SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS 2020
P RINCIPAL’ S WELC OM E
P RINCIPAL’S WELCOME
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 - A Levels which are consistently above national average and typically half of all departing students secure places at Russell Group, with a small proportion to Oxbridge each year. If, having read our prospectus and website, you would like to find out more about KAA6 please do watch our virtual open evening presentation or contact sixthform@kaa.org.uk for further information. With best wishes,
David Benson Principal K AA PROSPECT U S
KAA.ORG.UK
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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 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). SUBJECT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS • 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.
CURRICULUM
SUBJECTS AVAILABLE AT A LEVEL Students must choose one subject in each option block; the current blocks are shown below, and may be different on the application form. On the application form, students will be given the chance to express additional preferences; if there is sufficient demand, the option blocks can be changed when the timetable is constructed. Please note that blocking is subject to change. Students’ individual options can be discussed at enrolment. BLOCK A
BLOCK B
BLOCK C
BLOCK D
Maths
Maths
Maths
Maths
English Literature
Chemistry
English Literature
English Literature
Chemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Further Maths
Physics
History
Biology
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
Product Design
• Psychology: grade 6 or above in a science, plus grade 6 or above in English language. • Economics: grade 7 in Maths and 6 in English Language
Government & Politics TAUGHT @ GODOLPHIN & LATYMER (FEMALE STUDENTS ONLY) Classical Italian Civilisation Design Pre U Mandarin Technology History of Art Ancient History
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K AA PROSPECT U S
Latin
All courses (both at KAA and at Godolphin) are dependent on sufficient numbers of students; where there is insufficient demand or wider staffing issues, it is possible that small courses may be withdrawn 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. KAA.ORG.UK
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UNIV ER SIT IES & C AR E E R S
UNIVERSITIES & C AREERS
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 their colleagues in the HE teams at Charterhouse and Godolphin to ensure early planning for university entrance. The deadline for UCAS applications to, for example, Oxford and Cambridge, is early in the autumn term of Year 13. Therefore, preparation must start early in Year 12. Also, the choice of universities is wider than it has ever been (including overseas universities), so guidance through the complexities of the various admissions processes must be provided by experienced and supportive staff.
EDUCATION PARTNERS
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UNIV ER SIT IES DE S T I N AT I ON S 2 0 1 9
CAREERS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE ARE HIGH-QUALITY, PURPOSEFUL AND HELP STUDENTS TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR FUTURE. OFSTED
U NIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2019
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2020 UNIVERSITY
STUDENTS
COURSES
Bath Spa University
1
Business and Management (Fashion)
Birkbeck, University of London
1
Biomedicine
Brunel, University of London
12
Aerospace Engineering, Economics & Mathematics, International Politics, Environmental Science, Engineering (3), Economics & Business Finance, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Law with Criminal Justice, Psychology
Canterbury Christ Church University
1
Forensic Investigation / Psychology
City, University of London
11
Psychology (2), Electrical & Electronic Engineering (2), Optometry, Law, Biomedical Engineering, International Politics, Law, Adult Nursing, English
Keele University
1
Pharmacy
King’s College London, University of London*
11
Computer Science, Psychology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Religion, Philosophy & Ethics, Nursing, Liberal Arts, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Philosophy, Politics & Economics
Kingston University
3
Aerospace Engineering, Sport Science with Business, Cyber Security & Computer Forensics
Leeds Trinity University
1
Sport and Exercise Sciences
Loughborough University
1
Mathematics
Middlesex University
1
Psychology
Norwich University of the Arts
1
Fine Art
Queen Mary, University of London*
9
Chemistry, Biology, English (2), History (2), Psychology, Law with Business, Computer Science
Royal Holloway, University of London
1
Criminology and Sociology
SOAS, University of London
2
Social Anthropology & World Philosophies, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities
St George’s, University of London
1
Medicine
The University of Law
1
Law
University College London*
3
Applied Medical Sciences, English, Comparative Literature
University of Bath
1
Civil and Architectural Engineering
University of Birmingham
1
Geography
University of East London
1
Medical Physiology
University of Hertfordshire
1
Pharmacy
University of Manchester*
3
Dentistry, Computer Science, History & French
University of Nottingham*
2
Medical Physiology and Therapeutics, American Studies & History
University of Oxford*
2
Chemistry, History & Politics
University of Reading
1
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
University of Roehampton
1
Primary Education
University of Southampton*
1
Biomedical Sciences
University of Warwick*
2
Biochemistry
University of Westminster
3
Biomedical Sciences (2), Computer Science
University of Winchester
1
Physiotherapy
*Russell Group University 6
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AC ADEMIC SOC I E T I E S
AC ADEMIC SOCIETIES
ACADEMIC SOCIETIES Every week, every 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. 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.
STUDENTS IN THE SIXTH FORM ARE FULL OF PRAISE FOR THE TEACHING, SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE THAT THEY RECEIVE. OFSTED
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CULT UR E & COR E VAL U E S
THE HOUSE SYSTEM
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.
FOUR HOUSES
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 great 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.
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DISCIPLINE AND U N I FO R M
DISCIP LINE AND UNIFORM
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.
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FACILIT IES
FACILITIES
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
ADMISSIONS
• Our own sports hall and dance studio • A safe, enclosed rooftop football / sports pitch • Specialist performing and creative arts classrooms for drama, art and performing arts • Multiple music classrooms and practice rooms and a professional recording studio
To apply for KAA Sixth Form, please complete the online application from at www.kaa.org.uk/sixth-form/applications by Tuesday 1st December 2020. For queries about Sixth Form admissions, please email sixthform@kaa.org.uk.
• 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 • The Kensington Creates Entrepreneurial Centre
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Principal – Mr David Benson Kensington Aldridge Academy, 1 Silchester Road, London W10 6EX sixthform@kaa.org.uk / kaa.org.uk T: 0207 313 5800