Shiplake quiz night!

Becoming a Prefect - What would you do?

Seven of Orchard’s Year 12 pupils have applied for the role of a prefect for the next academic year.

The process started when we had to first write a letter of application to the Headmaster saying why we would like to become a prefect and why we should become prefects. On Wednesday evening the seven of us (Max Hearnden, Charlie Hancock, Harry Fisher, Oscar Burgess, Alex Collis, Hux Loudoun, Ruaridh Scott) all had our first interviews with both Mr Curtis and Mr Mallins. Both asked us questions on why we should be prefects and why we would like to be prefects. We were all given a situation that as a prefect we could come across and we had to say how we would deal with that situation, the situations varied from catching friends smoking in school, seeing the Headmaster smoke himself on school grounds to Year 10’s not behaving in the lunch queue. The interviews were tough as we were really put on the spot with some questions and had no time to think of the answer. The process has given us a practical insight on how to apply and interview for future careers.

We are currently waiting to see if we are going to make it through to the next stage were we will be interviewed by The Headmaster and other Senior Members of Staff.  

Ruaridh Scott

Shiplake College Rowers Compete for GB Selection

Shiplake College’s Senior Rowing Squad was inspired to train hard during the pupils’ half-term holiday. Not only is the Schools’ Head approaching on their Competitions Calendar, with Thursday 7^th March heavily penciled in, but six boys also had the additional incentive of GB Rowing Trials.

Daniel Barrett (Orchard), Michael Glover, Max Hearnden (Orchard), Marek Lapham, Dominic Parnell and Harry Vardigans comprised an optimistic Shiplake contingent heading for the bitterly cold waters hosting the GB Rowing Trials in Boston, Lincolnshire.

On the Saturday the top pair from Shiplake was Vardigans and Lapham as they finished 8^th out of 44 boats over the 5km course. Glover and Lapham were not far behind finishing 14^th.

The Sunday of the trials always provides a test as the boys change partners and quickly have to form an alliance with a rower from another school. Results were not quite as successful as Saturday with Lapham producing the best result coming in 20^th.With most of the Shiplake oarsmen finishing in the twenties they will still hope for an invite to the next test in the GB selection process, the Spring Assessment.

Year 9 Readathon

You'll probably recognise a few familiar Orchard boy faces from these pics taken at the conclusion of the school's Year 9 Readathon challenge.  How many can you spot?  (I think I got 7!)

Ruaridh Sheppard in 'Joseph'

Have a look through this 'Prezi' to see some of the pictures of Orchard House members in Joseph.  You can zoom in on and select any of the pictures.  Come back soon to see some more 'Joseph' related content.

Orchard's Anti Bullying Competition Entry

Recently, Shiplake College held an anti-bullying advert competition with tutor groups from each house producing posters and videos to highlight the issue of bullying.  The video above is one of the Orchard entries and was produced by Year 12 pupils Harry Wallace, Tom Spratley, Oscar Burgess and Charlie Hancock with a little help from their tutor Mr Milburn.

New Look!

Welcome to the (slightly) revamped Orchard House Blog!  Here you will find a range of information letting you know what is happening in and around the house.