OXTED SCHOOL in Surrey, Oxted

Education Centre Information: Oxted School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Surrey
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 2085
Number of boys: 1083
Number of girls: 1002
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
View inspection reports

Special Educational Needs:

SEN Priority 1:VI - Visual Impairment

Background:

Oxted School was founded as Oxted County School in 1929 and is set in 30 acres on the edge of the North Downs in the small, commuter town of Oxted. The range of facilities offered by the school has grown with the school to meet the demands of students facing the challenges and opportunities of the twenty first century. In all areas of the curriculum well equipped, discrete and dedicated facilities are in place.The original buildings now house the mathematics and modern languages departments, as well as food technology rooms and the administrative suite. The English department now occupies the accommodation added in the second phase of development.The school's facilities now include: a large sports hall with indoor climbing wall, weight training room, cricket, golf and archery nets; a floodlit all-weather pitch; a gymnasium; tennis, basketball and netball courts; extensive fields for rugby and football; outdoor heated swimming pool; a self-contained drama studio; a modern science centre; an extensive library containing over 20,000 books; a school-wide computer network; a design and technology centre incorporating multi-functional workshops; an art centre with extensive facilities including photographic, ceramics, textile and drawing and painting suites.Many pupils take part in the outdoor education programme. There is a flourishing Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme which annually involves over 200 pupils in year 10 and above. This makes the school one of the largest units in the country and its record of Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards is impressive.The houses take part in community, charity and fund-raising activities. From time to time the whole school will focus on such a venture. In this way pupils discover resources within themselves and gain an understanding of the problems which others have to face.Fields trips, visits to theatres, museums and art galleries as well as participation in French and German exchanges are an integral part of courses. The school also organises a number of more recreational trips and the highlight of the year for year eight is the house camp. This is an action packed venture which involves pupils in a diverse range of activities from rock climbing and canoeing to raft building. The school's ethos is characterised by a commitment from all members of the school community to work together for excellence. A central feature of the ethos involves creating for young people a secure environment within which they can fully develop their intellectual, spiritual, moral, creative, aesthetic and physical capabilities. Academically, the school believes in developing independent thinkers who have enquiring minds and a love for learning. As equally valued members of the school community and future citizens, pupils are encouraged to value self-respect and consideration for others as key elements of a civilised society. Consequently, it embraces a society in which men and women are free to develop their own spiritual and moral codes. The school expects the pupils to know right from wrong and to be bale to exercise moral judgement in a consistent way. The school believes in the value of variety of endeavour- it respects the search for excellence, enjoyment and fulfilment in the fields of culture and sport. It expects the pupils enthusiastically to grasp the opportunities to become worthy and valuable members of society.