Newsletter Orchard Park High SCHOOL
A Greenshaw Learning Trust school Ambitious, Supportive, Collaborative
Winter 2018
Behaviour policy has transformed school THE school’s behaviour policy, known as the Brilliant Basics, has led to a drastic improvement in both behaviour and exam results. Our pupils line up in the playground three times a day, before school and after break and lunch, while our silent corridors policy means students are not allowed to talk in corridors on the way to class. Every lunchtime, teachers and pupils sit together to eat, with pupils asked to contribute to topical discussions. They are also asked to stand when staff enter the room, while a strict uniform policy is enforced, with students sent home if they are not dressed correctly. An Ofsted inspection in September found the policy had led to a significant reduction in exclusions, reduced bullying and led to a calm environment. Meanwhile, figures published by the government in October found our GCSE results had drastically improved. The school is now the second most improved in the borough after its Progress 8 score jumped by a third from last year. Our Headteacher Ciara Warnock says the new behaviour policy, which was introduced
last year, has transformed the school. She said: “This is concrete evidence that our new behaviour policy is having a very positive impact on the academic performance of our students. “It is also a testament to the quality of our staff and the high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom. In just one year, our new academically focused, calm, safe and disciplined environment has significantly improved the results of our students. “The results published show we are on the right track but there is still much work to
be done. Our ambition is to be the very best school in the borough. We will continue to challenge our students and staff to improve, achieve and succeed.” Parent Clare Adams, who has a son in Year 8 at the school, said: “I strongly believe that consistency of approach is key to ensuring that change happens. The staff and students have created an ethos of traditional values at this school. “There is a strong and determined leadership that is not afraid to make controversial decisions, which I think this school needed.”
OFSTED’S PRAISE FOR ORCHARD PARK CHANGES: SEE PAGE 2
New labs among best in the land THE science department now boasts some of the best facilities in the country thanks to a £1million makeover of our two laboratories. The fully refurbished classrooms now feature new benches, storage areas and state of the art equipment. Head of Science
Mr Ramnarain said: “This project is just one step on the school’s journey to improve and update facilities. “We look forward to seeing our budding scientists using and experimenting in the labs this term.”
Orchard Park High School newsletter n Winter 2018
Ofsted impressed by rapid improvement ‘
Our students and families deserve a huge amount of credit for the way they have responded and worked with us on this journey HEADTEACHER CIARA WARNOCK
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OFSTED has heaped praise on the school saying that behaviour and results have been transformed under the leadership of Headteacher Ciara Warnock. In its report following an inspection in September, the watchdog said the school was described as rapidly improving and rated Good in all categories. Inspectors noted the policy known as the Brilliant Basics had led to a significant reduction in exclusions, reduced bullying and led to a calm environment. They said attainment among students in both the sixth form and main school had improved considerably, particularly in core subjects such as English and maths. The report also praised the school’s leadership and the quality of teaching and learning. It comes after government figures revealed the school’s GCSE results had jumped by a third since the policy was introduced, making it the second most improved in the borough. Headteacher Ms Warnock said: “The rapid improvement rightly noted by Ofsted is yet further proof that this school is on the path towards becoming among the very best in the borough, and beyond. “Inspectors were right to point out that this is a school that has been transformed in terms of both results and behaviour by a dedicated team of teachers and leaders. “Our students and families also deserve a huge amount of credit for the way they have responded and worked with us on this journey. “At the rate we are going, it will not be long until this is a school rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with the exam results to match.”
What the inspectors said... On behaviour “Pupils’ conduct in classrooms and at social times is calm and sensible. Pupils respond quickly to instructions from staff, and are polite and courteous.” On leadership “Leaders have established a culture of continuous improvement. The school has improved rapidly over the last two years.” On governance “Governors’ wide range of skills and expertise provides a diversity of perspectives, which they use effectively to challenge and support school leaders.” On safeguarding “Pupils said that they feel safe in
the school and that it is a secure environment. Leaders ensure that pupils and their families receive the help they need.” On teaching and learning “Pupils are very positive about the quality of teaching and learning in the school. They said that it has improved significantly in recent years. This improvement is reflected in pupils’ outcomes.” On outcomes “Pupils make strong progress over time from their starting points, including in English and mathematics. At the end of key stage 4, their overall progress improved considerably in 2018.”
