May 2012 - Oasis Academy Coulsdon

NEWSLETTER
Diamond Jubilee 2012
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF SERVICE
As we end another half term, with just one more to go in this Academic year, we reflect on
much that we are proud of, and excitedly await the pomp and ceremony of the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee. The concept of a Jubilee originates from the Bible. In the New
Testament, Jesus is presented as the one who brings the old jubilee to completion,
because he has come to ‘preach the year of the Lord’s favour’ (Isaiah 61: 1-2). I wonder
how many of our staff, parents and carers witnessed Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee, (25
years), on the 6 th February 1977, or the Golden Jubilee (50 years) on the 1 st and 2 nd June
2002. I am sure that this year’s celebrations will beat the lot!
Whatever your take on the monarchy, it is an amazing achievement to have reigned for this
length of time. Our Queen is not the only English monarch to reach a Jubilee milestone though. George III was
the first, celebrating his Golden Jubilee in 1809, and Queen Victoria became the longest reigning monarch in
British history when she celebrated her Diamond jubilee with elaborate processions through the streets of London
involving soldiers from all over the British Empire. George V also celebrated his Silver Jubilee in 1935 with a
month of celebrations!
Next week Oasis Academy Coulsdon will be represented at the Old Coulsdon Jubilee celebrations. I’d like to
make a special note of thanks to Councillor Chris Wright. Not only is he a long-standing supporter of the Academy,
and member of the Academy Council, but he has spearheaded the Old Coulsdon Please join me and my family
with yours in Grange Park for a picnic and barbecue, tug-o-war and other family activities on Tuesday.
On the theme of serving over a long time, I would like to make a special mention of a special member of staff who
celebrated her own milestone this year. Jenny Butcher has reached 40 years’ service in Croydon education,
making the Croydon Advertiser. We are proud and privileged to work with her and hope she continues with us until
her Diamond Jubilee too! Other members of staff have long associations with the Academy too: Mrs Daynes
(Science Technician) 41 years, Mr Lund (Site Manager) 36 years, Mr Best (Assistant Principal) 34 years, Mrs
Oozageer (Catering Assistant) 27 years, Mrs Patel 32 years and Miss Dadswell and Mr Calvo
23 years each. Congratulations to them all.
40 YEARS SERVICE TO CROYDON STUDENTS
Mrs Jenny Butcher, is celebrating 40 years service as a teacher in Croydon! She is currently Assistant Director
of Sixth Form and a Business Studies teacher at Oasis Academy Coulsdon. Mrs Butcher joined, what was then,
Taunton Manor High (later to become Coulsdon High School) in 1985 having started her career working at
Monks Hill (Selsdon High) and the former Selhurst High School as a Food Technology Teacher. Over the years
Mrs Butcher has held many positions of responsibility and in particular has extensive knowledge of Careers and
Work Experience. Hundreds of former students can honestly thank Mrs Butcher for guiding them on the road to
future success in career choices with her wise words and counselling.
An outstanding practitioner, Jenny's 6th Form students from the Academy recently swept the board at the Croydon
Young Enterprise Awards winning Awards for The Best Marketing Strategy, Best Financial Plan and The
Company of the Year Award.
"I have had the privilege to work with some wonderful people over the years, many of whom have become dear
friends. I have loved to have been part of the development of so many young people and it is great when they
come back to see me after they've left school to let me know how they are getting on. I have been part of so
many changes in education but I can honestly say that life has never been boring!" said Mrs Butcher.

1897 v 2012
This half term there will be a double Bank Holiday in recognition of the 60 years Queen Elizabeth II has been our Head of State. The
only previous monarch to reach their Diamond Jubilee was Queen Victoria and this took place back in 1897.
It goes without saying that the UK of 1897 was a very different place to the UK of today and whilst Victoria and Elizabeth II were both
Queens of the United Kingdom there is much that is different as well. Not only was Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom she was
also Empress of India and the head of an Empire which spanned the globe and had 100s of millions of people living within it. Even
the United Kingdom was not the one we know as it included, back then, all of Ireland.
These days the empire has turned into The Commonwealth of Nations and much of Ireland is now a separate country, The Republic
of Ireland, with only the six counties of Northern Ireland remaining within the United Kingdom.
In terms of Britain itself, in 1897 everyday things that we take for granted e.g. cars, televisions, phones were non-existent and the
population was around half of what it is today. What is similar, though, is the amount of public support that the monarchy receives.
Even though, by 1897, Victoria was very rarely seen in public due to ill health, the public were still keen to celebrate this milestone.
This is also something that we have seen more recently with the Golden Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and the public
response to it. It is also true to say, though perhaps less so than in 1897, that many of the people living in the UK today don’t
remember anybody else as our monarch.
Whilst not everybody in this
country believes in the institution of
monarchy it is a widely
acknowledged fact that Queen
Elizabeth II has carried out her
duties as monarch
exceptionally well over the
last 60 years and that,
in itself, is
something worth
celebrating.

