiyan 5
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, Hristiyan 4
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, Hristiyan 3
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, Hristiyan 2
Ypres trip provide opportunity for students to reflect and remember, Hristiyan 1