We are delighted to share some updates and reminders with our academy community.

Highlight of the week - OperaFirst 

41 of our OSA students behaved amazingly when they took part in the recent OperaFirst workshop. Garsington Opera leaders told us that they were a 'dream' to work with and that they all did OSA credit.

Students created their own songs in counterpoint to the Donizetti originals, which were sung by the opera singers alongside! It was all very exciting and moving.

   

 Student Quotes:  

Odelia - Year 7: "It was amazing to hear and see how the opera team work and perform. The best part of the day was that we got to compose our very own song.” 

Archie - Year 8: "My favourite part of the day was everyone singing together as an ensemble. The singers and musicians helped and inspired us along the way". 

Kamran - Year 9: "Great to be out of the routine for the day and trying different, new skills with the opera team. Their performance of music and song was amazing.” 

Alex - Year 10: "Having professionals come in to show us their opera talent first-hand was great. The highlight for me was getting to create lyrics to a song ourselves, with the help of a music composer". 

Everyone is really looking forward to the trip in July to see the real thing, at the outdoor theatre in Garsington. 

Attendance – don’t break the streak! 

With just 10 school days left in this half-term, every single day matters — and we are encouraging all our students to aim for full attendance across all 10 days! 

We understand that life gets busy, and at times it may seem easier to let a child stay home for something minor — whether it’s a routine appointment, slight tiredness, or just a low-energy day. However, we’re noticing more students missing entire days when it’s not truly necessary. 

We are committed to developing not only academic excellence but also vital life skills — and strong attendance is a key part of that. Employers consistently tell us that reliability is a top trait they seek. Attending school regularly — even on challenging days — builds resilience, structure, and responsibility, helping prepare students for success in every walk of life. 

We’d also like to extend a big thank you to the families who already prioritise school attendance. By providing this consistent message, you are making a powerful difference in your child’s mindset and long-term future. 

Excellent attendance opens doors to academic achievement, social growth, confidence, and future success. The biggest reward of all is the lifelong habit of commitment and perseverance that will stay with your child well beyond school. 

Thank you for your continued support and for being such an essential part of your child’s learning journey. Together, let’s make every one of these 10 days count. 

Enrichment Week 2025: A week of discovery, adventure, and fun! 

We are fast approaching Enrichment Week 2025, which will take place from Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July. This exciting and action-packed week is specially designed to offer students in Years 7–9 a broad range of inspiring activities and learning experiences—both in and out of the classroom. 

While Year 10 and Year 12 students will be off-site completing their work experience placements, the rest of the school can look forward to a dynamic programme of workshops, trips, and enrichment activities designed to stretch minds, spark interests, and create memories. 

Day	Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Mon 7th July	Drama workshop &   subject enrichment activities   (in school)	Stem workshop & Subject enrichment activities   (in school)	Thorpe Park trip
Tues 8th July	Thorpe Park trip  or  Youlbury residential	Stem workshop & Subject enrichment  or  Youlbury residential	Drama workshop   &   Subject enrichment activities   (in school)
Wed 9th July	Subject enrichment activities   (in school)  or  Youlbury residential	Thorpe Park trip  or  Youlbury residential	Subject enrichment activities   (in school)
Thurs 10th July	Whole School Careers Day – guest speakers and careers fair
Fri 11th July	Sports Day, including the Oxford Spires Race for Life

Thorpe Park Trips – Feel the Adrenaline! 

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will have the chance to visit Thorpe Park, one of the UK’s most thrilling theme parks! With attractions like Stealth, the UK’s fastest rollercoaster and Storm Surge, a sky-high spinning water ride with a 64ft descent, it's set to be a day to remember. 

Cost: £51 (payable via instalments on ParentPay) 

Youlbury Outdoor Residential – Adventure Awaits! 

For those in Years 7 and 8, there is the opportunity to attend an exciting overnight residential trip to Youlbury on the 8th and 9th July. Students will take part in a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including: 

• Laser Tag 

• Aerial Zip Wire 

• Archery 

• Pedal Go-Karts 

• And much more! 

It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and create unforgettable memories with their peers. 

Cost: £110 (payable in instalments via ParentPay) 
Minimum Attendance: To ensure the residential goes ahead, we require a minimum of 60 students to take part. Please confirm your child’s place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Support and Accessibility 

We are committed to making Enrichment Week accessible for all students. If your child is eligible for free school meals, pupil premium, or if the cost presents a financial difficulty, please reach out to us at info@oxfordspires.anthemttrust.uk to discuss the support available. 

