The Orchard Centre
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H R
I
H G I
E
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L
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S
Reindeer
Poincettia
Presents
Snowman
Snowflake
Santa
Candy cane
Mistletoe
Cookies
Christmas tree
Elf
Sleigh
S
The Orchard Centre Christmas Newsletter
December 2016
BACK TO SCHOOL:
Wednesday 4th January 2017
In this issue: Nova Coffee Morning Into Film Festival
A Message from our Senior Leadership Team It has been a challenging yet rewarding term once again at The Orchard Centre. We have been happy to welcome several new students and to see some of our existing students transition successfully in to mainstream schools. It is thanks to the continuous hard work and dedication of staff that this has been possible. We would like to wish all our staff, students, parents and carers a very, merry Christmas and a happy new year! Mrs J Blake Head of Centre
Ms J Bravo Deputy Head of Centre
The Orchard Centre, Lawnswood Avenue, Parkfields, Wolverhampton WV4 6SR
Tel: 01902 555947
The Skills Show Attendance news Art at The Orchard Maths Reward Trips Gym Club Term dates English Christmas wordsearch Keeping yourself safe
2
Some students visited NOVA for a MacMillan Coffee Morning. This is one of many post-16 providers that we will be visiting to make all students aware of what is available on leaving the Orchard Centre. Our Police Education Officers have been into the Centre many times this term. They have talked to our students about internet safety and the dangers of meeting up with strangers. They have also stressed to be aware of what information you post on the internet and the importance of making sure your privacy settings are set correctly. They have also made students aware of joint enterprise and the impact a criminal record could have on their life choices. If you would like lore information on these issues visit: https://ceop.police.uk/
19
If you are worried, frightened or think you may be in danger, call 999. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. If you take a different route home from your friends, let each other know that you've arrived safely. Call or text your friend once you arrive home safely. Wait for the bus, tram or train at a busy place and sit as near as possible to the driver. Never be afraid to use the emergency cord if in danger. If you are robbed, try to remember as much detail as you can, for example descriptions of offenders and contact the police. To contact the police by phone, 24 hours a day, call: 101 If life is in danger or a crime is in progress, call: 999
18
These will help to make you feel safer and reduce the chances of becoming a victim. Look confident and listen to your instincts – know your route, avoid alleyways, dark places and badly lit streets. Stay alert – do not let headphones block out traffic strangers or potential trouble. Keep valuables, especially jewellery, out of sight. Put jewellery chains under clothing. If you suspect you're being followed, cross the street several times. If you still think you are being followed, try to get away from the situation. If necessary, run to a busy area such a shop or café. Seek help from someone such as a shopkeeper or hotel receptionist. Shout a clear instruction such as "call the police". Even if you don't see anyone nearby, this could still frighten off attackers.
3
A group of 8, Year 11 students have been taking part in a ‘Me and You Project’ at Albrighton Moat and Gardens. They have made paper pots planted seeds, collected leaves pre pared compost bins, made bug boxes and bird feeders.
As part of the ‘Into Film Festival’ students have been to watch 3 films Race Ghostbusters and Suffragette.
Students enjoyed the social experience and discussed key issues relating to these films in PSHE and Citizenship lessons particularly relating to discrimination stereotyping and rights and responsibilities.
4
17
With the onset of darker nights we would like offer students some simple safety advice. Whether they are walking, cycling or taking public transport to school here is some advice to help them stay safe.
Some year 11 students visited The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham to investigate the range of careers and opportunities available post-16. There was lots to see and do.
There were ‘have-a-go’ activities, demonstrations, skills competitions and the chance to listen to talks about a range of careers and to visit exhibition stands.
If possible walk with a friend or group of friends. Stay alert - keep an eye on everything that is happening around you. Avoid wearing earphones or chatting on your mobile phone, as this will distract you from your surroundings. Trust your instincts – if you have a ‘funny feeling' about someone or something, don't ignore it, act on it straight away. Take the route you know best and stick to busy, well-lit streets. Walk in the middle of the pavement, facing oncoming traffic. This will avoid any cars driving up alongside you as you walk. Think about your route home. Where would be a safe place to go if something went wrong? Safe places might be busy places like shops or garages, friends' houses or a police station. Have your keys ready as you approach your home so you can get inside quickly.
16
5
Our Connexions Adviser has also been into the Centre to talk to year 11s on a 1-1 basis to discuss their future plans and any help and support they need to move forward after year 11.
