Friday 20th December 2024
Dear Parents / Carers,
It’s been a fantastic term with so much to celebrate. From careers trips to our winter showcase, it’s been an exciting journey.
We are looking forward to the Christmas break but are excited to get back in January with a renewed sense of optimism for the term ahead. With that in mind, we will have a slightly later start to the day on Monday, 6th January 2025. Students should arrive no earlier than 9:15 am, with registration beginning at 9:30 am. Lessons will proceed as normal from 10:00 am (period 2).
The later start is to enable staff training and to introduce some new members of staff who will be joining us in January. I will write to you during the first week back to introduce you to the new staff.
A few reminders for next term:
- From Tuesday, 7th January, it’s important that students arrive at the Academy no earlier than 8:00 am. We are unable to supervise students before this time.
- All students need to be in full school uniform. Please check our website for further details.
- No mobile phones should be seen or heard in the academy. If a mobile phone is seen, it will be confiscated, and parents will be expected to collect it. Please support us in making Lord's Hill a mobile-free zone.
- iPads should be brought into the academy every day by every student.
We will be holding another Parent Forum from 5-6pm, on Thursday 6th February 2025. Please see the link to sign up.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Mr Firth
Year 7 – Mr Burton
Dear Year 7,
As we reach the end of another busy term, I want to thank all our Year 7 students and their families for their hard work, support, and commitment to our school community. I am so proud of the achievements and progress made this term, and I very much enjoyed capping this off with a wonderful Christmas lunch with the Year 7s. In the New Year, I will be handing over the reigns to Mr Harding, who will be joining us as Head of Year 7. Wishing you all a wonderful, restful, and safe break – we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the new term ahead!
Year 8 – Miss Blake
Dear Year 8,
As the end of term approaches and the festive season is upon us, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work and dedication throughout this first term.
I have been continually impressed by your enthusiasm, resilience, and positive attitudes in lessons. It has been a pleasure to witness your progress and achievements, both academically and personally.
I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I hope you have a restful break filled with joy, laughter, and quality time spent with loved ones. Remember to embrace the spirit of giving, show kindness to those around you, and take some time to reflect on the past year.
I look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready to learn in the new year.
Merry Christmas!
Year 9 – Mrs Bennett
Dear Year 9,
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break filled with relaxation, fun, and time with loved ones. You've worked hard this term and deserve a good rest.
Enjoy the festivities, and make some amazing memories. I look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready to go in the new year!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Year 10 – Mr Harris
Dear Year 10,
Please let me reiterate the privilege of working with you and having a role in your education, both academically and pastorally.
It has been a fantastic first term, and I felt an amazing sense of pride in celebrating your achievements during the end-of-year celebration. I am proud of the people you are and the potential you have. I also look forward to celebrating you again in the new year at our KS3 graduation.
Please use the holiday time to rest, replenish your energy, and catch up with friends and family - you have worked hard this term and 100% deserve the time off!
I look forward to seeing you again in the new year to smash a successful, action-packed term out of the park!
Many thanks and happy holidays!
Year 11 – Mrs Knight
Dear Year 11,
Wow! Year 11, what a term it has been. I cannot even begin to express how proud I am of each and every one of you. This term hasn’t been easy, and nor will our next term, but with the determination and grit you have all shown, we will get through it together. The new term will bring opportunities for embracing change, experiences, and challenges: new intervention sessions, the announcement of the prom committee, college/apprenticeship interviews, the second round of mocks, and fundraising events. Before we get there, I want to wish you all a restful, safe, and enjoyable Christmas holiday, and I look forward to welcoming you all back in January for your final spring term at Oasis Lord's Hill.
Oasis Student Leadership Residential, 25th -27th November 2024
8 students from across the 3 Southampton Oasis Academies attended this years Student Leadership Residential. They met with other students from every Oasis secondary academy across the country and had the opportunity to take part in leadership training, deliver a presentation to senior Oasis staff and take part in fun team building activities. They also got the chance to meet with the Oasis directors and senior staff and ask them questions. These included questions about what had influenced their leadership journey, why they were in the roles that they had today and what motivated them.
