Westbourne School Prospectus

CONTENTS

Welcome

FIRST CLASS OUTCOMES

Outstanding Results: IB

Outstanding Results: GCSE/IGCSE

National Recognition

Certainty of University Entry...

...to the Best Universities

Distinctly British + International Elite

History, Tradition, Ethos and Values

Exceptional Teachers, Unparalleled Support

WONDERFUL LIFESTYLE

Best of Both: Vibrant Metropolis...

...and Outstanding Natural Beauty

World-Class Facilities: on our Doorstep...

World-Class Facilities: within just 10 minutes

Central Campus

World Class Career Guidance

Boarding

HomeStay

Guardianship

Extra-Curricular

GOLD STANDARD COURSES

IB Diploma Programme

Pre-IB/1-Year GCSE

GCSE/IGCSE

Prep: Years 6, 7 and 8

Find out more

Westbourne develops well-rounded young adults who go on to the best universities in the UK and around the world, with the skills, knowledge, confidence and character to become leaders of the future in their chosen fields.

WELCOME

Westbourne has consistently ranked 1st in the UK League Tables over 5 years, for smaller schools. 90% of our graduates go to the highly prestigious Russell Group universities (an association of the top 24 universities in the UK) or equivalently elite international institutions.

This experience is gained in the safe, picturesque and affluent seaside suburb of Penarth, near Cardiff, a traditional yet modern British town which the Sunday Times ranks as one of the Top 10 best places to live in the UK and the EU Quality of Life Survey ranks as the 3rd best European capital city; the perfect blend of modern metropolis, suburban safety, seaside and countryside.

We offer:

1. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for Sixth Form, globally regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in secondary education

2. Pre-IB/1-year GCSE - the natural entry point for many of our international students, tailored to individual needs and providing the perfect preparation for the IB-proper

3. GCSE/IGCSE - Standard Entry into Year 10, selecting from the best of the British and international GCSE curricula

4. GCSE/IGCSE Advanced Entry into Year 9, allowing students to study a wider range of subjects, excellent preparation for the IB

5. Common Entrance - Years 6-8, the traditional and accepted standard for top-tier independent schools

6. Prep Reception to Year 5, including support for an ‘accompanying parent’ visa

7. Accelerated ESL - an intensive 3-week English language summer course specifically designed to prepare students for academic studies in English

Founded in 1896, our reputation for academic excellence has been established for over 125 years. Having ranked 1st in the UK over 5 years, Westbourne has secured its place as one of the UK’s most successful and academically elite schools. 39 Point 2021 IB average, 85% of all Higher Level grades were 7’s and 6’s. Over half of all graduates achieved a result (40+ Points) which placed them within the top 2% of students worldwide. Our GCSE results were equally impressive with 100% 9-4 (A*-C), 86% 9- 7 (A*/A).

In our most recent inspection by Estyn, our national regulator, Westbourne was rated ‘Excellent’ in all five inspection categories, the highest achievable grading. We were particularly commended on our exemplary success with international students; not only on their results, but also the way that they are fully integrated into Westbourne life.

Westbourne is a firmly British school with 72% British students complemented with elite international students - 16% European, 12% Asian spread evenly from 25 different countries; no nationality dominates.

A smaller selective school, places are stricted limited in each year group, with a maximum of 20 students in any class. Our outstanding student-to-teacher ratio of only 8:1 - a key to our success - ensures that all students get personalised attention from our exceptional teachers, over 50% of whom have a PhD or Masters and over 50% of whom have taught internationally.

The following pages will give you more of a flavour of our unique school and how we can equip your children with the skills, knowledge, confidence and character to succeed.

Dr Gerard Griffiths

OUTSTANDING RESULTS: IB

Westbourne is firmly established as one of the most successful and academically elite schools in the UK.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

1st in the UK over 5 years

Daily Telegraph, Best Schools: smaller school league tables

39 points 2021 IB average

Half of 2021 graduates scored 40 IB Points or more, placing them within the top 2% world-wide.

