Dear OFS Community,
Orley Farm has launched an entirely new experience that has been two years in the making. After a considerable amount of research, numerous visits to alternate settings and developing our awareness of the benefits of Forest Schools, and outdoor education, Orley Farm is proud to open our doors...or stile might be a better phrase to our...
'Meadow School'
Reception pupils were the first to experience this innovative and engaging new opportunity under the Orley Farm umbrella. Whilst we all wished for beautiful sunshine on such an occasion, I think that it was actually more appropriate to have a little inclement weather as it gave purpose to getting the fire lit!
The sessions are broken into free play, which encourages risk-taking and building collaborations through problem solving and challenges; this moves into structured activities linked directly to their curriculum.
By the end of this term, all of our Pre-Prep classes will have dedicated time in our Meadow School, and having grown up barefoot and outside every day of my childhood, I can’t wait to see and feel the impact on the outlook of our young learners!
Vivat
I was delighted to receive the following from a Prakrith Rao, an Orleyan who joined Westminster School two years ago having been awarded the Queen’s Scholarship, soon to become King’s Scholarship!
Dear Mr Calvey (and my dear teachers),
I hope you are well and enjoying the long weekend. It has been a while. I am greatly savouring my second year at Westminster, getting used to a hectic, but fruit-filled school life. I wanted to write to you with a first hand account of my role in the coronation and I also wanted to thank you for the massive impact you, as well as all the teachers, have had on me.
As you probably know, I was fortunate enough to have the privilege of attending the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It was an unforgettable experience that I will always treasure. Our role as King's scholars was to proclaim the new King and Queen, by singing a section, rewritten for every monarch at every coronation since 1902, called the Vivats. We had been practising almost daily since the music was adapted, and I was lucky enough, through both my short demeanour and my moderate singing abilities, to be placed at the front, close to the camera, in view of all. On the morning in question, we were all tingling with nerves, as we changed into Abbey Dress and wore our surplices, and we soon realised the grandeur of the occasion, when we a few notable barons, baronesses and lords, walked past us, wishing us luck, while we were forming-up to process into the Abbey, into the cameras and into the spotlight.
The event began with our procession through the Great West Door, as we were greeted by our very own Dean, who inducted us in as scholars, and the very reverend Archbishop of Canterbury, who congratulated us. After entering with a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation, we climbed the narrow, unending spiral staircase to the North Triforium: our vantage point, set up with a TV, as well as our staging. As we waited for the service to start, we watched as other dignitaries entered: notably members of the Royal Family, the last 4 Conservative Prime Ministers (Cameron, May, Johnson and Truss), who all weirdly arrived together, as well as current world leaders, unfortunately excluding Joe Biden. We waited for almost an hour, pressure building, for our cue: the ringing of the great Abbey Bell. After ascending onto the staging, we heard the trumpets sound and the starting notes of the great Parry anthem: I Was Glad, and I whispered "Here we go". We were stood next to the top of the organ's pipes, experiencing the full volume and splendour of the Royal music, giving yet more life into this heart-racing opening performance. It was all coming together, and as we heard the fanfare of the trumpets mid-piece, my legs starting trembling, but that didn't stop my voice. As the College family came together, we proclaimed the new monarchs through our loud and crisp Latin singing. As the anthem ended and we exited the stage, the excitement remained and we felt extremely proud, as we looked forward to watching the rest of the ceremony. From our high vantage point, we had a small but incredible view of the altar, which was beautifully decorated in gold for the occasion. It was a very rousing experience as we watched and heard Sir Bryn Terfel sing, saw Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and heard PM Rishi Sunak perform a reading. It was a breath-taking moment to witness the coronation from such a unique view and perspective and I am extremely grateful that I had the honour of sharing the building with so many great inspiring people.
As we processed out of the East Cloister Door, I managed to catch a glimpse of Rishi Sunak, who was following behind us. When we reached the exit into Dean's Yard, a couple asked for a photo with us, which we accepted, however, by the time we had taken it, a new flow of people came out of the West Cloister Door, halting us in our tracks. In the exciting crowd of people was French President Emmanuel Macron, and as he shuffled past, my French friend, Alexandre and I, had a small conversation with him in French. We were extremely surprised when he replied "Bravo! Oui! Bravo!" with a thumbs up, to us and we were over the moon. The day got even crazier, when we were almost told off by the Under Master, for holding up the Prime Minister! I felt so honoured to attend and as we went back up School, we saw the under-appreciated Gospel choir, who sang beautifully, taking a photo. They were honoured when we asked them for a photo, and I felt their energy and commitment was extremely impactful in the repertoire.
I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to witness history in the making, and I will always treasure this incredible memory. But, I also wanted to thank everyone who has helped me, shaped me and guided me, not only to be in this position, but also in my character and outlook towards the world.
Kind regards and wish you the very best for the future,
Prakrith
Science Museum
Year 7 students enjoyed a fantastic trip to the Science museum, visiting exciting galleries and taking inspiration from the various scientific, medical and technological innovations on display.
The visit helped us make sense of the science that shapes our lives and fascinated our students with iconic objects, hands-on workshops and incredible stories of scientific achievement. The Science museum welcomes more than 3 million visitors each year and we feel really privileged and lucky to have it at our doorstep, only a short tube trip away from Orley Farm.
Collaboration in Hyde Park
Year 5 experienced some superb scientific and geographical learning opportunities at the Look Out centre in Hyde Park. They found many different pond species whilst pond dipping and spent time carefully observing the animals in order to identify them using a key. During their orienteering, the pupils also had to use maps, compasses and team work to locate landmarks within Hyde Park. It was a fun packed and learning packed day for all.
Here are a few pupil reflections taken from the day!
Our Girls open their Cricket Season
Earlier in the week, the weather held for our Year 6 girls to open their Cricket season with matches against Year 7 girls from The John Lyon School. The A team won their match 47 to 40 runs, the B1 team lost by 15 runs, and we had a draw in the B2 match with things going to the wire!
Yesterday all Year 3 girls played their first cricket fixture against Belmont, with 2 wins and one loss. There was some brave fielding and some impressive catches being held. I also saw some fantastic batting - I suspect that parents might want to take care playing in the garden as windows might be broken!