The New Orchard House School Together we’re extraordinary.
Welcome to Orchard House. I feel very privileged to be the new Headmaster of this wonderful school. Orchard House is one of west London’s leading prep schools with an excellent reputation, not just for outstanding academic results, but for nurturing the individual talents of each and every child. Every parent wants to be sure their child is safe and happy at school. At Orchard House, we have small classes, dedicated teachers and an award-winning approach to pastoral care that means your child really does come first, always.
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We are committed to co-education at Orchard House. Children learn together from the age of 3 to 11. Our excellent academic results see pupils
heading to leading senior schools, both in London and beyond, and every year we achieve numerous awards in sport, music, art and drama, plus academic scholarships. It is a given that our pupils will move on to some of the best schools in the country but what matters to us is that they go to the right school for them. Children learn best when they are happy, we commit not only to putting all our energy into providing a happy, safe environment for your children to learn in, but we also ensure our pupils are prepared for the next stage, for the school where they will go on and flourish. We are preparing our children for an unknown future and so, alongside the excellence of the teaching and learning, we are committed to inculcating in the children the values of kindness, honesty, tolerance, and respect. To learn to work not just for themselves but for other people. We instil in our pupils a love of learning where they appreciate the benefits of hard work, and we want to keep broadening our enrichment programme so that every
child gets the opportunity to learn the skills to thrive in the future. Above all, Orchard House is a community; a caring collective where pupils, parents and staff join together to provide the very best prep school experience, and where there’s lots of fun and laughter alongside the hard work. If we have learnt one thing in recent years, it is the value of community spirit; of working and playing together, supporting each other, looking out for our neighbour as well as ourselves. We are at an exciting stage in Orchard House’s story so do come and visit us. I look forward to welcoming you to this very special school. To have a chat or arrange a visit, please do telephone the school office on 020 8742 8544 or contact the school by email at info@orchardhs.org.uk. Mr Kit Thompson 3
“Chiswick & Bedford Park Prep School, along with Orchard House School, are embarking on an exciting journey that will incorporate the best aspects of both schools and create a fantastic learning environment for all pupils. The investment that Dukes Education is making in this project is impressive and will lead to ever better facilities and resources. I am excited and proud to be part of this innovative development for both schools.” Mrs. Henrietta Adams Head of Chiswick & Bedford Park
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Our history Orchard House’s sister school, Bassett House School in North Kensington, was founded in 1947 by Sylvia Rentoul, with just 6 pupils. In those days, there was a more regimented approach to education and the prevailing belief that ‘children should be seen but not heard’. Sylvia passionately believed children should be encouraged to express themselves, and teaching should be both supportive and challenging, but above all, must take into account the individual needs of each child. Sylvia’s sons set up Orchard House School on its Newton Grove site in 1993 and expanded the school in 2010 by purpose re-building 2 Rupert Road to house the Early Years. Sylvia’s visionary philosophy not only endures but flourishes at Orchard House School to this day. In February 2020, Orchard House, together with Bassett House and Prospect House, became part of Dukes Education. In early 2021 Dukes Education, founded and led by our Chairman Aatif Hassan, acquired Chiswick & Bedford Park Prep School – a wonderful school just around the corner from Orchard House.
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As sister schools we share much in common; chiefly our commitment to a strong moral ethos and the expectation of outstanding learning and care. During academic years 20212022 and 2022-2023 the schools will collaborate closely – Kit Thompson, Head at Orchard House and Henrietta Adams, Head of CBPPS will co-lead the schools to ensure fruitful and positive experiences for both sets of pupils.
