Our school - open for visits

Our school tours have given prospective parents the opportunity to visit the school during the day and we have had an extensive number of visits, with nearly thirty slots all filled and over a hundred and twenty families visiting us to see us at work. This has been a successful model and moves us away from the less authentic feel that open evenings have. Families have seen our students in lessons, at break and been able to see all parts of the school. I have been very proud of what we have been able to show. As we lead up to the half-term break and the deadline for secondary applications at the end of the month, please do not hesitate to contact us with any further questions. We look forward to welcoming applicants to the school who will join us in September 2022.

Sixth form open evening

After our sixth form open evening, we will be undertaking the sixth form taster day after the half-term break so that students can be well placed in terms of their planning for next year and then be able to focus on preparation for summer assessments. We have been receiving updates on the plans for the examinations for year eleven and year thirteen students and more information will be sent home this week.

Year seven tutor evening

On Thursday, we held tutor meetings with parents to share how students have settled in over the last month. We have lots of opportunities for students and we hope more and more year sevens will take up the opportunities at school during the day and in clubs after school. We saw a further strong performance in sport from our girls' basketball team on the same evening.

Support for students at Chilwell school

I was really pleased to read the report following the inspection visit of our SEND provision. The report not only highlighted the team of dedicated and passionate staff but also that leaders have a clear vision for SEND and that SEND is a priority in school. Comments and observations of students showed that they really feel supported. Thank you to all our staff and parents for working closely together to give our students such strong support.

Professional networks

The school continues to develop with our family of schools and other local secondaries a network of professional support for colleagues in all schools. In addition, I was in Birmingham in the latter part of the week at ASCL Council to further shape policies for the Association of School and College Leaders. Whether it has been through local networks, national media or direct dialogue with government, Chilwell school has its voice heard and influence felt well beyond NG9!

Half-term

Now that we are in the final week before half-term, I hope that we will be able to halt some of the transmission of Covid. Whilst I hope that all families have a restful break, I hope also that you remain free from both infection and as a source of transmission so that our school community can move towards Christmas with as little disruption as possible.