UK MATHS CHALLENGE
Twenty students from Years 7 and 8 were selected to take part in the UK Junior Maths Challenge on Thursday 26 th April. This is a national challenge
aimed at the highest performing mathematicians. The paper consists of very difficult logical and intriguing multiple choice questions and
pupils practised their skills in weekly lunchtime sessions leading up to the big day.
The students found the test very challenging and had to endure a long wait to finally receive their results. They all did brilliantly, with eight of them
scoring highly enough to be awarded a certificate – the best results we have had for a while! These were:
Year 8 Year 7
Matthew Lavelle : Gold and ‘Best in Year
Laura Fitzwalter – Gold
Abbie Smart – Bronze
Conor Watmough – Bronze
Isabella Zuaiter – Bronze
Alfie Earl Day: Gold ‘Best in Year’ and ‘Best in
School’
Luke Steele – Bronze
Bailey Jarvis – Bronze
Congratulations to all the pupils who took part.
Look out for an opportunity to take part in
next year’s challenge!

READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Year 7s become
reporters for two weeks
Year 7 students are currently studying the media in English - specifically newspapers.
Having learnt the difference between a tabloid and a broadsheet and becoming confident in their use of bias and hyperbole, 7A3 decided to
take a more practical approach. Students got into small groups to produce their own newspaper front page and researched a variety of issues.
Some groups went out into the school as roving reporters and interviewed students and staff. Others made up their own stories, including a one
about the Principal being a robber!
The final editions were created using laptops and computers and the classroom became a buzzing newsroom resounding with cries of ‘Hold the
front page!’ Some of Year 7 are now contemplating journalistic careers although may have to receive some legal training in the libel laws first!
See below for some examples of 7A3’s work.

Devan O’Donnell in Year 7 helps edit a local youth magazine, called
Limelight which is created by youth. Devan is the youngest member of
the team at 12 years old and works on the magazine on Wednesdays
during term-time after school, and for 3 days each half term.
Limelight http://www.limelightmag.co.uk/ has an editorial staff ranging in
age from 11-25. Since its launch last year, it has obtained significant
interest having already featured interviews with top boy band ‘The
Wanted', Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, as well as double Olympic
gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes!
With a print run of 5000 and with a readership estimated at up to 20,000,
the magazine is already proving a big success amongst young people in
the Croydon, Merton and Sutton areas. It is distributed to a number of
schools in the area (including Oasis Coulsdon), libraries, job centres and
youth centres.
For the Spring Edition, Devan interviewed Cover Drive when they
performed at the 02 Academy before Christmas of last year. He has also
interviewed JLS and, following last summer’s riots Trevor Reeves of
Reeves Corner.
Most recently, Devan attended Pakistan Fashion Week interviewing Fashion Designers and Models as well as helping produce a catalogue that
will be distributed to major retailers showing the work of these upcoming young people! This article will be published in future edition of Limelight.
“I never thought I’d find myself in this
fantastic position. Sometimes you need
determination to find opportunities like this,
they can be buried or hidden away; you
have to dig to uncover them”.
Devan O’Donnell

Young Writers' Express Yourself competition is now open!
Be part of a creative writing experience; write your own poem and you could have the chance of seeing your work in print.
Inspire yourself by imagining your future hopes and dreams or challenge yourself to change the world by expressing yourself through poetry.
Deadline: 31st May 2012
It's easy to take part… simply write a poem on a piece of paper which must be no longer than 30 lines long.
See Miss Swan or Mr O’Donovan for more details and entry forms.
BARRIER
connique Lewis 7CAD
The world seems normal and the night seems calm with the light
breeze,
But if you look and listen carefully you can hear the unheard and see
the unknown.
The enthusiasm and joy has dried out and you are left with the
sadness,
The anger, that the roaring storm has left after passing through.
The barrier has been broken down by the storm and now the people
with an ‘open mind’
Can see and hear what was a fiction is now a reality.
The things that scare me are the things that are worth being
Scared of.
So what do you do when you meet one?
With his venomous fangs, pale skin; pretty blue eyes that look like
The deep blue sea.
What happens when you fall in love?
That’s what happened to me.
I fell in love.
With the world’s most dangerous predator
Lucky for me I fell for someone with a good heart,
Even if he is dangerous, still I saw the beauty; not only on the outside,
But on the inside too.
Was now filled with happiness and love just
Because of him that one creature that
Was cursed to darkness in the night.
But the people who are supposed to love you,
They hate you; they put on fake smiles and make up
Lies about how they love you, but when you look
Close enough you see right through them.
You see what they plan to do and what they are
Made of.
We may hate the night creatures,
But take a long look at yourself and tell me
What do you see and what’s in your heart that
Makes you perfect?
Or think you are because
Of the things you have got?
But when you die, you die leaving everything
Whether you go somewhere peaceful
Or are given to the darkness…
He did not let the darkness take hold of him,
He changed
For me
He let me in and I changed him.
My life that was ripe with suffering and trials

