Our Lady's Abingdon Lower School A GSG School

What the school says...

Our Lady's Abingdon Lower School is a friendly school with a strong sense of community and fun. We welcome boys and girls aged 7 to 11, of all faiths and none.

We offer a distinctive and successful combination of six key factors which together create our unique OLA environment that helps our pupils achieve more:

1. Small, Friendly School

OLA is a small school of under 400 pupils in total including our Lower and Senior Schools and Sixth Form (OLA 6th). This has major benefits. Our small is beautiful approach with all age groups being taught on the same site in central Abingdon, means Lower School children benefit from access to the trained teaching professionals from our Senior School. This includes:

1. Specialist Science teaching in the Senior School laboratories for our Year 5 and 6 pupils

2. Teaching in the Senior School Design and Technology suite for our Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils

3. Specialist PE staff

4. Specialist French lessons

5. Swimming teaching from specialist swimming instructors in OLA's 25m indoor pool

Being a small community, pupils have greater opportunities to represent the school in a wider range of activities than is possible in schools with larger pupil numbers. These include sport, the performing arts, music and inter-school academic challenges, as well as nationally recognised activities such as the English Speaking Board. All of these play a valuable role in building pupil self-confidence as children move through the school.

2. Small Classes

We have an excellent teacher to pupil ratio. We pride ourselves on the individual relationship we have with each pupil, which enables teachers to really get to know each child and help them develop and exceed their potential.

3. Highly Praised Pastoral Care

Our pastoral care is highly praised by parents. Each child is known as an individual and OLA's caring, family atmosphere enables children to flourish, both academically and beyond the classroom. Our children are nurtured to achieve their best and encouraged in every way.

4. Fun and Innovative Learning

OLA staff work hard to create a fun and inspiring learning environment where pupils enjoy learning and make excellent progress. Exciting topics and special subject weeks are regularly used to help nurture this enthusiasm including Maths Week and Book Week. Children’s work from these activities can be seen
proudly displayed around the school.

5. Family Community

Our family community of teachers, pupils and parents actively supported by the OLA Parents Association and Parent Voice groups instils a clear sense of belonging.

6. Catholic Christian Ethos

Our Catholic Christian ethos is at the heart of everything we do. It is reflected in the positive relationships that exist between all members of our school community. The encouragement given to each child to be the best they can be is part of that positivity. ...Read more

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