Uncovering Talent at the Hampshire School Chelsea
Every child has a talent and uncovering and nurturing that talent is central to our educational provision - a gift that is not nurtured will not blossom. A well-rounded education provides the breadth of opportunity to foster a child’s talent and at The Hampshire School Chelsea we actively encourage the children to balance their academic studies with their passions beyond the classroom. Specialist teaching from Early Years, the school’s performing arts and music provision, sporting opportunities and the Clubs and Activities Programme deliver a myriad of opportunities to develop the apropos Growth Mindset, qualities and skills required for talented children to flourish. Our specialist teachers in maths, English, science, French, PE, art, drama, ICT, ballet and music to name a few, all have the expertise and absolute love for their subject to inspire pupils for high achievement in a learning environment where it is acceptable to make mistakes.
To support each pupil’s personal development, we encourage all pupils to take part in one or more of our 50+ extra-curricular activities per week to hone their skills, explore their abilities and to enhance their performance skills. Given that research indicates that pupils who participate in co-curricular activities display more positive attitudes toward school, have higher academic aspirations and perform better academically and socially, time spent on the stage, in the art room, on the football pitch is time well spent. This experience also helps pupils develop friendships, responsibility, strength of character and, more often than not, interests for life.
The popular clubs of Funakoshi Shotokan Karate, Archery, Junior and Senior Dance Club, Robotics club, Art club and the Choir attract high take-up. Those who had the talent for debating and joined the Debating Club looked at the world through the eyes of budding philosophers, while the chess players develop the analytical skills to outwit their opponents and our Rhythmic Gymnastics team, Jiu Jitsu, Fencing, STEM, booster clubs and Choir challenge even the most able and talented children. Rehearsals for the Year 5-8 production of Jungle Book have seen the school’s budding actors commit to the focused attention essential to sharpening their performance skills under the expert direction of the very gifted director, Jeremy James Taylor OBE and professional choreographer Miss Curran. For those artistically and non-artistically inclined this experience is providing the space to discover hidden talents and passions through specialised coaching and leading-edge theatre direction. All literary genius requires promotion and our poetry week and poetry competition this term will excite those children who love to write, illustrate or recite poems.
Much of what we do at The Hampshire School Chelsea is tailored to help the children find their passions, and to challenge them to learn new skills. Further, their active participation and accomplishments add to their references for future schools, particularly when the child has gone above and beyond to excel in their chosen activity. The Townsend Warner History prize, Nutcracker Christmas Gala at the Coliseum, National Art Competitions, Fencing tournaments supported by Knightsbridge Fencing Club and getting to the UKMT Junior Mathematical Olympiad are just a few of the children’s accomplishments achieved with the expert guidance of specialist teachers. Uncovering talent and fostering every child’s innate ability is no accident at that The Hampshire School Chelsea.
Dr Pamela Edmonds
Head