04 July 2025 - Letter to Parents

4th July 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you have had a great week. We’ve had a good week at Orchard, with the final week of Year 10 mocks, a brilliant Duke of Edinburgh’s trip, a successful Year 6 transition day and two great trips out to Mojo Active for the whole of Year 7. Next week, we have Culture Day on Friday, where students are invited to wear cultural dress and bring in some nut-free snacks that reflect their culture. Also, next week we have a music trip to Birmingham, our summer Arts Showcase on Wednesday evening and a Get Set for Engineering event at GKN.

Key Dates

Last day of Term – Friday 18th July – pupils finish at 12.30pm

GCSE Results Day - Thursday 21st August

Please be aware that no hot food is served on the last day of term as school finishes at 12.30pm for pupils. For pupils in receipt of Free School Meals, sandwiches will be given out to them at breaktime, which they can collect in the canteen.

For those that like to get ahead, please see the link to our website for our 2025-2026 (next school year’s) term dates. Orchard School - Term Dates & School Day

Attendance

As we approach the summer holidays it is essential that all students are in school every day and on time, by 8.20am. Not only will they maximise their learning time, but the social times with their friends is also invaluable.

Attendance winners this week:

Year 7 – Wisely

Year 8 – Dorchester

Year 9 – Avalon

Year 10 – Dorchester

Attendance and punctuality are the first steps to success

End of Year Mailout Communication – Important

This year, to save on postage fees and in prioritising environmental sustainability, we are intending to send key end of year information letters to you electronically. However, we understand that access to IT for some may be difficult, so if you would prefer a paper-based pack, please send an email to info@orchard.tila.school or ring reception on 0117 3772000.

Reports Information

Reports will be sent home at the end of term to parents and carers of Years 7-9. These reports will contain rank order information by faculty, progress, attitude to learning and engagement in home learning.

Year 10 reports will also be sent home at the end of term. These reports will contain your child’s current working grade, most likely grade (the grade the teacher expects the student to attain at the end of Year 11), attitude to learning, and engagement in home learning.

Safeguarding

The Children and Young People’s Network have updated their activities available during the summer holidays, full of fantastic ideas to support family wellbeing over the 6-week break. In addition, there are links on the webpage to support parent/carers with the mental health of their children and any potential substance misuse through the Bristol Drugs Project. Please click here for further information.

Culture Day

Friday 11th July is Culture Day at Orchard. As previously, staff and students are invited to wear cultural clothing, the colours of a flag which they appreciate, or their school uniform. Students are also invited to bring in snacks from their cultures (please note these should be nut-free), to eat in Tutor Time in the afternoon.

Practice Lockdown - Reminder

We will be holding an unannounced lockdown practice during the week beginning 14th July, which is an update from the previously announced date of week beginning 7th July. Staff and students will be informed, although not of the specific date or time, so they can prepare for this and make sure they are aware of what they need to do should the school need to lock down.

It is important that we carry out these types of practices to ensure we are prepared and know what to do in the event of an emergency in the same way as we practise evacuating the building in the event of a fire. You will also receive a text from the school just before the practice, as a gentle reminder that this practice will take place. Please speak to your child about this at home. In the event of a real lockdown, you would of course be notified that it was an actual lockdown, so we just wanted to let you know now in order that you are aware of the practice and do not worry unnecessarily about this.

Community Events

Bristol Parent Carer Forum has shared their latest newsletter, Bristol SEND news: July 2025 Newsletter. It contains information about Summer holiday activities, mindfulness courses and more.

The Ardagh on Horfield common is hosting its next community market on Saturday 12th July. There will be local trade, produce, food and drink to enjoy. 

Have a restful weekend.

Kind regards,

Mel Sweet, Headteacher