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A leading light From 2023 the Nurseries will come together and from 2024 a new combined school will come into existence under the Orchard House name. This new school will benefit from a full cosmetic refurbishment of all sites - Rupert Road, Priory Avenue and Newton Grove as well as additional specialist teaching space in the form of a new Science, Technology and Computing Centre, additional spaces for Art, Music and Drama, a fuller timetable of enrichment and clubs, and expert subject teaching. As a thriving three form entry school, all of our children will benefit from a full time teaching assistant and specialist teaching staff across the curriculum, ensuring academic excellence alongside outstanding pastoral care. We will be working with both school communities to come up with meaningful ways to honour the heritage of Chiswick & Bedford Park school. For example this may include elements of the uniform, naming of buildings and additions to the school values. This seven-figure investment from Dukes will put Orchard House School squarely on the map as one of London’s premier preparatory schools.
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Welcome to our new Orchard House.
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Proposed STEAM Centre
(7 minute drive)
Prep School Year 4 to Year 6
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Old Actonians Sports Club
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Pre-Prep School Year 1 to Year 3
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Early Years Nursery and Reception
Dedicated use of church hall for music and performing arts
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Chiswick Common
Rocks Lane Astro Turf
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TURNHAM GREEN TERRACE
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Threeform entry
Building works have begin to transform the buildings and create dedicated learning spaces for each key stage. As children progress through the school they will naturally transition to a new building, while still having access to the STEAM centre and sports facilities. We will have dedicated use of the church hall during term time. This map shows the proposed building allocations. Final decisions on the location of specific teaching spaces are under consideration.
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A new school for Chiswick
Exciting new developments During our consultations, parents said that they’d like to see upgraded facilities We’ve brought forward our development plans and are investing £2.5m to create an even better learning environment for the students. This investment includes upgrades to teaching spaces, outdoor playgrounds and specialist labs and studios. It means there will be more teaching space per pupil, more specialist facilities and even more outdoor space.
STEAM Centre - Science Lab
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STEAM Centre - IT Suite
We’re building a brand new STEAM centre (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths). This will enhance the provision we already offer by enabling new lab experiments and IT learning in the state of the art technology room.
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Proposed floor plans for 2024
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Proposed plan for building utilisation. Final decisions on year group allocation are under consideration.
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Three natural, ergonomic outside spaces with extra playground areas which means more outside space for every pupil. Teaching spaces will be upgraded to create an even better learning environment. We will offer a menu with organic, sustainable ingredients, including fresh herbs from our on-site school herb garden. We will cater to all tastes.
Schools will have fantastic new outdoor play areas Classrooms will be re-furbished
Re-furbished inside and out With a dedicated Form Teacher and Teaching Assistant in each class, Years 1 -3 will be based in Priory Avenue, where newly re-furbished classrooms will ensure a bright and colourful environment decorated with displays to reflect current topics. Years 4 – 6 will be based in Newton Grove, a beautiful heritage building benefiting from a fully modernised refurbishment, where the pupils experience a more formal approach to learning.
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Specialist sports facilities Specialist coaching and teaching in Sport and Music are available to all, not just to the sporting or musical ‘elite’. Our Sports facilities at the Old Actonians Sports Ground and Rocks Lane feature football, cricket, rugby and hockey pitches, netball courts, allweather pitches for lacrosse and a sports field for athletics and Sports Days. Our pupils benefit from nearby access to swimming facilities to ensure all sporting and games are offered.
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Dedicated use of sports facilities at Old Actonians which opens up new opportunities for school sports and clubs. We will offer lacrosse, football, netball and swimming.
Pupils play cricket at the Old Actonians sports club
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Football and baseball games being played at the Old Actonians sports club
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Extraordinary teachers Our staff are the lifeblood of the school +
We’re increasing the staffing provision to ensure we have the best trained staff to provide world-class education for the students.
Award-winning staff
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Our Head of Sport and PE at OHS, Steph Furneaux recently won a prestigious TES award for innovation in teaching sport. With access to Old Actonians sports pitches we can offer even more opportunities for excellence in sport.
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Specialist teaching spaces
Rupert Road – Music Room
Music rooms at Newton Grove and Rupert Road will be modernised.
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Dedicated use of the church hall. This will allow us to offer more performing arts opportunities and after school clubs.
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The plans include a new student well-being space where pastoral staff can help support children that may be feeling upset or anxious.
