KAA Sixth Form Prospectus 2021 by Kensington Aldridge Academy

SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS 2021

P RINCIPAL’ S WELC OM E

K AA PROSPECT U S

P R I N C I PA L’ S W E LC O ME

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME Dear Parents / Carers, I’m delighted to welcome you to our Sixth Form prospectus. Students who apply and are successful will become part of something very special here at KAA: a state school sixth form that offers standards to rival any in the independent sector. Our staff, our facilities and our independent school partners Godolphin & Latymer and Charterhouse have helped grow an Ofsted “outstanding” sixth form here in the heart of Notting Hill. What makes KAA6 outstanding? It’s the personalised tuition and expert teaching from subject specialists that give us a competitive edge. Students enjoy consistently excellent lessons and careful guidance on their applications into the world of Higher Education or Apprenticeships. The results speak for themselves – our A Levels grades are consistently above national average, and we send 60% of students to Russell Group universities, with a small number to Oxbridge each year. If you would like to find out more about KAA6 please read the pages that follow and explore our website, where you can find out about Open Evenings too. For more information you can also email sixthform@kaa.org.uk With best wishes,

David Benson Principal K A A . O RG . U K

CUR R ICULUM

THE KAA SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM Opposite is a full list of A-Level courses available to study at KAA. Students typically study four subjects in Year 12, dropping to three in Year 13. In line with national guidance and other local schools we no longer operate AS exams.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

SUBJECT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

8 GCSE grades at grade 5 or above (including both English and Maths), with a 6 or above in the subject to be studied (or closest equivalent).

• English & humanities subjects: grade 6 or above in English (Lit and Lang) • Maths: grade 7 or above in Maths. • Further Maths: grade 8 or above in Maths. • Science: triple award: grade 7 or above in the science to be studied; dual award (Combined Science) grade 7-7 or above. • Psychology: grade 6 or above in a science, plus grade 6 or above in English language. • Economics: grade 7 in Maths and English Language.

K AA PROSPECT U S

C U R R I CU L U M

SUBJECTS AVAILABLE AT A LEVEL Students must choose one subject in each block, and our typical blocking is below. If your preferred combination of subjects doesn’t fit, you can note this on your application form, and blocks may be altered if there is sufficient demand. Please note that in any given year, the final blocking may change due to timetable constraints. BLOCK A

BLOCK B

BLOCK C

BLOCK D

Maths

English Literature

Chemistry

English Literature

Chemistry

Biology

Chemistry

Further Maths

Physics

History

Biology

Psychology

Religious Education

Psychology

Physics

History

Computer Science

Religious Education

Psychology

Geography

Government & Politics

Computer Science

Geography

Spanish

Fine Art

Physical Education

Dance

Drama

German

Music

French

Economics

Product Design

Government & Politics * We are considering running a Level 3 BTEC Science course in addition to A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics for some students and can discuss this with you at interview.

TAUGHT @ GODOLPHIN & LATYMER (FEMALE STUDENTS ONLY) Classical Italian Civilisation Design Pre U Mandarin Technology History of Art

Latin

All courses (both at KAA and Godolphin) are dependent on numbers, and there is a possibility the smallest courses may not run in a given year. Applicants for a course at Godolphin must follow a separate procedure which requires higher GCSE grades – this can be explained on application.

Ancient History K A A . O RG . U K

UNIV ER SIT IES & C AR E E R S

K AA PROSPECT U S

U N I V E R S I T I E S & C A REERS

UNIVERSITIES & CAREERS From the very start of their time at KAA new sixth formers will be encouraged to look to their future. The sixth form at KAA is very much a bridge into university and the world of work and this starts from the first day you will spend in the academy. UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS Our Higher Education team at KAA will work closely with all students to ensure early planning for university entrance. For example, the deadline for UCAS applications to Oxford and Cambridge is the early autumn term of Year 13. Therefore, preparation must start early in Year 12. The choice of universities is wider than it has ever been (including overseas universities), so guidance through the complexities of the admissions process will be provided by experienced and supportive staff.

