Extra-Curricular ActivitiesAt The Chafford School, we feel that there is so much more to school life than lessons during the school day. We provide an extensive extra-curricular programme which operates at lunchtime and after school including:

l Film clubl Help with homeworkl Lego mindstorml Drum clubl A range of sport activities including badminton, rugby, football, netball, rounders and cricket

School teams compete against other schools in all these sports and many of our students compete at district and national level.

This programme is enhanced by a range of international educational trips to destinations such as Germany, France, Switzerland and Spain. All Year 7s get an opportunity to participate in a residential trip to Cumbria each year. Pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 can apply for a place on our ski trip to Switzerland and GCSE PE students have an opportunity to visit a PGL activity centre to increase their achievement, skills and knowledge in a wider range of sporting activities. There are numerous visits arranged every year to museums, theatres, exhibitions and businesses, all of which are designed to enhance the students’ studies and stimulate interest in future career opportunities.

The school also actively participates in local and national events such as the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge and the UK Maths Challenge.

We have a strong tradition of drama and music at The Chafford School. Productions and concerts are a regular feature of life here and our extra-curricular music programme caters for all types of musicians.

Saturday AcademyWe run a Saturday Academy at The Chafford which provides students with an opportunity to revise, catch up or complete assessments and to develop their skills and knowledge working alongside their teachers.

Uniform We have a smart and practical uniform which promotes positive attitudes and high standards of conduct, school pride and a positive image in the local community. The school uniform has been kept simple and most items can be bought from your store of choice. We also have an on-site uniform shop where school branded items may be purchased. Full details are available on the school website.

Home LearningRegular homework is set throughout the school year in order to help students learn to work independently, undertake research, manage their time and revise effectively. Students are issued with a home learning diary which parents inspect and sign weekly and this also provides a useful communication tool between parents and teachers. There are also a range of on-line learning resources which students and parents can access from home.

Student Digital LeadersThe Student Digital Leaders project is a new innovation at The Chafford School. It is designed to train selected pupils to be experts and advocates of using appropriate technologies in schools, allowing them to act as ambassadors and peer mentors for staff and pupils across the school. Student Digital Leaders will lead innovative ICT

practice at the school and contribute to ICT innovation across the curriculum.

School Council - “Our voice is your voice” The Chafford School recognises the importance of a strong student voice as it enables students to feel valued, as part of the school’s community. A range of students from Year 7 to Year 11 work as a group to represent the students’ views and contribute to the

development and improvement of the school.

Senior Prefect TeamThe Senior Prefect Team consist of a group of Year 11 students who work together to take on a variety of responsibilities, including supporting school events to leading initiatives with the School Council. They have an important role in the day-to-day running of our school by promoting and developing student leadership. They are reliable, approachable and conscientious students who are the role models to their peers and younger students.

WOW WeekJuly 2014 saw the introduction of an end of year WOW Week for Year 7, 8 and 9 students. Students were off roll for the full week and had the opportunity to experience a range of trips and activities. Monday started with our ‘Sponsored Walks’ day, Tuesday was ‘trips day’ with visits to France, Colchester Zoo, London Zoo, The British Museum, the Olympic Park and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Wednesday saw the students back at school for a range of events including exploring theatre, wow science and ‘the hub challenge’. Thursday was a ‘carousel’ day with students trying out a different activity every lesson. These ranged from origami, murder mystery, henna art, making mocktails, football coaching, giant jenga, shadow writing, Scrabble, decorating clothes, loom bands and much more. Finally Friday was our international experience day with students given the opportunity to learn about different countries, cultures and languages. It was such a success that it will now become a regular feature in the school calendar.

RewardsAt The Chafford School we believe that recognising effort, endeavour and achievement is very important. Students collect merits for good work, effort and conduct which contribute towards Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum merit certificates and badges which they are proud to receive and wear.

Our annual awards evenings celebrate students who have shown exceptional effort, progress or achievement in an individual subject along with students who have made a substantial contribution to the school and the local community throughout the year.

We have also introduced our ‘Passport to Success’ booklet where students can keep a record of their accomplishments and achievements. Students will choose from a range of personal, community and curriculum challenges which, once completed, will earn them certificates, letters of commendation, invitations to achievement activities and vouchers.

Charity and Community WorkOur charity work and involvement with local community groups and events demonstrates our willingness to help others outside the school community, whether locally, nationally or internationally. Students and staff participate in a wide range of charitable events and fund raising activities throughout the year, including Macmillan coffee mornings, ‘Jeans for Genes’ day and ‘Wear It Pink’ day. Last year students from the school were invited to the Philippines Embassy in recognition of the money raised to aid typhoon victims.

We also participated in the recording of the England’s One song in support of cancer research which featured on local and national radio and we continue to sponsor a student from Gambia to support her in her studies. We regularly take part in the local Rainham Village Fayres and Remembrance Sunday Service. Our Year 7 students have joined forces with residents of a local retirement home in a project to help save the honey bee and our Year 11 students took part in the Holocaust memorial events at Rainham Library.