Oakmeeds Community College
Succeeding Together
“ Since joining the school, my son has discovered new subjects, new friends, new responsibilities and new challenges.� parent
welcome to
Oakmeeds At Oakmeeds every child matters. The College is well-known for the care, support and guidance provided for students. If children are happy and secure, they will want to develop their talents and skills and work towards achieving their potential. We provide a purposeful and structured environment with a positive, family atmosphere. Our dedicated staff focus on the individual needs of each student and achievements are valued and celebrated. We have an emphasis on high standards of discipline and the importance of examination results and academic success. The quality of provision at Oakmeeds has been recognised through the College achieving a number of prestigious national and regional awards. We offer a very broad range of GCSEs and to support our unique and continuously evolving curriculum class sizes are, where possible, kept low. Beyond the classroom, we acknowledge the vital part played by parents in the education of their children. We aim to work with parents to ensure that our students are able to make the most of the wide range of opportunities presented to them and achieve to the best of their ability. To demonstrate this approach you are warmly invited to visit the College and see us in action. I will be delighted to meet you and feel sure you will be impressed by what you see. Colin Taylor Headteacher
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school ethos OUR VISION IS SUCCEEDING TOGETHER, SUPPORTED BY THE FOLLOWING VALUES WE WANT TO DEVELOP IN OUR STUDENTS. A
Accountable
S
Successful
P
Positive
I
Independent
R
Responsible
E
Enthusiastic
In support of our values, we aim to ensure that: • Everyone feels valued, supported, cared for and receives the guidance they need. • Everyone is provided with a range of appropriate opportunities to develop and extend their skills and talents and serve the community. • Everyone is actively engaged in learning experiences that are well planned, accessible and challenging. • The achievements of all are recognised and celebrated at every opportunity. Underpinning everything we do is the knowledge that school is not an end in itself but a preparation for the future. When our students leave, we want them to be ready for the challenges that lie ahead and be properly equipped to make a success of their future lives.
Our Vision &
Values
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“ The behaviour of students is good.” Ofsted 2014
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Inspiration to
Achieve Putting Learning First At Oakmeeds, our dedicated staff aim to instil a love of learning in all our students. Teaching staff focus on the delivery of high quality learning experiences that engage and enthuse. Inspiring students to think, learn, create and imagine is crucial if each individual is to develop and grow. This is achieved by the application of new approaches to learning, a vibrant Learning Resources Centre and a variety of exciting opportunities in which to discover and learn.
Fulfilling Potential Potential comes in all shapes and forms. Every student is unique and at Oakmeeds we value diversity. We encourage our students to aspire to do their best, take responsibility for their learning, be ambitious and independent, enjoy College life and be successful in all that they do. We believe all our students must be given every opportunity to achieve the best possible grades. Individual targets and regular monitoring are designed to help students’ progress and achieve. Lessons are taught in ability groups where appropriate, allowing teaching to be tailored to best meet students’ needs.
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cu
The world is constantly changing, so at Oakmeeds we offer an innovative and dynamic curriculum, enabling us to provide the best and most appropriate experiences for every individual. Students of all abilities have pathways through the curriculum that closely match their needs, stretching and challenging them whilst providing support and intervention where necessary. We offer an impressive range of GCSEs, along with a variety of alternative courses. Students are given the opportunity to choose courses specific to their interests, talents and future plans. Our broad and balanced curriculum gives students an all-round education and prepares them for further and higher education and the world of work. Independent study and homework are an essential extension to school work and form an important part of a student’s education. Homework not only reinforces classroom learning, it also helps young people to develop skills and attitudes they need for successful lifelong learning. Students and parents are supported through an online package, which allows parents to monitor work set and students to access resources to assist them in the completion of their homework.
“ The curriculum is broad and balanced and meets students’ needs well.” Ofsted 2014
A dynamic
urriculum page 5
Sport A major part of life at the College. The College has a strong tradition of participation and excellence in a wide range of sporting activities and our facilities are extensive. Oakmeeds offers a broad sports curriculum and a diverse range of extra-curricular activities are available for all to take part in, either at a competitive or recreational level. Students are taught by experienced and committed staff, with the support of specialist coaches where appropriate. Involvement in sport allows students to develop skills of teamwork and leadership, as well as qualities of resilience, persistence, confidence and a respect for rules.
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Well Rounded Individuals We believe that education goes beyond the classroom, so we aim to develop confident and enthusiastic young people who enjoy their time at Oakmeeds and have the opportunity to participate in many experiences. Lunchtime and after school clubs encourage students to develop new interests, skills and talents. They complement and extend the taught curriculum, enhancing and enriching students’ learning.
Providing opportunities to perform Oakmeeds has gained a first-rate reputation for its concerts, drama productions and musicals, which helped us gain the prestigious Artsmark Award in 2006 and Artsmark Gold in 2012. Our Performing Arts facilities include a purpose-built drama studio and well-equipped music rooms where dedicated professionals encourage talent to flourish.
Wider Curriculum We believe that there are great benefits in taking part in activities away from the College site. Throughout the year, subject areas organise a variety of day trips to museums, plays, exhibitions and to various locations for the purpose of fieldwork. In addition, residential trips offer students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of academic studies over a concentrated period of time. During Activities Week in July, students have traditionally taken part in a variety of activities with the rest of their year group. This includes residential trips or a variety of activities based at College or in the local community. The Year 7 camp, in particular, is always described by students as one of the most memorable experiences at Oakmeeds.
enhanced
learning
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A strong
Community Oakmeeds is at the heart of the local community. We have long-standing relationships with businesses and many other groups in Burgess Hill. we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. It is the people, not the buildings, who make a school. Oakmeeds is well-known for its friendly, caring and nurturing ethos. We have a strong and supportive pastoral system and high expectations of behaviour, conduct and respect for all. The student voice is listened to and valued, with the Student Council providing a forum for opinions to be heard and changes to be made. The pastoral care system is supported by the mixed-ability tutor groups within each year group. These are overseen by the Head of Year, who helps and inspires students and promotes activities designed to develop positive attitudes. At Oakmeeds, we understand the importance of creating a culture where achievement is recognised and valued. Students are rewarded when they do well and successes (big and small) are celebrated. Our leavers take with them the confidence and the skills that they will need to achieve success and to make a worthwhile contribution to society in later life.
“ Our daughter tells us everyone is really friendly, her teachers are very supportive and encouraging, and she wants to do well and learn from them.� Parent
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Oakmeeds Community College West Sussex County Council Headteacher: Mr C J Taylor MA Oakmeeds Community College, Station Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, Rh15 9Ea T: 01444 241691 E: office@oakmeeds.co.uk www.oakmeeds.co.uk