EDUCATION IS SUCCESS
We are very proud to have sponsored Westminster Academy since it opened in 2006. This has been a period of steady development with significant improvements in each of these years.
It has been very gratifying being alongside a hard working and dedicated team of teachers and staff, and its remarkable leadership. Our aim has been to support their inspiring teaching of the students, who are drawn from so many diverse backgrounds.
Westminster Academy has the benefit of a resourceful and effective group of Trustees, with an exceptional Chair, which has maintained an ambitious strategy for excellence.
We are committed to continue to build links with outstanding outside organisations that add enriching dimensions to the student experience at the Academy.
We know that we need to improve continuously, to ensure that every student feels the benefit of their years of effort at this Academy for the whole of their adult life.
SPONSOR
David Dangoor CBE, The Exilarch’s Foundation
The aim of Westminster Academy has always been to make this a centre of educational excellence and an amenity open to all of the community. We are proud to be located in one of the most diverse communities in Central London and it remains the express intent of the Dangoor Family, our sponsors, to meet the needs of local students, parents and residents.
To fulfil our aims, we have various initiatives and facilities, including Academy Sport and Academy Community, which provide opportunities to all the community to use the Academy building and facilities. We hope that if you are a resident in Westminster, and in particular in the Westbourne area, you will share our pride and feel that the Academy is there for you.
May I welcome the community to engage with the school, its Principal and teachers; for our part the Board of Trustees will continue to build upon the reputation and the community outreach plans of the Academy.
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Mike Karp OBE
IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF AS PRINCIPAL AND CEO OF WESTMINSTER ACADEMY. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO TAKE ON THIS ROLE IN 2024 AND BECOME PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THIS WONDERFUL SCHOOL.
Our mission is ‘Education is Success’ and we strive to achieve this mission in a number of ways. We recognise that success can only be achieved in an environment where students feel safe, happy and supported. We are a school that prioritises student well-being in an inclusive, kind environment to allow students to develop as confident young adults. Our committed staff body is ever present to ensure students are supported emotionally as well as academically.
The Academy has a strong record of academic success, with a passionate and highly knowledgeable staff body who devise engaging lessons to inspire a love of learning and prepare students for academic success and the world beyond. Our IB-informed ‘WA Way’ of teaching, learning and curriculum approach places emphasis not only on traditional academic subject knowledge but also on cross-curricular connections, student self-management, communication skills, technology use and critical thinking through student-centred, personalised learning experiences.
Westminster Academy students value the breadth of extracurricular opportunities on offer, which enrich learning experiences beyond the classroom and give students opportunities to develop talents and experience personal success. Alongside an exciting extra-curricular activities programme, a large number of educational visits and internal events take place each year, as well as an outstanding careers programme. Students are empowered through leadership initiatives and contribute to the improvement of the Academy through the Academy Council programme.
Westminster Academy is one of the few non fee-paying schools in London to offer both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme at key stage 5. These demanding, world-renowned qualifications aim to combine academic excellence with a mission to ‘develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect’. This goes hand in hand with our values as an Academy: Westminster Academy students have a strong sense of social responsibility; they research social issues to understand the wider world, fundraise energetically and take an active role in the community with the objective of making the planet more equal, fair and sustainable.
My personal aspirations for Westminster Academy students align with those I have for my own teenaged children: I want to support them to flourish in all areas of their lives by helping them develop into well-rounded, compassionate individuals. My colleagues and I are committed to providing them with an exceptional education as part of a caring school community to ensure they have access to their preferred post-18 pathways, and have the skills and attributes to achieve their personal and professional goals. I hope you enjoy finding out more about us.
Mrs Numera Anwar PRINCIPAL AND CEO
ETHOS
OUR ETHOS IS STUDENTCENTRED AND PERSONALISES LEARNING FOR EVERY STUDENT IN A RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT SO THAT ALL OUR STUDENTS ARE SAFE, SECURE AND SUCCESSFUL.
The Academy fosters a proud, cohesive, and ambitious staff body through an engaged and innovative professional learning community, where continuous active learning dialogue among teachers results in sustained progress for all students and professional growth for all staff.
AN IB EDUCATION
AT WESTMINSTER ACADEMY STUDENTS FOLLOW THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM DURING KEY STAGE 3 AND KEY STAGE 4, SITTING GCSE EXAMS IN YEAR 11.
