SIXTH FORM HANDBOOK
WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
I am delighted to welcome you to King’s Worcester Sixth Form. This is a tremendously exciting transition for existing students as they move on to the next stage of their education, and for the new students who join from a range of schools. I hope that your son or daughter settles quickly into the Sixth Form and finds the next two years productive, enjoyable and inspiring. I very much look forward to meeting with students on a regular basis and with parents. This will be on both formal and more informal occasions, making use of the wonderful buildings and gardens throughout the School.
The completion of the first phase of the Sixth Form Centre is truly exciting. The work spaces, Careers Department, Cafe 1541 and social areas will form the focus of Sixth Form students’ non-contact time. The Head and Assistant Head of Sixth Form have offices are located close by and we are delighted to offer support.
Students will join one of eight Houses, which will be their pastoral base throughout the Sixth Form. Their Year Group Tutor and House Tutor will be the people who oversee their school life and will offer pastoral and academic support. The House is the first point of contact with the School and parental queries should initially go to Year Group Tutors. This enables a smaller and close-knit community in which to seek support and build relationships, but students are always welcome to seek advice from me and Mrs Neville, Assistant Head of Sixth Form as well as the Designated Safeguarding Leads: Miss Dyke (Pastoral Deputy), Mr Chapman and Mrs Fellows. The Chaplain, the School Nurses and the School Counsellors are also available to offer support.
One of the main advantages of being in the Sixth Form at King’s is the number of activities which are on offer. In the Sixth Form there is a broader range of games options, further trips and educational visits and an enormous variety of activities. Further opportunities can be discovered at the Activities Fayre held in September.
Students will choose from one of seven exciting Elective courses, each of which has a nationally recognised qualification that will truly stand out when applying for a range of post-18 options. In addition, students will take part in weekly Life Skills sessions, covering core PSHE themes and vibrant areas of life for 16-18 years olds, including research writing, festival safety, young adult health, cooking and more.
We are proud that King’s Sixth Form is supportive, successful and aspirational for all students. In order to make the most of their time here, it is important that they seek a sensible balance between academic work and co-curricular opportunities.
Do get in touch if you have questions in the meantime via jhand@ ksw.org.uk.
Best wishes,
Mr Josh Hand Head of Sixth Form
Josh Hand Head of Sixth Form
Mr
S ENIOR SCHOOL STRUCTURES
PASTORAL STRUCTURE IN THE SIXTH FORM
Year Group Tutors LR-U6th
Mrs Emma Rossiter
Mrs Alison Odam
Mrs Jo Walters
SENIOR LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT KING’S
Dr Alison Oliver Senior Deputy Head
Mrs Katie Beever Deputy Head Academic
Mr Gareth Doodes Headmaster
Miss Harriet Dyke Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy Head Pastoral
Miss Georgina Mason Director of Finance and Business Development
Mr Adam Winter Director of Operations
Health Centre Nurses
House Tutors LR-U6th
Counsellor
Mr Michael Siglioccolo
Chaplain Dr Mark Dorsett
Mr Josh Hand Head of Sixth Form
Mrs Claire Neville Assistant Head of Sixth Form
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
In addition to the raft of information in our handbook, you can find additional information on our Lower Years Hub. Here you will find a link to our virtual tour, information on getting to King’s, details of the school uniform, a short video from our Lower Years Pupils, essential tips for settling in, how to express an interest in music lessons and how to sign up to our school newsletter and social media channels.
Reason for contacting the School Who should I contact?
Illness/Emergency/Planned Medical/Dental Appointment
School Office
Year Group Tutor- please copy them in to any absence emails
Contacting the Lower Years Team Mr Josh Hand Head of Sixth Form
Mrs Claire Neville Assistant Head of Sixth Form
House Tutors
Health Centre
Contact Information
absence@ksw.org.uk
01905 721704 01905 721700
See list of email addresses
jhand@ksw.org.uk
cneville@ksw.org.uk
Please see House specific information Page 10
Mrs Emma Rossiter
Mrs Alison Odam
Mrs Jo Walters
Senior Leadership Team Mr Gareth Doodes
Dr Alison Oliver
Miss Harriet Dyke
Mrs Katie Beever
Miss Georgina Mason
Mr Adam Winter
COMMUNICATION
If as parents or guardians you have any concerns about your child, then please do contact your daughter/son’s Year Group Tutor in the first instance. Early communication is essential to build an effective partnership between school and home and we welcome the opportunity to work closely with you should you have any queries or concerns about life at school or your child’s well-being or progress; we aim to keep parents and guardians fully informed on all matters relating to their children.
