Welcome to the Easter edition of our newsletter which signals the close of another busy and productive term. The newsletter is an opportunity for you to celebrate with us the incredible work of Team Mayfield.
The end of the Spring Term is always a hopeful one for us as we look forward to the warmer days and lighter evenings, it is always tinged with some sadness as Year 11 get ready for their final examinations and prepare to depart for pastures new. I’m sure you would like to join me in wishing them the very best in their endeavours.
This newsletter really brings to life everything we’ve been up to this term, it’s heartwarming to see just how much our students and staff have been living and breathing our Mayfield Way of being Kind, Proud and Determined. From the amazing opportunities provided across the taught curriculum to the vast enrichment programme of trips, visits and experiences.
As always, parent and student feedback is very important to us. With the Senior Leadership Team, we will continue to seek you views and let you know how we have put previous feedback into action through our ‘you said, we listened’ updates. If there’s something you’d like to ask or for us to consider then please do get in touch.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support for our school community and to wish you all a happy and safe Easter.
Claire Taylor, Principal
As we approach the end of the spring term, we realise that we are getting closer to completing the current year and looking forward to finishing the year with flying colours.
Our spring term has been a busy one. We started with our mid-year assessments for years 7 to 10 in January and the Year 11s completed their second set of mocks in February and March. This was an opportunity for everyone to showcase what they had learnt throughout the year while giving their teachers information to work with based on the performance in the assessments and the mock exam.
Year 11s will be starting their national GCSE exams shortly with the three papers in Maths coming up in May and June.
For Year 7s, the learning continues with work on fractions, ratio, and percentages to finish the year.
Year 8s, will be looking at angles, area, volume, and surface area while year 9s will focus on Pythagoras’ theorem, trigonometry, mean from grouped data, cumulative frequency graphs and box plots to draw the academic year to a close.
Year 10s will be finishing the summer term looking at compound measures and direct and inverse proportion, similarity and trigonometry, averages and range, data collection and sampling and presenting data.
A group of Year 8 students will again be taking part in this year’s UK Maths trust Junior Mathematical Challenge in April, and we will be sharing the results in April/May.
As this newsletter will be coming out in March, we will leave you with these 3 facts...
- The symbol for Pi has been in use for 250 years. The symbol was introduced by William Jones, a Welsh mathematician, in 1706. The symbol was made popular by the mathematician Leonhard Euler.
- Since the exact value of Pi can never be calculated, we can never find the accurate area of circumference of a circle.
- March 14 or 3/14 is celebrated as Pi Day because 3.14 are the first digits of Pi. Lovers of Maths around the world love celebrating this infinitely long, never-ending number.
The Science department have had a busy half term, Year 11 have completed their GCSE science course and are now about to start revising for their final GCSE exams. Last week during British Science Week we were really fortunate to have Eddie Henbury a chemical engineer visit, with Year 11 they were able to revise the Organic chemistry topic which is usually quite a dry and unexciting topic. But with all the chemical reactions he completed, he made the organic chemistry element fun for all to enjoy as well as making sure the students learnt a thing or two about alkanes and alkenes and how useful they are to us every day.
Mr Leach did an amazing job of delivering our assembly theme with the main focus of time! Time is key to many discoveries in science, technology, engineering and maths. Evolution looks at how plants and animals changed over a long period of time, the Earth’s movements show us why we have seasons and different time zones. In fact, the study of all the celestial bodies in our universe are centred around time.
With all of this in mind it is time to get planning, we continued this theme with Year 8 who were designing and making model boats that could support the most 10g masses in a container of water.
Year 7 were designing and building rockets that were propelled by balloons and points were awarded for the most innovative design and also rockets which travelled the greatest distance along cotton thread. All the students in Key Stage 3 thoroughly enjoyed the activities and we are looking to do something more with Year 9 and 10 in future. Watch this space!
The English department have had a fantastic term so far and introduced some interesting new topics!