Our IB programmes are unique to the Sixth Form, but the philosophy of the IB inspires our teaching and learning and our approach to education across the whole school. The IB aims to develop specific attributes that empower learners to promote intercultural understanding and respect. These attributes form the IB Learner Profile and are embedded in our ethos at Westminster Academy.
THE IB LEARNER PROFILE
INQUIRERS THINKERS COMMUNICATORS RISK-TAKERS KNOWLEDGEABLE PRINCIPLED CARING OPEN-MINDED BALANCED REFLECTIVE
VALUES
Our HERO values underpin personal development, behaviour and welfare at Westminster Academy:
HONESTY
ENTERPRISE
RESPONSIBILITY
OPPORTUNITY
PRIDE IN INCLUSION
SILVER AWARD RECIPIENTS
at Westminster Academy LEARNING
THE ACADEMY SETS HIGH TARGETS FOR ITS STUDENTS, WITH A STUDENT-CENTRED VISION FOR LEARNING WHICH IS ENGAGING AND CHALLENGING.
WA follows a distinctive, IB-informed “WA Way” of teaching, learning and curriculum design which places emphasis on five crucial areas: self-management, student-centred learning, assessment and adaptation, communication, and preparation for the future. We encourage collaboration and creativity, recognising and building on each student’s talents. We focus on developing students’ character as well as their intellect, with an emphasis on the importance of a Growth Mindset and the IB Learner Profile attributes. We aim to build students’ understanding through inquiry-based learning, action and reflection to help them make connections between their classroom learning and the ‘real world’.
We achieve this thanks to our qualified, dedicated, dynamic teaching staff and a culture of collaborative professional learning and research which challenges teachers to continuously improve teaching practice. Lessons are differentiated as appropriate to cater for individual needs and abilities while ensuring a suitable level of challenge for every student. Effective assessment methods and data tracking allow us to personalise learning, ensure students make excellent progress and enable us to fully involve students and their families in their progress.
Classroom learning and assessment is enhanced by our 1:1 device programme. All students receive a Chromebook with access to a wide range of online learning platforms for use in school and at home throughout their time at WA. Using Chromebooks is a valuable way for students to acquire professional and research skills, to learn how to use technology responsibly and evaluate information as they develop skills in critical thinking. Chromebooks have also helped the school reduce its carbon footprint dramatically and have enabled us to switch seamlessly to remote learning when necessary.
Beyond the classroom students complement their learning through an exciting programme of educational visits, extra-curricular activities and events.
70% OF STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY ACHIEVE GRADES 9-4 IN CORE SUBJECTS OVER
WESTMINSTER ACADEMY HOLDS A ‘THINK TRAUMA’ SILVER AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF ITS WORK TO IMPLEMENT A TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH TO IMPROVE STUDENT WELLBEING AND TEACHER-STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS.
INCLUSION, WELFARE & SEND
AT WESTMINSTER ACADEMY, ONE CONSEQUENCE OF THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN A RENEWED FOCUS ON IN-PERSON CONNECTIONS AND THE INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS OF LEARNING TOGETHER.
We aim to ensure our provision supports the wellbeing and mental health of students as much as possible.
Our goals are to increase understanding and awareness of mental health issues and promote positive mental health among the students and staff at the Academy. We are supported by our student Mental Health Ambassadors. Teaching the skills, knowledge and understanding for students to keep themselves and others physically and emotionally well, is part of our Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) programme which is followed by students in all year groups.
Students are supported by their Personal Tutors, Year Coordinators and Pastoral Support Workers. As well as our Student Welfare Officer, we have trained Counsellors on site who are available to deliver counselling to students upon referral. We also work closely with our local Mind service to provide emotional support to students and staff.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES (SEND)
We are committed to the smooth transition of students with SEND to the Academy, beginning in the months before enrolment, when we liaise with primary school SEN Coordinators, parents and carers and invite students to a series of transition events at WA.
Each child who has been identified as having special educational needs has an action plan drawn up which is continually monitored, supported by our SEN Coordinator and Learning Support Assistants.
Personalised support may include sessions with a Speech and Language Therapist, accessibility aids and technology support, mentoring, interventions, counselling and specialist support.
