This week's Year 7 assembly was led by PC Angela Gayle who talked about personal safety. The students came away with a lot of really useful knowledge and guidance which Ms Ruby shared in a separate letter with parents: please continue the conversation on this topic with your child.

We held a very successful Open Evening on Thursday with around 2000 people in attendance. We are very grateful to all of our students who supported the school as tour guides and departmental helpers; many of our visitors commented on their excellent communication skills and warm welcome. A special thank you to Micah in Year 8 for his incredible speech in which he articulately shared his experiences at Orchard Park. Thank you also to Falisha and Alfie C in Year 9 who told our visitors all about our Character Education provision. Thank you to every member of staff for their contributions to a really successful event.

On Friday, Year 7 students attended a Talk About Transition oracy workshop that engages students using oracy-based activities and strategies to develop greater self-confidence and resilience for a successful transition from primary to secondary school. Within this workshop, each student was able to speak in front of his or her peers on several occasions. Year 7 were fantastically behaved, and we received brilliant feedback about the workshop.

Also on Friday, our 100% Club shop opened (pictured). Students collect tokens for every week they have 100% attendance and these can be traded in for a range of different rewards chosen by our student leadership team. The first shop was very busy, which is excellent news.

A reminder that the front gate closes at 8:23am every morning. Students arriving after this time will be late for roll call and will therefore receive a late detention. Please support your child’s journey plans to ensure a punctual arrival.

Ms C Moran, Headteacher