Programmes

EYFS Early Years Programme

The youngest pupils follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage framework, which centres on three prime areas: emotional and social development, communication and language, plus physical growth. These fundamentals are supported by four specific areas—literacy, mathematics, understanding the world, expressive arts and design—all woven into play-based learning that balances child-led exploration with teacher-guided activities. Core subjects such as reading, maths and PE receive dedicated teaching time, while outdoor sessions encourage hands-on discovery.

Primary Education at Chigwell School

Years 1 and 2 draw on the National Curriculum, though it’s tailored to match each child’s pace and interests. Alongside English (reading, writing, speaking and listening), pupils encounter drama, maths, science, ICT, religious studies, history, geography, PE and games, PSHE, French, art and design, music, plus design and technology—a breadth that lets them explore different ways of thinking while building essential skills.

Prep School

Years 3 to 6 deepen work in English, maths and science, using modern methods that keep lessons engaging. Beyond these core subjects, the curriculum includes:

• The Drop Everything and Read programme
• Author and speaker visits
• Art, design and technology workshops and exhibitions
• History, geography and religious studies trips and creative workshops
• Specialist French teaching from Year 3, with other languages introduced through clubs

Outdoor learning remains central—forest days for Years 3 and 4, residential trips for Years 5 and 6—connecting what happens in classrooms to the wider world.

Senior School

The motto “Either I shall find a way or I shall make one” shapes how Years 7 to 11 approach their studies, encouraging pupils to pursue interests that stretch beyond standard requirements. Early on, they study English, maths, geography, history, religious studies, art, design, IT, music, drama, foreign languages (French, German, Spanish), Latin and science. As they move toward GCSEs in Years 10 and 11, everyone takes English language and literature, maths, a modern language and triple science, then chooses from art, computer science, design, drama, geography, graphic design, history, music, religious studies or languages. Weekly games and sports sessions complement classroom work.

Sixth Form

In Years 12 and 13, students select three or four A-Level subjects that align with their ambitions:

• Humanities and social sciences: English literature, history, geography, classical civilisation, politics, economics, business studies, religious studies, psychology.
• Sciences and mathematics: maths, biology, chemistry, physics.
• Arts and technology: art, drama, music, design and technology.
• Languages: French, German, Spanish, Greek, Latin.
• Physical education: PE.

The EPQ project and other enrichment options sit alongside weekly university guidance sessions, preparing them for what comes after Chigwell School.