Open Evening 2024: A Night of Creativity, Happiness, and Success

On Thursday 3^rd October 2024, CHS South opened its doors to prospective students, parents, and carers for another successful Open Evening. The event, filled with excitement and enthusiasm, perfectly embodied our school’s ethos of being "Creative, Happy, Successful."

From the moment visitors arrived, they were greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a testament to the friendly and approachable staff who made everyone feel right at home. As one parent remarked, "The staff were all so friendly and approachable—every single person said ‘welcome’ and was friendly. We really enjoyed it." This sense of community was further amplified by the many students who took on guiding roles, showcasing the school’s offerings with pride and enthusiasm.

Our guests were treated to a wide array of activities that reflected the vibrant and diverse learning environment CHS South provides. In Design Technology, visitors unleashed their creativity by crafting personalised keyrings, while the library was a treasure trove of literary wonders, inviting guests to explore a world of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Over in the Music Tech workshops, budding musicians had the chance to bring their ideas to life, learning how to record and produce music using the latest technology.

Parents and carers were also impressed by the dedication of our students. One parent shared, "Very friendly atmosphere. Students were very enthusiastic to help and show us round." Our students truly shone, with Year 10 guides stepping up to represent the school. Although we can’t mention names, a special shoutout goes to one student who, according to a visitor, "was an absolutely fantastic guide. She was a fabulous ambassador for the school and even volunteered to do the maths quiz in front of a room full of strangers, so my daughter didn’t feel uncomfortable. She was clearly proud to belong to CHS [South] and was a real credit to the school." This is the kind of passion and leadership we celebrate at CHS South.

Throughout the evening, visitors experienced a range of unique, hands-on activities. From cracking codes in the Computing Department to engaging with a Van der Graff generator in Science, there was no shortage of exciting challenges and interactive learning opportunities. The Drama Department wowed audiences with an innovative showcase that merged live actors and robots, exploring the wonders of A.I. Meanwhile, in MFL, guests savoured the flavours of Spain with student-prepared dishes and put their geography skills to the test in a thrilling Capital Hunt.

As part of the event, Headteacher David Prophet welcomed guests in a special presentation, sharing what makes CHS South such a special place to learn. The pride in our school was palpable, and feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.

To everyone who attended, we want to thank you for making our Open Evening such a fantastic success. Whether you were impressed by our student performances, engaged in activities, or simply enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, we hope you left with a true sense of what it means to be part of the CHS South family—where creativity, happiness, and success are at the heart of everything we do.

We hope you found out everything you wanted to know about us, but don't worry if you didn't—our recently refreshed website is packed full of information! We're always here too, so feel free to contact us with any questions you may still have. And don't forget! The deadline for admissions is 5:00pm on 31st October 2024. Happy applying!