Middle School
Star of the Week & Form Captains
The Middle School provides a safe, structured and happy environment in which the girls can grow and gain self-confidence. Girls are quickly welcomed into this caring community where all girls are encouraged to work hard and have fun both in and out of the classroom.
All girls in the Middle School follow a broad and stimulating academic programme.
All girls study the core subjects, English, Mathematics and Science, as well as History, Geography, French, Latin, an additional modern language in Year 8, ICT, Music, Art, PE, Drama, and PSHE. In Year 9 girls choose their GCSE options.
Girls enjoy their learning. Homework is set to consolidate work done in class and to stimulate independent learning. No grades are given for work in Years 7 and 8 but, rather, positive, constructive comments are written instead. Commendations are given for outstanding work. Girls are expected to ask questions and to take responsibility for their learning with a view towards gaining confidence and a sense of independence. The focus is on this positive approach rather than punitive measures.
All girls in the Middle School participate in a Study Skills seminar given by a visiting speaker. This is designed to enhance their learning and provide learning strategies. Parents are invited to attend their own seminar to find out more about their role in helping their daughters learn.
There is a strong tradition of pastoral care in the Middle School. Our ethos is one of caring and support and there is always someone to whom a girl can talk. Girls are nurtured by a dedicated team of form tutors to whom they can turn for help or advice. Girls are also encouraged to speak to the Head of Middle School, who has overall responsibility for the welfare, happiness and academic progress of all the girls in the Middle School and to the Assistant Head of Middle School, who has responsibility for the daily running of Year 9.
All girls in Year 7 have a Big Sister in Year 8 who helps them settle and with whom she can chat. The Middle School Officers, selected from the Sixth Form, and Form Seniors, spend time with Middle School girls, offering chat sessions and helping with clubs or charity events. Communication with parents is encouraged and is positive, open and discreet. The Middle School holds its own assembly once a week and each form has a form time once a week.
All girls become members of a House on entry into Channing.
This is a new initiative organised by previous Head Girls. There are four Houses: Goodwin, Sharp, Spears and Waterlow, all named after people connected to the school. Events are organised to encourage wider communication between year groups and to promote fun, healthy competition.
There is a wide range of exciting clubs on offer to all girls at lunchtime as well as before and after school.
Middle School trips abound and are aimed to enhance the girls’ learning. We take advantage of local places of interest and those in our capital city as well as some further away. We also invite visiting speakers and hold workshops or seminars.
My First Few Weeks at Channing...
Channing gives off a friendly vibe.
Everybody at Channing is so friendly and you never feel left out at anything. The clubs are amazing as there are so many!
I'd have to say the new Y6's not to worry, everyone is nice to you, both pupils and teachers, the work is fun and it's all very exciting to move school and make new friends!
The reasons I especially like Channing is because it is so friendly, warm and happy here.
If you do come on your own you are sure to make friends really quickly.
I joined the Environment Council which means I get to look after the chickens and the vegetable patch.
There are tons of clubs at Channing and I have Debating Club, Concert Orchestra, Junior Choir, Cross-Country and I'm in the Netball Squad.
