Oasis Academy BrightstowePenpole Lane, Shirehampton

Bristol, BS11 0EB

www.oasisacademybrightstowe.org

Academy Prospectus

2011 - 2012

If you have a query regarding Oasis Academy Brightstowe please contact Matthew Butler through his PA, on 0117 316 7330

You can keep up-to-date with developments at Oasis Academy Brightstowe via our website www.oasisacademyimmingham.org.

If you wish to know more about Oasis Community Learning – part of the Oasis group of charities please contact:

75 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HS www.oasiscommunitylearning.org

Registered number: 5398529

Certified as a FSC mixed sources product, produced with recycled fibre from both pre- and post-consumer sources, together with FSC certified virgin fibre from well managed forests.

When I was young I went to a local church based youth club. There I learnt two important lessons in life. The first was that the 15-year-old girl I liked was not interested in me, a 14-year-old lad! The second was that God loves and includes everyone.

I became inspired to create ways to develop people and build communities where everyone had hope and all were included and treated fairly. In 1985 we started the charity Oasis Trust which provides education, housing and healthcare around the world.

Oasis Community Learning was set up in 2004 to develop a number of Oasis Academies in the UK. At the heart of what we do is a Christian ethos of inclusion – valuing all, protecting rights to freedom and choice, working against discrimination and exclusion and respecting the beliefs of others.

Oasis Academy Immingham will provide a rich and balanced educational environment – academically, vocationally, socially, morally, spiritually, emotionally and environmentally. We will aim to develop informed and active learners who

can explore questions, seek answers and solve problems – students who will care passionately about their neighbour, their community and their planet.

Through high quality facilities, outstanding staff and clear leadership we will achieve a positive and affirming environment, encouraging partnerships between students, parents and the local community.

Oasis Academy Immingham will provide a welcoming environment for students of all faiths and none, working out our vision ‘Building Community – Developing People’.

Steve Chalke MBE - CEO, Oasis Community Learning

Oasis Community LearningBuilding Community - Developing People

Creating Bright Futures

Welcome to Oasis Academy Brightstowe. We have come a long way since opening in September 2008. Since becoming an

Oasis Academy we have completely transformed the ethos and attitude of the school while, at the same time, investing in

educational and pastoral changes to enhance the learning experience.

We believe that young people locally deserve an excellent education. At Oasis Academy Brightstowe we are determined to

provide the very best opportunities in order to open the doors to a bright and successful future for each and every one of our

students.

Principal’s welcomeThank you for taking the time to read our prospectus. I hope you will find it informative and enjoy reading the information within.

I was appointed Principal in September 2010, and am confident about the future of Oasis Academy Brightstowe. In a May 2011 Ofsted visit, the Academy was judged ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ in all categories, and will continue to drive up standards in order to provide a first-class local education for your child.

We have a fantastic sense of community here at Oasis Academy Brightstowe. Something that sets this school apart from others in which I have worked is that the staff, students, parents/carers and the local community really believe in each other. This gives the Academy a genuinely caring and supportive atmosphere, and one in which students flourish.

Oasis Academy Brightstowe is a lively, positive and inspiring school. We want every student to have the chance to explore their interests and build on their talents. Ours is an ethos of aspiration, participation and high expectations, where every student is encouraged to believe that they can succeed. We are committed to providing the opportunities and support that young people need to help them reach their full potential.

We understand that choosing your child’s secondary school is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make about their future. We are keen to ensure you have all the information you could possibly need, so please come along to one of our open mornings or evening, or simply call the Academy to arrange a viewing and I will give you a tour of our sine personally.

Matthew Butler – Principal, Oasis Academy Brightstowe

Our VisionOasis Academy Immingham

• Develops confident, independent, lifelong learners

• Prepares students to lead a good and successful life

• Delivers personalised learning programmes for all

• Is a focus for positive community action

• Provide 21st century learning opportunities.

Our ValuesEvery child mattersWe identify and develop the gifts, talents and interests of all our pupils. Our curriculum and extended opportunities enable all pupils to engage in their education, enjoy learning, achieve success and experience accelerated learning by having the opportunity to take qualifications at an earlier stage. We also help them learn how to be healthy and stay safe. They make positive contributions to their school, their community and the wider world, developing spiritual, social, physical, emotional and economic well-being. The achievements of all our pupils are always valued.

It takes a whole community to educate a childThis statement lies at the centre of all the Academy wants to achieve. We aim to employ first-class staff. Support goes far beyond the classroom into the local community. Parents, carers and families of our pupils are expected to be involved in the partnership that is the education of the whole child. Through our specialisms of Engineering & Commerce with Business & Enterprise we engage with local, national and international partners using the Oasis links to facilitate the education of our pupils.

Education for allThere is an expectation that all members of our community will become excellent life-long learners. Staff have opportunities for professional development through teamwork, training within the innovative environment of the Academy. Our educational facilities are shared with local organisations and local people.

