The Mayfield Way December 2024 Newsletter

In Mathematics, our students have been hard at work through their learning journeys.

At KS3, Year 7 have now been introduced to algebra, one of the oldest branches of Mathematics. Year 8 have been looking at sequences, equations, inequalities, and straight-line graphs. Year 9 have been studying proportion, standard form, and algebraic manipulation.

KS4 students continue their learning journeys with their GCSE course. Year 11 have just completed their November mock examinations and are reflecting on their performances along with moving on to complete the curriculum.

In January and February, all students in Year 7 to 10 will be completing their mid-year assessments. This is an opportunity for everyone, to pause, and reflect on their learning while at the same time showing how well their learning has been going on so far. It will give everyone the opportunity to take stock of what needs to be done to continue moving forward.

This year, we are offering some of our Year 7s an Axiom Maths programme whose brief is below, as provided by Mr Paszkowski who is delivering the programme.

In Axiom Maths circle students engage with challenging maths tasks from beyond the National Curriculum, they get stuck and unstuck and get used to not getting things right the first time, leading to an even greater experience of satisfaction! In Axiom Maths circles, pupils find a community of likeminded individuals that value and respect their mathematical abilities. Through this, students develop their ability to reason and communicate like university level mathematicians.

Most importantly, these aspiring mathematicians can find themselves in a sense of flow. In Axiom Maths circles there is no pressure, no test, you get lost in the maths. Please find below some observations made by some of the students:

"Axiom Maths is a very fun club, it’s a mixture of challenging but enjoyable math problems that we as a group solve together. We get stuck together and unstuck together. Our teacher is also very nice, giving us treats every session, and I wish we would have it more than once a week."

"I think that Axiom Maths circles inspire me and the other students to be like university level mathematicians and still have the enjoyment and excitement to be stuck and become unstuck in the process. This enables us to communicate with each other more openly and share our views and strategies about the maths problem. Our mentor has also especially told us to be adventurous, articulate, and accepting as well so we can become the best version of ourselves in terms of the mathematic skills."

Years 7 & 8

Both Year 7 and Year 8 have made great strides in their science studies this term. Year 7 students have settled in well and started their science journey by exploring substances and mixtures, solubility, and chemical reactions. They’ve been enjoying hands-on practical work and are now excited to learn about cells and the basics of Biology. Year 8 have been diving into Physics, studying space and the forces acting on us here on Earth, while also examining the changing dynamics of our planet. Their enthusiasm for learning is evident, and they are eager to continue exploring the universe's wonders.

Years 9 & 10

Year 9 students have been exploring microorganisms, disease, and the relationships between organisms and their environment. Recently, some students visited the University of Southampton to explore STEM careers, focusing on sailing and the America’s Cup. We are also planning an exciting trip to Life Lab, where students will bring their learning to life. Year 10 have impressed us with their maturity and progress, especially in their Human and Plant Biology units. They are looking forward to their upcoming assessments in February. Additionally, Year 10 Triple Science students are working with Computer Science to design, build, and code a robot for the First Lego League. Their innovation project focuses on deep-sea exploration and the issues facing our oceans.

Year 11

Year 11 students have shown tremendous dedication in their recent mock exams, and we are confident that they will achieve great results this year. After Christmas, we will offer revision sessions to help students prepare for their Paper 2 exam content and improve their revision techniques. Students can speak with their science teacher or email Miss Jones if they wish to attend these sessions.

Looking Ahead

After Christmas, all students will complete their Mid-Year assessments, covering material from this term as well as 50% from the previous year. This will allow students to showcase how well they’ve built upon their scientific knowledge. We are excited to see how all our students continue to grow and excel in their studies!

Year 7

Year 7's have been getting to grips with their iPads and how to use some of the essential apps. This includes using PowerPoint and making presentations to their classmates. Using Microsoft Word to create a blog and learning correct email etiquette.

Year 8

Year 8 have got to use the Microbits which are a recent addition to the Computer Science department. These mini computers have allowed Year 8 to explore the world of programming through LED display screens.

They have also been learning the importance of binary and logic gates within the world of computing.

Year 9

Year 9 began the year looking at the world of binary and boolean logic. This included logic gates and how computers function. They have just moved on to learning Python which will help them become confident programmers. Many year 9s have already created some interesting programs!