The King’s Worcester Firefly website is a key source of information about life in school and offers a variety of information about dayto-day life at King’s. More information on this can be found on page 16.
health@ksw.org.uk 01905 721711
headmaster@ksw.org.uk or you can make an appointment to meet with the Headmaster via his secretary, Mrs Fiona Cook, on: 01905 721740
aoliver@ksw.org.uk
hdyke@ksw.org.uk
kbeever@ksw.org.uk
gmason@ksw.org.uk
awinter@ksw.org.uk
You will receive a weekly newsletter from the Headmaster which provides a roundup of school news. Once a year, you will receive a copy of the school magazine, The Vigornian.
You are also encouraged to follow us via our social media channels.
‘King’s Worcester’ @kings_worcester
‘Kings Worcester’ @The King’s School, Worcester
SCHOOL INFORMATION
THE SIXTH FORM DAY
All students should arrive at school before 8.30 am each day, when registration takes place in Houses. Students should not generally enter the school site before 8.00 am. There is no official supervision prior to then and therefore we require that students are not on site, unless they are in a supervised activity.
ExampleSixthFormStudentTimetable
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE
If your son or daughter is ill, please leave a message on the School’s absence line - (01905 721704) or email absence@ksw.org. uk - on each day of his or her absence, copying in the relevant Year Group Tutor if emailing.
If your child has a medical appointment which cannot be arranged outside school hours please email their Year Group Tutor in advance.
If a student needs to miss school for any reason, family event such as a wedding or funeral; public performance or participation in sport, parents and guardians must contact the Headmaster, in plenty of time and well before arrangements are finalised. The Headmaster will take into account the student’s prior attendance record and the reason for the request. Please be aware that he is not legally or contractually bound to grant the request. Any
Travelling to and from school Bicycles can be brought to school. They can be kept at the rear of the Choir House building during the day and must always be locked when left on school premises. Please ensure helmets are worn.
Please impress upon your son or daughter the need to walk safely but quickly to school either from home or after a journey on public transport. We advise that students should use public routes when they walk to and from school and that they should always walk with friends.
absence of more than ten days may only be granted in exceptional circumstances under the terms of the legislation about compulsory school attendance.
Please be aware that if a student misses school without prior permission, or if he or she stays away for longer than the agreed term, this absence will be recorded as unauthorised. In some instances, the School will seek advice from the local Education Welfare Officer if students are missing school for unauthorised reasons.
Lateness
All students must arrive for registration by 8.30 am. Afternoon registration takes place at 2.25 pm in their P7 lesson. If students arrive after 8.30 am they will be marked ‘Late’. If a student is frequently late, his or her parents and guardians will be informed.
CATERING
Breakfast and hot and cold snacks may be purchased from the Dining Hall before and after school. Cafe 1541 will offer delicious snacks and drinks to purchase.
The School offers a lunch with choices of soup, hot main courses, salads, sandwiches/wraps, jacket potatoes, pasta dishes, desserts and fruit. There are, of course, vegetarian, vegan and halal options.
It is assumed that students will be having a school lunch unless confirmed before the start of term that your child will bring a packed lunch (which will be eaten in the Dining Hall) and return any lunch pass issued. If students forget their lunch pass, they will need to go to the Finance Department to get a temporary pass.
If your son or daughter has allergies or special dietary requirements, please contact your child’s Year Group Tutor or the Catering Manager (01905 721793). Items containing nuts are clearly marked and the School is used to catering for special diets.
VALUABLES AND LOST PROPERTY
If your son or daughter loses something, he or she should check bag racks and the changing rooms (particularly at the Fields) before then going to Lost Property. Valuable items (such as wallets or mobile phones) will be kept in the School Office if handed in.
Please ensure that your son or daughter names all items of uniform, sports kit and other possessions (such as watches, books, shoes, bags, calculator and mobile phones). Unnamed items are taken to the Lost Property store in the Annett building. Students can ask the School Office for the key.
