Oathall’s Field of Remembrance

8th November 2017J Godbolt

This year, staff and students in Voyager House have come up with a new 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.

The whole school is involved as the Field of Remembrance sits in the middle of the piazza 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 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.

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 crosses will be moved to the Haywards Heath War memorial.

What’s in a name?

4th July 2014J Godbolt

Students at Oathall have taken part in choosing names for the new house system that the college is introducing this summer. The house system will provide an extra platform for competition, an additional focus around events and an opportunity for younger and older students to meet and work together in joint enterprises. Following a whole school online vote the theme of Exploration came first in the student poll. Within this theme four names emerged as winners. We are pleased to announce that the new house names are

Discovery – Endeavour – Pioneer – Voyager

Assistant Headteacher, Mr Willer with students from the Student Voice Community Group

Assistant Headteacher, Mr Willer with students from the Student Voice Community Group

The house titles originate from spacecraft and ships of exploration.  The titles represent the human spirit of challenge and determination to cross boundaries in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.  In this context we hope our four house titles will stand as an inspiration to students to strive for success in all aspects of college life.

Between now and the end of term tutor groups will be allocated to a House and our Games Day on 11th July 2014 will have the additional excitement of competition for a House Cup. The autumn term will see further work to develop the House system including the design of house emblems, agreement of colours, the identification of House Captains and other student leaders within the system and the planning for House assemblies and further events.  An exciting time lies ahead!