Students delving into the news PUPILS learned about fake news, heard from a top journalist and learned the art of news writing during a series of workshops. More Able pupils from Years 8 and 10 took part in three sessions, which included a talk from a Financial Times journalist, throughout this term. They learned about the modern media landscape, trusted sources in the news and how to write news, opinion and feature articles. Year 10 student Faye said: “I think fake news is a term that we hear a lot. I feel like I understand that much better now.” Fellow Year 10 student Aleksa added:
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“Journalism is something that I had not thought about before as a career but after these sessions, it is something I would consider.” Robin Brinkworth, from the Student View, who helped to run the sessions, said: “This is much more than just a nuts and bolts introduction to journalism, it is as much about teaching pupils how to consume the news and understand it. “These students have been very fortunate to hear from a top industry professional and take part in these workshop sessions. Equally, we have been extremely impressed by students at this school.”
Orchard Park High School newsletter n Winter 2018
Most points: Stephanie Gymanti
Stephanie the top performer Wonderful prize: Musicians and helpers from Orchard Park worked hard on the day
Musicians are key to school winning piano THE school has been gifted a grand piano after our talented musicians and their army of helpers won support from the public. Orchard Park were among three Croydon schools shortlisted to win the Yamaha baby grand in a competition run by Centrale & Whitgift shopping centre. To win support from the public, our students gave up a Saturday in November to perform at the shopping centre and canvass votes from shoppers. When the final tally was counted, it was Orchard Park that was declared victorious, securing a huge percentage of the vote. The instrument, which cost up to £20,000, was delivered to the school in December in time for our Winter Concert. Year 8 student Irene Bognanni sang at the shopping centre. She said: “I am very proud of
myself and the other students. I love to sing so it was great to do it in front of an audience. I did not mind at all helping out. Knowing that our efforts means the rest of the students can enjoy this prize was a great feeling.” Headteacher Ms Warnock said: “We are so pleased to have been given such an amazing prize. “We’re currently re-building our music and performing arts department and this will help us to provide good quality instruments.” Ian Harvey, Centrale & Whitgift Marketing Manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to give away our Yamaha baby grand piano to such a deserving winner. “This piano will be at the heart of assemblies, concerts, musicals and lessons at Orchard Park for years to come, and we’re over the moon to be a part of that.”
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STUDENTS have been rewarded for attendance, achievement, progress and behaviour with fun-packed trips this term. They have accumulated points for their work in the classroom, behaviour around school and helping staff. Pupils who score a certain amount of points are rewarded with trips, including a visit to the cinema, football matches and Thorpe Park. Winners this term had the chance to see England play the USA at Wembley (see below) and watch Star Wars at the cinema. Stephanie Gymanti gained 42 points this term, making her among the top performers in the school. She said: “The good thing about achievements points is that it shows you are being recognised for all your effort at school. I think it helps to motivate you because you know if you do well then you will get a reward but also everyone will know you have done well.” Pastoral Lead for Year 8 Ms Burke said: “Stephanie is a studious young lady who immerses herself fully in her studies.”
Farewell Wayne STUDENTS watched Wayne Rooney play his last game in an England shirt on a special trip to watch the Three Lions in action at Wembley. More than 130 of our students watched the country’s all-time leading goalscorer come on as second-half substitute as England beat the USA 3-0 in a friendly in November.
Orchard Park High School newsletter n Winter 2018
Celebration Head’s hot chocolate evening for reward for hard work top students STUDENTS shared their success with their families and staff at our Year 7 and 8 Celebration Evening awards. Certificates were handed out for progress and achievement across all subjects for both year groups at a ceremony held in November. Year 7 Abi Binge won two achievement awards, in Spanish and English. She said: “It was great to win not one but two awards. “Events like this make it really easy to settle at Orchard Park because you feel like you are part of the school community.”
STUDENTS sat down with Headteacher Ms Warnock for hot chocolate and biscuits in recognition of their hard work in school. Year 7 students Destiny Williams and Noah Stephenson and Year 9’s Stanislav Nizamov were chosen for the reward in October. Hot Chocolate with the Headteacher takes places every Friday and is part of the school’s Brilliant Basics policy. The aim is to create a culture where student achievement is publicly recognised and celebrated. Destiny, who was chosen for making exceptional progress in class, said: “When you work hard in class it is really a good feeling to know that it has been noticed by the school. “This really shows that the school cares about us and wants us to do well.”