YOUNG ENTERPRISE
SUCCESS
This has been a very successful year for our Young Enterprise students.
Four of our Year 12 students – Joanne Trott, Adil Ali, Jordon Bridgeman-Simon and Ganesh Ravindran and one of our Year 11 students – Jack
Hibbert, have joined other students from Croydon schools to set up and run a small business.
The companies are supported by sponsors and advisers from Croydon companies but the decision-making and organisation is down to the groups
of students. There has been a real sense of competition this year. They are judged on their weekly meetings, the Trade Fairs that they attend and
their final Financial report.
At the Gala Final, held in the Croydon Business Conference
Centre, all our students became prize-winners!
Jordan, Joanne, Adil and Jack's company won The Best Financial
Report.
Ganesh's company won The Best Marketing Strategy and The
Company of The Year Award.
They were wonderful. I was very proud of them all.
Here are comments from two of the students:-
“Young Enterprise was a great experience for me. It helped me be
a better team player, it taught me how to take constructive
criticism and how to compromise. Amongst many other things it
helped me understand the logistical side of a business. This was a
very interesting experience and if I had the option I would do it
again in a heartbeat.” Jordon Bridgeman-Simon.
“I recently participated in 'Young Enterprise'. It is a business
scheme for year 11 and college / sixth form students. You get to
set up your own company working in groups of roughly 12
students and it's as if you are really in the business world. I was
Head of Administration and the ICT Assistant. My roles included
keeping notes on all business meetings and helping set up the
company website. Young Enterprise has taught me the
importance of business and team work.
Joanne Trott.
WORK EXPERIENCE
JULY 9 th – 20 th 2012.
Well done to all the students who have
met the deadline with their application
forms.
There are still several students who
need to find their placements and give
their completed forms to me.
Please treat this as a matter of urgency
as it is only 6 weeks until it starts!
You’ll have a brilliant time so don’t miss
out.

