Students across Years 7–12 in our Knowledge Essay Prize

 

Strengthening Communication

We are committed to keeping you well‑informed and strengthening our home–school partnership. Below is a summary of how we will communicate with you throughout the year.

Half‑Termly Newsletter - At the start of each half-term, we will share a newsletter celebrating our students, highlighting recent events, and signposting upcoming opportunities.

Fortnightly Updates - Every two weeks, you will receive a community email with key reminders and important messages. We also share these with students through their weekly broadcast and assemblies.
Your Feedback - We welcome your feedback. You can share comments at any time, and we also collect feedback after parent evenings and major events.

Contacting the School - Our phone system issues from the autumn term have now been resolved. You can contact reception, Sixth Form or attendance via the main number. We are also launching a new enquiries form (available on the school website and Bromcom) to ensure you receive a response within 48 hours. This also will allow us to track key trend and themes in your communication.

Please note:

• Student absences must continue to be reported via the My Child At School (MCAS) app/desktop portal. 

• Urgent matters should be phoned through to the main office.

• Staff will respond within two full working school days, immediate replies may not always be possible due to teaching commitments.

• Emails, phone calls and letters will be sent using the contact information held on our system.

• Parents’ Evening bookings will continue to be made on MCAS, with details shared around two weeks in advance.

Equipment & Uniform Standards

This term, we have continued working hard to ensure all students are fully prepared for learning every day. Having the correct equipment and wearing the correct uniform helps students feel settled, confident and ready to succeed.

Equipment Expectations
Every morning, equipment is checked to ensure students are ready for their lessons. To support families, we:

• Provide every student with a full equipment set at the start of the academic year.
• Issue new Scholar Guides every cycle.
• Students can purchase new equipment using their positive points in the OSA Hub – open every break 1 and run by our wonderful Sixth Form leadership team.

Students must bring their full equipment and Scholar Guide every day, to every lesson. We ask for your support in checking this at home.

Uniform Standards

As the weather improves, we will be renewing our focus on high standards of uniform across the school.
A gentle reminder that:

• Tracksuit bottoms or leggings are not part of our school uniform.
• Trousers must be black, not jersey material, and must not have drawstrings.
• Students in Years 7–8 must wear their blazer, and students in Years 9–11 must wear their purple jumper.
• If a student wishes to wear an additional layer underneath, it must be a plain white long‑sleeved T‑shirt.
• Footwear must be black shoes or fully black trainers.

How We Check Uniform
Uniform is checked each morning in tutor time and in the late room. Next term we will hold year group line ups to check uniform is correct at the start of the day. If a student arrives in the wrong uniform, we will always support them to correct it where possible. If a student refuses to correct their uniform, we will contact you, and they will be placed in isolation for the remainder of the day.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a calm, orderly and aspirational school environment. High expectations for equipment and uniform contribute directly to positive learning experiences and strong routines for all students.

OSA Together – Around the World in the Atrium and Community Iftar

We are delighted to invite you and your family to a special community event at Oxford Spires Academy on Thursday 12th March:
This event celebrates the rich and diverse cultures within our school community, bringing together students, families, and staff for an evening of shared heritage, food and reflection.

Around the World in the Atrium – Cultural Celebration Stalls - 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Students and staff will host stalls showcasing aspects of their culture, identity or heritage. These may include food, textiles, music, art, objects, games or traditions from around the world, including a stall celebrating British culture. Students who wish to host a stall have been invited to sign up.
Community Iftar and Prayer Spaces from approximately 6:00pm

As the event takes place during Ramadan, we will also hold a community iftar meal supported by charities working with Mr Hussain. All are welcome to attend, whether students are fasting, supporting friends or simply wishing to be part of the community meal.
We will provide a dedicated space for Maghrib prayer for those breaking their fast, as well as a prayer and worship space for those observing Lent.

Tickets and Pre‑Payment
To help us plan numbers for the iftar meal, we are operating pre‑payment only.
The cost is £10 per attendee, which includes entry to the Around the World in the Atrium cultural celebration and a meal ticket for the community iftar. 100 tickets have been released via ParentPay, so please get your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

A card reader will be available on the evening for visitors who wish to browse the stalls only. All students, staff and family members attending the iftar meal must sign up in advance.

Locations and Timings

• Atrium: cultural stalls
• Conference Centre Hall: Community Iftar preparation and serving
• Classrooms: designated prayer and quiet spaces

Students hosting stalls will begin setting up between 3:00pm and 3:30pm. Doors will open to families at 4:30pm.
We hope you will join us for what promises to be a warm, welcoming and joyful celebration of our school community.
Here a special news report that has been shared with pupils about the event: click here

Duke of Edinburgh Award – Open to current Year 9

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offers students the chance to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and grow in confidence. Each participant designs their own programme, selecting activities for:

• Volunteering – community, environmental, animal welfare, or social causes
• Physical – sport, fitness, dance
• Skills – coding, music, cooking, photography, languages, and more

Provisional Expedition Dates:

• Practice: 4th–5th July 2026
• Assessed: 19th–20th September 2026
• One in school training day in late June (date TBC) *school training day in late June

To register interest, Year 9 parents can complete the short form via the QR code. For further information, please contact Maria Frykfors,
DofE Manager: mfrykfors@oxfordspires.anthemtrust.uk

Dates for Your Diary

February

• 9th–13th: Year 11 & 13 mock exams continue
• 9th–13th: Year 7–10 Top 25 celebration breakfasts
• 10th–17th: Year 12 Thailand trip
• 16th–20th: School holidays
• 23rd: Year 11 Top 25 celebration breakfasts
• 24th: Immunisation catchup session
• 25th: London Art trip – Tate Gallery
• 27th: GCSE Mock oral examinations begin

March

• 2nd–6th: Assessment Week
• 7th FOSA – Roller Disco 4.30pm-6.30pm
• 12th: OSA Together community event
• 16th–20th: Super Teaching Week
• 16th–24th: Year 12 International Trip – Vietnam
• 23rd–25th: School production – High School Musical
• 26th: Year 8 & 13 Parents’ Evening (4:00–7:00pm)
• 27th: Students depart at 12:30pm – End of Term 4

Thank you for your support and partnership.