Welcome Information for New Families
If I had to give any advice, you shouldn’t be nervous when you’re coming to this school because there’s lots of people and friends that can help you to get used to this school - Year 9 Student
Welcome to Oasis Academy Arena! We are excited to get to know your family as you start your secondary school journey.
At Oasis Academy Arena, we live by our motto, "We are Kind, Ambitious, and Professional". Our aim is to prepare students for the next step be that further education or the beginning of an exciting and fulfilling career.
As a small school, we value getting to know each and every one of our students and their families well.
This closeness helps us achieve a kind learning environment where students can reach their full potential academically and thrive emotionally.
We know starting secondary school can be a time that fills students and parents and carers alike with nerves as they move into a new environment. That's why we make sure we're here for you every step of the way.
Transitioning to Secondary
Welcome from the school
You'll start this process with a welcome from our academy! We want to make sure you feel welcome and at home.
Get to know Oasis Academy Arena
We offer your family to come on a tour to get to know us better.
It may have been a while since you've seen the academy, or you may not have had the chance to tour the school yet.
There are also lots of materials on our website where you can learn more about our school and what your time here will be like.
Transition Activities
We invite all incoming Year 7 students to a Transition Day at the academy in July.
You will be able to make new friends, meet teachers and get to know the academy before starting school.
Start the School Year
In September, you'll walk through our doors as an Arena student.
Your Head of Year and teachers will help you get settled over your first weeks and days.
You will be issued an iPad to help you succeed in your learning journey both at school and at home.
We also have plenty of extracurricular activities for you to join to give you opportunities to try something new and make friends.
Useful Information for Parents
The school has supported my son brilliantly. When he first started, he was shocked by how much bigger the building is compared to primary but he settled in quickly and made new friends. He knows he can turn to anybody if he needs support and he really trusts his teachers. When I call the school, they know my son by name, which shows how much effort they put into getting to know the children. I know my son is safe and happy at school. What I really appreciate about Oasis Academy Arena is their open and honest communication. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone. - Ms Murphy, Parent of Oasis Academy Arena Student
- What is the daily schedule for the academy?
- What is the school uniform?
- Enrichment Activities
- Academic Results
- Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- School Curriculum
- School Lunches
- Contact Us
What is the daily schedule for the academy?
The academy day begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 3:00 p.m. We also have large selection of extracurricular clubs that can extend the school day until 4:00 p.m.
You can see a full academy day schedule here.
What is the school uniform?
We take pride in each and every one of our pupils at the Academy, and know that they are equally proud to be wearing their Academy badge on their uniforms.
Information about the school uniform can be found here
Enrichment Activities
A wide range of extra-curricular activities are available before and after school and at lunchtime, and there are opportunities to extend the school day by attending as many activities as you would like.
However, whilst we are pleased to be able to provide these activities on a day to day basis, enrichment at Oasis Academy Arena is about so much more than that. We want to enhance students’ lives and open their eyes and minds to new experiences, help them to gain new skills, develop talents, and seek out new interests and hobbies. We do this by providing a diverse range of activities, local, national and international trips, workshops and guest speakers.
Academic Results
2020 was the first year Oasis Academy Arena had students in Year 11. Due to the changes in testing from Covid-19 in 2020 & 2021, we are not reporting school-wide GCSEs statistics. However, we're happy to share and celebrate the individual successes of some of our Year 11 students, including Divine below.
Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Oasis’ ethos is based on an overarching theme of Inclusion; welcoming, encouraging and enabling all to achieve their best whatever the challenges may be in doing so.
We are a fully inclusive school and believe in equal opportunities for all students, whatever their age, gender, ethnicity, impairment, prior attainment or background.
We are committed to meeting the needs of all students including those with special educational needs and disabilities. There is a shared expectation that all students, regardless of their specific needs, should be offered inclusive teaching which will enable them to make the best possible progress in school and ensure they can actively participate in the wider aspects of school life.
School Curriculum
At Oasis Academy Arena, the curriculum is student-centred and is both ambitious and well-designed to meet everyone’s needs. We begin with the premise that every student will make good progress from their starting point, and consider their needs, aspirations and ambitions.
Learn more about the subject offerings and the Arena Way here.
School Lunches
At lunchtime we encourage students to have an Academy meal. These are cooked on site and are nutritionally balanced. We always offer a choice including vegetarian and halal.
We offer students breakfast, a mid-morning breaktime snack, and a lunch.
For information about purchasing lunches or applying for free school lunches, click here.