Welcome to your FOAC Update at the end of another great half term!
Old Coulsdon Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, Grange Park, Old Coulsdon Tuesday 5 th June 12 Noon to 4pm: a “once in your lifetime”
memorable day of family entertainment has been planned by an Old Coulsdon wide committee who have arranged an action packed day for us all
to include a giant picnic, entertainment provided by a jazz band, a tug of war competition, junior races and much much more. . . The Mayor of
Croydon will also be attending to plant an Oak tree to commemorate the Jubilee and a plaque will be installed next to a Horse Chestnut that was
planted on Bradmore Green in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee (wow, history in the making!). We’ll be smokin’ the BBQ in the
park and providing refreshments for all and we really do need your help please!! We know we don’t ask that often, but our BBQing skills are a
bit rusty and we just know that there are some of you out there who like nothing better than tossing the burgers over the hot coals whilst soaking
up the sunshine. We hope to put a rota together, so please email us if you’d like to join in the fun!
Car Boot Sale Saturday 23 rd June
£10 per car or £12 per van
£10 per car
£12 per van
Pre-booking available for £8
if you email us in advance of the sale.
Gates open for sellers at 7:30am, Boots open for buyers at 8am
Car Boot Sale
Our car booter sale in April fell victim to a heavy downpour but our thanks go
to those sellers and buyers who steadfastly battled through the weather to
support us. We hope that we kept them entertained and well fed with our hot
bacon rolls and copious amounts of steaming hot tea.
Make sure you come “brollied and behatted” for our next sale!
Village Fair, Grange Park, Old Coulsdon Saturday 7 th July 12 Noon to 4.30pm: we’ll be trying to break our all-time Village Fair fund raising
record of £1000 this year and back by popular demand we’ll again be selling Krispy Kreme donuts and mouth-watering home-made fruity pots.
Last year’s funds helped us to purchase a defibrillator for the Academy and this year we’re hoping to raise enough to buy CPR dolls so that all the
students and staff can be trained in basic life-saving skills. We hope that you can make it and help us to reach another amazing target!
REMEMBER REMEMBER - Fireworks Night Friday 2 nd November: in collaboration with Keston Primary School, we will be holding the
Academy’s first ever Fireworks Night and tickets will be available in the Autumn term. Early bird discount tickets will be on sale and no tickets will
be sold on the gate so pre-booking is essential. Help us to make this Old Coulsdon’s BIGGEST AND BEST fireworks display of the year!
Keep up to date with us by:
Following us on twitter at www.twitter.com/OasisCoulsdon 122 Followers and counting . .
.
Checking out our Diary Of Events on the Academy website
Emailing us on foac@oasiscoulsdon.org
Downloading our Meeting Minutes from the Academy website
You are represented on your FOAC by:-
Brunel: Reena Ramus, Sam Smith, Henrietta Westergaard-Belcher, Tracey Jeal, Tracy Lavelle, Karen Steele, Lynne Dunham Da Vinci: Sue
Buckingham, Dawn Lockyer, Graham Day, Shirley North, Paul Laing Curie: Jacky Vasili, Claire & Russell Taylor Luther King: Jackie Hann,
Clare Howe, Alison Fitzwalter Y11: Jan Boothby Independents: David Millar, Mark Pelling, Marion Jones, Bob Lund
Our next meeting will be on 26 th June 2012 in the Agora at the Academy at 7pm.
Reward Event
We would like to thank Kate Taylor for her
dedication, drive and leadership of FOAC
during her time as Chair.
We wish her and her family all the very best of
luck for the future as they
prepare to relocate to Wales.
When the students returned after the Easter break, many were selected to take part in a reward event. Good attendance over the years is
rewarded with good results at GCSE but we also feel that students should have reward events that help to motivate them to do well during the
year.
Nearly 300 students and staff at the Academy came to the inflatable reward day where they got to have fun on equipment such as the
inflatable assault course, bungee run and others. The weather was against us so for the first time we were able to move all the
equipment indoors to our three sports halls and found we had room to spare.
The next event is being planned if you want to be on it then you need to make sure your attendance is over
96%. Speak to your Family Leader if you have any questions.

Ski Trip to
Borovets, Bulgaria
On the 31 st March 17 students met on a very fresh morning at the Academy with suitcases packed and passports
at the ready as finally the very long awaited ski trip had arrived. We departed from Gatwick for what was a short
flight flying into Thessaloniki in Greece.
In preparation for the trip many students attended the dry slope skiing sessions at Bromley Dry Slope Centre.
This set the tone for the trip and was showing that the group were going to bond well and have a great time
away. Mrs Smith proved that she was a natural with students looking on and gasping as she sped down the
slope………..it was the stopping that was her problem.
The hotel was amazing with excellent facilities such as games room, disco, swimming pool and excellent dining
facilities. The biggest plus for this hotel was the fact that you literally skied up to the hotel entrance ready to pop
off the skis. The group progressed very quickly and very soon all were skiing at the top of the mountain range.
The spirit of the group was superb with students supporting each other if they fell or needed help.
The trip was just outstanding with every day just getting better and better. Throughout the week we had a great apri-ski programme with students
visiting a practice ski jump slope, ski bikes and the highlight of the week was the presentation evening and disco.
Throughout the week the student behaviour was outstanding and on their behalf can we thank Mr Calvo, Mr Cheshire and Mrs Smith for so
generously giving up their time and for being such fantastic fun.
ROTARY TECHNOLOGY
COMPETITION
On a very bright sunny morning three students
gathered at the gates of Warlingham School ready
to take on the challenge for the day. Students and
staff were hesitant as this was the first Technology
competition to be held by the Rotary organisation.
Warlingham School, 19 May 2012
The competition started at 9.30 with the judges
scrutinising them, checking to make sure that
no schools had smuggled in extra tools and materials to help them with the challenge
ahead! Betty McClure, District Governor welcomed us to the event and set the objective for
the day. Students had to construct a machine from the materials provided that would sort
twenty five coins once they have been pushed into the slot.
Throughout the day all three students worked extremely well as a team and the judges commented on how well they
discussed each stage and made decisions as a team. After lunch students developed their final design ready for
judging but had they done enough testing? Testing? I heard them say ‘what’s that’ but it was too late as the final
buzzer went and they hadn’t yet rolled one coin down the channel to see if it worked!
All were nervous at judging just to see whose designs worked. The Oasis team was called to the front and finally it was
our time to shine …. But would it work? Peering through our fingers we could not believe it as the coins started to fall
into the correct slots (well, most of them)!
Overall the competition was judged on the design work, creativity in design and how many coins were sorted. We did not come first but
the students had an excellent day with all of them asking when the next competition was going to be. Well done to Josh Mason,
Iftekhar Mullani and Arran Trouse for being such excellent sports and contributing
towards an excellent day.

