Welcome to... Oasis Academy Coulsdon Sixth Form

Welcome to...
Oasis Academy Coulsdon
Sixth Form

“Education is not the filling
of a pail, but the lighting of a
fire.” W.B. Yeats
Steve Chalke MBE - CEO,
Oasis Community Learning
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.
Oasis believes that every person matters.
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Oasis Academy Coulsdon
Outstanding - Everyone, every time
“Preparing for a life of limitless potential”
I am delighted that you are considering joining our
Sixth Form and becoming part of our Academy
Family.
Our Sixth Form Centre is located in the heart of our
brand new building which opened in September
2011 and our students benefit from first class
facilities, specifically designed to maximise learning.
We have put together an exciting programme
of study which caters for all ability levels. If you
choose to continue your studies at Oasis Academy
Coulsdon Sixth Form you will have access to
unprecedented levels of support which will ensure
you obtain the qualifications and life-skills you need
for a successful life and independent living.
Our Sixth Form provides a wealth of opportunities to
help you decide which career path is right for you.
We recognise that this can be a daunting prospect
but our team of dedicated staff are always on
hand to provide support and advice. We have high
aspirations for all of you and fully expect that the
majority of you will want to progress to Universities
(including Oxbridge) or colleges across the country.
David Millar - Principal
Oasis Academy Cousldon
Sixth Form life at Oasis Academy Coulsdon offers a
combination of structured school security coupled
with more flexibility and freedom within a carefully
planned and personalised timetable. You are
expected to be role models, ambassadors and
leaders of our Academy community.
As you mature into young men and women, we
look forward to responding to your needs and
stimulating your minds. You are taught in small
groups by subject specialists who are able to share
their enthusiasm and passion for their subject. Our
commitment to developing ‘the whole person’ also
means we equip you with essential life-skills such
as managing personal finances, cookery, health and
wellbeing. You also have access to an extensive
range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities to
enhance university and job applications.
Helping you achieve your dream is our number one
priority and I do hope you will decide to place your
future in our guiding and caring hands.
David Millar, Principal
Mission and 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
ever-changing world and
a hunger for life-long
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.
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Courses
A wide variety of AS and A2 subjects are available and the Academy also offers an
extensive range of BTEC and Vocational courses. There is also the opportunity to
re-take some GCSEs in the Lower Sixth.
We have developed links with Coulsdon College which creates an exciting Sixth Form
experience for our students and is an attractive proposition for Parents and Carers.
Students benefit from having the security of remaining within the Academy whilst at
the same time having access to some specialised courses at the local College, just 10
minutes walk away.
“I really enjoy the rapport and relationship with teachers, they work
us hard but we have a laugh too”. Daniel
Pastoral Care
We recognise that there is a significant ‘jump’ from studying GCSEs to Sixth Form
courses. Students are assigned personal Mentors to support them academically as
well as take care of their pastoral needs. Students receive tuition in life-skills such as
personal financial management, health, wellbeing and cookery, to help them prepare
for independent living.
Our Academy WellBeing Centre can support students and their families through a
network of nurses, professional consultants and external agencies. Students who are
experiencing difficulties either at school or at home can access confidential support
and advice when they need it.
“Provision ensures that students receive personalised attention,
supporting both their well-being, and their academic and personal
development” Ofsted 2011
Enrichment
As part of our commitment to develop the whole person, all Oasis
Academy Coulsdon students are expected to complete four ‘Arcs
of Achievement’: Academic, Service, Enrichment and Professional.
Students are encouraged to excel at their academic studies; play a full
part and serve the Academy community – “be a host, not a guest”; take
part in the many enrichment opportunities provided, and develop their
professional skills by taking advantage of leadership, enterprise and work
experience opportunities.
In the Sixth Form there are many opportunities to complete each of the
different ‘Arcs’. Students enrol on The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme,
take part in voluntary work at ‘kids’ camps’ either at home or overseas.
Some students may decide to take advantage of our extensive International
links within the wider Oasis community with trips to Bangalore, India or the
USA. Closer to home, we expect our Sixth Formers to contribute to the life of
the Academy and community we serve by organising charity events.
“I’ve had so many opportunities in the Sixth Form; I’m a much
more confident person now and feel able to take control of
situations” Joanne
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Enterprise
All Sixth Form students have the opportunity to take part in The Young Enterprise Scheme.
This gives them the chance to work with other Sixth Formers in Croydon where they learn
to set up and run a real business.
The Academy runs social enterprise projects on behalf of ‘Stop theTraffik’ and has global
links with Bangalore and Zimbabwe and we expect Sixth Formers to take leadership for
these ventures.
There are many opportunities for taking part in enterprise competitions. Members of the
Sixth Form will be able to compete as well as training younger students to take part.
Career Guidance and
Mentoring
We have a very strong programme of careers education and guidance which is delivered
through the Sixth Form Mentors. In addition, we have as external Careers Adviser who
regularly consults and advises students on higher education and career choices.
Students visit University Open Days and UCAS Fairs and we arrange mentoring for those
who wish to take Oxbridge entrance exams. Through our extensive business and industry
connections students will be able to undertake work experience placements in an area
related to their career interests.
Leadership
Sixth Form students will be ambassadors, role models and leaders of the Academy. The
Sixth Form Student Leadership Team meets regularly with the Academy Leadership Team.
They are expected to contribute to the development of the Academy, help make policy
decisions and perform daily duties to ensure the Academy runs smoothly.
“You have an outstanding Academy, and it is obvious that staff and
pupils alike are proud of what you have all achieved. I particularly
valued the opportunity to talk to the student leaders about their
perspective on the Academy and their ambitions…” Andrew McCully,
OBE, Director General (Acting) Department for Education, March 2012.
How to Apply for a Sixth Form place at
Oasis Academy Coulsdon
Oasis Academy Coulsdon 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.
If Year 12 is oversubscribed then, after the admission of students
with Special Educational Needs where Oasis Academy Coulsdon is
named on the statement, 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.)
2. Children who have specific medical needs, social needs or
special needs where the application is supported by written
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.
Where there is space within Year 13 (i.e. where there are fewer than
125 students in the year group) the Academy will admit additional
students up to this number using the oversubscription criteria
above.
There will be a right of appeal to the Independent Appeals Panel for
unsuccessful applicants. Children over the age of 16 have the right
to appeal.
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Facilities
In September 2011 the completion of the £18.7m investment programme transformed the
Academy into a world-class teaching and learning centre. Our dedicated Sixth Form Centre
is at the heart of the building, overlooking the stunning new Agora which is used for lectures,
performances and exhibitions. It includes private study areas as well as social spaces. There
are new science laboratories, complete with science garden and exhibition area; music and
production studios, a food technology suite with professional-standard catering equipment and
our sports complex includes a dance studio, gym and fitness suite. Sixth Form students enjoy
exclusive access to these facilities at allocated times.
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.
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
Sixth Form Dress Code
Sixth Form students are required to dress in a businessstyle
manner with clothes suitable for an office/workplace
environment. Boys are required to wear smart trousers and
shirt. Girls wear smart skirt/trousers with blouse and jacket.
It is expected that students will choose to wear sensible
colours.
Trainers, jeans, and leisurewear are not permitted. However,
sportswear may be worn by PE students, as appropriate,
during their timetabled lessons or activity days.
The Academy reserves the right to issue guidance on matters
such as make up, jewellery and piercings as necessary.
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.
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