Westminster City School Prospectus - September 2020 entry for Year 7

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Welcome It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Westminster City School. We are a comprehensive school for boys with a mixed Sixth Form in central London close to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

The founders of Westminster City School adopted the motto Unitate Fortior – Strength in Unity. It is a sentiment that is as important to the school today as it was when it first opened in 1877.

Since becoming the school’s fifteenth headteacher, I have realised why increasing numbers of students are going that extra mile to be educated at Westminster City School. There is something very special that permeates the school – I call it the ‘Westminster City Factor’. For me, this factor comprises of a unity of so many strengths. Ours is a school unified by its culture, purpose, character, connections and sense of community.

We draw much from our rich history to ensure that everyone within our school’s multi-faith, multi-cultural and forward-thinking community is equipped with the skills and attributes to succeed in the 21st Century. We are proud of this diversity which ensures our school is a true reflection of the modern city we live in.

Life at Westminster City School is demanding, rewarding and enriches all within its proud community. The school offers exceptional learning opportunities within an inclusive community. Our dynamic Christian foundation and rich heritage help equip each person with the life-skills needed to flourish. I hope this prospectus gives you a firm sense of our aspiration for all that pass through our doors.

Peter Broughton - Headteacher

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Culture OFSTED described the Westminster City School as having a 'strong culture'. We work hard to maintain and develop a culture in which all our students, regardless of starting point, succeed.

We have forged a culture of togetherness that allows all students to feel part of a strong family in which they can fulfil their potential. Ours is an aspirational culture where we expect all to ‘be their very best selves’. In doing so they can follow, should they choose to, in the footsteps of former pupils and students who have become actors, sportsmen, doctors, inventors, captains of industry, politicians, comedians, musicians, business owners, financiers and clergy to name but a few. However, each pupil and student is encouraged to forge their own path in a challenging, supportive environment.

It is a culture which places progress, the distance travelled, at its heart. No matter where you are when your journey begins with us, at Westminster City School you will travel an extra mile and develop in so many ways.

The school also encourages pupils and students to celebrate the very best of their own culture and through assemblies, our worship programmes and concerts we share and value our differences. At the end of their time with us, all pupils and students have a firm sense of what it means to have been a Westminster Citizen.

“My son really appreciates the good teaching and an environment conducive to learning” Parent of a boy in Year 8

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“We are all here together because there is strength in unity: we are all here because together, we can bring out the best in each other.�

Akin, Year 10 7

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“We are encouraged to put aside our differences, whether it be our race or what country we come from, in order to celebrate our achievements and strive for success.�

Gabriel, Year 9

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Purpose Our Christian ethos underpins a common moral purpose.

All members of the school community – students, parents, staff and governors – be they of the Christian faith, of other faiths or of no faith are bonded by the four values that underpin this purpose: Wisdom We nurture wisdom by developing academic habits and skills, emotional intelligence, resilience and creativity in all.

Teach me good judgement and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.

(Psalm 119.66)

Integrity We foster integrity by encouraging all young people and adults in our community to match words with deeds, fulfil commitments and take responsibility for their behaviour.

Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show. sincerity, dignity, and sound speech (Titus 2.7)

Compassion We cultivate compassion by valuing each person in our community and empowering them to share their gifts and aspirations.

I give you a new commandment that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. (John 13.34)

Excellence We develop excellence by ensuring all in our community do their best, take pride in achievements and are open to change and learning from others.

Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10.31) One of the main reasons parents choose Westminster City School, as identified by a Parent of boys in Years 9 and 11 is “A strong Christian ethos and identity.”

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Character The most important element of the Westminster City ‘factor’ is the character of our pupils and students.

We want our pupils and students to be academically successful and well-informed about the world but, above all, we strive to ensure they are great people. And that goes for our staff too.

This is why we offer so many musicial and sporting opportunities, why we have a thriving Army Cadet Force, regular outdoor trips and why the role of the Chaplain is central. This helps pupils and students and staff become reflective, independent, open-minded, resourceful, supportive and tenacious.

Our Christian ethos also informs how we seek to develop the character of all within our community. There are many opportunities to help others, to serve and to put ourselves in the situations of the least fortunate. We ensure that there is time and effort given to these activities as they are the key to shaping and developing life-affirming qualities.

Both parents and students value the school’s belief in the developing the whole child. “Commitment to enriching the school experience” was a reason given by a parent of a boy in Year 11 for why the school stands out. A Parent Governor, Barbara, supports this sharing that “The orchestra and excellent music development programme, with links to the Royal College of Music, has enabled my son to further develop the music instruction he started in primary school.”

