The sixth form have many community links to support students in developing relationships, friendships and understanding of their local community. These links also enhance the curriculum provision and opportunities for all students.

Hosting Events in School

The sixth form ‘Grub Hub’, which is run by sixth form students, regularly invite parents and governors to enjoy snacks and drinks that the students prepare, sell and serve. In the summer term students also plan, organise and run a ‘pop up restaurant’ for parents, governors and staff to attend.

St Paul’s Church in Spennymoor

Sixth form students visit the local church and have contact with the local vicar and other members of the community. They also make goods to sell at their craft fayres and the annual church Christmas fayre.

Shops and Cafes in the Local Community

All sixth form students visit shops, cafés and places of local interest at least once a week during ‘out and about’ lessons. 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. Students have the opportunity to develop their own social skills and understanding of appropriate behaviours when in the community.

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. They have opportunities to build relationships with Leisure centre staff and other members of the community using the facilities.

‘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 through a specialist coach from Durham County Cricket Club. Students also attend competitions run by their members and compete against students from other school and colleges.

New College Durham

Students from the sixth form visit New College Durham to take part in a range of vocational courses and taster sessions. The Oaks Sixth Form also have a link with Durham New College through ‘World skills UK’ competitions, which they regularly attend together. Pupils develop friendships with similar students from other colleges through these competitions and visits.

The Auckland Project

The Oaks Sixth Form has strong links with The Auckland project. Pupils regularly access museums, budlings and places of interest at The Auckland project to enrich many parts of the curriculum and their life. The Auckland project staff also deliver lessons in Sixth Form in art, culture and creativity and key skills.

Students also develop skills to become good friends, role models and valuable members of their own community through a range of more formal PSHCE lessons, covering a range of topics and themes (see Curriculum overview)

Friends, Relationships and Community

Preparing for Adulthood