download a copy of our Prospectus - Oasis Academy Coulsdon

Steve Chalke

Oasis Community Learning 

Every Person Matters 

When I was a teenager I used to attend a local church-based 

youth club at the weekends. There I learnt two important lessons 

in life. The first was that the 15-year-old girl, that I started going 

there in an attempt to woo into becoming my girlfriend, wasn’t the 

least bit interested. To her I was a non-entity – a mere 14-year-old! 

But the second was that I am made in the image of God and that 

as a result, my life, just like each life, has purpose and meaning. In 

short, I learnt that every person matters. 

So it was that I became inspired to create ways to help build 

communities where everyone – both young and old – had hope, 

felt they mattered and were given the opportunity to achieve to 

their full potential. As a result, in 1985 I set up Oasis; a charity 

which now provides education, housing and healthcare around 

the world. 

Oasis Community Learning, part of what was by then a family of 

Oasis charities, began its life in 2004 with the goal of developing 

a number of Academies across the UK. And, just like the 

rest of Oasis’ work around the world, right at its heart are the 

same values. Inspired by Christ, we are committed to valuing 

all, protecting rights to freedom and choice, working against 

discrimination and exclusion, respecting the beliefs of others and 

nurturing confident and competent young people. 

That’s why Oasis Academy Coulsdon’s purpose is to provide 

a rich and balanced educational environment – academically, 

vocationally, socially, morally, spiritually, emotionally and 

environmentally for all our students. 

That’s why we 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. 

That’s why, through high-quality facilities, outstanding staff and 

clear leadership, we work to create a positive and affirming 

environment, encouraging partnerships between students, 

parents/carers and the wider local community. 

That’s why Oasis Academy Coulsdon’s goal is to provide a 

welcoming environment for students of all faiths and none, as well 

as for their parents and carers. 

The Oasis Educational Charter spells all this out in much more 

detail. You can download this from our website 

www.oasisacademycoulsdon.org. However, it is all summed up 

like this: 

We are community - we are relationships 

We are learning - we are achievement 

We are unique - we are inclusive 

We are enjoyment - we are perseverance 

We are hope - we are future 

`We are Oasis. 

Steve Chalke MBE – CEO, Oasis Community Learning

David Millar - Principal 

Oasis Academy Coulsdon 

Outstanding – Everyone, Every Time 

“A caring environment in which students develop a 

clear sense of values… “ 

I am extremely proud to welcome you to Oasis Academy 

Coulsdon. 

Since becoming an Academy in September 2008, we have 

worked tirelessly together to bring about a transformation. We 

have transformed the reputation and standing of the Academy 

within the local and wider community, receiving a ‘good’ Ofsted 

judgement in 2011 with recognition of our potential to continue 

to improve. We have transformed standards of teaching and 

learning, attendance and punctuality, behaviour, attainment and 

achievement. And our standards are improving year on year. 

“Rising standards of attainment…and good 

opportunities for professional enrichment contribute 

to the Academy’s good capacity to make and 

sustain improvement” 

We are a values-driven Academy, with a clear Mission and 

Vision. We will be Outstanding. We live our vision and values, are 

committed to inclusion and ensuring that all students make at 

least good progress, and achieve their potential in all areas. 

“Oasis Academy Coulsdon is providing its students 

with a good quality of education” 

All groups of students, including those with learning 

difficulties and or disabilities, make good progress” 

We have transformed the ethos of the Academy, in which there are 

High Expectations of Every Person, No Islands, and No Excuses. 

We have transformed our provision for students to ensure a 

holistic education that will develop confident, resilient, highly 

skilled and well-rounded individuals. We have supported the 

students in transforming their own expectations and aspirations, 

broadening horizons and unlocking opportunities for them to be 

successful and fulfilled. Finally, we have transformed our physical 

environment, through an £18.7 million investment in world-class 

learning and community hub facilities 

“A strong community spirit is apparent in this 

inclusive, cohesive Academy” 

We are on a journey to be outstanding in everything that we do, 

it’s what our students deserve. We will achieve our Mission and 

Vision. We have high aspirations for all and expect everyone within 

the Academy to strive for excellence in all they do. 

Students and staff here know that their success and wellbeing 

is our number one priority. In fact, students are happy to tell you 

that “teachers never give up on us”. This is because when 

you join our Academy, you join our ‘Family’ and families stick 

together and support each other. Sometimes this means we 

have to exercise ‘tough love’ like a parent or sibling, sometimes 

students and staff just need praise, a guiding hand or a gentle 

prod in the right direction. Most importantly though, each person 

here is celebrated and nurtured as an individual. Inclusion and 

personalised education is our commitment. 

