SIXTH FORM
KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
Welcome to King Edward’s Sixth Form. This prospectus is your introduction to the Sixth Form
Whether you are a current or prospective pupil, I trust
experience at King Edward’s Witley. For over 450 years,
that you will find answers and be inspired by these
the School has been working with young people,
pages. I hope that you will be able to picture yourself,
preparing them to be independent, successful and
not just in the next few months as you embark on
effective wherever they choose to go.
your newly chosen courses, or in a few years when you leave School, but in decades to come when you
Whether this is your first insight to life in the Sixth
look back at your schooldays and appreciate that they
Form, or whether you are simply looking for
contributed to all that you achieved.
information to confirm your choice. We believe the last two years of School are the most exciting and
Education is lifelong and here it has no limits. We want
the most important.
you to have the best possible education as you prepare for life beyond. We want you to join us purposeful and
At King Edward’s, we want you to be comfortable
curious, and leave us poised and confident for
about yourself, confident about your potential and
whatever lies ahead.
curious to learn. We want creative thinkers who enjoy learning and want to contribute to the school community. Mrs Joanna Wright Head
I 01
02
I KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
WELCOME TO THE
SIXTH FORM
Mr Ian Peel, Head of Sixth Form
This prospectus aims to welcome you
are still at university, or now building careers in a
academic grades. Diversity at King Edward’s can
enthusiastically to your wonderful Sixth Form
highly competitive job market. We therefore have
take many forms, but we love and celebrate all
experience at King Edward’s. We have an
expertise on Sixth Form, university, and careers
equally, and work flat out to get each pupil the
experienced, friendly and committed team of
from all angles, and will really care about your
very best academic results they can accomplish,
teachers and tutors, small class sizes, and amazing
happiness and success.
whilst acknowledging that character is a lot more
facilities in a beautiful setting, all focused on
than just grades.
providing you with a happy, successful and
At KESW you will be in a diverse year group,
memorable two years, whilst preparing you to the
in a small and friendly community, so we can
My role at King Edward’s is to co-ordinate our
fullest extent for the next big stage in your life.
get to know you properly as an individual, and
amazing staff and stunning facilities into the best
learn what you care about, understand how to
Sixth Form provision we can deliver, and to keep
Between us, the Sixth Form Teachers at KESW
motivate you, and buy into your future dreams.
making it better, not least with the help of your
have decades of experience in preparing young
We celebrate the diversity of our community,
feedback and needs. I look forward to seeing you
people for university, Oxbridge, Medicine and
of which we are so proud; it is multifaceted and
here to enjoy it!
other Higher Education choices. Many of us also
leads to a rich learning environment. We have a
have extensive experience of working in business,
number of pupils who will get all A*s and A’s at
with a wide range of industries, and a number
A-level, however we also have exceptional young
have recently been parents of Sixth Formers, who
people, for whom success is not defined solely by
Mr Ian Peel, Head of Sixth Form
‘The small class sizes have been great, and I’ve really got to know my teachers well.’
Life in Sixth We will help you get into good habits from day one; this is a fresh start, and you can be even better.
With your Sixth Form studies we will encourage you to
You will also benefit from the Sixth Form Programme
be curious and reflective; we want to make your
comprising a series of lectures, workshops and
subjects come alive and help you to find and explore
external speakers. This will encompass some areas of
further the bits that really appeal to you. We will also
PSHE, but also inspiration from amazing visitors, and
push you to seek out new experiences and challenges.
enrichment for life beyond school in the form of
In addition, we will offer you so many opportunities for
cooking, personal and student finance, laundry and
challenge and leadership, whether as a Prefect, Head
student accommodation must-knows. The KESBac will
of House, as a mentor for younger children, in sport or
develop academic research skills, public speaking and
music; take them! You need leadership experience to
presenting skills, the opportunity to do public service,
build you up as a person (and stories to use for later
and even conversation classes in another language.
job applications).