Year 10

Year 10 have been working hard and understanding the course. This includes learning to program python in a lot of detail. Some of the programs that Year 10 have created to far include, creating: A text-based game, a password checker and many other useful programs. They have also been focusing on theory and learning how the inside of a computer works along with computational thinking which allows them to solve big problems.

Year 11

Year 11 have been working very hard recapping programming topics they learnt in year 10. They have also been learning how networks function and work in the world of computing. Year 11 have also been working very hard in their mocks and completing bespoke revision tasks at home based on their mock exams.

Other activities

A group of students attended a virtual careers fair where they got to explore different careers that STEM could lead them in to. This was a group of Year 8 and 9 students that have shown a keen interest in the world of STEM. Many students explored potential careers they could go in to.

A select group of Year 10 students who take Computer Science or Triple Science have recently begun a LEGO competition which will involve creating multiple programs that will see them at a national even at the Oceanography centre in Southampton in March.

Year 7

Year 7 have begin exploring the world of food nutrition and preparation. The students have been introduced to food hygiene and safety and have learnt basic knife skills and some basic food science through cooking and preparing sandwiches, quesadillas, breakfast items and making bread. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of food science, cooking methods and the 12 key skills.

Year 8

Year 8 have continued their journey into food and have begun to explore more complex food science and cooking methods. The students have built upon their bread making skills and they have explored making both rough puff and shortcrust pastry and have learnt about the food safety and hygiene surrounding the preparation of raw chicken. Students will be continuing to build their knowledge around preparing raw meats and create burgers/koftas and spaghetti/cottage pie.

Year 9

Year 9 students have continued their learning journey and building upon the skills and experiences of Year 7 and 8 and putting their knowledge and skills into practice through creating pizza and pasta from raw ingredients and learning how to make risotto. The students will be moving on to prepare tortillas from raw ingredients and making quesadillas, spring rolls and samosas and curry.

Year 10

Year 10 students have been exploring food science and cooking methods in a much greater level of detail learning about nutrients, macro nutrients and their role in food and the human body. The students have been learning how to portion whole chickens and have also explored presentation of food by decorating tea cakes and exploring how they present their food on plates. Students will continue to explore nutrients and their roles and put this knowledge into practice by cooking and preparing various dishes.

Year 11

Year 11 students have began working on their non exam assessments (NEA). The students have completed NEA 1 and their exploration of the roles of ingredients within scones and are moving on to start working on NEA2. NEA2 involves students planning, testing, and refining dishes.

Well done to everyone for completing our first full term for the 2024/25 year! We hope you have had a great start to the new school year (and made a great start entirely for Year 7s!) and are looking forward to a well-deserved Christmas Break. Before we go on our break, I would like to recognise the amazing work you have done in History so far. Firstly, the Year 7s have all been learning about the Medieval worlds, from the impressive books translated in Constantinople, to the scientific study in the Islamic empires and the religious services in the churches of Latin Christendom. In Year 8, you will have been learning about the Power of the Monarchy, how Charles lost his lead after the Civil War and why parliament became more powerful than the King or Queen.

In Year 9 we have been moving towards the 20th century, starting with what historians thought about the British empire and why they may have different opinions. We then moved towards the causes and experiences of the First World War, understanding why such a terrible even happened and what it was like to be a soldier within the war. In Year 10, you have begun your first year of GCSE study, understanding the impact migration has had on Britain and studying the impacts and experience of specific groups from Palatines to Vikings. In Year 11 you would have been continuing you study of Nazi Germany, particularly how the Nazis came to power and the experience of living under Nazi rule. We would like to thank all of our students for their effort this autumn term and the entire History team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Successful Pilot of Year 7 Sparx Reader

This term, we successfully piloted the Sparx Reader program with our Year 7 students. The feedback from both students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how it has supported reading engagement and comprehension. Our Year 7 students have completed 325 hours of reading and completed 219 books. Due to its success, we are thrilled to announce that Sparx Reader will be launched across Years 8, 9, and 10 in the upcoming Spring term. We look forward to seeing the program inspire even more students to develop a lifelong love of reading.

Drop Everything and Read Day

On the 10th of December, we held our annual Drop Everything and Read day, which was a tremendous success! Both students and staff embraced the opportunity to immerse themselves in reading, creating a vibrant and focused atmosphere throughout the school. As part of the festive celebration of literacy, our students and staff create Christmas-themed poems and short stories for the event. These creative pieces were shared in a special reading event where staff and students read their poems aloud to the entire school. The event was a joyful celebration of creativity, collaboration, and holiday spirit, leaving everyone inspired and full of festive cheer.

