Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust

Open Day at Tom’s Farm, Saturday 27th June 🐑 🐔 🐇
🕧️ 11.30am-3.30pm
📍 Entrance on Burntwood Lane, SW17 0AP

All welcome to come and meet the animals at Tom's Farm, located at Nightingale Community Academy. Come and enjoy a taste of the countryside at this school farm near Wandsworth Common.

The event promises fun for the whole family with plenty of activities including:

• Sheep shearing demo
• Small animal petting zone
• Straw obstacle course
• Ice cream van
• Refreshments on sale
• Raffle to win a farmers’ experience

Entrance is free but donations towards the running of the farm are greatly appreciated.

⚽️Can the Three Lions replicate the success of the St Philip's School football teams? 🏆️

With England kicking off their World Cup campaign this evening, it's a great time to share some amazing news regarding the football teams at St Philip's.

Both the girls' team and the boys' Key Stage 4 team won the Fulham FC Foundation Inclusive League.

In addition the KS3 and KS4 teams came away with silverware in the Surrey Special Schools Sports Association (SSSSA) football tournament, winning the Plate.

On the back of their success, the girls were selected to represent Kingston Council - Kingston Stronger Together in a London wide football tournament and did themselves proud. They made it to the semi final loosing by one goal but brushed themselves off and went on to finish 3rd overall by winning the 3rd/4th place play off.

Ms Brennan was very proud of the team and said "The girls were amazing! I was so excited and proud watching them play some amazing football. I really enjoyed witnessing them encouraging each other and communicating throughout each game."

When asked what their favourite part was the girls said "slide tackles in the rain, winning most games and the medals at the end."

The school has had to buy a new trophy cabinet!

New minibus goes on its first adventure 🚐

Dysart School's brand-new minibus went on its first adventure when it took the learners who will be leaving the school this summer on a residential trip.

Staff and students excitedly piled into the new minibus and headed off to Center Parcs on what is for many the highlight of the summer term.

We were absolutely thrilled that Alan Bird of Century Financial Planning was able to come and wave off the intrepid explorers. The company had helped fund the minibus alongside Variety Golf and Friends of Dysart School.

Principal Leigh, told the students to go and have fun, saying, “This new minibus is enabling us to support and change the lives for our students. It is helping to give our students the best quality of life possible and enable them to get out on an adventure and learn valuable skills to take them into adulthood.”

Alan Bird, who also found time to tour the school, said, “Having seen the amazing work that goes on here at Dysart, I can understand what a positive impact donations such as the minibus can have on the learners. We are delighted to have been able to support the school in this way.”

Although it may be one of the last adventures for the learners who are leaving Dysart this summer, the new minibus will help facilitate plenty more opportunities.

Do you see me? Yes we do!

This week is Learning Disability Week from 15-21 June. The theme for 2026 is "Do you see me?" which is all about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued.

We will continue to share and celebrate all the fantastic achievements of our pupils who inspire us every day with their outstanding achievements, resilience and growth.❤️

🌈 We’re celebrating Pride Month!

We’re proud to champion inclusive environments and stand against discrimination in all its forms, not just this month, but every month.

Together, we create a community where everyone belongs. 🏳️‍🌈

A fantastic day volunteering at Carew Academy with colleagues from Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust 🌿

We spent the day outdoors making a difference to the school environment – planting trees, weeding, and getting our hands dirty planting tomatoes and runner beans. It was brilliant to work together and see the impact straight away.

A real highlight was the warm welcome from the students (and the fuel we needed!) – including delicious coffee and freshly made cinnamon buns, which went down a treat ☕🍩

Sarah-Jane, Head of Fundraising said ~ "Days like this are a great reminder of the power of teamwork and the value of creating green spaces where our learners can thrive".

Thank you to everyone involved for such a positive and productive day!

💫 Trash to Treasure Fashion Show raises money for great cause💫

Students at Bedelsford School took to the catwalk to showcase clothes they had designed using recycled material at a special show for family and school friends who gathered around the red carpet.

Each student chose the materials for their outfit and personalised their outfits to reflect their interests. Materials ranging from yogurts pots to shredded paper that would normally end up in the recycling were proudly on show.

The students also organised fundraising activities including a raffle that raised over £700 for The Katie Piper Foundation, a charity that supports the rehabilitation of burns victims. Katie Piper even sent a special message to the class which was shown on the big screen thanking them for their fundraising efforts.

When asked how they felt when taking to the catwalk, Lily summed it up for everyone when she said ‘AMAZING’.

Kicking Off Volunteers' Week with Purpose 💚

Dysart School were excited to host a team of volunteers from Air Charter Service who came into school on the INSET day and blitzed two of the outdoor spaces. The 11 employees swapped the office to replenish the sand pit and assemble benches and planters ready for learners to enjoy this summer term.

Air Charter Service has a long history of supporting the school through fundraising activities, but this was our debut volunteering day. For many of the staff it was also their first visit into school, and they were interested to see classrooms and the outside spaces.

The visit coincided with the start of Volunteers Week, a time to get out, give back and support local communities. It was a fantastic day getting to know our neighbours and generous supporters while enjoying fresh air and exercise at the same time.

https://www.ohcat.org/kicking-off-national-volunteers-week-at-dysart-school/