TEACHING AND LEARNING NEWS CHRISTMAS 2017

19th December 2017Mrs D Perrin

Respect Aspire Achieve Enjoy

Greetings from Edward Rodriguez, Headteacher.

We are now approaching the final few days of what has been another busy and successful term at Oathall. Whilst our students and staff are looking forward to a well-earned winter break it is important to reflect on all that has been achieved over the past few months.

As always, the students have shown excellent commitment to their studies and have enthusiastically engaged with all that is on offer at the school. This has been the first full term in which we have operated in somewhat constrained circumstances due to the extensive building work that is being undertaken to our science and mathematics block. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the students and of course, their teachers for how well they have adapted to the changes in the school.

I am pleased to report that the building work is on schedule and we are very much looking forward to enjoying these excellent new facilities from September next year. It is very satisfying to see that the new roof and the fenestration are all but complete, along with the new exterior finishes. We hope to see the scaffolding being removed early in the new year with the focus very much moving to the internal build. This is also progressing rapidly and, with all internal walls constructed, mechanical and electrical installations are now well underway. I have been really pleased to take a number of students on tours of the site. Observing a building in this state of construction has been of particular interest to our GCSE engineering students, of course.

Our Year 11 students are now approaching the end of their mock examination period. They have worked hard and will no doubt use their experiences to focus their efforts as they look forward to their final weeks of study next year.

I write following another outstanding Christmas concert, in which the depth of talent at Oathall was so richly displayed. We look forward to our college Christmas lunch this week and of course our celebrated ‘Carols in the Barn’ on Monday evening. Our final traditional Christmas assemblies on the 19th December signal the close of a long autumn term.

On behalf of the governors and staff at Oathall, may I wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Oathall remembers

By Jo Godbolt

This year, staff and students in Voyager House have come up with a special way of marking the Remembrance period and supporting The Royal British Legion, their chosen House Charity at the same time.

Inspired by the 2014 ‘Blood Swept Lands’ art installation of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, Voyager House decided to install a Field of Remembrance – a small patch of ground where pupils and staff could plant small wooden crosses dedicated to individuals who died as a result of armed conflict. This installation dedicated to the fallen will help focus minds during this period of remembrance.

Field of Remembrance

The whole school is involved as the Field of Remembrance sits in the middle of the school grounds and everyone will pass by it several times a day. Staff and students have been asked to dedicate a cross to family members or people of personal significance. Students in Voyager House will be assisting Mr Parry, Head of Voyager House in placing out the crosses and maintaining the installation over the time it is in place.

Field of crosses

Mr Parry said,
“I am very grateful to everyone who has supported this idea with their kind words and donations; in just one week we have raised over £100 for the Royal British Legion which is outstanding. ”

The crosses will be left in place until next week after which they can be taken away by the individuals who dedicated them.  Any remaining will be moved to the Haywards Heath War memorial.

Students in the field of remembrance

 

Creativity at Oathall

Year 8 Geographers have been making volcano models.

By Kim Garrick

We’ve had a huge variety of models ranging from those made of wood, clay and papier mache to those made out of cake! Students made a huge effort to ensure their models represented real life volcanoes and some of them even erupted.

Joshua Goodwin
Georgiana Beck
Holly Hughes
Theo Billson
Rose Worsley

 

Year 10, Symbolism and Christingles

By Mike Parry

Year 10 GCSE Religious Studies class learning about symbolism in Christian celebrations of Christmas by making Christingles.The students enjoyed reliving their primary school days making Christingles and exploring different interpretations of the nativity story.

Christmas has turned scientific in S1 with our beautiful (non-acidic!) Chrismas Chemis-tree! 

By Debbie Isley
O Chemis-tree, O Chemis-tree,
How acidic are thy branches….
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas from the Science Faculty

Oathall in the community

By Penny Sullivan

On 27th November, three teams of Oathall students represented the school at our annual Youth Speaks event run by the Haywards Heath Rotary Club. Our topics were: ‘An Experience in Voice Acting’, ‘Why the Voting Age should be lowered to 16’ and ‘Inspirational Women’. The students all fulfilled their roles of Chair Person, Main Speaker and Vote Of Thanks giver admirably and did the school proud.

Well done to Molly Hord, Abigail Cooper, Kitty Underhill, Henry Forest, Tom Underhill, Ben McDowell, Bea Carter, Felix Carter and Tasha Lawrence.

