Ios sixthform prospectus

Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey Sixth Form Prospectus 2016/17

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A message from our CEO A very warm welcome to Oasis Community Learning!

I am delighted that you and your daughter or son are interested in becoming part of Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey.

Oasis Community Learning was established as a Multi Academy Trust in 2004 with the vision to create: “Exceptional Education at the Heart of the Community”.

We now run Academies in four main regions throughout the UK, providing either primary, secondary or all-through education. All our Academies are committed to providing a rich educational experience and ensuring that every child and young person has the opportunity to achieve at the highest level.

Our ethos is integral to that provision: it is an expression of our character, a statement of who we are and therefore the lens through which we assess all we do. We are committed to a model of inclusion, equality, healthy relationships, hope, and perseverance throughout all the aspects of the life and culture of each academy community.

We passionately embrace learning and are committed to every child within our care reaching their full potential and developing holistically across every area of their lives, both now and in the future.

John Murphy Chief Executive Officer, Oasis Community Learning 2

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All of this is underpinned by our philosophy of education which highlights our focus on inspirational leadership, deep learning and healthy communities and aspires to develop the character and competence of every child within every community that we are part of.

At Oasis Community Learning therefore, we believe we are all ‘the architects of our students’ lives’ and as such we are committed to laying the right foundations for every one of our young people.

So we look forward to your daughter or son potentially becoming part of Oasis, in the knowledge that we will work in partnership with you to ensure they become confident learners ready to fulfil their aspirations in life.

Best wishes, John Murphy

“Exceptional Education at the Heart of the Community”.

Principal’s welcome I am delighted to introduce myself as Principal of Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey, from September 2016. Since joining the Academy in 2013 as Associate Principal, it has been a privilege to work with our talented students, dedicated staff and supportive community in the interests of giving the young people we serve the best possible start in life. My work in education has always stemmed from a core belief that every young person deserves the best teaching, support and guidance to enable them to grow, develop and access a range of exciting opportunities as they move into their adult lives.

Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey is an exciting place to be and I hope these pages will give you a flavour of what we offer.

The Sixth Form has improved rapidly over the last two years and our team of dedicated professionals, working in state of the art facilities, ensure high quality teaching and learning is delivered on a daily basis. We have unashamedly high standards of effort, work and behaviour; high expectations in all areas enables young people to progress, achieve and develop the skills that will allow them to become successful and resilient adults. We also believe that every person is a unique individual and the excellent pastoral care we offer ensures that every member of our academy community receives the personal support they require in order to achieve their best.

Central to our work is the belief that, alongside rapid academic progress, an outstanding education provides young people with a range of platforms to develop their skills and talents.

Whether it be playing sport as part of our wide range of extra-curricular clubs, taking part in one of our vibrant school performances, or contributing to the wider community through one of our extensive outreach projects, you will find many opportunities to enrich your education.

A key part of Sixth Form is preparing you for successful adult lives. In recent years, the number of students from the Academy going to university has increased significantly and we also have a number of excellent links with local businesses that provide apprenticeships.

We look forward to welcoming you – Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey is on an exciting journey and we look forward to working with you to ensure you achieve the success you deserve.

John Cavadino

Principal, Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey

“The Academy works hard to ensure that each student follows the most appropriate pathway after leaving the school.” Ofsted, March 2015 3

About Our Academy Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey is located across two campuses; the East Campus in Minster and the West Campus in Sheerness. Our ÂŁ57m inspirational building boasts an unparalleled range of facilities and opportunities to maximise student learning and help you achieve your ambitions.

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Our Values At Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey, everything we do is centred around the Oasis ethos:

a passion to include everyone a desire to treat everyone equally, respecting differences a commitment to healthy and open relationships a deep sense of hope that things can change and be transformed a sense of perseverance to keep going for the long haul

We have an unwavering belief in ‘inclusion’ – that every student should have the opportunity to realise and reach their potential, regardless of their background. You will often see the Oasis ‘Circle of Inclusion’ throughout the Academy to symbolise this belief.