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“I have been challenged to develop not only academically but also as a young man.�

Ioan, Former Student, Year 11 11

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“The teachers are really caring and want you to always do well. Our school has great connections and facilities which we benefit from, being in central London, we are never too far away from a great opportunity.�

Amirali, Year 9 12

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Connections Westminster City’s unique location in the heart of London brings great benefits. Not only are its transport links excellent, creating easy access to attract great pupils, students and staff, it is surrounded by numerous major companies and organisations. The school has strong links with Google, Deutsche Bank, AT&T, Land Securities, PWC, to name but a few, who enable our pupils and students to gain a firm understanding of the world of work and develop personal and professional links.

The school has strong educational ties through the other four schools in the United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation with whom we regularly collaborate and frequently compete against on a student level. More recently our outward facing approach has brought links with schools within the Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership and the PiXL Club.

Our connections with universities and colleges such as King’s College, Imperial College and University College, London provide opportunities for students to attend summer and specialist courses as well as gain access to the brightest minds in the capital.

Our musical tradition has been enhanced by links with the world-renowned VOCES8 and the English National Opera who currently employ a number of our boys for their performances. We are exceptionally proud that our choirs have performed at the Barbican and Guildhall through the partnerships we have established.

We also have a unique connection to Westminster Abbey where we hold regular services and from which we are spiritually nurtured.

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Community At Westminster City School we foster a strong sense of community and inclusion. With a five-form intake placed in 6 teaching groups, class sizes are kept small allowing pupils and students to stand out and staff to quickly get to know those young people in their care.

A supportive family atmosphere is generated by our house system and strong pastoral care leading to a real sense of belonging.

Our community responsibility extends to charity work. We endeavour to help those who are in need. We partake in charity events such as the Jeans for Genes day and every year we hold a charity carol concert at Christmas in the local shopping centre.

We also work hard in opening up our facilities and learning opportunities to a range of local groups as well as those in the primary schools in and beyond our locality. Our school is a community hub and this position allows many within our school to share their skills and talents.

“Drawing from the resources and connections that the foundation provides, the school's leadership is highly talented and dedicated and has developed an inspiring vision for providing an excellent education and promoting aspiration for a very diverse community of pupils.” Parent of a boy in Year 9.

The rich diversity of the school appeals to both parents and students. “My son thinks the diversity of the school community is good. He has made several good friends from varied walks of life with similar interests.” Parent of a boy in Year 8.

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“I feel part of a school community which is united by the same goal, which is to work hard to achieve our full potential.�

Adebayo, Year 10 15

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“Although this has been a big transition for me, my teachers and my new friends have already made me feel a part of the school community.�

Dan, Year 7

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Transition The transition from Primary School to Year 7 can feel daunting. We make it as smooth and easy as possible.

Our house system and strong pastoral support allow the cohort of new boys to feel at home immediately. Year 7 have named members of staff who are dedicated to ensure the well-being of each student.

Each new entrant has a one-to-one meeting in school, is visited at their primary school and parents and their sons have the opportunity to complete their induction with a specialist day in school before the start of the academic year.

Parents receive regular updates via telephone, text, email and parent evenings.

There is a termly Headteacher’s Forum and a weekly bulletin so that parents are kept well informed about the progress of their children and key developments within the school community.

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History The school roots can be traced to the 16th Century and has been at its current location in Palace Street since 1877. In its collection of Victorian and modern buildings can be found its six houses. The house system creates a strong bond and unity and helps develop a healthy, friendly rivalry through regular inter-house competitive activities.

The school’s rich heritage is reflected in the names of the houses. Four are named after original benefactors: Dacre, Hill, Kings and Palmer. Waterlow is named after the first Chair of Governors and the newest, St Margaret’s, is the name of the church in the grounds of Westminster Abbey with which we are closely associated.

Each pupil from Years 7 to 11 is a member of one of these houses, playing their part and contributing to the proud heritage of our school.

The School’s Foundation – the United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation – traces its roots to 1594 and education on the school’s site has occurred since the Elizabethan era. Our sister school – The Grey Coat Hospital – along with Emmanuel School in Clapham, Queen Anne’s School in Caversham and Sutton Valence School in Kent make up this foundation. It is a dynamic entity which forges links at both a pupil and staff level and enhances our educational provision.

The school has a very supportive former pupils and students association – the Old Westminster Citizens’ Association – which provides valuable support for educational, sporting and musical opportunities within the school.

Notable alumni include: John Boyega - Actor Wes Streeting - Politician Andy Hamilton - Comedian

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“I am proud to be part of a community which works together, helps and supports each other.�

Hammad, Year 9

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“I was given the opportunity to accelerate into sixth form in Year 11 because I achieved excellent results across all of my subjects in Year 10. I am now our school’s Head Boy and have been able to broaden my learning further.”

Simon, Year 13

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Curriculum All Year 7 and 8 pupils are taught in a mixture of teaching groups. Some subjects are taught in mixed ability groups whilst in core subjects there is the option for streaming.

Boys then follow a three-year key stage 4 curriculum.

The most able pupils have an enriched curriculum taking GCSEs in some subjects at the end of Year 10 allowing some to start their A Levels or complete additional qualifications in Year 11.

