Hereat Chinthurst, we know that a modern education is about so much more than simply imparting knowledge. We concentrate on making the children’s lessons exciting and fun so they cultivate a lifelong love of learning and develop the essential character traits that will help them to lead happy and fulfilled adult lives.
Our broad and enriching curriculum helps the children to be the best versions of themselves and is designed to develop their unique blend of talents and abilities. Whether they are hard at work in their classrooms, conducting experiments in the science lab, playing team sports on the field or expressing themselves in performances, artwork and concerts, the children are engaged, enthusiastic and lively young people, willing to challenge themselves and take risks with their learning.
We support them every step of the way by having wellbeing, kindness and care at the heart of everything we do. The children know they are listened to, and as they grow in confidence their self-esteem blossoms and their aspirations become limitless. It is wonderful to see.
I hope the information in this booklet gives you a small insight into the busy lives our children lead in the Upper School at Chinthurst. I would be delighted to talk further to you at any time.
Cathy Trundle Headteacher
EXCELLENT ACADEMIC OUTCOMES
“Pupils exhibit outstanding attitudes to learning.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
Our children achieve excellent academic results with typically 60 per cent moving on to our senior school, Reigate Grammar and others to top senior schools locally and further afield. All leave as well-rounded individuals ready to embrace the next set of challenges and with an enthusiasm for life which is very much a reflection of Chinthurst. Essentially, our academic success has its roots in the following:
DEEP RELATIONSHIPS
We are renowned for being a school with a warm heart and our relentless focus on relationships ensures each individual child feels happy, safe and willing to make mistakes – key ingredients for learning.
It is the strength of these relationships that underpin the children’s excellent academic achievements as well as their successes beyond the classroom; in friendships, sports teams, choirs and drama casts, and cultivate confidence, resilience and independence.
“There is exceptionally strong pastoral care, and the children enjoy excellent relationships with their teachers.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
“Learning is not a one-off event. If the experience is fun, learners will stay curious and keep coming back for more.” Simon Foster, Year 4 Teacher
PUTTING
THE FUN INTO LEARNING
At Chinthurst, we value fun! We know that happy children can achieve great things and that fun has a positive effect on their motivation, determining how much they retain. Fun encourages curiosity and keeps children excited about coming to school every single day.
School days here are full of exciting activities, both inside the classrooms and around the site – there is always something imaginative and fun happening. Lessons are designed to be lively and practical, and to encourage risk-taking and mistakes, which can be turned into valuable learning experiences. Focus days, outside activities, knowledgeable visitors and interesting trips help to galvanise learning further.
“Effective tracking and monitoring systems lead to appropriate interventions which support progress resulting in strong academic outcomes . ”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
A BREADTH OF STUDY
The curriculum at Chinthurst is unique and carefully tailored to develop the strengths, current position and future potential of each child. We recognise the importance of a rich and stimulating programme that covers STEM, computing, languages, science, PSHEE, the humanities (history, geography and religious studies), art, drama, music and sport. These non-core subjects tap into children’s creativity, provide a change of pace to their learning and require them to think in a different way – essential skills for their overall academic success.
“All pupils attain results significantly above national levels due to a resolute commitment of senior leaders to develop the curriculum, planning and assessment and to the consistently high expectations of teachers.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
INSPIRATIONAL & ENTHUSIASTIC TEACHERS
Our outstanding team of teachers and teaching assistants are recruited for their professionalism and genuine love of children. They are good communicators, great listeners, empathetic, patient and kind. Excellent ratios mean that they have the time to get to know every child in their care really well so they can provide support (both academically and pastorally) when needed.
“Pupils demonstrate excellent levels of academic achievement as a result of challenging and compassionate teaching, and a committed, holistic and nurturing approach to pastoral care.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
PREPARATION FOR LIFE
“The purpose of education is to develop decent human beings rather than efficient workers.”
George McWilliams, Year 4 Teacher
In order to thrive, children need a holistic well-rounded education that will allow them to empathise and engage with tomorrow’s issues and develop the necessary character traits that will help them to live happy and fulfilled lives. Skills such as communication, open-mindedness, creativity, an enquiring mind and critical thinking are already more important to employers than subject knowledge. Is a person hard-working?
