Year 9

Welcome to the Year 9 information page - 

Weekly Newsletter - 17 09 2026

Year 9 have continued to make a positive start to the term, and it has been great to see so many pupils demonstrating our Oakwood values of Ambition, Belonging and Character on a daily basis.

We have been particularly pleased with the improvements in uniform standards across the year group. Pupils are taking increasing pride in their appearance and are arriving at school ready to learn. These improvements reflect the maturity and sense of responsibility that we are seeing from many members of Year 9.

During tutor time this week, pupils have been learning about democracy and the importance of having their voices heard. Forms explored a number of charitable causes before taking part in a Student Voice vote to decide which charity Oakwood will support this year. It was encouraging to see pupils engaging positively with the process and understanding how democratic decisions are made within a community.

Reading remains a key part of tutor time, and it has been wonderful to see pupils continuing to engage with their tutor reading book. One of the highlights of the week was a visit to 9VSI, where Mr O'Malley and Miss Harding joined the form during their reading session. Pupils were focused, engaged and showed excellent attitudes to learning throughout the session, creating a calm and purposeful atmosphere.

Alongside this, staff have been impressed by the effort and commitment shown by Year 9 pupils in lessons. We have seen pupils asking thoughtful questions, contributing confidently to class discussions and demonstrating resilience when faced with challenging tasks. Their positive approach to learning is helping them make a strong start to the year. We have given some examples of this brilliant work below.

In terms of ambition, our Year 9 pupils have demonstrated their ambitions for the future, with over 150 Year 8s and 9s having their poems published in the Young Writers ‘I Have A Dream’ collections. Pictures of both books are below, and we also have copies in Reception and the Study Centre for those wanting to read them.

We are also delighted to celebrate the positive choices being made by Year 9 pupils. Since the start of term, the year group has earned an impressive 11,366 reward points as at 15^th September. This achievement reflects the effort and positive contributions pupils are making both in lessons and around the school.

As the term progresses, we look forward to seeing Year 9 continue to grow in confidence, build on their successes and further develop their ambition, character and sense of belonging. Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Best wishes,

Mr O'Malley and Miss Harding

Weekly Newsletter - 10 09 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a brilliant start it has been for Year 9!

Year 9 have come into this year with a refreshed sense of responsibility for their own learning which is evident in their conduct around school. Pupils have been building relationships with their new teachers and have already started asking questions about their options for GCSE. We are impressed by the aspiration of these pupils in ensuring they are making the right choices for their futures!

The Year 9s have also been supporting the new Year 7 pupils with their sense of belonging at Oakwood by kindly helping them find their lessons. We are so proud of the kindness the Year 9s have shown during this changeover period.

Mr O’Malley and Miss Harding have thoroughly enjoyed seeing Year 9 around the school in lessons and in tutor time. We have seen brilliant reading during tutor time with pupils engaging well with their new tutor reading book 'Crossing the Line'. We have also seen this meaningful engagement in their lessons, with a particular favourite being 9YH2’s Geography lesson in which they were learning all about food chains with one pupil quickly concluding that the chains always end with humans!

Additionally, Year 9 has also started the year strong by working well on improving their uniform and attendance. They look very smart in their new uniforms and are representing the school well.

We are looking forward to hearing about all the extracurricular activities that pupils will get involved in this term with many clubs being available for them to try. The list for clubs available this term is on student notices and has been shown to pupils during tutor time. We can’t wait to hear what they will achieve!

We are looking forward to working with all parents and carers this year to support all pupils in Year 9 to build their ambition and character and ensure they have a sense of belonging here at Oakwood.

We have a Year 9 information evening coming up on the 16^th of September 2026 in which parents/carers can ask any questions they have, but in the meantime please do not hesitate to get in touch of you have any queries or need any support.

Best wishes,

Mr O’Malley and Miss Harding