27 June 2025 - Letter to Parents

27th June 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you have had a great week. We’ve had a good week at Orchard, with Year 10 mocks and our Geography field trips having run smoothly, a beautiful prom for Year 11, an exhibition of our amazing Year 11 artwork and TiLAFest, an annual sports event where we host 400 primary school students, run with the help of our fantastic student sports leaders. Next week, we have our Year 6 transition day, two Year 7 trips to Mojo Active for an amazing outdoor activity day, a BMX trip and a cricket fixture against our local rivals, Blaise High. That doesn’t include all the amazing lunchtime and after school clubs we will be running as normal.

Key Dates

Y7 Transition Day - Wednesday 2nd July

Y7 Transition Parents’ meeting – Wednesday 2nd July 5.30 – 6.30 pm

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

GCSE Results Day - Thursday 21st August

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

 Attendance winners this week:

Year 7 – Wisely

Year 8 – Avalon

Year 9 – Dorchester

Year 10 – Dorchester

Attendance and punctuality are the first steps to success

Year 6 Transition Day

Next Wednesday is a big day for Orchard School. We welcome all our new Year 7 students on their transition day during which they will get a taste of the next five years at secondary school with some hands-on science, sport and product design. They will get to meet their new year team, including the tutors they will spend the next five years with. We have a great group of Year 10 prefects and Year 7 transition leaders to ensure it’s a stress free and fun day for all.

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.

 Year 10 Mocks

Year 10 mocks continue next week. Here’s an overview of the exams on from Monday 30th June: 

If students have missed an exam, we will arrange a catch-up session during lesson time on a case-by-case basis.

 Safeguarding

A recent study has shown that teenagers who show signs of being addicted to mobile phone use, social media or video games are at a greater risk of social, emotional and mental health problems. In another recent survey, 47% of parents/carers said that they thought their children spent too much time in front of screens.

Here are some top tips for parents/carers:

 - Limit screen time

 - Lead by example

 - Remove devices from bedrooms

 - Encourage alternative activities

 - Mobile free mealtimes

If you would like to read more around supporting your child with screen time, click here.

Practice Lockdown

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. 

Community Events

Southmead Hospital is running weekly sessions in their community allotment for anyone with an interest in gardening and nature. 10am- 12:00pm on Thursdays, all welcome. See the poster below for more information:

The Somali Community Centre is hosting an event for parents to raise awareness on a variety of issues such as school behaviour, antisocial behaviour in school and in the community, and parental engagement; with a focus on highlighting what is needed to support young people. They invite parents to attend. Please see the poster below.

Have a restful weekend.

Kind regards,

Mel Sweet, Headteacher