Do they have integrity?
Do they work as part of a team effectively? Are they independent thinkers? Can I trust this person?
This emphasis on ‘good character’ is more important than ever. By nurturing core character traits alongside knowledge, we can help to prepare children for a lifetime of learning, employment and happiness.
The overarching principle at Chinthurst is that everyone is welcome here; everyone belongs This is often the basis of weekly interactive assemblies with themes being carried forward into the children’s learning. Half termly values such as freedom and gratitude also help them to recognise the importance of respect and diversity
Key skills and values are fostered in every area of school life here. Our children develop confidence and courage because they do not fear failure and know that the school actively supports and encourages them in all they attempt. Resilience, collaboration and responsibility are celebrated in assemblies.
From an early stage, lessons and the extensive wellbeing curriculum champion critical thinking and decision making. The children recognise that their actions have an effect on others and they learn the importance of empathy and kindness.
“In Year 6 tutor time, the children might begin by discussing a non-contentious issue such as whether they prefer chocolate or ice cream and then move on to making more challenging decisions like which is more important, money or peace.”
Will Beadle, Year 6 Teacher
Collaboration and teamwork are encouraged in everything. Whether the children are discussing persuasive techniques in English, listening sympathetically in drama or working together in sport, they interact with each other with respect and courtesy.
Pupils in Year 6 develop leadership and responsibility, becoming positive role models for the rest of the school. They have the opportunity to lead the school as Head Boy, Head Girl, Prefects and Heads of Houses, leading events and showing independence and integrity within their roles.
The children learn about sustainability and responsible living through our active eco framework. Teaching them how and why they need to live sustainably and equitably is essential preparation for a future where resources may be limited.
“The Heads of House choose the teams for House football and netball matches, ensuring pupils are distributed evenly to guarantee a fun afternoon of sport for all.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
“Pupils demonstrate a highly developed sense of moral responsibility.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
We are committed to giving our children a voice We want them to understand that they have the power to make positive changes in the world, so we listen carefully to their ideas and opinions and, where possible, give them a voice in the decisions we make. Children who believe in their ability to effect change are more likely to feel empowered and motivated to act on issues they care about, now and in the future. This will ultimately help to create a more compassionate, equitable and just society for all.
So, how do we do this? The children talk to us informally all the time and we always listen so they know their opinions are valued. Where possible, we enable them to make their own choices so they learn that they can have control over certain areas of school life. The School Council is a formal way for our children to feedback their opinions via a class representative during regular meetings. All points raised during School Council sessions are taken seriously and action is taken to implement suggestions and take on board feedback where possible.
The children leave for senior school, brimming with enthusiasm and excitement. They go forward as confident young people with empathy, self-awareness, a strong moral compass, an understanding of social responsibility and a deep care for one another.
We proudly call this the Chinthurst Spirit
A 21ST CENTURY CURRICULUM
Children transfer to a Key Stage 2 curriculum when they reach Year 3, which is the basis of teaching until Year 6. As an independent school, we further design and develop the curriculum to add breadth and creativity and to reflect the unique Chinthurst ethos. Fun and enjoyment remain the key elements of the children’s learning.
MATHEMATICS
“We boost the children’s speed and accuracy in problem-solving by focusing on valuable tips and tricks that develop their fundamental arithmetic skills and mental maths techniques.”
Mr Thomson, Head of Maths
Our aim is to build fluency in mathematical operations, sound reasoning skills and creative problem-solving techniques, preparing the children for the rigours of senior school and hopefully a lifelong love of maths.
We want the children to have fun with numbers and lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, with plenty of time for collaboration and discussion. We often introduce topics which are beyond the children’s current levels so they can develop the resilience and courage to make mistakes as these can be turned into excellent learning opportunities. Critical thinking is key when tackling challenging mathematical concepts and we use a variety of practical teaching resources to facilitate a deeper understanding of abstract maths concepts.
“Pupils
are highly numerate and demonstrate their skills in mathematics lessons and across a range of subjects. Throughout the school, pupils are encouraged to verbalise their mathematical reasoning and recognise alternative ways to arrive at an answer.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
ENGLISH
“Our
aim is for every child to be excited by writing and not see it as a chore, whilst at the same time fostering their imagination, which helps develop critical thinking and creative problem-solving.”
