#4 The LORIC

In this bumper edition, you can read all to be proud of. Welcome to the fourth about the many highlights of the 2018/19 edition of the Oldham academic year at Oasis We are also pleased that we have ended Oldham. the year with a visit from Ofsted, who LORIC, our monthly As we prepare for the long-awaited have praised the work we have been newsletter that summer break, it is time for us to reflect doing and the improvements we have on our successes this year. From our made across our school community. celebrates all that our national Place2Be Award and our very own garden display at RHS Flower Here’s to a restful break and a successful students and staff have Show Tatton Park, to our Oasis 9 Habits 2019/20 academic year. Postcard Competition and our many achieved. sporting accolades there is so much for us

Leadership, Organisation, Resilience, Initiative and Communication Oasis Academy Oldham on a “very positive trajectory” Welcoming our new arrivals Ofsted has visited Oasis • “Improving the focus on pupils’ “The lines that I take most satisfaction behaviour”. The move to a year from within the report are the ones Over the last few weeks Academy Oldham group structure will also “allow noting that our staff and students told we have been delighted (OAO) and praised staff pastoral leaders to gain an overview inspectors that they feel we are on a to welcome our new and students for the of pupils’ progress through their very positive trajectory. This collective learning.” In addition, teachers say focus is at the heart of our progress. Year 7 students who improvement journey that pupils’ behaviour is “already will be joining the OAO “I am pleased that the Inspectors also the school is on. improving through the use of the community in September. new achievement assemblies.” noted the role of the new Family Forum. The inspection is the first time Ofsted I would urge you to come along to our • Benefitting from the “ongoing support next meeting in the Autumn and find Our new students joined has returned to the Academy since it us for a range of transition was found to have serious weaknesses from the improvement section out more about why we want to work late last year. This time, however, the of the trust (Oasis Community closely with our family community.” events so that they could Inspection Team has left the school Learning). The impact of the get to know us all, and we The report also notes that Oasis Community Learning, the Trust could get to know them. “We made the commitment that we would leave Oasis Academy Oldham is part of, are providing support and holding During the sessions, no stone unturned in ensuring that our students leaders to account. As a result, we explored our Oasis had access to a high standard of education.” Ofsted conclude that “leadership has Nine Habits through placed the school in a strong position some fun activities and to bring about improvement.” talked about the important support is stringently monitored reporting that “there is no doubt that John Murphy, CEO of Oasis role these values play in the half-termly meetings of leaders, together with the trust, have Community Learning, said: “I for every student and the trust improvement group. already taken a range of actions would like to congratulate Oasis member of staff here. It to bring about improvement.” Dominque Gobbi, Principal, said: Academy Oldham’s community on was wonderful to see the way they have approached the Amongst the very positive comments “This is a very important milestone. challenges that have been set. everyone getting involved in the report, the Inspectors When the Inspectors presented their report to us after their last visit, and having fun. noted that the Academy is: “Staff, under Miss Gobbi’s leadership, we made the commitment that we are having a real impact, and the What a fantastic group of • “…putting high-quality teaching and would leave no stone unturned in students are clearly benefitting from learning across and ensuring that our students had access young people, we look the progress that has been made so far. 4 at the centre of all the actions in to a high standard of education. forward to seeing them all This is, however, just the start. We will the school improvement plan.” again soon! “While there is still work to do, and continue to ensure that the school goes • Adopting a new curriculum that we do not shy away from that, we are from strength-to-strength in the future.” “aims to bring a higher profile to the delighted that the inspection team The science of cake making trust character-building curriculum recognised that we have a relentless and the development of leadership, focus on school improvement and our This term, our science club have organisation, resilience, initiative actions are starting to have an impact. celebrated the 150th anniversary and communication skills”. of the periodic table by making a periodic table using cupcakes. Each cake was decorated with the symbol for the element and its outer-shell electrons (chocolate chips). Metallic elements were represented by chocolate cupcakes and the non-metals were vanilla. Maria Stewart, Teacher, said: “Our science club offers a fun and practical way for our students to learn about key scientific subjects. Periodic Table cakes helped to bring what can be a complicated list of symbols to life.” Showcasing our artistic talents The Oasis Nine Habits