LUTHER KING NEWS
Mr Calvo Reports
This half term has seen Luther King building on the fantastic attendance record that has been running since October. Still unbeaten week on week
they hold the highest attendance for all the family groups. Well done and continue to keep this effort up for the rest of the term.
Year 8 students are excited about the prospects of selecting their GCSE options and the process started on Thursday 17 th May with the very well
attended information evening. With students keen to see which pathway they were on they opened their envelopes with excitement keen to get on
and look at the fantastic displays and examples of coursework. Thanks to Josh Mason and Abigail Wright who helped out on this evening
welcoming parents and helping departments to set up their displays.
Once again students in Luther Kings have been supporting charity organisations especially at the time of
Sports Relief. Here is a report from Isabella Zuaiter who raised money for the Big Splash Mile.
On Saturday 28th April 2012 I took part in the Swimathon Weekend which is the world's biggest fundraising
swim. I did the Sport Relief Individual Mile where you have to swim 64 lengths of a 25 meter pool in
whatever time and stroke you wanted. I swam breaststroke for most of it seeing as it's my best stroke and
managed to finish it in 39mins 37 seconds. Doing this, I have raised over £150 for Sport Relief.
Luther King Enrichment Activity
In Luther King many students get involved both in and outside the Academy. Josh Mason has played for Redhill Town FC
and has been rewarded with this fantastic trophy for all his efforts this season. In his match against Sutton Eagles he scored
a fantastic goal which is most unusual as he plays in defence. Well done to Josh and keep on hitting the back of the net.
Rewards Event Thursday 19 th April
Well done to all the students who have won the opportunity to attend the
Inflatable rewards event this half term. As the students entered the sports
hall, dance studio and hall they could not believe their eyes with the variety
and amount of inflatable activities they could go on. It was a fantastic
afternoon that was appreciated by all and the feedback from the students
was that it was the best afternoon ever. We look forward to seeing so
many students at the next awards event which is planned to be a trip to
Chessington for the day.
BRUNEL NEWS
Mr Cheshire Reports
Students have had to make a lot of important decisions this term. Especially concerning whether they will need a coat with the amount of rain
we’ve had! Hopefully the wet weather is behind us now and we can look forward to some hot summer sun!
Despite the poor weather the last Rewards Event (Inflatable Day) was a massive success and a good time was had by all – especially the Family
Leaders. Mrs Buckingham dared to challenge me to a joust and I’m pleased to say Da Vinci’s Leader was firmly put in her place. She then had to
cope with Mr Martin falling right on top of her at the end of the inflatable assault course. Still better luck next time Miss!
It was fantastic to be able to choose so many Brunel students with 100% attendance and punctuality and good behaviour in lessons. I hope the
situation will be repeated at the end of this term.
Year 10 are currently finalising their two week work experience placements. This occurs in the last two weeks of the academic year. If
they have not yet found a placement, time is running out so could parents please ensure they find a placement as soon as possible!
Year 8 have recently been looking at the Options process and what subjects are available for them to study at GCSE level when
they return as Year 9 in September. It was lovely to see so many students and parents at our recent pathways evening all taking
time to ask pertinent questions in order to ensure the best choices were made. Many thanks for your support and attendance
to this evening!
As summer approaches I hope Brunel students are beginning to get the competitive juices flowing. Sports Day will
soon be on the horizon and it will be time to showcase the sporting prowess of our great family. Don the shorts,
t-shirt and trainers. Head down to the local park/swimming pool and get training because we will not go
down without a fight! Da Vinci, Curie and Luther King beware!!