Gordon Cookson, English Lead
In the Upper School, we continue to use the highly successful Talk for Writing method in English. It is a powerful scheme based on the principles of how children learn, encouraging them to talk about their ideas first before committing them to paper. A variety of genres are investigated and at the beginning of each one, the class teachers involve the children with a creative and engaging ‘hook’ so they are excited by the idea of writing. The children are then immersed in a variety of high-quality texts, picking out the key features and vocabulary. By using a focus text, they learn its structure and language and can imitate it for their own piece of writing. This enables the children to apply all they have learned independently during the invention stage. The whole process is great fun for the children and yields fantastic results as well as helping to build confidence.
READING
Reading not only enables children to discover new facts, it also opens them up to a world of new ideas, stories and opportunities. We love reading at Chinthurst as we know it reduces stress, improves concentration and memory, expands vocabulary and enhances knowledge. It is also great fun!
We have a fantastic library and the children are encouraged to visit regularly and read a wide range of books. It also provides a quiet space for the children to enjoy reading to relax. Upper School children love to read to Lower School classes and World Book Day provides a fun annual focus for the power of reading.
“Pupils’ information and communication technology skills are well developed.” ISI Inspection Report 2023
COMPUTING & STEAM
Technology is embedded in all areas of learning. In computing lessons, the children code using a variety of hardware and software. They build and program remote-control cars, debugging their work as they go and learning the value of taking risks and making mistakes along the way. This attitude to learning carries over into other lessons, with a particularly positive impact on problem-solving in maths and science.
Our 3D printers enable the children to develop their creativity even further and to take their designs to the next level. 3D printing software ensures they are learning key skills for the future.
“All
year groups have the opportunity to use iPads in every area of the curriculum – they might take videos of an exciting science experiment or practise maths skills on Purple Mash – giving them access to a world of learning in every lesson.”
Kate Gilmore, Computing Lead
In Years 5 and 6, the children also have access to Surface Go laptops, which expand their technical knowledge in preparation for senior school.
The children engage in STEAM and coding using a variety of hardware and software. The children use Makey Makey invention kits that allow them to turn almost anything into a keyboard for their computer. They have lots of fun turning bananas into pianos and playing computer games using playdough as a keyboard.
SCIENCE
Investigation is a fundamental part of science lessons and the children are encouraged to be inquisitive –often resulting in a strong aroma wafting from the science lab or an exploding Coke bottle spraying liquid onto classroom windows! We firmly believe that experiments are the best way to answer scientific questions and the children come to lessons bursting with excitement and ideas.
“Our well-equipped science lab is the ideal environment for a range of exciting experiments and gives the children valuable experience of working with a range of scientific equipment.”
Ruth Reid, Science Lead
“The pupils spoke passionately about the school’s highly valued and muchloved gender-neutral sports programme. The strength of their feeling is a key indicator of their values . ”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
SPORT
Sport teaches children life lessons that go far beyond the physical benefits of being active. Research links physical activity to improvements in educational achievement because it helps children to develop character and learn important social and brain skills such as problem-solving, resilience, perseverance, confidence and teamwork.
We have an outstanding physical activity programme that is carefully planned and delivered. There are certain key principles on which this is based:
Inclusion & Choice – At Chinthurst, every child benefits from high standards of coaching and playing whatever sport they choose, whatever gender they are, and whatever standard they have reached or natural ability they may have. Each term, the children choose which sport they would like to play without being constrained by gender norms. They see themselves as equals on the pitch with no preconceived limitations. This encouragement and support they give one other on the pitch continues off it.
We are Independent School of the Year for Sporting Achievement in recognition of this ground-breaking approach to gender and sport.
“We offer optional Saturday morning sport sessions throughout the year where children can enjoy extending their skills and have fun with their friends.”
Mike Jacobs, Sports Coach
Healthy Competition & Teamwork
– All Upper School children represent the school in fixtures. These matches are an important way for the children to try out newly acquired skills and may be a child’s first taste of competitiveness. Every game played is a new experience for the player; whether the result is a victory or a loss, there is always something positive to learn from it. Fixtures also provide children with the opportunity to build new friendships with classmates they may not have had the chance to interact with before.
