‘Voice, Value, Fortitude’
About Our School
Apple Orchard School is a secondary provision with high expectations that works hand in hand with the care and therapy teams to ensure students have the best individualised learning experience. The Headteacher leads the experienced team of teachers and teaching assistants who between them offer a wide range of subject specialisms that meet the requirements of a modified National Curriculum. Apple Orchard is a non-political organisation.
Students at Key Stage 3 enjoy a full timetable that includes all core subjects, PSHE, the Humanities, Food Tech, ICT, Design and Technology, Spanish, Work Related Learning and Culture that explores different cultures around the world and encompasses RE.
Key Stage 4 offers many different qualification pathways that include Entry Level, Functional Skills and GCSEs with students studying English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science, Physical Education, Geography, History and Art. Students at Key Stage 4 also enjoy Design and Technology including Food Tech, Business Studies, Spanish, RE and Independence paving the way for the next phase of their educational journey. For those students staying beyond Key Stage 4, we offer support with college placements and/or provide A Level pathways within school.
We consider ourselves to be a dynamic learning environment and constantly review the curriculum to meet the needs of the students and STEM is a key focus that centres on exciting project work for example that includes the design and creation of working robots through the use of the VEX V5 project.
The small team consist of teachers and teaching assistants and between them students are well supported. Reading is considered a vital skill and has a place on the timetable for all year groups. Our small library has a variety of literature to meet the needs and interests of the students and reading for pleasure is encouraged.
Class sizes are small allowing for high levels of supervision and support balancing the need for individual learning practice. The school day begins with students being welcomed at 09:00 and finishes at 15:30 following a short celebration of the day. There are six lessons of 50-minute duration throughout the day with a morning and lunchtime break. Students have the autonomy to take short breaks from class in our allocated quiet chairs should they feel the need.
Students have achieved success at GCSE and A Level, and we are very proud of the students both in terms of their achievements and their attitude to their final exams. Students typically gain entry into colleges in and around West Sussex and Surrey including Guildford, Northbrook and Chichester to undertake a raft of different courses.
The school facilities are of a high standard with six fully equipped classrooms that includes an ICT room and a large practical room where design technology and art are taught as well as 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 workshop situated offsite that students have regular access to. The dining area is used for food tech, lunches and the end of day celebration and the outside space includes a small field and MUGA encouraging sports during breaktimes. 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.
We are fortunate that we offer football as an afterschool club with two fully qualified coaches and also a drama club that runs at lunchtime.
Finally, the school has its own Student Council that represents the student body and ensures all students have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas and have a part to play in the running of the school.
School Vision, Value and Ethos
At Apple Orchard School we believe in creating a culture where the boys within in our care arrive every day with a sense of pride and worth. We are small but all that we do has the boys at the centre and our high expectations and standards allow us to deliver learning experiences that cater for the individual needs of every student.
As a school embedded within the care environment, we benefit from a raft of expertise that collectively creates our therapeutic community. Our vision is for our students to achieve all that they can then surpass it and for our school to continue to grow in stature and establish itself firmly within the West Sussex educational landscape.
Our values Voice, Value and Fortitude are lived throughout every aspect of the school day and were born from an authenticity and true belief that these values are at our core.
Together, these values create a foundation for personal growth, strong relationships, and a supportive community that includes your school, the care team and your therapists.
Voice
Voice emphasises the importance of self-expression and communication. It encourages you to share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions openly and confidently, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and respected.
Value
Value as a principle highlights the significance of recognising and appreciating the worth of oneself and others. It involves treating people with respect, acknowledging their contributions, and fostering a culture of mutual appreciation and support.
Fortitude
Fortitude represents the strength and courage to face challenges and adversity with resilience. It involves maintaining a positive attitude, persevering through difficulties, and demonstrating unwavering determination in the pursuit of goals.
Our Facilities
We’re proud to offer a high standard of facilities that support our students’ learning and development across a broad curriculum. Our site includes six purpose-built classrooms, one of which is a dedicated ICT room equipped with six networked desktop computers and 10 laptops. We also have a large practical room for Design Technology and Art, as well as a fully equipped science lab.
Every classroom features a 75” smart TV, and each student has access to a laptop when needed—for lessons, individual learning, or exam access arrangements. In addition, we’ve transformed our garage into a fully functional construction workshop, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities.
Our spacious dining area serves not only as a place for meals but also hosts our whole-school meetings twice a day. For outdoor activity, students enjoy our on-site basketball and tennis court, as well as a grassy area perfect for games and social time.
PE lessons take place offsite at a local sports centre, where students can access a wide range of facilities. As proud members of the Sussex and Surrey Special Sports Association, our students regularly compete in football, basketball, badminton, cross-country, athletics, and tag rugby. We celebrate their many achievements at both individual and team levels in county-wide tournaments.
Pupils’ life chances are renewed at Apple Orchard. Inspirational and highly dedicated leaders focus on pupils restarting their education and gaining the qualifications they need.
Ofsted, 2022
Pupils experience a broad and rich curriculum. Leaders work with pupils on the end points they need to thrive in the future.
Ofsted, 2022
The personal development programme mapped out for pupils is remarkable. Leaders think outside the box to shape pupils to be responsible and active citizens.
Ofsted, 2022
The status of reading has been elevated. Pupils have a library of rich literature which they can access.
Ofsted, 2022
As a specialist setting, please do not send referral requests to school but email them directly to the Residential Referrals Manager: beckie.smith@polariscommunity.co.uk
Get in Touch
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