85% of 2021 Higher Level grades were 7 or 6 (A*/A equivalent)

“Westbourne is one of the most consistently high-achieving independent schools in Britain”

Sunday Times Schools Guide 2021

OUTSTANDING RESULTS: GCSE/IGCSE

Westbourne

GCSE/IGCSE 2021 100%

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Nationally recognised for topping the League Tables for results, Westbourne is also recognised by The Sunday Times Schools Guide as the best IB Sixth Form in the UK.

Westbourne is one of the most consistently high-achieving independent schools in Britain.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021

CERTAINTY OF UNIVERSITY ENTRY

The Westbourne IB is quite simply the best possible way to gain entry to the Top 20 UK universities

% of graduates entering Top 20 UK universities*

90%

24%

40%

A level IB Westbourne IB

A Westbourne IB Diploma further DOUBLES this advantage

Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2016; Westbourne graduates 2013-19 * or equivalently elite international institutions

The IB is about 20% more work than A-levels ... but clearly well worth the extra investment

...TO THE BEST UNIVERSITIES

90% of Westbourne graduates attend the prestigious Russell Group universities or equivalently elite international institutions

96% of Westbourne graduates go on to study STEM, Economics, Business, Politics or Law

RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES

Oxford

Cambridge

Imperial

UCL

ELITE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

LSE

King’s

Queen Mary’s

Birmingham

Bristol

Cardiff

Durham

Edinburgh

Exeter

Glasgow

Leeds

Liverpool

Manchester

Newcastle

Nottingham

Queen’s

Belfast

Sheffield

Southampton

Warwick

York

Sciences Po

McGill

Erasmus Rotterdam

Liceo Scientifico

Leiden

Amsterdam

Barcelona

Waterloo

Madrid

Maastricht

Milan Thailand

From a University perspective, I can confirm that the IB is viewed as an excellent preparation for further study.

IB students have the edge at interview. Their ability to cross reference academic literature – and to be at ease doing so – is directly attributed to the insight gained through the IB Diploma Programme.

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD 1896

We welcome the great sense of energy, determination and diversity that IB students have brought to King’s and how well they have adapted to university life and studies.

KING’S COLLEGE LONDON

“As an International Baccalaureate Organisation World School, the school promotes the ethos of inclusivity very effectively. All pupils are treated as individuals and there is a strong emphasis on recognising and celebrating diversity, which is supported well in programmes of study. The school draws on the knowledge and experiences of the international pupils in its community particularly well to support other pupils’ learning about different cultures, faiths and traditions.

DISTINCTLY BRITISH + INTERNATIONAL ELITE

Westbourne is a distinctly British environment complemented with high-calibre students from around the globe.

Westbourne is a resoundingly British school with 72% British students, complemented by 28% elite international students (16% European, 12% Asian) drawn from over 25 different countries.

No nationality dominates.

The ease with which international students integrate into the school means that new students immediately feel at home and develop close friendships that last a lifetime.

In our recent national inspection, we were particularly commended by our regulator, Estyn, on our exemplary success with international students; not only on their results, but also the way that they are fully integrated into Westbourne life. Indeed we were asked by the inspectors to write a case study on what they deemed to be our industry-leading practice in integrating international students.

72% British

16% European

Albania

Belgium

Czech Republic

France

Germany

Hungary

Italy

Russia

Slovakia

Spain

Turkey

Ukraine

12% Asian / Other

Bangladesh

Canada

China

Costa Rica

Ethiopia

Hong Kong

India

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Korea

Malaysia

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

Vietnam

This is the outstanding achievement not only of our lifetime, but in terms of human history. I say this, because the Human Genome Project does have the potential to impact on the life of every person on this planet.

HISTORY, TRADITION, ETHOS & VALUES

Academic Excellence for the Modern World ... What do we mean, exactly?

Traditional values...