Year 7 have been delving into Abrahamic tales and the adventures of Beowulf. This has helped with their understanding of epic poetry and crafting their own creative writing. Year 8 have been in the world of Romantic Poetry and transported back in time with the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner where we have been exploring the importance of revering nature during the Mariner’s wild tale. Year 9 have been discovering the Harlem Renaissance and the importance of holding fast to their dreams. Earlier this term they debated on the stereotypes of masculinity and how this might be damaging to society and the combination of this has allowed them to craft their own poetry and begin to compare writer’s attitudes. Year 10 have finished the wonderful tale of A Christmas Carol and now we aim to boost up their confidence as they complete their English speaking and listening exams this term – we have full faith in them and know they are going to succeed! Year 11 have had a fantastic term and we wish to give them a massive congratulations on their recent mocks. They now enter a bespoke revision period and their hard work and effort is easy to see in every classroom – keep up the good work Year 11!
A massive well done to everyone in Mayfield History this spring term!
In Year 7, students learned about the mighty Mongol Empire and how it shaped the world as one of the largest empires in history, followed up by learning about the astronomically wealthy Mansa Musa.
Shoutouts for great Historians in Year 7 go to William G and Amelia H for their effort and dedication throughout this term!
In Year 8 we have finished the mammoth topic of the Power of the Monarchy, following this up with the massive change of opinions that was the Enlightenment and how attitudes towards monarchs, religion and science changed over the 17th and 18th centuries.
Shoutouts for great Historians in Year 8 goes Diaz T-P and Nathan A for their consistent excellent work and engagement throughout.
In Year 9 students learnt not only about how the First World War began, but also how it ended and the massive impact this had on our world today. We have also just recently started looking at Jarrow and the significance of the Great Depression on Britain and its people.
Shoutouts for great historians in Year 9 go to Harvey A, Afonso G and Ava C J for their dedication to improving in writing and consistent engagement and in history.
In Year 10, we finished the migration topic by discovering the experience of Caribbean migrants to Notting Hill, along with the challenges and opportunities they faced arriving in a post-World War Two Britain. We have then begun looking at Elizabeth I and the difficulties she faced in a Britain torn by religious division and outside threats.
Shoutouts go to Rosina F and Chathuli G for their excellent classwork and effort in understanding history.
In Year 11 we have been investigating the relations between the USA and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. We have looked at how former allies soon became bitter enemies, risking potential devastating nuclear war in their constant struggle for power and dominance.
Shoutouts for Year 11 go to Anna Marie C, Lacey S, Mollie O and Keiran Y who all massively improved their grades in history. I would also like to send a general shoutout to the patience and effort of the entirety of Year 11, as well as the focus and dedication to working hard in lessons.
This Spring Term in Geography has focused on finishing teaching the curriculum to our Year 11 students. This involved taking our students out into the local community to complete their Human Geography Fieldwork, investigating whether living near a main road impacts quality of life.
Throughout this process, Year 11s showed themselves as the best role models that Mayfield could ask for. Not only that, but their results as a year group have improved since the December Mock Exams - we couldn't be prouder! Shout out to Jono C and Kara W for scoring Grade 9s in their mock exams (the highest grade possible!).
It has been a fantastic term in the Art department.
Year 7 students are learning about the elements of art and they are currently exploring how line can make tone and texture by using mark making.
Year 8 students have started their new project, coastal. They have been working on applying their knowledge from year 7 and have completed some coastal observational drawings. They will start exploring the printmaking process as they progress further into the project.
Year 9 are continuing with their journey project where they are exploring artists that show the theme of journey. Our students have made their own personal response to the work of these artists. They will start planning their final piece and create their outcome next term.
Year 10 are currently experimenting with different ideas, materials and techniques inspired by the artist they have researched. Theses explorations will help them to develop their own ideas for how they can respond to the theme of urban environments. Once students return back from half term break, they will start planning and creating their final piece. We are also planning to take the students on a trip at the start of the summer term to help support them with this project.
