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Message 1Prospectus 2025
2Oakgrove Integrated College“Those who plant trees, knowing that they will never sit under their shade, have started to understand the meaning of life.”Rabindranath TagoreOPEN DAYWednesday 22nd January 2025
3Prospectus 2025Welcome to Oakgrove! We hope you will join our journey, to make the Oakgrove story your story too! Oakgrovers tell us constantly that coming to our school is a great way to find your successful, happy future. Here in the city’s only planned integrated college, we build a community which reflects the diversity of the world outside where we achieve the best academic results. In the Oakgrove way, we learn, we believe and we achieve, together.Oakgrove is a unique place, founded by the vision of a group of parents who wanted the future to be better than the past. In a city which was segregated and in violence, they wanted to bring people together, in peace. They started with the youngest in society, who would grow up having learned a dierent, better, and united way to see the world, and always learn together. Every day, we keep that courageous vision alive.We want the best for every child, and, here, every day, teachers and support sta work together to help everyone to achieve their potential. In families, you don’t compare your children, so here we don’t compare, but help everyone to achieve their personal best. We provide support for those who need it, and challenge for those who excel. Dierent people have dierent talents, and we cherish and develop everyone, meeting their needs in the right way, at the right time.Some schools choose students by academic selection, but we have never used a test for entry. We welcome everyone, because it is by bringing everyone together that we reflect the society we want for all.Children develop in dierent ways, at dierent times. Teaching for learning should meet the needs of children where they are, and help them to exceed all expectations. Oakgrove sets the highest academic standards, finding courses to suit the needs of individual learners. We constantly review and improve our curriculum oer, so that each student’s needs are best served.Most children here go to schools with people just like them. In integrated schools, we mix with people who are like us, but not the same. Choosing us will help your child to take safe risks, stepping out of comfort zones to enter a school which prepares them for the real world, a world where dierence is celebrated.Our view of life is shaped by our experiences. For many, life has kept communities away from each other. Here, community is at the heart of all we do: our sta and students work together all the time, naturally showing the normal way to live - together, not apart. Only by coming to our school, to meet people who are dierent will your child really know what makes us human.Knowing that we have a shared past means that we remember it. In Oakgrove Integrated College, every day is shared with others in an integrated space. Oakgrove is an adventure from which people never look back. With us, your child can see the world in the integrated way and you will see what dreams they can fulfil.All identities are equally cherished and valued. We learn from as well as about each other. We want a school and a city where Protestant, Catholic and other backgroundslearn together beside each other every day. Our city has a rich but divided history. Children joining our school will soon be the decision-makers of the future.Learning in The Oakgrove Way means that they will be ready to build a community which values everyone equally, respecting dierence and knowing that we are always stronger together.Join us, and keep alive the vision of a better more successful future, together.John HarkinPrincipal, Oakgrove Integrated CollegeTHE OAKGROVE WAY
4Oakgrove Integrated CollegeAt Oakgrove Integrated College we are dedicated to the promotion of the integrated ethos. We provide an inclusive and diverse quality educational experience in a welcoming and aspiring environment. The College constantly seeks to develop mutual understanding of other institutions within the educational community and wider society. We work to build links right across our community.Oakgrove seeks to educate each child according to their academic ability. Providing equal recognition to and promoting equal expression of the diversity of traditions, we help remove barriers, so our children can become valuable members of the wider community in which they live, learn and work.The Integrated school is essentially Christian in character, democratic and open in procedures and promotes the worth and self-esteem of all individuals within a nurturing and caring environment. The College as an institution seeks to develop mutual understanding and consideration of other institutions within the educational community and wider society.THE OAKGROVE EXPERIENCE“My experience at Oakgrove gave me opportunities that my friends outside of the school didn’t get. I was taught in a school that welcomes people from all communities and made friends from dierent backgrounds. I have great memories from Oakgrove and I definitely feel that it has had a big impact on the person I am today whether that be my career, views or confidence!”Christina (Past Pupil)
5Prospectus 2025Oakgrove Integrated College“NEW BEGINNINGS”Oakgrove College’s sta ensures that all our new Year 8 students join us feeling secure and confident that they are members of the Oakgrove family. The move from primary to post-primary is an exciting time and we aim to ensure this is as smooth as possible. Students get the opportunity to visit the college in June, to meet their Head of Year and their teachers, giving them an insight into life at the College. In July students can spend time getting to know their peers in a relaxed and friendly manner, at our specially designed summer scheme, whilst becoming familiar with the College. “My two children attended Oakgrove Integrated College. Each left as confident, independent individuals who are currently fulfilling their dream career paths. They have a strong belief in integration and see the importance of this in their lives. I couldn’t have asked for more from a school “(Parent)
6Oakgrove Integrated CollegeSuccess is based on honest and open partnerships between home and school. We know that families come in dierent shapes and sizes and we value the role parents and guardians play in children’s education. We work together to make sure that your child reaches their full potential in every aspect of life.
