A special celebration was held on Thursday 11th November, to mark progress of the £18m rebuild of Oasis Academy in Coulsdon. 

Rev Steve Chalke, MBE, founder of Oasis UK, led the celebrations and helped students bury a Time Capsule under what will become the new Sports Hall facilities, which the whole community can access when the building project is complete in Autumn 2011.

Year 7 student Georgia Poulier talked about the 'mind-map' she had created for the Time Capsule to try to explain to future generations what it meant to be part of Oasis Academy Coulsdon:  high achievements, working hard in lessons, taking part in enrichment and after school clubs, making friends and being part of a Family.  Oliver Westergaard-Belcher spoke about all the other items the students had placed in the Time Capsule which included the school tie and badge, photos of all the students and staff, Academy newsletters and prospectus, as well as a copy of a national newspaper.

The new building will also enable the Academy to extend their 14-19 provision.  Year 11 student, Hannah Peploe said:  "We are honoured that we will be the very first Sixth Form students in the history of the Academy, it's a real responsibility.  All Year 11 students have been involved in the planning and have put forward our ideas on the curriculum, subject choices, enrichment and student leadership opportunities.  We are all very excited."

Principal of Oasis Academy Coulsdon, David Millar and Mark Tant, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon, the building contractors, spoke about the history of the school and looked forward to the future.

David Millar said:  "The interior of the building has been designed as a tool for learning with a mix of flexible classrooms, independent study areas, break out spaces, workshops, exhibition areas and performance arenas.  We will have a Science garden and allotments so that students can grow the food that they eat for lunch.  The external design and construction of the building also means that our Academy will be one of the 'greenest' in the country, for example, our energy needs will be supplied by on-site renewable sources (solar panels), and the roof is made of ETFE polymer – the same lightweight, recyclable and resilient material used for the Eden Project biomes in Cornwall and National Space Centre in Leicester."

Rev Paul Roberts, Rector of St John's Church, Old Coulsdon, gave thanks for the opportunities the new facilities will provide for young people and the local community and said that "Oasis Academy Coulsdon was one of the best Good News stories in St John's 750 year celebrations."

Students, staff, guests and builders shared a celebration cake made in the shape of the new wing, which was specially prepared for the occasion.