Year 11 students are preparing for their final exam. They have worked diligently to complete their two coursework projects and are now focusing on their exam projects. The students have chosen their own theme for the exam project and have begun to explore this theme and a range of artists. The students will need to keep up the pace and continue to work hard in preparation for their final exam on the 26th and 29th April. Below are some of the images of their work so far.
During this term there have been multiple trips to Southampton and Solent University for different year groups to provide an insight into life as a university student.
We also have our NHS Careers Day on 19th March where all year groups were involved in activities throughout the day and hopefully you saw some of the images from the day on social media.
Don’t forget to check out the academy website for key information and follow the Oasis South Coast Careers Facebook page for exciting opportunities and events.
It has been a busy term in the MFL department. All of the Year 11 have completed mock French speaking exams and did a really great job preparing for the real thing in a couple of weeks.
We had the annual Year 10 trip to Paris at the Château de Grande Romaine. We visited the Eiffel Tower, walking up the stairs to the second level for great views. Next, we had a river boat trip along the River Seine, where there is an excellent viewpoint of the Louvre, Notre Dame and other famous sites. We went up to the Trocadero for amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, before a guided tour of the Stade de France. On the final day we drove through central Paris to the Mont Martre area to see Sacre Coeur cathedral (photo opportunity) and saw the local artists at work in the cobbled square, as well as bought quite a few souvenirs!
Year 9 are learning all about school and how to talk about their school subjects.
Year 8 are moving on from their sport topic to talking about their fashion choices and Year 7 are settling in nicely now and joining in with speaking lots of French speaking, learning to talk about their family.
Another busy term for #TeamMayfield with lots of students attending clubs and representing the Academy proudly in fixtures.
Year 7 & 8 Boys Dodgeball Team won the Southampton Schools Dodgeball Tournament!
Year 11 Boys are on track to finish 2nd in the Southampton School Boys First Division!
Our U13 & U15 Girls Football teams have had strong finishes to the season with convincing wins in their last few games.
Bethany, Sakura, Summer & Lucy completed their Whistlers Refereeing Course.
Amazing attendance at Rugby club this term, a special mention to the Year 8 rugby team competing in their first ever game against Priestlands School.Well done to the 310 students who attended a club so far this year! Our most popular clubs this half term have been, Rugby Club, Fitness Club, Football Club and Dodgeball Club. Next Term we will be moving on to Summer Sports and there will be the following clubs: Athletics, Rounders, Cricket, Fitness, Girls Football and Tennis club – we would love to have all students involved.
We look forward to welcoming you back after the Easter break for Athletics season – hats and sunscreen at the ready! Ms Palmer, Mr Hardyman, Ms Barker, Mr Morrell & Mr Browning - PE Department
Year 7 have been learning about online safety, fake news and ‘Prevent and Radicalisation’. The maturity that they have shown in class discussions on some sensitive topics has been exemplary.
Year 8 have been learning about Love and Relationships in Identify lessons and have dealt with some sensitive topics, showing great maturity.
Year 9 have been learning about Physical and Mental Health. They have dealt with this maturely and sensibly and this has led to some great debates and class discussions.
Yearr 10 have been learning about Love and Relationships as part of their statutory RSE and also Careers in order to help prepare them for the future, in particular their upcoming Work Experience.
Year 11 have been learning about physical and mental health, along with seeking support and preparing for their future, post Mayfield. Our students have dealt with this maturely and this has led to some in depth discussions.
World Book Day 2024
Thursday 7th March was World Book Day. Here at Oasis Mayfield, we celebrated the day with several reading opportunities and activities.
We began the day with our Drop Everything And Read tutor time. During this tutor time, members of staff read the story “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl to the whole school. As the staff were reading the story all students were tracking the text on their iPads and following the story.
Later in the day, we added some musical flair to our celebrations with some whole school singing. The students had song lyrics presented on the screens throughout the academy allowing them to read and sing along with some Pop classics helping to spread the joy of literacy.