Newton Grove – Music Room
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We’re excited to introduce a new library to the school, encouraging a love of reading. EYFS has it’s own space.
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Design Direction
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Building a sustainable school
STEAM Centre, Woodstock Road LXA
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An important part of the school transformation is to create a more eco-friendly school for future generations. From using sustainable materials and environmentally-friendly garden designs we will improve the eco footprint of the school.
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Outside Play Areas
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How do we get there?
Great schools, getting even better Our vision is to create the best prep school in Chiswick. Dukes Education will keep investing to make it even better.
Building work begins
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Nursery classes combine SEPT 2023
Schools combine
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How we teach
Our ethos The ethos of Orchard House underpins the aims of our school and runs through every aspect of school life. In the course of their daily work, all members of the school community contribute to the development of this ethos by: — Providing a child-centred, forward looking educational philosophy — Treating each child as an individual and nurturing individuality — Valuing all members of the school and wider community equally, showing mutual respect and concern for others — The provision of a friendly and welcoming environment, in which courtesy, kindness, respect and teamwork are fostered — Valuing and celebrating success and achievement, in all spheres — Cultivating a culture to help instil resilience and perseverance.
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All children can learn to thrive, regardless of early learning ability. Great minds think for themselves; nurturing individuality is at the heart of our teaching. We believe tailor-made teaching opens up young minds to endless possibilities, encouraging them to think creatively and form their own ideas. We value highly the pastoral care which we give, and are proud of the warm, nurturing ethos of the School. In addition to guiding pupils to high academic achievement, our programme of learning celebrates personal strengths, builds confidence from an early age and recognises the importance of self-esteem. We encourage our pupils to develop a sense of self discipline, responsibility and courtesy, as well as sensitivity to the needs of others. Our pupils mostly call it having fun. We call it being the best they can be.
Every child learns differently. At Orchard House School, we want to ensure that every child can soar. Accordingly, we embrace different teaching methods, including Montessori (for younger children), kinaesthetic, oral, tactile, and visual. The scope to cherry-pick from these various methods, combined with small class sizes, allows us to tailor our teaching approach to each individual child. Our children benefit from being in an environment where girls and boys learn from each other. After all, life is co-ed. This dynamic is particularly beneficial when we set children challenging tasks, or encourage them to work (and play) in teams. Importantly, they are taught mistakes are not failures, but a positive sign they are trying. Their efforts will always be encouraged, regardless of the outcome.
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Early years – a flying start At Orchard House School we give your child the ultimate start in life. Our Early Years curriculum ensures that your child’s academic potential is fulfilled but we go well beyond this; we inspire, motivate, nurture and care so that you know your child will have the opportunity to grow and prosper in an engaging, vibrant and supportive learning environment. We ensure that each child receives the quality time and attention required each day to build confidence and selfesteem; which in turn will allow your child to develop his or her own curiosity and interest in learning and discovery. Our spacious and innovative centre for early years – Rupert Road – provides a safe and dynamic home to our Nursery and Reception classes. The bright and colourful purpose-built centre is perfectly equipped to offer stimulation for both physical and academic development with spacious classrooms, a dedicated kitchen and library, two outdoor play areas and a Forest School on site. 40
Play
Sports
The play area is enjoyed by the children on a daily basis and will include a new adventure playground. The children also benefit from using our modern sports facilities at the Old Actonians Sports Ground and at Rocks Lane.