At Oasis Academy Oldham, In June our habit to focus on was: we do this, we become a person we believe in the importance of integrity - there is an alignment of continually developing CONSIDERATE between what we say we are and our character to become the Knowing your own intrinsic value how we behave. best version of ourselves. We, and worth and, by seeing others Making a Habit out of the therefore, actively promote and in the same way to be inclusive of practice the Oasis Nine Habits. them. Nine Habits By practicing these habits, In July our habit to focus on was: When you come into the it enables us to develop an Academy, you will see Oasis’ nine understanding and tolerance of HONEST habits displayed proudly around each other through knowledge, the corridors. Honesty is about being mutual respect, believing the best truthful. Being honest includes These habits are essentially and forgiveness. Individual rights acknowledging when we have the values that help make us are respected and choice will be got things wrong and taking great individuals and a strong Our Art Department has been and acrylic paints. While students using their imaginations exercised within a culture of self- responsibility for our actions. As community. busily preparing for OAO’s across Year 8 have also been combined with the technical discipline. end of year art exhibition, cutting up their sketchbooks to skills they have learnt this year featuring beautiful pieces from create their fantastic ‘Under the to bring their artwork to life. across every year group. Sea’ final pieces using charcoal, graphite, paint and stick and ink. “There are so many wonderful For example, Year 7 students pieces for us to showcase have worked hard to complete Alice Taylor, Teacher, said: during the exhibition.” Postcard Challenge Prize their final pieces which feature “Our students have created Winners meet New Rules the use of oil, pastel, watercolour some bright and vibrant pieces, Boy Band

To mark the incredible amount of members of the band, asking were to meet New Rules.” Solving problems with the use of technology effort that some of our tutor groups them questions about their lives have put in to the Nine Habits as musicians before watching an Our Nine Habits Postcard For her GCSE in Design and Postcard Challenge, we arranged exclusive performance of their Challenge has been a fantastic Technology, Year 11 pupil, Jordan, a surprise treat for this year’s latest songs. way for our students and families looked at educational problems and overall award winners. to discuss what each habit means how she could solve them using Andrea Mitchell, Assistant to them. We would like to say new technological approaches. Kept top-secret until the very Principal, said: “We wanted to a huge thank you to all of the last minute, we were thrilled to arrange something extra-special families that have taken the time Jordan chose to look at problems welcome New Rules Boy Band for our prize winners. to complete a postcard this year, faced by learners in Karate, and to a VIP Meet and Greet with it is a great way to celebrate and decided to design a product students from 7JNB, 8JFS, 9NA, “It was incredible to see the recognise your child’s efforts in that would help learners to 7PH, 8EOR and 7CJF. Each of the surprised look on the students’ demonstrating the Oasis Habits. improve their kicking skills, as students had a chance to meet faces and how happy they all well as helping them to learn and improve their Japanese. The resulting prototype is a remote-controlled kickstand, which is designed to adapt to learners’ requirements. Using the remote control, learners can change the difficulty settings of the product and allow it to move so that it can challenge learners as they make progress. Perfect Performances Oasis Oldham’s Family Forum What a year it has been for the Drama Department also visited throughout the year to conduct drama We believe that it is incredibly important and opportunities to collaborate are being at OAO. workshops, which culminated in a group of Year 9 students performing a play at the Coliseum, which for schools and families to work closely developed through this. October saw ten of our Year 11 students perform together for the benefit of our students. That was witnessed by the playwright himself. In this month’s meeting, we discussed a Macbeth at Z-Arts theatre, with a contemporary is why we have been reviewing how we and innovative interpretation that blew the We were delighted to end the year with our communicate with parents and carers and range of topics, including building upgrades that are taking place this summer, new staff audience away. musical performance of ‘Back to the 80s’. With looking at ways that we can work in greater a cast of over 50 students involved, it was a partnership. appointments for September as well as a Then came the Christmas performance of The host of home learning tools that are available spectacular, nostalgic trip back to the best decade Spirit of Oasis, which showcased music, dance for music (and the worst for fashion!) Our Family Forum is now firmly established to support students beyond the classroom. and drama, finishing with a singalong and lots of on the calendar and lots of great ideas Christmas cheer. Claire Kingsley, Drama Teacher, said: “This school year has been a fantastic one for Drama. I am so Year 11 students took a trip to the Royal Exchange proud of all our talented students and all that they to watch The Producers as part of their GCSE have achieved.” Communication is Key course. Practitioners from Oldham Coliseum have In direct response to some great feedback At the drop in session a member of our from a recent family forum group, we are pastoral team will be on hand to talk to you now offering a weekly drop in for parents about your child. If you request a follow up and carers. from another relevant member of staff this will happen within 24hrs of your drop in. Drop in sessions will begin again in September: It goes without saying that you can of course continue to telephone, email or call in at any • Every Wednesday 9am – 1pm time to request a meeting with a member of • Every Thursday 2pm – 4pm your child’s team.