Reading Routes
Want to read, but don't know where to start? Want a horror, sci-fi or poetry book, but unsure which one? Choose a book from the map! Anyone who completes a 'line' will win a book voucher!
Further to our celebrations we launched our Reading routes. This is a map of books and stories specific to each genre. We have launched this to our students with the hope of directing them to some fantastic works of literature and giving them the opportunity to explore reading and make choices about what books they could read if they have a specific genre they enjoy. To support the love of literacy and the joy of reading we are offering book vouchers to any student that completes an entire reading route.
Finally, we ended the day with our 6-word story competition. This was inspired by the story of Hemmingway being challenged to create a story using only 6 words. Our students created hundreds of short stories inspired by 20 images. All the stories are being collected and will be printed into a 6-word story book for the library. Each year we intend to run the competition and continue to add stories to our schoolbook.
Year Group News
Year 7
A massive well done to Year 7 for a great start to the new year, with a large group taking part in mentoring and fresh start, to enhance their literacy skills. Recently Year 7 had a very successful day with the NHS taking part in the Myth busters’ session, exploring career paths in the NHS and engaging in interactive quizzes and showing great maturity throughout. With the launch of the new tutor programme, Year 7 have positively engaged with the oracy sessions to build a greater sense of community and belonging within their tutor groups. The Year 7 football team have played 8 games this academic year, with over 20 different students being picked to represent the academy, and football club being the most popular club attended by Year 7’s. This great interest in football in year 7 at oasis Mayfield led to a ‘B team’ being established to give opportunities for more young people to play competitive football at the school, which will have its final friendly game towards the end of April. Next year we move on from 9v9 football so we will see more opportunity for players with the right attitude to join the team. A massive thank you to all the parents, and carers for supporting their young people to pursue football opportunities with us.
Year 8
It has been an incredibly busy term for the brilliant students of Year 8 and they have once again showed us their kind, determined nature which has often been accompanied by their tremendous sense of humour. We have enjoyed a wide range of enrichment activities including being as part of the Skiing Trip to Austria and we took a group of predominantly Year 8 students to Oasis John Williams Academy whereby they took part superbly in a Music concert. We have also enjoyed a trip to both the University of Southampton and Solent University as part of learning about what university life is like and we been lucky enough to have some of our students take part in a mentoring program from the ‘Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’. This has meant that students have had chance to visit Southampton Central to learn about the wide variety of careers within Network Rail and will also see them complete a first aid course as well as a trip to ‘Go Ape’ in the new term. We have a lovely year group who are brilliantly developing both pastorally and academically. Miss Sullivan and I could not be prouder of the fantastic young people that we have the pleasure to work with each day.
Year 9
Massive well done to our Year 9 students who have been working well over the last term. A large number of our students attended the school ski trip to Austria, and we currently have a Year 9 trip to Belgium and France for the Battlefields trip. When we return from the Easter Break, the year group will start the process of making their Guided Choices. This will be launched to students in assembly, and parents during parents Evening. Everyone will be invited into school for a meeting to discuss their choices to ensure students are supported throughout the process.
Year 10
It has been a busy term for Year 10 as we are moving full steam towards our mock exams and our work experience. This term many of our year 10s have been into Europe, taking on the ski slopes in Austria and checking out the sights in Paris. All were superbly behaved and were a great credit to the school and our year group. In sporting events, our Year 10 girls and boys football teams have been representing the school with great performances since half term.
Year 11
Congratulations, to Year 11 for the successful completion of their Spring mock examinations. The way they have approached the exams has been commendable and if they continue in this way then I am sure that this will contribute significantly to their future academic success come the summer as we have seen some really impressive results. There was a clear ethos of dedication, responsibility and a strong work ethic. I hope this positive mindset continues into the remaining few short weeks ahead which can only lead to their success come the summer examinations.