Noah, who was chosen for achieving good grades in maths, said: “It makes me proud to be invited to meet the headteacher.” Ms Warnock said: “It is our firm belief that the achievements and successes of our students deserve be publicly celebrated.”
Families encouraged by Success Fair visit FAMILIES of Year 11 students turned out in record numbers to get tips on revision, advice on wellbeing and exam preparations. Our Success Fair included a presentation from the headteacher and a resources fair featuring online revision apps and exam stress buster advice. This newsletter interviewed parents and their families to find out what they thought of the event, held in September. Carole Dray, whose daughter Lilly is Head Girl, said: “It really shows that the school values the input of parents and that the staff are there to support the students. “I am pleased that the school is now taking a more proactive approach and fairs like this are a good example of the changes being made.” Dad Louis and mum Shakeria accompanied their daughter to the Success Fair. Shakeria said: “The online resources are a great idea for helping students revise. Teenagers are on their phone all the time anyway so
they should be doing something educational.” Louis added: “I thought the presentation was very good. The messages were very motivational and helpful to students.” Phat Doung joined son Danny at the event. Phat said: I am so proud of my son. This school is helping him a lot to get better at his subjects for his exams.” Danny added: “Before I came tonight I was a bit worried about whether I would get the support I need for my exams. After tonight I feel much more relaxed and confident. The support is there.” Mum Enite and her son Ishamel, who is Head Boy, were also impressed. Enite said: “He is a very bright student but there are some areas he needs to work harder on. Tonight was good for helping him to concentrate on those subjects.” Ishamel added: “There were so many great resources for students here tonight. The app, I think, will make a real difference to my revision.”
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STUDENTS with 100 percent attendance last term were rewarded with a trip to the cinema to watch Star Wars. Form groups 7SAN, 7ZEP, 8ZEP, 9CHU, 9HOL, 10PAN, 11ZEP were rewarded with a pizza party for achieving 98 per cent attendance.
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Pleased: Parent Carole Dray enjoyed the Success Fair
Orchard Park High School newsletter n Winter 2018
Duo get ready to put their plans into action THE new Head Boy and Girl have pledged to give a strong voice to students at Orchard Park High School. Year 11 students Lilly Howard and Ishmael Tetteh were selected following a rigorous application and interview process with teachers. The pair have set out their agenda for the coming academic year, promising to focus on pupil mental health and extra revision tuition. Lilly and Ishmael head up a 22-strong panel of student council members which includes two deputies, six senior prefects, ten prefects and two sports captains. Lilly says her first priority is to set up a mental health support group led by students and staff at the school. She said: “Mental health is an issue that faces all communities and age groups but is particularly important to young people. “This is a generation that is more aware of the problems connected with mental health and is doing more to tackle them. “A dedicated group which would allow young people to talk in a friendly and caring environment is something that would help a lot of students at this school.” Ishmael says he wants to provide revision interventions for students in the younger year groups. He added: “The provision for Year 11 students when it comes to GCSE exam revision is excellent at this school. “However, I think having this kind of support for students in the younger year groups would make a huge difference to the exam results.”
Ready for action: The school’s Head Boy Ishmael Tetteh with Head Girl Lilly Howard
Energetic students target defibrillator STUDENTS helped to raise more than £1,000 for lifesaving equipment at our annual sponsored run. The PE department awarded prizes to the students who raised the most money during the run, which took place around Shirley. The money raised will be spent on a defibrillator which, when used, can significantly increase the survival rate of people suffering heart attacks. Year 7 students Chloe Hosie and Hannah Bashford were our top fundraisers, both contributing £65 each. Chloe said: “It feels really good because you know that your efforts could really make the difference for somebody one day.” Hannah added: “It’s such a good cause so it is really great that we have been able to help out so much.” Our top fundraisers were rewarded with a pizza party.