Increasing numbers of our boys then enter our mixed Sixth Form where a broad range of A Levels allows access to university or high-level apprenticeships.

Our goal is to ensure every young person completes a seven year journey with us and is equipped with the qualifications to make the choices that are best for them be that pursuing an undergraduate degree at university or excelling on a vocational training path.

Every year students in our Sixth Form go on to secure places at the top universities in the UK as well as onto courses amongst the most selective in the country. Our ability to secure high level apprenticeships for those that wish to pursue this route is enhanced by our location and business contacts.

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Achievement Our exam results are above the national average. We perform particularly well in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. Pupils and students are stretched and challenged to achieve results well in excess of their expectations.

Our results at A Level have been officially recognised as being well above national averages and we have been in the top 10% of Sixth Forms nationally for three consecutive years.

We ensure excellent achievement by knowing the strengths and needs of the young men and young women in our care. We have high expectations of what they can achieve and support them every step of the way.

We have received two educational outcomes awards for high attainment from the SSAT (The Schools Network) for being in the top 20% of non-selective schools nationally.

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“Our school always finds ways to challenge and motivate us.”

Nasif, Year 9

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“There are many extra-curricular activities to take advantage of and I enjoy doing music in particular. Last year I was proud to play the last post on the trumpet for Remembrance Day and look forward to doing it again.�

Jake, Year 11

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Opportunities Westminster City offers an unparalleled range of opportunities to learn and develop outside of the classroom. Our central location makes possible regular visits to museums, art galleries, concerts, exhibitions, theatres, sports events and places of interest across London.

We run clubs catering for a diverse range of interests including animation, photography, school council, Latin, art, reading and film. We have established a strong reputation for our music with various musical ensembles and a choir rehearsing regularly. Our musicians have performed with the English National Opera, Musicians’ Company and Garsington Opera whilst a number of boys have gone on to have successful careers on the stage, and television and film.

Many students play sport regularly after school. Some have been selected for their district, regional and national teams.

Our flourishing Army Cadet Force provides opportunities for pupils and students to take part in outdoor pursuits, camps and related activities.

Our links with local organisations and businesses provide extensive chances for pupils and students to learn from professionals in their work spaces or for them to bring their skills to support our needs. Be they helping us as mentors, reading partners or developers of excellent modern language skills, our engagement with key partners from AT&T and PWC to Deutsche Bank and Land Securities gives a richness to the Westminster City educational experience.

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Sixth Form Westminster City School’s Sixth Form inspires students to learn. We offer an outstanding Sixth Form experience, an experience which blends academic success, unparalleled connections, a hard-working but caring culture and a broad range of opportunities beyond the curriculum.

Our students achieve A-level results that are amongst the best in Westminster and many of our students gain places at top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge and the Russell Group of universities and go on to enjoy glittering careers.

Class sizes are smaller than most sixth forms enabling more intimate learning.

Our highly skilled teachers create an inspirational, friendly, supportive environment that enables them to fulfil their potential.

We have strong, long-established links with many of the international companies, organisations and government offices nearby, such as Google, AT&T, Land Securities, Jo Cowan Architects, Jacobs Engineering Group, Deutsche Bank, Mizuho Bank and PWC. These links enable you to gain a firm understanding of the world of work. Our connections with universities and colleges such as King’s College, Imperial College, University College London, University of Sussex, London School of Economics and Goldsmiths provide opportunities for students to attend summer and specialist courses.

The school’s academic success is augmented by many extra-curricular activities and excellent pastoral support providing the key to the development of confident, well-rounded, resilient and independent young men and women, ready to succeed in the world beyond school.

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‘As I begin my journey to study Medicine, I reflect on how fortunate I was to be at a school which always worked hard to cater for my needs, for example, helping me secure a hospital placement outside of school to support my successful application for university.�

Najib, Head Boy 2018-19 27

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Location The school’s prime SW1 location is just a short walk from Victoria Station and its numerous excellent transport links from all over London.

We welcome visits from parents and students. Please contact our Admissions Officer to arrange a tour of the school.

55 Palace Street, London SW1E 5HJ 020 7963 6300 admissions@wcsch.com wcsch.com

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Parents’ Opinions We choose Westminster City School because of its “Christian ethos”, “Good outcomes for students” and “Friendly staff.”

We would say the school’s greatest strength is “Strong leadership team with a clear vision and direction for the school” and “The location gives our boys exposure to opportunities they would not get elsewhere, visits to Met Police, connection with Westminster Abbey, government departments, links to independent schools and local businesses.”

Our sons enjoy the school for its “Good teaching and an environment that is conducive to learning” and the “Diversity of the school community.”

Selected photographs by Cleverbox 2019

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55 Palace Street London SW1E 5HJ 020 7963 6300 admissions@wcsch.com www.wcsch.com

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