Our Approach
The approach to learning at Chigwell is summed up by our motto, aut viam inveniam aut faciam “Either I shall find a way or make one”.
We encourage pupils to strive to be the best they can in every way: to be courageous in their approach, even if they make mistakes but then learn from them; to develop passions, to go beyond the syllabus and exam results and to become life-long learners.
Inspirational Teachers
We want pupils to be inspired by their teachers, with whom they work in close partnership, taking advantage of the enriching programme of co-curricular opportunities.
Curriculum from Year 7 - 9
We are proud that our curriculum throughout Key Stage 3 is broad and balanced: we value all subjects and are keen that our pupils have experience of these throughout their first three years in the Senior School.
In Years 7 to 9, pupils study English, Maths, Geography, History, Religious Studies, Art, Design & Technology, Computer Science, Latin, Music, Drama, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. They also study French, German, and Spanish on rotation, before choosing one to pursue further. Each year group has a games afternoon each week in addition to PE and Wellbeing/PSHE.
In addition, Years 7 and 8 follow an Enrichment Programme, with one lesson a week on rotation on the following topics: Sustainability, Careers, Mindfulness, Thinking Skills, Psychology, Business Simulation, Enterprise, Digital Literacy, and Robotics.
The FPQ is an option in Years 7 and 8, with a healthy number undertaking this independent project each year.
Across the curriculum, at every stage, we encourage Chigwell pupils to be engaged, questioning, ready to discuss ideas and to think for themselves.
Pupils move to their GCSE options in the final term of Year 9 - all pupils study:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- At least one foreign language (French/German/Spanish/Latin)
- The sciences (most gain three GCSEs in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with some taking double award science, gaining two GCSEs).
In addition, pupils choose three other subjects. While guidance is given on the formation of a sensible set of subjects and university/career implications are discussed, there are no restrictions placed on pupils’ choices. They may choose any three from: Art (Fine Art or Graphic Communication), Computer Science, Design and Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Music, PE, Religious Studies; in addition to the language taken as a core subject, pupils may take a second, or occasionally third, language. They make their choices, and the blocking system is drawn up to accommodate the first choices of as many pupils as possible, and rarely are pupils’ choices not possible. All pupils have a Wellbeing/PSHE lesson, a games afternoon weekly, and PE. In addition, some pupils opt to take the Higher Project Qualification.
The curriculum in Years 12 and 13 is designed to provide the best preparation for life beyond Chigwell.
Therefore, most pupils take three subjects at A level and they are initially given a free choice and the timetable is designed to accommodate as many of these choices as possible.
In addition to their three or four A levels, many sixth formers opt to take the Extended Project Qualification and there is a non-examined Enrichment Programme.
A Challenging, Stimulating and Supportive Environment.
Across the curriculum, at every stage, we encourage Chigwell pupils to be engaged, questioning, ready to discuss ideas and to think for themselves. Sometimes they will work independently but they will also work in collaboration with others.
Above all, we want pupils to be happy in their learning in a challenging, stimulating and supportive environment.
- English literature
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Geography
- Politics
- PE
- History
- Religious Studies
- Classical Civilisation; Greek, Latin
- Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish)
- Art & Design
- Design & Technology
- Drama
- Music
- Mathematics; further mathematics
- Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Psychology.