Youth Speaks participants

 

Year 11s on the A Christmas Carol trip.

By Emily Evans

On Wednesday the 14th of December, Year 11 English students and Year 10 Drama students were treated to an interactive performance of A Christmas Carol in Brighton. Performed at The Spire (a converted church) students were left musing at the sense of hope and message of redemption suggested in the play which is apt at all times in the year. Students danced along with the cast and enjoyed the experience immensely.

Marden Sayers, a Year 10 drama student, reflected “It was very good. The lighting was superb especially when the ghost of Christmas Future was towering over Scrooge.”

Oathall students showed brilliant behaviour and were a credit to the school.

The girls’ cricket team competed in the first Under 18 Sussex Cricket event of the year at Bede’s school, Upper Dicker. This was a friendly event with Oathall playing teams from Millais, Brighton and Hove High School and Bedes. It was an opportunity for them to practice and develop their skills and they also had an opportunity to meet the England Ladies Wicket Keeper and Batter Sarah Taylor, pictured above with the Oathall team.

Oathall debates

By Mike Parry

Mr Parry’s Year 9 RE/PSHE class has been fully engaged in learning about the arguments that surround the legalisation of drugs. They particularly enjoyed putting forward different points of view and so they decided to hold a debate.

Oathall makes music

By Carol MacTaggart

Oathall musicians have been working very hard arranging and rehearsing their music for the Christmas Concert, and Carols in the Barn Service, with over 120 students taking part. Mrs Mac Taggart, Mr Van Galen and our guests who attended the performances enjoyed them immensely. A highlight was the showcasing of the music videos presented by Year 9 students.
The choir
The orchestra
Rehearing

Staff, students and ex-students taking a well earned dinner break having set up the sound and lighting for the concert in record time.

Staff and students in Performance are very much looking forward to beginning work on the school play, Macbeth in January 2018!

Oathall excels

Celebrating Outsanding work with Mr Rodriguez

By Faye Hatchard

This term Year 8 geographers have been busy learning all about tectonic plates. The following students were selected to show their amazing earthquake homework to the Headteacher; Eleanor Barnes, Hannah Taylor, Simonne Gautron, Isla Mustin and  Erica Marriott-Tremlett. Isla explains in more detail below:

“This term, for our geography homework we were asked to design and research an earthquake-proof building or home. We could complete this project however we wanted; some people made posters, models, booklets or sketches. I chose to create a large poster, with a drawing of my earthquake-proof offices, lots of information about the importance of earthquake-proof buildings and the effects of an earthquake. From this project, I have gained the knowledge and understanding of how these structures are formed, as well as developing my architectural skills. I was very pleased and excited when I was chosen to see Mr Rodriguez, to show him my homework, because it is very satisfying to know that all of my hard work had been recognised and rewarded. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this homework, as I was able to showcase my skills, as well as receive acknowledgement from senior members of staff.”

By Isla Mustin, Year 8 Student.

 

Adapting to our surroundings

Science – Year 7 has been learning all about British mammals. 

By Debbie Isley

Students have reseached about their favourite British mammal and presented their information for others to learn from. What they eat, what eats them, where they live and adaptations to living in their environment were all studied.

 Fabulous work was completed by everyone but a special mention must be to Ellie Bennett who did her work on Deer, Olivia Fox who studied the Red Fox and Sam Kelly’s excellent work on Grey squirrels. Well done everyone.

The Science Faculty is adapting to its temporary accommodation.

By Emma Costello

As you can see, we have been keen to still do as much practical science as possible despite being in temporary accommodation this year. Here is one of our portable Bunsen burners in action!

 

Oathall library news

By Debra Perrin

The library continues to be a centre for all our students, be they reading, doing homework, revising for tests and exams or just finding a space to hang out at break and lunchtimes or to catch up with friends.

We are seeing an impressive increase in borrowing of books thanks to the Accelerated Reader programme that has been rolled out for Years 7 & 8. The reading programme has made it much easier for students to find books which are the right level for them and, as one student who usually struggles to find a book told me recently, “this book is just right for me. I can read it. I can’t wait to turn over the page and find out what happens next” The smile on her face and the joy in her eyes was a privilege to experience.

Bookshops are full of attractive displays, especially at this time of year, promoting books but if you would like some suggestions, here are some lists which might help.

