100 % Of Sixth Form graduates gain

Transcription

1 Sixth FORM

2 100 % Of Sixth Form graduates gain University offers

3 WELCOME To the Sixth Form at Westminster Academy Westminster Academy Sixth Form is like no other: from the ambition of our students and their zest for life, to their genuine desire to make the very best of themselves. At Westminster Academy, we have a deep and genuine commitment to provide an education that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Our educational philosophy is based on the IB Learner Profile, and our core values of Honesty, Enterprise, Responsibility and Opportunity ensure that Westminster Academy Sixth Form students have an understanding of their place in society as global citizens and make a positive impact upon it. Principal Dr Saima Rana We are proud of the personalised pathways we offer our students, the exclusive opportunities and our high ambitions for all students. The Academy is one of the few non fee paying schools in London to be accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School. Students can select one of two IB programmes of study: The IB Diploma Programme: Since 2008 Westminster Academy has been offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Recognised around the world as a challenging educational programme which is well respected by universities, the IB Diploma offers a broader curriculum than A Levels, and places a premium on independent learning, critical thinking and academic excellence. The IB Career-related Programme: Among the first schools in the UK to offer the new International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), Westminster Academy is proud to prepare students for higher education and the world of work. The programme combines two IB Certificates with a BTEC Extended Diploma and a core of personal development. This popular choice is ideal for students considering studying and working in Business, Media, Science and ICT. 1

4 IBDP Westminster Academy is proud to offer the internationally acclaimed International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Studied in almost 3000 schools and 146 countries and recognised by universities across the world, the Diploma is widely seen as a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual rigour. The appeal of the IB Diploma is based on the philosophy of the programme; foreign languages, international-mindedness and service learning are combined with a sustained focus on thinking skills, academic writing and subject specific rigour. The equivalent of 5 A Levels, it is a demanding programme, but each year we see our IB Diploma graduates leave WA as mature, resilient, knowledgeable, principled and capable individuals, prepared for the challenges of studying at university and beyond. Students study six subjects (one from each of the listed disciplines) to achieve a balanced curriculum. Three subjects are taken at higher level (HL) and the other three at standard level (SL). Higher Level subjects include a range of modules to allow students to study the course in more detail and develop more specialised knowledge. In addition, students study the IB Core, which provides a unique opportunity for students to broaden their skills and experience. Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature 2 Language Acquisition 3 Individuals and Societies The IBDP Core Subject Choices English Literature, English Language and Literature Arabic, French, German, Spanish available at advanced and ab initio (beginner) levels Business and Management, Geography, History 4 Science Biology, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies (for Chemistry, see group 6) 5 Maths Maths, Maths Studies 6 The Arts and Electives Film, Visual Arts, Chemistry, Economics Students study the following three elements of the IBDP Core: Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) developing as global citizens by learning new skills, living healthy lifestyles and contributing to the local community. Theory of Knowledge reflecting critically on different ways of knowing and areas of knowledge. Extended Essay completing an extended piece of research-based writing, developing academic writing skills in preparation for undergraduate study. Teaching and Learning Teaching and learning in the IB Diploma takes place in small classes, taught by specialist teachers. As such, our teachers build strong relationships with their students and are able to effectively challenge and motivate them to achieve their full potential in all aspects of the Diploma. As a result, IB students are held in high regard by universities; independent research has shown that IB students achieve more first class honours and are less likely to drop out than their A Level counterparts. Admissions officers consistently rate the IBDP as a better education system than A Levels for encouraging independent inquiry, developing self-management skills, developing workplace skills, nurturing an open mind and developing global awareness and connectivity. 2

5 IBCP The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) was developed to provide a balanced course offering both an academic and vocational foundation for students who wish to benefit from career-related learning. Students study two IB Certificates, one BTEC Extended Diploma and the IBCP Core. Students develop the academic strength, international perspective and research skills required for university and life-long learning (their qualifications add up to the equivalent of 5 A Levels), with the flexibility and professional skills to ensure they are successful in their careers well beyond university. The courses may be challenging, but your teachers will always go out of their way to help you. Rina Osmani Sixth Form student Course BTEC Extended Diploma (students select one) IB Courses (students select two) The IBCP Core Subject Choices Business, Creative Media, ICT, Applied Science English, Maths, Business and Management, Film Studies, Visual Art Teaching and learning Students study the following four elements of the IBCP Core: Service Learning developing new skills and becoming more open-minded through volunteering in the local community. Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) developing employability skills through a series of projects. Reflective Project reflecting on an ethical issue relating to a student s chosen field of study and producing a degree-level piece of work. Language Development studying a foreign language through project-based work. The IBCP places an emphasis on practical skills. Business, Media, Applied Science and ICT are project-based; students find themselves filming, building websites or putting together business plans to pitch to investors. Students courses are matched to their future ambitions, and all IBCP students are given the opportunity to complete a six-week paid internship during the summer break. 3

