PARENT HANDBOOK
CAREERS CONVENTION The convention takes place once a year and it is specifically targeted at pupils in the Upper Fifth although those in the Sixth Form are also very welcome to attend. MEET THE FUTURE This is an informal series of lunchtime talks given by Old Chigwellians who have left school relatively recently. They typically describe their experiences of university and how/why they chose to pursue their given career. SUBJECT CHOICES Parents’ evenings are scheduled to take place before key subject choices are made. Parents or students are always very welcome to discuss options with the Director of Studies, tutors and/or Heads of Department if they have any questions. UNIVERSITY ADVICE As with advice regarding GCSE or A level choices, ultimately the choice that Sixth Formers make regarding university degree courses and institutions must be their own. However, there is a great deal of experience on hand from the Head of Sixth Form, Heads of Department, and subject teachers. The process starts in the second term of the Lower Sixth with the students being encouraged to further consider their career/degree course options as well as attending lectures/ courses at university and Open Days, moving into registering with UCAS, narrowing down their degree/universities choices and working on their Personal Statement. WORK EXPERIENCE The Head of Careers, Miss Roxanne Darkin, rdarkin@chigwell-school.org keeps a list of contacts who may be able to offer work experience. However, the School is always happy to hear from more parents who might be able to help in this way. Information about careers or related issues is published in the Sixth Form Centre and on the Careers Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/careerschigwell?lang=en-gb
PUPIL COUNCILS The School has three school councils, one for each section of the School. The purpose of these is to provide a forum at which pupils, through their elected representatives, are able to discuss general concerns and make proposals for changes to enhance the School. From time to time the councils are asked for their view on specific matters and to make a decision on a particular and relevant school issue. School councils meet regularly during term time and are chaired by a member of the School’s teaching staff. Since April 2021, the School also has a group of Equality Ambassadors. These pupils in Years 9 to13 sit on four committees – Events, Curriculum, Mentoring and Publicity. This gives pupils a platform to voice their views, educate others and develop a culture of inclusivity – where everyone is ‘Free to be me’. The purpose of the group is to ensure that all members of our school community: • Feel supported and not discriminated against regarding their protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010) • Understand their rights and responsibilities regarding the protected characteristics • Feel listened to, are aware of their right to free speech, but always consider the feelings of others • Understand the School’s values regarding equality • Feel comfortable reporting incidents that fall below the School`s expectations regarding equality and/or against an individual’s protected characteristics • Understand the consequences of breaking the School Code of Conduct
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