The Orchard Ethos
A passion for building successful futures
The ethos of Orchard is based on the belief that the best possible start a child has, right from their earliest days, shapes their future in multiple different ways. For over 30 years, we have had a passion for building successful futures and helping to develop each one of those in our care into amazing children. We take as much pleasure from hearing the wonderful achievements our alumni have made across academics, sport and the arts as we do about the fantastic accomplishments made by our children in school on a daily basis.
The high standard of education on offer throughout Orchard, and the way in which it is delivered, is designed to foster a love of learning within the children’s developing minds, so they finish their time with us keen to discover more, and continue the journey of growth. Every child is unique, with different interests, skills and passions, and it is our responsibility to unearth what makes each child tick and tailor their education to support them in the best possible way on their pathway to success.
We are bold in our beliefs and encourage participation from all of our pupils, as we recognise that tangibly taking part in something and learning through experience is the most effective way to develop a young person’s mind. Within Orchard we create an environment which puts in place the boundaries necessary for the children to develop an effective means of self discipline, leading to lifelong positive behaviours.
Values
The Orchard ethos is underpinned by a number of key values that we firmly believe in and hold in high regard. These values, and their implementation in everything that takes place at Orchard School, are what gives us our unique personality and creates the positive environment we are so proud of.
Passion
Orchard School and Nursery was established, and thrives today, due to passion. The passion to educate children and guide them in the best way possible, preparing them for the journey ahead in life. We recognise the strength of a passionate approach and encourage everyone within the Orchard family to follow their passions and persevere at all times. This trait, and the underlying strength of character associated with the pursuit of passion, runs right through Orchard from the children to the teachers.
Nurture
When dealing with children at such a formative stage of their development it is vitally important that every communication and interaction is done in the most appropriate manner. At Orchard, we have endeavoured to create a nurturing environment, where every child is treated with care and consideration, and supported with kindness and empathy as they face the daily challenges of discovering and learning about the world around them.
Participation
One of Orchard’s key principles is the practice of participation. We are not content with sitting on the side lines, but rather strive to ensure action is undertaken by all at Orchard. The most rewarding experiences, social interactions and strongest accomplishments are usually the result of collaboration, and the Orchard School ensures everyone participates in a way which suits their abilities and strengths.
Breadth
The experience a child has whilst in the school environment is not limited to what takes place in the classroom in terms of traditional lessons, but extends beyond that, incorporating a wide range of other pursuits and the hidden curriculum.
When improvements have been made to the school, such as the development of spacious new classrooms offering lots of natural light, we have ensured that similar attention to detail and care has been applied to the development of other areas throughout the school environment - such as the creation of multiple, diverse and distinct outdoor zones including the treehouse, activity trail and camouflage den, all designed to positively benefit the children in different ways.
We are proud to offer a large programme of extra-curricular activities and residential trips to further broaden their horizons. And we are equally proud of the fact that children leave Orchard with not only a strong educational foundation, but also a thorough understanding of the norms of society, good manners and the ability to socially interact.
Modern Tradition
The Orchard School and Nursery is a great respecter of tradition and what has come before in terms of child development and education. However, we are not closed off to change and development and therefore embrace innovation where it compliments, enhances or improves existing practices and processes. We do not follow educational whims or fads, changing tried and testing systems just for the sake of it. We do, however, spend time looking at developments within the world of education, assessing each innovation or new thinking on its merits and incorporating those into the Orchard way of life when they clearly add significant improvement and value. Our bank of Chromebook computers introduced to the school and the implementation of remote learning are examples of Orchard embracing modern technology to enhance the traditional educational experience.
Equality
Within the environment of Orchard School everyone is treated equally and fairly, and this is a principle instilled within the children. Every individual is unique, with distinct interests, abilities and motivations. Although one of the key elements of the Orchard ethos is the uncovering of a child’s unique personality and the tailoring of their education to support and enhance that, we firmly adhere to the principle of equality and ensure all decisions, actions and interactions are undertaken with it very much at the forefront of our minds.