Music
Forest School
Performing Arts
Science
Coding
Technology
The children are introduced to the world of music and drama by our specialist teachers in the Performing Arts Centre at the Church and will have the opportunity to be involved in a music and drama performance every year to their parents. Our new Science & Technology centre (to be completed September 2024) will enable the children to be introduced to scientific concepts in our purpose-built science laboratory. The children are introduced to the world of coding and tech in our high-spec computing and coding suite. 41
Pre-Prep (Years 1 - 2) & Prep (Years 3 - 6) Academic excellence is achieved through a rigorous, inspiring and broad curriculum which engenders a love of learning in our pupils. All teachers at Orchard House School share one firm belief: nurturing individuality is the most empathetic and effective way of teaching children to fly. To ensure personal attention, the ratio of staff to pupils is high. Without exception our teachers are highly qualified and ably supported by our carefully chosen team of teaching assistants. Intellectual curiosity and in-depth learning are encouraged through research, general knowledge homework, open-ended investigations and collaborative learning activities. The curriculum is rich, stimulating, varied and challenging, enabling Orchard House pupils to develop their skills and passions.
We have an extensive range of specialist teachers covering: Maths
Latin
Art
English
History
Dance
Science
Geography
Drama
Computing
Religious Studies
Design Technology
Music
PSHE
PE & Sports
Thinking Skills
French Spanish Mandarin 42
STEAM learning STEAM lessons for the older pupils in the prep school involve projects that link Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths. Computing lessons include coding skills from Year 1 upwards in the new dedicated Science and Technology Centre. English lessons incorporate engaging and imaginative novels, poetry and non-fiction texts to enable pupils to develop their reading and writing skills and to inspire a life-long love of reading. All pupils have weekly library lessons in our extensively stocked libraries.
Termly assessments in English, Maths, Science and Reasoning from Year 1 upwards feed into target setting and enable staff to tailor the curriculum to individual pupils to enhance pupil progress and ensure all pupils are challenged. Assessment results and targets are shared with parents. Challenge tasks are incorporated across the curriculum to stretch pupils. 44
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Performing arts Our school is equipped with specialist teaching facilities for Science & Computing, Art, Design Technology and Music alongside dedicated multi-purpose halls and rooms used for assemblies, Drama and performance. Musical and Dramatic Art play a key role at Orchard House School, with pupils of all ages participating in drama and musical productions, clubs, concerts and assemblies. Musical performance groups include Orchestra, String Group and School Choir.
Leading instrumentalists teach lessons in instruments including: Flute
Oboe
Trombone
Electric guitar
Cello
Steel pans
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Thinking skills We are proud of our unique Thinking Skills programme that is being pioneered to develop and enhance our pupils’ ability to be logical, critical and creative thinkers. Weekly Thinking Skills lessons will focus on a wide range of skills such as decision making, lateral thinking, mind-mapping and the use of Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats tool. These skills are also integrated across the curriculum. Orchard House pupils are encouraged to gain a deeper understanding of their own preferred approaches to learning and to gain familiarity with a range of study and revision strategies. The programme also develops pupils’ ability to think philosophically through Philosophy for Children sessions.
Curiosity Habits of mind which are linked to Thinking Skills, such as curiosity, resilience, resourcefulness, persistence and tenacity are encouraged across the curriculum. These habits of mind can play a significant role in a child’s academic success and personal happiness. 48
Resilience
Tenacity
Habits of mind Persistence
Resourcefulness
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Building character, nurturing self Some children have the good fortune to be privately educated at schools with the drive, experience, and resources to teach children to think critically and for themselves. At Orchard House School, children learn their personal choices can make a real difference, and their opinion matters. Equally importantly, they learn to respect the opinions of others. They learn the value of endeavour and of staying power, of developing social skills, and of forming respectful relationships. Why do so many hands fly into the air when a teacher asks a question at Orchard House School? Our children feel confident and valued, so they are not worried about making mistakes and are willing to ‘have a go’. This eagerness to be involved and to make a contribution is one of the most valuable life skills we nurture in our pupils.
Pastoral care Pastoral care comes first. Children blossom when they feel secure, happy, and valued. We put huge store on pastoral care to ensure every pupil gains the confidence to achieve their best. No child has any doubt that teachers will lend a safe and sympathetic ear to their issues. Each child has a Pupil Pastoral Plan where they can note any private worries so that teachers may monitor their happiness and well-being. Our buddy system helps newcomers through their early days, and we encourage older children to mentor younger pupils, instilling a sense of responsibility.