If you would like to attend our Family Forum please join us for our next meetings during the Autumn Term. Everyone welcome! RHS Flower Show OAO Diversity Pride

Tatton Park For the second year in a row, Children from Years 7 to 9 joined Ms Hale, Curriculum leader of RE Oasis Academy Oldham has in the events and competed to win and PSHE and the leader of the Students from OAO have been celebrated Schools Diversity Week sweets, badges and wristbands Space2B Diversity Club said: “Our working hard this month as we make by holding its very own ‘Diversity with the words ‘OAO against Hate’ Diversity Pride event was a great the final preparations for our very own Pride’ event. printed on them. way to celebrate our differences garden at RHS Flower Show Tatton and how we all make up the fabric Park. Members of the extra-curricular The purpose of the event was of this academy. diversity and equality club, to recognise and celebrate the Over the last few weeks our Year 7 ‘Space2B’, organised lunchtime diversity that makes up the OAO “It’s wonderful to see the teaching students have been busy painting events including music, dancing, community and our commitment staff, catering team and children the backdrop, learning new skills fairground style games, colouring to equality for all, no matter what dancing and laughing together, and working together to create a competitions and prizes. race, religion, sexuality, ability or enjoying being part of the OAO masterpiece. Together they have gender they are. family.” replanted some of the flowers which they grew from seeds and gathered props to make the beautiful garden complete.

We are showing the final garden to members of the public at RHS Tatton Park from the 17th-21st July, fingers crossed for some lovely weather to showcase our beach themed garden!

Jamie’s Farm Ambassador

Following our story last month about our passionate and enthusiastic about her trip to partnership with Jamie’s Farm, we are the farm. thrilled to report that Samantha, a Year 10 student from OAO has been chosen to Becoming an ambassador will give Race for Life become a Jamie’s Farm Ambassador. Samantha the opportunity to visit all four Jamie’s Farms throughout the year, starting Samantha was chosen from thousands of with a residential in August and subsequent We are thrilled to report that Over 90 students and members OAO community joining together young people from across and weekend visits to other farms. of staff took part in the event for such an important cause. Wales, because staff at Jamie’s Farm Oasis Academy Oldham has Andrea Mitchell, Assistant Principal, said: raised £1,043.60 for Race for which raises vital funding for believed that she truly stood out as a Cancer Research UK. Cheered on Well done to all that took part, this mature, confident young person who was “Well done Samantha – everyone at Oasis Life this year. by friends, family and members is an incredible achievement and Academy Oldham is so proud of you!” it was fantastic to see the we congratulate you all. Place2Be at the heart of OAO The Chill Factore

A group of students who have been taking part in OAO’s ASDAN programme, have been recognised for their fundraising efforts through a special rewards trip. Year 9 students Dane, Madison, Kayden, Adam and Aimeelee have been working hard all year to raise funds for important charities. As a result of their efforts they were treated to a trip to the Chill Factore in Manchester – the UK’s longest indoor ski slope, featuring real snow. Kim Whittaker, Teacher, said: “Our students had a great time making full use of all the exciting facilities at the Chill Factore. At -4 degrees the temperature on the slopes was a bit of a shock to the system despite it being a sunny 24 degrees outside, but it was a fabulous experience for everyone involved.”

