Fun in Physics Class

Students Learn to Work Independently

Based in Chelmsford, in Essex, Chelmer Valley High School can provide the best possible education for students aged between 11 and 18.

We place a great deal of emphasis on academic success at GCSE, A level and in the vocational area. High expectations also extend to social and moral issues as we seek to produce well rounded adults, whose mature behaviour reflects their self respect.

Our latest Ofsted inspection reports that we are an OUTSTANDING school!

Quotes from the inspection report:

'Chelmer Valley is a vibrant and dynamic school that has not stood still since the last inspection.  The school judges its effectiveness to be good but, because so much of its work is exemplary, inspectors judge it to be outstanding'.

'The school has a rich and varied curriculum that provides a wide range of vocational and academic options for the students.  There is a very broad range of activities within and outside lessons, many reflecting the school's specialist status in engineering; these widen students' horizons, raise their aspirations and improve their achievement'.

'The school prepares students well for their future lives.  As a result, they are amibitious for themselves and most are keen to benefit fully from all that the school has to offer'.

26-27 September 2007      

The full inspection report can be viewed by clicking here OFSTED

Please use this page to access useful information about the school. If you are unable to find something you wish to know, please do not hesitate to contact us by:

emailing - school@chelmer.essex.sch.uk or
contact the school directly on (01245) 440232.

 NB. 

At Chelmer Valley High School we are committed to providing an environment for students who wish to continue their studies beyond compulsory education that enables them to maximise their potential and achieve to the highest level of their abilities.

We offer a wide variety of subject options; at AS and A level students can study traditional academic subjects (English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, German, French and Further Mathematics), creative subjects (Design Technology, Art, Music, Music Technology, Drama, Media Studies, PE, Textiles), social sciences (Psychology, Sociology) and vocational subjects (Applied Business, ICT) and we also offer BTEC National Award and Certificate in Performing Arts.

Sixth Form students study 3 or 4 subjects in both Years 12 and 13 and also undertake a course in General Studies, which can lead to an additional AS or A level. Students have a combination of lessons, directed study time and independent study time on their timetables, as well as time each day with a personal tutor, who will support and advise the student to help them maximise their achievement whilst in the Sixth Form. Students are required to sign the School / Sixth Form Learning Agreement if they wish to study at Chelmer Valley High School.

The school has its own dedicated Sixth Form Block. This is made up of a study area, with ICT facilities and areas for individual private study and a common room with kitchen, for relaxing in during break and lunchtimes. There is an active Senior Student Committee, which represents student opinions to staff and organises social & charity events throughout the year.

Many opportunities exist to participate in the life of the school, examples of which include drama productions, sports teams, the student council and the mentoring of younger students.

There is plenty of career advice available. Every year approximately 60-70% of our Year 13 students go on to Higher Education to study a wide variety of courses at Universities across the country. They are fully supported through the application process during Year 13 and on A level results day. Students who prefer to seek employment at the end of their studies go on to jobs which are matched to their qualifications and provide career development opportunities.

Every year the application process for joining the Sixth Form starts with our Open Evening in early November. Applications after this time are welcome from both our current Year 11 students and from external applicants. The interviewing process takes place between December and March.

At Chelmer Valley High School our aim is to encourage young people to love learning by achieving personal excellence and regard learning as a life long process. All of our departments work extremely hard to ensure that our pupils are given the best start in life and develop their skills, talents and abilities to their maximum potential.

By clicking on the left hand menu, you will be able to see how each department in the school structures its learning at KS3-5, as well as information on the various gifted and talented schemes run within school and all of the extension and enrichment activities the departments have developed.

Chelmer Valley High School has been a specialist Engineering College since 2004. Being one of only 2 engineering colleges in the area we pride ourselves on innovation and forward thinking.

The concept of careers in Engineering have been somewhat tainted in the past, with images of greasy machines and dark, gloomy workshops ingrained on peoples minds. Here at CVHS we are changing how young people view Engineering by equipping state of the art workshops with industry standard tools and equipment.

3D Printer: Rapid prototyping is still revolutionary at industry level, however, we have this technology at CVHS. Pupils can design any product/shape they like in 3D on any of our 320 computers (pupil to computer ratio of approx 1:4!). Then transfer there design and have it manufactured out of ABS plastic on the 3D printer.

Laser Cutters: All 3 are capable of cutting a range of materials from fabric and food to MDF and acrylic.

Microrouter: 3 axis CNC 3D modeller, primarily used for the manufacture of F1 cars for the Jaguar challenge, but equally as versatile and useful as the other CAD/CAM machines.

We have very strong links with local and national industries as well as firm links with primary schools in the local area.