Oasis Academy Coulsdon is the Academy for you and for the 

whole community. Our promise to all who join our Family is that 

we will never give up, we will be ‘Outstanding’ and a Centre of 

Excellence for all who choose to belong. 

I look forward to welcoming you in person. 

David Millar, Principal 

DfE,

“You have 

an outstanding Academy, 

and it is obvious that staff and pupils 

alike are proud of what you have achieved”. 

Andrew McCully OBE, Acting Director General 

March 2012

“Students enjoy being 

at the Academy and 

feel very safe”

Mission & Vision Statement 

We are a loving 

family who has 

the highest 

expectations and 

aspirations for all, 

working together to 

overcome barriers 

to success and 

fulfilment. 

As an Oasis 

Academy we will 

be an outstanding, 

vibrant learning 

community that 

develops the skills 

required for an everchanging 

world and 

a hunger for lifelong 

learning. 

We strive for 

excellence 

through a holistic 

educational journey 

that will transform 

the lives of every 

learner and the 

communities that 

we serve. 

We celebrate every 

person as a unique 

individual. Through 

our passion, 

commitment and 

innovation we 

nurture, challenge 

and guide learners 

to excel in a life of 

limitless potential. 

Family Ethos & Holistic Education 

Our strong ethos of inclusion and vertical Family system of 

pastoral care reinforces our commitment to looking after and 

developing the ‘whole’ child. Each year students are expected 

and encouraged to complete four ‘Arcs of Achievement & 

Inclusion’: Academic, Service, Enrichment and Professional. 

Academic means that we commit to excelling in our studies; 

Service encourages students to find their place in the world, 

serve each other, and contribute to the life of the Academy and 

the wider community, being a ‘host and not a guest’. We expect 

our students to participate in the many Enrichment opportunities 

provided and to enrich their own and the lives of others, and 

be Professional by committing to a life of learning, taking pride 

in their appearance, being present, punctual, prepared, and 

taking advantage of leadership and enterprise opportunities. We 

celebrate individual talents and abilities, developing confident, 

independent students who enjoy life-long learning. 

It takes a whole village to educate a child 

This African saying reflects the importance of the whole 

community in educating our children. We employ first-class staff. 

Support goes beyond the classroom and beyond the Academy 

gate. Parents, carers and families of our students are expected 

to be involved in their education. Through our contacts within the 

global Oasis family we engage local, national and international 

partners in the education of our students. 

Love your neighbour 

Our 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 provide a welcoming 

environment for students of all faiths and those with none. We 

recognise that we are stronger together and value collaboration. 

We develop an understanding and tolerance of each other 

through knowledge and mutual respect, believing the best of each 

other and forgiveness. Individual rights are respected and choice 

is exercised within a culture of self-discipline.

Learning – Curriculum 

“The good curriculum is well-suited to the students’ 

needs and interests” 

Key Stage 3, 11-12 phase 

At Oasis Academy Coulsdon, the Key Stage 3 curriculum, (usually 

a three year programme of study), is completed in Years 7 and 

8. Students study all the National Curriculum core subjects and 

choose individual pathways to success at the end of Year 8. Our 

six-week assessment cycle ensures that students study at the 

right level based on their academic ability. Personalised pathways 

enable all students to make good progress and receive targeted 

support and intervention. With a focus on skill development as 

well as knowledge and understanding, the emphasis is on making 

learning fun and engaging, challenging and rewarding. 

“Teachers’ subject knowledge is good and they 

have high expectations of the standards that 

students should reach” 

At the end of the summer term in Year 8 students ‘Graduate’ into 

Key Stage 4. A Graduation Ceremony celebrates their Key Stage 

3 achievements and marks their progress to the next stage of 

their journey with us. 

“The Academy has effective procedures and 

systems and teachers closely monitor students’ 

progress” 

Key Stage 4, 13-16 phase 

Our three year ‘OAC’ Curriculum Pathways are carefully designed 

to cater for all abilities and interests. All subject areas have 

enriched their schemes of work and offer students a more 

interesting and challenging programme of study at GCSE than 

would be possible within the usual two-year course. We offer a 

full complement of GCSEs, including the English Baccalaureate 

to stretch the academically able. Some BTEC courses enhance 

our offer to ensure that all students are able to study at the most 

appropriate level. 

