Values and Ethos
Our aim is to bring the best out of every pupil that attends Orchards C of E Academy
Our Core Values
Our Vision
Jesus told his followers that, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24
Orchards C of E Academy are building from the ground up: ensuring we get the children’s education right from the very start, in our nursery. Our strong emphasis on the teaching of early reading, writing and maths will 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 will ensure all children are ready and able to learn. We will work together with the whole school community to encourage ambition and to instil 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 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. Children know, understand and can share examples of these values:
- Ambition
- Perseverance
- Respect
- Responsibility
Our school rules
- Be safe
- Be ready to learn
- Be respectful
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.