OPEN MORNINGS
All pupils are expected to act as a guide at least one of our Open Morning events each year. We believe that pupils derive a significant benefit from showing their school to others: the process enhances their communication skills and fosters pride in their achievements. We therefore request that pupils are available on these days and we will communicate dates accordingly..
If a student suspects that an item of theirs has been stolen, they should inform their Year Group Tutor, who will contact the Senior Deputy. The School keeps a register of such incidents.
Money and items such as mobile phones should be kept in bags or in their suit jacket pocket. During Games lessons, all valuables must be kept in bags or suit jacket pockets. Parents and guardians need to be aware that students are responsible for the security and safe use of all their personal property and for property lent to them by the School.
STUDENT WELL-BEING
Pastoral care at King’s is not just a complementary practice: it is a caring approach fully integrated and interwoven into the fabric of teaching and learning and every aspect of school life. Our approach ensures that every student has a full sense of belonging and that they feel part of our much-loved community.
Through our focus on the development of the individual, we aim to provide a genuinely caring environment where young people can thrive and develop as curious, caring and confident members of the King’s community and the broader society.
Our ethos emphasises mutual respect, openness, and warmth; it is the quality of relationships within the School that makes the pastoral care at King’s so special.
Pastoral Care Responsibility
The Deputy Head Pastoral, Miss Harriet Dyke, oversees the entire pastoral system at King’s. Working alongside the House Tutors,
Heads of Section and the Form Tutors and Year Group Tutors, together they provide a uniquely supportive environment designed to foster and encourage student well-being.
Our most senior students are guided by Mr Josh Hand, our Head of Sixth Form, who is supported by Mrs Claire Neville, our Assistant Head of Sixth Form. They work closely with our Careers Team and House Tutors to ensure that all students make the most of their time in the Sixth Form and that they are prepared for life beyond King’s.
OUR PASTORAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE
King’s is a happy and welcoming place. We believe that all students can be successful in an environment which is caring, optimistic and encouraging. Our dedicated network of support structures at King’s is integral to ensuring students are fully cared for during their time here.
A uniquely nurturing and supportive pastoral House and Form structure
Dedicated and experienced staff who provide help, support and guidance
Health Centre
Counselling Team
Chaplain
Learning Support Team
The Head of Lower Years, Middle Years and Sixth Form provide added support and ensure a smooth transition
A set of parentfocused seminars providing valuable insight into adolescent behaviours and pressures
A well-rounded and structured PSHE Programme of Study
OUR NURTURING HOUSE STRUCTURE
King’s is proud of its strong House tradition and loyalty, which create our enviable sense of community. Our Houses provide a framework for friendships across all age groups. Each term, Houses run a variety of activities and internal competitions covering debating, sport and charity events, which ensure that there is always something in which students can take part.
Pupils new to LR, UR or the Sixth Form will join one of eight Houses, which will be their pastoral base throughout their time at King’s. The Year Group Tutor has overall responsibility for the pastoral and academic development of their tutees, and they are the first port of call for parents and guardians who wish to discuss their child’s experience at school or academic progress.
House Tutors work alongside the Year Group Tutors and oversee
the happiness, development, and integration of all students in the House.
The pastoral staff are extremely experienced in dealing with challenges affecting teenagers and work collaboratively with the Head of Middle Years, Head of Sixth Form and the Deputy Head Pastoral to ensure all pupils feel happy, safe and valued in the Middle Years and Sixth Form.
HOW TO CONTACT THE HOUSES
Pupils join Houses in the Lower Remove. All Year Group Tutors and Form Tutors can be contacted by using the staff member’s first initial and surname followed by @ksw.org.uk House House Tutor Email
Castle
Mr A Deichen adeichen@ksw.org.uk
Chappel
Mrs N Sears nsears@ksw.org.uk
Choir
Creighton
Dr R James rjames@ksw.org.uk
Mr W J Joyce wjoyce@ksw.org.uk
Kittermaster
Mrs C Neville cneville@ksw.org.uk
Oswald
Miss G Ormandy gormandy@ksw.org.uk
School
Mr T Pearson tpearson@ksw.org.uk
Wulstan
Dr M Poole mpoole@ksw.org.uk
THE HEALTH CENTRE
The Health Centre plays a pivotal role in ensuring our students are well cared for physically and emotionally, providing an environment where students are supported through medical concerns. The Nurses are also able to provide support with emotional difficulties within the department and signpost students to appropriate support. Fully-qualified nurses are on duty full-time throughout the school week. The rooms in the Health Centre allow the nurses to deal with medical and emotional issues which occur in the course of the school day. If a student feels unwell before the start of the school day, parents and guardians are requested to keep him or her at home, and not to send their child into school in the hope of a quick recovery.