January New Group Reading Tests

Looking ahead, we will be conducting a new group reading test in January to assess the progress of all students who have been receiving targeted reading interventions. This assessment will help us measure the impact of our interventions and guide further support to ensure every student continues to improve their reading skills.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a culture of learning and creativity at our school.

Bonjour!

What a busy year in the MFL department!

We have welcomed a new teacher into the MFL department, Miss Barber, and she has enjoyed getting to know all her new groups.

Year 7 have had a great term, learning the foundations to begin their journey of learning French. They have started working as teams in their classes and competing for points for their teams.

Year 8 students are learning all about sport and leisure activities and learnt to describe where they live in autumn 1.

Year 9 groups are moving on from talking about travel and holidays and are now describing where they live in more detail.

Year 10 are heading for their End of Unit 2 assessments at the moment all about healthy living and will have assessments in listening and writing skills. Next term, some students are looking forward to spending a few days in Paris!

Year 11 have just finished their mock exams and have just got their results. They are looking forward to a rest from exams and studying, but not for long because the French mock speaking exams start mid-January and they need to learn all their general conversation questions. 😊 Bonne chance!

The French department wish everyone:

Year 7 have been learning about being upstanders, human rights and getting involved in change. They have engaged in these topics well and some great discussions on prejudice, discrimination have taken place. They looked at how to be an upstander, not a bystander in relation to anti-bullying week.

Year 8 have been learning about the criminal justice system in the UK along with visits from Gamcare, looking at the dangers and raising awareness of the dangers of gambling, online gaming, loot boxes and the impact of addiction.

Year 9 have been learning about the monarchy, elections and other political regimes as well as studying finances. They have learnt how borrowing works and the impact of debt.

Year 10 have been goal setting in relation to their transition into KS4, future options and how to make the best progress in their final years as students at Mayfield.

Year 11 have also been focussing on college applications, planning for the future & setting both long- & short-term goals. They have had talks from yellow door, covering the sensitive topics of coercive control and domestic violence. They have also had sessions from HSBC on financial planning.

Music

It’s been another busy and creative term in the music department.

Year 7 have been learning different singing techniques and putting these into practice by class singing songs from different genres. I have been particularly impressed by how many students have been brave enough to sing solos!

Year 8 have been learning how to play the Ukulele. They have worked hard and can now play some famous riffs including “We Will Rock You”. They have also learnt how to play various chords in sequence.

Year 9 have been studying Beethoven. They have learnt about the orchestra and have studied how Beethoven created music for different instruments. They have been practising famous Beethoven pieces on the keyboard and have impressed me with their ability to play with two hands at the same time.

Year 10 have made a very positive start to the GCSE course They have been learning about popular music and have also been using a variety of different composing styles using keyboards, drums, guitars and Garage Band software to create their pieces. They are also working hard in their individual music lessons and will be showcasing these skills in upcoming performance opportunities.

Year 11 have spent the term working on both their GCSE composition and performance coursework. They still have a lot of hard work ahead of them and will need to revise thoroughly for the mock exam next term.

Music club after school on Monday is still proving to be very popular and pupils are also using the practices rooms during break times for individual and group practising.

Drama

In Year 7 Drama, we have been exploring a variety of exciting units, each with rich themes and unique performance styles. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe introduced us to themes of bravery, loyalty, and the timeless battle between good and evil. In Greek Theatre, we explored fate, hubris, and morality, learning how the power of the gods shaped ancient stories. Pantomime brought laughter and energy, focusing on audience interaction, humour, and exaggerated expression. Now, we are beginning the thrilling Darkwood Manor unit, where we will dive into themes of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, creating eerie and captivating performances. Each and every student has shown dedication and enthusiasm throughout these units, developing their skills and creativity. A special shoutout goes to everyone in 7B2—you have worked hard on every single unit, and I couldn't be prouder of your progress and commitment. Well done!