“Students value the support they receive from their 

teachers, particularly the extra opportunities that 

are provided outside normal lessons” 

Our students progress through KS4 at the most appropriate 

speed to ensure they are challenged and successful. Some 

accelerate through and begin AS Level courses early, while others 

benefit from having an extra year of support and preparation 

for their examinations. Whichever Pathway, all students benefit 

from the opportunity of multiple exam entries and ‘banking’ 

qualifications early to reduce the stress and pressure of Year 11. 

All students are able to study essential qualifications to enjoy 

successful careers and enjoy fulfilling lives. 

“One very positive feature of the teaching and 

learning is the good relationships that are apparent 

between teachers and students” 

Key Stage 5, Sixth Form 

Our Sixth Form Centre opened in September 2011 and provides 

a world-class learning environment. We offer a wide range of 

academic and vocational Post 16 courses, extended through 

our partnership with Coulsdon College. Sixth Form students 

also receive tuition in personal finances, cookery, health and 

wellbeing helping to ensure they have all the necessary skills for 

independent living. Sixth Form life at Oasis Academy Coulsdon 

offers students the more structured school environment, more 

personalised support and more flexibility and freedom within a 

bespoke timetable.

Assessments and results 

The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust has presented us 

with an Outstanding Achievement Award for the past three years, 

in recognition of our rapid improvement in GCSE results. 

Results are available from the Academy website 

www.oasisacademycoulsdon.org and are also published on 

the Department of Education website: www.education.gov.uk/ 

performance tables. 

Learning - Pastoral Organisation 

Each student belongs to a vertical Family Group, supported by 

a Family Mentor. Each Mentor therefore has a mix of age-ranges 

within the group, just like any family situation. This system, is very 

popular with students, The members of the Family Group support 

and guide each other, sharing experiences and knowledge. We 

see merit in students encouraging one another and believe this 

peer support further motivates students to succeed. 

The Mentor is able to get to know their young person’s interests, 

skills and needs. They work with the student and their 

parents/carers to personalise their learning, helping 

them choose the right pathways, tracking their 

progress and ensuring they develop the 

skills needed for effective learning. 

“Students are well prepared for the 

next stages of their lives”

Community - Living and learning together 

Community vision 

“The needs of the community are well known” 

The vision of the Academy is to create both an outstanding school 

and a community hub. The aim is for local residents 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 serves the community, and the 

community is increasingly proud of us. 

“Students make an outstanding contribution to the 

wider community” 

Oasis believes that it has a duty to respect the environment 

through a commitment to sustainability and bio-diversity. 

Resources entrusted to Oasis Academy Coulsdon are used with 

integrity and responsibility. The world-class facilities were carefully 

designed for this purpose and achieved BREEAM excellence. 

Well-Being Centre 

Our Academy has a Well-Being Centre and provides support 

to students and their families through a network of healthcare 

professionals, including nurses, consultants and external 

agencies, Students who are experiencing difficulties either at 

the Academy or at home can access confidential support and 

advice when they need it. We also offer a ‘drop in’ service to the 

community at certain times during the week. 

Enrich, Embed and Extend. 

We have introduced an exciting new initiative for our curriculum, 

called ‘Enrich, Embed and Extend’. Timetabled for the last period 

of every second Friday; activities are offered for students by staff 

and older students that help provide the holistic education we 

strive for. Students are able to take part in a range of activities 

that enable them to pursue deeper learning in areas they are 

passionate about, to develop particular skills and interests, try 

out new things, and enjoy new and exciting opportunities 

and experiences. Everything from academic subjects to 

drama, music and performance is on offer, whilst for 

others additional literacy and numeracy support, or 

targeted GCSE intervention will be available to 

accelerate their progress. Activities range from 

chess, cheerleading and rocket-building, to 

mountain biking, vegetable growing and 

Eco-Champions, with a huge amount 

in-between. A termly commitment 

will be expected from a published 

menu of opportunities that will 

enrich, embed and extend 

our students’ education 

in the widest possible 

sense. 

A fully extended Academy 

Oasis Academy Coulsdon offers opportunities for extended 

learning and we encourage as many students as possible to 

take advantage of this provision. A Breakfast Club opens every 

day from 7:30 am and there are many enrichment activities 

organised during break, lunchtime and the end of the Academy 

day. Students are encouraged to provide clubs and activities for 

each other and the Student Council helps to shape the provision 

on offer.

“Provision ensures 

that students receive personalised 

attention, supporting both their well-being, 

and their academic and personal development”

Admissions 

Oasis Academy Coulsdon is a non-selective Academy open to 

students from Croydon, Surrey and surrounding boroughs, of all 

religious faiths and none. 