6
Well done to:
15
Many Year 11 students have already completed Functional Skills examinations and several Year 10s are due to start completing them early next year. This will enable students to gain qualifications early and in addition to their GCSEs.
Jessica Adams, Thomas Adams, Bony Chumber, Kai Darcy, Tommy Egan, Kaylum Jenks, Luna Joesbury Harnek Sidhu and Callum Wilson who achieved 100% attendance for the whole of last half-term in centre! Sarah Cornforth, Kian Freeman, Robert Hall Artur Lewandowski, Shanay Lewis and Ellie Thomas are also top attenders having achieved above 95% attendance for last term. The total attendance for Centre students last term was 87%. We have a few pupils who have outstanding attendance last term and they will have the opportunity to win a £50 voucher in our draw on the last day of term!
GCSE students are now all working on the new specifications for English Language and Literature and, as you are probably aware, this will now be graded 1—9, 9 being the highest grade. Mock English Language GCSE exams have taken place this term for KS4 students, in order that they have prior experience of the new specifications before the final GCSE examinations.
Websites: www.bbc.co.uk/education http://www.universalteacher.org.uk www.s-cool.co.uk
14
7
.
The National Curriculum English Programmes of Study require that: “Pupils should be taught to develop an appreciation and love of reading. They should read increasingly challenging material independently, through the reading of a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, including in particular, whole books.” English teaching staff support this wholly and believe that reading widely and independently is fundamental to improving students’ knowledge of the world and improving their skills in the subject.
In line with this, new Literature based units of work have been introduced in recent months in KS3 and 4 and we will now be regularly setting extended reading activities as homework tasks. Should students need to borrow books from the school library in order to support their learning, they should see Ms Cripps for help and guidance with this.
Good attendance is always encouraged and celebrated here at The Orchard Centre. Therefore, If you receive a text message about your child’s absence please reply to this as soon as possible in order to inform school of the reason for this absence.
We really appreciate parents’ and carer’s contributions, so if your child has a sniffle or headache we are able to medicate them in school if necessary if you supply the medication. If you are sure that your child is unfit to attend school, or you have a medical appointment to attend, you must contact Ms Gallagher, the Attendance Officer and let her know. To speak to the Attendance Officer directly, the telephone number is 01902 558859. You can leave a message on the Attendance Hotline at any time.
Please be reminded that all medical appointments should be made after school wherever possible.
8
13
ART at the ORCHARD A look at Shape and Colour with Key Stage 3 Pupils have been looking at artists who played a part of inventing ABSTRACT ART at the beginning of the 20th Century. Such artists include Wassily Kandinsky, Robert & Sonia Delauney and Paul Klee .
Spring Term Wednesday 4th January - Friday 17th February
Half Term Monday 20th February — Friday 24th February
Term time Monday 27th February — Friday 7th April
12
9
ART at the ORCHARD
Key Stage 4 GCSE
Gym club runs on Wednesdays 12.30 to 1pm and has been very successful again this term. Year 11 ‘Open, peel, unwrap, uncover’
Mr Timmins would like to thank all the students who have been involved for their hard work and commitment.
“If it doesn't challenge you, it wont change you!”
10
Once again, the weeks have flown by and it’s fair to say that both staff and students are looking forward to a well -earned rest over the next couple of weeks. Students have been working on their maths’ targets and developing their problem-solving skills. Number of the week — This half-term students have been working on improving their numeracy skills. Every Thursday during tutor time students take part in what we call ‘Number of the Week’. Each week students are given a target number with a set of sums to complete. This provides weekly practice for students to brush up their numeracy skills. Homework Club — Every Thursday students get the opportunity to come to maths’ homework club. It’s a supportive environment, where pupils get one to one help on topics they may be struggling with or to complete extra work to help them get ahead. All are welcome! “Homework club is great because even though I have help in lessons, in homework club I get do extra work with support. Maths is my favourite subject because my teacher is amazing and helpful.” Ollie Jones Year 9 Well done to all the students who have been working hard this term. Have a HAPPY CHRISTMAS from The Maths Department
11
For the end of the winter term students were able to use their reward points to go on various trips and activities. These included a trip to The Birmingham Christmas market , a cinema trip , ice skating , a meal at Cosmos and activities such as nail art, film in the centre and an afternoon of computer games.
