Swan School, Oxford

[Bialetti]

Just wondered if anyone could offer an insight as to what this school is like. I’ve heard the discipline is incredibly strict. Does it work well? What’s the teaching like, and pastoral care? Is your child happy there?

I don't have a child there, but I visit the school for work every so often.
Things I've noticed are..

• staff are all v young
• pupils have to be silent in the corridors
• pupils have a proper sit down lunch

I have heard from other local pupils that Swan pupils are really noisy on the public buses at the end of the day!

I’d take a long hard look at the curriculum especially GCSE and A level options. Ruled it out for us right away. Shocking neglect of modern languages and computer science, instead resourcing psychology and sociology. Just made me laugh and move on.

I don't know much about the school except am local so have been following its development with a little interest now and then. Do bear in mind that the 6th form is about to open with its first intake in September. I agree the subject options seem fairly limited but note that students will be able to take one subject at Cherwell if it is not yet offered at Swan. There isn't any information about GCSE options that I can see - unsurprisingly given that their first students are about to enter year 9 and probably haven't chosen GCSE subjects yet...

If you like a Draconian regime, go for it! Incredibly strict, punishments for minor misdemeanors like not having the right colour pen, nothing to allow children to flourish and be themselves. Essentially like being in the army. Would not recommend. Anxiety inducing!

I know this thread is a little old, but for anyone currently searching for info about secondaries, I'd like to offer a different perspective. I have a child at The Swan and they love it. The stuff about it being draconian tends not to come from parents whose children are actually there. Yes they have breaktime detentions (staying inside and reading) for minor misdemeanours like forgetting equipment or having incorrect uniform, but they are enforced respectfully and children learn quickly what's expected (and don't seem to think they're a big deal). Students talk very proudly about the school, and the atmosphere is really warm, welcoming and positive. With the exception of the odd member of staff, the teaching on the whole has been really impressive. The upside - and the main point - of the 'no talking' rules in corridors and when the teacher is teaching is that there is very little disruption in classes, and no bullying that can so often happen in those in-between times and spaces. So much less of both than I hear about from other secondary schools. Teaching happens in a calm environment, the teachers can get on and teach, and the children can get on and learn. And it's not like they sit in silence all lesson - there's plenty of interaction and group work. Just no time and effort wasted on having to manage constant class disruption. And quite the opposite of anxiety inducing - it's really calm. The new building is really great too.

Hello,
The thread is over 1year old but I looking for more opinions of the Swan School? The vegetarian menu and strict discipline is something I read about,but what is your opinion of teaching?
We are looking to move my daughter in Y9 ,and was wondering if anyone had an experience with in-year transfer,especially when we are not exactly catchment area ?
Any information would be much appreciated

You might be better starting a new thread to get more responses. Happened to see this… no experience of transfer but my child is doing fine there. The quality of teaching is excellent. Kids are pushed to achieve.
The discipline takes some getting used to, it feels irrational/over the top at times but it is consistent! Silent classrooms make for a good learning environment. Very exuberant / very anxious kids might struggle with the silent corridors policy and high expectations re behaviour and conduct.
The building and facilities are great.

My daughter loves the school and the quality of teaching is excellent. She finds the school calming and their pastoral hub is very good. They also have supervision sessions where they get additional support with anything they're struggling with. She would say it's not overly strict, none of the teachers shout & less bullying than some of the other Oxford schools. The only time pupils should be silent is between classes, otherwise they encourage socialisation and she is thriving. The school won't be suitable for everyone but they offer lots of open days for visits so go and takeca look. We were going to choose Cherwell but my daughter chose the school herself after she met teachers on the open day. Every teacher I've met is a very good, motivated teacher. They really know my daughter and I was very impressed on parents evening as they are very constructive and supportive in areas she needs help with. There are small penalties e.g. if they forget stuff but it's made her responsible, whereas I know other children who moved as they didnt like it. Cherwell is an excellent school too so I'd suggest going to both open days. Hope that helps.

With the growth of the school the curriculum has expanded so eg computing is now available and the language department is growing. Bit of a shame that the Ebacc is a compulsory aim limiting kids’ gcse options. Smacks of a school more interested in league table box ticking. Cherwell has meantime lost an option choice with compulsory citizenship but doesn’t bully you into Ebacc.

Still no GCSE option list on the website, but the A-level choices look very limited.
First Ofsted report still hasn't been published.

The Sixth Form is absolutely tiny (about 30 in a year group IIRC).

KS4/GCSE options are via a download on this page.
https://theswanschool.org.uk/curriculum-and-assessment/