“So much of what we do in life requires us to work collaboratively and for everyone to play their part no matter
what their size, shape, ethnicity or gender.
This
is the essence of team sports.”
Katie Atkinson-Hunt, Deputy Head of Sport
Variety – We want our children to develop healthy habits for life. There is so much more to sport than the traditional school games played termly. There are lots of different activities that children can become involved in. The key is to give them an opportunity to try these out. We run a Multi-Sport Week annually which is a highlight of the school calendar. Children can take part in a huge range of activities, from Ultimate Frisbee and archery to orienteering and Zumba. Inspirational speakers visit and fun challenges are set for the whole school.
“The children learn how to swim and develop important life-saving skills during their swimming lessons in our onsite swimming pool.”
Kim Simms, Swimming Teacher
“Our ‘Terrific Tuesdays’ and ‘Funky Fridays’ during the last weeks of term continue the emphasis on variety, giving the children the chance to play games like capture the flag, squares and a range of different dances. The children are extremely motivated by all of this and excited to do more.”
Simon Mussellwhite, Head of Sport
Fun – Fun is the most important part of any successful sports programme. Through sport, everyone can experience fantastic moments that they remember forever, helping to establish good physical habits for life. There are huge psychological benefits to laughing and smiling. Sport should be a positive experience for all the children. It is a moment for them to be free of the classroom, express themselves in a new way and to gain confidence in something that might normally challenge them.
We plan and create fun and challenging activities that stretch the more able but support the less confident. Sports Days, House competitions and fun Swimming Galas are great ways to give children the chance to have fun competing for their Houses. They are also brilliant for fostering community spirit, a sense of identity and feeling of belonging.
ART
Our well-equipped art classroom is a wonderful place to visit! Mrs Lyth, our specialist art teacher, takes a practical approach to art and the children experience a wide variety of techniques, allowing them to explore their creative potential. The walls and ceilings proudly display their fantastic work and visitors often comment on the high standard and diversity of the artwork. During the past few years, over 100 children have produced stunning installations for an international art competition. We were delighted to be prize winners in 2019 (collecting an award and displaying our creation at the Natural History Museum in London) and equally thrilled to be finalists in 2022.
“Pupils’
artwork adorns the school corridors, and high-achieving pupils’ work has been selected for exhibition in two national galleries.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
MUSIC
At Chinthurst, we want our children to be happy and confident young people with a lifelong love of learning and the foundations for a happy and successful adulthood. Music enriches life and is valued as an important part of the curriculum. We aim to foster a passion for music by making it fun and inspiring and an exciting and joyful part of the school day.
The whole school sings together at assemblies and three choirs regularly rehearse and perform to a high standard at outside events and competitions. Every year group benefits from specialist music teaching within the curriculum, which develops the children’s musical abilities as well as their appreciation and love of music. Musical learning is approached primarily through singing. The children also engage in the use of music technology when composing.
There is a strong instrumental programme and visiting teachers provide over 100 one-to-one lessons a week on a wide variety of instruments. We currently offer tuition on piano, violin, cello, flute, guitar, drum kit/percussion, voice and trumpet. Our young instrumentalists also enjoy the opportunity to join our school orchestra to develop their ensemble playing. The children have many opportunities to showcase their musical talents, as soloists or as part of an ensemble in church assemblies and at school performances throughout the year.
“Pupils’ individual performance in music and drama is of a high standard, and a large number of pupils receive distinctions in speaking and acting exams . ”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
DRAMA
Drama lessons are keenly anticipated by the children. Our specialist drama teacher explores all aspects of the subject from improvisation to stage craft, performance poetry to mime/movement and characterisation to devised pieces. From weekly drama lessons to the polished performances in the senior production, the children develop the outstanding confidence and communication skills that stands them in good stead for senior school and adult life beyond.
Children can also take individual one-to-one LAMDA lessons (our children achieve outstanding results in LAMDA exams) or perform in one of the many productions throughout the year.