DA VINCI FAMILY
Mrs Buckingham
Reports
Star of the week is still proving popular with a number of students asking me how they can
be my star of the week. I have chosen people for a number of reasons, some for their contribution
to the academy and the wider community, some for academic achievement, some
for achievements in their outside interests and others for improvements in their attendance.
I always find it hard to just choose one person and I find there is always more than one that
could be my star of the week.
I am happy to say that da Vinci’s attendance has improved and as I write this we are second
in the table, and first for the week. However, there is still room for improvement and
students need to realise that attending school is the only way that they can achieve academically.
It is shown that anyone with less than 90% attendance is unlikely to achieve 5 A*
to C GCSEs. Punctuality has greatly improved in Da Vinci with us consistently heading up
the Olympic table, well done Da Vinci.
Recently the year 8s attended a pathway evening where the GCSE options choices were explained. I was very impressed with the turn out on the
option evening with only 5 Da Vinci students out of the whole Family group not turning up! This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to be able
to study GCSE subjects for three years.
It is really important that students are fully prepared for learning and with this in mind they should always carry at least 2 pens and pencils, as well
as their planners. It is encouraging to see that a high percentage of them are well organised for their lessons and we will continue to strive for 100%.
All the Family Leaders were so impressed with all the students who attended the last rewards event in April where we hired a number of inflatables.
As usual the students showed great team spirit with different year groups helping each other out on the different areas, a great deal of fun was had
by all.
CURIE FAMILY
The new term started with a reward event celebrating
all those in Curie who had excellent attendance for the
last half term. The inflatable event was a great success
with Curie students having fun for the afternoon. In the
Mr Martin Reports
Curie Family it is always great to spend time out of the
classroom with students, sharing experiences that help
build the good relationships between staff and students
for which the Academy is known. I look forward to the next event at the end of the term which I am sure will be
filled with Curie students.
The Year 8 pathway evening was a great success and it will be good to see the Curie students starting on their new subject in September. Year 9
students will be starting their new time table in the last half term and it will be their opportunity to settle in to their new classes. I encourage all
students to adopt a mature attitude as they begin their Key Stage 4 courses.

ART
Life Drawing Workshop
Last month some of our talented Sixth Form students attended
a life drawing workshop run by London Artists. This was a valuable
day when students were introduced to drawing from the
life model, taught proportion of the human body and had the
opportunity to experiment with a variety of media. It was also
an excellent opportunity for everyone to work alongside students
from other schools. The workshop was held at Sutton
Grammar School for Boys and the tutors commended our students,
D’Andra, Leandro and Jayde. They were all invited to
take part in the next event in September and have added to
their personal portfolios in preparation for their end of year exhibition.
GCSE
ART EXHIBITION

6th Form Experience of a Lifetime
A-Level students have been working on a design task sent to them from the
communication system centre for Formula 1 asking students to consider concept designs
for a collapsible office chair. With coursework and models completed it was time to
contact McLaren.
Paul Spence very kindly invited the students to visit the McLaren technology centre in
Woking on 17th May in order for the students to present their final design folders and
models. We knew the day was going to be special but on arriving at the centre we realised
the amazing opportunity we had been given and the nerves started to set in.
We entered the factory via an underground tunnel and lift shaft which does not in any way
prepare for what you are about to see….. As we entered into the heart of the building,
laid out in front of our eyes were rows of Formula 1 race cars stretching back to the
1960s!
Students were welcomed like VIPs and presented their designs to the Head of CAD
Concept Design, Head of Electronics and the Head of Creativity….no pressure! They
spent an hour reviewing and discussing ideas with students who were also tucking into a
most fantastic buffet lunch. After which we went on to see the factories and how McLaren
cars are created from concept to manufacturing. It is hard to pick out any one moment
that was not a highlight. It could have been seeing all the racing cars across the years, it
could have been seeing the new McLaren MP4-12C, a sports car designed and
manufactured by McLaren Automotive. It is the first production car wholly designed and
built by McLaren since the McLaren F1, or it could have been the trophy cabinets that just
seemed to go on and on gleaming and shining.
The final icing on the cake was when Peter Stayner, Partner Ambassador took us into a
room where there was a hive of activity with mechanics assembling two very special cars.
The cars were being prepared for Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton in preparation for their
race next week in Monaco………not often is Mr. Calvo stuck for words and I have never
seen him smiling so much,!
Overall a once in a lifetime experience for the students and as this photograph shows that it
was all too much for them (ahhhh bless them).
We would like to thank Andrew James for arranging this opportunity and to Paul Spence
and Peter Stayner from McLaren for just being outstanding with the students and making us
so welcome.
Good luck to McLaren in Monaco.
Year 12 students helped Oasis film a fundraising video for Oasis’ BigChurchDayOut’ event
which takes place on 2 & 3 June at Wiston House, West Sussex.
Over 32 Christian artists will be performing at this two day celebration. For further
information log on to www.BigChurchDayOut.com
“We are so grateful Year 12 could take the time from their exams and
revision to help us out. Their contribution will enable us to help the
young people and families that Oasis works with throughout the
UK.”