Daisy, in Year 10 said:
‘I attended the Leadership Residential with my school, Oasis Lord's Hill; It was an experience that has helped build and develop my character. Not only did I have the opportunity to interact with other student leaders, I also acquired the knowledge that allows me to progress with my leadership skills. This experience also impacted my use of social skills; I met others who have the same ideas and experiences as myself which encourages me to expand my range of leadership opportunities. If I had the opportunity to partake in another opportunity like this one, I wouldn't need to think twice.’
Thank you to all the staff from across Oasis who enabled the trip to happen. It was a great opportunity for our students and we look forward to supporting them to put their leadership skills into action in each of the Academies.
Performing Arts
MAST Mayflower workshop - Monday 16th September
On Monday 16th September, we were lucky enough to have the MAST Mayflower team in working with our Performing Arts students to deliver two fantastic workshops! These sessions allowed our students to engage with professional texts and physical theatre devices, whilst working with industry professionals. We are constantly working with Mayflower Engage to bring exciting opportunities to our students, and we look forward to some more workshops we have planned on 2025!
The Lion King at the Lyceum - Wednesday 13th November
On Wednesday 13th November, 39 of our students from Year 7 to Year 10 travelled to London to see The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre on London's West End. The students absolutely loved the show, and the trip was extra special for us at it was in conjunction with Theatre Works, a charity who provides financial grants to schools across the UK to help them access live theatre.
I cannot thank Theatre Works enough for granting us the funding to run this trip, removing the financial barrier for our students and making live theatre accessible to all. The students had a fabulous time on their drive through London and they are already asking for the next trip to London!
Winterfest - Saturday 30th November
On Saturday 30th November, Miss Holloway attended Winterfest at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College with two Year 10 students, Daisy and Lyric, who performed a couple of songs from their Musical Theatre repertoire. The girls did the academy proud, and we thank Richard Taunton for reaching out and asking some of our Performing Arts students to perform.
Nativity - Monday 9th December
On Monday 9th December, 10 of our Performing Arts students from Year 8, 9 and 10 travelled to Shirley Warren Primary School to perform a short nativity performance to their KS1 and KS2 students.
The students were brilliant, and this was a fantastic trial run for us to start branching out into the local community more and offering free performances.
We want to thank Shirley Warren Primary for reaching to us and asking if we could arrange something for them- without that, we would not have considered this opportunity.
Miss Holloway is now adapting the curriculum to include 'Children's Theatre' as part of the GCSE Drama course and will be running this on an annual basis. If you work in a primary school in Southampton, or want to share this with someone who does, please do! Miss Holloway would love to talk more with local schools to gauge their interest.
Contact Miss Holloway and we can start organising a performance in your school!
Christmas Showcase - Monday 16th December
On Monday 16th December, we hosted our annual Christmas Showcase to a packed audience. The students were fantastic, and we wanted to thank all the staff and students for their hard work and dedication to the performing arts.
Team Performing Arts would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas, and we look forward to all of the exciting events we have coming up in 2025!
Year 11 Students Dive into Geography Fieldwork in the New Forest
A group of 28 Year 11 students from Oasis Academy Lord's Hill embarked on an exciting geography fieldwork trip to the New Forest on Thursday, 17th October. The trip, a key component of their GCSE geography course, provided hands-on experience in physical geography concepts.
The students, accompanied by their teachers, ventured through the picturesque village of Brockenhurst to Whitefield Moor, where they were met by Helen from the New Forest Commission Education Team and Jim, a Forest Ranger. These experts guided the students throughout the day, offering valuable insights into the unique environment of the New Forest.
The day's activities were divided into two main sessions. One group explored the fascinating Silver Spring, tracing its course from its unexpected source – not from a mountain spring as many anticipated, but emerging from the ground due to the high saturation of the clay soil. They followed the spring to its confluence with the Oberwater, a larger stream that became the focus of their study. Despite high water levels preventing them from entering the river, the students diligently collected velocity measurements from the riverbank and a smaller tributary.