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N A M W O N S
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O I
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A I
G K
E
K
N N E
S
E
S
S
E
E
L
P
N N
C
E
H R
I
H G I
E
L
S
L
I
S
Reindeer
Poincettia
Presents
Snowman
Snowflake
Santa
Candy cane
Mistletoe
Cookies
Christmas tree
Elf
Sleigh
S
The Orchard Centre Christmas Newsletter
December 2016
BACK TO SCHOOL:
Wednesday 4th January 2017
In this issue: Nova Coffee Morning Into Film Festival
A Message from our Senior Leadership Team It has been a challenging yet rewarding term once again at The Orchard Centre. We have been happy to welcome several new students and to see some of our existing students transition successfully in to mainstream schools. It is thanks to the continuous hard work and dedication of staff that this has been possible. We would like to wish all our staff, students, parents and carers a very, merry Christmas and a happy new year! Mrs J Blake Head of Centre
Ms J Bravo Deputy Head of Centre
The Orchard Centre, Lawnswood Avenue, Parkfields, Wolverhampton WV4 6SR
Tel: 01902 555947
The Skills Show Attendance news Art at The Orchard Maths Reward Trips Gym Club Term dates English Christmas wordsearch Keeping yourself safe
2
Some students visited NOVA for a MacMillan Coffee Morning. This is one of many post-16 providers that we will be visiting to make all students aware of what is available on leaving the Orchard Centre. Our Police Education Officers have been into the Centre many times this term. They have talked to our students about internet safety and the dangers of meeting up with strangers. They have also stressed to be aware of what information you post on the internet and the importance of making sure your privacy settings are set correctly. They have also made students aware of joint enterprise and the impact a criminal record could have on their life choices. If you would like lore information on these issues visit: https://ceop.police.uk/
19
If you are worried, frightened or think you may be in danger, call 999. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. If you take a different route home from your friends, let each other know that you've arrived safely. Call or text your friend once you arrive home safely. Wait for the bus, tram or train at a busy place and sit as near as possible to the driver. Never be afraid to use the emergency cord if in danger. If you are robbed, try to remember as much detail as you can, for example descriptions of offenders and contact the police. To contact the police by phone, 24 hours a day, call: 101 If life is in danger or a crime is in progress, call: 999
18
These will help to make you feel safer and reduce the chances of becoming a victim. Look confident and listen to your instincts – know your route, avoid alleyways, dark places and badly lit streets. Stay alert – do not let headphones block out traffic strangers or potential trouble. Keep valuables, especially jewellery, out of sight. Put jewellery chains under clothing. If you suspect you're being followed, cross the street several times. If you still think you are being followed, try to get away from the situation. If necessary, run to a busy area such a shop or café. Seek help from someone such as a shopkeeper or hotel receptionist. Shout a clear instruction such as "call the police". Even if you don't see anyone nearby, this could still frighten off attackers.
3
A group of 8, Year 11 students have been taking part in a ‘Me and You Project’ at Albrighton Moat and Gardens. They have made paper pots planted seeds, collected leaves pre pared compost bins, made bug boxes and bird feeders.
As part of the ‘Into Film Festival’ students have been to watch 3 films Race Ghostbusters and Suffragette.
Students enjoyed the social experience and discussed key issues relating to these films in PSHE and Citizenship lessons particularly relating to discrimination stereotyping and rights and responsibilities.
4
17
With the onset of darker nights we would like offer students some simple safety advice. Whether they are walking, cycling or taking public transport to school here is some advice to help them stay safe.
Some year 11 students visited The Skills Show at the NEC in Birmingham to investigate the range of careers and opportunities available post-16. There was lots to see and do.
There were ‘have-a-go’ activities, demonstrations, skills competitions and the chance to listen to talks about a range of careers and to visit exhibition stands.
If possible walk with a friend or group of friends. Stay alert - keep an eye on everything that is happening around you. Avoid wearing earphones or chatting on your mobile phone, as this will distract you from your surroundings. Trust your instincts – if you have a ‘funny feeling' about someone or something, don't ignore it, act on it straight away. Take the route you know best and stick to busy, well-lit streets. Walk in the middle of the pavement, facing oncoming traffic. This will avoid any cars driving up alongside you as you walk. Think about your route home. Where would be a safe place to go if something went wrong? Safe places might be busy places like shops or garages, friends' houses or a police station. Have your keys ready as you approach your home so you can get inside quickly.