In Drama for Year 8, we have been exploring a range of fascinating units, each with unique themes and challenges. We began with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, focusing on themes of identity, difference, and truth, as we delved into Christopher’s world and his journey for answers. Next, we explored Advert Theatre, examining how persuasion, emotion, and creativity come together to deliver powerful messages to an audience. In Silent Movies, we embraced the art of physical storytelling, focusing on themes of expression, humour, and exaggerated emotion without the use of dialogue. Now, we are diving into Blood Brothers, where we are exploring powerful themes such as class, fate, and family, as we unpack the tragic story of the Johnstone twins. Each unit has pushed students to expand their skills, deepen their understanding, and engage with complex ideas through performance. A special shoutout goes to Freddie Townsend, Fin Beswick-Houston-Robb, Sienna Broad and Izzie Crowley for going above and beyond in lessons and always making me laugh.

Dance

The students in Year 7 have been focusing on an extreme sports module in lessons working on developing Freeze frames and learning key choreographic devices. In year 8 students have been creating their own World War themed dance and in year 9 students have either studied a football celebration module or have learnt a piece of dance repertoire from the greatest showman.

I would like to say a massive shout out to all Year 10 and 11 students who have been completing their component 2 BTEC assessment students have been working hard and managed to successfully perform their final performances.

I would like to give a special well done to the Year 10 Dance group who have show dedication and motivation towards lessons.

We are currently working on Dance Live. This is a showcase that is being performed at Portsmouth Guildhall. I would like to say a massive well done to all students who are attending rehearsals, I can’t wait to see it all come together on Wednesday 29th January.

A massive well done to everyone who has taken part in after school clubs form Performing Arts! We look forwards to our Christmas showcase on Wednesday 18th December to highlight talented students from Mayfield!

It has been a very busy but exciting term in PE so far, we have had football, netball, and rugby fixtures all going on as well as all of our clubs which have been very popular.

This term has seen all of our key stage 4 football league fixtures kick-off, there has been some incredible hard work in training sessions and it has been fantastic to see the effort and enthusiasm convert into wins on the pitch.

Rugby has gone from strength to strength this term in Mayfield.

The Year 9s have led the way, with a brilliant display at the Hampshire rugby tournament held at Portsmouth rugby club and the most recent A side v B side game being a massive success with the A side managed by Mr Siddle coming out winners.

With club numbers growing each week, and plenty of tournaments and games to come for all year groups in the new year, there has never a better time to get involved with school rugby.

Mr Morrell 🏉

On the 14th November and 10th December 8 Year 9 students from Oasis Academy Mayfield took the journey to Southampton Sports Centre for the U14 Netball Tournament. The girls were all smiles on the bus to the tournaments, raring to go play some netball. During the tournaments the girls kept their heads high and were amazingly determined throughout all the games. They took on board every piece of information the teachers were throwing at them and progressed well as a team throughout the games. In the second tournament we found our stride in the defensive end and turned over a lot of ball, allowing the score line to stay lower than our previous games had been. Although the results may not have been what they wanted the girls remained focused in all games and were still happy and laughing. The department are super proud of the girls for showing up and showing a huge improvement after the first tournament.

Special thanks goes to Sakura Turner for captaining the team and Miss Barker for giving up her time to drive the minibus.

All of our extracurricular sports clubs have seen great attendance, fitness club always proves popular, and it is brilliant to see so many of our students working on their improving themselves this term by attending the club on a Friday after school. Both badminton and basketball clubs continue to see increasing numbers with students working hard to refine skills and transfer them into games.

This term, our students have been engaging with a variety of fascinating topics in Religious Education. Year 7 began by exploring the vibrant traditions of Hinduism in Autumn Term 1, before moving on to consider the question, "Who is Jesus?" in Autumn Term 2. Year 8 delved into Buddhism and Ecology early on, examining the connection between faith and environmental responsibility, and later traced the beginnings of Early Christianity. Year 9 tackled significant ethical and historical issues, focusing on Jewish responses to the Holocaust in Autumn Term 1 and discussing global poverty under the theme, "World Poverty; Is it our problem?" in Autumn Term 2. Meanwhile, Year 11 have been working hard on their November mocks—well done to them for their dedication and effort!

Outside the classroom, the RE department has been proud to lead the academy’s involvement in the Link to Hope Shoe Box Appeal. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our community, we sent 13 gift boxes to families fleeing conflict, spreading hope and making a meaningful difference to those in need. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to compassion and service, values that are at the heart of what we teach in RE.

It has been a busy term so far for our new Year 7 cohort and their transition into secondary education. The majority have made a phenominal start and continue to make excellent progress adapting to the new challenges that secondary life presents.