Established in 1896, we have a 126-year history of consistently enabling students to achieve outstanding grades in a highly supportive, familylike, inclusive and integrated community. At Westbourne we pride ourselves on offering the best blend of traditional values and modern teaching methods to prepare our students to succeed in a modern, increasingly globalised and competitive world. The traditional values at the heart of Westbourne life are highly valued and serve students well in their future careers. Particular emphasis is placed on leadership, integrity, mutual respect and teamwork.

...Modern methods

Forever with our eye on the future, we fully embrace the IB and its philosophy. Regarded around the world as the ‘gold standard’ in secondary education, its forward-looking approach is the best possible preparation for students to succeed at university and to become leaders of the future in their chosen careers.

The next century will be defined by rapid and seemingly unfathomable advances by STEM in general (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and by biotech in particular. The unique Westbourne curriculum is specifically designed to provide our students with the greatest possible career opportunities in these fields.

This unique balance of traditional values with a resolutely forward-looking vision is reflected in the elements of our school crest. The keys to and book of knowledge are well understood traditional symbols that underpin our ethos of academic excellence. The stylised DNA embedded with binary mathematics represent our clear focus on the rich and wonderful future at our students’ feet.

Excellence ... it’s in our DNA

If I were again beginning my studies, I would follow the advice of Plato and start with mathematics.

GESTA NON VERBA actions, not words

DR MICHAEL DEXTER, WELLCOME TRUST

GALILEO GALILEI

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. - ARISTOTLE

The school provides high level care, support and guidance for its pupils. The exceptional individualised help that pupils receive from staff makes a significant contribution to their outstanding performance and well-being. Pupils have extremely high levels of well-being and positive attitudes to their learning.

EXCEPTIONAL TEACHERS, UNPARALLELED SUPPORT

At the end of the day, it’s all about the people.

Westbourne’s teachers are truly exceptional. The personal dedication and commitment to the success of their students is unparalleled. As a smaller school, every teacher knows every student. Not only do our small classes ensure that all students receive individual, personalised attention, but our teachers’ doors are always open between and outside class-time for one-to-one follow-up and discussion on specific issues that students may be finding challenging.

Our pastoral support is nurturing and highly-supportive and continuity of teachers through the years for each subject ensures that students are well understood as individuals by all our team with their respective strengths, hopes and aspirations. A large proportion of our teachers have been with Westbourne for many, many years and provide valuable continuity and stability. They are truly exceptional and provide unparalleled support.

EXCEPTIONAL TEACHERS

Over 50% have a PhD or Masters

Over 50% have taught internationally

Average teacher tenure = 11 years

UNPARALLELED SUPPORT

Excellent student/teacher ratio of only 8:1

Maximum of 20 per class for GCSEs

Capped year group intake for the IB...

... in tutorial-style classes of typically 6-8 per class

PENARTH

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: VIBRANT METROPOLIS...

Penarth, the ‘Garden by the Sea’, an affluent seaside suburb of Cardiff. Safe, leafy, vibrant, active and welcoming.

Penarth’s seaside location and tree-lined streets, and Cardiff’s spacious and modern infrastructure provide all the lifestyle benefits of London and other big cities, but without their risks, dangers and distractions.

Westbourne really does have the best of both worlds: the city of Cardiff, with all of its modern conveniences, plus stunning natural beauty and environs right on the doorstep. It is not surprising that our town is regularly voted in the top 10 best places to live in the UK.

Students can easily access Cardiff centre via an easy 10 minute train journey or walk safely in to Cardiff Bay across the maritime barrage. A 20 minute car journey will take you to Cardiff Airport which has excellent connections through Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, Milan and Doha.

Cardiff is an exciting, vibrant and captivating capital city, with the best to offer in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment. The city regularly showcases world-class sporting and cultural events including top level football with Cardiff City Football Club, as well as world-class rugby, theatre and national opera.

...AND OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Weekends and for relaxation we are spoilt for choice with an abundance of surrounding beaches, countryside and National Parks.