CURRICULUM
Key Stage 3
Students follow the National Curriculum and are taught and assessed in the following areas:
GROUP 1: ENGLISH
GROUP 2: MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (SPANISH, FRENCH OR ARABIC)
GROUP 3: HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY AND GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
GROUP 4: SCIENCE AND COMPUTING
GROUP 5: MATHS
GROUP 6: ART, DANCE, DRAMA, FOOD AND MUSIC
CORE:
• Theory of Knowledge (including Religious Studies)
• Physical Education
• Personal Development, including Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and Careers Education
• Elective
Westminster Academy’s ethos is built around the studentcentred and internationally-minded values of the International Baccalaureate. Students enjoy curriculum journeys rich in breadth, depth and challenge, meaning that subjects and disciplines are valued at all stages and students maintain a broad curriculum all the way from Year 7 to 13.
At Key Stage 3, in addition to the core subject areas, we teach a Global Citizenship curriculum, to ensure students have an awareness of their rights and responsibilities and understand how they can contribute as a global citizen. We are also committed to delivering a broad curriculum offer for the arts and our students study five Expressive Arts subjects during Years 7, 8 and 9. Personal Development includes Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE), Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Careers information, advice and guidance.
Westminster Academy is excited to have introduced an elective at Key Stage 3, which allows students to choose one of their subjects from a list of extra and super-curricular activities with a focus on the arts and wellbeing. This provides students with engaging opportunities to explore different interests and talents and develop soft skills in a structured and supportive environment.
Key Stage 4
Courses follow the National Curriculum and include:
GROUP 1: ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE
GROUP 2: MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (SPANISH, FRENCH OR ARABIC)
GROUP 3: HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, CITIZENSHIP, ENTERPRISE, TRAVEL AND TOURISM
GROUP 4: SCIENCE (COMBINED OR TRIPLE), COMPUTER SCIENCE, DIGITAL IT
GROUP 5: MATHS
GROUP 6: ART, PERFORMING ARTS, FOOD, MUSIC, SPORT
CORE:
• Theory of Knowledge (including Religious Studies)
• Physical Education
• Personal Development, including RSHE and Careers Education
The development of subject specific skills and knowledge through our curricula prepares students for undergraduate courses at the world’s best universities, vocational study and rewarding careers. Students work to develop their thinking, social, communication, self-management and research skills through teaching and learning activities which focus on conceptual development, relevance, collaboration, differentiation and student-driven inquiry.
The curriculum at Key Stage 4 is personalised to suit the needs, interests and career pathways of individual students, providing a broad range of GCSE and BTEC course choices.
The data tracking in place enables the Academy to provide the best possible support for students, with personalised interventions to ensure students achieve their academic potential.
WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME
All students are offered work-related learning experiences, including a two-week work experience programme during Year 10. Placements have included local and international organisations such as hospitals, solicitor’s offices, art galleries, architecture firms, primary schools, global banks and hotels. The work experience programme allows students to experience first-hand the world of work, enabling them to develop personal and social skills in a professional context.
at Westminster Academy THE SIXTH FORM
WESTMINSTER ACADEMY IS PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE FEW NON FEE-PAYING SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY
WA IBDP STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY EXCEED GLOBAL AVERAGES
TOTAL SCORES
TO OFFER BOTH THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IBDP) AND THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME (IBCP) AT KEY STAGE 5.
The IBDP is known around the world for its academic rigour and for developing independent, critical thinkers. Students study six subjects, resulting in a broader, more balanced curriculum than the traditional Key Stage 5 pathways. Indeed, recent discussions of the future of UK state education have frequently referenced the benefits of a baccalaureate approach.
IBCP students study a vocational qualification in subjects such as Business or Applied Science, while also completing at least two IB certificates. It is a fantastic choice for students who prefer a balanced mixture of academic and vocational study.
Unique to the IB programmes is the IB Core. Through components involving volunteering, critical thinking and reflective projects, the IB Core allows students to develop skills and experience beyond their academic qualifications, which is very much a defining feature of the ethos of Westminster Academy.
Our supportive and highly knowledgeable team works closely with students to ensure they are on track to achieve their future goals. Diverse extra-curricular opportunities through our business and community links provide unique experiences to contribute to personal statements and CVs.
Each year we are proud to see our IB graduates leave WA as mature, resilient, knowledgeable and principled individuals, well prepared for the challenges of studying at university, apprenticeships, careers and beyond.
“WA’S IB PROGRAMME CREATES THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP MANY SKILLS THAT POST SIXTH FORM STUDIES REQUIRE, SUCH AS: TIME MANAGEMENT, COLLABORATIVE WORK AS WELL AS ACADEMIC WRITING.”
