OAKFIELD Academy looks back at their year.
They say, “In January, Oakfield Academy won a cyclo-cross competition held at Selwood, pupils and staff were delighted by the success. Sporting success continued the following month when our KS2 boys and girls football teams qualified for the SFA county competition finals. Later in February all the pupils gathered to watch two of the lunchtime supervisors have their heads shaved for charity, a moment never to be forgotten!
“In March, our Year 8 students took part in a series of fire safety workshop, they learned a powerful message about the dangers of being near fire. The academy also supported the ‘Window Wanderland’ workshop held in Frome with beautiful displays going up at the front of the school. Year 6 pupil Jay Backhurst also went under the scissors, having his hair cut for The Little Princess Trust; he raised an amazing £1,107!
“During April, the academy thoroughly enjoyed World Book Day, with pupils and staff enjoying dressing up as book characters. We held a fantastic trip for Year 7 and 8 pupils to Barcelona.
“We were very proud of our Year 8 students who volunteered to give up their free time during the Easter holidays to help with the quad refurbishment that was taking place. Each pupil received a ‘work experience’ certificate – and there were pizzas for lunch!
“Another team of pupils completed their Bikeability training with the Somerset Road Safety Team. At the end of the month our DT department took a group of students to the ‘Field to Fork Learning Day’ at the Bath & West Showground.
“Our Blues & Beyond 2019 performance played to a packed audience, with deputy headteacher, Mr McGrath, joining the cast. Meanwhile our May Pole Club girls performed at Frome Independent Market.
“During May we welcomed Superschools to the academy and Parkour free runner, Alex Grinter, gave a breathtaking performance for the pupils.
“During June, our pupils were kept busy with residential trips to Charterhouse, whilst other pupils took part in a prison day experience at Shepton Mallet Prison – all very exciting. Our Year 6 pupils experienced breathtaking activities at Braeside Centre, following their successful SATS week exams.
“July was full of sports days and sporting fixtures, thankfully the weather was kind to us this year. We were also visited by former Frome Mayor and ex-pupil Philip Whitmarsh, who spoke to pupils about how different it was at Oakfield School during the early 1950s, he kindly donated a copy of his biography to the Oakfield Library.
“As we approached the end of the academic year a group of our Yrs 7/8 pupils headed off on a memorable visit to France.
“We also welcomed Sgt Rachel Clark and PCSO Gary Maule, who dropped in to congratulate two girls who shared the Citizenship Award for showing kindness to a fellow pupil.
“The new academic year got off to a wonderful start in September when we all returned to a refurbished quad area, a lovely area to meet at break and lunch times, and a quiet place to read.
“The Frome Carnival was the next item on our busy calendar and we were delighted once again to win the schools category with our entry The Wizard of Oz.
“In October, our young artists in Year 7 visited Montacute House and were inspired by the collection of portrait paintings. The boys’ rugby team enjoyed an incredible win over Selwood Academy, and were commended for their great attitude at the end of the match, creating a clap tunnel for their opponents! Our fantastic fundraisers were also very busy, and an incredible £900 was raised at a Bingo night.
“November brought challenging weather, but this didn’t deter another 12 of our pupils completing a 2-day Bikeability Course. All pupils and staff lined up on the yard to observe a minute’s silence on Armistice Day. Ninety Year 6 pupils also enjoyed a lantern workshop with local artists Mel Day and Aliss Vaas.
“Later in the month all pupils supported Sgt Rach Clarke with her fund raising for local cancer counselling charity ‘We Hear You’, each running a mile around a track, together with Headteacher Miss Emma Wilkes.
“December saw both Years 5 and 6 perform wonderful Christmas performances for family and friends. Our fundraisers held another fantastic Christmas Fair. Year 8 students welcomed visitors from Frome College to help them with their important option choices for Year 9 at Frome College.
“A highlight of the year was when the whole school gathered for Christmas lunch on Thursday 19th December, which is provided for everybody free of charge, we also supported Christmas Jumper Day on this day, it was great fun.
“All we can do now is look ahead to an amazing 2020!!”