With the charming small town of Penarth sitting on the beautiful South Wales coast, students at Westbourne are just minutes away from a wealth of outdoor activities and water based leisure opportunities. Voted one of the top ten places to live in the UK, by the Sunday Times, Penarth’s outstanding location is highly regarded by all.

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES: ON OUR DOORSTEP...

Westbourne has access to some of the best sporting, arts and academic facilities in the country.

Westbourne offers ready access to a vast array of world-class facilities right on the doorstep, fully integrated into the rich programme of life at Westbourne.

Just some of the world-class facilities and amenities right on our doorstep include:

• The dramatic Welsh coastline

• Cardiff International Olympic Pool

• Olympic standard Cardiff International White Water Rafting Centre

• Kayaking at several venues

• Sailing within Penarth

• Tennis courts in both Penarth and Cardiff

• Two world class ice rinks at Ice Arena Wales

• Leisure centre with extensive fitness equipment

• Horse riding

• Art galleries

• An array of local cafés and shops

We have been delighted at the way Westbourne maximises its location and uses the local community in benefiting our children’s education. The school uses the local sporting facilities daily and they are only 5 or 10 minutes away from school. They have been on regular visits to Cardiff Bay, the Millennium Centre and museums.

PARENT OF YEAR 9 AND LOWER SIXTH STUDENTS

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES: WITHIN 10 MINUTES

And the list gets longer just a few moments from our doorstep. Facilities and amenities all within just 10 minutes of the school include:

• Cardiff Bay

• Wales Millennium Centre (vibrant centre for the performing arts, housing theatres for musicals, opera, ballet and dance, as well as cafés and arts organisations)

• The Principality Stadium

• Cardiff University Library

• Cardiff City Football Stadium

• Indoor climbing centre

• Cardiff Castle

• St. David’s Centre

(Cardiff’s car-free cosmopolitan shopping centre)

• Dry ski slope

• IMAX cinema

• Ten-pin bowling

• An array of restaurants

• Indoor and outdoor food markets

• Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

• National museums and galleries

...and much more. You really are spoilt for choice!

I was really excited by my visit to the research lab at Cardiff University. I was able to research part of my IB Extended Essay. It has really brought my topic to life and given me lots of information to include in my essay and I had a great time!

CENTRAL CAMPUS

Westbourne School Buildings

Located centrally in the leafy seaside suburb of Penarth, our central campus is only a 2-minute walk from the town centre, a 5-minute walk to the seafront and only 10 minutes by train to the centre of Cardiff.

A safe and friendly atmosphere is found in the town’s traditional high street with a range of welcoming cafés and local shops.

INDOOR SPORTS PITCH

CARDIFF LIBRARY BASKETBALL

SHOPPING MALLS

INDOOR CLIMBING CENTRE

GOLF COURSE

ATHLETICS TRACK

PREP SCHOOL AND NURSERY SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM

WHITE WATER RAFTING

OLYMPIC POOL

BOARDING HOUSE

PENARTH PIER

BEACHES

HORSE RIDING

PENARTH MARINA INNOVATION HUB

TENNIS COURTS

TEN-PIN BOWLING ICE RINK

MERMAID QUAY

INSEAD ALSO HAS STRATEGIC ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH:

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia & San Francisco)

Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University near Chicago

Johns Hopkins University/SAIS in Washington DC

Teachers College at Columbia University in New York

MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts

School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University in Beijing

China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai

Sorbonne University, France, of which it is a founding member

WORLD CLASS CAREER GUIDANCE

We take career guidance at Westbourne very seriously. From our Principal, Dr Griffiths, a graduate of Imperial College London and with a PhD in Chemistry, right through the whole team at Westbourne, we provide a wide range of opportunities for students to consider and develop their careers from an early age. Our unique connection with the Summer@INSEAD programme is but one example.