Students with special medical problems such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, and epilepsy will have an individual care plan drawn up with them if needed. This will also be applied to all visits and trips.
Nurses can administer medication according to the Medication Policy which is available on Firefly.
If students are unable to participate in PE or Games, they should email House staff in the first instance. Off-Games notes can be given in emergencies and for issues that arise during the school day
COUNSELLING SERVICE
The School’s Counselling Service is in addition to the already wellestablished provision for pastoral care, guidance, and support for students in the school. Our counsellors are highly experienced in working with young people and families and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy accredited. They are available to work with students when they are experiencing problems or concerns which may be easier to share with someone other than a member of staff. All that is shared by the students will be treated in confidence - if the counsellor is concerned for the student’s safety or that of others then they abide by the BACP code of ethics, which could mean the sharing of relevant information with other agencies to ensure that all children are appropriately safeguarded.
Students can request to see the counsellor or can be referred by a member of staff. Parents, guardians and students can also contact their Year Group Tutor for further information.
FURTHER PASTORAL SUPPORT
Parents or students with pastoral concerns should contact their Year Group Tutor, House Tutor, the Head of Sixth Form or the Deputy Head Pastoral to look at further options for support and intervention, as required.
If someone is behaving towards your son or daughter in a way that is upsetting him or her, do please encourage him or her to tell someone in their Pastoral Team at School.
If parents and guardians have any concerns about their child’s welfare or would like any advice on dealing with issues involving their child, they are welcome to contact the Year Group Tutor. Any question, concern or complaint about the pastoral care or safety of a student must be notified to the School as soon as practicable.
If a student wants to make a complaint about something, for example the way he or she is being treated, the first thing to do is speak to a member of staff he or she trusts, or use the online reporting platform Student Voice.
It’s very difficult as a parent to watch children go through adolescent challenges and we are extremely grateful
for the support that our son receives at King’s. The pastoral support is outstanding and clearly rooted in genuine care and affection for the students.
Existing Year 10 Parent
PSHE AND RSE
The aim of PSHE and RSE at King’s is to allow students to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to live a happy and healthy life in today’s world. The programme is designed to challenge students with aspects of moral and social responsibility at each stage of their development so as to offer an environment in which to discuss issues affecting both adolescents and also those in the wider community. It is delivered through Sixth Form assemblies, House time, Careers sessions and Life Skills.
PSHE at King’s helps students to realise the nature and consequences of discrimination, teasing, bullying and aggressive behaviours (including cyber-bullying), use of prejudice-based language, and also how to respond and ask for help. It also aims to support students to make responsible, informed decisions related to drugs, alcohol, and sexual consent, to understand the causes, implications and sources of help for mental and physical health problems, and to guide them in their career planning and financial future. It is integral equipping our students for what lies ahead, and to encourage balance and confidence in line with the school’s principles.
This course is central to all aspects of school life – its thinking, planning, teaching, and organisation – and as such has a positive influence on students’ learning and relationships throughout the whole school community. PSHE helps to equip our pupils for what lies ahead, as they prepare for life after school.
To see the PSHE and RSE policies and programmes of study, please head to the department page on Firefly https://kingsworcester.fireflycloud.net/pshe
E-SAFETY AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOL
One of the School’s primary safeguarding principles involves protecting students online; it is a requirement of government legislation that we closely monitor students’ online activity.
Our school monitoring software tracks screen activity on school owned devices and/or school WIFI. Specifically, the software identifies and captures key words associated with bullying, swearing, racism, pornography, gambling, extremism, grooming and other concerns. The system automatically takes and sends a screenshot of any inappropriate material to the Designated Safeguarding Leads who will then deal with the information
accordingly. Students are aware that the system is in place and sanctions may be applied for those who breach our AUP (Acceptable Use Policy).