Mrs Best, Mr Knight and I continue to promote the importance of attending school each day and punctuality to lessons so that maximum learning time can be gained as they face the challenges of a new style of curriculum that Oasis Mayfield provide. As a cohort they have been leading the way with attendance, behaviour and rewards as well as being the pilot year group for Sparx Reader. This is an online platform that is designed to be an engaging and supportive platform in which pupils can develop their reading and literacy skills, with the options to change text and background colours, enlarge the text and check the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. Students complete regular quizzes as they read, encouraging them to read actively and carefully. The ebooks include contextual definitions for every word, helping readers understand the text and build their vocabulary. By developing these skills, we can ensure our pupils develop the necessary life skills to function and be successful adults.

Students have also had the opportunity to engage in several trips to the Mayflower Theatre to watch WarHorse and the new contemporary prodution &Juliet. We now have individuals who have really caught the theatre bug and are becoming real enthusiasts.

A hundred Year 7 students had the opportunity to go to London on Monday 10th December where they visited The Natural History Museum in groups. A successful and enjoyable day was had by all

On 10th December, a group of students who have been working with the Saint’s Foundation had the opportunity to have a reward trip to celebrate their efforts this half term. This included: team building exercises and a tour of the stadium. Another great day.

Year 7 have really become part of the Mayfield family and I look forward to enjoying their first Christmas as part of Team Mayfield with them.

Year 8 have plenty to celebrate this academic year, from the success of our Year 8 girls’ team in their football tournament to the exemplar behaviour of a handful of our students outside the academy helping those in need in our local community. We have banded together to wear odd socks for anti-bullying awareness and highlight the brilliance in difference and collectively obtained an outstanding 28,551 positive points.

Year 8 have shown brilliant resilience by coming into school even when slightly unwell and this has shown with our increase in attendance across the academic year. We are proud of our Year 8’s and all they are achieving and cannot wait to see what the new year will hold for our students!

As we come to the end of a very long term we are so proud to say that our year group have once again showed us what a superbly, lovely group of young adults they are. The year group has already accumulated over 21000 positive points as a collective and this is amazing! The highest proportion of their points have come from ‘excellent classwork’ or being recognised for ‘being the best’ which shows how hard the students are working within their lessons. We have worked hard to increase resilience levels with attendance which is often the most difficult time of the academic year for coughs, colds and general illness and we are incredibly grateful for the students trying their best in everything that they do.

We have seen students create some beautiful pieces of poetry which have been read out in our ‘Drop Everything And Read’ whole assemblies and the students have taken part respectfully showing excellent engagement in whole class sessions from the Star Project and No Limits. Students have also auditioned for roles in our upcoming show and we are delighted that many Year 9 students have put themselves forward for this wonderful experience.

We are looking forward to building on the successes of this half term. Thank you once again for all of your support with our students. Miss Sullivan and I wish you all a very happy and restful Christmas and all the best for a prosperous and healthy 2025.

Year 10 have settled well into their GCSE options. They have shown great resilience and are making great progress. A large number of students have taken part in after school sessions to make further progress. Many Year 10 students are involved in extra-curricular activities and represent the Academy, they are great ambassadors for Oasis Mayfield.

We have been incredibly impressed by how they have stepped up to the increased demands of Key Stage 4.

It has been a strong start to Year 11, with students receiving their results from the recent November mocks, where many students have made positive improvements from the recent Year 10 summer exams. Since the start of term, I have been really impressed with how keen many of the students have been to do well, with college applications and interviews a big part of this term. Period 6 has been a real positive addition, and attendance to these sessions has been high. Period 6 will be starting again in January to support your child’s learning. A real positive ethos and a strong desire to do well, is exactly the ingredients needed to make the rest of Year 11 a success. Our motto in Year 11 is “No excuses”, and each student has to take the opportunities available to be the best possible version of themselves as they approach the end of their Mayfield school journey.

We have had another big push this half term on punctuality to school and to lessons and I am pleased to report that there has been a significant improvement for most students. As we approach the most crucial part of their school journey, being organised and punctual to lessons will be essential in the build up to final mocks in February and final exams starting in May. Can you please continue to encourage our Year 11 students to dress smart and be proud of their uniform as we strive to be the role models for all those students, lower down the school.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Year 11 parents evening on Thursday 9th January. This is an excellent opportunity to speak to all their teachers and support your child through this final push. We would like to personally wish you all an amazing Christmas break and we look forward to seeing all the pupils back ready for learning in 2025.