Contact Us
Student Life
It’s just a sense of just overall happiness because everyone wants to be here… You just feel excited to learn - Year 11 Student
Student Learning
At Oasis Academy Arena, the curriculum is student-centred and is both ambitious and well-designed to meet everyone’s needs. We begin with the premise that every student will make good progress from their starting point, and consider their needs, aspirations and ambitions.
You will leave the academy fully equipped, enjoying a careful blend of knowledge, skills, resilience and perspective, ready to respond to the challenges of life in the 21st Century.
School Clubs
We encourage you to join one of our many clubs as a way to enhance your school experience and make friends. We have athletic, artistic, academic clubs and more.
We want our students to develop a wide range of skills and interests to enjoy new and exciting opportunities and experiences.
Student Technology
As an Oasis Academy Arena student, you will be issued an iPad to use for learning in school and at home.
Your School Facilities
As an Oasis Academy Arena student, you will be learning in a made-for-purpose facility including 38 classrooms, a well-stocked library, an art studio with a kiln, two performance studios, a sports hall, a gym, and two external PE zones.
Meet Your Teachers
We have fantastic teachers, supported by a wider team, who dedicate themselves to helping students make good progress and reach their full potential.
Get to know some of your teachers by reading their introductions here.
Principal
Hello! Welcome to Oasis Academy Arena, I am Mr Raymond the Principal and I am excited to welcome you all to our school. The school community aims to be “Ambitious, Kind and Professional” each and every day. We are looking forward to you starting with us in September as you begin the next step in your exciting journey into secondary education. When you start with us you will find that you are supported, cared for, encouraged and happy as we support you, together along with your families, to learn and develop all of your talents and interests.
When you begin with us in Year 7 you will meet with your form tutor, make new friends and start to learn. Each of our Year 7 students will receive an iPad, as part of our Oasis Horizons project that they can use throughout their time at the academy. You will also be able to take this home with you! These iPads will support you to learn both in school and at home and I am confident that by using these it will support each one of our pupils to thrive.
I know that starting secondary school is a nervous time for students. I would offer the following advice for every new student: “be ambitious, be kind and be professional,” not only is this our school motto but really good advice for life. Arrive to school on time and ask any adults within the school for help when you need it. We are a very kind and caring school and we will always be here to support you.
Maths
My name is Mr. Phuntsok and I am the Head of Mathematics here at Oasis Academy Arena. I would like to welcome you all to Arena Maths where you will be building on the key mathematical concepts you have been studying in Year 6. We are following Maths Mastery here at Arena. This means that you are given a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts, rather than giving a set of techniques or routines to get the right answer.
A brief outline on what you will be studying in Year 7
Year 7 Maths
· 1. Making generalisations about the number system (1): what is a number?
· 2. Making generalisations about the number system (2): why do we use y?
· 3. 2D Geometry: how do I find missing angles?
· 4. The Cartesian plan: what is area?
· 5. Fractions: what is a fraction?
· 6. Ratio and proportion: what is a ratio and when do I use them?
PE
Hey guys, welcome to PE! Here at Arena, we have three PE teachers who would be teaching you through your secondary school PE life. Mr Rutherford and Mr Rothwell have been at Arena for the last 4 years and Miss Aldonza for the last 3 years. At Arena, we believe that Physical Education plays an important part in their lives when it comes to their health and well-being. We also believe it is a vital and important part of a student’s education. It gives the students the opportunity to learn new skills.
We try to encourage our students to step out of their comfort zone and try new/different sports that aren’t so traditional in a school setting. For example, Handball, Volleyball and Netball. Here at Arena we know that moving to secondary school can be difficult. However, we are always here if you need us. The important thing for you to remember is that if you have any questions at all, big or small, make sure you ask the super PE team.
Geography
Hello Year 6! My name is Christine Polyviou and I am the Head of Department for Geography and History at Oasis Academy Arena.
We are really excited to meet you and teach you about all things geography. Geography is a very exciting subject that teaches you about the world around you, and in year 7 we teach you about awesome human and physical topics. We will start year 7 looking at violent volcanoes and earth-shattering earthquakes! Throughout the year we will look at the cool geography features present in our own country and also study countries further afield. Also, if you like watching David Attenborough, we get an opportunity to look at ecosystems across the world and much more! In year 7 you will also have the opportunity to experience geography outside of the classroom when we complete a local fieldwork in the summer term. To be a great geographer, you need to know what is going on across the world now, so for now, keep an eye on Newsround, where you will see lots of stories about geography.
All of the geography team look forward to welcoming you to Geography at Oasis Academy Arena.
Science
Hi my name is Mrs Anthony-Spence, and I am the head of department for science at Oasis Academy Arena for the three years. Science and learning about science concepts is something I feel very passionate about.
