Our mission is to be exceptional
Our values, to be ambitious, enthusiastic, creative, empowering, and united, constitute the framework of student voice and leadership opportunities. We believe that students should have the opportunity to participate actively in academy life by taking up roles and responsibilities throughout the academic year in order to contribute to whole school improvement. This is key to a deeper student engagement and enables our students to participate in the sort of leadership opportunities which prepare them for life in modern democratic Britain and a global society. A society where we value equal opportunities and one in which a variety of beliefs and opinions are heard.
Current opportunities for students
Head Girl and Head Boy
Students in Year 12 can apply for the role of Head Girl or Head Boy. Senior prefects and staff then vote for their preferred students. They function as the highest representatives of the student body and also become Student Governors who present student issues to the Chair of Governors and the Principal.
More info: Sixth Form team, Mr Leyburn
Prefects (senior and junior)
Year 12 and 10 students apply in Term 3-4 for the role of prefects. The applications will be discussed at SLT and Pastoral level and decisions made. Prefects, as well as sitting on the Student Leadership Team, have a range of responsibilities and duties and also support positive behaviour around the academy. They will need to be seen as positive role models in their everyday interactions at the academy.
More info: PL Year 10, Sixth Form team and Mr Leyburn
Student Ambassadors
Student ambassadors are called upon during the year for parents’ evenings, open days, and to act as tour guides for visitors and will be given training to support them in this role. Their primary role is to act as good publicists for the academy. All students are encouraged to become North Oxfordshire Academy ambassadors at some point in their education.
More info: Mrs Faulconbridge
Duke of Edinburgh programme
Students who are interested in a recognised leadership and skills course while demonstrating energy, self-discipline, commitment and a capacity for teamwork can apply for the Duke of Edinburgh programme. Achieving an award will give students the skills, confidence and view on life that is highly sought after by employers, colleges and universities. Students can access the qualification after school on Thursdays.
More info: Miss Roberts
Student Librarians
This group of students is trained to support the library in all its work. Roles include working in the library during break and lunch-times and after school. These students play an active part in all aspects of the library including learning to use the library computer system, issuing and receiving books, shelving and overseeing the computer area.
More info: Dr Root
Sports Captains
Students are chosen to work alongside the PE Department to lead enrichment activities and support PE staff at matches. In order to become a Sports Captain students need to have an interest in developing their leadership skills and be committed to making a positive difference to North Oxfordshire Academy through sport and physical activity.
More info: Mr North
Peer ambassadors (Anti-Bullying)
These students will be chosen according to their ability to positively interact with peers in difficult situations. Their role will be publicised to all students and they will work in pairs to resolve difficulties amongst students. This group will receive mediation training in conflict resolution and will be used by the school in the first instance to resolve student disputes. They will organise activities for Anti-bullying week and promote Show Racism the Red Card (with the support of the Sports Captains). They will work with the Behaviour Panel, Welfare Managers and Pastoral Leaders.
More info: Mr Davis
Peer Mentors
Peer mentors are taken from the Sixth Form Youth Work team to act as mentors and buddies to Key Stage 3 students or any vulnerable students identified by the school as needing a mentor. This group receives mentoring training and meets with their mentees during tutor time. This training is completed in school and accredited through a L3 Youth Work qualification.
More info: Mr Davis
Buddy readers
Sixth formers participate in the reading initiative. The older students volunteer and are then paired with a Key Stage 3 student to help them improve their literacy by listening to them read during tutor time.