For reluctant readers, try any on this list from BookRIot

The Guardian best books of 2017 are here

The UK’s top book award winners for 2017 are here

Young Adult books that are being made into films next year include

  • Eleanor And Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • A Tale Dark And Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
  • Fallen by Lauren Kate
  • Daughter Of Smoke And Bone by Laini Taylor
  • Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
  • Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness
  •  The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black
  •  Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle

Thanks to everyone who supported the Scholastic Half Price Book Fair last week. We sold over £550 worth of books, posters and stationery. The library gets 10% of that figure to spend on books and we chose these fantastic titles which will be ready for students to borrow after the holidays.

 

Extracurricular at Oathall

Year 7 Science Club

By Emma Costello

The new Year 7s have proved themselves to be enthusiastic scientists with a record number of attendees at this terms Science Club. The highlight of the term must have been making slime with over 40 keen students giving up their lunch break to discover the magical ingredients that are used in the making of slime. Another session found the students making and lighting their own sparklers in preparation for November 5th. Other popular activities have included making glass, salt flames, bath bombs and rainbow fizz.

The club runs every Weds A from 1.20 to 1.45 in S4 and is open to all of year 7. Please see Mrs Pringle if you are interested in joining.

 

Sports news

By Zoe Froud

Girl’s Cricket

The girls’ cricket team competed in the first Under 18 Sussex cricket event of the year at Bede’s school, Upper Dicker. This was a friendly event with Oathall playing teams from Millais, Brighton and Hove High School and Bedes. It was an opportunity for them to practice and develop their skills and they also had an opportunity to meet the England Ladies Wicket Keeper and Batter Sarah Taylor, pictured above with the Oathall team.

 

Sports Ambassadors

On the 13th December, a small group of sports leaders were chosen to become Sports Ambassadors and to attend a Sports Leaders’ training day at the Sussex cricket ground run by Mid Sussex Active. They were picked because they had shown excellent skills in coaching and leadership over the past 18 months within their primary schools.
Schools from the whole of Mid-Sussex attended the day, including Sackville, Burgess Hill Academy, Warden Park and Downlands.
The pupils had a fantastic day at the ground where they learnt the importance of being a leader, and how they could be the best leader possible. They all got given a free sports leaders hoodie and received training by the Sussex cricket coaches on how they should teach cricket in primary schools.
They had a fantastic day and are now looking forward to planning events.

 

And finally….

Staff raised £50 for the NSPCC after paying to wear a Christmas jumper on the last Friday of school.

 

Teaching and Learning News: Summer term 2017

26th May 2017Mrs D Perrin

Respect  Aspire  Achieve  Enjoy

DSC_1909edit

After many weeks of planning, it was good to finally see the contractors on site as they begin the first phase of improvement works to the Oathall campus. A series of ‘enabling’ works will be taking place throughout the remainder of this term in readiness for the closure of our current science and maths block, scheduled for late July.

We look forward to new Heads of House and Careers offices being completed over the next few weeks with new and enhanced ICT provision following shortly after. Significant decorative improvements are also taking place to a number of classrooms in the college in preparation for the temporary relocation of science and mathematics faculties for the 2017 /18 academic year.

As I write, we have now embarked on the first week of the final GCSE examinations. I would like to extend my thanks to Mrs Aldridge and her team for managing the examinations programme at the school and I am sure that you would want to join me in sending the very best of wishes to all of our Year 11 students at this very special time.

House News

We are in the final term of the year and excitement over the House Championship is hotting up (just like the weather). Attendance scores are in for March-April and we have Discovery in 1st place, followed by Pioneer, Voyager and Endeavour, all pushing hard to gain the top spot.

This leaves the House Championship table looking like this.

Bake-Off Feedback

Pun intended! Our students had enormous fun taking part in Bake-Off. There have been plenty of photos on the main school website for you to look at, this is a reflection of what they learned.

  • They had to come up with their own design ideas
  • They then had to use their creative skills to make their ideas a reality
  • They had to work to a deadline
  • They experienced how it felt to be judged by adults with knowledge of commercial cake making.

Their cakes will be on display at the Ardingly Showground, in the Norfolk Pavilion.

