If there are revisions to the information within the Friday Flyer, we will communicate any changes directly with the parents of the pupils affected, by Parentmail.
Oakwood v Elite Youth Rugby - Spectators welcome tomorrow!
Following our success in Rugby at IAPS and the Pelican Cup, we were contacted by Elite Youth Rugby (a pioneering programme for England's most promising young rugby players) asking for a match in preparation for their summer tour in America.
We are hosting EYR at Chichester Rugby Club tomorrow, Saturday 7th March, and spectators are very welcome to come and support our team, who would really appreciate it.
Kick off is at Midday! (There is no parking at the Rugby Club tomorrow - please park at the Festival Theatre/Northgate car park)
The EYR coach has sent some information to his players to give them some background about our Oakwood team and motivate his team for the game. He sent his words to us and it is a really nice read!
"Two unbeaten teams meet this weekend, and by the final whistle only one will still hold that record. It promises to be the most demanding match either side has faced so far.
Oakwood are an exceptionally talented team. One opposing school even described one of their players to us as “the best in the country.” They have already beaten several strong sides, including Brighton College, a school ranked among the top 10 in the country for rugby, and they recently lifted the Pelican Cup.
Many of their players also play together at Chichester Rugby Club under the coaching of Danny Gray (former England 7s, Bristol, Worcester and Exeter). As a result, they know each other extremely well. They are a cohesive, well-drilled side—full of talent and confidence. They are here to beat you."
Good luck to our U11 Rugby Team tomorrow and we hope to see families and staff on the sidelines supporting the boys!
Miss Gemma Halford
Head of Sport
ghalford@oakwoodschool.co.uk
Chichester Corporate Challenge - Race 2!
Next Wednesday 11th March is Race 2 of the Annual running race!
As last time, please can all children and parents entered meet Miss Lee at 6pm outside the M&S Store in North Street. Please can all children wear their Oakwood Sports Kit. Pupils are to be supervised by their parents during the evening.
Race start times are as follows:
6:30pm Year 5 Girls race 1400m, (2 laps)
6:38pm Year 5 Boys race 1400m, (2 laps)
6:46pm Year 6 Girls race 1400m (2 laps)
6:53pm Year 6 Boys race 1400m (2 laps)
For further information or any queries, please contact Miss Yvonne Lee, Head of Humanities - ylee@oakwoodschool.co.uk
The Chichester Festival for Music, Dance & Speech
The Chichester Festival Junior Singing, Piano and Choirs Programmes take place this weekend and next as below. Good luck to all pupils performing in the various disciplines; we hope you all enjoy the experience.
Junior Singing - This weekend 7th & 8th March: Christ Church, off South Street, Chichester PO19 1SW. Children can wear smart home clothes (no ripped jeans). Music teachers will provide pupils with a copy of their music to give the adjudicator.
Piano - Saturday 14th/Sunday 15th March: The Regis School of Music, Bognor Regis, PO21 1ER. Children can wear smart home clothes (no ripped jeans). Music teachers will provide pupils with a copy of their music to give the adjudicator.
Acorns (ALL Y1/2), Junior (Y3/4) and Senior (Y5/6) Choirs - Saturday 14th March: St Paul’s Church, Chichester, PO19 6FT. Please can children wear their school uniform, including blazers (and a choir tie for children in Years 3-6). Please let Mrs Dabrowski know if your child is unable to attend the Choirs Programme on Saturday 14th March - mdabrowski@oakwoodschool.co.uk.
Diary for Week 9th-13th March
International Womens' Day - Sunday 8th March
There will be a focus about this day and what it means within assemblies and lessons this week.
Monday 9th March
- Library Parent & Child Morning Drop-In Session, 8-8.15am: Please access the Library via the rear door/porch of the main house.
- Little Green Shop Open 8.30-9am: The second hand uniform shop, run by parent volunteers, will be open after drop-off on Monday.
- Year 2 Trip to Chichester Harbour (Dell Quay): On Monday, Year 2 will be visiting the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Education Centre at Dell Quay. Pupils will leave school at 9.30am in the school minibuses and return at 3pm in time for normal pick up. Snacks and packed lunch, including drinks will be provided by our catering team. Children should wear weather-appropriate home clothes (many layers). Please ensure your child’s school waterproof coat and wellies are either at school or brought in on Monday. Although one wishes not to tempt fate, if it is forecast to be a sunny day, sunscreen should be applied before coming to school please!
- Year 4 Parent/Teacher Meetings, Lyne Hall, 4.30pm onwards: Year 4 Parent/Teacher Meetings take place in the Lyne Hall and Gym from 4.30pm on Monday. A reminder of your appointment times will be sent on Monday morning. Please contact the school office if you are unable to attend or have any queries relating to the booking system. Refreshments will be served and books available to view in the gym. Please contact the school office if supervision is needed.
Tuesday 10th March
- Library Parent & Child Morning Drop-In Session, 8-8.15am: Please access the Library via the rear door/porch of the main house.
