Sir Paul Nurse opens Maths and Science building

2nd November 2018J Godbolt

On Friday 9 November, Headteacher Mr Edward Rodriguez was delighted to welcome Sir Paul Nurse FRS, Nobel Prize winner and Chief Executive of the Francis Crick Institute, to Oathall to formally open the newly refurbished maths and science faculty building.

As well as formally opening the building, Sir Paul hosted a question and answer session with students where he was asked about his career in science and questions were put to him on scientific topics.

In cutting the ribbon to officially open the building, Sir Paul thanked our parents for their fundraising efforts and said that promoting the importance of maths and science was

“Looking to the future; the future of your children but also the future of your children’s children”

Some of our students filmed the evening’s proceedings and have put together a video edit of the event.

 

In a statement on the completion of the building, Edward Rodriguez said,

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Sir Paul Nurse to Oathall to formally open our newest facility. From the start of this project, we have been driven to create classrooms and laboratories and provide resources that will inspire our students to further develop a passion for maths and science. We want our students to experience these subjects through the skill and enthusiasm of our teaching staff, combined with cutting-edge technology and a truly inspiring learning environment. This effort has been encouraged by many different individuals and organisations. Notably, WSCC, who financially backed and supported the project and the successful crowdfunding campaign run by the PTA which raised over £30,000 to fund additional exciting teaching resources.

Having such an eminent scientist visit the school and meet our students is a real honour and a fitting way to celebrate the achievements of all who worked so hard to complete this project.”

 

Lest we forget

2nd November 2018J Godbolt

Oathall students & staff have marked the end of the First World War and remembered and honoured those who have paid the price for our freedom.

Students in year 9 spent the morning watching Peter Jackson’s First World War film ‘They Shall Not Grow Old’ after which the whole school gathered around the Oathall Field of Remembrance for a period of reflection and silence. The last post was played on the bugle by one of our students.

In recognition of the centenary of the end of the First World War, 100 crosses provided by the Lindfield branch of the Royal British Legion have been placed out in a field of remembrance. Each cross will be dedicated to an individual who has been nominated by members of the school staff and student body and a donation will be made to the Royal British Legion.

DRONE 500 Challenge

2nd October 2018J Godbolt

Oathall students and staff have attended the launch of this year’s Mid Sussex STEM Challenge. The event took place at Mid Sussex District Council offices and was officially launched by the High Sheriff of West Sussex Caroline Nicholls. The Drone 500 challenge has been developed to encourage an interest in STEM subjects amongst young people and to help them understand how these subjects will be applied in industry in the future.

In the first year, the challenge was won by Year 9 students from Oathall. In this, the second year of the competition, more schools from across Sussex have entered for the chance to win. Over the next six months, each school is being tasked to build a drone for £500. The drone will be required to meet a number of very specific requirements which will be tested at the final next March. As well as this each team will be required to produce a business case which they will pitch to a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel. Each team will be supported and mentored along the way by members of the local business community.

Head of Art and Design Technology, Pete Robinson said,

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain an insight into the world of engineering and design. Not only does it encourage an interest in STEM but it develops team building and a work ethic at an early age. We will, of course be working hard to retain our title!”

 

 

 

Oathall takes delivery of brand new minibus

12th September 2018J Godbolt

Oathall was delighted to take delivery this week of a much-needed new school minibus. The acquisition of the new minibus was made possible by the kind generosity and support of Fairfax Properties who fully supported the purchase for the school.

The minibus has been designed specifically for school use and can transport up to 17 people; it has also been adapted so that it is fully accessible by wheelchair users.

Handing over the minibus keys, Fairfax Director, Jon Ball, said:

“We are proud to be able to support our local community in this way.”

Headteacher, Edward Rodriguez said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Fairfax Properties for their support of the school in this way. This new bus will be used extensively by the school and especially the PE department where it will enable teams and reserves to be transported to school fixtures without incurring additional transportation costs.”

 

Students celebrating excellent results

23rd August 2018J Godbolt

Oathall students are deservedly celebrating their excellent GCSE results. Across all areas of the curriculum, the college has seen impressive outcomes.

In English, 75% of students achieved a grade 4 or above whilst in mathematics 77% of students achieved a grade 4 or higher. In science, 74% of students achieved 2 good science GCSE passes.

There were some exceptional individual performances with 10% of the cohort achieving 7 or more passes at grades 7, 8 or 9. This is all the more noteworthy given the recent reforms to the GCSE curriculum and the significantly more challenging examinations. Moreover, 22% of all grades awarded were 7 or higher.

Students of all abilities have excelled and achieved results of which they should be very proud. It is clear that their progress and attainment is significantly positive.  

Headteacher, Edward Rodriguez said,

“I would like to congratulate all students and staff on their hard work and commitment. They have responded so well to the challenges of the newly reformed GCSEs. These exceptional results are a testament to their enthusiasm and perseverance.“

School games day 2018

24th July 2018J Godbolt

There was a fantastic atmosphere and feeling of team spirit at this year’s Oathall School games day. A whole day of competitive events including tennis, dodgeball, handball, cycling, tug of war and traditional athletic events had been organised by the PE team. There were outstanding performances from individuals as well as the teams with everyone competing to be the best tutor group in their year and of course, the overall House winners.

Congratulations to Voyager House who were the Oathall 2018 school games day winners.

A round-up of the scores from yesterday:

Year 7 Tutor Winners – 7EARK Mrs Kingsford
Year 8 Tutor Winners – 8VPS – Mrs Sullivan
Year 9 Tutor Winners – 9DKRG – Mrs Garrick
Year 10 Tutor winners – 10PSK – Mrs Kirkpatrick

Well done to everyone who took part.

Autumn term arrangements

24th July 2018J Godbolt

Monday 3 September is an Inset day and the college will be closed to students.

School will start at the normal time on Tuesday 4 September for Years 7, 10 and 11 only. This will enable Year 7 students to settle in more easily on their first day. On Wednesday 5 September Years 8 and 9 will join Years 7, 10 and 11 for their first day.

Information for new students joining in September can be found by following the link here.