7Prospectus 2025WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTSParental involvement and support is a key factor in pupil success. Therefore we value and encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s education. Together we will ensure your child reaches their full potential.
8Oakgrove Integrated CollegeOUR COMMUNITYAs a purpose-built integrated community, Oakgrove now is a model of what our founders wanted. At a time of violent conflict in our society, Oakgrove was set up to bring people together to learn about each other, from each other. We want the community inside our school to be what the community outside school should be: a mixture of people, learning and living side by side, where dierence is a strength, not a weakness, and where we continually learn from each other. However much society changes, we still need a school which shows people how to live without barriers, to see people, not stereotypes and to know that the people who are not like us are people, just like us.
9Prospectus 2025STUDENT VOICEFounded by parents, Oakgrove remains a child-centred school. Young people are our most precious and most valuable resource. They bring their unique knowledge and perspectives to all of school life. From the start of school, students are given age-appropriate responsibilities to have their say. We elect a Whole School Council following the UNICEF ‘Rights Respecting Schools’ model. Two councillors are elected from each Year Group. Students will meet monthly and work closely with their peers, the school’s Leadership Team and Board of Governors. Recognising themselves as capable and valued members of the Oakgrove family, they help initiate ideas to benefit the whole school community. We also seek ‘student voice’ on a range of issues, holding student focus groups and surveys on a range of issues.
10Oakgrove Integrated CollegeEXAMINATION SUCCESSOakgrove integrated college provides an extensive and versatile curriculum which is specifically tailored to meet the learning needs of all our students. Each year, a high percentage of our students surpass their individual target grades. Results A *-C 63% results A *-E 95%. Oakgrove measures “value added” which means we help more students from where they started out to where they can be.