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The school’s House system encourages teamwork and a competitive spirit, allowing children to celebrate their own success as well as the achievements of others. Whole school events and charitable activities foster a sense of pride in belonging to a wider community. 51
Enrichment & extra curricular Variety and new adventures are the lifeblood of curiosity and enthusiasm. Aside from being fun and exciting, extracurricular activities can work wonders in building pupils’ confidence. Orchard House School offers a wide spectrum of activities which encourage self-expression and the development of talents outside the classroom, including:
Sports
We offer clubs and squads across all major sports. Children can put their skills to the test at fixtures and tournaments throughout the year.
Music
Groups include school orchestra, chamber choir, senior and junior choirs, and parent choir. Visiting music teachers offer individual instrumental tuition on a variety of instruments.
Drama and performance
Children perform in assemblies, plays, musical productions, and concerts throughout the year. Our inclusive approach gives each child the opportunity to shine.
Clubs
We offer science, chess, debating, art, LAMDA, animation, creative arts, cookery, yoga, frisbee, origami, mosaic and homework club. 52
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The Orchard House Challenge The Orchard House Challenge is an exciting scheme which takes the school’s ethos into wider aspects of the children’s personal development. Our Upper School pupils can take part in three levels of Challenge, extending their horizons and building their preparation for life. The Orchard House Challenge consists of eight disciplines and Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards can be achieved by working across a greater number of these disciplines: — — — —
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Our Global Community The Arts Fitness & Health Finance & Budgeting
— Domestic Science — New Skills — Outdoor Active
Bronze
The Bronze Award is earned by completing three of the first seven Challenges, and an Outdoor Active Challenge. Everyone is expected to achieve this award.
Silver
The Silver Award is given after a pupil has completed six Challenges plus an Outdoor Active Challenge.
Gold
The Gold Award is presented when they have completed all eight Challenges.
This means that every Orchard House pupil can demonstrate breadth of achievement outside the core academic areas, with something really meaningful to talk about when attending senior school interviews. More importantly, they understand why a healthy lifestyle is important, they can think about the world in which we live, and they can take active responsibility for their own personal development. And, even more than that - the Orchard House Challenge helps the children find their own talents, wherever they lie, and to develop as rounded individuals with breadth, self-confidence, initiative and curiosity. 55
What value can Dukes bring
Together we’re extraordinary Being part of the Dukes Education family has benefits. There are programmes and opportunities available to your children that wouldn’t otherwise be possible from a single school. For example:
Dukes debating
A chance for children to develop their critical thinking and communication skills by participating in debates on important topical issues.
Poetry Together
A beautiful initiative where children memorise a poem and then meet with elderly citizens to share poetry over afternoon tea.
Dukes diploma
Awarded to Year 11 and Year 13 students who complete independent learning and super curricular enrichment activities. Along with excellent academic results and personal development, this additional qualification enhances our students’ skills in the eyes of universities and employers.
Professional governance
Dukes Education has gathered some of the leading educational minds onto it’s board of directors and educational advisory board. Orchard House School will benefit from the expertise of Libby Nicholas, Mark Bailey, David Goodhew and others.
Excursions and events
Opportunities for excursions and events with students from other schools. This could include humanitarian trips, or cultural and sporting tours to other countries.
Professor Mark Bailey ex Highmaster, St Paul’s Boys
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Libby Nicholas
David Goodhew
ex Head of South Hampstead High, Education Director for GDST, CEO of a large multi-academy trust
Head at Latymer Upper
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The 11+ and senior school preparation When our pupils have progressed through Orchard House, they have the option to sit the 11+ to gain entry to senior school or benefit from priority entry to in our Dukes Senior schools: Radnor House, Twickenham; Hampton Court House or Eaton Square Senior. If a child is not suited to the 11+ entrance we are happy to confirm acceptance to a Dukes Senior School in Year 5.
