Kingston Grammar School Prospectus

sixth form prospectus

“Developed to equip students to be life-long learners�

Kingston Grammar School 6th Form Prospectus

our philosophy In an educational environment where so many approaches to Sixth Form study are possible, here at Kingston Grammar School we are very clear about what we aim to provide.

At the heart of our philosophy are flexibility and choice, so that the structure fits the individual, not vice versa.

A personalised programme for each student has at its heart A level courses which may enable specialisation or breadth of study. Preparation for Higher Education includes the development of Thinking Skills, culminating in a research exercise giving experience of independent study, which is complemented by experience in Preparation for Life. Students expand their horizons through leadership and service opportunities, training in key skills, an international dimension developing an understanding of ethical and global issues (including international visits) and insights into the world of work. Participation in the wide Co-Curricular Programme also develops other talents which may be physical, creative or entrepreneurial.

This world-class programme, innovative in its approach, is developed to prepare students to be life-long learners who are alive to global issues and possess a sense of responsibility and self-reliance. They will be equipped to hold positions of leadership and service in the 21st Century and make a real difference to our world.

We hope you will want to be a part of this unique and challenging KGS experience.

Kingston Grammar School 6th Form Prospectus

a personalised programme Personal Choice In consultation with their Tutors students design a personal suite of co-curricular activities to suit their needs, commitments, aspirations and individual academic programmes.

Individual Care Students have regular individual interviews with their Tutors to discuss academic progress, co-curricular involvement, personal development, leadership potential and independent study. Tutors, therefore, become familiar with the progress and needs of students and can offer advice to help them make the most of their time at KGS and beyond.

University Advice Advice on university admissions, GAP years and careers is available from Tutors and specialist staff, who also provide a programme of extension classes and interview practice. Our absolute commitment to supporting our students in their choices beyond A level extends long after they have left school.

“Our absolute commitment to supporting our students in their choices beyond A level extends long after they have left school�

“They have the opportunity to follow their interests without being compelled to fit into a structure�

Kingston Grammar School 6th Form Prospectus

academic development and scholarship Flexibility, Choice and Rigour We aim to challenge students to think originally, critically and imaginatively, taking examinations in their stride whilst going beyond the syllabus in their thinking. Students take courses suited to their needs and we aim to foster a life-long love of learning in them all.

Specialise or Broaden Students are encouraged to follow as many courses as they wish (with a minimum of 4 AS levels and 3 A2), so that they have programmes personal to them. Students may begin with as many as 5 or 6 AS level subjects in the Lower Sixth and carry on with them at A2 level or decide to take 4 at AS and then specialise in 3 or 4 at A2. They may broaden their outlook by taking an extra AS level over 2 years or add a new AS level in their second year. They have the opportunity to follow their interests without being compelled to fit into a structure.

Kingston Grammar School 6th Form Prospectus

physical, creative and entrepreneurial development Opportunity A wide range of clubs, societies and House-based activities provide for a rich and varied life outside the classroom.

Sport Students may be involved in hockey or rowing, for which we have an international reputation, or equally enjoy other competitive and participation sports to suit the fitness, exercise and social needs of all.

The Arts The Performing Arts Centre offers outstanding opportunities for music, dance and drama.

Physical Challenge The Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, World Challenge and other international expeditions provide further physical challenges.

Entrepreneurial Challenge Young Enterprise and Technology Challenge enable students to explore commercial and technological issues.

“Outstanding opportunities for music, dance and drama�

“Philosophy and ethics give a broad humanitarian view of the world�

Kingston Grammar School 6th Form Prospectus

preparation for university Extended Research Students explore their own intellectual interests by writing an extended essay or project following the summer AS examinations which may be entered for the Extended Project AS qualification. This helps to secure personal habits of independent study which will underpin future success at university.

Questions of Value and Thinking The two strands of this programme occupy two lessons each week.

Questions of Value examines philosophy and ethics to give a broad humanitarian view of the world, while Questions of Thinking combines the best of the International Baccalaureate Theory of Knowledge and A level Critical Thinking courses and may lead to AS Critical Thinking. Students are provided with skills they can transfer to their academic studies and encouraged to think beyond the confines of examination work.

Kingston Grammar School 6th Form Prospectus

preparation for life beyond education Leadership As prefects, House Captains and Secretaries, in the CCF, as captains of teams or in leading societies there are many opportunities to explore leadership and undergo training, culminating in the award of the KGS Leadership Portfolio.

Service Through the Creativity, Action and Service Programme, which provides Community Service opportunities for all, the Charities Committee, the School Forum and as mentors to younger students Sixth Formers learn to understand and support others, especially those less fortunate than themselves, encouraging a sense of community and responsibility.

Key Skills Students take the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and have many opportunities to practise the skills of debating and chairing meetings through the School Forum, The Sixth Form Committee and the Gibbon (debating) Society.

Personal, Social and Health Education Through the tutorial programme, weekly lectures and Questions of Value and Thinking courses students learn about and discuss issues of central importance to their own lives and society as a whole.

“Sixth Formers learn to understand and support others, encouraging a sense of community and responsibility�

international horizons A broad international dimension to the Sixth Form experience prepares KGS students to be responsible citizens with a global perspective.

Students may undertake work experience in Europe and will all be involved in two days of international conferences focusing on global social, economic, political and environmental issues. Students manage links with communities we support in under-developed countries and many departments and activities organise overseas expeditions and tours. A long weekend visit to a European city to explore cultural, social and economic aspects is arranged for the whole Lower Sixth.

Kingston Grammar School London Road Kingston upon Thames KT2 6PY Tel 020 8546 5875 Fax 020 8547 1499

registrar@kgs.org.uk www.kgs.org.uk A company limited by guarantee Registered in England No. 3883748 Registered Charity No. 1078461