Orchard House School launches High Performance Learning
At Orchard House School, we believe every child can achieve highly when given the right support, challenge and encouragement.
That belief sits at the heart of our approach to High Performance Learning (HPL), which is now being embedded across the school as part of our commitment to helping children grow in confidence, curiosity and independence.
High Performance Learning builds naturally on The Learning Orchard — our bespoke curriculum designed to prepare children not only for examinations, but for an ever-changing world. Together, they create an ambitious and thoughtfully balanced approach to education: one that develops both academic excellence and the personal qualities children need to flourish.
What is High Performance Learning?
High Performance Learning is an internationally recognised educational framework developed through decades of research led by Professor Deborah Eyre.
At its core is a simple but transformative idea: high performance is not fixed or reserved for a small group of naturally “gifted” children. Instead, it can be developed over time through purposeful teaching, deliberate practice and positive learning habits.
In short, successful learners are made, not born.
This philosophy aligns closely with Orchard House School’s values and our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to exceed expectations in a supportive and nurturing environment.
A shared language for learning
High Performance Learning gives teachers and pupils a shared language to talk about how learning happens.
Across the school, children are encouraged to approach challenges with confidence and resilience. Rather than seeing mistakes as failure, they learn to view them as part of the learning process.
Small shifts in language can make a powerful difference. For example, “I can’t do this” becomes “I can’t do this yet”.
Over time, this helps children build perseverance, self-belief and a greater willingness to embrace challenge.
Developing thinkers and learners
At the centre of the HPL framework are two key areas:
- Advanced Cognitive Performance Characteristics (ACPs) — the thinking skills children develop, including analysing, linking ideas, questioning and reflecting deeply.
- Values, Attitudes and Attributes (VAAs) — the behaviours and approaches that support success, such as empathy, resilience, hard work and open-mindedness.
These are not taught as separate subjects. Instead, they are woven into everyday lessons, classroom dialogue and learning experiences throughout the school.
Children begin to recognise these qualities in themselves and others, becoming more reflective learners and increasingly confident in how they approach new ideas and challenges.
Building on strong foundations
High Performance Learning strengthens the ethos already deeply rooted within Orchard House School.
It complements our character-first approach and our commitment to nurturing kind, articulate and ambitious young people who are prepared for life both inside and beyond the classroom.
As we continue this exciting journey, families will begin to see High Performance Learning increasingly reflected across school life, from classroom practice and curriculum design to the language children use when talking about their learning.
Learn more about HPL at Orchard House