- Year 4 Trip to Fishbourne Roman Palace: On Tuesday, Year 4 will be visiting Fishbourne Roman Palace during the day, leaving at 9.45am and returning before pick-up. Pupils should wear school uniform, including blazers and their school coats. A packed lunch, drinks and snacks will be provided by school. A reminder please for children to bring with them a small rucksack to carry their lunch and water bottles.
Wednesday 11th March
- Library Parent & Child Morning Drop-In Session, 8-8.15am: Please access the Library via the rear door/porch of the main house.
- Year 5 & 6 Weekly Sports Fixtures: Please check your child’s SOCS calendar for all fixture details. Spectators are welcome at all fixtures against other schools, both home and away. Match Teas are served at Oakwood in the Heritage Room during the fixtures.
Football: U10 Festival @ Churcher's College Junior School (AWAY): 1.30-5pm - for those who follow the Netball/Football Pathway. Please note late finish time.
Football: U11 v Amesbury (Home): 2.30-4.15pm - for those who follow the Netball/Football Pathway.
Rugby: U10 v Ditcham Park (Home): 2.30-4.15pm
Rugby: U11 v Great Ballard (Home): 2.30-4.15pm - a new fixture added since the calendar was published. Please check SOCS for team selections. Not all U11 boys are in this fixture.
- Chichester Corporate Challenge Race 2, from 6pm: All runners please meet Miss Lee outside M&S in North Street at 6pm. Child runners to wear Oakwood Sports Kit please. Good luck everyone!
Thursday 12th March
- Introduction to Reception for current Kindergarten families, 2-3.15pm: For those families considering Oakwood for their child's Reception journey in September or who are undecided about their Kindergarten child's next steps, we are holding an afternoon next Thursday for parents to come and view the Reception classrooms and talk to teachers about Reception life and learning at Oakwood. If your child does not normally attend Kindergarten on a Thursday, they are welcome to join for the afternoon for the duration of the session. Please let us know if you will be attending the event and would like your child to attend Kindergarten whilst you visit, to help us plan our staffing in Kindergarten - office@oakwoodschool.co.uk.
- Year 3 & 4 Weekly Sports Fixtures: Please check your child’s SOCS calendar for all fixture details, timings and team selections. Spectators are welcome at all fixtures against other schools, both home and away. Match Teas are served at Oakwood in the Heritage Room during the fixtures.
Rugby: U9 Festival @ Churcher's College Junior School (AWAY): 1.30-5.00pm - Please note late finish time.
Football: U9 v Dorset House (Home): 2.30-4pm - for those who follow the Netball/Football Pathway.
Friday 13th March
- Chichester Festival Music Winners Assembly: Next week's assembly will celebrate all our Chichester Festival Music Winners. Parents of the winning performers and pre-prep star badge winners are invited to attend.
- Oakwood Open Morning for prospective families, 9.30am-12.30pm: If you are aware of any friends or families considering Oakwood for their children, please let them know about our Open Morning taking place next Friday. They will be able to visit and tour our wonderful school with staff members, and refreshments will be available at The Main House during the morning.
- 1F Outdoor Learning Afternoon: Please can children in 1F come to school wearing warm and comfortable home clothes, suitable for the current weather, as well as their Oakwood green coat and wellies, hats and gloves.
- Football: Senior Interhouse Match: This is an internal fixture within Years 5 and 6 Games lessons next Friday. Please can pupils try to remember their House T-Shirts and please can you let Miss Halford know as soon as possible if your Year 5 or 6 child will be absent from school next Friday afternoon.
Saturday 14th March
- Chichester Festival (Choirs), St Paul's Church in Chichester: Please can children wear their school uniform including blazers (and choir ties for Years 3-6 pupils). Please note, ALL Year 1 & 2 pupils are performing in The Acorns Choir, so please let Mrs Dabrowski know as soon as possible if your child is unable to attend the event next Saturday.
- Chichester Festival (Piano), The Regis School of Music, Bognor Regis: Children may wear smart home clothes (no ripped jeans). Music teachers will provide pupils with a copy of their music to give the adjudicator.
Sunday 15th March
- Chichester Festival (Piano), The Regis School of Music, Bognor Regis: As above.
Parents' Netball Sessions and Charity Tournament
Weekly Parents' Netball
Parents 'back to netball' is back for the Summer Term, run by Kirsty Evans!
When? Wednesday evenings, 7.30-8.30pm - first session is on Wednesday 29th April
Where? Oakwood Front Netball Courts.
Cost? Pay and Play for £5 per session. ALL money raised will go to our school charities.
What's involved? NO prior netball experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Sessions involve a fun mix of drills and skills, fitness and match play. A great way to meet lovely parents from different year groups and raise some money for charity.
Any questions or wish to come? Please email Kirsty - kevans@oakwoodschool.co.uk. Kirsty will add you on to a Whatsapp group for weekly check of numbers (minimum 6 for a session) and last minute cancellation if the weather is too wet or numbers too low.
Charity Netball Tournament, Saturday 13th June (PM)
After the Oakwood Summer Fair on Saturday 13th June, we hope to run a Parent and Staff Charity Netball Tournament.
Please contact Kirsty Evans if you would be interested in putting together a year group team, or just interested in joining a team as an individual. A minimum of 7 players required per team and the cost to enter the tournament is £10 per person, with all monies raised going to our school charities.
