ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL
“Wembley High Technology College is recognised to be the highest achieving school in England for several categories. Wembley High has the best performance for an English comprehensive school in Science, English language and literature, Spanish and French.� Good School Award Guide, 2016
Welcome Wembley Multi-Academy Trust was set up in August 2016 and is responsible for the following schools: • Wembley High Technology College • East Lane Primary School • North Brent School (to be confirmed) This prospectus is for prospective parents who wish to seek a place for their child at Wembley High Technology College. Wembley High Technology College has a long established reputation for academic excellence and for years it has been the highest achieving school in Brent. We are a highly oversubscribed school. For September 2017, we have received 1416 applications with 527 first choices for 210 Year 7 places. Our goal is to make sure that the ethos of academic excellence is embedded in all of our schools. Our mission is clear and simple; we provide a highly structured, disciplined working environment in which every student receives high-quality teaching and achieves his or her full potential. We expect our students to make exceptional progress, which is well beyond expected levels nationally. We seek to be extraordinary, ambitious and deliver results. Our focus is on the core subjects of English, Mathematics, the Sciences, Humanities and Languages. We want students to have real choices in life because of their exceptional education at the College. We aspire for our students to gain places at the best universities and study the most competitive courses. In this prospectus, we want to tell you more about the students, staff and facilities that make Wembley High Technology College such an ‘Outstanding’ school. We look forward to welcoming you.
Gill Bal OBE CEO/Executive Headteacher
“The exceptional leadership of the Headteacher has enabled the school to sustain its outstanding judgement over time.” Brent Schools Partnership Review, February 2017
EXCELLENT RESULTS IN 2016 National Recognition Progress 8 score is 1.14 which is the 4th highest in the country 48% of all grades at GCSE were A*–A grades 86% of all students achieved 5A*–C, including English and Maths 75% of all students achieved the English Baccalaureate Maths progress score is 1.33 which is the 3rd highest in the country Ebacc progress score is 1.31 which is the 6th highest in the country
Categorised as an
Categorised as
Categorised as an
‘Outstanding School’
‘Outstanding’
‘Excellent School’
by Ofsted
by Challenge Partners March 2015
by Brent Schools Partnership, February 2017
“The school’s leaders have inspired loyalty and high endeavour and their relentless determination has ensured that students receive excellent education and care.” Brent Schools Partnership Review, February 2017
Highly Qualified Staff Our students are taught by highly qualified and skilled staff who have mastery of their subjects.
Mr A. Hathi
Acting Headteacher
Wembley High Technology College’s unique combination of its commitment to pupil achievement and focus in delivering outstanding outcomes makes it a truly exceptional place to continue education beyond primary school. As one of the consistently highest performing schools in the country, we have a track record of success that gives our pupils the opportunity to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Thank you for your interest in Wembley High and I hope this prospectus highlights just some of the reasons that make Wembley High such an ‘Outstanding’ school.
Degree: MA (Hons) MENG Mechanical Engineering, University of Cambridge and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Ms L. Cowley
Mr W. Wright
Degree: Masters in Leadership (Institute of Education); BSc Mathematics University of Bristol
Degree: Physics, University of Warwick
Deputy Headteacher
Interest: Problem solving and understanding abstract concepts such as Infinity and Logic
“The students at Wembley strive for academic excellence.”
Deputy Headteacher
Interest: I am fascinated with space and astrophysics. Learning about things which happened so long ago or so far away makes you realise the enormity of the universe
“Students at WHTC have a thirst for knowledge which really makes them enjoyable to teach. They want to understand how and why things work and the deep knowledge they get from this curiosity makes them very successful students.”
SUBJECT ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2016 SUBJECT
% OF A*– C GRADES
SUBJECT
% OF A*– C GRADES
Economics
100
Spanish
95
French
100
Core Science
94
Further Mathematics
100
ICT
93
IGCSE English Literature
100
Mathematics
93
Psychology
100
Religious Studies
93
RS – Philosophy
100
English
88
English Literature
99
Classical Civilization
86
Additional Science
98
Geography
84
History
98
Graphic Products
79
Music
96
Drama
67
Further Additional Science
95
Ms K. Forbes
Ms F. Woolfe
Degree: MMath (Hons) Mathematics University of Reading
Degree: BA (Joint Hons) Mathematics and German University of Birmingham
Deputy Headteacher
Interest: Dynamical systems, fluid mechanics, advanced partial differential equations and vector calculus
“Our pupils’ thirst for knowledge and academic success is remarkable which makes teaching an absolute pleasure. I am proud to be able to facilitate their learning in many areas so that they can go on to lead successful lives.”