We encourage Sixth Formers to bring their own laptops and tablets to school and encourage their sensible use in Supervised Private Study and beyond.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones may only be used during lessons with permission from a member of staff; unauthorised use will result in the mobile phone being confiscated (it will be taken to the School Office, from where it may be collected at the end of the day). Sixth Form student may use mobile phones in their allocated social spaces around the school.
SCHOOL POLICES
The latest School polices can be found on our website at ksw.org.uk/policies
FOUNDATION SCHOOL RULES
The School Rules are drawn up to assist in making the School an orderly and safe environment, to give a sense of security to everyone in the School, to ensure respect for others and their property and to make clear the distinction between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
Unacceptable behaviour disrupts the learning of others and infringes on the rights, safety or learning on any member of the school community. The School requests that all parents read through the School Rules with their children and expects them to work with the School in the interests of all students to encourage positive behaviour. A full list of the School Rules can be found on Firefly, along with the Behaviour Management Policy.
The School Rules apply on school trips, including educational visits and sporting events. They also apply outside of school premises, for example when students are on the way to and from school and when they are wearing school uniform.
Uniform Guide and Rules
At King’s, our school uniform plays a key role in promoting a sense of confidence and belonging, as well as being an outward expression of equality within our school community. Our uniform is designed for students to be smart and business-like in their formal, day-to-day activities. Whenever King’s students are wearing their uniform, they are representing the Foundation, and so are expected to wear their uniform with pride and to the highest standards. While students in our Sixth Form do not wear uniform, they must conform to the Sixth Form Dress Code, set out in our separate guide.
MANAGING BEHAVIOUR
While our main focus is on what students are getting right and highlighting the good; it is essential for students to understand that we do not tolerate poor behaviour, and deal with it appropriately.
A key form of communication between members of the teaching staff is via behaviour points. Behaviour points are not, in themselves, punishments, and should never be presented as such.
They are intended to inform a student’s Year Group Tutor about his or her well-being, attitude, or behaviour. Where student behaviour is unacceptable, they provide information for the pastoral staff about severe or persistent incidents or issues. These may be shared with parents as appropriate.
Disciplinary sanctions, such as Detentions, are applied when a student’s behaviour falls below the standard which could be reasonably expected of him or her, whether because of failure to follow a school rule or an instruction by a member of staff. Sanctions should be seen as a constructive measure to bring an improvement in the student’s behaviour or learning by a) stopping the inappropriate behaviour; b) allowing the student to make a better choice next time; and c) showing other students what is/ is not acceptable in school. Students may be required to attend a detention, either after school or on some weekends or nonteaching days. The school will give parents 24 hours’ notice.
Further information may be found within the Behaviour Management Policy on www.ksw.org.uk/policies.
SIXTH FORM MATTERS
SIXTH
FORM CURRICULUM
Students in the L6 will study three A Levels, one Elective, Life Skills and Games. A very small number of students will study four A Levels and must first meet with the Head of Sixth Form if wishing to do so. Through this exciting combination of academic subjects students will stand out in their applications; nationally recognised qualifications will help with employment; steady work routines will be adopted from the beginning of the Sixth Form; and there is further opportunity for discounted offers from universities with EPQ and Core Maths.
Choices are made from:
24 A Level Subjects Art* Biology* Business* Chemistry* Classics* Computing* Drama*
D.T.* Economics* English Literature* French* Further Maths* Geography* German* History* Latin* Maths* Music* P.E.* Physics* Politics* Psychology* R.P.* Spanish
8 Electives
EPQ* Core Maths* Gold Arts Award* Sports Leadership award* Sign Language and TEFL* Chinese* Microsoft skills accreditation* Environmental EPQ group*
CAREERS, UCAS AND HIGHER EDUCATION
The Careers Department has grown enormously in recent years and is here to support all students in researching, preparing for and applying to a wide range of future opportunities.
Students receive wide-ranging support in the UCAS process and any other routes they wish to pursue post-18. The process is launched during the Lower Sixth Induction Day in September, with the Unifrog platform providing the opportunity for students to research and be inspired by the world of opportunities that awaits them.
