All-Through Education

"Students feel safe and . . . are encouraged and supported to flourish."
(Ofsted 2011)

Oasis Academy Shirley Park provides an all-through education experience for learners between the ages of 0-18.  Through an innovative and dynamic approach to learning we incorporate the Children's Centre, Primary and Secondary phases, and the newly opened Post 16 provision. Our all-through nature is the platform from which we further improve learners' academic achievement and raise their aspirations, confidence and self-esteem.

Transition between primary and secondary education is difficult for many children.  It is well known that a significant percentage of students suffer a confidence and performance dip when they transfer from one phase of education to another.  Because of our commitment to easing transition from the primary phase, Year 7 students have fewer teachers and spend more time learning in a 'home base'.

Year 6 students are introduced early to some of the key secondary teachers and have the opportunity to begin to use some of the secondary facilities to build their confidence and enhance their experience.  These benefits are known to lead to raised attainment in all Key Stages of education.

The collaboration and continuity that results from the development of an ‘all-through’ Academy also leads to:

• greater opportunities for building trust, and deeper relationships between home and school throughout each student’s education;
• improved pastoral care for children in challenging circumstances by offering a ‘joined-up’ strategy for special and behavioural needs throughout their education;
• greater flexibility and depth in curriculum design, delivery and Academy leadership, as planning is not broken up by phase boundaries;
• improved continuity for multi-agency involvement across phases for students, parents/carers and families.

However, developing an all-through Academy does not mean that students who attend the primary element of the Academy have to progress into the secondary phase.  Just as now, every parent/carer has the absolute right to select the secondary school of their choice.  Only the children of parents/carers who choose to send their son or daughter to the secondary element of the all-through Academy will go there.