During the Autumn term there have been several off-site opportunities for our students, many of which have been mentioned by above. Some of the highlights so far include.

Red Spider – The first of our reward trips, selected students were invited to the indoor climbing centre in Fareham, Students were invited based on the number of reward points they had collected over the first half term. Students had a great time practicing their skill on the different walls, but for some the highlight was the castle as the end of the session.

London – Three coach loads of our Year 7 students travelled to London for a day of Capitol Culture. They spent the day exploring the world-famous Natural History Museum where the highlight was exploring the dinosaur exhibition and the nature in focus display.

High Score Arcade – Our Christmas reward trip saw us attend the High Score Arcade for the first time. The centre allowed students to enjoy a host of variety of video games, old and new, whilst also experiencing all the fun an arcade can offer.

University of Southampton – As mentioned previously, we have had a couple of trips to the University this year. Our KS4 students have attending to support their Post 16 plans, while the KS3 students had a session on raising aspirations, to support students future planning with university as a viable option. During both days they experienced ‘a day in the life of a student’.

Brentford FC – A small group of students were invited to Brentford FC to have a tour of the stadium and the training facilities. During the day they met some of the players whilst showing off their football skills. This was an amazing experience for the students and we thank the Premier League club for inviting us.

We have many trips planned over the coming months, some of which are listed below.

• Hairspray the Musical – 8th January 2025
• Bletchley Park – 27th January 2025
• Dance Live – 29th January 2025
• An Inspector Calls (Theatre Trip) – 31st January 2025
• Ninja Warrior (Reward Trip) – 13th February 2025
• Ski Trip (Year 10) – 23rd February 2025
• Paris – 5th March 2025
• Ski Trip (Year 8,9,11) – 16th March 2025
• Battlefields – 2nd April 2025
• Showcase Cinema (Reward Trip) – 4th April 2025

This autumn term has been a whirlwind of activity as our students explored careers, developed life skills, and embraced opportunities to shape their futures. Here’s a look at each event, showcasing how our students engaged with enthusiasm and represented our academy with pride.

Weekly Careers Interviews: Personal Pathways to Success

Every week, students in Year 11, and also some students in Year's 9 and 10, have participated in one-on-one careers interviews tailored to their unique aspirations and needs. Year 9s that experienced interviews focused on choosing GCSE subjects aligned with their ambitions, while Year 11s prepared for life after school, exploring options like apprenticeships, college courses, and career paths. These sessions were more than just chats; they were confidence-boosting opportunities to set clear goals, reflect on strengths, and understand the steps needed to achieve success. Debbie Dean, our Careers Advisor, shared insights into various industries and career opportunities, equipping students with a broader understanding of what lies ahead. From discovering hidden talents to developing actionable plans, our students left these sessions more motivated and informed than ever.

College Roadshow: Opening Doors to the Future

On 16th September, our Year 11 students swapped classrooms for the vibrant world of post-16 education at the College Roadshow. Representatives from colleges, vocational training centres, and apprenticeship providers joined us to showcase the wealth of opportunities available after Year 11. Students eagerly explored a variety of pathways, from advanced technical courses to creative apprenticeships. Our College Roadshow allowed students to ask tailored questions, gather brochures (and, yes, free stationery!), and visualise themselves taking the next steps in their education. Feedback from students highlighted how much they valued the chance to compare options directly and learn about routes they hadn’t considered before. The event was a resounding success, sparking inspiration and excitement about life beyond secondary school.

Army Outreach Event: Skills, Strategy, and Self-Discovery

On October 3, Year's 9 and 10 faced a different kind of challenge as they engaged with the Army Outreach Team. 60 students from each year group were invited to experience hands-on activities designed to develop transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. From tackling problem-solving tasks to learning about leadership in action, students embraced the activities with energy and curiosity. Beyond the physical challenges, students gained a deeper understanding of the diverse career options available within the Army, from engineering to logistics. Many were surprised by the variety of roles and career progression pathways. The event left students feeling inspired, more confident in their abilities, and with a new appreciation for unconventional career paths.

Taylor Wimpey Careers Talk: Building Bright Futures

October 21 brought the construction industry to life as Taylor Wimpey visited to inspire our Year 10 and 11 students. The talk highlighted the diverse roles within construction, such as architecture, engineering, and project management, and shared practical advice about apprenticeships and graduate schemes. A key moment was hearing about Reece Sheppard’s journey, showcasing how hard work and ambition can lead to incredible career growth. Students explored salaries, work-life balance, and career progression. By the end of the session, many left considering careers in construction - a field some hadn’t previously considered. The event proved that a solid foundation, both literally and metaphorically(!), can lead to great things.

