Dear Parents, carers and all in the Chessington community,
As we come to the end of a very busy first half term I wanted to share some of the amazing opportunities that our students have had. Not only have they had hundreds of engaging lessons with our talented teachers but they have lots of opportunities outside of the classroom and in various sporting fixtures.
I continue to be very proud of our students, I was particularly proud when some of our students were on a student panel for a recent Assistant Headteacher interview. They were asked about their view and feelings of the school and responded with the following:
They shared how much they love the school and the strong relationships they have with their teachers
They feel valued and safe at school. A place where they are always supported They spoke of educational visits and opportunities to make memories with their friends
It's a place they all feel happy and safe, with one student saying they would call it their safe place
They all feel listened to, but most importantly, they said there is always someone to talk to, making them feel both heard and cared for.
They were also great ambassadors for the school, all of the candidates said how impressive they were. Following various other interview activities I was delighted to be able to recruit Mr Caven as an Assistant Headteacher, who will be starting with us in January He will be leading on improving our attendance,
behaviour interventions and also rewards - he is a fantastic leader and English teacher so we are very fortunate to have him joining our school I also appointed Mrs Stallard as an Assistant Headteacher, she already works across our family of schools as the Maths Trust Lead, she teaches here at Chessington 2 days a week From September she will be on our leadership team and will be an excellent addition
Thank you to the parents that attended our Information Evening, our staff planned and delivered some very valuable sessions which I know were found useful by parents Links can be found on our website if you were unable to attend or want to refresh your memory.
Year 11 had their Parents Evening last week which was purposely planned ahead of their Mock examinations that start after the half term break Lots of positive (and firm!) conversations took place to support their progress in this vital year
I am hoping that the wind and rain subsides for our annual Firework Event this evening, forecast looks promising! There are still firework only tickets available - pay on the door, £6.50 per ticket
At 20.00 on last Wednesday evening, after a great day appointing our excellent new leaders to our SLT and then a Full Governing Body meeting; I set off from Euston to Birmingham for the Confederation of School Trusts Conference with Mr Ali and the other Heads in our Trust.
The session with Bridget Philipson (Secretary of State for Education) was not only interesting but the opportunities to hold her to account on the Q and A reassured me that those in the very upper echelons of education hear the voices of colleagues and kids through our participation and engagement She was honest about education funding, energetic about creating
equality / equity for our kids and really came across as someone who actually cares about schools I hope that the reality matches the rhetoric.
Then the session with Sir Martyn Oliver (His Majesty’s Chief inspector) was also reassuring He spoke of the new framework and was honest that it’s not yet perfect but advocated that the outcomes and experiences of our most vulnerable underpin everything.
Then the best bit
Jaz Ampaw - Farr, I read her book over the summer ‘Because of you, this is Me’ and it brought me to tears multiple times as she described how members of staff from her school days made her the survivor that she is today She delivered a keynote speech on everyday heroes and how the work of all members of staff can change the lives of young people was incredibly moving. I also got to meet her afterwards which was a definite highlight!
Wishing you a lovely weekend & half term break for those lucky enough to have one
Ms S Wilson Headteacher Chessington School
October has marked a celebration of Black History Month at Chessington, with a focus on remembering those great individuals who have shaped our current world. Students across the school have been exposed to assemblies, tutor time activities, and discussion around the importance of celebrating Black History Month. It has been great to see such thought, consideration, and respect from our community Please do continue these discussions at home over half-term and encourage your young person to ask questions about black history, and the importance of
two workshop leaders from the Speakers Trust. Congratulations to the six students who were proclaimed winners on the day:
Maisie D Reagan V Emily B
Millie B
Drayke G
Maria A-C
Last Wednesday 7th October we held our Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge in school. Sixty Year 10 students took part in this whole day workshop delivered by the Speakers Trust which proved to be a great opportunity for our children to develop their speaking skills in addition to our whole school oracy approach. The aim of the day was for students to deliver a speech to an audience (their peers) on a topic of their choice, and the level of speeches heard in both workshops was highly commended by the
Their next step is to deliver their speeches again to a larger audience in the Assembly Final, which will be held in school on Thursday 6th November. The winner will enter a competition structure for the opportunity to share their speeches at regional and national stages to panels of VIP judges The programme culminates in the Grand Final event, usually held at a West End theatre. Students share inspiring, thought-provoking and uplifting speeches to an audience of a thousand people and a prestigious panel of judges, and stand a chance to win a significant cash prize for themselves and their school.
For more information click on the following link: https://www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk/op portunities/partnership-programmes/speakout-challenge/
For a workshop information film please click here.
- BY TUTOR GROUP7MIE 8MWS 9SMY 10DSK 11SAY
- BY YEAR GROUP -
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Scarlett L
Theo B
Kaylie D
Adam B
Frank S
Facebook: Chessington School X: @chessington sch
Tuesday 4 November th INSET Day
School closed to all students except Year 11, who need to attend
Wednesday 5 November th INSET Day
School closed to all students except Year 11, who need to attend
Thursday 6 November th
All Students Return for Autumn 2
Students return to school at 8:25am
Thursday 6 November th Sixth Form Open Evening
This event will be running from 6:007:00pm
Tuesday 11 November th Remembrance Service
This event will be taking place at 11:00am - for staff and students only
Monday 17 November to Friday 28 November th th Year 11 Mock Exams
Everyone valued an opportunity Every moment focused on success
Every day