6 Personalised Learning We are committed to ensuring that each student s programme of study is personalised to enable them to get the most out of their education. Personal Tutors Parental Contact IT Access 4 Each student is assigned a personal tutor at the Academy who they meet with in tutor groups at the start of each school day to register, discuss current affairs and ensure they are prepared for the school day. In addition, each student meets their tutor on a 1:1 basis regularly, to review progress, discuss aspirations and set goals. Our tutors are the first point of call for parents and carers, and will keep parents and carers updated on their child s progress throughout the year. We also hold a Parents Evening, three Progress Review Days and provide termly reports each year. The teaching at the school is incredible. Teachers constantly push you to challenge and question conventional wisdom, and to understand that knowledge means so much more than passing exams. Zakri Zulkurnain, IBDP alumnus Geography undergraduate at Jesus College, University of Oxford All students receive a Chromebook at the beginning of their course, enabling access to IT facilities at school and at home. Students are encouraged to collaborate and be independent to ensure success in the digital world. Sixth Form students use ManageBac (our Virtual Learning Environment) where students, parents and carers can access lesson resources, submit assessments and view feedback.

7 WA Sixth Formers progress to top universities, including: Oxford, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Durham, Nottingham, King s College London, Bristol 5

8 Information, Advice and Guidance Challenging decisions are made during Sixth Form, be it a future career or navigating through the UCAS process. Students work regularly with their tutors to refine their personal goals and develop action plans. They are taught to be independent, and given access to a wealth of careers resources so that they have the skills and understanding to make informed decisions. These skills are supplemented with workplace visits, open days, presentations, public speaking and networking to help students understand the different routes which are available to them. IBCP students are given the opportunity to join our Career Ready programme. Participants access a dedicated business mentor who they meet at least once a month, a series of employer-led masterclasses, and a six-week paid internship over the summer break. Extensive support is offered throughout the UCAS programme. Starting in Year 12, the Academy organises visits to a wide range of universities so that students can undertake research into courses; we also support students in applying to preparatory extra-curricular programmes at local universities like UCL and King s College London. A series of UCAS workshops allows students to develop impressive and competitive personal statements; all statements are carefully reviewed and improved with the guidance of staff before being submitted. Oxbridge applicants are provided with extra support, including preparatory classes and mock interviews. We also provide bespoke and comprehensive support for students interested in apprenticeships. 6

9 Creativity, Activity and Service The ethos of the IB revolves around developing students holistically into well-rounded individuals. At Westminster Academy our philosophy begins with our three-day induction residential visit, and continues for two years through our CAS programme. A compulsory part of all our courses, all students are required to develop creative skills, maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and to be active, global citizens. Popular CAS opportunities include the Gold Duke of Edinburgh s Award, Model United Nations, the student magazine, mentoring younger students, cookery and a variety of sporting activities. All students are leaders and role model the IB Learner Profile and Westminster Academy values for the rest of the school. Student leadership is a key part of this. Our Sixth Form Prefects oversee student leadership initiatives for younger students across the academy. Educational Visits and Partnerships Westminster Academy takes full advantage of its location in central London to organise a wide array of educational visits to a diverse list of partners. These range from visiting the headquarters of FTSE 100 companies to working with start-up businesses in local hubs, and from visiting some of the best museums in the world to more intimate conversations in internationally acclaimed artists sitting rooms. The Academy is proud to be partnered with an impressive range of organisations, whether international companies or community groups. These include: The Royal Society of Medicine British Land Imperial College London Marks and Spencer Mosaic The Serpentine Gallery Vital Regeneration 7

10 Everyone is encouraged to be the best they can be not just through achieving good grades, but by throwing themselves into every possible opportunity. Yassir Al-Mhana Sixth Form student 8

11 Applying to the Sixth Form at Westminster Academy For information on applying to Westminster Academy, please visit our website: For further details, please contact our Sixth Form Team: 9

12 As an international student living in London, I found WA to be a very welcoming community. I m delighted I chose it! Sir Naim Dangoor Centre 255 Harrow Road London W2 5EZ T: admin@westminsteracademy.org.uk Zachary Magan, IBDP alumnus Film and History undergraduate at the University of East Anglia