12 December 2025 - Letter to Parents

12th December 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a great week at Orchard School, with a successful trip to Paris having taken place for 50 students in Years 7-9. They visited the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, had a boat trip on the Seine and finished with a trip to Disneyland Paris. The students behaved impeccably and really presented themselves and the school positively.

Next week, we have a week packed full of festive celebrations. Wednesday 17th is the day for wearing festive jumpers if pupils would like to wear them (it’s normal uniform if not) and having the whole school Christmas meal. We also have morning carol karaoke and the end of term whole school assembly.

Key Dates

There are some important dates to be aware of this term. Please make sure you put these dates in your diary.

Year 10 Mock Exam Information Evening – Wednesday 20th May 6- 7pm   

Parent Subject Consultation Evenings

The dates for these through the year are as follows:

Year 7 Parent Subject Consultation Evening – Thursday 23rd April 3.30 – 7pm  

Year 9 Parent Subject Consultation Evening – Thursday 19th March 3.30 – 7pm  

Year 11 Parent Subject Consultation Evening – Thursday 12th February 3.30 – 7pm  

Please also note the following date: 

Year 9 Options Evening – Thursday 26th February 6 – 7.30pm  

To help parents and children decide together which options subjects/GCSEs they might choose to take over the next two years in school.  

Teaching and Learning/Curriculum

This week for Year 11 has seen mock exams for many subjects, however we have been encouraging our staff to use revision strategies throughout their lessons. In particular, we have focused on retrieving (recalling) old content and writing this down on flashcards. A flashcard is a small piece of card/paper with a question on one side, and an answer on the other.

Should you want to make sure that your child does some good revision during the Christmas holidays, we will be sharing with you via letter the key knowledge for this term by year group next week.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding in the Holidays

School is closed to all staff throughout the school holidays and staff will not see e-mails or messages, so therefore if support is needed for young people in the break, please use these services:

-999 in an emergency

-101 for non-urgent contact with emergency services

-111 for non-urgent health matters

-Call the Samaritans – 116123

-Off the Record (www.otrbristol.org.uk) - mental health services

-Yuno at Brook (www.brook.org.uk) - sexual health services

-Call ‘Mind’ on 03001233393 – mental health charity

-Call Childline on 08001111

Whisper reports will be picked up by staff on the return to school after the 2-week holiday and should not be used for any urgent safeguarding matters nor to resolve community matters – please contact the appropriate service as above and keep us informed of any issues when school re-opens to pupils on 5th January 2025.

Festive Lunch

We are pleased to announce our Festive Lunch menu which will take place on Wednesday 17th December. The day looks slightly different for our students as we have a longer lunch time so that each year group can eat with their Year Team and staff; we start lunch earlier and finish slightly later. It's always a well-attended event with lots of decorations and sparkle, Christmas music and lots of cheer. There will be a reduced break menu option on this day to support the kitchen in the increased numbers for lunchtime and this will be the only menu option on this day. The cost of the meal remains at £2.77 for the full menu including a bottle of water. Orchard staff cannot wait to celebrate with our students; please ensure you talk about this with your children and ensure they have money on their lunch account the day before (please remember it takes 24 hours to funds to appear) to take part! For children in receipt of free school meals, this will be their meal option for the day.

Clubs – Term 2

Please remember to encourage your child to sign up to one of our brilliant lunchtime or after school clubs. They’re a great way for them to meet new friends, learn new skills and make lasting memories. Orchard School - Clubs and Enrichment

Last Day of Term

A reminder to all parents and carers that students leave site between 12.30 and 12.35pm on Friday 19th December, the last day of term, and that school reopens on Monday 5th January 2026, at the usual time of 8.20am.

Attendance

As we enter the final days of the term, it’s important that we finish the year in the same spirit we want to begin 2026. “Give it everything—no breaks, no pity, no excuses.” If we continue to show up each day and give our very best during these last few days, then 2026 will be a year we can approach with excitement, confidence, and purpose. Everyday matters, students who attend every day will be rewarded.

Belonging

We’re excited to be building up to our final week of term with lots of festive activities! Students can take part in guessing which staff members are in the baby photos, enjoy festive decoration activities at lunchtimes, join in festive dodgeball, and relax with a festive movie. On 17th December, we’ll celebrate Festive Jumper Day alongside our festive lunch. Plus, our festive card delivery service is back – students can post cards for friends and staff in the post boxes at Reception. To make it even more special, we’ll be rewarding students who attend every day and get involved in these activities throughout the week.

Community Events

You Are Not Alone- Monthly Online Drop-in Sessions for Parents of Autistic Children

Autism Family Support Service is holding Free Online Parent Drop-Ins. Interested parents/carers can email sallywagter@gmail.com for the Zoom link and find more information here: helping your child regulate their emotions & feelings understanding autism and PDA navigating school and EHCPs Supporting your child with friendships understanding and managing challenging behaviour managing sensory needs developing a positive

Horfield and Lockleaze Community Awards

Do you know someone in Horfield or Lockleaze who makes the neighbourhood a better place? Whether they lend a helping hand, inspire others with their kindness, or quietly go the extra mile every day, this is your opportunity to recognise and celebrate them! Click the link to find out how to nominate someone.

Some of our Orchard staff have previously been nominated, and hosted the awards, so we know what a special event this is for the community!

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

With best wishes,

Mel Sweet, Headteacher