We would love to try and get 9 teams together, including a staff team - please contact kevans@oakwoodschool.co.uk if you are interested!
Senior School Open Days
Senior School Transitions - Looking Ahead
At Oakwood, A Place to Grow, we believe that preparing for the next stage of education should feel exciting, positive and full of opportunity.
We are proud to prepare pupils for a wide range of senior destinations, including both state and independent schools. While formal applications may still seem some way off for many families, we gently encourage parents to begin exploring options from Year 4 or 5 onwards. Visiting Open Events early allows families to feel informed, confident and unhurried as decision-making approaches.
Each week, we will highlight forthcoming Open Days and events that may be of interest.
Please check the relevant senior school website and contact the school in advance of any open day should you wish to attend as some schools require Open Day registration prior to a visit.
Forthcoming Senior School Events
Christ’s Hospital, Horsham
www.christs-hospital.org.uk
Open Morning: Saturday 7th March (To book your place - https://www.christs-hospital.org.uk/admissions/book-an-open-morning )
The Portsmouth Grammar School
www.pgs.org.uk
Thursday 12 March - 2.30-3.45pm
Wednesday 22 April – 2.30-3.45pm
Wednesday 6 May – 2.30-3.45pm
Churcher’s College
www.churcherscollege.com
Thursday 19 March – 2.15-4pm
Monday 11 May – 2.15-4pm
Friday 5 June – 10.15am-12pm
Seaford College
www.seaford.org
Saturday 7 March - 9am-11am
Saturday 9 May - 9am-11am
Portsmouth High School for Girls
www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk
Open Week: Monday 2nd–Friday 6th March - 9am-3pm each day
Lord Wandsworth College
www.lordwandsworth.org
Open Day: Saturday 21st March - 9.15am
Lunch Menus
Our meals at Oakwood are homemade, using locally sourced food, by our wonderful catering team.
Printable Menu and allergen advice for 9th-13th March
Sustainability Snippets
Nursery Forest Walk
Nursery had a lovely walk through the forest, spotting different plants and signs of spring. We also spotted some deer in the distance.
We took a visit to the Potting Shed and chose some seeds that the Nursery children will grow to add to their outdoor space in the summer.
Year 3 Outdoor Learning
Some sunshine garden maintenance in Outdoor learning with Year 3 this week; we weeded, pruned and turned over the soil in preparation for the growing season.
Year 6 Outdoor Learning
Year 6 put their butter knives that they whittled with a blade to good use to add honey to their chocolate chip Welsh Cakes yesterday. A delicious treat after some careful whittling using knife skills.
Mrs Charlotte Pounds
Year 1 Teaching Assistant and Acting Head of Outdoor Learning
cpounds@oakwoodschool.co.uk
Headteacher for the day!
Mrs Bradbury had a rest today while our 'Headteacher for the Day' was at the helm!
She has hosted the Special Achievement Assembly, taken very important phone calls, awarded some credit stickers and given out some 'Kindness Certificates' that she made at home - Mr Coleman and the Kitchen team all received one and they each got a housepoint too! Arguably the most important task she completed today was giving biscuits to the Office Team so they had plenty of energy to finish this Friday Flyer! She has also hosted VIP Tea this afternoon, and enjoyed her drink from the special Headteacher's Mug.
Sports News & Stars
Oakwood U11 Rugby Team versus Elite Youth at Chichester Rugby Club tomorrow
Good luck to our U11 boys tomorrow as they play against an Elite Youth Team tomorrow, as per the information at the top of the flyer. Spectators welcome!
Prep School Sports Fixtures - Stars of the week!
Well done to the following children for their efforts in their fixtures and Oakwood Festivals this week! The sun shone for both Senior and Junior Festivals this week!
U11 (Y6) Rugby: Seb, Joe and Nikos
U10 (Y5) Rugby Festival 'Players of the Day' - Leo A and Ben
U10 (Y5) Football Festival 'Players of the Day' - Jemima and Darcey
U8 (Y3) Rugby Festival 'Players of the Day' - Raffi, Elspeth and Elodie W.
U8 (Y3) Football Festival 'Players of the Day' - Olive and Oliva C
Prep School Sports Fixtures on SOCS
Please remember to regulary check your child's SOCS calendar for up-to-date information about forthcoming sports fixtures, the locations, times and team selections
SOCS Parent Login
Oakwood Prep School Sports Instagram Account
If you are not yet following our Instagram account, please check out our Prep School Sports Account - @oakwoodprepsport
Holiday Provision
Camp Little Oaks is internally-run by Oakwood Staff, providing holiday care for Oakwood pupils in Nursery and Kindergarten.
Easter 2026 Booking Form - please complete your bookings by Friday 20th March
CSS Activities are now taking bookings for ages 4-11+ children (Reception-Year 6+) for February Half Term, Easter, May Half Term and Summer Holidays 2026!
CSS Activities Holiday Camp is an externally-run provider available for all children in the local area.
Local Events and Activities
Weekly Picture Gallery
World Book Day Photos!