Love your neighbourOur work is motivated and inspired by the life, message and example of Christ. We recognise the richness that spiritual and cultural diversity brings to our community. We respect the beliefs and practices of other faiths and will provide a welcoming environment for pupils of all faiths and those with none. We recognise that we are stronger together and value collaboration. We aim to develop an understanding and tolerance of each other through knowledge, mutual respect, believing the best and forgiveness. Individual rights will be respected and choice will be exercised within a culture of self-discipline.

Learning Curriculum

Learning – Pastoral organisation

Year 7 BaseThe Year 7 Base is a school within a school with a dedicated building and a private entrance where only Year 7 students have lessons. Our teaching team in the Year 7 Base consists of teachers who are trained in both primary and secondary methods. The year group is divided into five classes representing five differing levels of need, and each class is taught according to those needs.

Groups 1 and 2 (Accelerator) consist of students who are immediately able to undertake a full timetable of secondary teaching, providing the challenge to progress rapidly through a Key Stage 3 programme.

Groups 3 and 4 (Tracks) consist of students who will spend the majority of their time with one teacher studying English, Maths, and Humanities, and the remaining time with specialist teachers covering Design & Technology, Art, Music, & PE.

Group 5 (Steps) is a bridge group which will have one teacher for the majority of their learning. There is a strong focus on raising reading levels

so they can go on to access other elements of the secondary curriculum in Year 8.

O2 Squared PathwaysIn Year 9 students will reach Key Stage 4, at which point they will be able to choose from one of five pathways - O, A, S, I or S2. Each pathway offers a range of courses to meet students’ individual needs, including the CoPE curriculum, BTECs, GCSEs and the new English Baccalaureate. Some students will take exams in Year 10 followed by more courses in year 11, while others will be allowed the full three years to complete their courses. The key thing is that the Academy will adapt to meet the needs of the students, and the students will complete their studies at the Academy and obtain a portfolio of qualifications relevant to individual talents and capabilities.

Sixth FormThe Post 16 Sports Leadership Academy offers students from the area a unique opportunity to study

for a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport (Performance & Excellence) at Oasis Academy Brightstowe, while at the same time attending one of the 14 sports academies at Filton College.

Students will attend Brightstowe for two whole days a week during which time they will study for BTEC Level 3 Sport (2 A Level equivalent) in a small, nurturing environment with PE staff who have a proven track record in delivering BTEC Sport. Students will also have the option to gain level 1 & 2 NCFE qualifications in exercise studies and sports coaching.

On the remaining three days students will attend Filton College where they will receive professional coaching at the sports academies. Students must be a least county standard to gain entry to these academies as the standard of competition is very high. Students will have access to all of Filton College’s state of the art facilities and expert coaching staff.

Students will be looking to move on to a career in sports coaching or leadership, while also concentrating on performing at the highest level possible in their chosen sport.

Oasis Academy Brightstowe has a strong Pastoral system, the foundation of which is its three house system; Everest, Kilimanjaro and McKinley. The names of the Houses were chosen by the students and represent their high aspirations and willingness to persevere until they reach their goals.

The Academy has recently introduced Vertical Tutoring within the House structure whereby older students will tutor younger students. Within each House new Family groups gave been established consisting of 12 mixed aged students and a tutor. This allows every student in the academy to have a tutor who really knows them well and can support them throughout secondary school. Vertical Tutoring is recognised nationally for creating strong family relationships between students, reducing incidents of bullying and allowing older students to take

on increasing levels of leadership and responsibility. Within their Family groups students are taught PSHE (Mi Journey) through ‘circle time’ and every student receives at least one academic mentoring session per term (Mi Challenge).

Underpinning the pastoral system is an incentives system (MiAwards) which allows students to earn rewards for themselves, their Family Groups and their House. Houses use every opportunity to celebrate the successes of their students and hold weekly assemblies, as well as House celebrations events.

Chaplaincy TeamThe Chaplaincy Team is an exciting new addition to our community hub. Our Chaplain, our youth worker, our gap year volunteers, our family worker

and other volunteers from the local community are all part of the team.

The emphasis of the Chaplaincy Team is pastoral – supporting and serving our students, their families and our staff. By building relationships through having a visible presence in the life of the school, the team respond to need in a variety of different ways. Key to the support the team offer are ‘Corridor Crew’ - welcoming students as they come into school each morning, running a breakfast club and mixing with students at break and lunch time. The Chaplaincy Team also runs a listening service - offering one to one support; offering the opportunity for prayer and reflection; offering practical family support; and serving the school through hospitality.

InnovationsAs an ICT specialist academy, we ensure all students are exposed to opportunities to gain a thorough knowledge of how ICT is used in the outside world; preparing them for the future workplace.