You will also have the opportunity to challenge yourself intellectually by engaging with the Bridewell
In our Sixth Form community there will also be
Academic Scholarship programme.
opportunities to party and have fun! The Sixth Form Council works with the Head of Sixth Form to run the
We want you to celebrate and enjoy this culmination of
Sixth Form Social Programme and has a dedicated
your glorious school career, every day – you’ve earned it!
budget to manage and run monthly social events such
You will be a Sixth Former, a role-model for the younger
as karaoke, fancy-dress, open-mike or film and pizza
years, and a leader by example, with extra
nights, as well as a bigger event per term, such as a trip
responsibilities and privileges to enjoy.
to London. Furthermore, we will run one exciting Sixth Form overseas trip every two years.
KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
Form
I 05
‘I’ve got to know people from a whole range of countries and cultures... we’re like a family that just works. You wouldn’t expect us to gel but we just do!’
Upper Sixth Form House (Jubilee House)
‘ I like the whole range of options, and the extracurricular side of it as well because you can choose your own path. You can do whatever sports you like and academically there’s a whole range of subjects which is amazing!’
KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
SIXTH FORM HOUSES All Lower Sixth Form pupils, whether they are joining the School for Sixth Form studies, or have been at King Edward’s for longer, will be assigned to one of the Senior Houses, home to boarding and day pupils from age 13 to 17.
There are four senior boys’ houses,
For those living closer to the School, we
to survive when you move on from
Edward, Grafton, Ridley and Wakefield
know flexible and occasional boarding
school. Jubilee has its own laundry,
and two senior girls houses, Tudor and
helps busy families’ work-life balance and
where boarders are expected to do their
Elizabeth. Two of our boys’ houses are
allows our Sixth Form day pupils the
own washing. Jubilee also has workroom
paired with girls’ houses, Edward with
flexibility to fit more into their active
facilities both upstairs and downstairs,
Tudor and Wakefield with Elizabeth, both
schedules, while spending extra time
allowing for quiet workspaces at any time
of which benefit from shared living space
with their friends and peers.
of day or evening. Jubilee is built on the
for both boys and girls, leaving Ridley and
principles of community, academic
Grafton as bachelor houses. Lower Sixth
For the final year, you will move into
progress, personal development and
Form boarders will either have a twin or a
Jubilee House, which is an Upper 6th only
wellbeing; these principles are built into
single room. Lower Sixth Form pupils
boarding house for male and female
all aspects of the provision. Jubilee is run
perform an important role in the Houses
pupils. Jubilee offers an experience that is
collaboratively with you as the residents,
mentoring younger pupils in their House.
very similar to what you can expect to
and you will be able to take part in the
Each House has its own identity and
find at university. If you are boarding, you
running and decision-making for the
character and there is healthy
will have a single room with your own
house during your time there.
competition between the Houses in
ensuite bathroom, there is a large
music, drama and on the sports fields.
communal kitchen where you can cook
Sixth Form pupils can take up full, weekly,
your own meals, if you wish, and we will
flexible and occasional boarding.
help you to develop the necessary skills
I 07
08
I KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
KESBac The KESBac is an innovative, bespoke enrichment
three key elements, active engagement, the extended
beyond their Sixth Form courses of study, stand out
program that seeks to enhance our pupils’ Sixth Form
project qualification (EPQ), and critical thinking.
and prepare for university or their future career via
experience, providing them with opportunities for
undertaking a self-driven, academic enrichment
personal growth and development. At the heart of
The active engagement element of the program
project. Critical thinking will be delivered in a seminar
the program lies the ‘changemaker ethos’, comprised
focuses on developing leadership and presence
setting, providing our pupils with an opportunity to
of two key unifying principles; ‘change for me’ and
across the school, encouraging pupils to form
explore complex social, cultural, and political issues
‘change for others’. Together these two principles drive
academic, cultural, and sporting societies that take
and thereby preparing them for life at university and
forward a program that seeks to open pupils’ minds,
a role in delivering meaningful developments for
in the wider world.
develop their service and leadership qualities, and
our community. The EPQ provides an excellent
expand their academic horizons. This is achieved via
opportunity for pupils to extend their abilities
KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
The KESBac program will be offered at three levels; bronze, silver and gold, thereby allowing pupils to access the opportunities available at a level that is appropriate for their needs. The holistic growth of the person is at the heart of our school motto of ‘united by diversity since 1553’ and the KESBac program will ensure that our Sixth Form pupils are ready to take their place in the world.