This has been a busy year pleased to welcome CBBC and “some of life’s tough stuff”, and for Place2Be at Oasis BBC Radio 1 Presenter Katie she also presents a weekly show Academy Oldham. Thistleton to OAO to talk to on BBC Radio 1 called Life Hacks. MAHDLO Youth Zone Earlier this year, we were students about her career and Katie added: “It feels like the delighted to win the Place2Be the importance of looking after worst job in the world you can Wellbeing Award for Progress, yourself as well as others. have if you have anxiety is a which shows how much work Katie said: “I struggled since radio or television presenter. With has been put in by a variety I was little. I used to find it all the lights and cameras on you, of school divisions, including difficult to breath and catch and all the people looking at you The Bridge and Oasis Hub, my breath. My Mum initially – you can’t have a down day.” This year, we are proud to have worked in well as having a go at arts and cooking workshops. to promoting emotional blamed it on everything from Gemma Hales, who leads some wellbeing in our students. asthma to the colouring in partnership with MAHDLO, a state-of-the-art Youth One student said: “I loved all of the activities and of Oasis Academy’s Oldham Zone in the heart of Oldham for 8 – 19 year olds, Pupils and staff also celebrated Smarties, but it was only when wellbeing projects, said: “Katie’s can’t wait to go back again. It is so fun.” I was older I discovered I was including young people with disabilities, to deliver Children’s Mental Health Week talk was inspiring. She made our MADLO is open 7 days a week, 52 weeks a having panic attacks. It is just an 8 week programme for students across Year in February 2019 by organising students feel that having issues year, offering an exciting range of activities and something I have in me.” 7 – 10. activities for young mental health with mental health should not opportunities that all young people from across awareness based on this year’s Katie has since gone on to write a be an anchor on your hopes During the sessions, students had the chance Oldham can access for just 50p as a member. theme ‘Healthy: Inside and Out’. book, Dear Katie, which provides and aspirations. Just look at to take part in activities including multi-sports, climbing, going to the gym and team games as In addition, last month we were advice to young people about what she has gone and done.” OAO take Bronze in Dodgeball Going for Gold To continue our sporting success, We are incredibly proud of our students’ OAO’s Year 8 Dodgeball Team performances at the Oldham Schools recently represented Oldham at the Track and Field Events earlier this term. competition.

Achieving a total of 27 medals overall in During a day filled with back- both track and field events, champions to-back tournaments, the team included Lourdes for Year 8 Javelin, only lost one game to Bury, and Rahmat for Year 8 100m, Eve for as a result secured third place, Year 8 200m and Shot Put, Tom for and a bronze medal, overall. Year 8 300m, Rahman for Year 9 Richard Snape, PE Teacher, 100m and Martin for Year 8 200m. said: “The boys really gave Richard Snape, PE Teacher, said: it their all on the day and “Our students put in an exceptional represented the Oasis badge performance during the competition, with amazing sportsmanship.” they worked hard and had a positive attitude throughout.” Rounders Team Rugby League Winners Reach Semi-Final After some incredible performances, OAO’s Year 7 Rounders Team our Year 9 Rugby Team have been named Rugby League Winners. have been celebrating after Beating all 6 teams (including some reaching the semi-final in both tough competition) the students the Oldham Schools Rounders stormed to victory, with star of the Cup and Rally. Despite losing tournament named as Ged. to a very strong Saddleworth The Year 8 team also narrowly Team on both occasions, it was missed out on getting to the league incredible to see the level of final, after facing strong opposition at teamwork and dedication on Crompton House, however they beat display during the tournament. Saddleworth and drew with Failsworth. While, the Year 7 team played really Well done to everyone well in their first ever competitive involved! tournament, showing great skill and knowledge to put up good performances in all of their games. Success in Handball

Our Year 8 Handball team enjoyed a fantastic run to the Regional Finals of the Handball Championships this year, eventually finishing 3rd in the North West!

After winning the Oldham Championships without conceding a goal, the team finished in a narrow 2nd place in the Greater Football Round-Up Manchester Championships.

Qualifying for the North West It was a busy football season for have been promoted into the During the cup games, Year 8 and Championships, the team excelled our teams within the Oldham A league next session; the Year 8 9 were also declared winners, throughout, losing only one game School Football Leagues, with football team finished first in their with Year 10 as runners-up. and finishing in 3rd place overall. many successes along the way. league, also securing promotion; Richard Snape, PE Teacher, said: with the Year 9 team also taking Lead goal scorers throughout the The Year 7 football team took season were Liam, Justin and “This is our best performance in first place and the Year 10 team the history of the school in boys second place in their league, so finishing the season unbeaten. Kane. handball and is an outstanding achievement. Congratulations boys!” Summer Hub Activities

at Oasis Academy Oldham 30th July until 23rd August

FRIDAYS THURSDAYS WEDNESDAYS 1:00 - 3:00pm: TUESDAYS 1:30 - 3:00pm: 12:30 - 3:00pm: MAHDLO 10:30 - 1:00pm: GROWING HUB FOOD AND FILM HUBABALOO Summer Gardening Hot Meal then themed • Arts and crafts activities at the film on the big • Sports growing hub on activities for all screen • Dance Lowerlime Rd ages • Face painting (between houses • Hot Meal 129-131)

TRIP TO BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH Start saving for an awesome trip to Blackpool! Date: Thursday 15th August Information: [email protected]

Oasis community Hub based at Oasis Oasis Hub Oldham Oasis Academy Oldham, Hollins Road, Hollinwood, Oldham, OL8 4JZ OasisHubOldham