Promoting Community Cohesion Schools as a Gateway to stronger communities Pat Norman Projects Director Oxford Community School

East Oxford community A little ‘East End of London’A little ‘East End of London’ Culturally very mixedCulturally very mixed Asylum seekers and refugeesAsylum seekers and refugees Small businessesSmall businesses Low skills levels, high unemploymentLow skills levels, high unemployment Poor health profilePoor health profile Early school leavingEarly school leaving

Oxford Community School Comprehensive secondary school in Oxford CityComprehensive secondary school in Oxford City 1075 on roll1075 on roll 47% BME47% BME 43% English not first language43% English not first language 32 Special Needs register32 Special Needs register 5% statements5% statements 24% Free School Meals24% Free School Meals

Community Cohesion Plan Open the school every day all year 6am – 10pmOpen the school every day all year 6am – 10pm Work with ALL groups in the community in partnershipWork with ALL groups in the community in partnership Curriculum as a tool to promote a common understandingCurriculum as a tool to promote a common understanding

Open the school all year to everyone Change the EthosChange the Ethos Change the staffingChange the staffing Almost 300 user groupsAlmost 300 user groups Financially self sufficientFinancially self sufficient Most people know we are thereMost people know we are there

One weekend at Oxford Community School... 6 Oxford United youth football teams in on Sunday morning Chinese Language School in on Sunday afternoon.

And more…. An Asian Wedding Adult Education from Oxford University

And during the week... The fabulous Art Room A production for Primary School youngsters

And at night... Ballet Classes Support from The Oxfordshire Dyslexic Association

And during the holidays... Sports coaching in conjunction with the City Council Tennis coaching in conjunction with the City of Oxford Tennis Club

Reach out - Work with ALL groups in Partnership Schools and FE and HESchools and FE and HE BusinessesBusinesses FaithsFaiths Local, Regional + National GovernmentLocal, Regional + National Government Health and Social servicesHealth and Social services PolicePolice Sports clubs and associationsSports clubs and associations Community groups + CharitiesCommunity groups + Charities

Curriculum as a tool to promote better understanding PSHEPSHE Specialism – Business and EnterpriseSpecialism – Business and Enterprise Student Forum/CouncilStudent Forum/Council FacultiesFaculties

It impacts upon levels of achievement! It impacts upon levels of achievement!

OfSTED Nov 2006 ‘Inclusion is at the heart of the school’s beliefs and actions.’ ‘There are outstanding links with the community, including partner schools and businesses. These links are enhancing the school’s reputation and increasing motivation.’ ‘There are outstanding links with the community, including partner schools and businesses. These links are enhancing the school’s reputation and increasing motivation.’Outstanding