The Chatteris Approach

The Chatteris Approach outlines the underpinning ethos behind Chatteris' role in schools. The Chatteris Approach is a different approach to English learning whereby students are encouraged to use English in a fun and interactive way, both inside and outside the classroom. Chatteris takes full advantage of the individual skills and talents of each CNET to develop and deliver this special approach to English learning. We strongly believe that the Chatteris Approach has a positive impact on the students it reaches.

The main elements of the Chatteris Approach are outlined below:

• English language environment: Chatteris works with schools that have made a commitment to improve the English language environment for the students. Through the English Language Environment Enrichment Programme (ELEEP), Chatteris will work closely with the school and the CNET(s) to improve the English language environment of the school. Throughout the school year, students will have the opportunity to participate in fun interactive English events and activities, which encourage students to use English in an authentic, informal and relaxed atmosphere both inside and outside of the classroom.

• Fun, educational, interactive and activity-based lessons: The CNET(s) will deliver lessons that are very different from the students’ normal lessons. These lessons will incorporate more games and interactive activities that encourage the students to speak and learn English in a more relaxed and authentic environment. 

• Motivation and confidence: The CNETs are young, enthusiastic native English speakers or have native level English competency with a fun approach to learning. They work hard to develop a relatively informal relationship with the students during their time in schools. Students are keen to interact with the CNET(s) because they are different from normal teachers. This type of relationship enables students to become more comfortable in speaking English.  Therefore, students are more motivated to learn and more likely to become confident English speakers.

• Creativity: The CNET(s) are encouraged to use their creativity and imagination in planning and delivering lessons and co-curricular activities. The CNETs often have talents and skills, such as art, music and drama that can be utilised by the school both in the classroom and as part of the ELEEP. Both the school and Chatteris should work closely together in order to get the most out of the CNETs in terms of their creativity and inspiration.

• Cultural exchange and global awareness: Students are often intrigued by CNETs and want to know more about their backgrounds. Having CNETs in schools gives students a chance to learn about and appreciate different cultures and traditions.  In turn, students share their own culture and daily life with CNETs.  Therefore, through this form of information sharing and cultural exchange, both students and CNETs can become more globally aware. 

• Positive role model: One of the roles of a CNET is to mingle and chat with students in an informal manner.  This gives the CNET(s) the opportunity to share personal life experiences and goals with the students.  As a result, the CNET(s) becomes a good role model to students, motivating them to have a positive attitude towards life, learning and speaking English.

• Task-based/project-based learning: Through task-based and project work (i.e. designing a board game, organizing a party), the CNET helps students understand the process of learning.  They also help students with various study skills that include mind-mapping, organisation and presentation skills, data analysis, etc.  These skills are designed to benefit students not only in the classroom, but throughout their careers as well.

• The joint effort of local and international talents: The Chatteris Approach is a result of a joint effort from Chatteris, the school and the international talents of the CNETs.  We work together in collaboration to incorporate the best from all parties.  

• Continuous improvement: The Chatteris Approach is also a continuously developing process with a focus on helping Hong Kong students to learn English as a global language. We always try out new activities and methods to make learning fun, interactive, participative and effective.