Punctuality to school has been great, uniform is excellent and children are learning brilliantly in lessons. Your support is very much appreciated.

This week, our Year 10 students had the extraordinary opportunity to visit Sky Up Academy, where they stepped into the thrilling world of media and technology. At the heart of the experience, students were allowed to create digital content, taking on real-life media roles. Everyone had a part to play, from camera operators and editors to presenters and producers. Guided by a team of industry experts, they worked collaboratively to produce an engaging trailer, learning the art of storytelling and the technical intricacies behind high-quality media production. The students enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Sky. The day was also an opportunity for personal growth: the activities encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and build confidence, while enhancing collaboration, creativity, drive and communication. Thank you to Mr Alabi, our STEM coordinator, for organising such an enriching experience.

A warm welcome to Mr Kalatch who joins us as a Head of Year. He will be working with Year 7 and has already settled brilliantly into the family of Orchard Park.

Our Personal Development newsletters for the spring term can be accessed on our school website. These will tell you about the assembly, extra-curricular, Character and PSHE provision for your child across this term. Please have a look at them and talk to your child about what they have learnt. If you would like further information or support in talking about the topics covered, especially in PSHE, please contact your child’s Head of Year. We value their personal development as much as their academic progress and enjoy working with you on that.

https://www.orchardparkhigh.co.uk/personal-development-newsletter

A reminder that Year 9 parents’ evening is on Thursday 16th January 4.00pm to 6.30pm. Ms Ruby and the teaching staff look forward to seeing you.

Finally, we have some spare coats which students can have (for free). If your child needs a coat, especially given how cold it is, please contact Ms Mathys (our Welfare Officer) who can help arrange this.

Ms C Moran, Headteacher