11Prospectus 2025It is both an honour and a privilege to have been appointed as the Head Girl of Oakgrove Integrated College for the year 2024/2025. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity I have been given to be a representative of the school and to be a role model for my peers and the junior pupils in the school. Being a part of Oakgrove has taught me so much about all walks of life and has helped me grow as a person. I am grateful to have come through 8 years of integrated education prior to starting at Oakgrove Integrated College and choosing to attend Oakgrove in Year 8 only enhanced my knowledge further of all cultures and helped me develop a greater understanding of the world we live in today. I would not be in this position today without the support and the guidance I have received from all the sta members here at Oakgrove, as they have provided me with a support system that I believe you would not get from another school. They treat every pupil equally and provide everyone with the chance to take every opportunity that becomes available. Oakgrove has provided me with many opportunities and I believe everyone should be able to experience the safe and nurturing environment that Oakgrove provides every student with. I am extremely proud to say I attend Oakgrove and I would encourage any prospective student to choose Oakgrove, to guarantee a fantastic experience alongside an integrated education.HEAD GIRL Brooke DeeryBeing appointed as Head Boy of Oakgrove is truly an honour, and it’s something I am incredibly proud of. Not just because of its title, but because of what it stands for. It represents the honour of being trusted and supported by my fellow students who believe in me to be a figure head and to proudly represent each and every student. Becoming Head Boy also, in a way, completed my “Oakgrove” story, as I have been through every level of integrated education beginning in Oakgrove Integrated nursery, Oakgrove Integrated primary, and finishing up in the college as Head Boy. What makes me especially proud of being part of not only an integrated school, but part of an integrated education is that I’ve been blessed with an upbringing that encourages growth, celebrates diversity, and one that values everyone as equal. Being part of an integrated school has shown me the value of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, working together despite dierences and building stronger relationships.HEAD BOY Bobby Skeggs
12Oakgrove Integrated CollegeKS 3MATHEMATICSENGLISH INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGYSCIENCELEARNING FOR LIFE AND WORK (Including Home Economics)TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGNLANGUAGESRELIGIOUS EDUCATIONPHYSICAL EDUCATIONMUSICHISTORY GEOGRAPHYART AND DESIGNYOUR SEVEN YEAR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE!At Oakgrove Integrated College we oer every student a challenging, motivating and fulfilling curriculum. Students receive opportunities to realise their own potential, whilst encouraging them to develop a wide range of skills and qualities which are necessary to become valuable citizens in today’s society.DRAMA
13Prospectus 2025“I am loving Oakgrove. I especially like going to the library and the minecraft club” Samara Lee“ I really like Oakgrove Integrated College. There are lots of fun activities and I am looking forward to all the studies. The teachers are very kind” Aniradh“I’ve really enjoyed going to the dierent classes and meeting new people. I get to go to clubs with my friends and travel on the bus together. It was fun trying to find all the new classes at the start. It is really dierent from primary school” Safiya“I’m so glad I got to go to Oakgrove. I love going on trips, after school football and netball. I really enjoy seeing all my friends. It’s really brought me out of my shell and given me confidence” Mia “I have made a lot of new friends that I am very proud of. I am so glad I went to Oakgrove “ Ollie“I love my new school. The summer scheme helped me make new friends, then I wasn’t so nervous in September. There is so much to see and do at Oakgrove and everyone is so kind and helpful” Darragh
14Oakgrove Integrated CollegeAT KEY STAGE 4At Oakgrove Integrated College, a wide range of academic and vocational subjects is on oer. These are based on the needs and aspirations of our students. Our Careers education team help us make sure that the curriculum oered is reviewed annually to ensure courses and pathways oered remain relevant and purposeful, leading to progression at KS5. Year 10 is dedicated to ensuring pupils and parents are given the correct careers advice and support, so that informed decisions can be made. Our enrichment programme helps ensure that all students are ready for all that their life will present.POST 16 Oakgrove is an active member of the Foyle Learning Community. We work in collaboration with other post primary schools in the area to ensure our students have access to a curriculum which provides a range of pathways. These are reviewed annually to ensure the curriculum meets not only the needs of the pupils, but also the current demands of the labour market.
15Prospectus 2024 - 25THE ARTSAlways at the forefront of innovative projects in the Arts, Oakgrove relishes the opportunity be creative. With CCEA, we piloted the Moving Image Arts GCSE and ‘A’ level courses, opening doors for students around the world. Students’ art work adorns the hallways enthralling visitors and celebrating success. Consistently praised at National Theatre and Shakespeare Schools’ Festivals, one piece of feedback extolled : “This production was a love letter to the possibilities of education”. Through Art, Music, English and Drama, Oakgrove students embrace the creative skills which open up the world of imagination, exploration and confident expression.
