the sixth form welcome

I loved every moment of my two exciting years in the Sixth Form—

n my view, the Sixth Form years plan, having been inspired by an the perfect transition are the most exciting period in experience, book or a person at school. a person’s education. Students are studying subjects of their King’s College, Taunton is an excellent choice for the first time, and place to spend these critical years. to the university they are studying these subjects Students here are face-to-face with to a greater depth. Students can inspirational teachers, who are experts follow their own lines of thought in their felds, love their subjects while working closely with teachers and are committed to their students. of my choice and peers. There is no other time Departments arrange trips to some when there is so much potential for of the most exciting places in the being influenced by new ideas. Often world. They are knowledgeable about students arrive with one career in mind university courses and application olivia and leave with a completely diΩerent procedures, and are keen to advise the king’s college offer

students and parents. Unsurprisingly, It would be my great pleasure to Our Philosophy and Ethos...... 2 Leadership Opportunities...... 21 King’s students are desirable to meet you and explain in person why universities, and are represented I believe this is such a fantastic place 1 on some of the most competitive to spend these two crucial years. ^ Academic Overview...... 4 Co-curricular...... 22 courses in the uk and abroad. Choosing Your Subjects ...... 6 Living Well ...... 22

A Sixth Former’s experience of King’s is oliver ridley Academic Enrichment...... 8 Drama...... 24 not confned to the classroom. Students Head of Sixth Form University Applications...... 10 Music ...... 27 play a wide range of sports, act in plays and musicals and perform in diverse Careers Support...... 11 Sport...... 28 musical groups, including the award- The Tutor System...... 11 Outward Bound...... 33 winning choir. As a school we are University Destinations...... 12 Community & Charity Work.. . . . 33 wholeheartedly committed to giving students experience in a broad range of cultural and sporting activities, and we Pastoral Care ...... 14 Admissions Process...... 34 believe this not only enriches adult lives, but also improves academic performance. The House System...... 14 Scholarships & Bursaries...... 35 Boarding...... 16 King’s is also tremendous fun. All students are accommodated in Message from the Headmaster.. . . . 36 boarding houses, where they form tight, Dress Code...... 18 supportive social groups. The end of Social Life ...... 20 the two years is marked by the Leavers’ Ball, a truly magnifcent occasion. Trips...... 20 our philosophy and ethos

xcellent performance in three We believe in broadening students’ The Sixth Form years require students or four a levels is the primary Lessons are designed horizons. Reading beyond the syllabus to work alone and towards long term 2 objective of all Sixth Form is encouraged, and students are taken goals to an extent which is new to 3 students, but excellent exam to allow students to lectures, relevant places of interest them. We understand that students performance is not achieved and events, both in this country and need help as they gain intellectual and by limiting work to a level to interact with further afeld. During the Upper Sixth organisational independence, and we syllabuses and rote learning. year, all students must attend a weekly support them in this process. ^ Horizon lecture delivered by an eminent We believe all learning is creative. Yes, the teacher and external speaker. The series is designed our students learn material accurately, to bring them into contact with ideas but, more importantly, they are with each other, which are new and inspirational. Our imaginative and independent when subject societies meet regularly to oΩer using what they have learnt. Good and discovering discussion of subject matter perhaps examination technique requires not on the syllabus but interesting to flexibility and adaptability, the ability to new ideas is a students. Some of these groups are build arguments and apply data. These student-run and all require students skills are best taught in an exciting to present to the group. The Phoenix and engaging interactive classroom. shared process. Society, the Sixth Form scholars group, is central to our programme of enrichment. We believe in learning through discussion. Lessons are designed to allow We believe in thoroughness. Students students to interact with the teacher and are careful and meticulous in their with each other, and to discover new preparation, whether working for a fnal ideas through conversation. Beyond examination or just a weekly homework. the classroom, forums, debates and subject societies provide opportunities to learn through the power of dialogue. academic overview

tudents choose three or four subjects at the start of the Lower The range of 4 Sixth. In line with the changes to 5 the national post-16 curriculum, subjects is broad our courses take two years and lead to an a level qualifcation. enough to allow Courses are oΩered in a wide range of students to excel in academicS subjects, which is broad enough to allow students to excel in areas they love and have a talent for, but is confned areas they love. to subjects valued by universities.

