Chislehurst School for Girls

HISTORY Chislehurst School for Girls (formerly Beaverwood School for Girls) is a popular, academy school.

Situated in London’s green belt on the borders of Chislehurst and Sidcup, the students attend largely from within a 3–4 kilometre radius of the school.

The school was established in 1896 as Sidcup High School and has developed through the grammar school tradition as Chislehurst School and Sidcup County Grammar School for Girls, becoming all-ability in 1982. The main school building, opened in 1931, is situated on a beautiful green field site and now caters for approximately half of the learning facilities. Most recent additions have been, an extended Technology Suite, an eco-friendly Sixth Form Centre and a state of the art Learning and Achievement Suite.

Welcome to

Dear Parents

Chislehurst School for Girls

What can you expect for your daughter when she attends Chislehurst School for Girls?

She will be joining a happy and successful school community, where she will be encouraged to work hard and to achieve the best of which she is capable. We believe that each student has strengths and, through care and knowledge of each individual, we will help her to develop these.

Our vision for the future is combined with the traditional values that society respects. We believe in good discipline. Students know what is expected of them here. It is easier to flourish in a well-ordered and pleasant learning environment.

This prospectus will give you a flavour of life at Chislehurst School from the academic to the recreational, with more detail available on our website.

Our students are our best advertisement, so do take the opportunity to speak with them and their teachers on your visit to the School.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs K J Raven Headmistress

“ All the teachers helped me to feel part of a new school.”

Yr7 Student

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The Curriculum Chislehurst School’s curriculum is positively forward-thinking in its content and delivery. Whilst proud of our Humanities with English specialism, all of our students study a balanced range of subjects. Details of these can be found on our website.

School Aims At Chislehurst School for Girls we are committed to excellence & focus on the individual.

• Prepare every student for adult life by developing her potential to the full, morally, socially and intellectually, and promoting her physical, creative and new technological skills • Provide a safe, caring, co-operative environment which fosters her intellectual, social, cultural and religious tolerance • Using emotional intelligence to develop self-discipline and awareness of the needs of others • Enable the students to become contributing and self-reliant members of society • Enable the students to develop a positive attitude towards, and belief in, achievable high expectations within a committed environment of educational excellence

We place great emphasis upon independent study and homework. We regard it as an essential extension of school work and a valuable life-skill.

All students have additional learning to complete every evening and parents are provided with a copy of the timetable which is to be found in the Student Planner. Additional activities for every subject and year group may be found on our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

The curriculum is structured to allow students opportunities to personalise their learning by choosing courses appropriate to their talents and future plans. Students receive detailed guidance and support in making these important choices at age appropriate stages.

“ There is excellent interaction between teachers, pupils & parents.” Parent

Assessment & Reports Assessment, recording and reporting are undertaken thoroughly and involve the students themselves at all stages.

Each faculty has an agreed policy on assessment. Those subjects which have National Curriculum Programmes of Study also keep records of the progress made and attainment levels achieved. Student progress is reported formally at three Assessment Points during the year, an annual Record of Progress and during Parents’ Consultations.

There are also formal examinations for every year group.

“ There are so many clubs you can join – Trampolining, Dance, Choir, Art Club and lots more.”

Yr7 Student

Effort, attainment and helpfulness are encouraged by a variety of rewards. Commendations are awarded throughout the year and prizes are also given at Speech Day each year for attitude to learning and achievement in the different areas of school life.

School Organisation Chislehurst School students are confident and happy within a safe and supportive environment.

Each student is placed in one of the four Houses where she will remain throughout her school career. Student and staff lead house activities which raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes every year.

Form Tutors are responsible for the students’ well-being. They, along with the Year Co-ordinator and Directors of Study, have a personal knowledge of each student and are on hand to provide help and guidance in all aspects of school life.

We have grammar streams in all year groups, in order to support and extend our more able, high achieving students, who are expected to enter the top universities.

When students require extra support with their studies, we can provide the help that they need. Students with particular talents, gifts or abilities are also encouraged with work more personalised to match their talents.

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“ As a high achiever, I like being able to work towards the target the teacher sets me. I feel proud when I achieve it.�

Yr8 Student

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Learning Resources Our Learning Resources Centre is more than just a traditional library.

In addition to books, students also have access to computers and interactive technology. It is open all day between 8:15 am and 4:00 pm.

All subjects are taught in modern, spacious areas, with up to date Computer Science facilities and the latest specialised equipment. Post-16 students have their own Common Room and study area. Expressive Arts have a fully equipped Dance Studio, Drama Studio and stage area, a self-contained Music Suite with additional practice rooms for private instrumental lessons and a new Photography suite. Our Technology area has recently been expanded to include a state of the art, industrial standard Catering and Hospitality Suite.

