Chinese
Oakfield is committed to broadening the horizons of our children so that they are ready to thrive in the modern world. As such, our chosen modern foreign language at KS2 is Chinese. Over the past 10 years, we have developed a relationship with the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University, who provide native Chinese speaking teachers and a range of cultural opportunities for our children and staff.
Our Oakfield band recently performed in Chinese and English at the Glasshouse International, alongside Chinese performers to usher in the Chinese New Year. We also have visits from Chinese performers specialising in Chinese Opera and traditional Chinese arts, music and Kung Fu.
At Oakfield, we are passionate about languages and its teaching. As professionals committed to our own teaching development, we are proud to announce that one of our teachers has competed in the annual European English Speaking Countries Chinese Teaching Competition, coming third – the first non-native speaker to even enter the competition.
Music
From Ezra Collective to Taylor Swift, Bob Marley to Bach, our fun and inspiring music education engages and exposes pupils to a range of artists from a variety of different backgrounds. Music provides a unique opportunity to celebrate difference and diversity. We hope our curriculum will help children to develop a love of music and give them many opportunities to perform as musicians.
In addition to our class-based curriculum, our children enjoy weekly singing assemblies, music clubs and a pop dance choir. Alongside Gateshead Music Hub, children have the opportunity to learn the violin, brass or woodwind instruments and also the guitar. Our own staff also teach the ukulele and provide performance opportunities in the Oakfield Band. Children are given the opportunity to perform at school, local events and the Glasshouse International Music Centre. Giving children a different platform to excel, outside of the classroom, is our aim and music at Oakfield is there for all to enjoy.
Forest School
Forest school is a popular element of school life at Oakfield. Children are able to explore a safe, yet exciting environment that aids their physical and emotional development through team-building activities and individualised learning. It helps put aspects of the curriculum into a ‘real-life’ context for the children so that when they return to the classroom they are inspired to use these experiences positively- whether it be in maths, literacy, science, geography or art to name but a few.