The Norton Knatchbull School Benefactorum recordatio jucundissima est
SIXTH FORM
Headteacher’s
WELCOME
Thank you for your interest in the Sixth Form at The Norton Knatchbull School. This prospectus, alongside our open mornings, open evening, website and discussions with current students, are 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. Choosing the right path at post-16 level is one of the most important decisions you will make in your school career. The options you decide to follow now will determine the avenues open to you later. We are here to help you make the right choices and to ensure that you are successful. We pride ourselves on our friendly, welcoming community and we are confident that our Sixth Form will provide you with a vibrant and challenging environment in which you can flourish as an individual. We offer a multitude of ways in which to build on GCSE successes and specialise in curriculum areas that inspire lifelong interest, learning and careers. There is an expectation that you will aim high and take advantage of the many and varied opportunities in the school to further develop the key qualities of reasoning, reflection, resilience, resourcefulness, respect and responsibility. As a member of our Sixth Form you will act as a role model for our younger students, leading, inspiring and supporting them, whilst also pursuing your own academic and personal goals. We strongly believe that the experience of being a member of our Sixth Form will enable you to take the next steps in your career with confidence, initiative and maturity. I look forward to welcoming you to the Sixth Form at The Norton Knatchbull School. Susanne Staab
Headteacher
Academic
Development At NKS, we offer a varied and extensive programme of academic and creative study to prepare all of our students for higher education and the world of work. You will rarely find a more wide-ranging array of A level choices including academic subjects such as Mathematics and History as well as creative options such as Photography and Product Design. All of these are taught to a high standard by teachers who are specialists in their field and who encourage academic rigour as well as active learning. Teaching takes place in designated and well equipped classrooms and we continually strive to improve our facilities further. In order to support independent learning, students have full use of our state-of-the-art library and Sixth Form quiet study areas. We provide regular points of feedback to parents and carers through academic reports containing information on students’ potential, progress, attitude to learning and homework. Thus, school works closely with home to ensure that should problems arise they are identified early and appropriate intervention and support can take place. Equally, good effort and achievements are highlighted, celebrated and rewarded. As a result, our Sixth Form students perform significantly above the national average with over half of our students gaining A* to B grades at the end of their studies.
“The curriculum is varied and brought to life through passionate teaching and stimulating tasks to engage those of all abilities.� Yr 13 student
Careers advice and
Guidance Our students aspire to be the best and we have an extensive programme of pastoral support and careers advice to help them to achieve their goals. We run a successful work experience programme which gives our students the chance to gain relevant experience outside the classroom and helps them determine their future choices. This is complemented by our in-school careers service offering individualised guidance for all students. In addition, all of our students are allocated a personal UCAS tutor to assist them with the university application process or with applications for apprenticeships, employment or other alternative pathways. Our Year 12 students attend a Higher Education Convention in the spring term, participate in workshops and seminars which are often delivered by visiting speakers, and embark on visits to some of the top universities in the country including Oxford and Cambridge. Those students who are invited to attend university interviews are also offered the opportunity to prepare further for this by participating in a mock interview organised by the school. As a result, over 90% of our student body go on to university each year with half of all applications being made to the prestigious Russell Group universities.
“I aspire to study law at Oxford and become a barrister. The school has provided me with an enormous body of information and advice, guided me through UCAS and supported my application completely.� Yr 13 student
The wider life of
The school We place great emphasis on encouraging all of our students to reach their academic potential but this is only part of the picture. The nurturing of wider personal characteristics such as taking responsibility, showing leadership, engaging in teamwork, and developing empathy and awareness of different cultures are just as important. Students take the lead in running sporting, cultural and charity events throughout the year as part of our vibrant house system. Students can elect to take on a range of leadership roles by acting as peer mentors to younger students, subject prefects, form prefects and house captains. The school captain is expected to lead the student body in the school council and to represent the student voice. Volunteering, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, overseas trips, cultural visits, musical performances, drama productions and numerous charity events provide ample opportunities for everyone to participate and thrive. Our strong pastoral structure assists students in settling into the Sixth Form quickly. The pastoral team consists of the Sixth Form tutors, the Student Support Manager and the Head of Sixth Form, all of whom are experienced in providing high-quality support. As a result, our young people are able to make informed and positive life choices, and are equipped to face the challenges of a fast-changing, competitive and increasingly global environment.
The Norton Knatchbull School SIXTH FORM Hythe Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0QJ T: 01233 620045 F: 01233 633668 information@nks.kent.sch.uk www.nks.kent.sch.uk
@School_NKS