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Orchard Park High School newsletter n Winter 2018
We are still determined to be the best Headteacher Ciara Warnock reflects on an eventful term at Orchard Park... findings are a testament to the talented and dedicated staff who work so hard to improve the lives of our students. We are broadening the horizons of our trips with world-class visits this term, which have included excursions to Wembley Stadium, Rome and innumerable exhibitions and museums. At this time of year, we encourage our students to turn their attention to those less fortunate than themselves and those in need of support. We have contributed to the homeless charity Wrap Up London
Campaign while students also welcomed care home guests for Christmas lunch. The fantastic start to this year is a testament to the many and varied experiences available in the school for all our young people. I would like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you, for all of your support this year. Our students have all worked incredibly hard and I know they are looking forward to a rest at home and some family time. On behalf of all of the staff at OPHS, I would like to wish you all a lovely break, a merry Christmas, and a very happy New Year!
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It has been an exciting and productive term, and indeed year, at Orchard Park High School. As you will read in this newsletter, the school has continued to make huge strides in both exam results and behaviour. We are the second most improved school in the whole of the borough for exam results, according to government figures released in October. This is a source of pride but yet further motivation to continue to improve. We are not satisfied with being the most improved, we want to be the best. Ofsted rightly pointed to a huge improvement in behaviour. The inspectors
News in brief n YEAR 7 students learned about being safe and respectful when travelling to and from school during a road safety workshop Year 7 Academic Lead Mr Powell said: “The school expects very high standards of behaviour from our students when travelling to and from school.” n OUR students looked at the role of religion in the modern era during a visit to St George the Martyr in Shirley. They met with Reverend Barry and explored the grounds of the church during the Religious Education trip in October. n YEAR 11 student Georgia had her photo selected as Picture of the Week in the Croydon Guardian. The snap of geese enjoying the sunshine in Kelsey Park was chosen for an edition of the paper in October. n OUR Year 7 Gardening Club raised £72.20 for new equipment by selling cakes at a bake sale.
Year 8 students were engaged in STEM activities with the engineering experts Tomorrow’s Engineers and Arcadis during a PSHE Enrichment Day in early December.
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Roadshow talk an inspiration INSPIRATIONAL speakers from the BBC Radio 1Xtra Inspire Me roadshow gave a talk to our students. BBC 1Xtra producer Carlene Morlese, fitness and lifestyle guru Daryl Parker and recording artist Zie Zie visited the school in September. They talked to students about their career path, their proudest moments and offered tips and career advice. The panellists also took part in a questionand-answer session with students before chatting to them one-on-one after the session. Ms Morlese said: “We want the young people who listened to us today take home the message that they can do anything. “If they see someone they identify from their community being successful, it tells them that they can also have some of that success. It is a
privilege to be a part of a project that is helping inspire young people. From a personal point of view, that is very important.” Year 10 student Micheal Archbold said: “It was a really inspiring talk because they told us about how they had got to where they are and about being successful. “The talk really made me think because there were people up there like me who I could relate to. I found what they had to say very inspiring.” Assistant Headteacher Mr Mathys said: “It was inspiring for our students to hear the panel discuss their challenges on the path to a successful career. “They gave a strong message about staying focused, working hard and overcoming adversity, which really resonated with our students.”
Orchard Park High School newsletter n Winter 2018
Concert treat for audience PUPILS took our winter concert by storm in December thanks to specialist tuition from industry experts. Our dancers wowed the audience of friends and family after getting specialist lessons from an instructor at the Royal Academy of Dance. Jo Leahy, who trained at the BRIT school and has performed across the globe, is working with our new dance company OP Dance Co. Jo has run weekly 90-minute sessions for Year 7 and 8 pupils ahead of preparation for their performance at the school’s winter show in December. Just 12 students were picked to perform with the troupe following auditions held at the school in October. Our gifted and talented drama students also impressed with a performance perfected at the BRIT school’s six-week community arts programme. There was also show-stopping performances
from choir, steel pan band and hip-hop and body percussion dancers. Head of Performing Arts Ms Ongley said: “It really was an incredible way to round off the academic year. Thanks to professional support, our students really wowed the audience. “It is fabulous to see so many students showing such passion for the arts. We have been extremely impressed with everyone’s commitment and energy.” She added: “We still have plenty of spaces for students who wish to take any of our music or drama lessons so please do get involved. “We look forward to an even busier spring term, full of more opportunities for our incredibly talented students.” n Please email Ms Ongley, Head of Performing Arts, on Vongley@ orchardparkhigh.net for more information about our Performing Arts programme.
