Student Stories
Our students come from varied backgrounds, but most of them have struggled to cope with mainstream education. Once at LVS Oxford they are supported by excellent pastoral care.
We encourage independence, well-being and healthy lifestyles with pupils learning life skills in and outside of the classroom in a safe and secure environment.
Below are some of their stories.
Jacob
Jacob had been home-schooled prior to joining LVS Oxford in Year 7. “I hadn’t been going to school but I find it much better now. It’s very good to have the structure… I feel alright about getting up and dressed and coming to school. It gives me order to my life and helps me do things that make sense,” says Jacob.
Maths is a subject that Jacob is particularly talented in, having passed his Functional Skills Level 1 Maths exam in Year 8. “I like to learn and feel that I’m learning a lot here.”
He adds: “The teachers are great. If you’re struggling they are there to help, but when you are doing well, they encourage you to crack on.”
Joscelyn
Joining LVS Oxford after the start of Year 9, Joscelyn has been enjoying the greatly reduced class sizes, and has found the confidence to speak more freely and participate in lessons.
“I feel so much better coming into this school. There aren’t the crowds of people and I find it easier to communicate what I’m thinking in class. I felt too afraid to say anything before, but now I have the confidence and I’ve seen both my written and spoken English improve,” says Joscelyn, who has also seen her grades increase.
Joscelyn, who has also been appointed Head Girl, has made lots of friends and feels excited for the future. “Since coming here, I’m more talkative and open-minded…. I feel my voice is important. They listen to me and let me speak without people talking over me.”
Libby
A lover of History, Libby enjoys being at a school where there’s interesting and historical features all around. LVS Oxford is built on the site of a 17th century manor house, with the school dining room situated in an old chapel which was once part of a former Victorian Priory.
LVS Oxford and its teachers nurture Libby’s interest in history and the wider world, while encouraging her love of English, along with her other favourite subjects. “I’m doing English GCSE and we’re currently writing a speech, which we have to present to a group. I love to debate in class.
“We also have a ‘word of the week’, where we learn a new word, its definition, its antonyms, synonyms and how to use it in a sentence,” says Libby, explaining that school inspires students to take an interest in what’s happening around them.
Cameron
Cameron joined LVS Oxford in Year 7 from mainstream primary school. A keen musician and drama student, Cameron has enjoyed making lots of friends since joining the school and acts as a mentor to students in the lower school.
Being in Year 10, Cameron is doing work experience one day a week, at the local family visitor attraction, Fairytale Farm, where he helps with the animals and engages with visitors.
“Our work experience gives us working skills and has helped me to become more confident. I get to talk to the visitors at the farm, which I was nervous about at first, but I’m fine now. I enjoy being there, as you get to handle the animals,” says Cameron.
Alice
“My mum and dad think this school is a miracle. Before I came here I was hardly learning anything, and now I am learning something new every day,” says Alice, who joined LVS Oxford in Year 7 and currently is in Year 8.
Alice recalls her mum’s reassuring words, as she got ready to start her new school: “It’s okay to be autistic here”.
“The school helps people like me grow and learn. There is a nice and calm environment… and I feel that I’m doing so much better than when I first arrived. The teachers are really good too, because they get to know you and notice when you’re struggling and are there to help you.”
Taylor
Slower lessons that go at a student’s pace with small class sizes and lots of support have been transformational for Taylor, who is achieving great results in English, Maths and Science since joining LVS Oxford in Year 7. Now aged 14 and in Year 10, she’s enjoying learning and feels confident about achieving her goals in life.
“I’ve made a lot of progress since I joined LVS Oxford,” says Taylor. “Everyone is understanding and it’s a very calm environment. I’m so happy to be here.
“My reports have been amazing since I came here and I feel like I’m getting a good education and I will be able to achieve what I want to do.”
Daniel
Head Boy and editor of the school’s newsletter, Daniel has excelled within the caring and calm environment of LVS Oxford. From looking forward to going to school each day, to being excited as he prepares to transition into a mainstream college, Daniel is a confident and able young man.
“I’d never felt excited about going to school before, whereas once I came here, I would be up every morning and ready to go…. The teachers understand you and the students all understand each other.”
When’s he’s not working hard for his GCSEs, Daniel is involved with the drama club and is even writing a play, which he hopes will be chosen for the end of year performance.
Jake
From attending school for two hours a day to becoming a full-time, enthusiastic student with a love for his lessons, Jake’s life – and that of his family – has been transformed since arriving at LVS Oxford, halfway through Year 8.
“I’m enjoying Maths now, whereas I found it a struggle in mainstream school. There just wasn’t the help. Geography is great too – it’s taught by Joe, who makes it all so interesting. We’re looking at maps right now and I’d like to do my Duke of Edinburgh Award.”
He continues: “The teachers here are all understanding of autism. No one is seen as being different – or you could say, everyone is the same by being different!”