HSBC Workshops: Financial Literacy for the Win

Our final week in December will bring a focus on money management with HSBC delivering workshops for Year 11 during Personal Development lessons. Students will tackle essential topics like budgeting, saving, and understanding credit. The interactive sessions will emphasise practical skills, with students creating mock budgets and evaluating financial decisions. For many, this will be their first introduction to managing finances - an often overlooked but vital skill for adulthood. Students will feel empowered, and we hope to hear comments from student such as, “Now I can explain APR better than my parents!” The workshops will not only equip them with financial knowledge but also the confidence to make informed decisions about their economic futures.

Coming in the Final Week of Term

The autumn term wraps up with more one-on-one careers interviews. Students will continue to reflect on their aspirations and fine-tune their future plans - just in time for New Year’s resolutions.

Coming Up Next Term

Luke Staton Guest Speaker (16 January): A motivational session for Years 9-11 focusing on goal-setting, resilience, and self-belief. We will be joined by ex-professional footballer and athlete Luke Staton, in partnership with BDO LLP.

Work Experience Launch (January): Year 10s will prepare to explore their first professional placements, building skills for the workplace, in collaboration with Changing Education. Please look out for further information on an event for parents / carers next term where we will launch work experience.

As ever, our students continue to embrace these opportunities with enthusiasm and positivity. Whether learning about finances, exploring career paths, or engaging with professionals, they represent our academy with pride. Here’s to an exciting spring term ahead!

At Oasis Academy Mayfield, attendance isn’t just a number - it’s the foundation for success, growth, and opportunity. This term, we’ve seen tremendous efforts from our students, families, and staff to prioritise being present and engaged. Let’s take a moment to celebrate successes, acknowledge areas for growth, and remind ourselves why every day in school truly counts.

The Power of Being Present

Attending school regularly isn’t just about clocking in; it’s about building character, competence, and community. Students who show up consistently build vital self-discipline, strengthen their sense of belonging, and gain the skills they need for a fulfilling future. It’s no wonder we say, “Attendance is everyone’s business!”.

Our Autumn Headlines

• Whole School Attendance: This autumn, our attendance stood at 89.0% for Autumn 1 and 88.5% for Autumn 2. Year-to-date attendance sits at 88.7%, which we know we can improve together. We need your support to continue to send your child into school - we ask for you to trust our judgement about whether your child is well enough to be in school. If in doubt - send them in!
• Year Group Highlights: Shoutout to Year 7, leading the way with over 93% attendance! Your commitment to showing up sets the bar high for all. Let’s see the other year groups catch up! An additional shout out to Year 8, whose attendance has significantly improved since the start of the year, overtaking our Year 7 attendance several times in recent weeks.
• Tutor Group Highlights: 7B, 7V and 9R share the highest attendance this year at over 95%. This is the standard we expect everyone in our community to strive for.

Small Wins and Big Rewards

Our Attendance Reward Shop has been buzzing with excitement as students use Mayfield Pounds to redeem rewards. Every moment in school adds up, and we love recognising their dedication. Our culture around attendance has significantly improved and our students are excited each day to spend their Mayfield Pounds. We’ve also implemented communication campaigns reminding everyone: “One day missed. Two days behind.” These efforts are making a difference, one day at a time.

Why Attendance Counts

Being in school unlocks doors to future success. Missed days mean missed opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Whether it’s developing life skills, preparing for exams, or just being part of our vibrant community, every lesson matters.

Looking Ahead

With our Am I Unwell? Attendance Campaign in full swing and continuous daily, weekly, and termly reflections on attendance, we’re determined to make 2025 the year we break records. Parents and carers - your partnership is key. Together, let’s aim for above 90% attendance across the board!

Final Word

In the words of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson:

“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency.” With consistent attendance, greatness will come. Let’s make it happen together!

Thank you for your support, and let’s keep showing up!

Spring Term 2025: Monday 6th January - Friday 4th April

INSET Day: Monday 20th January

Half-term: Monday 17th February to Friday 21st February

INSET Day: Monday 10th March

Easter Break: Monday 7th April to Monday 21st April