Thank you to Ms Feist, Ms Carr, Ms Coupland, Ms McCallum and Mr Tylec for taking our Year 11 geography students on their field trip to the river Tillingbourne in Dorking. The geographers had a wonderful day. They demonstrated their collaboration and geographical skills when working as a team to collect width, depth and velocity measurements. The staff at the Field Studies Council commended their great behaviour and river knowledge. A ‘shout out’ for great effort goes to Kevin, Cayenne, Cara, Jai, Emyphil and Fiza.

We are also grateful to Ms Baatjies, Ms Veall and Mr West who are currently camping on our Duke of Edinburgh expedition. They are all reported to be well, although a little wet!

The Friends of Orchard Park are currently looking for a new treasurer. Their latest newsletter with information about this and other ways you can help can be found here.

Reminders

On Wednesday 17th September we are holding our ‘Welcome to Year 10’ event for students and their families to guide them in their journey for GCSE success. This begins promptly at 4.00pm and will be finished by 5.00pm. It will be led by Ms Coupland, our Raising Standards Lead, and you will also receive key advice from our Subject Leaders in English, Maths and Science. We look forward to seeing you.

On Thursday 18 September we have our Open Evening from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. We will be closing the school early to allow our site and cleaning team to make preparations. Students in Years 7 to 10 will be dismissed at midday, Year 11 will be dismissed at 12.30pm. Children in receipt of free school meals can collect a pre-packed sandwich from the canteen at breaktime.

Finally, a huge well done to Year 7. They have now completed their first two week timetable which has involved moving around a larger building than they are used to, carrying their own books, packing their PE / dance kit, getting to roll call and line up on time and meeting lots of new teachers and students. I am sure they have been in need of early nights and support to get ready in the mornings. Thank you to our families for all your support; it makes a huge difference.

Have a great weekend.

Ms C Moran, Headteacher