Rome visit takes history lessons beyond the class Sixth form students are on track to score top marks in their history A-Level thanks to a trip to the ancient city of Rome. The Year 13s clocked up an average of 12.5 miles per day exploring the city on foot, visiting world-famous landmarks including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. Pupils took their understanding of the Roman Empire beyond the classroom, learning about the Roman general Suetonius Paulinus, who led the conquest of Britain. Aside from the historical value of the trip, students also got the chance to practise their Italian by visiting shops, cafes and restaurants. Year 13 Faith said: “The trip to Rome was not only beautiful but also educational as we absorbed the religious, historical, geographical and artistic culture. A personal
Cooling off: Students enjoy some shade highlight was visiting the Colosseum. To see a monument dating back 2,000 years was astonishing. “I would definitely return to Rome as it really was an enlightening experience as well as a beautiful place.”
Sports teams head to Italy Students will travel to Italy for an actionpacked sports festival in Venice. Our football, rugby and netball teams will compete against schools from the UK and Italy on the week-long trip. A total of 72 students will stay at the Bella Italia Village complex (left) in Lignano Sabbiadoro during the summer half-term. They will get the chance to take part in specialist coaching sessions and visit the local waterpark, pizza restaurant and disco.
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Lesson: Stanislav in action
Stanislav had some advice for teachers YEAR 9 Stanislav Nizamov turned the tables on the school’s teachers when delivering his own lesson on how to teach young people. In his ‘teaching the teacher’ presentation, Stanislav shared his learning from sociology class on the adolescent brain and models of learning. The bright student left the school hall with applause ringing in his ears after an “informative and inspiring” presentation to the gathered teachers. Stanislav said: “I was nervous but if you know the subject and are confident it really helps to keep you calm and focused. “It was an unusual feeling to be in front of the class teaching instead of being the one taught but it was a really good experience. “It has also really helped me with my confidence and public speaking skills because I know now that I can do it.” Headteacher Ms Warnock said: “I was completely blown away by the level of detail and understanding Stanislav was able to convey in his presentation. “As any teacher will tell you, keeping an audience engaged when teaching is no easy task. “His performance was both informative and inspiring. As a school we are very proud.”
Orchard Park High School newsletter n Winter 2018
Annual visit: Care home residents were treated to performances by pupils
Leadership making the difference
Pupils bridge generation gap ‘ at care home a raffle with prizes donated by staff and families. Head of Community Outreach Miss Perry said: “Our students should be extremely proud of the way they represented the school. “To volunteer for such an event shows great maturity and empathy, two qualities we look to instil in our pupils. “It was a fantastic life experience for the students as our guests had some wonderful stories to share with students.”
Katie delivers a musical message
TEENAGE singer Katie Kittermaster used her moving songs to deliver a powerful message on mental health during a visit to the school in November.
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The difference in my daughter since she started at Orchard Park has been like night and day. At her previous school I did not feel she was getting the right level of support. When I asked about her progress, the teachers barely seemed to know who she was. We felt it was right to move and we looked at other local schools. We eventually settled on Orchard Park because we were so incredibly impressed with the headteacher here, Ms Warnock. When she showed us around, she knew every student by name. She had passion, charisma and ambition for the school. There is clearly something unique about this school and I think it comes from the fantastic leadership of the headteacher. She is passionate and ambitious and that seems to be rubbing off on all her staff. You meet the teachers here and you can tell they really care about your child and want the best for them. This was not a decision we took lightly. Changing schools is a big decision. However, I could not be happier with our choice. It was a very difficult time for us as a family at her previous school. She went from being a happy smiley child at primary school to really struggling. As any parent will tell you, it is really hard to see your child like that. Now, at Orchard Park, she is totally revitalised. Nothing gives you greater joy than to have a happy, smiley child. That is what she is now. She has got her thirst for learning back. She comes from school buzzing about the things she has learnt. It feels like we have got our daughter back.
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PUPILS performed songs and dramatic theatre for residents at local care homes at our annual Christmas lunch in December. They also helped to serve food and chatted to guests from Peter Kennedy Court and other local homes at the event held in the canteen. The food was generously supplied by our local Co-op supermarket and cooked by our dedicated canteen staff. The lunch, now in its fifth year, also featured
The daughter of parent Ed Fallon (above) started at Orchard Park High School in Year 9 this September. He has been extremely impressed with her progress since making the switch...
Orchard Park High School newsletter n Winter 2018