Assistant Headteacher
Interest: The concept of infinity, in particular exploring infinite series and sub-divisibility
“Students at Wembley High are hard-working and ambitious. It is a pleasure to work with such enquiring minds and help them to achieve their success.”
A*– A GRADES GCSE SUBJECTS SUBJECT
% OF A*– A GRADES
SUBJECT
% OF A*– A GRADES
IGCSE English Literature
100
Mathematics
55
French
95
Further Additional Science
54
Philosophy
90
Geography
51
Further Mathematics
80
Music
48
History
75
Classical Civilisation
46
Religious Studies
61
ICT (GCSE)
46
English Literature
60
Spanish
46
“Leaders set very high standards for the school’s performance, and rigorously evaluate how well they are doing against these standards.” Brent Schools Partnership Review, February 2017
Ms S. Cruickshank
Ms A. Costello
Degree: BSc Biomedical Science Physiology (1st class Hons) University of Aberdeen
Degree: MA in English Literary Studies (with Distinction) and BA Hons in English Literature Durham University
Assistant Headteacher
Interest: Understanding homeostatic control mechanisms and the biochemistry of respiration is of particular interest to me
“Our students are resilient, resourceful and hard working. Their thirst for knowledge inspires me to stay ahead of the curve.”
English
Interest: For my master’s degree, I gave particular focus to Modern Irish and Elegiac poetry, Post-War British Drama, and focused my dissertation on social mobility in the novels of Thomas Hardy
“The resilience and determination of Wembley High students is a delight to see. Their commitment to success is inspirational.”
AN OUTSTANDING CURRICULUM The strong academic ethos of Wembley High underpins a broad and balanced curriculum. Our fundamental belief is that pupils are entitled to an individually tailored curriculum that suits their personal needs. We always ensure that pupils are provided with textbooks, resources and online tuition to supplement classroom learning and to develop pupils into creative, resilient and independent learners.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum (Years 7 and 8)
Key Stage 4 Curriculum (Years 9, 10 and 11)
Key Stage 5 Curriculum (Years 12 and 13)
There is an emphasis on English, Mathematics and Science and significant time is devoted to develop key competencies and the skills needed for GCSEs in Key Stage 4. In addition, pupils study a wide range of subjects including the arts, languages, humanities, DT, ICT and RS.
At Key Stage 4, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Spanish, a Humanity, Science, Religious Studies, PE and ICT are compulsory. The other subjects form part of our options and the qualification types and hours spent studying each subject are tailored to the needs to each individual pupil.
At Key Stage 5, we offer a wide variety of courses that prepare pupils for university study. All subjects are studied for 5 hours / week and students will typically take 4 subjects in Year 12 and carry on with 3 subjects in Year 13. Pupils also have 1 hour / week of Personal Development lessons where they receive personalised tuition on study skills and support with their applications to university.
Art
Art
GCSE & BTEC
Biology GCSE Business
GCSE & BTEC
Art
A Level
Drama GCSE
Biology
A Level
DT
English Language
GCSE
Business
A Level
English
English Literature
GCSE
Chemistry
A Level
Geography
French GCSE
Economics
A Level
History
Geography GCSE
English Literature
A Level
ICT
Graphic Products
GCSE
French
A Level
Mathematics
ICT
GCSE & Vocational
Geography
A Level
Music
Mathematics (Further) GCSE
History
A Level
PE
Music
Mathematics
A Level
Religious Studies
PE BTEC
Drama
Science Spanish
Chemistry GCSE
GCSE & BTEC
Photography GCSE Physics GCSE Religious Studies
GCSE
Science (Combined)
GCSE
Spanish GCSE
Mathematics (Further) A Level Physics
A Level
Psychology
A Level
Religious Studies
A Level
Sociology
A Level
Spanish
A Level
“The curriculum is highly effective in allowing pupils to excel academically, while encouraging them to develop their skills.� Brent Schools Partnership Review, February 2017
A SCIENCE FOCUS Wembley High has a vibrant and energetic Science Department with a team of highly qualified teachers who have worked at the forefront of their fields. In Years 7 and 8, pupils master core scientific knowledge whilst developing their investigative skills which form the building blocks for GCSE courses that start in Year 9. Almost half of our pupils study triple science GCSEs. We are able to offer our brightest pupils a challenging Further Additional Science GCSE while continuing to provide targeted support. The sciences are the most popular A-Level choices for our pupils and we have built a reputation for outstanding results over many years. We provide individual tuition to all pupils in Year 12 and 13 and are able to stretch our brightest pupils to reach excellence. Our connections with the top universities have allowed students to gain experience in innovative research laboratories. Every year a substantial number of our Sixth Form pupils go on to read Science, Engineering or Medicine degrees at the most prestigious universities.