We believe in community. We recognise that we are stronger together and therefore value collaboration. We develop an understanding and tolerance of each other through knowledge, mutual respect, believing the best of each other and in forgiveness. We work as a community, supporting our own pupils, families and staff in everything we do.

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Our Vision Together we will create outstanding, inspirational education in a vibrant, inclusive environment that will transform the learning and lives of those we serve.

Together we will unlock and celebrate the unique and limitless potential of every individual, to lay the foundations for a successful and fulfilling future.

Together we will build the school of choice where all feel pride in belonging to a happy, caring family; the heart of our community.

Our Oasis, Our Sheppey.

“In years 12 and 13 I’ve had great support from my subject teachers who have guided me through A levels.

I have also had the chance to flourish by leading with our dementia work on the island.”

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Lauren

Teaching and Learning Great teaching and learning is at the centre of everything we do. We are absolutely dedicated to having a transformative effect on young people’s lives and have a highly skilled body of teaching and support staff who are always willing to ‘go the extra mile’ for our young people.

We are committed to ensuring that all of our students move seamlessly from secondary education and get the very best opportunities at Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey Sixth Form. Our staff are dedicated to ensuring that students are fully prepared for their next step, whether that be higher education or employment.

Our most recent Ofsted report (2015) highlighted that “Teaching in the Sixth Form is Good”.

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“Students are applying to the top universities in Britain and America.�

Ofsted, March 2015 8

“Students are encouraged to question and enquire in depth into issues raised in their subjects.�

Ofsted, March 2015

Courses At Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey, our curriculum offer to students is reviewed annually to ensure that they receive a broad and extensive subject choice, taking into account the new reforms.

If you wish to follow an academic route, you should gain at least B grades in your chosen subjects at GCSE.. For 2016-17 our academic pathway will follow the linear A Level reform and programmes will run over two years.

We also have a rich and varied vocational curriculum offer and you should gain a minimum of 5 A*-C grades including Maths and English.

As part of our inclusive ethos we are excited to offer a Level 2 programme of study this year. This programme will incorporate English and Maths GCSE with a range of courses designed to develop work skills. Please note this programme runs for one academic year.

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Courses

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Level 2 Package

A-Level

BTEC Level 3

Photography

Business

English

English Literature

Sport Science

Maths

Maths

Diploma in Sport

Work Skills

PE

Creative Media

BTEC L2 IT

Psychology

Travel & Tourism

Art & Design

Physics

Construction

Law

Health & Social Care

Group 2:

Sociology

Musical Theatre

English

Chemistry

Diploma in Hairdressing

Maths

Biology

Diploma in Beauty

Work Skills

History

Art & Design

BTEC L2 IT

Fine Art

IT

Motor Vehicles

Computer Science

Applied Science

Group 1:

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“Students in the Sixth Form play an active role in developing the community links with the Academy.�

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Ofsted, March 2015

Sixth Form Life The Sixth Form Day The Academy day begins at 08:30am and ends at 3:00pm. Small group tuition ensures that subject specialists are able to deliver high-quality lessons and individual support. Lessons are timetabled across five one-hour sessions per day. All students attend a half hour mentoring session each day.

Students have designated learning zones that are available for private study throughout the school day. Hot and cold food is served in the Refectory on both the East and West Campuses. There are quiet areas equipped with IT, for private study and research.

Enrich and Extend

Pastoral Care

Student Leadership

Student support and intervention is available as part of our extended Academy day so students have the opportunity to initiate and seek bespoke teacher support. Alternatively, this session could be directed by teachers to ensure student progression is in line with expectations. We offer a range of student enrichment opportunities through supporting our student leaders.

Staff are always available to encourage and add value to student-led activities.