16Oakgrove Integrated CollegeBEYOND THE CURRICULUMOakgrove develops the whole person, breaking down all barriers, in a community where people constantly support each other. Extra-curricular activities provide rich experiences for students of all ages and backgrounds to learn outside the classroom. Students connect together in shared passion for Sport, Music, Drama, curriculum-linked-clubs, debating, and more. Our students have been enriched through their travels to the UK - London, Manchester, Bulgaria, Seattle, Rome, Spain, all of which open their minds to a world they can someday explore.
17Prospectus 2025“The pupils benefit from the wide range of extra-curricular activities during and after school.” ETIRecognising the importance of extra-curricular activities, a bus service is available from Oakgrove to various parts of the city for those pupils staying for after-school activities. Archery Cricket Gymnastics NetballArt Cross Country Homework club ReadingArts and Crafts Dance ICT RoboticsAthletics Debating Keyboard/Piano ScienceBadminton Drama Language Club Singing lessonsBasketball Drums Library SoccerBrass and woodwind Gaelic Lunch club STEM clubChoir Games Club Maths Student CouncilCoding Guitar Minecraft Knitting Club
18Oakgrove Integrated CollegePUTTING OUR STUDENTS FIRSTOakgrove is a pioneering school in lots of ways and our nurturing approach is just one of these areas. The Hub is a central space in Oakgrove Integrated College, designed to enhance the experiences of our pupils, giving them a listening ear, and supporting them in areas where they need it most. In this busy world where life can unexpectedly throw us into turmoil, The Hub is a safe place to self-regulate, receive relevant support, and restore your child’s sense of personal and emotional well-being. We work alongside parents/guardians to provide tailor-made supportive workshops and therapeutic discussions, meeting the individual needs of our pupils so that they can develop their emotional intelligence and build a healthy resilience for school life and beyond.Built on the success of the nurturing approach in school, we have branched out to work with the Manchester United Foundation and the Health Partnerships and other groups so that we have a range of support tailored to meet the diverse needs of students of al ages. The strategies used in our nurturing approach include Drawing and Talking Therapy, Mindfulness, Mentoring and Relaxation techniques to help students deal with times of diculty. At Oakgrove Integrated College we pride ourselves on being a school which nurtures by focusing on the young person’s overall well-being and supporting their growth and development.
19Prospectus 2025“I love that Oakgrove supports the students not just academically but also socially and emotionally. The nurture room and the Manchester united Foundation have been an excellent support for my son in more ways than one.” Teresa Parent
20Oakgrove Integrated CollegeMANCHESTER UNITED FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP WITH OAKGROVE INTEGRATED COLLEGE The Manchester United Foundation work with over 30 schools across the Greater Manchester area. Their new partnership with Oakgrove is the first with a school from further afield. Martin Smith, is our School Partnership Ocer, working with the Foundation and with Oakgrove to engage and inspire young people through developing a range of personal qualities and life skills. Martin works primarily with students in Oakgrove but also with our partner primary schools. He works closely with the Year 8 team to ensure a smooth transition to secondary school for those pupils and to give them the skills to develop as positive role models in their community. We share the vision of a city where we all work to achieve the best for every child.