16
5
Our Connexions Adviser has also been into the Centre to talk to year 11s on a 1-1 basis to discuss their future plans and any help and support they need to move forward after year 11.
6
Well done to:
15
Many Year 11 students have already completed Functional Skills examinations and several Year 10s are due to start completing them early next year. This will enable students to gain qualifications early and in addition to their GCSEs.
Jessica Adams, Thomas Adams, Bony Chumber, Kai Darcy, Tommy Egan, Kaylum Jenks, Luna Joesbury Harnek Sidhu and Callum Wilson who achieved 100% attendance for the whole of last half-term in centre! Sarah Cornforth, Kian Freeman, Robert Hall Artur Lewandowski, Shanay Lewis and Ellie Thomas are also top attenders having achieved above 95% attendance for last term. The total attendance for Centre students last term was 87%. We have a few pupils who have outstanding attendance last term and they will have the opportunity to win a £50 voucher in our draw on the last day of term!
GCSE students are now all working on the new specifications for English Language and Literature and, as you are probably aware, this will now be graded 1—9, 9 being the highest grade. Mock English Language GCSE exams have taken place this term for KS4 students, in order that they have prior experience of the new specifications before the final GCSE examinations.
Websites: www.bbc.co.uk/education http://www.universalteacher.org.uk www.s-cool.co.uk
14
7
.
The National Curriculum English Programmes of Study require that: “Pupils should be taught to develop an appreciation and love of reading. They should read increasingly challenging material independently, through the reading of a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, including in particular, whole books.” English teaching staff support this wholly and believe that reading widely and independently is fundamental to improving students’ knowledge of the world and improving their skills in the subject.
In line with this, new Literature based units of work have been introduced in recent months in KS3 and 4 and we will now be regularly setting extended reading activities as homework tasks. Should students need to borrow books from the school library in order to support their learning, they should see Ms Cripps for help and guidance with this.
Good attendance is always encouraged and celebrated here at The Orchard Centre. Therefore, If you receive a text message about your child’s absence please reply to this as soon as possible in order to inform school of the reason for this absence.
We really appreciate parents’ and carer’s contributions, so if your child has a sniffle or headache we are able to medicate them in school if necessary if you supply the medication. If you are sure that your child is unfit to attend school, or you have a medical appointment to attend, you must contact Ms Gallagher, the Attendance Officer and let her know. To speak to the Attendance Officer directly, the telephone number is 01902 558859. You can leave a message on the Attendance Hotline at any time.
Please be reminded that all medical appointments should be made after school wherever possible.
8
13
ART at the ORCHARD A look at Shape and Colour with Key Stage 3 Pupils have been looking at artists who played a part of inventing ABSTRACT ART at the beginning of the 20th Century. Such artists include Wassily Kandinsky, Robert & Sonia Delauney and Paul Klee .
Spring Term Wednesday 4th January - Friday 17th February
Half Term Monday 20th February — Friday 24th February
Term time Monday 27th February — Friday 7th April
12
9
ART at the ORCHARD
Key Stage 4 GCSE
Gym club runs on Wednesdays 12.30 to 1pm and has been very successful again this term. Year 11 ‘Open, peel, unwrap, uncover’
Mr Timmins would like to thank all the students who have been involved for their hard work and commitment.
“If it doesn't challenge you, it wont change you!”
10
Once again, the weeks have flown by and it’s fair to say that both staff and students are looking forward to a well -earned rest over the next couple of weeks. Students have been working on their maths’ targets and developing their problem-solving skills. Number of the week — This half-term students have been working on improving their numeracy skills. Every Thursday during tutor time students take part in what we call ‘Number of the Week’. Each week students are given a target number with a set of sums to complete. This provides weekly practice for students to brush up their numeracy skills. Homework Club — Every Thursday students get the opportunity to come to maths’ homework club. It’s a supportive environment, where pupils get one to one help on topics they may be struggling with or to complete extra work to help them get ahead. All are welcome! “Homework club is great because even though I have help in lessons, in homework club I get do extra work with support. Maths is my favourite subject because my teacher is amazing and helpful.” Ollie Jones Year 9 Well done to all the students who have been working hard this term. Have a HAPPY CHRISTMAS from The Maths Department
11
For the end of the winter term students were able to use their reward points to go on various trips and activities. These included a trip to The Birmingham Christmas market , a cinema trip , ice skating , a meal at Cosmos and activities such as nail art, film in the centre and an afternoon of computer games.
