Dear OFS Community,
OrleyX officially opened this year after a trial last term and I am delighted that so many of our pupils have thrown themselves into seeking new hobbies and interests. Out of the 3 Pillars that secure the foundations of an Orley Farm education, it’s the third one that we’re really developing, especially in light of the pandemic impact.
OrleyX launched with 306 pupils from Year 1 to Year 8 signing up to 26 after-school clubs and hobbies including Art Club, Brentford Multi-Sports, Brentford Football (girls and boys), Chess Tuition, Cooking Club, Martial Arts, Parent & Pupil Yoga and Table Tennis Club.
Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto.”
- Dale Carnegie
OrleyX is all about quality after-school activities that fit our values and school culture and we are delighted that pupils have leapt into the current opportunities that will soon include Reception pupils once they have settled into Orley. OrleyX does not replace our teacher-led clubs that take place across lunch break. At present, we have 275 Upper School pupils signed up to 19 clubs in school and 100 Middle School pupils signed up to an additional 8 clubs...and this does not take into account the 14 Music ensembles and plethora of Sporting clubs beyond the curriculum 'Games' timetable!
...I think that it’s fair to say that Orleyans are living the ‘carpe diem’ philosophy!
Aquathon
Orley Farm hosted our first Aquathon House Competition this week involving 68 Pupils from our four Houses. It involved swimming four lengths followed by a run around the school fields with a team scoring system meaning that every position counted! It was a fantastic sight seeing pupils running down South Hill Avenue, goggles and swimming caps in hand as they got behind their House.
We have extended the use of our pool into this term ensuring that we are getting the very most out of it – I'm all for using it until we have to break the ice off, but maybe that’s just me!
Football Season kicks off...
This week saw our first home and away fixtures against Durston House. There were some highly competitive moments as all teams gave their all – I'm just thankful that the temperatures have come down from last week! Well done to all involved, I believe that we had 64 pupils representing Orley Farm on Wednesday!