Our Year 6 pupils are uniquely prepared for entrance to a senior school which is best suited to their abilities, character and interests. We prepare children for senior school life of which the 11+ test is just one part of it. However, to ensure success we provide an expert programme of senior school preparation.
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In Year 5 parents and pupils will attend Senior School Open Days, have an individual meeting with the Form teachers and Deputy Head to discuss choices and meet with the Headteacher about all options.
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Post-examination programme — Exciting day trips
Year 6 exam preparation
— Residential week to France: Pupils experience a week of language immersion with many outdoor activities.
— Online verbal and non-verbal reasoning and “Dukes Interview Prep” Programme: Pupils are given the opportunity to practice interview skills with an expert.
— Annual leavers’ play
Senior school place is confirmed
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— Various activities, workshops and guest speakers: Covering topics such as life skills, personal and social awareness, first aid, financial understanding, future educational and career pathways.
Start at senior school Our continued outstanding success at 11+ destinations, including academic, music, sports, drama and art scholarships is testament to our commitment to ensure each child moves on to a senior school of their choice confident, prepared and happy.
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We know that our Year 6 benefit immensely from this opportunity to broaden their experiences before they embark on the next stage of their education. In recent years the children in Year 6 have been offered the following: — Inter-school debating competitions — A study of Shakespeare’s work in English — Travel safety and cycle proficiency
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— Maths in Motion — Courses in Spanish and Mandarin — Theatre trips
— First Aid Training
— Re-enactment of a court case at the Royal Court of Justice
— Sports Leadership Programme
— A Leavers’ Service with families and staff
— Young Enterprise Project
— Young Shakespeare Society
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Pathway to senior school As part of the Dukes Education family, students from Orchard House School will be offered preferential placement at some of the best senior schools in London. For students who are anxious about the 11+ exam, we can even offer early access so that your children can relax and look forward to the transition to senior school.
Darryl Wideman Headteacher at Radnor House School, Twickenham www.radnor-twickenham.org Radnor House, Twickenham is an independent selective co-educational day school enjoying a stunning location on the banks of the River Thames in Twickenham, where pupils thrive in small classes with a strong focus on individual attention. Life at RHT is shaped by the school’s commitment to providing an active learning environment for limitless minds. Everyone firmly believes that all pupils are capable of great things if effectively taught, motivated and inspired by their school environment.
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Dr Adrian Rainbow Headteacher at Hampton Court House School www.hamptoncourthouse.co.uk Hampton Court House is an independent co-educational school and sixth form. The school is situated in its own private parkland, a 30-to-40-minute drive from central London. At HCH, we lay the foundations of a lifelong love of learning. Children are offered the best of both worlds - they are emotionally supported and encouraged to work hard. The result of being raised at HCH means they will not only do better, they will be better people. All children are prepared for 13+ and while some go on to leading day and boarding schools, most choose to stay with us for their GCSE and A Level years.
Caroline Townshend Headteacher at Eaton Square Senior School www.eatonsquareschools.com Eaton Square Senior School is a vibrant, popular community where pupils learn not only the skills but also the values that will prepare them for their life beyond senior school. The education at Eaton Square has a traditional British foundation, but a modern and international outlook. The school is located in two historical buildings in central London; Years 7 – 11 are on Piccadilly in a Grade 1 listed building that once housed Ian Fleming, among other notaries, and the Sixth Form which opens in September 2022 will be in a newly renovated Georgian townhouse in Belgravia. Students enjoy access to the Old Actonians sports club facilities. 67
The future We are proud that we are able to offer a school in Chiswick at which pupils benefit from unparalleled access to state of the art teaching facilities, resources and exceptional teaching and care. We are proud to be able to provide an education to ensure each child is able to live an extraordinary life.
We are excited to welcome you to the new chapter of Orchard House School.
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“Dukes Education is a family of schools and educational services in the UK. Our schools are distinctive in identity and style, yet united in offering outstanding teaching and learning, providing the strongest foundations for young people to lead extraordinary lives.”
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