PROSPECTUS
2021/22
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM Principal – Mr Andy Crofts DEPUTY PRINCIPALS Mr Thomas Beecham Mr Simon Trehearn QUEST6 LEADERSHIP TEAM Sam Cox Director of Sixth Form Kurt Barragan Achievement Coordinator, Year 13 Yvonne Blankson Achievement Coordinator, Year 12
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INTRODUCTION QUEST6 Quest6, the Sixth Form at The Quest Academy, opened in 2014 with 60 students. It has since grown to over 200 students due to consistently excellent results and 100% pass rates in all but one year. Quest6 is a professional academic environment with a strong, academic focus. Students are expected to dedicate themselves to their studies, and in return they are fully supported by a team of expert staff. In addition to academic excellence, Quest6 is a positive, rich and innovative learning environment where every student can achieve excellence in all that they do, in the classroom and beyond it. Students have access to a wide range of enrichment activities to extend learning in a range of contexts and promote leadership, teamwork, reflection, confidence and high self-esteem.
Our strength comes from strong partnerships: with our parents, the community we serve and the close links that we have with The Collegiate Trust. We bring together and harness our extensive experience and expertise to everybody’s benefit. This prospectus will give you a brief insight into our ethos and our work. We look forward to welcoming you to Quest6. Andy Crofts, Principal, The Quest Academy
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ABOUT QUEST6 Quest6 is a highly academic sixth form with unique, tutorial style classes and a student-centred approach. In our supportive and nurturing environment, students make rapid and sustained progress and no student gets forgotten. Quest6’s broad offer of academic courses leads students into the most highly skilled career paths. Subject specialists run exciting, engaging, and insightful tutorial-style lessons with an average class size of around ten. The modern building is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources to enhance the learning experience. The excellent teacher-tostudent ratio helps optimise and maximise learning ensuring personalised academic support for every single student, which contributes to our consistent track record of exceptional student progress. A rigorous series of checkpoints throughout the students’ journeys on their courses and robust interventions enable all students to reach their aspirations of University or high-level apprenticeships. At the start of Year 12, students have the option to attend lessons for up to five subjects to help them decide on the most suitable combination of subjects. This is a highly valued opportunity allowing students to make properly informed decisions about their courses. This foundation programme showcases subjects in a way a taster lesson alone cannot do. Following their first few weeks at Quest6, students become very confident that they will be successful on their chosen courses. A real strength of Quest6 is the opportunities we provide our students outside of lessons. These include visits to universities, the chance to take part in the extended research project, sports and creative arts, support for those pursuing Oxbridge or medical courses and career support to all. Students graduate from Quest6 with a set of academic qualifications to be proud of, but also a well-rounded set of skills to be successful in their chosen careers.
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ACADEMIC RESULTS The 2020 cohort of Quest6 students had their examinations disrupted due to the pandemic but 36% received Russell Group university offers and all students moved onto undergraduate level study upon graduation. The 2019 cohort of students achieved - for the 6th year - over a third of all grades at A*-B and over two thirds of results at A*-C. Students make exceptional progress with us. A Value Added score above zero means students have exceeded their target grades which are based on their GCSE profile. In 2018 we were the third highest provider in a 5-mile radius and have maintained strong positive progress scores each year since Quest6 opened. Following the last set of examinations taken in 2019, six subjects were graded by ALPS as “red hot�. These red hot ALPS grades mean we are in the top 10% of schools nationally for progress. This is testament to excellent the teaching and learning that students experience at Quest6.
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THE QUEST6 LEADERSHIP TEAM Sam Cox Director of Sixth Form
Kurt Barragan Achievement Coordinator, Year 13
Mr Cox read Microbiology at The University of Surrey, specialising in disease prevention and epidemiology. He worked as a Scientist at Cambridge conducting in vitro research of novel and mainstream antimicrobials on a global collection of pathogenic bacteria. He then completed a PGCE at The University of Sheffield to switch from research scientist to teacher. Mr Cox teaches all Sciences at the Academy but specialises in Biology at A Level. He is a keen sportsman and musician, taking pride in competing at national competitions in racing kayaking as well as performing on cello in venues such as The Royal Albert Hall.
Yvonne Blankson Achievement Coordinator, Year 12
Mr Cox always says the most rewarding part of his life is hearing from Quest6 alumni and how they are thriving on their degrees or in their careers. He has been Director of Sixth Form at Quest6 since 2016 and finds that witnessing students unlock their full potential and go on to pursue the careers they fully deserve is one of the most gratifying aspects of the role.