“ The school has superb facilities and teachers which helped me succeed in my studies.” Yr11 Student

Parent-School Contacts Parental involvement and support are highly valued. Together, we strive to attain the highest standards of conduct and achievement from our students. Our Partnership Agreement underpins this mutual commitment.

Our Guidance system, led by Year Co-ordinators and Directors of Study provides parents with a vehicle for regular contact.

Parents are invited to join us for a variety of school functions throughout the year. All letters to parents are now sent via parentmail and can be found on our website. We also operate a ‘text alert’ service.

“ The girls are always very smart and take pride in their appearance.” TEACHER

The Enrichment Programme Life at Chislehurst School is always busy and exciting. We offer a vast enrichment programme for all students, ranging from sporting activities, to computing, music ensembles, language clubs and debating – the variety is endless. Students also participate in a large number of school events such as Dance, Music and Drama productions, Sports Day, public speaking competitions and theatre trips.

“ Chislehurst School for Girls has a fantastic atmosphere that allows the pupils to make the most of the time they have here.”

Post-16 Student

Students are encouraged to take responsibility, and participate, in the decision-making process of the School, via Year and School Council representatives.

Our students have the opportunity to participate in many visits abroad. Recent journeys have included North and South America, Germany, Belgium, France and Spain.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is particularly popular with many students aged 14–19 who achieve Bronze and Silver Awards. We also participate in the World Challenge expeditions.

Post-16 Most of our students continue their education at University or Colleges of Higher Education when they leave us at 18. Post-16 students are a vital part of the Chislehurst School community and occupy positions of leadership and responsibility such as Head Students or House Captains.

There are always exciting opportunities available to our older students, including participating in high-powered debating competitions, lectures, Post-16 conferences, University visits and evenings at the theatre. Post-16 students are valued for their lively and enthusiastic contribution to school charity fund-raising events and their entrepreneurial spirit as young business people. They also organise events for younger students and help with their learning, both in the classroom and in the pursuit of leisure.

General Information Chislehurst School provides all necessary statutory information for parents on our website. www.chislehurstschoolforgirls.co.uk

FAQ’s Q: What procedures are in place to help my daughter make a smooth transition from Junior School?

A: We begin this process by visiting your daughter in

her current primary school. This is followed by an Induction Programme for Year 6 in the summer to begin to prepare students for Secondary School. This is organised by our dedicated Transition Manager and the Head of Year 7 in order to ensure a gradual introduction. Your daughter will also spend her first day at school with her Form Tutor, who will take care to ensure all students know their way around school and know who the key staff are that they can ask for help.

Q: What opportunities are there for extra-curricular activities?

A: Most clubs run at lunchtimes or directly after school.

There are numerous Sports teams and activities to join, as well as Band, Choir, Drama Club, Art Club and Dance Club. Chislehurst School also stages an annual school Expressive Arts production, which features large numbers of students.

Q: My daughter wants to go to University when she

completes her A Levels. How will Chislehurst School help her achieve this successfully?

A: All students are expected to continue to Post-16 on

completion of their GCSE examinations. The Director of Studies for Years 11–13 works closely with the University Transition Manager to ensure students are carefully guided through the process of applying for Universities and completing their UCAS forms. Post-16 students also receive support and guidance from their Form Tutors and subject staff to help them prepare for life after Chislehurst School.

Q: What new subjects will my daughter study?

A: All National Curriculum subjects are studied in the

early years. Some of these subjects your daughter may not yet have followed include; Dance, Food Technology and a Foreign Language. During the option process, subjects such as Photography, Media Studies, Psychology and Business Studies may be available to her in Key Stage 4.

Q: I want to take my daughter out of school during term time for a family holiday. Can I do this?

A: No. We do not authorise any holidays in term time, as it is illegal to do so. We will of course authorise medical appointments and certain specific absences during school time when these are unavoidable.

Q: How much homework should my daughter expect each night?

A: This differs according to age, but your daughter should receive homework every night. Typically in Year 7, it may vary between 30–60 minutes per night. She will receive a homework timetable at the start of the Year and she should write details of all homework in her personal Student Planner.

Q: I want my daughter to be happy at Chislehurst School,

reach her full potential and be prepared for adult life when she leaves. How can I be sure Chislehurst School is the right school for her?

A: Your daughter’s teachers will have high expectations

of behaviour and work and in turn, will expect her to flourish and achieve successfully within a supportive, caring and disciplined environment. We believe full potential can only be reached when students, staff and parents work in partnership to achieve that outcome.

Chislehurst School for Girls Beaverwood Road • Chislehurst • Kent • BR7 6HE Telephone: 020 8300 3156 • Facsimile: 020 8300 3251 Email: office@chsfg.co.uk

All information accurate as at date of production.