Geography Field Trip

Just before Easter, 90 Geography students from Year 10 visited the River Tillingbourne near Box Hill for a practical, hands-on day of learning. Their objectives were to measure the width, depth and velocity of the river, as well as to observe local surroundings. Students were also able to follow the river as it changed downstream. They wore “attractive” waterproof trousers and wellies, which meant they could get into the river and feel it moving around them, to understand and feel its velocity, museumand to see how it changed depth and width. The students all appreciated how this made what they had learned in their textbooks come alive.

History Trip to Ypres

Recently, more than 40 students from Year 9 spent the day in and around Ypres in Belgium. They visited the Tyne Cot Cemetery, which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Hooge Museum in Ypres, and walked through a trench. They attended a Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. They learned about warfare techniques used by both sides including the use of gas. Despite a long day, taking in all the experiences and emotions, they still had time to visit a local chocolate shop and enjoy delicious Belgian chocolate, a positive note to end on.

Modern Foreign Languages Week

Just after the Easter break, Oathall was treated to a week celebrating Modern Foreign Languages. Teachers of all subjects were encouraged to add something to their lessons in another language or from another country, encouraging cross-curricular participation. Some language lessons were held in the library and teachers ran a quiz. The canteen staff treated us all to cuisine from France, Germany & Spain. It was a timely reminder to us all of the languages we teach and the languages some of us speak in addition to English, here at Oathall.

Library News

Last term, our Year 8 Graphic Novels and Manga Club, completed the Stan Lee awards as reported in the previous bulletin. The group were so enthused by the competition that they decided to continue to meet and make their own graphic novel. Sophie Hamilton, a Year 11 Art student, came in and mentored them in the art of designing and creating their own Manga illustrations and was a real inspiration to the group. Next term, they have four weeks to bring the project together and publish their work.

Half-term is a great opportunity for Year 11s to find all their Library books and English texts and return them to us as soon as possible.

Music News

Ensemble Reza Community Orchestra Concert

Students and siblings, teachers and an Oathall parent played in the Ensemble Reza Community Orchestra Performance under the baton of Steve Dummer on the 7th May 2017. The program included Radetsky’s March by Strauss, Czech Polka and a brilliant finale of Badelt’s Themes from Pirates of the Caribbean. A highlight was the guitar concerto with Adrian King, a parent at the school, the soloist.
Seren Billson, a flautist from Oathall said “I really enjoyed it and I learnt a lot, especially from Grieg’s Norwegian Dance which was quite a challenging piece.” Martijn Van Galen, a music teacher at the College said how enriching and valuable it was for our students to perform with advanced musicians and the professional players from Ensemble Reza. He also said “It was great to have the opportunity to play Jazz with this Classical Ensemble as this shows that regardless of the style of music, that quality musicianship enables musicians of all styles to enjoy playing together.”
Staff and students are now looking forward to the next performance which will be part of the Power of Music Festival at The Orchards on 10th & 11th of June followed by the Oathall Summer Concert in the main hall at the college on Tuesday 27th June 2017 at 7 pm.

Alfriston field trips

20th May 2014J Godbolt

Y10 Geography students visited Alfriston in East Sussex last week as part of their GCSE studies. Students have been studying tourism and in particular ‘honeypot sites’.

Surveying pollution levels by sampling street furniture

Surveying pollution levels by sampling street furniture

On a hot, sunny, day students visited the pretty village of Alfriston. Situated in the South Downs National Park, Alfriston is renowned for its historical buildings and beauty and is subsequently a popular destination for tourists. Students spent the day gathering data for their GCSE controlled assessment, they surveyed traffic, measured pollution and interviewed visitors and residents.

This information will form part of students GCSE examination.

Geography case study trips

25th October 2013A Oathall

As part of their GCSE curriculum year 10 Geography students have just completed field trips to Newhaven and Seaford to study the Coastal Zone and Tourism.  At Friar’s Bay, Newhaven they learned how landform features are created by the coastal processes of erosion, transportation and deposition. And at Spash Point, Seaford they gathered evidence of tourism management, and the problems of human intervention in coastal systems.

Super Swanage Trip

9th October 2013Mrs L BRUCE

In September a group of Y11 Geographers went on a residential field trip to West Lulworth and Swanage, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.  The students designed surveys and collected data for their Controlled Assessment about the impact of tourism on West Lulworth.  They also studied the coastal landforms and processes which attract the tourists to the area.  This included a walk to Durdle Door along the Dorset Coastal Path.

They enjoyed an overnight stay at the Swanage Youth Hostel, relaxing with an evening of ten pin bowling.