During the Sixth Form, all students have one-to-one meetings with our Careers Advisor, Mrs McCumisky. We are always delighted to organise one-to-one careers interviews when students would like further advice and support. Please email Mrs Richardson (mrichardson@ksw.org.uk) to arrange a time. The wider Careers team includes:
Mrs Gent Careers Lead
Mrs Sears Head of Medical Applications
Dr McLaverty-Head Head of Oxbridge
Mrs Shearburn Head of International Applications
Mrs Friend Gap Years Lead
Mrs Neville Assistant Head of Sixth Form
Mr Swinson-Davis Head of Higher Education
Mrs McCumisky Careers Advisor
Mrs Richardson Careers Administrator
Please note that students can be excused for up to two days of school to attend university open days (in addition to a whole yeargroup day in June of the Lower Sixth). They must seek permission in advance for any time planned away from school.
Students can also benefit from the opportunity to represent fellow
HOMEWORK
In the Sixth Form, students will be required to manage their own time and will be issued deadlines within which to complete their work. They will be responsible for their own workload and will be expected to apportion their time to complete tasks to meet deadlines. Homework tasks should total around four to five hours per subject, per week.
SUPERVISED PRIVATE STUDY (SPS)
Students will be allocated periods of SPS to their timetable and attendance is mandatory. These periods should be used for file sorting, consolidation, deeper subject reading and A Level subject tasks. Students work in silence during these periods and may not use mobile phones.
STUDY
In the Sixth Form, students choose three A Levels and one Elective. A very small number of students study four A Levels, usually with Further Maths as the additional choice, and this is chosen only after consultation with the Head of Sixth Form. Students will spend a portion of their non-contact time in Supervised Private Study (SPS), in which independent study habits are fostered.
We will support and guide students to use their SPS slots in an effective and purposeful manner. Students are required to stay on site for these sessions and throughout the school day.
Students will work with a wide range of mentors from within and outside the School from their very first day of induction, taking part in seminars and workshops to provide invaluable study skills including time management, note taking, organisational skills, memorisation and exam strategy.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership is an integral part of Sixth Form life at King’s. Sixth Formers are given considerable opportunities to act as leaders and mentors in a variety of areas.
Throughout their time at King’s Sixth Form there are many opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and leadership development roles such as Heads of School, Monitors, Heads of House, Sport Team Captains, Pastoral Support, Peer Education Mentor, Duke of Edinburgh and CCF.
The Heads of School and Monitors’ roles are elected roles who lead and represent the student body, ensuring that the School is kept running at its best level of quality and tradition. These roles, along with the Heads of House, are highly regarded and provide a positive role model for other students within the School and across the King’s Foundation.
Students can also benefit from the opportunity to represent fellow students on school councils and committees.
ACADEMIC REPORTING
Reporting plays a vital role in helping students achieve their potential at King’s. Reports will provide communication about a student’s progress and offer a chance to celebrate achievement, look for new challenges and take action to address any problems that may emerge. Reporting at King’s primarily takes place via grade reports, full reports, and parents’ evenings.
Effort Grades
At the core of the reporting system at King’s is the focus on student effort. In association with good teaching, it is the critical factor in ensuring the best possible academic outcomes. We therefore place great emphasis on effort in our reporting system by providing an effort grade in each reporting event and closely monitor these grades for each student over the academic year and as they progress through the School.
Attainment Grades
While attainment grades provide helpful information about where a student stands academically at that moment in time, it is widely recognised that both low and high attainment grades can have a demotivating effect. We therefore only provide attainment grades once each term.
Summary
• Effort grades, attainment grades, exam results and full reports are issued throughout the academic year.
• Reports go to students in school and via email to parents at home.
• After each report, there are individual discussions between the student and their Year Group Tutor to celebrate achievements and plan for future progress.
• Parents’ Evenings offer the opportunity to discuss student progress with subject teachers. Students are invited to attend with their parents.
• There is a Pastoral Parents’ evening to discuss your child’s performance throughout the academic year.
EXAMINATIONS
Currently Upper Sixth Students undertake mid-year examinations in January and Lower Sixth students have internal exams at the start of the Summer Term. In addition, individual departments ensure that students gain sufficient exam practice in appropriate conditions.