RESULTS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS 2018 +0.34 (well above average)

2019 +0.24

2020

2021

This means that students perform 0.34 of a grade higher than students with equivalent GCSEs at other schools

(above average)

N/A Exams Cancelled

% of grades @ A* - B

62%

49%

51%

79%

% of grades @ A* - C

85%

75%

81%

93.5%

A Level Progess

EDUCATION PARTNERS

K A A . O RG . U K

UNIV ER SIT IES DE S T I N AT I ON S 2 0 2 1

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2021

UNIVERSITY

STUDENTS

COURSES

Aston University, Birmingham

Politics with International Relations

Birmingham City University

Sport & Exercise Science

Brunel University London

Physiotherapy; Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences; Environmental Sciences

Cardiff University

Law and Politics (Integrated); Computer Science with a year of Study Abroad

City, University of London

History and Politics; Economics with Accounting; Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging); Children's Nursing; Computer Science; Law; International Political Economy

Durham University

Politics

Imperial College London

Medicine; Civil Engineering

Institute of Contemporary Music Performance

BA (Hons) Creative Musicianship - Vocals

King's College London, University of London

Computer Science; Biochemistry; Geography; Pharmacy; Biomedical Science; Modern Languages with a Year Abroad; Politics; History; Pharmacy

London Metropolitan University

LLB Law

London School of Economics

Actuarial Science; International Relations; Economic History; Actuarial Science; Social Anthropology

London South Bank University

Computer Science; Chemical Engineering

Manchester Metropolitan University

Drama and Contemporary Performance

Queen Mary University of London

Medicine; Aerospace Engineering; Medical Genetics; Law; Computer Science; English; Computer Science with Management (ITMB); Mathematics (4); Engineering with Foundation; History; Psychology; Politics and International Relations; History; Mechanical Engineering; Computer Science with Industrial Experience

Royal Veterinary College, University of London

Applied Bioveterinary Research

SOAS University of London

International Relations; Japanese and World Philosophies

Solent University (Southampton)

Criminology and Sociology with Social Sciences Foundation Year

St George's, University of London

Biomedical Science

St Mary's University, Twickenham

Acting

Staffordshire University

Esports (with a Foundation Year) - Staffordshire University London

UCL (University College London)

Engineering (Electronic and Electrical); Biomedical Sciences; Pharmacy; Physics; History; Neuroscience

University of Brighton

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

University of Bristol

Mechanical Engineering

University of Cambridge

Natural Sciences

University of East Anglia UEA

English Literature

University of Exeter

English and Creative Writing; History with Study Abroad

University of Kent

Biomedical Science; Law; Psychology (2); Management

University of Manchester

History; Computer Science; Economics; Biochemistry (4 years) [MSci]

University of Nottingham

Politics and International Relations; Neuroscience

University of Oxford

History and Politics

University of Roehampton

Criminology; Psychology & Counselling

University of Southampton

Law

University of Sussex

Law; Psychology with Neuroscience (2); Psychology with Clinical Approaches; Arts and Humanities (with a foundation year)

University of Warwick

Biological Sciences

University of Westminster, London

Business Management; Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience

K AA PROSPECT U S

*Russell Group University

U N I V E R S I T Y D E S T I N AT I O N S 2021

CAREERS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ARE HIGH-QUALITY, PURPOSEFUL AND HELP STUDENTS TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR FUTURE. OFSTED

K A A . O RG . U K

AC ADEMIC SOC I E T I E S

ACADEMIC SOCIETIES Every week, each student at KAA Sixth Form attends an academic society of their choice. These are an opportunity to go beyond the syllabus and to step away from exam requirements.

K AA PROSPECT U S

These sessions are a mixture of teacher-led extension; which stretches participants to degree level thinking; student-led presentations or seminars; and external speakers. These societies provide the structure in which wider reading, intellectual endeavour and independent research become a reality.