Our brand new Managed Learning Environment (MLE)Our vision is to enrich the learning experience of our students through the use of our world class Managed Learning Environment. The MLE includes new ways of working which allows anywhere, anytime safe access to high quality teaching and learning resources, where young people take control and responsibility for their own learning.

As a parent or carer, you will have access to the MLE which will provide you with real time information relating to your child’s home learning tasks, attendance, behaviour and assessment. Key information about the academy and information about what your child will learn in each subject is at the click of a button.

To access the MLE, all you need is a computer with internet connection. If you do not have one, why not pop in and use ours! If you would like further information, please contact Mr. Billy Smith (billy.smith@oasisuk.org).

Our Innovations RoomOur Innovations Room is fitted out with the latest state of the art ICT equipment. This includes: green screen technology, the 3d experience and iPads.

Chroma Key (Green Screen):Chroma key compositing (or chroma keying) is a technique for compositing (layering) two images together. ‘Green screen’ technology is commonly used for weather forecast broadcasts, wherein the news presenter appears to be standing in front of a large map during live television newscasts. This technology will be used to support the learning of students and facilitate teaching within a variety of subject areas to expose students to new technologies and enhance their experience in ICT and Design Technology.

3D Experience:The 3D experience enables students to use digital media to create, watch and edit 3D films and short clips. Students will experience their education like never before as the world around them, from history to science and literature to maths, comes alive in three-dimensional planes.

IPADs:We offer all students access to iPads during breaktime, lunchtime and after school. These are situated around the academy and are also used in lessons.

Outstanding OpportunitiesFacilitiesAs a new school we have excellent facilities in a building designed for 21st century education. The centrepiece of our school is the Agora, a market place where pupils’ work and achievements are showcased. The school also has many eco-friendly features: solar panels and wind turbines, an eco-construction site and garden area for growing our own food.

We are an ICT-rich environment with easy access to the Academy network, both in and out of school. Parents/carers are be able to access information on their child’s attainment, progress and attendance at any time. We have excellent links with other Oasis Academies, developing as more Oasis Academies come on stream. We also have excellent links with other Oasis schools from around the world providing a rounded educational experience.

The fitness suite, sports hall and multi-use games area provide excellent sporting facilities. We also access off-site facilities for other sports such as sailing and rock climbing. The catering facilities are first-class both for pupils to use and for pupils to learn. We are developing an expertise in hospitality and catering and will encourage business development in these areas.

Arts and Technology is well-supported with the recording studio, indoor and outdoor performance space, engineering workshops and high specification design equipment.

The Academy also have two independent fully functioning educational businesses in Hair & Beauty and Engineering which benefit the whole learning community.

Admissions

How places will be allocated at Oasis Academy ImminghamIf there are more applications than places available, priority will be given to applicants in the following order:

1. Children with Statements of Special Educational Needs where the Academy is named on the Statement (under Section 324 of the 1996 Education Act).

2. Children in public care (looked after children) at the time of application.

3. Children who have specific medical needs, social needs or special needs where the application is supported by written specific professional advice as to why admission to the Academy is necessary. The OCL Board will make the decisions related to such applications.

4. Siblings of pupils who will be attending the Academy and living at the same address on the date when the applicant would be admitted. The term “sibling” means a full, step, half, adopted or fostered brother or sister, but not cousins. The Academy reserves the right to ask for proof of relationship.

5. Children who live the nearest distance from the Academy. The distance, which determines how close the child lives to the Academy, is the shortest walking distance along public highways and footpaths between the door to the child’s permanent address and the main entrance to the Academy. The child’s permanent address is where he or she normally lives and sleeps and from where they go to school. Proof of residence can be requested at any time throughout the admissions process. If false or misleading information is used to gain entry to the Academy, the offer of a place will be withdrawn and the application cancelled.

Please noteShould there be more applicants from criterion 4 than places available, then criterion 5 will be used to determine who will be allocated a place.

Oasis Academy Immingham is a non-selective school open to pupils of all religious faiths and those of no faith.

If you are a parent/carer of a pupil currently in Year 6 and wish to apply for a place at Oasis Academy Immingham in Year 7 for the following September you will need to complete the Common Application Form and return it to the admissions section NE Lincs.

If you are seeking a place in any other year group, or for a Year 7 place other than September, you must contact the Academy directly.

FacilitiesAs a recently built school we have excellent facilities.

As a new Academy, we are ICT-rich with easy access to the Academy network, both in and out of school. Interactive whiteboards are a feature of all classrooms with teachers using an ever increasing array of new technologies to support learning in every lesson.

Through the development of our new Virtual Learning Environment students will be able to access learning and assessment from home and parents/carers will be able to secure information on their child’s attainment, progress and attendance at any time.

We link with other Oasis Academies as they come on stream and with schools from around the world to provide a rounded educational experience.