Members of the Upper Sixth who are picked for teams will be required to return to school to take part in representative sport during exam leave and they will be required to return for the final few days of the Summer Term, including King’s Day. Parents are advised that children must not be taken away during term time until they are sure of the precise dates of exam leave. Please also check for details of the contingency period- Mrs Beever, Deputy Head Academic will contact you about this once released by the exam board.
Additional King’s Scholars are announced at the end of the L6. A Senior Scholar is appointed to lead and inspire all students to fulfil their academic potential.
GAMES LESSONS
Students have games lessons on Wednesday afternoons. The main girls’ team sports are hockey, netball and tennis in the Autumn and Spring Terms, athletics or cricket in the Summer Term. Boys’ main team sports are rugby in the Autumn Term, rugby sevens or football in the Spring Term and cricket or athletics in the Summer Term. Both boys and girls may opt for rowing as their major sport. Many other sports, including cross-country, basketball, gym, yoga, climbing, swimming, tennis and more are also available.
‘Off Games’
Normally, if students are well enough to come to school, they are well enough to do games. In some circumstances, however, a student may need to be ‘off games’ and the School Rules will apply as they do lower down the school.
DRIVING MATTERS
Members of the Sixth Form who have passed their driving test and plan to drive to school are required to:
• complete the driving forms on Fireflly.
• not give lifts to any members of the School unless both the driver and passenger(s) have completed the relevant form on Firefly.
• drive with courtesy at all times, remembering they represent the School throughout their journey.
Driving Lessons
Students are not allowed to organise driving lessons during the school day. tudents are allowed to attend a driving test if this occurs during lesson time or a study period. Students must inform their House Tutor of any driving test.
Parking
Please note we are unable to offer parking for students on school premises.
GENERAL ADVICE
Students must arrive in school at all times ready to work and participate fully in school life. We discourage going out mid-week and ask for your parental support in reinforcing the expectation that school nights are for completing school work. If, as a result, a student is unable to take full part in a lesson, we would treat this in the same way as missing a lesson for any other illegitimate reason and would use a Saturday Morning Detention as a sanction.
Due to the commitment of A levels, we advise against regular paid work during their time in Sixth Form.
IT SYSTEMS
Students have access to plenty of computers in the Library and ICT rooms. When they use a school computer, they should make sure that they are familiar with the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for IT. Please see the E-Safety section for further information regarding our school monitoring.
When students start their education journey at King’s, students and parents are issued with access to our school Firefly website portal. This website is our central school portal and one with which we encourage you to become familiar. It is the key source of information about life in school, offering a variety of information about day-to-day activities such as current menus, school policies and also the school calendar.
New parents will be sent a link to access Firefly once their child starts at King’s. Firefly can also be accessed via our Quick Links section on the footer of the King’s website (www.ksw.org.uk).
Alongside this, students are also issued with a Microsoft Office 365 account. This cloud-based solution will allow them access emails and work on any device in and outside of school. It also offers access to a plethora of Microsoft applications including Word, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook, applications which students will become familiar with during their time at King’s.
THE LIBRARY
The Library is a beautiful and welcoming space, with thousands of books, and comfortable places to study or read. We are open from 8.00 am to 5.50 pm (5.30 pm on Fridays) and the Librarians are always here to help, whether that is to find the next favourite book, or to research a topic. In addition to books and online resources to support with schoolwork, we provide books to support wellbeing, and to inspire interests. The diverse fiction collection is aimed to provide as much choice as possible. It is constantly updated and includes graphic novels and manga. We are very happy to take requests! There is also an e-Library of eBooks and audiobooks which is accessed from the Firefly dashboard (as is our school Library catalogue Oliver).
Library displays feature new books, and promote themes such as Empathy Day, Book Awards, and Black History Month. Resources include magazines and subject specific publications in addition to computers, laptops, and a printer/photocopier/scanner. We also sell school stationery at cost price. There is a popular half-termly reading group (WRAITH) for each of the Middle Years and Sixth Form. We also organise author visits, and activities and events throughout the year. At the start of Lower Fourth, all students receive a full induction to the Library and will also visit us during form times. We look forward to meeting everyone.
