Community links
The sixth form have many community links to support students and enhance the curriculum provision and opportunities.
Parents and Governors
The sixth form ‘Acorn café’, which is run by sixth form students regularly invite parents and governors to enjoy snacks and drinks that the students prepare.
Sycamore lodge
Students have visited Sycamore Lodge, the local care home. The have played Boccia with the residents and performed Christmas shows and dances.
Spennymoor Community Allotment
Sixth form students are very lucky to be able to access the local community allotments. The allotment association have given the sixth form students use of a small plot with 7 raised beds and a small greenhouse. The members of the allotment association also offer students and staff guidance, support and help when needed. St Paul’s Church
Sixth form students visit the local church and have contact with the local vicar. They also make goods to sell at their craft fayres and the annual church Christmas fayre.
Shops and Cafes in the community
All sixth form students visit shops, cafés and places of local interest at least once a week. They have built up good relationships with shop owners and local businesses. Members of the local community also greet students positively and will often stop to chat.
Spennymoor Leisure Centre
Sixth form students visit the local leisure centre to take part in a selection of sports activities, use the cardiovascular equipment in the gym and develop their swimming skills and water confidence in the pool.
Durham Sport Development and Inclusion Team
The sixth form have close links with Durham Sport Development and Inclusion team. They have taken part in many events hosted by them, including an annual sports day and weekly sports programmes.
Bishop Auckland College
Sixth form students attend Bishop Auckland College to take part in a selection of vocational courses including painting and decorating, building and hair and beauty.
Houghall College
Sixth form students attend Houghall College to learn about animal care and horticulture. Students also have the opportunity to continue courses here after they leave the Oaks.
New College Durham
Students from the sixth form visit New College Durham to take part in a range of vocational courses.
King James 1st Academy
The Oaks sixth form have close links with the drama department at King James 1st aAcademy in Bishop Auckland. Through the link we have created, we have been able to take part in their ‘Jamaica difference’ project. We were very lucky to be able to host 5 Jamaican visitors for a day. They told us what life was like in Jamaica and taught us some Jamaican dance. We also visit King James School to watch their annual Christmas performance every year.
‘Tin Arts’
Students take part in weekly contemporary dance and drama sessions delivered by a specialist ‘Tin Arts’ coach. Students have the opportunity to perform their pieces at local venues to other schools and providers. Students also get the chance to visit the ‘Tin Art’ venue at Durham to watch older students perform and learn about classes they can access out of school.
Durham County Cricket Club
Students within the sixth form are given the opportunity to develop their table top cricket and Kwick cricket skills through a specialist coach from Durham County Cricket Club. Students also attend competitions run by their members.