Extra-Curricular Clubs 

Welcome to our school Extracurricular Booklet (click here: Extracurricular Clubs) 

Oxford Spires, we believe in the power of discovery and creativity beyond the classroom. Our extensive range of clubs offers something for everyone, whether you're looking to express your artistic flair, get active, or explore the fascinating world around you. From experimenting with different materials and techniques in the Art Club, to the high-energy thrills of handball with experienced England Handball coaches, to learning about the behaviour of Monty, our school snake, there’s no shortage of exciting opportunities to expand your interests and skills. 

Dive into the booklet to discover the activities that spark your child’s passion. Join in and make the most of every moment, both during and after school! 

OSA Insights Edition 3 

Our talented Sixth Form student writers have taken the lead in bringing you the latest edition of The OSA Insight, our student newspaper.

As the exam season heats up, we dive into Revision: The Key to Success, offering practical tips to help you stay focused and confident. But we’re not just about the books – take a breath (carefully!) as we explore the Possible Patriarchal Pollen Problem and what it might mean for allergy season. 

Travel back in time with May: This Month in History and tune in to our Composer of the Month spotlight featuring Aaron Copland – a true American original whose music still resonates today. 

All that and much more awaits in this issue - read here: OSA Insight - Edition 3  

Charity Run 

Tracy Vindel, mother of Year 12 Kike was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme brain tumour in October 2013 following 2 episodes of falling unconscious. She was given 9–12 months to live yet survived 4 years before passing away, after 3 resections, radio, and chemotherapy, as well as many alternative therapies, including ketogenic diet, nutritional supplements, acupuncture etc. Tracy lost her battle on 9th May 2017. She was 43 years old.

Kike is running the Oxford 10k town and gown run in Oxford on 11th May and is trying to raise as much money as possible for The Brain Tumour Charity. He is training to try and get a sub-47-minute time and, so far, he is on track to accomplish that. If you would like to read more about Tracy's story and support Kike in his inspirational charity run, you can find out more here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/kike-vindel  

Fundraising for Year 13 Pavlo  

We are writing this to ask for some support for one of our incredibly talented A-level Physics students who has been offered an amazing opportunity of a month’s work experience at CERN, Geneva, in June.  Pavlo joined our school at the beginning of year 11 when fleeing the war in Ukraine. He worked extremely hard to achieve the grades he needed at GCSE in just a year and, despite his English being very rudimentary when he joined, he was able to get on to his A-level courses of choice – Physics. Pavlo is dedicated and motivated to learn.

If you would like to read Pavlo’s story and support Pavlo in his journey, please visit our website:  https://www.oxfordspires.anthemtrust.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/fundraising-for-pavlo   

You can also donate to Pavlo’s GoFundMe page at the following link: https://gofund.me/536efc29 

Sixth Form News: A Level Philosophy and Ethics 

We’re excited to announce that we will be offering A-Level Philosophy and Ethics in Year 12 from September. If your child is interested in enroling in this course, please complete this form (click here), and a member of staff will follow up with more details. 

As a student of Philosophy and Ethics, you will engage in a high level of debate and will be encouraged to develop your ability to present your views clearly and succinctly. You will be asked to consider philosophical explanations for the nature of reality - why things are as they are - and how we should act within this reality. Whether, for example, we can base our understanding of the world we find ourselves in on logic, divine revelation or on the human experience. We also analyse how we can use these methods of learning to understand more about 'the other', or God, giving rise to discussions about ways we can talk meaningfully about something that is beyond the senses.

This subject provides an excellent grounding for students considering a career in any area which requires systematic analysis of information and an ability to communicate effectively, from Law, Politics and Business to Medicine and careers in the public sector. 

Entry requirements: 6 in Religious Studies, History or English Lit or Lan 

Oxford Spires Careers Fair – Thursday 10th July 2025 

Join Us at the Oxford Spires Careers Fair – Inspire the Next Generation! 

We are inviting businesses, organisations, and professionals to take part in the Oxford Spires Careers Fair on 10th July, from 10am to 2pm. This exciting event provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with students from Year 7 to Year 10 and Sixth Form, inspiring them to explore future career paths. 

We are looking for a diverse range of industries and professions to showcase opportunities, from apprenticeships and higher education to technical careers and entrepreneurial ventures. Whether you’re a local business, national organisation, charity, or university, we’d love to have you join us! 

If you’re interested in attending, please express your interest by completing this form: https://forms.office.com/e/cmsZyjP9KA 

Help us shape the future workforce and inspire the next generation! 

For any questions, please contact info@oxfordspires.anthemtrust.uk. 

School Health Nurse 

Newsletter - Term 5: Secondary School Health Nursing Newsletter April 2025