Firstly, an important reminder that Year 9 Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 9h February at 4pm. Orchard Park has returned to in person events because the feedback from families is that they want to connect with staff and physically be in the school. We support that too, so do prioritise attending this event: it is a really important evening for your child, especially ahead of the Options process. The evening will finish at 6.30pm. On that day, Mr Afriye has arranged for our Year 9 and 10 students to participate in ‘The Big Assembly - A Higher Education Perspective’ as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Well done to Daniel R in Year 7 for asking a number of very insightful questions in lessons this week. I was impressed by the contributions from Jayden and Tianna in year 10 during whole class discussions in PSHE today. Zaire in Year 9 has shown excellent maturity around school, especially in his interactions with staff. During lunch duties, I have had wonderful conversations with Albert, Tom, Casper and Rupert in Year 7. Serena in Year 10 has made us very proud (again) by coming second in the London wide Step into Dance 1 to 1 battle competition. We wish to celebrate and congratulate Tyree in Year 10. He plays Rugby for the Old Whitgiftians and through this, he has been provided with a scholarship for his post 16s studies. Tyree is a magnificent young man with a very bright future.

Hewitts, our uniform provider, are celebrating their 160th year in business. During February half term, all purchases will receive a 10% discount and families will be entered into a prize draw for vouchers. We also have lots of pre-loved uniform items for sale at school. Please contact Ms Mathys in Student Welfare for assistance.

A reminder that this half term finishes on Friday 10th February at normal time. Students return on Monday 20th February. Our Year 11s will shortly complete their final round of mocks and will therefore be working hard over the break. Thank you to the Heads of Department for their high quality study resources and to Mr Clarke for ensuring all children have everything they need to revise successfully. Next week the students will undertake their French and Spanish speaking assessments, as well as art, photography and drama exams. The best of luck to all of you.

Yours sincerely

Ms Carly Moran, Headteacher