If you are a parent/carer of a student currently in Year 6 and wish 

to apply for a place at Oasis Academy Coulsdon in Year 7 for the 

following September, you will need to complete the Common 

Application Form and return it to your Local Authority. 

If you are seeking a place in any other year group or for a Year 7 

place post-September, you must contact the Academy directly. 

How places will be allocated for Year 7 at Oasis Academy 

Coulsdon 

Where the number of applications for admission is greater than 

the published admissions number, applications will be considered 

against the criteria set out below. After the admission of ‘Looked 

After’ students the criteria will be applied in the order in which 

they are set out below: 

1. Looked after children and previously looked after children 

(see below) 

Note 1 

Looked after children are defined as children in public care at 

the date on which the application is made 

Previously looked after children are children who were looked 

after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted or 

became subject to a residence order or special guardianship 

order, immediately after being looked after. 

If an application is made under the ‘looked after’ criterion, 

it must be supported by a letter from the relevant Local 

Authority Children’s Services Department. (If applying under 

the previously looked after criterion a copy of the adoption or 

special guardianship order must also be supplied.) 

specific health professional advice as to why admission to the 

Academy is necessary. 

3. Children for whom Oasis Academy Coulsdon is the nearest 

school, with priority being given to those living nearest. The 

distance which determines how close the child lives to the 

Academy is the direct line measurement from the centre 

of the child’s main home to the designated main entrance, 

nominated by the Academy. For shared properties, e.g. flats, 

the centre will be taken from the centre of the building. The 

child’s permanent home 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. 

4. Siblings of students 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. 

In the event that the number of applications exceeds the places 

available within any of the above categories, distance will be used 

to decide between applications. 

2. Children who have specific medical needs, social needs or 

special needs where the application is supported by written

Absence rates 

We collect and analyse absence data on a monthly basis and 

the results are available from the Academy. Both attendance and 

punctuality have improved markedly since becoming an Academy. 

The links between attendance and achievement and attainment 

are irrefutable. 

Equalities 

Our Commitment to Equality 

Equality and inclusion are at the heart of Oasis. We have a 

passion to include everyone and a deep desire to treat everyone 

equally. We accept others for who they are and respect 

differences. 

Our aim is to provide an excellent education for all our students. 

Our way of doing this is to work hard to improve students’ 

attainment and the standards of teaching and learning 

continually. At the same time, we also aim to meet the needs 

of the whole person and the whole community because 

we understand that the whole of life is education and 

that everyone who is part of a student’s life affects that 

student’s understanding of life and, therefore, his or her 

education. In this sense, every person matters. 

“A strong 

community spirit 

is apparent in 

this inclusive, 

cohesive 

Academy”

“Students 

particularly value the 

extra opportunities that are 

provided outside normal lessons” 

Facilities 

Our £18.7 million investment programme has transformed the 

Academy into a world-class teaching and learning centre. 

The new facilities include the wellbeing centre, internet café, 

specialist and bespoke Post-16 provision, a mixture of practical 

and theory science laboratories, complete with science 

garden, balcony and exhibition area, food technology suite with 

professional standard catering equipment, new sports complex 

including state of the art sports hall, dance studio, floodlit 

all-weather games areas, gymnasium and fitness suite, and a 

stunning new Agora at the very heart of the Academy for lectures, 

performances and exhibitions. 

Cutting-edge ICT is used innovatively and creatively throughout 

the teaching and study areas to enhance the independent and 

personalised learning culture. 

Our building is available for use through extended community 

access to facilities such as ICT, music, exhibition areas, internet 

café, and sports facilities including our Fitness Suite. We also plan 

to develop a programme of community clubs for all ages. 

If you wish to receive further information on hiring our facilities 

email lettings@oasiscoulsdon.org

If you have a query regarding Oasis Academy Coulsdon please 

contact the Principal, David Millar through his PA, Marion Jones, 

on 01737 551 161 or email marion.jones@oasiscoulsdon.org. 

You can keep up-to-date with developments at Oasis Academy 

Coulsdon via our website www.oasisacademycoulsdon.org 

If you wish to know more about Oasis Community Learning – 

part of the Oasis group of charities please contact: 

The Oasis Centre, 75 Westminster Bridge Road 

London SE1 7HS 

www.oasisuk.org/education 

Registered number: 5398529.

Excel 

Transforming Lives 

Host 

Academic 

Service 

Enrich 

Enrichment 

Professional 

“Preparing for a life of limitless potential...” 

