Summer GCSE Exams 15th May to 23rd June – click here for timetable and revision sessions

Animal-based therapies

Juno, our Therapy Support Dog in training, is in school on a Wednesday and is very popular on the football field. As well as enjoying running around with the boys, Juno often provides moments of reflection and an opportunity for different types of interactions within which, the capacity for empathic responses is supported and nurtured. Unlike humans, animals don’t judge or criticize. Their presence can help soften the defences of an anxious, distrusting, and emotionally blocked child or young person, making treatment more effective.

 

 

Similarly, Tom’s Farm provides learners, who may otherwise struggle to engage in therapy, with a less threatening environment. Feeling calmer and safer whilst interacting with the animals, anxious learners can begin to build a relationship with their therapist. Through the observation of life on the farm, learners can begin to explore their own thoughts and feelings, accessing useful metaphors that will allow them to maintain a safe psychological and emotional distance. Therapy at the farm can often be a precursor to moving into a more intense therapeutic modality once that the therapeutic relationship has been established.

 

 

The principal and leadership team, well supported by the Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, have provided strong leadership, which has had a positive impact on the school’s effectiveness. As a result, there have been improvements in all areas, most noticeably in pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, the curriculum and in the wider opportunities for pupils.

Ofsted, February 2019

Latest News

Jamie’s Farm Updates

Final Update: It’s the final morning on the farm before we head home! The boys had a great adventure yesterday as we played games on the afternoon walk and we spotted wild horses! We had a pit stop to enjoy …

Read more

Jamie’s Farm

Oak class arrived at the farm safely yesterday and went on a long walk across the fields and played in puddles. After a goodnight sleep they are up early and doing jobs on the farm building up an appetite ready …

Read more

Royal Albert Hall concert

A group of Primary Pupils had the most amazing experience when they performed at the Royal Albert Hall in Wandsworth Music’s A Brighter Sound Concert. They joined a Primary School choir of over 900 pupils from schools across Wandsworth Borough …

Read more

Extra Curricular Clubs

Nightingale Community Academy  has been working tirelessly to plan and prepare for the delivery of a safe and exciting launch of our clubs and extra-curricular activities. As a result, we are pleased to announce the launch our range extra-curricular activities. Each …

Read more