Meanwhile, the second group embarked on a "Forest ramble" with Jim, delving into the history of the New Forest. This immersive experience included a moment of mindfulness, field sketching, and even a playful round of "Pooh sticks."
After lunch, the groups switched activities, ensuring all students had the opportunity to participate in both sessions.
Curriculum Leader, Mr Clearly commented;
"The students were fantastic – they remained focused on their fieldwork while clearly enjoying this unique learning experience."
Unfortunately, the exceptionally high rainfall this autumn meant the river was flowing too high and fast for the students to safely enter and carry out their planned river cross-section data collection. However, the students were able to adapt their methods and still gather valuable data.
This fieldwork trip provided the students with a wealth of data that they will analyse in future geography lessons, drawing conclusions and deepening their understanding of physical geography processes.
The academy extends its gratitude to Helen and Jim from the New Forest Commission for their expertise and guidance, which contributed significantly to the success of the day.
Bournemouth Oceanarium Art and Photography Trip
On Tuesday, 22 October, our GCSE art and photography students swapped the classroom for the coast with a trip to the Bournemouth Oceanarium. Our students had a great time capturing the amazing marine life through their lenses and sketchbooks.
After exploring the underwater world, we enjoyed a blustery walk along the beach and seafront, even stopping by the aviary in the park to see some feathered friends. The highlight? Getting up close and personal with some super-friendly squirrels!
Despite the rain, we had an amazing time soaking up the seaside atmosphere and creating some fantastic work.
SFC Careers Taster Day
Our Saints Community Champion, Sam Roberts, accompanied eight Year 10 students to Southampton Football Club for a Careers Taster Day in October. Throughout the event, participants engaged in various stations and activities, gaining insights into the diverse career opportunities available within the professional football sector. They learned about the vital role of grounds staff in maintaining the pitch and had the opportunity to speak with a first team coach regarding his journey into coaching. The day was enjoyable for all attendees. Additionally, we had the pleasure of a guest appearance by goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who generously answered questions and presented awards.
Following the Careers Day, Sam is in the process of selecting one student for a week of work experience at St. Mary’s Stadium and Staplewood Training Ground, which promises to be an extraordinary opportunity.
Staff Spotlight
Mr Paul Woodman
Paul Woodman has been involved with Oasis since the academies opened in 2008, initially as a volunteer before taking on roles at Oasis Academy Mayfield and, more recently, dedicating much of his time to supporting us at Lord's Hill. Paul also provides bereavement and grief resources and training to Oasis academies nationwide.
At Lord’s Hill, Paul leads assemblies, develops community projects, and organises alternative provision trips for students, expanding their educational opportunities. These weekly outings include visits to Southampton City Farm and Pound for Pound Boxing Club, where students thrive by engaging in farm activities and learning to box.
Winter is an especially busy time for Paul as he coordinates a winter beds project for people sleeping rough. This initiative, which has been running since 2020, involves partnering with churches and managing over 60 volunteers to help bring people off the streets.
When asked about the meaning of Christmas, Paul shared:
"For me, it’s a time to be thankful for all that we have, to be generous towards others, and to share some joy in times of celebration. That might mean showing kindness to friends and family or offering a helping hand to someone in need. We can all share some joy this Christmas!”
Mr Woodman
Rewards
It has been another successful term with regards to Rewards with over 1000 Fab4 tickets given out to students each and every week. It’s been great to see so many students recognised for their hard work with great prizes up for grabs in the end of term prize draw, including a £75 Amazon Voucher, a set of Premium JBL Wireless Earphones and a Free Ticket to the end of year Rewards Trip. In addition to this, we have now gone one step further and have included a lot more prizes in the draw to include £10 Amazon Vouchers, Footballs, Spray Sets, Portable chargers, Basketballs, and other prizes!!! This means students have an even higher chance of winning a prize than before.
On the morning of Monday 16th December, over 100 students across all 5 Year Groups were also selected as the highest Rewards points scorers this term to attend a Matinee performance of our Christmas Showcase in the Theatre. The event was very successful, and students had a great time.
