At Ash Grove School, we are proud to be part of Oak Learning Partnership – a multi-academy trust with schools across Blackburn with Darwen and Bury. Being part of the trust provides us with access to a wide range of opportunities, one of which is our Oak Experiences programme.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to the personal development of every student. We embed opportunities for growth throughout our curriculum, ensuring that learners not only gain academic knowledge but also build the confidence, resilience and life skills they need to thrive.
Our curriculum is designed to help students experience meaningful ways of working together, solving problems and achieving shared outcomes. These collaborative experiences prepare learners to contribute positively to society and navigate everyday life with empathy, responsibility and purpose.
All students on the Engage and Employ pathways benefit from dedicated time within the curriculum to explore and grow beyond the classroom. This includes regular visits to Youth Zones, where they can build social skills, confidence and teamwork in dynamic, supportive environments.
Through experiences that promote cultural capital - such as community engagement, exposure to the arts and real-world learning - students are supported in developing as active, informed citizens in today’s modern society. These opportunities are designed to help learners understand their place in the world, work collaboratively and prepare for life beyond education with a strong sense of purpose and identity.
The leadership team is currently developing and personalising the Oak Experiences programme to ensure it reflects the unique strengths, needs and aspirations of our Ash Grove community, as well as complimenting the curriculum offer. Through this work, we aim to provide enriching opportunities that help every student thrive — both at school and beyond.