THE first designs for the new Oxford Academy at the site of Peers School in Littlemore have been unveiled.

A small number of staff and students at the school have already offered their thoughts on the new design, which will provide the basis for a wider consultation process over the next two months.

The plans will see the creation of a more open plan site, including facilities such as an all-weather sports pitch, a drama hall and a 500-square metre learning resource centre.

Gordon Joyner, chairman of the design working group, said the plans had to accommodate the local community as well as pupils at the school.

He said: "The design of the site has been created with a number of things in mind.

"Obviously there are the needs of the pupils, but we also want the local community to be able to use the school's facilities as much as possible, such as the all-weather sports pitch and the dance studio - it's something we're very committed to."

The proposed plans suggest the use of courtyards, rather than corridors, in a bid to cut down on bullying.

Mr Joyner said: "We have found corridors can be associated with bullying as pupils move from one class to another.

"By using courtyards, which will still be enclosed spaces, everyone will be able to move around freely but can be seen from one central point."

A dedicated area for year seven pupils has also been included in the plans, following consultation with primary schools.

Mr Joyner said: "The transition from primary to secondary school can be quite daunting for pupils and this will allow them to receive a large part of their lessons within one area.

"Teachers will come to the students, rather than students going to teachers, which we hope will help them adjust."

The new academy will also accommodate a number of non-school functions that are currently on the site, including the Oxfordshire County Council Adult Education building and the Littlemore Public Library.

The county council has also provided an extra £500,000 in funding to keep the Mabel Pritchard Special School at the location.

Plans will be submitted to the county council on January 15, 2008, and will ultimately need to be signed off by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.

To see the plans and to give feedback or ask questions, go to www.theoxfordacademy.org.uk