Our pastoral care is embedded throughout the Sixth Form Team. We all take responsibility for the health, well-being and academic progress of our students by building positive and meaningful relationships with students in our care. All students receive tuition in life-skills such as personal financial management, health, wellbeing and nutrition to help them prepare for independent living.

Student leadership is important to us and we are always looking for students who want to be leaders in school and act as superb ambassadors in the community. Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey 16+ students have an excellent record in volunteering and are highly valued and respected by local organisations, with whom they have developed excellent relationships.

Many activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, equip students with skills and expertise to enhance their CVs.

Our Dress Code

Students also take part in a range of fundraising and charitable activities, looking to help those near home and overseas. Our Sixth Form students are role models for younger students and they assist in the running of the school in a variety of ways.

Sixth Form students are required to dress in a business-style manner with clothes suitable for an office/workplace environment. Boys are required to wear smart trousers, a shirt and jacket. Girls wear smart skirt/trousers with blouse and jumper or cardigan.

Student leaders are involved in organising social events, fundraising activities and representing the views of Sixth Form to senior staff and governors. All Sixth Form members are role models for younger year groups and lead clubs and activities at break times; one example being a weekly book club, ‘Chapter Chats’.

Our aim is to develop our student leadership team that can assist in the longer term strategic planning of our expanding and successful sixth form.

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Sixth Form Life The Sixth Form Day Career Guidance and Mentoring In today’s world it is no longer simply a question of which job or what to study or where to study. Students need to be given the tools to understand themselves better. You need to know what you are capable of and what makes you tick. Only when you start to comprehend your own strengths, weaknesses, motivations and aptitudes, can you start to navigate through the ever increasing array of choices now available to you.

We pride ourselves on our devoted team of Sixth Form staff who work tirelessly to ensure our students feel supported and mentored into making the very best decisions for their life after Sixth Form.

Our Sixth Form Mentors and full time Careers Advisor ensure students are kept fully aware of all opportunities available to them. They provide advice and guidance on the application process for further education as well as information on events, such as University Open Days, Apprenticeships and UCAS Fairs.

All students will take part in planning and researching future pathways. This is embedded as part of the Mentoring Programme in Term 1 and reviewed again in Term 4 to check on progress and any alternative plans.

Specialist careers advice and guidance is available by appointment and we encourage students to apply for a wide range of opportunities and experiences that will stimulate and enrich their learning.

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Tom Creed Tom studied BTEC Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science alongside A-Level PE, achieving three distinctions (DDD) and C grades. He is currently studying Physical Education with qualified teacher status at the University of Bedfordshire.

During his time in Sixth Form, alongside his studies, Tom became a Mentor to younger students, offering support and guidance. He regularly contributed to assemblies and parent and open evenings.

Whilst in Sixth Form and alongside his studies, Tom raised ÂŁ1,436 for Oasis UK by running the London Marathon and by organising a series of sports events for students. A highly popular, extremely talented sportsman, Tom was voted the Academy ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ for two consecutive years and in 2016 was the overall winner for Sport at the Oasis National Awards.

Tom continues to support our staff and students, when university holidays allow.

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“Sixth Form has been the pathway to my success and ambition in wanting to be a PE teacher. The staff have helped me all the way in chasing my dreams and I am very thankful.”

Tom Creed

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Charlotte King Charlotte is currently studying A-Level Psychology, English Literature, Biology and Mathematics. Charlotte achieved A* to B grades in her GCSE subjects.

Charlotte has been part of Kent Academies Network, a programme to help our more able students reach a Russell Group university. Charlotte applied for this in Year 9 and was among the first group of KAN students and is a regular visitor to Cambridge University. Charlotte has recently secured a place on the Nuffield Foundation Research Placement programme, where she will take part in current research in STEM-related subjects in the field, working on ground breaking research projects.

Emily Pickett Emily is currently studying A-Level Psychology, Sociology and Maths.

