Extended learning

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?

Our last Extended Learning afternoon of the year takes place on Thursday 4 June.

Year 7 – An external company will be coming in to teach First Aid to our students. When they’re not learning these essential life skills, they’ll be playing team sports.

Year 8 – We have arranged for the theatre company The Globe Players to come into school and put on a performance of key scenes in Romeo and Juliet. The Globe Players’ repertoire includes lively presentations of classic texts, children’s plays and workshops. Their mission is to stimulate imaginations and inspire young audiences by bringing the enriching experience of theatre to as many schools as possible.

The performance of Romeo and Juliet links to the Year 8 English curriculum, and this performance will enable the characters and themes to be brought to life for our students. The afternoon will also involve a workshop where students will create and perform a modern interpretation of a key scene from the play.

Year 9 – The students will be using their maths skills, and specifically budgeting to tackle the real world exercise of Booking A Holiday. They’ll use the information provided, and their allocated budgets to plan and make choices based on the criteria. Alongside budget constraints, time will be a factor!

Year 10 – Students will spend the afternoon focusing on choosing a college to continue their studies after Y11. We have a large number of colleges coming into school to present, and the students will get to speak to representatives and ask them questions.

We look forward to delivering another varied and entertaining afternoon.

There was a buzz around Oathall on Tuesday afternoon as year 7-10 students engaged in Extended Learning activities across the school.

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This was the second of three Extended Learning sessions on the school calendar this year.

Year 7 students got involved in the Make £5 grow nationwide challenge. In small groups they devised plans and hatched schemes to generate profits for their businesses. In turn they presented their business ideas to their fellow students from the presentations they created.

Year 8’s STEM projects – think hands-on activities integrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – included analysing soil and pen samples to solve mysteries.

Year 9 had a chance to attend four taster sessions ahead of choosing their options in Key Stage 4.

And finally, year 10 students enjoyed an at times frenetic, speed networking afternoon. We are indebted to everyone that gave their time to make this activity happen. An incredibly varied number of occupations were represented, ranging from biochemists and property developers, to intensive care nurses and video game designers.

On Tuesday 3 February our students will be taking part in the next Extended Learning afternoon. The details of which are as follows:

Year 7 – The focus of the afternoon is entrepreneurship and the Make £5 grow project. Students will work together in small groups and come up with a business idea. They will have to research their idea and put together a business plan including financial projections. They will then pitch their business to their tutor and tutor group. Two businesses from each tutor group will be selected as the winning teams, we will then give them £5 per person to set up the business.

Year 8 – Students will be taking part in a STEM afternoon focusing on basic forensic science. Students will be gathering evidence to solve a crime. They will be working in groups in their science classes.

Year 9 – We will be launching the option process with students; this will involve an assembly and each student participating in four 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 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 (12.20-12.50) so please be aware that although the canteen will be open it will only have chilled food & drink available. If your child has extra time please note the exam will finish later than the normal finish time of 3.05pm and alternative transportation home may need to be arranged.

The focus for each year group varies but I am sure you will agree they are all worthwhile educational activities.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.