Our large spaces and social areas are used to celebrate achievements and to showcase work of all kinds. The sports hall, sports fields and courts and dance/drama studio provide excellent sporting facilities.

Our Academy has a picturesque setting with outdoor seating areas complementing our attractive dining hall space and corridor arrangement of tables and chairs. We recognise the importance of providing excellent facilities so that students can spend their informal time in a positive and safe environment.

If you have a query regarding Oasis Academy Brightstowe please contact Matthew Butler through his PA, on 0117 316 7330

You can keep up-to-date with developments at Oasis Academy Brightstowe via our website www.oasisacademyimmingham.org.

If you wish to know more about Oasis Community Learning – part of the Oasis group of charities please contact:

75 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HS www.oasiscommunitylearning.org

Registered number: 5398529

Certified as a FSC mixed sources product, produced with recycled fibre from both pre- and post-consumer sources, together with FSC certified virgin fibre from well managed forests.

Oasis Academy BrightstowePenpole Lane, Shirehampton

Bristol, BS11 0EB

www.oasisacademybrightstowe.org

Academy Prospectus

2011 - 2012

Academy Day

Monday

P1

P2

Break

Lesson Break Tutor CPD EnrichmentLesson/Lunch

P3

P4 & Lunch

TT

P5

E

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday8:30

9:30

10:30

10:50

11:50

13:20

13:50

14:50

15:50

Year 8 & 10

Year 7

Year 9 & 11

Year 7 Curriculum Students in year 7 have 50 one hour sessions of learning per fortnight. Each session lasts for one hour.

Reading is a real focus in year 7 and students have the opportunity to take part in a number of reading initiatives to improve their reading ability as well as enhance their enjoyment of reading.

Developing cross-curricular skills is also an important aspect of the year 7 curriculum. Students develop skills such as learning, using information technology, speaking in front of an audience, teamwork, report writing and citizenship.

There are a number of curriculum enhancement and enrichment experiences in year 7. A residential team-building activity, visits to universities, an open-top bus tour of Bristol and a variety of guest speakers are just some of the things our year 7 students enjoy.

SubjectEnglish

Maths

Humanities (History, Geography, and RE)

Spanish

Science

Music

Art

Design Technology

PE

Time10 sessions

10 sessions

10 sessions

4 sessions

6 sessions

2 sessions

2 sessions

2 sessions

4 sessions

UniformThe prospectus contains pictures of students wearing Oasis Academy Brightstowe uniform. The compulsory items are listed below.

UniformBlack blazer with Academy badge

Black trousers

White shirt (short or long sleeved)

Academy tie

Black flat-heeled shoes

Sports KitAcademy polo shirt

Academy rugby shirt

Academy sport shorts

Academy sport socks

Training shoes

Special Educational NeedsOasis’ ethos is based on an overarching theme of inclusion; of welcoming, encouraging and enabling all to achieve their best whatever the challenges may be in doing so.

The Academy’s aim is to ensure that all its students achieve their full potential, according to their needs. If a student has special educational needs (SEN), the Academy will take every reasonable step to identify and meet them. Further information on the policy and provision for SEN can be obtained from the Academy.

Students with SEN who do not have statements of special educational needs will be admitted on an equal basis with others in accordance with the Academy’s admissions policy (see page 10 of the prospectus).

Where a student has a statement and the Local Authority is proposing to name the Academy in the statement, the Academy will agree to the student’s admission. The only reason for not doing so is if the inclusion of that student would be incompatible with the education of other children and there are no reasonable steps the Academy could take to resolve this. If there is a disagreement between the Academy and the Local Authority on the placement of a student, there is a voluntary dispute resolution service backed up by the Secretary of State’s power to intervene. In the last resort parents/carers can appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal.

Ofsted InspectionIn a May 2011 Ofsted inspection, Oasis Academy Brightstowe was rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ in all categories.

The inspectors found that:

• 85% of lessons are good or better

• atmosphere of Academy is calm and purposeful

• care, guidance & support for students is outstanding

• academy leadership & management is outstanding

InwhatwastheAcademy’sfirstfullinspectionsinceitopenedinSeptember2008,inspectorsreportedsignificantimprovementsacrossthe board. They observed that good progress had been made in key areas such as teaching and learning and student attainment. The inspectors also noted the difference appointing a new Principal and other members of the Academy Leadership Team made to the overall development of the Academy and its capacity for further improvement.

What is also very clear in the report is that Oasis Academy Brightstowe has a strong sense of community and provides a happy and safe learning environment for its students.

PrincipalofOasisAcademyBrightstowe,MatthewButler,said,“ThisreportaffirmstheworkwearedoinghereatBrightstoweandit’swonderfultohavethataffirmationcomefromabodyasestablishedandrespectedasOfsted.It’safantasticspringboardforourfuture,from which we can set about achieving our goal to build the best school in Bristol.”