I 09
A-LEVEL SUBJECTS: ARTS & HUMANITIES Art Business Classical Civilisation English Literature Geography History Latin Music Philosophy Politics Religious Studies Textiles Theatre Studies STEM Biology Chemistry Computer Science Design Technology Economics Maths Further Maths Physical Education Physics Psychology PLEASE NOTE: The School reserves the right to withdraw a subject if there is insufficient demand.
KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
A CHOICE
OF A-LEVELS We offer a range of A-level subjects that allow pupils to choose subjects strategically, playing to their strengths and their passions.
A-levels provide pupils with a significant challenge, and the satisfaction of developing in-depth knowledge that will equip them superbly for university study in their chosen field. Ideal for the dedicated, mature pupil who enjoys academic stretch, A-levels are demanding and gratifying. Pupils can study either three or four A-levels and are encouraged to augment these with
the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which develops research skills and academic writing; providing solid foundations for undergraduate study. These earn UCAS points and enhance a pupil’s application to university by demonstrating their interest and ability to conduct independent research and write in an academic style.
I 11
CO-CURRIC for them to do so. If a girl or boy has an aptitude for a
their sport throughout their time here. The programme
sport, there are girls’ and boys’ sports teams that enjoy
nurtures performance through a tailored training and
regular fixtures, appropriate to the season, against other
development process. We are proud to work with
schools. Pupils further develop their sporting interests
the Surrey High Performance Institute (SHPI) based at
and talents through inter-House matches, specialist and
Surrey Sports Park who provide specialist guidance in
expert coaching, and through joining programmes and
elite sport. They visit the school regularly to perform
Sport
local clubs to develop skills and compete. In addition, the
fitness tests which are then used to design specific
All forms of sport build character, help develop a healthy
to either train and compete in tournaments or watch top
competitive spirit and contribute to fitness and wellbeing
sporting events to enthuse our athletes, whether an elite
in both body and mind. Our extensive facilities include a
sportsperson or one who enjoys sport as part of healthy
new AstroTurf pitch, four badminton courts, two cricket
lifestyle. In addition, guest speakers visit the School to
nets, indoor netball, tennis, hockey, and a basketball
impart their stories of struggles, overcoming hurdles,
court. The Sports Centre has a cardiovascular suite,
mental strength, determination and the joys of success.
school helps plan the pursuit of coaching qualifications for our pupils. There are local, national and international trips arranged
weights room and swimming pool; there are also three squash courts and five netball courts
fitness programmes for each individual. Each pupil is then nurtured by a staff mentor who has, or is currently,
The Elite Performance Pathway (EPP) is a unique
participating at an elite level themselves. Pupils have
programme designed to extend and stretch our most
the opportunity to visit the SHPI and access their
All pupils are involved in physical exercise as part of
able pupils. Our sports scholars are automatically
laboratories on a regular basis as well as various other
their school week; if a pupil wants to participate in a
enrolled in the programme as well as a small number of
trips (such as to Loughborough University or local elite
particular sport, KESW will generally find an opportunity
pupils who have demonstrated outstanding aptitude in
sports clubs) to enhance their knowledge.