“Your school is amongst the top state-funded schools in England for the percentage of pupils entering the core academic subjects included in the English Baccalaureate. These subjects are vital for giving pupils the best start in life and ensuring they have the widest range of opportunities available to them.” Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP (Minister of State for School Standards), March 2017
Dr M. Barnes
Mr X. Liu
Chemistry
Biology
Degree: BSc (Hons) Oceanography University of Southampton MRes Marine Science University of Plymouth PhD Marine Biogeochemistry University of Essex
Degree: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science King’s College, London MSc Molecular Biology and Pathology of Viruses Imperial College, London
Interest: I am particularly interested in linking optical and chemical properties of dissolved and particulate organic matter in the aquatic environment, and the reactions of organosulfur compounds
“Students’ maturity and reflective attitudes ensures they are constantly seeking to improve, and they demonstrate remarkable intellectual and academic progress throughout their time at Wembley High.”
Interest: I am particularly interested in disease and infection, microbiology and virology
“Ambitious and independent thinking students with a real drive and thirst for knowledge.”
A MATHEMATICS FOCUS Wembley High has one of the country’s leading Mathematics Departments. Our pupils progress more between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 than nearly any other school in the country. In Mathematics, we achieved the 3rd highest progress score of 1.33 in the country in 2016. The Maths Department not only succeeds at GCSE but also has been placed in the top 1% of schools nationally for A-Level Mathematics. We recognise that having strong qualifications in GCSE and A-Level Mathematics are essential for the best universities and career paths; therefore, we have dedicated resources to ensuring that our students achieve the highest possible grades. Our pupils participate in various extra curricular activities including the Maths Challenge, the BP Challenge and the National Cipher Challenge. Pupils from KS3 through to KS5 also take part in visits to universities in order to develop them further into well-rounded high-achieving mathematicians.
“All teachers are subject specialists who demonstrate excellent levels of subject knowledge. Their confidence and expertise gain them the respect of students. All lessons are very well planned... Students say they really enjoy their lessons.” Ofsted Subject Inspection, 2011
Mr S. Cummins
Miss S. Lowe
Degree: Mathematics BSc University of Warwick
Degree: BEconSc Economics University of Manchester
Interest: Number Theory, Differential Equations
Interest: Behavioural economics and government intervention
Mathematics
“The students at Wembley High are exceptionally hardworking and endeavour to succeed in everything they do.”
Economics & Mathematics
“Students at Wembley High are driven to achieve the best results that they can, and are fully supported in doing so by their teachers.”
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE Our approach to teaching English is both traditional and innovative, with a highly specialised curriculum for Year 7 students that adopts a systematic approach to developing skills in reading and writing as well as speaking and listening. We are passionate about promoting enjoyment of reading and all Year 7, 8 and 9 students are given a book to keep every term as a part of the Wider Reading Programme. Our pupils participate in the First Story programme, which fosters creativity, literacy and talent. Our students work with high profile authors such as Mark Haddon, Philip Pullman and the former Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion, resulting in their work being published.
“Teachers use their excellent subject knowledge and passion for their subjects to enthuse pupils with a love of learning. This ensures that pupils know how to succeed in their subjects” Teaching, Learning and Assessment Report, April 2017
Ms H. Jones
Miss O. Jackson
Degree: English Literature and Philosophy (BA Hons), Leadership (MA) Leeds University and University College London
Degree: English Literature MA (Hons) University of Edinburgh, University of Virginia
English
Interest: I am passionate about studying the literature of Austen, the Bronte sisters and Dickens
“The pupils at Wembley High are a delight to teach as they are well behaved, hardworking and motivated to achieve.”