INSEAD is the #1 Global MBA Programme in the world

Each year, top Westbourne IB1 students (Year 12) have the unique opportunity to apply for the ground-breaking Summer@INSEAD programme, run over 2 weeks in the August holidays in Fontainebleau, France. In addition, Westbourne graduates may apply to participate in the programme as mentors. Successful students and mentors alike establish world-class relationships that connect them with a truly global, highly elite network, for life.

Through Westbourne’s personal connections, we have unique access to this highly innovative programme.

Only 80 students globally and 15 from the UK have access to this opportunity. It is for the children and grandchildren of INSEAD alumni; no other school has access to this programme.

Established in 2015, Summer@INSEAD provides an opportunity for highly talented 15-17 year-olds to widen and enhance their academic pursuits, as well as to meet other students from around the world with similar aspirations and abilities.  The intense programme features a world-class academic curriculum, company visits, talks with business leaders and entrepreneurs, as well as numerous cultural, outdoor team building and other social activities.  Through this wealth of activities, Summer@INSEAD provides students with a unique and transformative experience.

More than just an incremental gain in factual business knowledge, the programme is designed to give participants the opportunity to develop their creativity and critical thinking skills while enhancing their confidence and ability to work across cultures.

About INSEAD, The Business School for the World

As the No.1 Global MBA Programme (2021, 2017, 2016: Financial Times Global MBA Ranking) and one of the world’s largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures and ideas to change lives and to transform organisations. A global perspective and cultural diversity are reflected in all aspects of its research and teaching.

Through its campuses in Fontainebleau (just south of Paris), Singapore and Abu Dhabi, INSEAD’s business education and research spans three continents and it educates some of the most successful and prolific business leaders in the world.

INSEAD is a truly elite, global network.

BOARDING

Boarding at Westbourne includes full guardianship.

Our family of boarders live and eat together as one warm, supportive and friendly family-like unit. As a natural and carefully nurtured extension of the family environment of the whole school, students are cared for by our House Parents who are dedicated to looking after their safety, security and well-being. All meals are included, three meals a day, seven days a week, complemented with a healthy array of snacks between meals.

Safe, modern living with supportive pastoral care.

The central value of boarding at Westbourne revolves around the concept of community and our international students play a very important part in Westbourne life. We have students from over 15 countries in our boarding house; critically, no nationality dominates and the culture of the boarding house is firmly British.

Bright, well-equipped bedrooms, super-fast broadband, a new kitchen, dining room, common room and bathrooms, the boarding house is modern and spacious, with large, open-plan relaxation areas. Laundry is done weekly by a professional laundry service (at no charge) and there are also full laundry facilities on-site that students can use for ad hoc washing.

Our boarding house operates all term including every weekend and over half-term breaks.

Boarders always have help available for their studies. We provide supervised fixed study periods every day and our House Parents are always on hand to offer individual support. The boarding house is often home to lively debates and discussions of ideas among the students on various homework subjects.

Everyday when I wake up, I look forward to going to school. The smiles that my classmates have on their faces always makes my day. Moreover, we gain knowledge in class as well as having fun. I really like school here.

Westbourne provides transport to and from London airports at the beginning and end of the academic year.

1896

MACY, IB1 BOARDER FROM HONG KONG

I have had a great time living with my host family. They really take care of me like a family member giving me good advice, good food and also trips to the beach and the supermarket, which I enjoy so much. I am really grateful to have such a great environment to live in and be able to focus on my study and I am having a blast experiencing the British Culture.

YEAR 12 STUDENT FROM ITALY

HOMESTAY

We recognise that some students prefer a smaller home environment, particularly younger students and those in their final IB year.

While all our students gain a personalised British home experience through the family environment of our boarding house, staying with a local family gives a further insight into the unique British culture and enables students to practise their English and gain confidence in a smaller, home environment.

The vast majority of our host families are within 15 minutes of school. They are carefully vetted and monitored, and are invariably families that we have known and worked with for many years, many of whom have their own children at Westbourne.