TALL SHIPS
10—15 APRIL 2012
Jessica Little, Joanne Trott and Mairi McWhirr took part in the tall ships
Easter challenge.
“The trip started in Southampton and finished in Cardiff. We set sail on
the same day the Titanic did 100 years ago; we also arrived into Cardiff
the day the Titanic sank! It took us 6 days to complete the journey.
During the 6 days we were able to put up the sails and sail with no engine
power for 8 hours
There were three different watches each of which had their own time to
look out for other boats and steer the ship from the bridge. Red Watch
would be on watch from 8pm to 12am, Blue Watch would be on watch
from 12am to 4am and then White Watch would be on watch from 4
am to 8 am. Each Watch would then rotate the times during the trips.
We saw breathtaking scenery in the mornings as the sun rose; also in
the middle of the night you were able to see a sky full of stars or the
sunset.
We were given the opportunity to learn how to steer the ship, taking it in turns throughout our Watches, using sailing terminology such
as ‘port’ and ‘starboard’ to be able to ster the ship. During our Watches if we were not steering the ship we also had to take it in turns
to be look out for other boats and buoys. We were trained and learned about each siren that went off, making us aware of the surroundings
we were living in. we learnt how to move the masts using the ropes and tying them around the pins.
Happy hour ironically is where we had to work together as a crew and clean the whole ship, while listening to music, because we
worked as a team we got it done so much quicker, teamwork is very important to help maintain the ship.
There were opportunities to work as the mess man; this consisted of working in the galley alongside the chef and helping out with
serving meals. Jessica and Joanne had the opportunity to be mess man during the ship. There was also the opportunity to be day
worker, this consisted of helping the deck hands with different parts of the ship, and participating in different tasks. Mairi had the opportunity
to be the day worker. People also had the opportunity to climb up the mast, both Mairi and Joanne took part in this, at first
this took place when the ship was docked in Southampton, the second time this took place when the ship was on the way to Cardiff,
swaying side to side people still climbed up the mast to release the sails. This experience was very scary.
We were able to stop and anchor the ship to have a barbeque right by a beautiful castle. But being British weather, it was raining, so
we had to bring the barbeque inside. Everyone would get together in the evenings and play card games. We also took part in quizzes
and games where we were against the other watches, red watch vs. white watch vs. blue watch.
We docked in Cardiff and were allowed to go out and explore Cardiff town on the last night. This gave us the opportunity to see new
sights and even a new language to observe. However, after nearly a week at sea we all suffered land sickness when being back on
solid ground. For several days after we were still
affected by the swaying of the ship.
Being out of our comfort zone was a major positive,
as everyone was in the same boat, literally! It gave
us the opportunity to meet so many people from all
over the UK. Everyone gelled together instantly and
got on well, they were all such friendly people.”

ROTARY YOUNG LEADERSHIP
WEEKEND
4– 7 MAY 2012
Joanne Trott, Jessica Little, Mairi McWhirr and Jordan Bridgeman-Simon took part in
the Rotary Young Leadership Award based in the New Forest in Avon Tyrell.
“We stayed in cabins, which were lovely. Each cabin had around 12 people staying
in them and this gave us the opportunity meet new people and find out more about
them.
The trip involved a wide range of activities including canoeing, archery, trust walk,
night line and low ropes. We were separated into four different groups each of which
took part in an activity at a set time. Low ropes involved teamwork to accomplish
tasks. Archery gave us the opportunity to learn new skills and experience new
games. During ‘nightline’ we were blindfolded and had to trust our group member
completely. Canoeing was great fun, playing games, races and learning even more
skills, however out of the 22 young people taking part in the weekend 6 managed to
capsize.
Between the activities we had talks based on leadership, these focused on the pressure of being a young person in
today’s society, the pressure of exams, peer pressure and bullying. We also took part in mini tasks such as the great
egg race, aesthetic treasure hunt and even swimming, in each of these we put our team working skills to good use when
trying to accomplish a task. For each mini task we were put into different groups to give us the opportunity to meet and
socialise with all the people taking part in RYLA, giving us the opportunity to build on our social skills. We played games
during the evenings to teach us important lessons. After the tasks we had time to socialise with the other groups that
where taking part in the weekend. We would stay up late and be up at 7 the next morning. The weather was perfect for
the whole weekend.
On one of the days it was Joanne’s birthday, so the team leaders bought her a birthday cake, Mairi and Jessica also
brought her a birthday cake and presents. This way there was enough to share round with the whole team of young
leaders. Joanne defiantly enjoyed her birthday away at the RYLA.
RYLA gave us the opportunity to meet new people from around the London. This was another opportunity which put us
out of our comfort zone; again this was a positive experience, which we were able to learn from and find new skills which
we will use on day to day bases. Everyone bonded well together making the weekend a great overall experience.”
Jordan, Jessica, Mairi and Joanne

