Sixth Form Creativity in Learning • Confidence to Achieve
Welcome TO
Your Next Step Welcome to the exciting world of Knole Academy Sixth Form.
With outstanding facilities for learning and leisure, a myriad of opportunities and stunning examination results at A’Level, I welcome you to read more about what we have to offer. The Sixth Form is a warm and friendly environment where students are encouraged to attain the highest grades, whilst also being given leadership opportunities and excellent tutorial support. There is an expectation that each individual student does his or her best and takes an active part in the wider life of the academy. I hope that what you read and see will inspire you to join our thriving Sixth Form.
Thank you for your interest in Knole Academy Sixth Form. I am proud to introduce you to a school that balances academic rigour with social and personal development. This prospectus, together with our progression evening and website, are the key sources of information for you to find out more about the opportunities and experiences we offer our students. Sixth Form is an exciting time, a chance to build upon the successes of GCSEs and to focus and specialise in subjects that inspire lifelong passions and careers. Knole Academy Sixth Form provides a rich, creative environment with many opportunities for students to continue their education and grow into enquiring and independent young adults. At Knole Academy we pride ourselves on our welcoming community atmosphere. It is our aim that our students will aspire to have fulfilling lives: to be confident, creative and motivated; to have transferable skills, high self-esteem and positive working practices, to build strong relationships and have careers to be proud of. Learning thrives in our magnificent facilities. At Knole Academy we nurture boys into gentlemen, girls into ladies! Russell Turner, Assistant Principal for Sixth Form and Adult Learners
Mary Boyle, Principal
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An emphasis on
excellence Expectations are high. GCSE success informs post 16 targets. Aspirational goals are monitored and analysed at regular intervals. Where assistance is required, intervention strategies are formulated. High expectations are encouraged and students are motivated to fulfil their potential. Teachers work tirelessly in partnership with their students to ensure that potential is realised. Excellent relationships between staff and students are crucial in developing the “can do� culture that embodies Knole Academy.
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Variety & choice to support all abilities and interests Knole Academy Sixth Form offers a variety of qualifications in academic, practical and vocational courses. Students undertake the qualifications best matched to their interests, career plans and existing qualifications. Knole Academy is very well equipped with an abundance of ICT resources available for students to use in both lessons and their study periods. Students are encouraged to become confident users of ICT in preparation for today’s digitally rich world. Students are fortunate to have dedicated Sixth Form social area rooms: The Buttery serves hot and cold food and drinks throughout the day and provides a place for students to relax and enjoy one another’s company; The Sixth Form study room is a silent area dedicated to independent study. Students are able to concentrate on their studies not only during the normal parameters of the school day but also prior to and after those prescribed times. Students enjoy their flexible timetables although the majority are often found in school from 8am – 5pm, taking advantage of our magnificent facilities. In addition to this, independent studying at the weekend ensures that the highest academic standards are aspired to and met. Knole Academy’s Sixth Form dress code offers students flexibility of personal choice within a framework which upholds the professional standards expected in a focused working environment. We encourage smart, stylish dress which promotes self-confidence, commitment and pride, setting a positive example to younger learners.
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Taking on
Responsibilities “ There is a high standard of pastoral care to help support and guide us.�
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In addition to their chosen subjects, students also receive personal, social, health and citizenship education (PSHCE). Students explore a range of issues including young drivers, life skills, healthy living and charity fund raising. Outside speakers also visit to broaden students’ understanding of these topics.
& Contributing to the Community Our student leadership team comprised of the head boy, head girl, deputies from year 13, assistants from year 12 and senior prefects, has pivotal roles within the academy life. All students at Knole Academy Sixth Form are members of one of the Sixth Form Committees. These committees have representatives from the student leadership team on the Sixth Form Council who, in turn, feed back to the Academy Student Council and staffing body. Year 12 students become academic mentors to students just starting their Knole life in Year 7. During the course of the year, students take part in a range of academy activities such as mentoring, community projects, charity fund raising, social team building activities and assemblies. All students are encouraged to take on positions of responsibility within the academy and become involved in whole academy events such as workshops, visits, open evenings, extra curricular clubs and the academy productions.
“ Teachers have high expectations and teach lessons in inspirational and engaging ways.�
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Developing Confidence For
Future succe Throughout their time with us students are encouraged to think about how they could progress after Sixth Form. Students may choose to continue their education at higher or further education or move into the workplace. We seek to prepare them for that next step, whatever their choice, through encouragement to take responsibility for their own learning and building confidence in managing their own lives. All students are encouraged to meet their full potential with opportunities to speak to careers advisors. Students are also offered mock interviews, guidance with CVs and job applications, support with UCAS applications and visits to universities. Each student has personalised targets and discusses these regularly with their subject teachers and tutor. Progress is closely monitored and reported on. Work experience week often cements career choices and facilitates the evidence that is required for job or university applications.
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ess
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Joining Us In the Sixth Form
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“ My teachers really know me which enables them to tailor their teaching and my learning.�
We welcome applications from both internal and external students. Students already attending Knole Academy are interviewed to discuss their Sixth Form options as part of their year 11 progress monitoring. We also encourage students unfamiliar with Knole Academy to visit to explore our facilities and discuss their course choices. Students who wish to attend Knole Academy Sixth Form should complete an application form available on the academy website or from the main office. Successful applicants will be offered places conditional upon GCSE results. Applicants are invited to induction days in July to speak with their subject teachers, collect summer tasks and to meet other students. After examination results are published, final course choices are confirmed during an enrolment day.
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Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3LE T: 01732 454608 F: 01732 742262 enquiries@knoleacademy.org www.knoleacademy.org
Creativity in Learning • Confidence to Achieve Artwork shown throughout this prospectus is from the Knole Academy student archive