Congratulations to the Food and Hygiene students with some very impressive dishes served for their practical examinations.
On Tuesday 12th March, the Grandstand Photos were taken for the cohort to record their final weeks together. This provided a bit of fun in what has been an intensive period of study with hopefully the results being something students can look back on in the future.
Congratulations to the Year 11 boys football team, who won their match against Weston 8-1, this half term.
Year 11 had an assembly to support and promote mental health awareness by the NHS on Tuesday 19th March. This was to help with coping with the stress and anxiety that will naturally occur as they approach the final examinations.
On Monday 18th March, Charlie Cook from NCS (The National Citizen Service) which is a voluntary personal and social development program for 16–17 year olds in England, presented some exciting potential opportunities that year 11 students can sign up to take part in a residential either on the Isle of Wight or Fairthorne Manor. There was great initial interest from students so watch this space!
Trips & Visits
It has been an extremely busy term for trips since Christmas. Since January we have had a number of local trips to Colleges and Universities, Geography data collection surveys and sports events. As well as this we have had 3 international trips. During the February half term, 64 students travelled to Saalbach, Austria, for a week of skiing. As you will have seen students made excellent progress and memories to last a lifetime. The 26-hour coach journey back was not one of the highlights though! In March 40 Year 10 students made their way to Paris; during the trip they experienced all the tourist highlights including climbing the Eiffel Tower and a tour of the Stade de France. As mentioned previously, we have our Y9 students in Belgium for the Battlefields, please see our social media sights for highlights.
Dance Live 2024
On Wednesday 31st January, 36 students from Oasis Academy Mayfield took part in Dance Live 2024 at Portsmouth Guildhall.
Dance Live sees those in KS2-4 and Further Education compete with choreographed routines to the backdrop of a giant digital LED screen with students showcasing a range of skills from dance, performance and off-stage technical skills.
The talented group of students created their 8 minute piece on the theme of “Barbie Land VS Reality”. The idea highlights the realities of today's society and how not everything is as perfect as Barbie Land.
As part of the creation process the following students took the lead on the creation of the choreography: Eva-Lily, Daisy, Ryan, Holly and Amy. Our design team were responsible for the LED screen, lighting and video recording on the day of the event. The following students Oliver G, Oliver R, Charlie, Jamie, Jenson, Alfie and James worked with Mr King to create the background display for our Dance Live performance.
Congratulations to the design team who successfully won an award for their creativity and design skills scoring the highest points for their LED background!
The students performed and competed against schools and colleges from across the south with confidence and brought an enjoyable and happy atmosphere to the audience. The team were commended for their support towards each other and the other schools on the day. They demonstrated an outstanding level of camaraderie which resulted in Oasis Mayfield being awarded the Fellowship Award.
Curriculum Leader of Performing Arts, Miss Barker said:
"The students had a fantastic experience at the Dance Live event and performed brilliantly! Oasis Mayfield is extremely proud of all students that took part in the Dance Live event. The students showed their commitment, dedication, and passion through working together to create our performance."
Choreographer, Eva said:
"Dance Live was an amazing experience that allowed me to utilise my knowledge and skills within performing arts and dance. It was so much fun to create a routine and then perform it for an audience alongside a panel of judges who were then able to give us feedback. I also loved getting to see the other schools perform and see their different themes."
Daisy commented:
"I enjoyed every part of it including all the rehearsals. The day itself was really fun and I loved being on stage, it's a memory to never forget."
Ryan who performed as Ken, added:
"Dance Live has definitely been a highlight this term! The atmosphere at the event was amazing, and the hard work really paid off. It was such a great experience. The staff from our school and the hosts of the competition were all lovely and helpful. I would love to do this again next year."
Finally, Lucy said:
"This was a boost of confidence for me. I dance outside of school doing competitions however, normally performing in front of a smaller audience. It was a great experience getting ready and I thought the costumes were very cute and stylish. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys expressing themselves."
Congratulation and to all of the students and staff involved.