SPORTS NEWS
Mr Attenborough Reports
Year 9 Athletics
This took place at the Croydon Arena on 9 th May. All the athletes competed to the
best of their abilities and were a credit to the academy. Outstanding performances
form Malachi Hutchinson who came 5 th in the 1500m and Fuli Olaoye who came 3 rd
in his 100m heat.
Year 8 Athletics
Due to the poor weather on the day the Year athletics championships were cancelled after just one
race, the 100m boys hurdles. Isaiah McKenzie came 3 rd in his race. The competition has been rearranged
for Tuesday 29 th June.
Year 7 Cricket
The year 7s had their first game this week against Riddlesdown. After a good start in the field they unfortunately
went on to lose the game. The boys all enjoyed themselves thoroughly and will be playing
their next match against Shirley high on Wednesday. Outstanding performances from Jack Pettifer,
Joseph Cox and Noah Fitsumbiran.
Year 8 Cricket
The Year 8s have played two matches in their league so far against Woodcote and Riddlesdown They have been very good in the field but have
lacked enough runs in the games to win a match just yet! Outstanding performances so far from Cameron Taylor, Billy Hudson and Connor
Watmough in the bowling have always given the team a fighting chance in every match.
The Academy Euro 2012 tournament kicks off on Monday 18 th June andal the teams have now been selected.
(teams attached) There is a very important meeting on Wednesday 30 th for all players and managers in the
sports hall at 1pm where each team will have the opportunity to bid for the country they would like to represent
in the tournament.
We have received a Champions League Final programme that has been signed by Roy Keane, Andy
Thompson, Gareth Southgate and Gianfranco Zola that we will be auctioning off at the end of the tournament
and awaiting a number of items from ESPN that will help raise the profile of the tournament and help raise
funds for PE equipment.

11 June
12 June 13 June
14 June
15 June
Students Return
6-8pm OASIS’ GOT TALENT
Year 10 GCSE Drama Trip
Year 7 & 8 Core exams
18 June
19 June
20 June
21 June
22 June
Euro 2012 Tournament
Euro 2012 Tournament
Euro 2012 Tournament
Euro 2012 Tournament
Euro 2012 Tournament
Rotary Club of Coulsdon Manor,
Annual Dinner prepared and
served by Year 10 Students
25 June National Sports Week
Year 12 trip to Freud Museum,
Camden
YEAR 5 SUMMER OPEN
EVENING & BBQ
26 June 27 June 28 June
SATURDAY
23 JUNE
FOAC CAR BOOT SALE
29 June
WORLD SPORTS DAY
Money Twist Workshop for Year 9
students
Years 7&8 end of year Reading
Tests
New Year 7 Parents’ Information
Evening (September 2012 entry)
30 June
Year 8 students dancing in the
Purley Festival
2 July
3 July 4 July
5 July
6 July
Academy closure day for
Queen’s Jubilee
Primary Sports Fest
5-8pm Year 9 Parents’ Evening
New Year 7 Induction Day
7 July
Old Coulsdon Village Fair
Students performing and running
stalls
7/8 July Duke of Edinburgh Award
Preparation
9 July
10 July
11 July
12 July 13 July
Beginning of Year 10 Work
Experience Fortnight
Year 7, 8 & 9 Sports Day
Reserve date for Year 7, 8 & 9
Sports Day
Oasis Olympics, Nottingham
50 students from Years 7—9
participating
16 July
17 July 18 July
19 July
20 July
2nd week of Year 10 Work
Experience
Rewards Trip to Chessington
Boulogne Trip
END OF ACADEMIC YEAR
Students will leave at 12.50

COMMUNITY JUBILEE
CELEBRATIONS
Come along and join the fun in
Grange Park on Tuesday 5th June
12noon until 4pm.
(If the weather is wet the whole event will be held at
Oasis Academy Coulsdon)
Summer 2012
Autumn 2012
Half Term Holiday : 4 th to 8 th June
Monday 11 th June : Students return
Monday 2 nd July: Academy closure day for Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
End of Academic Year: Friday 20 th July
Monday 3 rd September – Friday 26 th October
3 rd & 4 th September – Staff Training Days
Wednesday 5 th September: First day of Academic Year for students
Half term: Monday 29 th October – Friday 2 nd November
Monday 5 th November – Thursday 20 th December
Spring 2013
Summer 2013
7 th January 2013 – Staff Training Day
Tuesday 8 th January – Thursday 14 th February
15 th February – Staff Training Day
Half term: Monday 18 th – Friday 22 nd February
Monday 25 th February – Thursday 28 th March
15 th April – Staff Training Day
Tuesday 16 th April - Friday 24 th May
Public Holiday on Monday 6 th May
Half term: Monday 27 th – Friday 31 st May
Monday 3 rd June – Wednesday 24 th July
TERM
DATES