Year 8

Mr A McGuinness
Email: [email protected]

Head of Year 8

Assistant Head of Year:

Miss F McDowell – [email protected]

Form Tutors:

Year 7 passed so quickly with many positives and the ups and downs of a new school were all faced with resilience. The year 8 team are really proud of them. All pupils have settled into OCA life, made new friendships and enjoyed new subjects and experiences. This year we will build on the foundations of year 7 and I look forward to seeing all students develop and thrive even more this year.

Advice and Guidance

Year 8 is about building on our year 7 experiences, learning more subject specific skills and developing more as young people.

You will be given regular updates on how you are progressing from your form tutor and subject teacher. Your head of year, assistant head of year and form tutor are always there to offer support and guidance and answer all your questions. If parents / carers requirement any help or have any questions regarding students, then please do not hesitate to contact their form tutor or head of year 

Enrichment

You will have a full whole school enrichment programme which will be individually tailored to each pupil. This is your opportunity to learn new skills and develop confidence in things you may not have tried before to ensure you make the most of your time at secondary school. 

Attendance and Punctuality

Attendance is of the up most importance to all pupils. Students should aim for 97% or above and if possible 100%. Punctuality is also just as important. All students are expected to turn up to school and lessons on time, fully equipped and ready to learn.

Working Together

School life is not just about academic success. It is also about becoming a positive member of society who improves the lives of others around them. I want all our students to achieve success, to build their confidence and excel at everything they set their minds too. All students within the year group should work as part of a team and be there to help and support each other in everything we do together. 

Targets for students in Year 8:

  • Achieve 97% or higher in terms of attendance. 
  • Attend all enrichment and intervention sessions as required by your teachers. 
  • Build positive and long-lasting relationships with both staff and pupils. 
  • Have excellent punctuality. 
  • Have excellent attitude to learning. 

I have extremely high expectations and aim to ensure that every child in our Year 8 feels happy and safe within school. 

Good Luck Class of 2026!

If you need to contact Mr McGuinness, please contact the school office or email [email protected]