21Prospectus 2025Below are some of the areas the Foundation’s work focus on: • Transition • Mentoring • Personal Development • Leadership Skills • Physical wellbeing • Mental wellbeing • Social Wellbeing • Employability
22Oakgrove Integrated CollegeOakgrove has widespread support systems for all our students. Form Tutors provide academic and pastoral support. Support comes in all manner of ways, tailored to the individual needs of our students. These include:PASTORAL CARE • Promotion of positive attitudes and behaviours• Student reward systems• Mentoring support • Revision programmes• Careers advice and support • Target setting • Assessment to support learning• Transition workshops• Positive sta/student relationships• Targeted academic intervention• Counselling services• Monitoring, recording and tracking progressSafeguarding Team: Mr Russell, Designated Teacher for Safeguarding, Mrs JA Canning, Deputy Designated Teacher for Safeguarding, Mr Harkin, Principal
23Prospectus 2025“Going to Oakgrove taught me that everyone in the world has an opinion, it might not always be something you agree but all you have to do is listen to it. You can always find common ground with someone.” Aaron (Past Pupil)
24Oakgrove Integrated College“My favourite subject so far is English. My teacher makes it so much fun. I love it because of the teachers and all of my new friends.”“Oakgrove is a great place to go. But now I’m settled with great new friends and I know my way around. I’m so glad I chose to come here.”Year 8 Students
25Prospectus 2025FREE SCHOOL TRANSPORTOur magnificent campus is situated on the grounds of Gransha Park. It is surrounded by 400 acres of green fields and mature woodlands. All of our students are entitled to free school transport and travel to school by bus. Our transport providers service Cityside, Waterside and rural areas extending to Limavady, Strabane, Claudy and Eglinton.STRABANECITYSIDECLAUDYEGLINTONLIMAVADYWATERSIDERIVER FOYLEOAKGROVEINTEGRATED COLLEGE
26Oakgrove Integrated CollegeADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR ENTRY OF PUPILS TO YEAR 8 SEPTEMBER 2025Oakgrove Integrated College is a different type of school which gives an excellent academic education, and so much more. Oakgrove does not believe in the transfer testing process: we don’t need a test to know your child is good enough. Some say a child should only go to school with people like them: we want a society where this no longer happens. In Oakgrove Integrated College, all identities are equally cherished and valued. We learn from, as well as about each other. Oakgrove was founded by parents; like them, we want a city where Protestant, Catholic and other backgrounds learn together beside each other every day. Oakgrove is this city’s only college integrated by design. We need your vision to change this city and make it a place for everyone, together. Oakgrove Integrated College is the right choice.Where there are more applicants than places available, the following criteria shall be applied, in the order listed:(a) Applicants who name Oakgrove Integrated College as their First Preference post-primary school on the Transfer Form.(b) Applicants who have a “child of the family” presently or previously enrolled in the school. Within this criterion, priority will be given to those applicants where all elder ‘children of the family’ attended this College.(c) Applicants who are the rst child in the family to be of the age to transfer to secondary education or in the case of a family having arrived in the area within the P6/P7 year (proof required), is the rst to reach transfer age since arrival.(d) Applicants who are transferring from any Grant Maintained Integrated Primary School or Controlled Integrated Primary School as dened in the Education Reform Order (NI) 1989.(e) Other applicants.In the event of there being more applicants than places available for the last criterion that can be applied, then selection for the remaining places will be on the basis of the initial letter of the surnames in the order set out below (if applicants have the same surname then the rst forename will be used to list applicants. In the event of two or more children having exactly the same name, the date of birth, as entered on the birth certicate, will be used as a tie-breaker with the oldest child being chosen rst). Z, R, L, U, W, F, Mac, H, K, X, I, O, M, Q, Mc, P, C, A, N, G, B, S, Y, D, V, E, J, T(The order was determined by a random selection.)EXPLANATORY NOTESProspective parents should complete the Ocial Transfer Form, providing the relevant and correct information. The Board of Governors reserves the right to seek conrmation on any information supplied.In order to achieve a reasonable balance Oakgrove Integrated College will reserve a maximum of 20% of the places available for pupils from traditions other than the Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions. In the event of there being fewer applicants from the “other traditions” sector than the allocated 20% of places then the balance of places will be divided equally between Protestant and Roman Catholic applicants. In the event of an odd number of places remaining in this division, an additional place will be allocated to the sector having the greater number of applicants. In the event of there being fewer applicants from either the Protestant or Roman Catholic traditions than there are places available for that tradition then the balance of places will be allocated to the other tradition.The perceived religious aliation of an applicant will be decided by one or other of the following means: (i) The religious aliation noted on, or uploaded with, the Transfer Form by the parent/guardian; or(ii) The type of primary school which the pupil attended; i.e. controlled or maintained; or(iii) Directly from the applicant’s Primary School Principal; or(iv) The information supplied to the College on, or uploaded with, the Transfer Form.In the event that the total number of applicants for a particular tradition is greater than the number of places within that tradition of applicants as set out above, then the allocation of places will be determined, in the order set down above, to applicants in order of preference, i.e. the criteria above will be applied to rst preference applicants of that tradition and then, if places are still available in that particular tradition, to second preference applicants of that tradition and so on.