In the final year of the IB Diploma, under the expert guidance of our IB Coordinator, IB2 students may opt to reside at HomeStay No.5, a quieter academic environment encouraging greater independence, located right next door to the school. No.5 provides an invaluable stepping stone to university halls of residence.

Living in a host family is like living in my own home. My house parents are like my own parents, they are very caring so I could really fit in with the family in no time.

YEAR 13 STUDENT FROM HONG KONG

Pupils’ personal development is promoted extremely effectively through the school’s well planned personal and social education programme.

It’s truly amazing how welcoming everyone was when I got here. Fellow students practically become family and everyone is extremely supportive of each other. Teachers are passionate towards their subjects and empower you to do much more. It really is a home away from home.

GUARDIANSHIP

Westbourne can provide end-to-end guardianship for all our international students, from enrolment right through to graduation.

We believe that when you entrust your child’s education to us, it is our responsibility to support and manage the whole process.

Our services include:

- visa support in conjunction with our trusted partners/agents

- complete preparation prior to coming to the UK

- ‘on-boarding’ and orientation to ensure students settle quickly into friendships and their studies

- NO ‘exeats’

- students can stay in the boarding house or with host families each and every weekend during term-time

- students can stay in the boarding house or with host families over half-term breaks

- saves parents between £2,000 and £6,000 or more each year

Communication can be vastly simplified, our total care approach takes the question out of whom to call, quite simply, call Westbourne!

The life here is dazzling, the school is full of teachers who help you to solve all your concerns. The boarding is fabulous with our amazing house parent Miss Janette. To be a boarder has lots of advantages, you can make dozens of friends within just a couple of hours and rely on each other, when you are struggling with homesickness. I am really happy to be here, I try to be balanced and bring my best self to work (study, learning and organising entertainment activities with my friends). The most important thing is that everybody is here to help me in some way and I cannot feel sad or alone. What’s more, I try to be there for them as well, we support each other.

STUDENT FROM MEXICO

KINGA, IB STUDENT FROM HUNGARY

Theschoolprovidespupilsofallageswithanexceptional range of extra-curricular activities that enhance the curriculum effectively and match pupils interests well.

NATIONAL INSPECTORATE REPORT

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

At Westbourne we recognise the critical importance of a broad and balanced life.

All students participate in a wide range of activities outside the classroom complementing academic study and providing a wealth of additional skills, experiences and enjoyment.

We have never yet had a request that we have not been able to fulfil!

When students enter Westbourne, they are welcomed into one of three houses, Dafydd, Llewelyn or Glyndwr. A wide range of inter-house events take place throughout the year where students compete with their peers to gain house points, fostering teamwork.

TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL SPORTS

I love basketball and attend the school club. And my Head of PE has also organised for me to join a local team so that I can gain even more experience in competitive play.

YEAR 13 STUDENT

A BROAD AND BALANCED LIFE

Many selectors wish to choose candidates who, as well as being intellectually able to cope with the course of study, will contribute to the creation of a balanced intake with a wide cross section of interests in each year.

IMPERIAL COLLEGE, LONDON

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Scientific research, The Duke of Edinburgh Award, Model United Nations, debating, tennis, athletics, basketball and language clubs are amongst the many clubs on offer at Westbourne.

MUSIC

Westbourne offers a broad range of tailored music lessons, including violin, piano, flute, cello, harp, as well as a school choir and drama club.

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

Our unique seaside location and proximity to the International Sports Village provides a wealth of additional opportunities such as sailing, surfing, white water rafting, paddle boarding and kayaking to name but a few.

FITNESS

Boarders have full access to a state of the art strength and conditioning facility. There are also badminton courts and a 25m pool within walking distance of the boarding house.

IB students have the edge at interview. Their ability to cross-reference academic literature and be at ease doing so is directly attributed to the insight gained through the IB Diploma Programme.

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

The IB Diploma Programme is universally recognised as the ‘gold standard’ in secondary education.

