WELCOME
TO THE SIXTH FORM AT WESTMINSTER ACADEMY
I was delighted to be appointed Principal and CEO of Westminster Academy in 2024 and become part of the continuing development of this wonderful school. It is a particularly exciting prospect to me to be leading an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Having previously led IB schools, I have seen firsthand the value of these programmes and the impact of the IB’s holistic approach.
WA is one of the few non fee-paying schools in London to offer both the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), which you’ll read more about over the next few pages. At WA it has always been part of our vision to offer an internationallyminded education that offers students an opportunity to excel in their academic outcomes needed for their future pathways. We also ensure that students receive a breadth of experiences to help develop them into individuals who are inquisitive and caring, take ownership for their learning and gain the social intelligence to communicate effectively.
We believe that students leave WA well-equipped with the tools required to succeed in this rapidly changing world.
In our most recent Ofsted inspection 2023 our Sixth Form was graded ‘Outstanding’, recognising the ‘consistently high-quality educational experience’ offered to our students. We pride ourselves on offering bespoke courses and a rich curriculum for all our learners. Students are supported by our highly knowledgeable staff, who work closely with them to ensure they are on track to achieve their future goals. Students are given access to numerous educational visits and extra-curricular opportunities to gain real life experiences that encourage them to develop a love of learning. WA students have a strong record of success, consistently achieving above world-average results when compared to other IB schools internationally. All students who apply receive offers to universities, with many opting for Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge. In recent years we have seen students also achieve places on highly competitive degree apprenticeships.
As a parent myself of a teenager who is currently in Sixth Form education, I have the same aspirations for our Sixth Formers as I do my own children. I want them to be given the environment, the opportunities and the support to flourish and achieve their full potential. Each year at WA, the staff body is proud to see the principled, kind young people our IB students become, graduating with excellent academic achievements and embarking on exciting future pathways.
NUMERA ANWAR Principal and CEO
An IB Education
The International Baccalaureate is unique to other qualifications because it has 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.’ The IB works actively towards this by developing programmes that provide the knowledge, concepts, skills, and actions needed to achieve this mission.
IB programmes aim 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.
CONSISTENTLY ACHIEVE
IB Learner Profile:
• Inquirers
• Knowledgeable
• Thinkers
• Communicators
• Principled
• Open-minded
• Caring
• Risk-takers
• Balanced
• Reflective
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME Teaching and Learning
Westminster Academy is proud to offer the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Studied in over 150 countries and recognised by universities across the world, the Diploma is widely seen as a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual rigour.
The appeal of the IB Diploma is based on the philosophy of the programme; foreign languages, international-mindedness and service learning are combined with a sustained focus on thinking skills, academic writing and subject specific rigour. It is a demanding programme, but each year we see our IB Diploma graduates leave WA as mature, resilient, knowledgeable, principled and capable individuals, prepared for the challenges of studying at university and beyond.
Students study six subjects (one from each of the listed disciplines) to achieve a balanced curriculum. Three subjects are taken at higher level (HL) and the other three at standard level (SL). Higher Level subjects include a range of modules to allow students to study the course in more depth and develop more specialised knowledge.
In addition, students study the IB Core, an exciting feature of the programme which challenges students to broaden their experience beyond the curriculum, and to apply their knowledge and skills.
GROUP SUBJECT CHOICES FOR EACH GROUP CAN INCLUDE
1 Studies in Language and Literature English Literature, English Language and Literature
2 Language Acquisition Arabic, French, Spanish – at advanced and ab initio (beginner) levels
3 Individuals and Societies Business Management, Psychology, History
4 Science Biology, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies
5 Maths Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
6 The Arts and Electives Visual Arts, Computer Science, Chemistry, Economics
The IBDP Core
Students study the following three elements of the IBDP Core: Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) – developing as global citizens by completing a project and reflecting on creative, active and service experiences. Examples at WA include volunteering at a care home or producing a school newsletter.
Theory of Knowledge – reflecting critically on the nature of knowledge. At WA students present their responses to questions such as “How can we know that current knowledge is an improvement upon past knowledge?”.
Extended Essay – completing an extended piece of research-based writing which enables students to develop independent, academic writing skills and provides practical preparation for undergraduate study.
Teaching and learning in the IB Diploma takes place in small classes, taught by specialist teachers. As such, our teachers build strong relationships with their students and are able to effectively challenge and motivate them to achieve their full potential.
IB curricula integrate concept-based teaching and learning to promote meaning and understanding: students develop understanding of concepts which allows them to make their own connections between their learning in one subject, with what they learn in other subjects, as well as what they think and observe in their lives.
Approaches to Learning (AtL) prompt students to think about how they learn, so IB students will experience a focus on Thinking skills, Communication skills, Self-management skills, Research skills and Social skills in their classes.
As a result, IB students are held in high regard by university admissions officers, who value the IB for encouraging independent inquiry, developing self-management skills, developing workplace skills, nurturing an open mind and developing global awareness and connectivity.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) was developed to combine the values of the IB with a career-related education.
Students study a minimum of two IBDP courses, one BTEC Extended Diploma and the IBCP Core. Students develop the academic strength, international perspective and research skills required for university and life-long learning, along with professional, transferable skills to ensure they are successful in their careers.
COURSE SUBJECT CHOICES CAN INCLUDE
BTEC Extended Diploma (students select one) Business, Sport
IB Courses (students select two)
The IBCP Core
English Language and Literature, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
Students study the following four elements of the IBCP Core:
Service Learning – developing new skills and becoming more open-minded through volunteering in the local community.
Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) – developing employability skills through a series of projects.
Reflective Project – reflecting critically on an ethical issue relating to a student’s chosen field of study and producing a university-style piece of work.
