Education
Our school, Apple Orchard, is a very important part of Apple Orchard and complements the work done by the care and therapy staff. The Head teacher leads the experienced team of teachers and teaching assistants. Between them they can offer a wide range of subjects which covers all of a modified National Curriculum. Apple Orchard is a non-political organisation.
GCSE certificates can be gained in English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science, Physical Education, Geography, History and Art. Pupils at KS3 and KS4 also develop their skills in vocational subjects such as DT and construction. The curriculum offer is further enhanced with a full programme of PSHE and CEG plus enrichment days to develop Cultural Capital. For those in KS5, the offer alters, to include opportunities to study at local FE colleges, with placement days at Apple Orchard designed around GCSE re-sits, independence and employability. Qualifications can also be gained in vocational subjects, such as ICT. Full time study at KS5 is also available for those looking to complete A levels. Should you wish to discuss the curriculum offer please contact the school directly.
The school has well-qualified teaching assistants who assist the teachers in giving more 1:1 support to individual students. Reading is a priority, with reading sessions included across the timetable. This initiative has proved very successful, with students reading for pleasure as a platform to develop their understanding and comprehension. The students are usually taught in classes of no more than six, allowing for high levels of supervision and individual attention. The school day is from 9.00am until 3.20pm and is split into 6 periods of about 45 minutes each.
Over the last year we have been delighted with the high GCSE results and are very proud of the students both in terms of their achievements and their attitude to their final exams. 100% of KS4 pupils achieved the grades they require for their next steps. This has led to pupils gaining entry to colleges in Guildford, Northbrook and Chichester to study motor vehicle, animal care, construction, and media.
The school facilities are of a very high standard. There are six purpose-built classrooms including an ICT room with six linked computers and 10 laptops, a large practical room where design technology and art are taught and an equipped science room. All classrooms have a 75” smart TV, plus a laptop is available for every student should it be needed for teaching, individual work, examination concessions etc. There is also a garage that we have converted into a construction workshop. The large dining area is used for lunches and for twice daily meetings with the whole school. Basketball and tennis can be played on our own court and a grass area allows the students to play a variety of games outside. Physical education takes place offsite at a local sports centre, which offers a wide range of facilities. As members of the Sussex and Surrey Special Sports Association we compete against other schools at football, basketball, badminton, cross-country, athletics and tag rugby, and we are very proud of the students’ individual and team successes at county level tournaments.
I can see that my son has blossomed during his time at Apple Orchard. Thank you for all of the hard work that you carry out here.
Mother of Apple Orchard Student
Policy Documents
For free paper copies of our policies, please contact the school directly.
The school facilities are of a very high standard. There are six purpose-built classrooms including an ICT room with five linked computers, a large practical room where design technology and art are taught and an equipped science room. All classrooms have a 75” smart TV, plus a laptop is available for every student should it be needed for teaching, individual work, examination concessions etc. There is also a garage that we have converted into a construction workshop. The large dining area is used for lunches and for twice daily meetings with the whole school. Basketball and tennis can be played on our own court and a grass area allows the students to play a variety of games outside. Physical education takes place offsite at a local sports centre, which offers a wide range of facilities. As members of the Sussex and Surrey Special Sports Association we compete against other schools at football, basketball, badminton, cross-country, athletics and tag rugby, and we are very proud of the students’ individual and team successes at county level tournaments.
Admissions
As a very specialist setting the LA make direct referral to the school who will liasie directly to ensure needs can be met at this school.
Proprietor
Polaris
Chair: Jo August
Malvern View
Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road,
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove, B60 4AD
Headteacher
Richard Keightley
e:
t: 01403 783416
I feel that Apple Orchard is meeting the young person’s needs exceptionally well. He has made enormous progress in the period of time he has been at Apple Orchard.
Buckinghamshire County – Council Social Worker
Part of the Polaris Community
We are part of one of the largest providers of children’s services and our community of services span the length and breadth of the whole of the UK.
Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We’re ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures.
Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Education and bespoke children’s services contracts.