The IB was designed specifically to best prepare students for university and has established its world-leading reputation over more than 50 years.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is unquestionably the way of the future. At Westbourne we focus on subjects that will give students the greatest possible career opportunities.

ACADEMIC SUBJECTS

1. Mathematics: two options at different levels

2. English: all students graduate with near perfect English

3. Science: biology, chemistry, physics or computer science

4. Social Science: economics, business management, geography, history or psychology

5. Second Science, or second Social Science or Visual Arts

6. Second Language: French, Spanish, Chinese

3 subjects at Higher Level to develop DEPTH

3 at Standard Level to maintain BREADTH

I came from Germany to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Westbourne because it is an internationally recognised qualification. It allows me to obtain a wider perspective on global issues, I am becoming part of a global community, and it will allow me to pursue a global career. Westbourne is right for me because of the small class sizes and the ability of the teachers to make lessons exciting and interesting. Above all, Westbourne understands the ethos of the IB which makes my time here a unique experience.

GERMAN IB STUDENT, YEAR 13

CORE SUBJECTS

A. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) ‘philosophy for 17-year olds’ - develops critical thinking

A-levels tell students WHAT to think

The IB teaches them HOW to think

B. Extended Essay 4,000 words - develops independent research and writing skills necessary for university; gives IB students an enormous advantage at university admissions interviews

C. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) develops creativity, social responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills

Pupils are well motivated, enthusiastic learners who engage eagerly with the wide range of opportunities the school provides. Pupils feel that the school values their contributions and provides a safe environment where ‘you can be unique’.

NATIONAL INSPECTORATE REPORT

PRE-IB/1-YEAR GCSE

The Pre-IB is the natural entry point - at age 15 - for most international students.

While the benefits of the IB are clear, it is nevertheless more challenging than A-levels. Students benefit greatly from a period of adaption:

1. Speaking English is one thing. Studying in English is a whole new challenge. The Pre-IB gives student time to perfect their English in a more managed way before starting the IB-proper.

2. One of the main reasons you will be considering the UK will be to learn about its culture. This also takes time to adapt to. Many of your classmates will be adapting also. The Pre-IB is the ideal way to enjoy the process and get the most out of your time in Britain.

3. In most national education systems, students are taught ‘facts’ and expected to remember them for final exams. The IB works differently. Students learn to think for themselves. Adapting to this new approach takes time.

A-levels tell students WHAT to think

The IB teaches them HOW to think

Westbourne’s leading Pre-IB Programme has been developed and refined over a decade to ensure that students progress seamlessly from their national education system into the IB.

Students gain a mastery of academic subjects to ensure that they start the IB with a solid foundation in each of their chosen subjects and develop the understanding, methods and habits required of the IB. The IB’s approach to learning is more like a university tutorial environment.

Pre-IB students also have the opportunity to obtain a 1-year GCSE qualification in subjects in which they are sufficiently experienced.

I made a lot of new friends and got to know a lot of new people. I learned to use the English language in my daily life and made a huge effort in using it in spoken language as it is in written language.

In terms of academic aspects, I have passed all my exams better than I have ever expected. Moreover, I have got to know new subjects such as Psychology, Theory of Knowledge and Spanish. Studying at Westbourne is always going to be one of the best experiences I am ever going to have in my life. I learned so much more than just the English language and I gained a lot of new and important values.

I have been at Westbourne since I was three years old and as a result of the excellent teaching I have gained 15 GCSEs: 12 A*s and 3 A’s. I worked hard, but the support and guidance I received from my teachers was excellent and I’m sure that I wouldn’t have had this much success in another school.

WESTBOURNE GRADUATE

GCSE/IGCSE

Our GCSE/IGCSE programme enables students to experience the widest possible range of subjects.

Students select a personalised programme of between 7 and 12 subjects depending on their interests, ability and entry point. This ensures all students are both challenged and also reach their potential and achieve success.

