PUPILS at Oakfield Academy have had a very busy year with the students taking part in the Frome Window Wanderland, celebrating the school’s 80th birthday with a big party, and even taking special trips to Longleat and Stonehenge.
A school spokesperson said, “2022 started with new updates to covid regulations, which thankfully were helping the academy return to normal. After school clubs restarted, much to the delight of our pupils, and masks were no longer recommended in classrooms. With the relaxing of restrictions, our Year 8 pupils were able to visit Frome College as part of their normal transition.
“In February our Year 7 pupils took part in Frome Window Wanderland, creating some beautiful displays. A brilliant day was had by all in March when everybody joined the fun of World Book Day – there were fantastic costumes being worn by everybody.
“The Oakfield community also supported with donations to Ukraine collections. The Rotary Club of Frome with Avon & Somerset Police kindly arranged a visit to our Year 8s by The Drug Bus – a double decker bus offering educational intervention for pupils, and supporting topics being studied in PSHE.
“Life at the academy continued to get busier and busier as we headed into the spring term, with numerous fixtures and trips taking place. Our Year 6 pupils enjoyed a trip to the Westway Cinema after their SATS exams, Year 5 visited Longleat and had a wonderful day and Year 7 were again back at their Charterhouse Camp. Performances also returned, with our ‘Blues Nigh’ being a sell-out success!
“Plans then started for Oakfield’s biggest ever party – it was a double celebration to commemorate Oakfield’s 80th birthday and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Friday 27th May was certainly a day to remember – it started with the whole school gathering to see our new flagpole and double-sided flag of a union jack and the Oakfield badge, we all stood and listened to the national anthem. Then the fun began with an enormous inflatable assault course, 1940’s sports day, Oak tree planting, birthday cake and lots more!
“Throughout the summer we welcomed many speakers to the academy, including representatives from Bristol City FC, famous authors and leaders from industry. During our activities week in June, various workshops took place, including wellbeing, samba and clay – all of which were thoroughly enjoyed by pupils. As we went forward, the weather became hotter and hotter, with schools in the area taking the decision to close to pupils when the heat became extreme and to protect the safety of pupils, and sports days sadly having to be cancelled as well.
“When we returned in September for the Autumn, pupils immediately started rehearsals for the Frome Carnival (which we later won first prize). We welcomed new staff and new pupils to the academy. We were delighted and proud when our geography department received the secondary geography quality mark. Very sadly, we closed for the day on Monday 19th September when the country stopped to observe the Queen’s funeral.
“Everybody has worked very hard during the autumn term, we have managed trips to Stonehenge and the Bristol Hippodrome, plus numerous sports fixtures, new technology and even a positive mental health day and lantern workshop. After our Christmas shows and pantomimes and Christmas break, we are eager to see what 2023 will bring.”