OUR CO-CURRICULUM
It has long been a central aim of The King’s School Worcester to provide a rich, stimulating and varied co-curriculum. All students are encouraged to participate in the programme of activities and opportunities that comprises our co-curriculum, as it provides an invaluable contribution towards personal, moral and social development and encourages life-long interests and healthy, creative and fulfilling habits of body and mind. With some 100 clubs and activities on offer – in addition to our enviable programme of sport – students at King’s are able to learn new skills, embrace fresh challenges and realise their ambitions.
150+
pupils are actively engaged in CCF on a weekly basis
SPORT
100+
Co-curricular clubs and societies
Sport is very strong among both boys and girls and benefits from significant expertise and commitment from our staff as well as some outstanding facilities. Our breadth of sporting opportunities extends across the whole year with Basketball, Swimming, Rowing, Kayaking, Sub Aqua, Cross-Country Running, Climbing and Fencing. Our winter team sports – Netball, Rugby, Hockey and Football – and our outstanding programme of summer sports - Cricket, Athletics and Tennis –demonstrate an excellence and a level of inclusion of which we are justly proud. At beginner, intermediate and elite performance levels, we offer support, challenge and routes to achievement and success.
30+
Annual Residential Trips
250+
Annual Day Trips
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
Other activities on offer include Young Enterprise, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Music, Drama, Debating, Art, Dance, Community Service, Model United Nations and The Combined Cadet Force. They take place during lunchtimes and after school, and there is also a range of weekend events. Some activities are also based at the Old Chapel, the School’s outdoor centre in the Black Mountains. Community Service is a strong feature of life at King’s. A number of our students volunteer to read with local primary school children and visit older members of our local community. Alongside this our student-lead charity committee hold annual charity events to raise money for local and national charities.
TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
Trips, fieldwork, and expeditions provide enormous benefits to our pupils, so our co-curricular programme includes a diverse range of trips and expeditions to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to experience memorable educational visits and opportunities.
Trips take place at weekends and during half-term and main school holidays. A Classics trip to Italy, History trip to France, Disneyland Paris Dance tour, Rugby tour to South Africa, Netball and Hockey tour to Barbados and Cricket tour to Sri Lanka are just a few highlights. We also make sure that there are many valuefor-money trips within this country each year across a wide range of subjects and activities, such as the annual Art trip to St Ives in Cornwall.
MUSIC, LAMDA AND DANCE
The School has two orchestras as well as small ensembles such as flute and guitar groups, three choirs, a Wind Band and Jazz Band. Many concerts are held throughout the year, most of which take place in the magnificent College Hall; our popular Open Mic Nights also take place every term, allowing pupils to showcase their musical passions.
Music lessons are also available, and we have over 25 peripatetic teachers who offer lessons across a wide variety of musical instruments. If you wish your son or daughter to learn one or more musical instruments or to have singing tuition, please contact the Director of Music, Mr Simon Taranczuk, or complete the form on the Joining King’s Hub. Music lessons usually take place in lesson time on a rotational basis so that pupils do not miss the same lesson each week.
Each year we stage ambitious pupil productions to full houses, as well as more intimate pupil-led performances including the work
of our GCSE and A-level cohorts. We offer technical theatre and design as options alongside acting and directing at every level. Weekly practical clubs for all ages foster a spirit of creativity and curiosity, allowing pupils to develop their talents in the supportive company of like-minded individuals.
King’s Dance outside of lessons is particularly strong, with opportunities available for boys and girls of all ages. Entry to the Senior Company is by audition and is aimed at pupils who wish to train and perform at a high level. The School also has a Junior Dance Company and runs many other development clubs, including Street Dance and Ballroom Dance.
Additional LAMDA Speech and Drama lessons or Dance lessons can be organised, individually or in pairs. Please contact the School Office if you would like to arrange LAMDA lessons for your child and Ms Kym Lane (klane@ksw.org.uk) if you are interested in Dance lessons.
C REATIVITY SERVICE
MAP OF KING’S
The King’s School 5 College Green Worcester WR1 2LL
t: 01905 721 700 e: info@ksw.org.uk
The King’s School, Worcester: A company limited by guarantee, registered in England. Registered office: 5 College Green, Worcester WR1 2LL. Company No: 4776324. Registered charity No: 1098236. The information, terms and conditions set out in this prospectus and all occasional papers may be amended from time to time, and their provisions, subject to any such amendments, shall continue to apply for the whole period during which a boy or girl continues to attend the School, irrespective of his or her age.