YELZHAN DYUSSIMBINOV, SIXTH FORM ALUMNUS
100%
OF SIXTH FORM GRADUATES GAIN
UNIVERSITY OFFERS
HUNDREDS OF EDUCATIONAL VISITS, EVENTS & ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
TAKE PLACE EVERY YEAR, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES.
“WA HAS A LARGE VARIETY OF CLUBS AND SPORTS FOR DIFFERENT ABILITIES AND INTERESTS, SUCH AS TABLE TENNIS AND BASKETBALL AS WELL AS CHESS CLUB AND GAMES CLUB.”
JIBRAIL TALEOUINE, STUDENT
Extra-curricular
ACTIVITIES
WESTMINSTER ACADEMY OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (ECA) TO CATER FOR STUDENTS’ DIVERSE INTERESTS AND NEEDS.
Our clubs and activities help students to make friends, learn independently, consolidate learning and increase confidence.
SPORT
Our first-class sporting facilities allow the school to offer a variety of sports at lunchtimes and after school. Activities vary each season, but include popular traditional sports such as football and rugby, as well as clubs such as indoor rowing and handball. Our exciting collaboration with Greenhouse Sports is extremely popular and gives students access to specialised basketball coaching and mentoring. Many of our sports teams compete in local leagues and we are proud to have seen our students experience both individual and team success through sport.
CREATIVE
Expressive arts enthusiasts enjoy working together to improve their skills and develop talent in Dance, Music, Drama, Food and Art. Students are offered the opportunity to join a variety of expressive arts clubs such as food club, choir, dance crew and arts and crafts. Students also have the chance to perform in our winter and summer shows. A range of inspiring visits and workshops take place throughout the year to further explore and nurture students’ creative talents.
ACADEMIC
Clubs such as STEM Club and History Club aim to inspire academic curiosity and a love of learning. Debate Club and Model United Nations (MUN) encourage students to express themselves confidently and understand the value of considering a diverse range of opinions. There are lots of other activities, like Creative Writing, Coding and UK Maths Trust (UKMT) competitions to offer something for everyone.
Participating in ECA leads to further opportunities, such as local and national competitions, educational visits, events and, in some cases, additional qualifications.
FIRST SECONDARY SCHOOL IN WESTMINSTER TO BE AWARDED
Student LEADERSHIP
WA ENCOURAGES
STUDENTS TO TAKE ON RESPONSIBILITY BY OFFERING A VARIETY OF WAYS STUDENTS CAN GET INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL AND DEVELOP AS YOUNG LEADERS.
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMES
Our Subject Prefects support curriculum departments and are ambassadors for learning. Students from all year groups are elected to the Academy Council each year. The Council meets weekly to provide personal insights into the student experience and to explore possible ways of improving it. Year 7 and 8 students have the opportunity to become WA Ambassadors. The Ambassador team supports the Principal in greeting visitors to the school, conducting tours and telling them all about Westminster Academy. House Captains foster community spirit among their Houses and encourage participation in House competitions. Our Pride Club and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Group offer ways for students to make their voices heard and lead the change they wish to see in society. Peer mentoring gives older students training in mentoring and provides valuable support to younger students. All of our young leaders are positive role models who help to strengthen connections among the school and wider community.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We also provide great opportunities for students to develop their leadership outside the school. The nationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme offers students the chance to gain their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Students develop their leadership, independence, teamwork and confidence by completing a challenging expedition in the countryside over two or three days. The programme also encourages students to develop as all-rounders, by getting students involved in volunteering, skill-based and physical activities as part of the Award. The Army Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a further exciting opportunity at Westminster Academy for students to be trained in military drill and presentation, field craft and soldiering. CCF is a popular programme at Westminster Academy, and gives students a sense of pride, duty, camaraderie, determination and discipline that they will carry with them throughout their time in the cadets and beyond.
Preparing for Future PATHWAYS
WE OFFER CAREERS EDUCATION, INDEPENDENT ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR ALL STUDENTS AGED 11–18.
All students have a personal tutor who they can go to for advice and guidance at any time. Each student is given access to an online, interactive careers service and specialist interviews are arranged for students to prepare them to move on to sixth form and university or an apprenticeship.
We place great value on equipping students with the research skills to access diverse information and make informed decisions that affect not only their future pathways, but their social lives, finances and wellbeing.
Students participate in regular opportunities with our wide range of partnerships with internationally renowned companies. These opportunities enhance academic qualifications and prepare students with the skills and knowledge to go on to successful and fulfilling educational pathways and careers.