As usual, the end of term Rewards Assemblies were a massive success, and hundreds of students were recognised and rewarded with certificates and prizes across several categories such as those that had achieved the highest positive points in their Year Group (30 in each Year Group), Tutor/Head of Year Awards, the Principal’s Award, and various categories linked to attendance from 100% attendance to improved attendance.
Mr Parker.
Careers at Oasis Academy Lord's Hill
CEMEX Trip
In October we had the opportunity to visit SFC who hosted the immersive careers event for Southampton Schools. At this event we had a chat with the CEO and a variety of staff who work for the different branches of the business. It was really interesting to find out about the work they carry out and the range of opportunities. The fun part was dressing up in all the PPE and getting out on site at the CEMEX climbing up the aggregate collector and manoeuvring the JCB. To finish we had a tour of the ship which collects the aggregate with a large dredge pump and suction pipe. we also got to see a few archaeological finds which was quite fascinating. All in all, it was an interesting and enjoyable day.
PwC Trip - Thursday 28 November 2024
This autumn term, PwC are offered their New World, New Skills - School Series to secondary school pupils (ages 14-18); providing a number of opportunities for students to develop their confidence and key employability skills. The programme invites students into PwC offices to give them a chance to connect with us, gain skills and receive feedback from our people.
This was an in-person programme, aiming to give the students an introduction to the world of professional work, and PwC as a firm. They were greeted by volunteers from across the business who will facilitate their day and lead them on a tour of the office.
Throughout the visit, students took part in engaging activities to help them understand the kind of work professionals at PwC might undertake. They will gain experience in consultancy, financial literacy and recruitment - all set within an engaging, fun and relevant context. These sessions will focus on the Skills Builder skills “Listening”, “Teamwork” and “Problem Solving” whilst incorporating many of the other skills in the toolkit.
After a break for lunch (which was provided), students also found out about the recruitment opportunities and routes into the firm. They will have the chance to ask questions to our staff about the realities of professional work, and the different routes they have taken during their careers.
Calling all employers
We would be interested to hear from you if you could support careers Fayre, provide immersive experiences, work experience, assembly talks or workshops.
If you are an employer that would like to engage and support raising aspirations of our students, then please get in touch.
As we reach the end of a very busy and successful first term of Community Lettings here Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill. We have already played host to several wonderful events so far this year which include dance competitions, cultural festivals and exhibitions.
We have also welcomed a number of new gym members this term, inductions are available every week for people wanting to join our gym and can be booked via visiting our website and following the link to School Hire.
There are still some slots remaining across our facilities which are available to be booked, please see our School Hire page for more information.
If you have any thoughts or ideas on groups or events you would like to see at the Academy, please get in touch using the details below, we’d love to hear from you!
Email: billy.chafe@oasislordshill.org
Tel: 02380 739797
Please note, bookings recommence on Thursday 2nd January 2025.
The Community Team wishes you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
- Friday 20th December: Last day of term
- Monday 6th January: First day of the new term (arrivals from 9.15am. Registration at 9.30am))
- Tuesday 14th January: Nasal Flu Vaccination
- Monday 10th February to Friday 14th February: Year 11 Mock Exams
- Half-term: Monday 17th February to Friday 21st February
- Monday 24th February to Friday 28th February: Year 11 Mock Exams
- INSET Day: Monday 10th March
- Easter Break: Monday 7th April to Monday 21st April
Credits:
Created with images by Anneleven - "Winter holiday background, nature scenery with shiny snow and cold weather in Christmas time" • Volodymyr - "Snow-covered spruce branches in the winter forest on a blurred background during a snowfall" • Volodymyr - "Snowfall in the forest. Panorama of winter forest with spruce branches during snowfall. Christmas background. Copy space" • mdworschak - "Snow covered pine forest in Austria during freezing cold temperatures in winter." • Bogdan - "Dark blue sea ocean wave and liquid white foam" • Tommaso - "Soccer goal in the snow - Football goal (Pesaro, Italy)" • Tom Pavlasek - "Treestop winter"