ULAR ART
King Edward’s has a vibrant Art Department and is committed to inclusivity, upholding the philosophy that every individual possesses important abilities and skills worthy of development within this subject. Whether taking Art as an academic subject or joining in Art Club activities, girls and boys can engage in everything from drawing and painting to photography and digital image manipulation. The Art Department boasts spacious, light rooms, a ceramics room, printmaking studio, photography darkroom, library and ICT resource room, and takes the opportunity throughout the year for outdoor inspiration in the School’s landscapes and woodlands. The Department aims to foster confidence, competence, and independence in pupils through the use of a wide
variety of media, processes and technical skills. Whether in Art Club or in class, the Department wishes to inspire pupils to think and act as artists, craftspeople, and designers, working creatively, imaginatively, and intelligently. Pupils are encouraged to confidently express ideas and meanings which reflect a developing awareness of their own work and that of established artists. With an Artist-in-Residence programme, one-to-one mentoring sessions are available for those seeking support with a portfolio or for their own artistic practice. Workshops and activity sessions are offered weekly including on Saturdays. A range of art competitions take place in School each year and we support and encourage students to enter national and international art, fashion and photography competitions. These have included: The Royal Academy Young Artist’s Summer Show; Articulation; Junk Kouture and NUA’s Beyond the Frame.
KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
I 13
We often work closely with the Drama Department and pupils may wish to develop their skills in areas such as costume, make up, prop design and set design. The Department do a great deal to support and educate students about careers in the arts and related fields. In recent years we have held regular internships through a local business for those interested in careers in digital media including film, TV and animation. These are particularly suited to those with strengths in art and computing or art and maths. In addition, in the Autumn term we take pupils to the Excel Centre in London for the UCAS Create your Future Fair. This is a UCAS event for those seeking careers in creative industries. The Department celebrates and promotes the diverse and wide-ranging talents and achievements of pupils in Art, to provide a foundation for their future education, interest, and enjoyment.
14
I KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
They then hosted the evening and donated the proceeds from ticket sales to their chosen charity. Sixth Form pupils also run lunchtime clubs for younger pupils or can support after school rehearsals for GCSE groups to complete their service section for Duke of Edinburgh.
Drama
We run regular theatre trips to Chichester, London and Guildford and we aim to see a diverse range of performance styles including dance, physical theatre, Hall, they also design and
and new writing. Often, we will invite cast members or
programme the lights for shows.
creatives into school to lead workshops on aspects of the
The Drama Department is busy and productive and
This team consists of pupils from all age groups and is
performance we have been to see so that we can solidify
everyone in the school community is welcomed. We
usually led by a Sixth Form pupil.
our understanding and then pupils can use those ideas when devising their own
produce several different shows a year and run a wide range of clubs, trips, and performance workshops. Pupils
We run a Sixth Form programme for aspiring theatre
work. We have worked
are encouraged to get involved in drama regardless of
makers who are mentored by our Director in Residence,
with actors and directors
whether they study drama and theatre courses. We have
a professional theatre maker. The Sixth Form Production
from companies
two performance venues: the new Studio Theatre, which
project is new and exciting; the pupil director chooses the
including, The Globe,
seats an audience of 70 and is fully equipped with the
show and runs all aspects of the project right through
Gecko, Splendid and
performance technology to enhance productions, and
from casting, rehearsals, design, direction, and the final
Frantic Assembly.
Charter Hall which has a capacity of 500 and is perfect
performance. They are given a budget to manage and
for productions with a large cast and orchestra.
the space and time to develop their creative ideas for
For pupils who wish
an audience. The first performance of this kind was
to hone their acting
Our school productions range from interpretations of classic texts to full scale musicals and original devised
and public speaking
‘Who Cares?’ and this played for two evenings to packed audiences and critical acclaim.
skills we run LAMDA courses. These are taught by three professional actors who visit school weekly to run
work. We usually run auditions for acting parts, but we also have a huge number of roles to play backstage.
Drama and theatre projects can support the KESBac
sessions. These qualifications run through grades up
Sixth Form pupils may be set or costume designers,
and Duke of Edinburgh scheme. For example, Sixth
to Bronze, Silver and Gold standard which equates to
assistant directors or on the technical team as lighting
Form pupils presented a ‘Night at the Musicals’. After
valuable UCAS points. Our clubs, which run at lunch
designers and sound operators. We have a Tech Team
visiting assemblies to present the idea to the younger
times or afternoons include Musical Theatre, Dance,
who meet once a week and are responsible for rigging
year groups, they wrote the rehearsal schedule and
Playwrighting and Theatre Tech.
the lighting and sound equipment in the Charter
programme and advertised the event for an audience.
KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
I 15
There is a team of 25 full time and specialist visiting music teachers who
MUSIC
teach over 140 individual lessons each week. For Sixth Form pupils, these lessons are taught during study periods. Some pupils choose to take exams and
King Edward’s is well known for its music and
others just like to play for
every pupil is encouraged to enjoy music-
pleasure. In addition to one-
making in some form. It is worth learning
to-one lessons, there are a
Many pupils take advantage of the UCAS points by
how to play an instrument no matter what
large variety of ensembles that
taking practical exams.
your future plans are, because it’s an activity
rehearse weekly and all pupils
that delivers positive and lifelong impacts. It
are welcome to participate
There is an extensive music programme of concerts,
provides a healthy creative outlet, fosters
regardless of whether they
competitions, musicals, masterclasses, interhouse
important social connections in readiness for
take lessons in school. These
competitions, workshops, and trips. A number of pupils
university and later life, gives lifelong benefits
rehearse before school, during
are involved in national ensembles such as the National
for mental health, and it is also fun.
lunch break or after school. Ensembles include Choirs,
Youth Choir and the National Youth Orchestra. The
Orchestras, Chamber Ensembles and Bands. There is also
school’s strong links with the City of London also mean
The Department is based in the purpose-built Countess
the opportunity to explore Music Technology using Logic
that there are many opportunities to perform in London.
of Munster Music School and enjoys excellent facilities
ProX and to work in the recording studio.
In addition, there are Chapel Choir tours biennially and
including a recital room, classrooms, practice rooms, an
there have recently been trips to
extensive library, a band room, a state-of-the-art Mac
Rome and Venice.
Suite and a recording studio equipped with industry standard equipment. The school has a large selection
We offer a special programme for
of instruments and excellent pianos, including seven
more advanced pupils. They are
grand pianos. In addition, each House has a piano and
involved in a mentoring programme
a space to rehearse. The Music School is open 7.30am to
and have the opportunity to take
9pm every weekday and pupils have access to the Music
part in special events. We aim to
School over weekends. There is a fine three manual
support them in realising their
Willis organ in Chapel and the school enjoys being
potential here at school. Parents
accredited to the Royal College of Organists as well as
are always welcome to attend
the Royal Schools of Church Music.
musical events.
16
I KING EDWARD’S WITLEY
‘Try to get involved in as many things as you can because it all adds to your personal statement. In most schools you can barely fill it but here it was like; what to take out?’
Your future beyond
King Edward’s Your experienced Sixth Form Tutor will guide you
are opportunities to experience the ceremonial side
(Italy) and Hong Kong University. As you embark on
through the process of university admissions and
of the City, for instance the annual law competition
undergraduate study and enter the world of work,
apprenticeships, which starts in the second term. The
at the Royal Courts of Justice, immediately preceded
our ‘Old Wits’ Development Office will keep you up to
School uses the Unifrog platform to help you research
by the historic ‘Ceremony of the Quit Rents’. These
date with the latest news from the School. They also
courses/careers and draw up a shortlist of universities/
experiences, together with the School’s history of
arrange networking opportunities to meet up with
careers to which you are best suited. Our specialist
innovation, will stand you in good stead as you leave
former alumni in order to ensure relationships with
Head of Careers and Higher Education, and the Head
and embark on the next stage of your learning journey.
old friends endure, and allow you to forge new ones
of Sixth Form, will then work with you to craft your Personal Statement and submit your application.
within the wider King Edward’s community. Looking forward to life after King Edward’s, recent leavers have gone to Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, Kings,
Given the School’s historic ties to the City of London,
UCL, Warwick, Loughborough and Exeter as well as
having started out at Bridewell Royal Palace, there
international universities such as IE (Spain), Bocconi
King Edward’s Witley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG, United Kingdom +44 (0)1428 686735 • admissions@kesw.org • www.kesw.org
Created by Quantock Design