A really rewarding part of her role is working with the student action group which celebrates and showcases all the great things happening in Year 12 from work experience, employability skills, mock interviews, and external speakers. Mrs Blankson is an enthusiastic footballer who plays as a midfielder but also enjoys watching Liverpool FC. Mrs Blankson find singing and dancing to be very fulfilling hobbies.
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Mrs Blankson attended Kingston University where she studied Computer Science with Business Management and then undertook a PGCE at The University of East London to initiate her teaching career. Mrs Blankson is a subject specialist in Information Technology and Business Studies at Quest6.
Mr Barragan holds multiple degrees, having studied Law at The University of Leicester and Theology at The University of Surrey. Following completion of these undergraduate qualifications, he attended University College London to undertake his Postgraduate Diploma in Education to kick start his teaching career. Mr Barragan utilises his degrees to deliver Religious Studies and Politics. Within these A Level courses, he specialises in philosophy and Christian theology and in UK government and political ideologies. He is particularly interested in the history of ideas and their impact in society. Mr Barragan finds leading UCAS is one of the most rewarding parts of his role because he coordinates the support for each student individually in their applications to University. The reward is having such excellent destinations for students to graduate from Quest6 and move onto as they start the next chapter of their academic journey.
LEADERSHIP & ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES Students in Year 13 can be appointed to prestigious positions including: Head Girl, Head Boy, Deputy Head Boy, Deputy Head Girl, Head of Hillary House, Head of Livingstone House, Head of Shackleton House and Welfare Champion. 19 students were appointed as Senior Prefects in 2020. All of these students are leading on individual projects ranging from academically mentoring younger students, running sports tournaments, charity work, debating clubs, cultural events and workshops for younger students. These projects come to a close by Easter and are passed on to Year 12s that are keen to step up into senior prefect positions when they get to Year 13. The Senior Prefect team are role models to younger students and also help raise their aspirations. The Senior Prefects present in assemblies and record video messages to increase younger students’ awareness of current affairs and to showcase Sixth Form life and empart their wisdom.
PASTORAL CARE The well-being of our Sixth Form students is just as important as their academic growth. Quest6 students benefit from uniquely tailored pastoral support, provided by the Sixth Form team, including the Sixth Form Administrator and Pastoral Director. The Sixth Form Administrator is based in the common room and helps to strengthen students’ independence, resilience, and resourcefulness and ensures they make the most of their time outside of lessons to prepare for the demands of undergraduate level study. The Sixth Form Administrator offers tailored advice in all relevant areas including CV building, personal statement writing, interview preparation, mentoring and pastoral care in addition to signposting to other services, as required. Outside of lessons, Quest6 students also build relationships with dedicated Sixth Form tutors in groups of no more than 20. These tutors are available to assist students in all aspects of their Sixth Form experience, from academic encouragement, pastoral support and careers guidance. Every student is known as an individual, which helps in defining their aspirations and championing their well-being. The tutorial programme has been carefully structured to help students develop their inter-personal and intrapersonal skills and prepare them to be successful citizens in fulfilling careers following graduating Quest6.
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HEAD GIRL
HEAD BOY
Quest6 provides a range of opportunities that facilitate and promote leadership, teamwork, reflection, confidence and builds high self-esteem. This has a great impact on building character after taking part in the different cultures that we appreciate and inspire in our school. I have had the opportunity to build relationships with amazing staff that genuinely strive to ensure that as a student you excel. One of the most valuable aspects for me is the like-minded people that I have met, as we all have great ambitions and are a multi-cultural school that accepts students of all backgrounds, faiths and non-faiths.
Joining and being a part of The Quest Academy has given me the opportunity to move into further education and arm myself with tools for success. My time here has helped me develop and hone my ability to work independently whilst carefully managing my time in order to mediate the stress of A levels and my personal life. Being Head Boy, it is an honour to be able to be a positive role model to those in the younger years and motivate students to see the vitality of education and explore their full potential. I believe it is important not just to have a strictly studious environment but a social and welcoming space where students and teachers alike work in unison to help each other to work to the best of our abilities which I believe the Quest6 achieves well.
