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”.
Encouraging and supporting our pupils
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
The curriculum offered from Year 7 is broad and balanced with a core of subjects with an element of increased choice for pupils as they progress through the School. We aim to be as flexible as we can in order to provide a choice of subjects that is appropriate to each individual pupil.
In Years 7 to 9, pupils study English, mathematics, geography, history, religious studies, art, design & technology, IT, music, drama. Pupils study at least one modern foreign language in Years 7 and 8. French is taught in Year 7 and thereafter it becomes an optional subject. Pupils also study German or Spanish in Year 7 and in Years 7 and 8 they learn Latin. In Year 7 science is taught as a single subject, while biology, physics and chemistry are taught separately from Year 8. Each year group has a games afternoon each week in addition to PE.
Across the curriculum, at every stage, we encourage Chigwell pupils to be engaged, questioning, ready to discuss ideas and to think for themselves.
Once they reach Year 10, pupils’ core GCSE curriculum consists of:
- 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 over the formation of a sensible set of subjects and university/career implications are discussed, there is no other compulsion on pupils as regards these further choices. They may choose any three from art, computing, design and technology, drama, geography, graphical design, history, music, 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 (rarely do they not get their first choice subjects). All pupils have PSHE lesson, a games afternoon weekly as well as PE. In addition, some pupils opt to take the Higher Project Qualification.
TRANSITIONING TO THE SIXTH FORM
The curriculum in Years 12 and 13 is designed to provide the best preparation for life beyond Chigwell.
Therefore, sixth formers take three or four 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.
Related Content
The A levels currently offered at Chigwell are:
- English literature
- Economics
- Geography
- Government and Politics
- History
- Religious Studies
- Classical Civilisation; Greek, Latin
- French, German, Spanish
- Art & Design
- Design & Technology
- Drama
- Music
- Mathematics; further mathematics
- Science; Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Psychology.