Values and Ethos

Our vision

Creating the foundations to build successful futures.


Jesus told his followers that: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24 (NIV)


At Orchards Church of England Academy, our vision is rooted in the idea of building firm foundations—academically, spiritually, and personally.


We strive to help children build their lives upon strong values, wisdom, and faith.

We also draw guidance from Psalm 127:1 (NIV): "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain." This reminds us that our work is part of a greater purpose, grounded in God’s love and guidance.


We believe that every child is wonderfully made, created with purpose, and capable of achieving great things. Our Christian ethos shapes a nurturing environment where each child is encouraged to grow, flourish, and develop the confidence to thrive in the next stages of their education and beyond into the wider world.


We understand the importance in getting the children’s education right from the very start, in our nursery. Our strong emphasis on the teaching of early reading, writing and maths lay the solid foundations for every child. The building blocks of our knowledge rich, carefully sequenced curriculum, coupled with strong evidence based pedagogy and principles are reinforced by our solid Christian culture and ethos which permeates through everything we do.


Our consistent approach to behaviour and the positive support of ‘Thrive’ strategies ensure all children are ready and able to learn. We work together with the whole school community to encourage ambition and to instill aspiration.


 

Our Aims

  • To have high expectations of our children in order to raise outcomes and give them the best life chances
  • To provide our children with a rich variety of life experiences and the tools to become resilient and respectful citizens.
  • To further develop our skilled and reflective staff team through evidence based CPD and an embedded commitment to staff wellbeing.
  • To care, support communicate and be fully inclusive with parents and the wider community.
  • To promote our Christian values and ethos which underpins all aspects of school life.


Our Foundation

As a Church of England school, our Christian vision is shaped by the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We use the image of a tree to help children understand how the Trinity supports and nurtures us


"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" John 15:5 


Roots – God the Father

The roots provide strength, nourishment, and stability—just as God the Father is our creator and sustainer. He is the firm foundation on which our lives are built. Without firm foundations in place, the tree will not survive or thrive. The same is true of our pupils. Solid foundations will enable all of our children to grow and succeed.


Trunk – God the Son (Jesus)

The trunk holds the tree together and enables it to grow tall. Jesus Christ is our guide, teacher, and example—showing us how to live with love, kindness, and courage. Once the foundations are in place, we can grow understanding of the world in which we live, academically, spiritually and personally.


Leaves & Fruit – God the Holy Spirit

The leaves and fruit show the life of the tree. The Holy Spirit helps us flourish, grow in character, and produce the 'fruit of the Spirit' in our daily lives. Every child who leaves us will be prepared for the next stage of their education and beyond into the wider world.


Building Firm Foundations Together

By combining our Christian ethos, our clear school principles, and our core values, Orchards C of E Academy provides a safe, joyful, and inspiring place for every child to grow. Together, and as part of the Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust (DEMAT), we create the foundations for our pupils to build successful futures.


To learn. To know. To lead out.




Our Principles and Values

These are the foundations for all aspects of school life. They are common language for the children and a focus of assemblies and rewards.


Our school principles

  •         Be kind
  •         Work hard
  •         Aim high


Our school values


Ambition

Colossians 3:23 – 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.'


Perseverance

'Galatians 6:9 – 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.'


Respect

'John 13:34 – 'A new commandment I give unto you: love one another as I have loved you.'


Responsibility

'Ecclesiates 4:9-10 – 'Two people are better than one… for if they fall, one will lift up the other.'















Being a Church School

Respect, Perseverance, Responsibility, Ambition

 

Religious Education 

Religious Education is taught in accordance with both the Understanding Christianity Scheme and the Cambridge Agreed Syllabus. RE enables pupils to appreciate their own and others' beliefs and cultures, helping them to develop a clear understanding of the significance of religion in their own area as well as in the world today.

RE intends to promote religious understanding and respect, and to challenge prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping.

It is concerned with the promotion of each pupil's-self-worth, enabling them to reflect on their uniqueness as human beings, to share their feelings and emotions with others and to appreciate the importance of forming and maintaining positive relationships. 

We strongly believe that the purpose of RE is about religious literacy. This means we aim for children to be able to hold a balanced and well-informed conversation about religion and belief. 

 

Collective Worship

As a Church of England School, Collective Worship is carried out on a daily basis. It is Christian in content and encourages worship of God. Collective worship allows time for guidance, positive thought and development on spiritual, moral, social and emotional issues. Worship also allows an opportunity for quiet reflection and exploration of self.

Daily worship may be led by staff, children or visitors to the school. These worship times have a theme and may include stories, songs or hymns, prayers plus a time of reflection. The stained glass window in the school hall was created by pupils at the school and is a spectacular focal point for worship. We follow the Christian calendar and celebrate special days and festivals throughout the year. Parents and the community are warmly invited to share our daily worship and weekly celebrations as well as these special services.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Collective Worship if their own religious beliefs make this necessary. If you wish to withdraw your child please contact the Headteacher.

We actively encourage all children to take part in worship. All classes visit the local church at least once a term.