Fortunate Ssemuju
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Jeffery Fosu-Manu
DEPUTY HEAD GIRL
DEPUTY HEAD BOY
My aim this year has been to promote and celebrate diversity through cultural events where students can sample and taste different cuisines and admire fashion and art from many cultures. It is paramount that we are educated about different cultures, especially in such a diverse school, so that we do not form prejudices against one another but instead unite despite our differences. Being a part of Quest6 has allowed me to make many new friends. Having joined in Year 12, I was worried about forming new friendships but the students were all so welcoming. The support I was given with my medical applications has been very helpful in preparing me for the next stage of life. Collaborating on work with other students in the common room has helped create a community atmosphere in which we are able to grow and learn.
Joining The Quest Academy has helped me academically in pursuing my future and acquiring the grades I need but also socially; meeting new people and making friends, how to conduct oneself professionally and being a role model and representative of The Quest Academy. The skills, opportunities and achievements that can be gained throughout Sixth Form establish a great foundation and become very helpful when applying for university and will definitely help us stand out above the rest. I feel Quest6 serves as the motivation for younger students to study hard because once you reach Quest6 they can unlock and accomplish their full potential. But most importantly, in the Sixth Form we wake up every morning wanting to go to school, to learn, achieve and be successful.
Ademidun Malomo
Osama Issa
FACILITIES
Quest6 students have their own branch of the Academy building including a computer suite, common room, laptops, tutorial style teaching rooms, quiet study rooms and kitchen facilities. Students are not limited to the Quest6 area though and enjoy enrichment activities, clubs, science, sports, technology, and creative subjects in the Academy’s other facilities. Students at Quest6 have access to cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facilities that – for at least the foreseeable future – are arguably the best that Greater London has to offer. A dedicated social study area, seminar-style teaching rooms, brand new technology as well as access to all of Quest’s new buildings ensure that current and future Quest6 students learn in a modern, peaceful, exceptional education environment.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER QUEST6
We are immensely proud of the destinations of all our students and in particular the large proportion that are accepted onto courses at prestigious Russell Group Universities. Students experience tailored careers guidance and support through Year 12 and are bombarded with great opportunities to get involved with to prepare themselves for life after Quest6. UCAS masterclasses and focus groups are run to give students the best possible chance of studying at their chosen Universities. The individualised student-centred approach is fundamental in helping students thrive in their interviews for University or Apprenticeships and then flourish in the next chapters of their life.
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KALPANA BARATHI
Adver�sing, Public Rela�ons and Branding
Middlesex University University of York
Brunel University London
IDORENYIN HOPE AKPAN Biotechnology and Microbiology
University of Leeds
TUKWASI NWAZOTA Civil Engineering
ZILAN KUBATTI Psychology and Counselling
KWAKU BOATENG Film Produc�on and Theatre
VENTHIYA MANORANJAN Psychology
Bangor University
CONNER BAKER Economics
St. Mary's University, Twickenham
KAMAL WALL Astrophysics
Keele University
De Mon�ord University
University of Wolverhampton
KIKI MADGETT Fashion
ANNA GHASEMI Physical Educa�on, Sport and Youth Development
King's College London, University of London
Marke�ng & Adver�sing
Kingston University
FAHEEMA BEGUM Law
NAYANTHARA RAJENDRAN Adult Nursing
BIRMINGHAM
ABDUL SAYED Business
University of Warwick
Adver�sing and Digital Marke�ng Communica�ons
Adver�sing and Digital Marke�ng Communica�ons
ABDUL MUBEEN MIAH History and Poli�cal Economy
London School of Economics and Poli�cal Science, University of London
YONATAN WOLDEMARIAM Financial Economics
OLIVIA BRITO GANDRA Psychology
Coventry University
FLORENCE BUKENYA
ALEYNA AYDINLAR
ADEM SORGACU Accoun�ng & Finance
ROSHARN THOMAS Psychology
Aston University, Birmingham
University of Greenwich
LASHARN LIVINGSTONE
JEFFREY FOKO Sport Rehabilita�on
ZAIN HASHMI Mathema�cs with Finance & Accoun�ng
Queen Mary University of London
IQRA SAIN NISA Biomedical Science
JADA GORDON-SOMERS Business Management and Finance
Roehampton University
AKASH VIVEKANANDAN Law
MAMADOU COULIBALY Economics, Sta�s�cs and Mathema�cs
ESHA SATHYADEVAN Biomedical Sciences
ABISHANA BALAKANTHAN Psychology
LEAVERS 2020
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
City, University of London
University of Westminster, London
ONYI OGWE Sociology
QUEST6
BETRICE ISOBE Social Work
ELLIE-MAY DUFF Psychology
ONYEKA OGWE Philosophy, Logic and Scien�fic Method
PRATIK PARMAR Computer Games Programming
SARMMED IBRAHIM Nutri�on MATHILDA ISOBE Primary Teaching
AKASH ELANCHELVAN Games Technology
LONDON
RUKASHA MPORE Psychology
JASMINE FLORENCE Biological Sciences MARIUS MUNTEANU
Informa�on Technology Management for Business
HAMZA HUSSEIN Economics
University of Her�ordshire
ARON BASKAR Business and Management
Royal Holloway, University of London
GIANELLA ARCE BASILE Biomedical Sciences
Cardiff University
CARDIFF
ABDULAHI SHEIKH Business and Management
LONDON
University of Reading
BRISTOL LILIA MEZALI Philosophy
KIRSTY BATEMAN Psychology
University of Portsmouth
JACK TURK So�ware Engineering
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University of Kent
University of Surrey
BANNUKA BALASINGAM Law
ABUTALIB HUSSAIN Microbiology NOOR MALIK Life Sciences
University of Sussex
6
“ KWAKU BOATENG
Graduated Quest6 in 2020 and is now studying Film and Theatre at University of Reading.
