History
Often
referred to as “Chissy”, Chisnallwood was first established in 1967
to meet the needs of the Baby Boomers and the post war period of population
growth. The school grew to a roll of approximately 950 in the 1980s before
dropping back to below 400 in the 1990s. A period of consolidation followed
while new programmes were initiated and as the school went through a
substantial phase of development.
Building
programmes and emphasis on staffing and resourcing alerted the community that
something interesting was happening in the late 1990s and by 2004 the roll had
again grown to an all-time high of over 960. In 2005 an enrolment scheme was
introduced limiting numbers to 815, a number that meets the needs of both the
community and the dynamics of the school campus.
Event – Survival
In 2013, Education Minister Hekia Parata did make a plan
to close Avondale, Chisnallwood, Wainoni, Aranui primary schools, and Aranui
High School, and put them together and to create a new $40 million 1000-pupil
super school in Aranui.
But she finally made one concession from her
original plan – sparing Chisnallwood Intermediate. Chisnallwood, which has the
highest decile level of the five schools, arguably fought the hardest for its
survival, hiring a market research firm, holding community rallies and
producing a 96-page argument on why it should stay.
Chisnallwood today
Chisnallwood
Intermediate is a large Intermediate school in the East side of Christchurch. With
a proud history of tradition and values, Chisnallwood provides innovative and
vibrant learning opportunities for all who become part of this rich learning
community. Drawing on contributing schools from all over Eastern Christchurch
and beyond, Chisnallwood is a special place. Chisnallwood is a highly resourced
school of opportunity where success is valued and where children are encouraged
to be proud of who they are as they find their place in this ever-changing
world.
Chisnallwood have specialists’ programmes in a
number of areas e.g. Music, Technology, IT, Science, Arts, Physical Education
and Outdoor Education.
Chisnallwood is
currently in an exciting stage of development and rejuvenation, where the best
teaching practise combines with the most up to date I.T. infrastructure, in a
learning environment specific to pre-adolescent children.
Our technology
curriculum is exciting and vast. The options we offer have been further
advanced by an investment in technology that will enrich the learning
opportunities for 21st-century learners. Added to that is the Science programme
we offer with a specialist science teacher.
The Chisnallwood
Music programme is acknowledged nationally and internationally. In a
purpose-built facility (Performing Arts Centre) the programme combines high-end
technology and generous resourcing.
Our Sports and
Physical Education programme is ever increasing. We cater for a wide range of
sports and students take great pride in representing Chisnallwood. Sports
development is offered for the elite athletes.
International
Education
Chisnallwood Intermediate is a government registered
co-educational day school specifically designed to prepare New Zealand and
international students for Secondary School. Located in the Eastern suburbs of
Christchurch, the school is only minutes from the beach, City Centre and
numerous golf courses and parks. Chisnallwood has a long history of providing
quality education and tourism to international students from around the globe..
Students are provided with expert English language tuition and many
opportunities to practice English in conversation. In addition, students are
supported in reaching their potential in the New Zealand Curriculum using
modern resources and facilities. Chisnallwood Intermediate has an award
winning music department and offers opportunities to study music while
developing English fluency.