AC A D E M I C S O CIETIES

K A A . O RG . U K

CULT UR E & COR E VAL U E S

CULTURE Intrepidus – our motto – is the unifying idea which binds all the aspects of our school community. Intrepidus is at our core: it is a simple, powerful ethos of aspiration and achievement. It has real meaning to all students, staff and parents alike. Intrepidus is about understanding that it’s always better to try and fail than to never try at all; that mistakes are an inevitable part of learning; and that with hard work and persistence we can master new skills in new subjects.

CORE VALUES OF KAA Excellence: Not just in academics, but in everything we do. Resilience: We love a challenge, and understand that mistakes are just opportunities to improve. Creativity: In lessons, new learning is always presented as a problem to be solved, and creativity and original thinking are rewarded. Citizenship: Together we are greater than the sum of our parts. Above all, this very simple phrase captures our school spirit:

WORK HARD, BE NICE.

K AA PROSPECT U S

T H E H O U S E S YS TEM

THE HOUSE SYSTEM At KAA all students and staff are a member of one of our four houses. The house system creates ‘schools within schools’ – smaller communities of students and staff that develop a sense of belonging, identity and healthy competition. The house system provides a focal point for academy events and rewards, and mixes all ages to allow older students to mentor their younger peers.

K A A . O RG . U K

DISCIPLINE AND U N I FO R M

K AA PROSPECT U S

D I S C I P L I N E A N D U N IF O RM

DISCIPLINE KAA has the very highest expectations of student behaviour and these extend to our sixth formers. We recognise that with increased maturity comes increased independence – for example KAA sixth formers are free to eat offsite at lunchtime. But we also run a very tight ship. KAA is a calm, orderly environment where students are required to be polite and courteous at all times. Our culture is one of no excuses and high expectations. These expectations are set out clearly in our Sixth Form Code of Conduct and all students and parents will be asked to sign a home / school agreement before they join the academy.

UNIFORM We are entrepreneurial academy with great ambitions for our students and this is reflected in our sixth form dress code. Professional, business dress is required – with suits of matching cloth, colour and pattern preferred. Trainers, T-Shirts, jeans etc are not allowed during school hours.

K A A . O RG . U K

FACILIT IES

FACILITIES The £66 million KAA Campus, which includes the academy and the new Kensington Leisure Centre, needs no fine words to describe it. Our beautiful new building speaks for itself – it is a world class learning environment and we are extremely privileged to have it. We are fortunate to have our KAA facilities and put them to the service of our students. However, we also know the building alone is not the answer; it is the school’s values, our strong ethos, and our focus on curriculum, assessment and teaching and learning that will be the keys to our success.

Studying at KAA gives you the chance to spend two years studying in one of the greatest parts of London! KAA is just minutes from Portobello Road, Notting Hill Gate and Holland Park three areas which are world famous for their shopping, parks, restaurants and culture. North Kensington is a vibrant, buzzing, creative community and here at KAA we are proud to be right at its heart.

Distinctive features of our building include: • A high-spec, dedicated Sixth Form Common Room for students to relax in and engage in independent study • A professional theatre, built to a West End standard • Our own sports hall and dance studio • A safe, enclosed rooftop football / sports pitch

• Multiple music classrooms and practice rooms and a professional recording studio • State of the art design technology rooms, including Graphics, Resistant Materials, Food Technology and Textiles • Flexible IT spaces for independent work • A dedicated sixth form library

• Specialist performing and creative • The Kensington Creates arts classrooms for drama, Entrepreneurial Centre art and performing arts

K AA PROSPECT U S

FAC I L ITIES

ADMISSIONS To apply for KAA Sixth Form, please complete the online application from at www.kaa.org.uk/sixth-form/applications by Wednesday 1st December 2020. For queries about Sixth Form admissions, please email sixthform@kaa.org.uk.

K A A . O RG . U K

Principal – Mr David Benson Kensington Aldridge Academy, 1 Silchester Road, London W10 6EX sixthform@kaa.org.uk / kaa.org.uk T: 0207 313 5800