MOHAMED IMAN
Graduated from Quest6 in 2016 and has now graduated from University of Oxford.
MUHAMAD MUHAMAD
Graduated from Quest6 in 2016 and has now graduated from University College London.
WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY
I am entirely grateful for my experience as a student of the Quest6. I would not have attained grades of such high standards if it weren’t for the guidance, the assistance, and the belief that the teaching staff had for my future as a high value individual. Whether it was firm but crucial advice with my personal statement, the attention and supervision when developing my interviewing skills or even providing me with the essential resources that contributed towards my coursework. The mentorship aided towards my personal development throughout my academic year.
“ “
Every teacher strives to bring the best out of each and every student. I know that I would not have achieved success at A Level or even received/met my offer to study History at Oxford University if I had been anywhere else. The Quest Academy shaped me into the person I am today and I would not for one moment change one second of the last seven years. Quest6 develops students into well rounded and valuable members of society.
Quest was the epitome of a rollercoaster, from its ups and downs to its smiles and screams! A Levels were a stressful time, but also most captivating in terms of the knowledge gained and the skills honed. The teachers served as exemplary models for us to enter higher education and their constant voluntary help is something I was certain to not find elsewhere. Our Head of Sixth Form was the most supportive, not only with the many times of necessary motivation but also when encouraging us to achieve a certain goal and making it clear how this was possible. If I could relive my A Level experiences again in Quest6, I would surely do so.
“
IDORENYIN HOPE AKPAN
Head Girl 2019-2020 and is now studying Biotechnology at The University of York
At first I had no plans to continue into the Sixth Form at The Quest Academy as I initially wanted a change of scenery after Year 11. But after receiving my GCSE results and seeing how happy my teachers were for me, I realised that the support I would receive at Quest6 would be unparalleled. My A Level chemistry class will never be forgotten alongside all the great practicals we did in both Biology and Chemistry. I am immensely grateful to not only my teachers for all their support but also to my peers. I am a big believer in competition being essential to educational success and having some highly motivated classmates was truly inspiring. My best advice is, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to be your own person. Never ever let anyone else try to determine your latitude in life. Be confident in all your endeavours for uncertainty is hope’s worst enemy.
ABUTALIB HUSSAIN
Head Boy 2019-2020 and is now studying Microbiology at the University of Surrey
“
I’m proud to have been a student at Quest6. I was regularly able to see my teachers for support with specific topics, and they would go out of their way to help me feel confident in being able to answer difficult questions in my examinations. Considering that Sixth Form will be one of the most important periods of your academic life, it is vital that you balance your times of study and your social and active life. Quest6 has a plethora of clubs and extracurricular activities which you can join in order to de-stress yourself and keep active with friends, whether it be sport or a hobby such as computing. I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh programme, alongside playing football and basketball. The Quest6 team really helped me remain optimistic and engaged with my studies during the two years and a key component of my success was the dedication and constant support of all my teachers.
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Telephone 020 8657 8935 Email office@thequestacademy.org.uk Company Number 8058921 URN 136203 DfE number 306/6910 UKPRN 10031227
For admissions information, please visit www.thequestacademy.org.uk/information/admissions
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Contact The Quest Academy Farnborough Avenue South Croydon CR2 8HD