We are delighted to announce that our exceptional Head of Languages, Mrs Noelia Rivas Gutierrez, has been awarded the Innovative Educational Practices Award at the recent Dukes Education Annual Awards.
This prestigious award recognises Mrs Rivas’ creativity, dedication, and forward-thinking approach to language teaching. She has designed and implemented her own innovative scheme of work, carefully alternating discrete language lessons with CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) lessons. This approach allows pupils to learn French through meaningful, cross-curricular content, linking language learning with the school’s topics covered in our bespoke Learning Orchard Curriculum such as Science, History, Art and Geography.
By exploring current topics such as Ancient Egypt, Roman maps and continents, environmental issues, and the work of artists including Matisse and Magritte — all through the medium of French — pupils gain a real sense of purpose in their learning. This contextualised approach not only increases motivation and engagement but also significantly boosts pupils’ confidence and achievement in languages.
Mrs Rivas is also passionate about using authentic resources, often sourced during her holidays in France. These real-life materials help bring languages to life in the classroom and play a vital role in developing pupils’ intercultural understanding and curiosity about the wider world.
In addition, Mrs Rivas is deeply committed to embedding an international and global dimension within both her curriculum and the wider school ethos. She has established meaningful partnerships with two French schools and regularly participates in international projects with schools abroad, providing pupils with valuable opportunities to connect with learners in other countries.
This strong international focus was recognised in 2024, when Orchard House School was awarded the prestigious British Council International School Award, further highlighting the impact of Mrs Rivas’ work.
We are incredibly proud of Mrs Rivas and congratulate her on this well-deserved achievement.