“WA
IS SUPPORTIVE IN TERMS OF GETTING YOU PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE, SUCH AS PROVIDING WORK EXPERIENCE FOR YEAR 10 AND SEVERAL CAREER-RELATED WORKSHOPS.”
RITA PEREIRA, STUDENT
PARTNERSHIPS Business and Community
OUR AIM IS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS TO INVESTIGATE THE WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THEM, TO PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR FUTURE PATHWAYS AND TO SUCCEED IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY.
WE HAVE A NUMBER OF LINKS WITH BUSINESSES, THE COMMUNITY AND HIGHER EDUCATION, INCLUDING:
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE
BRITISH LAND
UCL’S INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
CITIBANK
IMPERIAL COLLEGE
THE LONDON CENTRE FOR LANGUAGES AND CULTURE
STEM LEARNING
Work experience, insight days and opportunities with external professionals provide critical experience, preparing students for success in further and higher education, as well as employment.
Our business partnerships focus on providing entrepreneurial experiences for all our students. Links with a variety of organisations offer opportunities for students to work closely with highly successful business people, including mentoring programmes and skills workshops. These interactions are valuable opportunities for students to explore their strengths and weaknesses and identify the gaps in their skills.
Community and higher education links – including Imperial College, the Brilliant Club, and Oxnet – provide further opportunities for students to broaden experiences, gain new perspectives and an insight into higher level research and study.
& the Community PARENTS, CARERS
OUR STUDENTS’ FAMILIES SPEAK OVER 60 LANGUAGES SO IT IS FITTING THAT AS AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, WE CELEBRATE THE COUNTRIES, CULTURES AND FAITHS WHICH OUR STUDENTS REPRESENT. GLOBAL AWARENESS AND INCLUSION ARE THREADS WHICH RUN THROUGH ALL OUR WORK.
Being an active part of the community is at the heart of Westminster Academy. Students engage in diverse volunteering opportunities both in school and in the community, and particularly enjoy fundraising. The Academy works closely with Westminster City Council and its schools and colleges. Joint projects with our link primary, secondary and IB schools give young members of the community access to our facilities as well as enabling secondary school taster days, CPD sessions for staff and curriculum support from subject specialists. Westminster Academy collaborates with community organisations to offer opportunities to parents, carers and local young people.
PARENTS AND CARERS
Parents and carers are encouraged to be in regular communication with their child’s personal tutors and involve themselves in their child’s learning through Parents’ Evenings, as well as through our online platforms which enable them to view up-to-date information such as reports, attendance and achievement points. The weekly Academy newsletter also keeps parents and carers informed of all events.
The Academy values regular opportunities to engage with parents and carers through coffee mornings/afternoons with the Principal, as well as some of our popular social events such as our Interfaith Iftar and International Day.
FACILITIES
The Academy has a state-of-the-art building designed by award winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM).
THE SITE IS EXTENSIVE FOR A CITY SCHOOL AND INCLUDES:
•A flexible working environment, enabling our focus on personalised learning
•Science laboratories, music suite and a food room
•Top floor ‘Sky Dining’ area and ground floor ‘Global Cafe’, with in-house catering
•Library
•Drama studio
•Lecture theatre with cinema-style seating
•Five professional-grade sports pitches
•A community sports centre with a large sports hall and a dance studio
•The world’s first managed outdoor Parkour facility
•Beach volleyball court
“WESTMINSTER ACADEMY IS AN AMAZINGLY ACADEMIC SCHOOL WITH AN AMAZING STAFF TEAM. THIS TEAM IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ON EVERYTHING FROM MENTAL HEALTH TO MATHS, AND HAS A FULL-TIME PASTORAL SUPPORT TEAM.”
SEAN CASSIDY, FORMER STUDENT
“THE BEST THING ABOUT WA IS ITS TEACHERS. THEY ARE OPEN-MINDED AND YOU CAN CREATE A WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. THEY ENGAGE STUDENTS IN LESSONS AND MAKE US GENUINELY ENJOY THE SUBJECTS AND WHAT WE STUDY.”
MARTINA RADENKOVIC, STUDENT
Sir Naim Dangoor Centre
255 Harrow Road
London W2 5EZ
T: 020 7121 0600
Email: admin@westminsteracademy.org.uk
www.westminsteracademy.org.uk
@WestminsterAca