Science is a way of discovering and understanding the world around you, developing your analytical skills, problems solving and an opportunity to be creative.
The completion of practicals feature frequently throughout our curriculum so you are given lots of opportunity to develop your practical skills. Science is a subject that can lead you into lots of different career paths such as medicine, dentistry, beauty, engineering, and even banking and finance to name a few.
Leaving primary and entering secondary school is a big milestone but you will have lots of people around you to support you in your transition. All I ask is that you come to school equipped with your stationary, calculator and an ambitious mind ready to do YOUR best in science.
I am so excited that you will join us at Arena and look forward to meeting you all in person.
Art and Design
Hello, my name is Mrs Regis and I am Head of Creative Arts at Oasis Academy Arena. I have the pleasure of teaching Art and Design at Arena for 4 years!
In Art and Design, you have an exciting opportunity to learn why we do Art, what/how materials are used to create interesting and innovative artworks, how different artists and cultures can influence and help us see and understand the world around us.
In Y7, you will learn about the foundations in Art and Design. This encompasses the basic understanding of the formal elements: line, shape, tone, pattern, colour, texture and composition. Art is a vital part of our education and it helps us to become more creative, as skills and techniques develop with practice, accuracy and control (using a range of media and processes – observational drawings in pencil, pen, oil pastels, paint, print, make 2D and 3D), through observing, thinking, understanding and doing. You will also develop complex and subject specific vocabulary that will enable you to use them when describing artworks from different artist and cultures and not forgetting, your own work as artists.
We also offer an exciting Art club, where you can extend your creativity an explore new ideas and concepts.
I am aware you will be nervous about transitioning to a new school and that you may not have covered much Art and Design at primary, and you may say to yourself, ‘I am not good at Art’ but I guarantee you, that you will be given guidance and support to develop your skills and techniques.
Finally, it is my request that you come equipped for Art and Design with an open mind and be ambitious on your journey to becoming artists to be the next, Michael Angelo, Henry Moore, etc.!
I am excited to meet you all in Y7!
Music
Hello, and I would like to introduce you to Miss Karelis, your Music teacher at Oasis Academy Arena!
This is an exciting opportunity as you join us in Y7. In Music, you will learn a range of skills and techniques that will enable you to develop your musical abilities as you progress throughout the year. I know you will arrive with a variety of musical experiences, skills and knowledge, however, you will support and encourage you to utilise all prior musical learning and those with very little or no knowledge of music are signposted to instrumental lessons and extra-curricular ensembles as appropriate.
You will be given the prospect to immerse yourselves in ‘high energy, compelling, expressive’ whole class singing that builds confidence and develops a sense of musicianship. You will learn basic rhythm notation using the Kodaly method and physical body percussion through the STOMP scheme. You will also be able to improvise and compose together in small groups, beginning to develop small group ensemble and social skills. Whole class keyboard skills are taught by ear, using recent pop melodies, bass lines and riffs, before a return to small group work but now with more challenging content, drumming polyrhythms and singing in harmony in the traditional African music scheme.
Even more exciting, you will be introduced to music technology through a short loops project, before moving on to learning about and how to play a melody from the Hall of the Mountain King.
Music club will be offered for those who would like to extend or learn new skills of musicianship.
I am thrilled and in anticipation in welcoming you to Y7 Music with Ms Karelis.
Design and Technology
Hello, your Design and Technology teacher, Ms Okunrinkoya is excited to welcome you to Oasis Academy Arena in Y7!
There are 3 different areas of study in Design and Technology, will be encouraged to learn, explore and develop new skills and design techniques in Graphic Design, Resistant Materials and Food Technology.
Some of you may have experienced the different areas of Design and Technology, however, do not be dismayed if you are yet to experience this because you will have the opportunity to extend your knowledge and skills and attend Food Technology club after school.
What I would like for you to do is, come with an open-mind to be creative and innovative in your design ideas; you never know, one of you could be the next Jamie Oliver, or graphic designer, Alan Fletcher, or Resistant Materials Designer, James Dyson.
Ms Okunrinkoya is excited to see you all in Y7 in becoming young designers!
I had heard good things about the Principal at Oasis Academy Arena and I was interested to find out more about the school. I went to an open evening and listened to the Principal give his speech and answer questions from parents. I was impressed with his honesty and this really reassured me that I was making the right choice. My son is now in Year 7 and is getting on well. I was worried at first and wondered if how he would settle in but he has made friends very quickly. He loves everything about school and knows that he can ask for help from any of his teachers if he needs it. I know the school has the children’s best interests at heart. Teachers work hard to provide a great education. It is a good school and I recommend it parents who are looking at secondary schools for their child.-Parent at Oasis Academy Arena