English
Interest: Romanticism, Modernism, and Modern American Literature
“It is a pleasure to teach pupils who truly value and are so invested in their own education.”
Ensuring the Best Start We have a Wembley High way of doing things that works. We enable students and parents to make a smooth transition which is enjoyable and successful. We operate a setting policy and pupils are placed in specially tailored groups to ensure that every child makes maximum progress. Parents can track their child’s attendance, behaviour and achievements online. A dedicated Year Leader is available to make sure pupils settle in quickly, understand the routines and expectations and begin achieving academic excellence. We are a strict school and will appeal to parents who support high standards of uniform, behaviour and academic excellence.
“Safeguarding staff are meticulous and make sure that the policy and procedures are monitored, evaluated and understood by staff. Systems and record keeping are scrupulous.” Report on Safeguarding and Child Protection, February 2017
Miss J. Bowen
Mr T. Birtles
French and Spanish
Religious Studies
Degree: BA Modern Languages, University of Oxford MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies University of Manchester
Degree: BA Philosophy, MA English Literature The University of Warwick
Interest: Linguistics
“My aim at Wembley High is to impart my love of languages to my students.”
Interest: I am primarily interested in twentieth century existential philosophy, the works of German romantics and their contribution to the climate of atheism and secularism in western Europe
“Pupils at Wembley High always impress me with their thirst for knowledge in spiritual matters and their ability to form incredibly sophisticated philosophical arguments from a very early stage at the school.”
Outstanding Progress Our progress data for all groups of students is one of the best in the country and has earned us recognition by Rt Hon Nick Gibb MP (Minister of State for School Standards) in March 2017. Our students’ outstanding progress is aided by rigorous target setting and monitoring. Master lessons and revision sessions are very popular in Science, Mathematics, English, Geography, History, Languages, Art, Drama, Graphics, Religious Studies and ICT are very well attended. We have developed extensive links with the highly prestigious schools and universities and they bring in their expertise to support pupils.
3rd highest school in England with a Maths progress score of 1.33
4th highest school in England with Progress 8 score of 1.14
6th highest school
in England with English Baccalaureate progress score of 1.31
Mr E. Martin
Mr B. Harrison
Degree: BA Geography University of Southampton
Degree: BA (Hons) Geography University of Leeds
Interest: Development Geographies is an area of particular interest for me
Interest: I am fascinated by retail geography and it’s interactions with space, society and the ever changing economic and political landscape
Geography
“The students at Wembley High are exceptional in their high expectations of themselves, they are motivated to succeed.”
Geography
“A desire to engage, enquire and extend their learning beyond the classroom is what makes students at Wembley High an absolute pleasure to teach.”
EXTRA CURRICULAR The College gives students hundreds of opportunities outside the classroom. Some of our most popular trips and residential trips are listed below. AOL Ltd, London Trip
Kings College Trip
Sam Wanamaker Theatre
ARUP Office, London Visit
Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University
Science Museum
Bright Futures Residential Programme
Lords Cricket Ground
Brilliant Restaurant
Old Vic
Circle Housing, Kings Cross, London Visit
PGL Activities Centre
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge Jesus College, University of Cambridge Trip
Scout, Orpington Trip Tate Modern The National Gallery
Playhouse Theatre
UKMT Junior Team Mathematics Challenge Trip
River Thames Boat Cruise
Wales Trip
Royal Academy Royal Festival Hall
In addition, there are numerous trips, visits and fixtures which are sports related, e.g. football, cricket, athletics, netball, etc.
Ms E. Woods Business
Degree: BA Management University of Sheffield Interest: The impact of changes in the global economic environment on business and citizens
“Students at WHTC are both aspirational and inspirational. Their dedication and commitment to academic success is unparalleled.�
“Review of the Sixth Form Provision at Wembley High Technology College found that the Sixth Form was outstanding.” Brent Schools Partnership Review, February 2017
EXCELLENT RESULTS IN THE SIXTH FORM Subject
Percentage A*–C
Percentage A*–E
Business
70
100
Economics
76
100
English Literature
100
100
Further Mathematics
100
100
History
83
100
ICT
100
100
Mathematics
90
100
Physics
78
100
Psychology
73
100
Religious Studies
100
100
Sociology
88
100
Biology
81
98
Chemistry
79
97
Geography
67
83
Mr P. Bhatia
Mr S. Costello
Degree: BSc Economics and Politics; MSc Public Policy Queen Mary, University of London
Degree: BA History and MA in Educational Leadership The University of York and the Institute of Education
Interest: Development Economics
Interest: International Relations 1900–1991
Associate Headteacher for Sixth Form
“Our students are a privilege to work with. They are ambitious, aspirational and aim to be the leaders of the future. They inspire me every day.”
