20 June 2025 - Letter to Parents

20th June 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you have had a great week. We’ve had a good week at Orchard, with exams having concluded for Year 11 and a really special Prize Giving evening where we celebrated the children who do the right things day in, day out, a Leavers’ Assembly for Yr 11, and a very colourful Pride Day today. We’ve had a number of events on, including daily Sportsweek events; from tennis on Monday to outdoor, sun baked, table tennis on Wednesday, we have had events every day of the week in celebration of everyone being able to participate in some form.

Key Dates

Y11 Prom – Thursday 26th June 7.00 pm

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

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 23rd June:

Safeguarding

A new, free and confidential sexual health service called Yuno launched across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) on 1st April. Commissioned by local councils and delivered by the NHS in collaboration with not-for-profit organisations, Yuno offers easy access to expert sexual health care and advice.

What Does Yuno Offer?
Yuno provides a wide range of services, including:
-Confidential STI testing and treatment, with options to order home test kits
-Free condoms and emergency contraception (for under 25s)
-Telephone and in-person appointments for contraception, STI treatment, and support
-Walk-in services for urgent care needs
-Targeted outreach and health promotion for those most at risk

If you would like further information, click here.

Yondr Pouches

Most of the Year 11s have successfully returned their Yondr pouches, however there are some still outstanding. Please can you ensure that any Yondr pouch that has not been returned is given into reception at school as soon as possible.

In addition, please can parents/carers be reminded that Yondr pouches are part of the school uniform policy and need to be brought into school every day, so students are able to safely pouch their phones and concentrate fully on their learning.

Practice Lockdown

We will be holding an unannounced lockdown practice during the 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.

Unwanted School Uniform

We would like to kindly request donations of any unwanted school uniform from our Y11 students who have recently left, particularly items of PE kit. These donations are a great help to families in our school community and supports efforts to promote sustainability. If you have any clean and good quality items to donate, please drop them off at school reception.

Community Events

Filton festival is taking place on Sunday 6th July at Elm Park from 10am – 6pm. For more information, please go to the website. https://www.filtonfestival.co.uk/

Unique Voice, a community organisation are holding a creative arts holiday club for children ages 11-16 during July and August. Further information can be found here: Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.

Women’s Euro 2025 on the big screen - watch England’s women’s football team in an accessible community space for all ages. Just turn up! www.ebe.org.uk/euro2025

Have a restful weekend.

Kind regards,

Mel Sweet, Headteacher