27Prospectus 2025The selection for admission to the College will be applied rstly to applicants whose normal place of residence is in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission and secondly, if there are any places still remaining, to applicants not so resident at the time of application.RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND PRINCIPAL IN RELATION TO ADMISSIONSThe Board of Governors draws up the admissions criteria and delegates to an Admissions Sub-Committee, which includes the Principal, the responsibility for applying these criteria. Any reference herein to the term the Board of Governors includes any Committee or Sub-Committee appointed by the Board of Governors for the purposes of applying the Admissions Criteria set out herein.It is a matter for the parents/guardians to ensure that all the information required by the College to apply the criteria, set out below, is fully provided on, or uploaded with, the ocial Transfer Form. The relevant information must include the parent’s/guardian’s religion, the child’s religion and place in the family and normal place of residence. The Board of Governors reserves the right to seek conrmation of any information supplied. Parents are advised to read the guidance in this booklet regarding the type of evidence that will be required to satisfy a particular criterion.The provision of false or incorrect information or the failure to provide information within the deadlines set by the procedure can result in the withdrawal of a place and the inability to offer a place on the part of any post-primary school nominated on the applicant’s Transfer Form.The Board of Governors reserves the right to seek verication or conrmation of any information supplied by parents/guardians.The Board of Governors reserves the right to require such supplementary evidence as it may determine to support or verify information on any application/transfer form. If you are successful in gaining a place in Oakgrove College you will be asked to provide the following:A) Any one of the following original documents:· The Child’s Birth Certicate.· A letter awarding Child Benet to the child or another letter relating to the benet.· The child’s Medical Card showing the child’s current permanent place of residence.AndB) Any two of the following original documents:· A Bank, Post Oce, Credit Union or Building Society statement which shows the address at which the child is resident.· A current utility bill (for instance Electricity, Gas, Television Licence, Telephone) which shows the address at which the child is resident.· A letter awarding Child Benet to the child or another letter relating to this benet.· The child’s Medical Card showing the child’s current permanent place of residence.Please note that other documents equally capable of verifying your information, or other equally capable means of verication will be considered at the discretion of the Board of Governors. If, therefore, you are unable to provide the specic documents listed above then please contact Oakgrove Integrated College to establish how you can verify your application.WAITING LIST POLICYShould a vacancy arise after 10 May 2025 all applications for admission to Year 8 that were initially refused, new applications, late applications and applications where new information has been provided will be treated equally and the published criteria applied. This waiting list will be in place until 30 June 2025.Oakgrove Integrated College would contact you in writing if your child gains a place in Oakgrove by this method. Your child’s name will be automatically added to the list. Please contact Oakgrove if you wish for your child’s name to be removed from the list.NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS AND ADMISSIONSThe permitted admission number for 24/25 for Year 8 as determined by Department of Education is 130During the admissions procedure when applying the criteria punctual applications will be considered before late applications are considered. The application procedure opens on 28 January 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) and an application submitted by the closing date of 20 February 2025 at 12 noon (GMT) will be treated as a punctual application. An application received after 12 noon (GMT) on 20 February 2025 and up to 4pm 25 February 2025 will be treated as a late application.
28Oakgrove Integrated CollegeStradreagh Gransha Park,Derry-Londonderry, BT47 6TGN. Ireland, Tel: 028 71 860443E-Mail: info@oakgrovecollege.derry.ni.sch.uk Fax: 028 71 860536Web: www.oakgrovecollege.comOakgrove Integrated College@OIntegrated