Promoting equal expression of diverse traditions

Oakgrove Integrated College opened its doors in 1992; 18 years on it is still the only integrated post primary College in the area.

As an Integrated College, we are ever committed to seeking out and welcoming what is different and recognising the challenges of what is new.

Our main aim is to draw pupils from all cultural backgrounds, and provide them with an effective education that gives equal recognition to and promotes equal expression of those diverse traditions.

Essentially Christian in character, democratic and open in procedures, Oakgrove promotes self worth, leadership and self-esteem of all individuals within the school community. We foster an atmosphere of understanding, respect and appreciation of difference.

Our success is reflected in both our academic results and our extra curricular achievements. This year Oakgrove was among the top 2% of a nation wide analysis of post 16 qualifications in the UK. This survey represents one third of the UK schools who have chosen to participate in the study.

Oakgrove is a member of the Foyle Learning Community and we work with all other educational providers in the Derry City Council area to meet the needs of all the city’s children.

As the Education system in Northern Ireland changes, we here at Oakgrove are perfectly placed to deliver the changes. Oakgrove is no ordinary College, we have always strived to educate the whole child, both academically and socially, encouraging them to be courageous and willing to take risks. If you are willing to embark on a new and exciting journey of life-long learning, then Oakgrove is the place to be!

A Message from the Head boy and girl

When we were elected as Head Boy and Head Girl in June by our fellow students and teachers, we felt an enormous sense of pride and responsibility to have been chosen to represent our school in the wider community. We are embracing our role within the school and look forward to a productive and successful year in office.

For us, Oakgrove is not only about the successes that can be measured or tested, it is about the education that we as students receive here as people. We’re not simply another number, a set of grades or a statistic to put in the newspaper, we’re faces with names, personalities, stories and most importantly, difference.

Students here not only have the opportunity to succeed to the best of their ability in the classroom, but to explore, discuss, and learn about things that may ordinarily be brushed under the carpet.

As students at Oakgrove we have not only learnt a lot about ourselves and others and been given the self-esteem to be able to talk in public, we have also been taught about the world we live in and how much it has to offer, if we’re only willing to volunteer ourselves, to take a risk, to live.

This is the sort of education that money can’t buy, that tutors can’t just spoon-feed us and the sort of education which we are very sure will be the most useful when we leave school.

Paul Gillen (Head Boy) and Eabha Doherty (Head Girl)

Comments from Year 8 Pupils

Jack

All the teachers and subjects are interesting and wonderful.

Maya

The thing I like about Oakgrove is that they have very friendly staff.

Guevarra

I love Oakgrove because of the multicultural diversity of the school. It doesn’t matter about where we come from we all still get along. The atmosphere here is great.

Audrey

I think Oakgrove College is a good school because it has lots of clubs, where you can meet new people and have many friends.

The subjects are also enjoyable such as Art, P.E., H.E., Music, P.S.E. and swimming which belongs to P.E. You shall also like the teachers as they are very understanding and open.

Ramel

I think this school provides big opportunities for everyone that comes here. I get to represent my year group on the Whole School Council.

Nithy

It is a very good school and you will enjoy it here.

Finbar

It is a good school and you would like the things that we do like football and other sports. There are also things that we do here that you don’t do in primary school that I think you will enjoy.