There are two entry points: Standard Entry Year 10, at age 14. Students entering at this point will typically take 7 to 10 subjects

Advanced Entry - Year 9, at age 13. This allows students to explore a wider range of subjects, typically 8 to 12

Studying such a wide range of subjects is excellent preparation for the IB Diploma Programme.

Our most successful graduates join Westbourne for GCSEs and then move on to the IB

Other schools offer either GCSEs or IGCSEs. At Westbourne we have analysed the curricula for each and every subject and chosen the best academic curriculum in each specific subject. About half our subjects are English GCSEs and half IGCSEs.

A talented team of teachers provide excellent guidance and support in their subject areas. Most teachers are GCSE examiners and they give focussed and insightful advice on how students should best prepare for their examinations.

Small class sizes mean that students receive individual attention. Students thrive in a context where the teachers know their students very, very well and what works best for them individually. Student and teacher expectations are high and students excel in a small, encouraging and nurturing context.

School leaders want all pupils to achieve academic excellence. They create a family ethos that supports British culture whilst valuing strongly the influence and inclusion of international pupils. The school is highly successful in achieving these aims.

NATIONAL SCHOOL INSPECTORATE

SUBJECT CHOICES

English Language

English Literature

English as a Second Language

Mathematics

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Computing History

Geography

Business Studies

French

Spanish

Chinese

Latin Art Music

PSE (Personal and Social Education)

PE Games

• Small classes

• Individual attention

• Tailor-made courses

• Early preparation

“

Westbourne School is a very friendly place - it’s just like one big family. We know each other well and we have excellent friendships. We enjoy playing and working as a team, knowing that we are safe and secure and this brings out the best in us.

PREP: YEARS 6, 7 & 8

Students in Years 6, 7 and 8 study a highly academic course based on the internationally renowned Common Entrance curriculum.

Students are prepared over three years for an assessment plan in each subject. At the end of Year 8, Westbourne students are typically at least one year ahead of other students, another reason why we start the GCSEs in Year 9.

The course provides them with a first-class grounding across the range of subjects and is excellent preparation for GCSE courses. Students’ performance at the end of the course helps to establish their route to future studies in a flexible, personalised way, suited to the learning needs of each individual student.

Mixed with a range of extra-curricular and sporting activities, the three year course guarantees a comprehensive and well-rounded foundation for senior school studies.

For students up to their 12th birthday (in Year 7), we are able to support an ‘Accompanying Parent’ visa for a parent to reside in the UK and look after their child.

SUBJECTS

English

English as a Second Language

Mathematics

Science

Computer Science

Spanish Geography

History

Art & Design

Philosophy

Physical Education

Religious Studies

Older pupils make an outstanding contribution to the well-being of younger pupils in the school. For example, sixth form students mentor younger pupils, as well as organise extra-curricular activities for them. This contribution, together with the example set through the consistently high-level skills and study habits that sixth form students display, has a particularly positive impact on the attitudes and progress of pupils throughout the school.

Apply in three simple steps…

1. School Reports and Passport

Email your last two years’ reports and passport to admissions@westbourneschool.com

2. Entrance Exams

In your country: Maths, English, Non-verbal Reasoning. 40-60 min each, supervised by one of our trusted partners

3. Zoom Interview

With Principal, Dr Griffiths, or IB Coordinator, Ms Phillips

Applications are typically processed - start to finish - in one week. We can complete in 48 hours if necessary. Limited scholarships available to highly gifted students.

westbourneschool.com

admissions@westbourneschool.com

+44 2920 705 705

FIND OUT MORE...

I trust we have given you a flavour of our unique and vibrant school.

To find out more, visit our website or follow us via our social media channels.

To discuss how Westbourne can position your son or daughter to gain a place at the best universities in the UK and around the world, please contact me directly for further information.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Gerard Griffiths

+44 2920 705 705 admissions@westbourneschool.com

Westbourne School

westbourne.school

Westbourne London

westbourneschool.com