Assistant Headteacher
“Wembley High pupils are highly motivated and pursue excellence at all times. Their commitment to academic studies and contribution to the local community is something that makes pupils at Wembley High very unique.”
SIXTH FORM SUCCESS Excellent A Level results enable students to gain places at university. • 99% pass rate A*– E and 58% of all grades were A*– B • 84% of all grades were A*– C • ALPS grade 2 for A2 – OUTSTANDING
For September 2017, 78% of pupils currently hold an offer from at least one Russell Group University and 99% hold a university offer. 2 pupils hold an offer from Oxbridge and other popular destinations include UCL (32 offers), King’s College (30 offers) and Warwick (23 offers).
• ALPS grade 3 for AS – EXCELLENT • Top 5% of Sixth Forms in the country
University Destinations 2016 Accounting and Finance Middlesex University University of Hertfordshire University of Kent Birkbeck, University of London Coventry University Brunel University London Aeronautical Engineering City, University of London Aerospace Engineering University of Surrey Anthropology and Sociology Brunel University London Automotive Engineering with Motorsport University of Hertfordshire Biology Royal Holloway, University of London Oxford Brookes University Biomedical Sciences Brunel University London Queen Mary University of London University College London University of Kent King’s College London Royal Holloway, University of London Coventry University Business and Management Brunel University London Middlesex University University of Greenwich
Computer Science Cardiff University University of Birmingham University of Surrey Queen Mary University of London
Human Resource Management University of Roehampton
Nutrition (Human Nutrition) Kingston University
Human Rights and Sociology Kingston University
Computer Graphics, Vision and Games Aberystwyth University Middlesex University
International Development/Human Geography University of Nottingham
Pharmacy University of Reading University College London King’s College London
Computer Systems Engineering University of Kent Criminology and Sociology/ Psychology Royal Holloway, University of London University of Roehampton University of Southampton Dentistry King’s College London Economics and Finance/ Accounting/ Mathematics/ Management University of East Anglia Queen Mary University of London Brunel University London Royal Holloway, University of London University of Southampton University of Essex Engineering Brunel University London English King’s College London Brunel University London
Business University of Hertfordshire
Financial Economics University of Leicester
Business and Management University of Greenwich
Forensic Science University of Kent University of West London
Chemical Engineering University of Birmingham Chemistry University of Southampton University of Warwick Civil Engineering City, University of London Brunel University London
International Relations and Modern Languages/ Politics University of East Anglia University of Leicester University of Portsmouth
Pharmaceutical Science University of Hertfordshire Kingston University Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics Queen Mary University of London
Landscape Architecture Birmingham City University
Philosophy, Politics and Economics University of York
Law City, University of London Birkbeck, University of London Middlesex University University of Leicester London Metropolitan University
Physics with Particle Physics Queen Mary University of London
Marketing Middlesex University
Psychology University of Southampton University of Roehampton University of Hertfordshire Aston University
Mathematics with Actuarial Science/ Physics/ Finance King’s College London University of Southampton Imperial College London University of Brighton Mechanical Engineering University of Warwick Birmingham City University
Global Health Queen Mary University of London
Medicine Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy University of Oxford University College London University of Cambridge University of Birmingham
Health and Science (Foundation) Coventry University
Natural Sciences University College London
History University of Oxford
Neuroscience Aston University
Politics Queen Mary University of London University College London
Science and Engineering Foundation Programme Queen Mary University of London Social Policy University of York Sociology (and Criminology) University of Portsmouth Brunel University London Theoretical Physics Queen Mary University of London
“Wembley High Technology College is a really ‘Outstanding’ place to be. This popular and heavily oversubscribed school offers all its students the chance to succeed, and they clearly know and appreciate it.” Ofsted, September 2008
www.whtc.co.uk Tel: 020 8385 4800
Wembley High Technology College, East Lane, North Wembley HA0 3NT