Dear OFS Community,
Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.'
Robert Louis Stevenson
On Monday we reflected on past Harvest celebrations that we hosted prior to the pandemic. Older pupils remembered inviting elderly members of the local community to listen to songs and poems, offering a real connection across generations – Yr8 pupils still remember this from 2013!
It’s amazing seeing governments and nations retreating into their own borders to protect themselves during the hard times. The reality is that it’s now that we need to be reaching out more than ever, harder said than done, but I was so heartened seeing the bags coming in of items to support foodbanks.
Whilst quantity does make a difference here, I did challenge the school to make sure that they ‘own’ their giving. A pound earned through housework, spent on items that Mr Richards highlighted in the bulletin would be more precious than parents doing this on their behalf – I’m picturing Orleyans, emptying the dishwasher, helping with the laundry, hoovering etc. And then taking a hard-earned pound to the supermarket to bring back something they’ve chosen to gift to a person in greater need…
Creative Curriculum
We all have memories that are linked to the smell of a bonfire, the dew on the grass, squishing wild berries from hedgerows, watery hazy sunshine in autumn etc etc. Joining Yr2 as they ran through the meadow to explore workshops reminded me of the power of joined up memories. I have no doubt that the learning started through these sessions will provide the firmest of foundations for the weeks to come…amazing!
Edge
Cycling Proficiency
Riding a bike is the first step to impendence and real freedom – the sense that you control time and destiny!!! However, with this independence comes the need to maintain it, regardless of what life throws at you from punctures to locked chains…
We are well into our Edge Programme that is a cornerstone to everything that we value. It’s a real opportunity to broaden experiences that enrich our learning. Founded on developing ‘Learning for Life’, there is something for everyone…here are a few moments from the past week…
Cooking
The gorgeous aromas that waft around the corridors on Fridays get the gastric juices flowing and I was tempted to stay in the kitchen as Yr8 pupils put together a wonderful chilli con carne…Niam did take a risk on the chilli and required a fire hydrant to control the flames…a lesson learnt?!?
Domestic Skills
I don’t want to embarrass anyone here, but as I took photos of shoe cleaning, a certain pupil said that they weren’t allowed to clean their shoes at home because they made a mess…really?!?
U11 OFS Football Tournament
Well done to our U11 who enjoyed a tournament packed with learning moments. Beforehand, I heard Mr King running through the aims for the day based on training sessions and they certainly made progress on their set piece. The highlight for me was watching them gather to lead their own half time talk, insightful, self-aware and encouraging – that’s the best outcome!
Thank you Orley for being the community that we are – times are going to get harder for everyone and these are the times when we find out how strong we are…
Tim Calvey