Oakley School’s September opening approaches and we are now able to officially welcome those pupils and their families who have accepted a place in our founding cohort.
Our Head of Year, Mr Johnson, and SENDCo, Mrs Whitney, will be visiting primary schools over the next few months to introduce themselves and meet with our incoming pupils to support an effective transition to Oakley School.
We are also looking forward to meeting with families at the welcome events we are hosting over the Summer term. These will also provide an opportunity meet with more of the Oakley team.
We have fantastic teachers joining us in September: their expertise, enthusiasm, and vision for providing an excellent education for our pupils is truly inspiring! A few of our team have taken this opportunity to introduce themselves below.
Head of History
Mrs Jasbinder Kaur Mali
“I am so excited and honoured to be taking on the role of Head of History at Oakley School from September 2023.
I am an experienced and dedicated teacher who has a real passion and drive to evolve and develop the teaching of History to make it more diverse, inclusive and inspiring for our pupils.
I want Oakley School pupils to have a love of learning History and will ensure that all pupils are engaged, enthusiastic and encouraged in their History lessons to be the best that they can be.
I am a local Leamington Spa resident and want there to be a connection between what we learn in History and how it impacts our own lives today in our community. Therefore, I would also want to foster links with the local area through the use of trips and guest speakers as I strongly believe that providing enrichment opportunities and memorable experiences for our pupils is fundamental in helping to build the character and confidence of our pupils.
I hope to make a real difference to the pupils, school and community around Oakley School and look forward to fulfilling this role for many years to come.”
Head of Science
Miss Brittany Harrison
“I am delighted to be joining the Oakley team as Head of Science in September.
Science is a fantastic subject, and I will be designing a curriculum that encourages our students to wonder, explore and challenge themselves at every stage of learning.
I have plans for some exciting extracurricular clubs that will allow our students to carry out investigations beyond the classroom (and into the nature park!). When I am not teaching, I am a keen netballer and so am hoping to inspire both future scientists and athletes alike.”
Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Mr Simon Hardy
“I am extremely pleased to have been appointed the new Head of MFL at Oakley School. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved and I cannot wait to get started!
I have been passionate about French and Spanish ever since starting secondary school myself many years ago and, since starting my career in education, I have enjoyed seeing my own students develop a love of languages and an appreciation of other cultures.
I am really looking forward to establishing a balanced, challenging and enjoyable MFL curriculum that will inspire the students at Oakley School and give them the chance to experience some of the many advantages that learning a foreign language can offer.”
Head of Food & Nutrition
Mrs Laura King
“I am delighted to be leading the Food and Nutrition department at Oakley School. I will be bringing twenty-three years of experience to the role.
I am very much looking forward to offering students an excellent opportunity to equip themselves with vital life skills and excellent nutritional knowledge from a young age.
I am looking forward to meeting all the students in the summer term and getting ready for our journey to begin in September.”
Head of Design & Technology
Mrs Lorna Trout
“Hello! I’m Mrs Trout and I am proud to be the Head of Design Technology at Oakley School. What an exciting time ahead, so many new experiences and opportunities to encounter. I am passionate about all aspects of DT and I love to see my students become enthusiastic and inquisitive designers of the future. In my own time I love to design and make – whether tinkering with 3D printers, turning on lathes or casting resin. I hope to inspire my students with the same confidence, so they can find a talent that they never knew they had! I can’t wait to meet you all soon!
I look forward to meeting some of you in person next term and supporting our pupils and their families as they prepare for the start of their Oakley School adventure!”
Head of English
Miss Megan Hopkins
“I am thrilled to have been appointed Head of English at Oakley School, and I am eager and excited to meet all of our new faces in September.
When I was studying English at school I was inspired by the passion, knowledge and expression of my English teachers, and this is what I seek to demonstrate to my classes in return. English is so vitally important to the success of all students, with reading playing a particularly important role for their progress and development. It is with this at the forefront of my mind that I will create a curriculum that develops creativity, curiosity and critical thinking in all Oakley students.
Students will have the chance to experience a wide range of intriguing and aspiration texts, challenging themselves to understand and explore myriad perspectives and ideas. Ultimately, this will help them to understand themselves and the world around them, becoming lifelong readers. We are incredibly lucky to be in such close proximity to a rich literary culture, and to be able to build strong connections to organisations like the BBC, RSC and local universities. This is something we will be regularly tapping into, both in and out of the classroom.
I look forward to seeing you all soon!”