She achieved A* to A grades in her GCSE subjects and is intending to study Psychology at Cambridge. To help with preparations for this, Emily has attended a residential course at the University of Cambridge shadowing an undergraduate student in the school of Psychological and Behavioural Sciences. Emily is passionate about Psychology and hopes to become a world class research scientist in the emerging field of Cognitive Neuroscience. Emily will join Charlotte on the Nuffield Foundation Research Placement programme.

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Opportunities and Partnerships Kent and Medway Progression Federation (KMPF) KMPF is a long-standing partnership between: 40 secondary schools and academies; three universities in Kent & Medway (Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, and the University of the Creative Arts) and Kent County Council and Medway Council.

Together they aim to raise the attainment and aspirations of disadvantaged young people in Kent and Medway who may not otherwise consider Higher Education (HE).

What it means to our Academy: •

KMPF schools have access to a unique, free programme of HE outreach opportunities tailored to engage less advantaged young people in your school – across all year groups.

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Transport funds are available for off-site visits.

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Support team on hand to work with schools in planning activities and dedicated staff in each of the partner universities.

Oasis Global Partnerships: Oasis works in 11 countries across the world, delivering a range of services in each. Each Oasis Academy is partnered with one of the 10 other countries we work in and we regularly share learning and experiences, and carry out awareness- and fundraising.

For those who are interested, there is often the opportunity to visit our partner country. Our Academy is partnered with Oasis in Bangladesh and Burkina Faso.

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Hub and Community The vision of the Academy is to create both an outstanding school and also a community Hub. The aim is for our community to be able to access a range of services, adult learning programmes, healthy living advice and activities, sports facilities and out-of-hours youth activities.

This is an Academy that works with, in and for our community, and the community is becoming increasingly proud of us.

Oasis believes that it has a duty to respect the environment through a commitment to sustainability and bio-diversity.

Admissions Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey operates a Sixth Form for a total of 250 students. 125 places overall will be available in Year 12.

To determine eligibility for admission, please see our website for specific criteria in relation to minimum entrance requirements for Year 12 based on GCSE grades or other measures of prior attainment. The criteria will be the same for internal and external applicants.

Students failing to meet the grades for their preferred course option will be offered alternative courses if available. Students already on the Academy roll are entitled to transfer to Year 12 if they meet the published standards of entry.

Full details on our admissions criteria and an application form are available on our website: www.oasisacademyisleofsheppey.org

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A message from our Founder When I started Oasis, back in 1985, I had no idea it would grow into the wonderful family of charities that it has become today. We have not only become the country’s second largest provider of academy schools, educating around 25,000 children and young people, we also provide housing for vulnerable young people, and run everything from community farms to coffee houses and churches to children’s centres, and much more besides, in communities from Gateshead in the North East to Bristol in the South West. So, the question is…why?

Not only do we believe your child should receive the very best formal education, but also that there is more to a healthy life and future than simply the knowledge they hold. Every one of us is a product of the community we live in. That’s why Oasis is passionate that every community one of our Academies is part of should be a happy, healthy place where every person is included, valued, and is able to achieve their full God given potential and thrive. That’s why Oasis’ vision not only aims to deliver outstanding education, but also to help build great local neighbourhoods.

We’re motivated by our core Christian ethos which means that we believe every person – those of all faiths or none – are equally valuable and have a part to contribute in helping this vision become a reality. Helping a young person realise who they are meant to be is about more than simply the qualifications they get or the job they want; it’s about how they see themselves and those around them. That’s why Oasis’ goal is to play its part in helping to create great communities where every young person achieves their best, respects themselves, values those around them and contributes to the good of all.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to an Oasis Academy in order to experience this for yourself.

Steve Chalke, MBE

Steve Chalke, MBE Oasis Founder

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Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey West Campus: Marine Parade, Sheerness Kent ME12 2BE East Campus: Minster Road, Minster-on-Sea, ME12 3JQ Tel: 01795 873591

www.oasisacademyisleofsheppey.org

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