Language Development – studying a foreign language through project-based work.
Teaching and learning
SIXTH FORM GRADUATES WHO APPLY GAIN UNIVERSITY OFFERS
The IBCP places an emphasis on practical skills, so students undertake project-based work such as creating a funding pitch for a business, conducting market research or gathering and analysing forensic evidence. IB Approaches to Learning give students opportunities to think critically and creatively in their learning, communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of situations, and work independently and in collaboration with others.
PERSONALISED LEARNING
WE ARE COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT EACH STUDENT’S PROGRAMME OF STUDY IS PERSONALISED TO ENABLE THEM TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR EDUCATION.
Personal Tutors
Each student is assigned a personal tutor at the Academy who they meet with in tutor groups every day to complete a specifically designed Personal Development curriculum. In addition, each student meets their tutor on a 1:1 basis regularly, to review progress, discuss aspirations and set goals.
Parental Contact
Our tutors are the first point of call for parents and carers, and will keep parents and carers updated on their child’s progress throughout the year. We also hold a Parents’ Evening and provide regular reports throughout the year.
“THE TEACHING AT THE SCHOOL IS INCREDIBLE. TEACHERS CONSTANTLY PUSH YOU TO CHALLENGE AND QUESTION CONVENTIONAL WISDOM, AND TO UNDERSTAND THAT KNOWLEDGE MEANS SO MUCH MORE THAN PASSING EXAMS.”
ZAKRI ZULKURNAIN, IBDP ALUMNUS
IN 2023, RESULTS FOR WA’S VOCATIONAL PROGRAMMES WERE IN THE TOP 1% NATIONALLY.
IT Access
All WA students have the option of receiving a Chromebook at the start of Sixth Form. This 1:1 device programme has proved a great success in providing opportunities for students to collaborate positively online, as well as conduct independent research, and allows for a seamless transition to remote learning.
Sixth Form students use ManageBac (the IB’s Virtual Learning Environment) where students, parents and carers can access lesson resources, submit assessments and view feedback.
WA SIXTH FORMERS PROGRESS TO TOP UNIVERSITIES, INCLUDING: OXFORD, CAMBRIDGE, IMPERIAL, UCL, LSE, DURHAM, NOTTINGHAM, KING’S COLLEGE LONDON, BRISTOL
INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
SIXTH FORM STUDENTS ARE PROVIDED WITH OUTSTANDING SUPPORT AS THEY TAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS TO DETERMINE THEIR POST-18 PATHWAYS.
Students work regularly with their tutors to refine their personal goals and develop action plans. They are taught to be independent, and given access to a wealth of careers resources so that they have the skills and understanding to make informed decisions. These skills are supplemented with workplace visits, open days, presentations, public speaking and networking to help students understand the different routes which are available to them.
IBCP students are given the opportunity to join our Career Ready programme. Participants are connected to a dedicated business mentor who they meet at least once a month, attend a series of employerled masterclasses, and undertake a six-week paid internship over the summer break.
Extensive support is offered throughout the UCAS programme. Starting in Year 12, the Academy organises visits to a wide range of universities so
that students can research courses; we also support students in applying to preparatory extra-curricular programmes at local universities. Our weekly ‘Dare to Know’ lecture series is delivered by academics and experts in their fields, allowing students to explore new research and ideas, and become familiar with university-style learning.
A series of UCAS workshops allows students to develop impressive and competitive personal statements; our staff team guides students through the process of carefully reviewing and improving their statements before they are submitted. Oxbridge applicants are provided with extra support, including preparatory classes, mock interviews and Oxford University visits.
We also provide bespoke and comprehensive support for students interested in apprenticeships.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
THE ETHOS OF THE IB EMPHASISES THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS. WESTMINSTER ACADEMY IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING ENGAGING OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM THAT SUPPORT THIS.
IBDP students take part in Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), which encourages students to develop creative skills, maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle, to be active, global citizens and to reflect on the personal challenges and outcomes these activities present. Popular CAS opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Model United Nations, the student newsletter, mentoring younger students, cookery and a variety of sporting activities; activities which are also available for IBCP students. Our Sixth Formers are expected to role model the IB Learner Profile and Westminster Academy values for the rest of the school. Student leadership is a key part of this. Our Sixth Form Prefects and Academy Council members work with staff and younger students on initiatives to enhance the student experience at the Academy.
Educational Visits and Partnerships
Westminster Academy takes full advantage of its diverse partnerships and its location in central London to organise a wide array of educational visits. These range from visiting the headquarters of FTSE 100 companies to working with start-up businesses in local hubs, and from visiting some of the best museums in the world to one-to-one mentoring.
THE ACADEMY IS PROUD TO BE PARTNERED WITH AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF ORGANISATIONS, WHICH INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS. THESE INCLUDE:
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE
“STUDENTS IN THE SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE A VERY RICH OFFER. THEY BENEFIT FROM VISITS TO UNIVERSITIES, SUPPORT WITH INTERNSHIPS AND SUMMER PLACEMENTS, AS WELL AS TAKING PART IN LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.” OFSTED, 2023
For information on applying to Westminster Academy, please visit our website: www.westminsteracademy.org.uk
For further details, please contact our Sixth Form Team: sixthformadmissions@westminsteracademy.org.uk
“AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIVING IN LONDON, I FOUND WA TO BE A VERY WELCOMING COMMUNITY.
I’M DELIGHTED I CHOSE IT!”
ZACHARY MAGAN, IBDP ALUMNUS
Sir Naim Dangoor Centre
255 Harrow Road
London W2 5EZ
T: 020 7121 0600
E: admin@westminsteracademy.org.uk
www.westminsteracademy.org.uk
@WestminsterAca