Journey 

“The teachers are really supportive 

and kind; everyone treats you like 

it’s a big family” 

“Being here has given 

me so much more 

confidence” 

“Great learning environment and 

great teachers; they really help 

you to learn”

Year 7 Curriculum (2012/2013) 

Students have five one hour lessons each day, (25 hours of learning per 

week). They follow a two week timetable. 

Subject 

English 

Mathematics 

Science 

Humanities (History, Geography, 

RE and Citizenship) 

Modern Foreign Languages 

PE 

Technology 

ICT 

Art 

Music 

Drama 

Time (per week) 

4 hours 




English, Mathematics, Science and ICT 



1 ½ hours 

1 hour 




English, Mathematics, Science and ICT will follow the Key Stage 3 

National Curriculum schemes of work. 

Modern Foreign Languages 

All Year 7 students will study three languages: one term of French, 

one term of German and one term of Spanish. This will give them an 

enriching and enjoyable experience of a range of languages. 

At the end of Year 7 they will have the opportunity to continue to study 

one of these languages in Years 8, developing the expertise needed 

if they wish to pursue the language at GCSE level and beyond. Gifted 

linguists will have the opportunity to study a second language alongside 

their chosen option. Conversely, students needing additional literacy or 

numeracy support may receive this during MFL time. 

Physical Education 

PE is compulsory for all and offers students the opportunity to keep 

fit, develop a love of sport, and foster teamwork, leadership and other 

competitive skills. Students will partake in a wide range of sports 

including Football, Basketball, Netball, Athletics, Cricket, Gym, Yoga 

and Dance. A number of teams will also take part in competitive fixtures 

over the year. In Key Stage 4 all students will gain a qualification in PE 

(GCSE, BTEC or equivalent). The Academy also has a fitness suite 

which students can access before and after-school as well as during 

supervised PE lessons. 

Competency-based Curriculum 

The traditional KS3 school 

subjects will be used to deliver 

the curriculum, with the focus 

on developing skills and 

competencies such as teamwork, 

self-management and reflective 

learning, rather than simply 

acquiring knowledge. Students 

learn through themed project 

based topics such as ‘Fair Trade’, 

as well as learning how to learn 

and be successful. 

Extended Day 

To meet the needs of all young 

learners and adults in the 

community we extend the 

Academy day. A wide range 

of academic and enrichment 

activities such as Sport, Music, 

Drama and ICT are available. All 

students are expected to take 

part and their achievements will 

count towards their Enrichment 

Arc of Achievement. Students 

are expected to contribute fully to 

community life.

Uniform Years 7 – 11 

We have very high standards and expect our students to be smartly 

dressed at all times and arrive each day with all necessary equipment, 

ready to learn. Appearance and equipment is checked by senior staff 

every morning as students arrive. 

Compulsory Academy Uniform items 

Girls 

Black blazer with *Academy 

badge 

White shirt with top button 

*Academy tie: 

Years 7-8 Green, Years 9-10 

Blue, Year 11 Black 

Black skirt (knee length, pleated 

or plain) or Black tailored trousers 

Black shoes that can be polished 

Black or white socks, or neutral 

or black tights (no patterns) 

Boys 

Black blazer with *Academy 

badge 

White shirt with top button 

*Academy tie: 

Years 7-8 Green, Years 9-10 

Blue, Year 11 Black 

Black tailored trousers 

Black shoes that can be polished 

Black socks 

Optional Uniform & Sports Kit items 

*Black, v-necked Academy 

jumper 

*Black rain coat – worn over 

blazer 

*Academy Track Suit top or 

bottoms 

Plain black or blue scarf or 

headscarf 

Football boots (girls) 

Shin pads (girls) 

White long sleeve base layer with 

Oasis Coulsdon logo on sleeve 

*Items marked with an asterix are branded with the Academy logo 

and available from the Academy. 

No jewellery (with the exception of a wristwatch) is to be worn. 

School bag, waterproof, large enough to hold text & exercise books 

and which can be securely fastened (no plastic, or drawstring bags) 

Compulsory Sports Kit (Girls & Boys) 

*Academy Green Sports Shirt 

*White Academy Polo Shirt 

*Academy Shorts 

*Academy socks (long) and short, 

white sports socks 

Laced non-marking trainers 

Football boots (boys) 

Shin pads (boys) 

Gum shield (boys)

Inclusion and Access 

Oasis’ 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. 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 

can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SENDIST) 

Tribunal.

Oasis Academy Coulsdon 

Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 1ES 

www.oasisacademycoulsdon.org

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