LANGUAGES
Our specialist language teacher ensure that lessons are fun and memorable, using songs and games as well as cultural awareness to engage the children. In addition to passionate teaching, our dedicated language room gives the children every opportunity to enrich their learning experience and become confident linguists who share a love of languages.
In Years 3 and 4, the children have weekly French and Spanish lessons, and Mandarin Club is available to them during lunchtime. In Years 5 and 6, the children are taught both Mandarin and French as part of the normal weekly timetable, culminating in a residential to France. Spanish Club is available to all children from Year 3 upwards as part of our after-school clubs programme.
“Pupils’ performing skills are welldeveloped, and participation in a wide range of events, including soloists’ concerts, productions, performances in the local area and performing in assemblies is enjoyed by the whole community.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
“Pupils’ communication skills are excellent. They are articulate, nuanced and mature in their verbal interactions with peers and adults.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
“Pupils demonstrate excellent levels of extracurricular achievement, expanding their interests beyond the classroom.”
ISI Inspection Report 2023
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
With over 50 clubs on offer, there are extracurricular clubs to suit everyone. Children are encouraged to enjoy a rich variety of these activities, which take place during lunchtimes and after school.
Music, dance, drama, team and individual sport, art, chess, martial arts and sewing are just a few examples of the clubs provided. They help the children to develop a range of interests and, above all, to have fun with their friends.
A VIBRANT & ACTIVE HOUSE SYSTEM
There are four Houses at Chinthurst and the children enjoy regular House meetings, competitions and activities. The system gives the children a sense of belonging, promotes peer support and friendships across year groups as well as providing opportunities for leadership, charity fundraising and consistent encouragement for the children to achieve their best.
House events are great fun! Throughout the year, there are plenty of opportunities for friendly rivalry at inter-House sports, charity days, poetry and music competitions.
THE CHINTHURST COMMUNITY
We have a wonderful school community which thrives and grows because of:
Genuine Partnerships
We value meaningful relationships with parents and are always available to talk whenever questions or worries arise.
A Warm Welcome
From class assemblies to Sports Days, and from musical performances to dance shows, we love to welcome parents and friends to help celebrate the children’s achievements and share in their learning. Visitors often comment on our warm and welcoming environment.
A Vibrant Parents’ Association
The Chinthurst Parents’ Association (CPA) is responsible for our wide variety of fundraising activities throughout the school year and is run exclusively by parents. They work closely with the school to promote community cohesion, giving everyone the opportunity to become part of the Chinthurst family. It is also a great way for new parents to get to know people from different year groups.
Beyond School
We like to think we have the best of both worlds – excellent commuter links to London and proximity to beautiful countryside. Many families moving out of the big smoke choose Chinthurst for its access to both. The school is located between the pretty villages of Tadworth and Walton-on-the-Hill close to the M25 and train links to central London.
Both villages are surrounded by green belt with the vast open spaces of Walton and Banstead Heaths close by. Box Hill – which is owned by the National Trust and part of the stunning Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is also near the school with its pretty walking routes and amazing views. The Mere Pond is at the centre of Walton village and is much visited by children feeding the ducks and swans.
There are many local pubs and restaurants, and the world-famous Walton Heath Golf Club is on the outskirts. At the weekends, there are many sports clubs to enjoy, and these are often the hubs of friendship for parents and children outside of school.
There are several thriving market towns near to the school where families settle including Reigate, Banstead, Kingswood and Epsom.
MOVING ON TO SENIOR SCHOOL
REIGATE GRAMMAR SCHOOL
As a junior school of Reigate Grammar School (RGS), one of the top co-educational day schools in the country, our children benefit from the continuity of a consistent educational ethos when they transition to the senior school. As a through school, we can therefore build long-term relationships with our children both pastorally and as learners.
In Year 5, Chinthurst children can benefit from an early offer of a place at RGS without having to sit an entrance exam (instead, their progress is closely monitored). This allows our Year 6 children to enjoy a full curriculum of education and personal development, free from the pressure of preparing for a test. Full details can be found in The Route To Senior School booklet.
11+ PROGRAMME
For those children who will progress to other senior schools, we have a carefully designed programme of support run by our 11+ Lead, Mr Beadle, which enables them to continue to benefit from the breadth of education on offer whilst preparing for assessments.
