From Mr Headley

Our Year 10 boys’ football team played their final league game of the season last week against Oasis Coulsdon. It was to be the most important game of their season towards winning the Croydon Schools Football League. Having ended the first half with the scores tied at 1-1 after a clean strike from Mahmoud, Oasis Coulsdon equalised and grew in confidence as the half went on. With a rallying cry from Mr Headley reminding them of their high standards, Orchard Park demonstrated why they remain unbeaten in the league for the past three years. In the second half, the boys shifted gear and demonstrated their superiority by scoring three goals from Zachariah and two from Joseph respectively, without reply. The Year 10s have done extremely well to not only win the league but to win it in such a style whilst remaining undefeated. It is testament to their commitment, effort and teamwork.

From Ms Goodwin

In a thrilling finale to their competitive netball journey, Orchard Park soared to victory on Tuesday in the plate competition of the Croydon Schools Netball Tournament at Shirley High School. Their path to glory was paved with triumphs as they conquered Ark Blake 2-1 (having lost to them in the league 3-1 only a few weeks ago), Shirley High 3-0 and Harris Purley 3-1, showcasing their dominance on the court with a display of skill and determination. It was our final game against Harris Beulah Hill, a team we had never encountered before, where the girls truly shone as they delivered a flawless performance to secure a 4-0 win. Deborah and Deneria ensured they limited any attacks by intercepting countless passes in the goal third and at the other end, Tegan and Holly scored the key goals. The girls put in their best performances of the season and this culminated in a fitting farewell to their competitive netball fixtures. Huge congratulations go to Deborah, Jada, Sophie, Charis, Holly, Tegan, Deneria, Maddie, Chloe, Arina and Martha.

Sparx Reader

Mr Douglas ensured Sparx Reader resumed this week for Year 7 and was launched with Year 8. Will they rival the 868 hours of careful reading that Year 7 clocked up during the spring term? Homework is set and due on Tuesday afternoons, with a Monday lunchtime Sparx Club in IT3 to support any students who want extra help. Congratulations to Yousafzai House, who were the most accurate readers in both Year 7 and 8 this week. It is a pleasure to see students taking such pride in their personal reading, and their hard work with Sparx will always be celebrated: each week there is a prize raffle for all students reaching their 300 points with a 90%+ rate of accuracy. Prizes include stationary, books, chocolate and book tokens.

Step Around Town

Our Year 10 dance group and Dance Company performed at Coombe Wood school on Thursday evening for the Royal Academy of Dance's Step Around Town Event. Both teams performed brilliant routines with high energy and dedication. We now have to wait to hear if they have done enough to make it to the London-wide Step Live final in July. Videos of their performance can be found on the school's Twitter page @OrchardParkHigh.

Visit to Imperial War Museum

On Monday, Ms Ruby took a mixture of Year 8, 9 and 10 LAMDA students on a trip to the Imperial War Museum where they made documentaries on hidden stories around the museum. They will participate in a full-day oracy workshop to develop their public speaking skills and craft speeches inspired by the ideas and concepts encountered during their museum visit. One of the highlights of this programme is the opportunity for selected students to showcase their speeches in a TEDx-style event to an audience comprising teachers, Members of Parliament, mayors, CEOs, cultural leaders, and decision-makers.

Upcoming events

The Year 9 options event is on Thursday 2nd May. The options fair provides an opportunity for you and your child to speak with the subject leaders about their subject at Key Stage Four. At 4.45pm Mr Clarke will give a presentation in The Theatre about our options process.

On Friday 3rd May we are celebrating WEAR IT GREEN for Mental Health Awareness with activities and assemblies, and the STAR will run expectations. Students can come to school and wear green socks, a green hairband, or a green jumper to help raise awareness and show their support.

Our Equality Club is hosting a 'Cup of Kindness' morning on Wednesday 8th May from 8.00am to 9.00am. All parents and carers are invited to join us for tea and biscuits and to help support us and raise funds for the British Red Cross.

Ms C Moran, Headteacher