The timetable includes a programme of academic enrichment and study skills to support and extend a level work and focus students on the next stage of their academic life.

Some students opt to take the btec Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance and Excellence). This is a continuously assessed practical and theoretical course which leads on to degrees in related areas. As it is equivalent to three a levels, most study it as a stand-alone qualifcation. In some cases students opt to take one a level concurrently. ^ choosing subjects your subjects available

tudents spend a lot of time on discuss the content of courses and their a level their a level work, so above all suitability face-to-face with teachers. There is a three- Art & Design 6 it is vital that they enjoy the After gcses, there are three days of Biology 7 subjects they are going to study. Sixth Form orientation, which current day period that Business Studies and incoming students are invited Chemistry However, students must to attend. This short period allows allows students Design & Technology also look ahead and see what students to have lessons in the courses Drama and Theatre Studies is required for diΩerent degrees. they have provisionally selected. This to have lessons in Economics CertainS university courses, such as is a chance to experience subjects at English Literature medicine and engineering, will require Sixth Form level and allows students to French specifc a levels. Some courses will ensure that, come September, they have the courses they Geography allow more flexibility. The Russell chosen the most appropriate courses. German Group universities have encouraged have provisionally History students to take ‘facilitating subjects’. The btec Level 3 Extended Diploma Latin By reviewing the courses it oΩers, in Sport is an excellent option for selected. Mathematics King’s has constructed an academic students wanting to build a career in Further Mathematics programme which prepares students the sports and leisure industry. ^ Music for the twenty-frst-century university. Music Technology Philosophy of Religion & Ethics For students unsure of their route Photography through Higher Education, there is an Physical Education eΩective programme of information and Physics advice. Accurate course information is Spanish provided in the Sixth Form Choices booklet, and for current King’s students there is btec an a level fair in the Michaelmas Term Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport of the Fifth Form, which provides the Please visit the Sixth Form section of opportunity for students and parents to our website for further information. academic enrichment

he Phoenix Society, our Sixth The Extended Project Qualifcation Form scholars’ group, organises (epß) provides the opportunity for 8 a programme for students students to research, write and review a 9 who want to engage in wider dissertation on a subject of their choice. intellectual thought. Each year its Lower Sixth members go on a trip An epß is highly valued by universities. to a European city of their choice. It shows ability to research They choose an aspect of the city’s independently, to evaluate academic history,T culture or technological heritage writing, to sustain an argument and to be to study in advance and then, when critical of one’s own work—skills which away, do their research and present their lead to a successful undergraduate career. fndings back to the group. There are regular forums for discussion of current Other students prefer to enter university aΩairs and evening sessions for students essay competitions. In recent years, to present their papers at greater length. we have seen many successes. Most impressively, a King’s student won the The Horizon lecture series provides prestigious Vellacott History Essay Prize a weekly lecture for Upper Sixth run by Peterhouse College Cambridge. students. The majority of lecturers are sourced externally to broaden the Academic enrichment is supported by the students’ minds. The programme is well resourced academic library, which wide-ranging and covers academic students use for independent study. ^ research, geo-political issues, cultural enrichment and humour.

Most subjects run their own society to allow students to discuss areas outside the a level curriculum and present their own research. university applications careers the tutor support system

ndividual attention is given to every hether students are looking very student chooses a tutor university application. Researching One-to-one for work experience to to meet with weekly. Tutors 10 higher education options is a key make the diΩerence to their extend their tutees’ learning, 11 component of the Lower Sixth tutorials oΩer university applications, or particularly in subjects which a Skills programme, and this work whether they are aiming to tutee is interested in studying post- is followed up by tutors in one-to- tailored support go straight into employment King’s. They help with fnding one sessions. Crucial components after school, the careers further reading and encourage of the application, choosing universities to each member of service, under the Head of Careers, tutees to take up new interests and and the personal statement are covered helpsW students on a one-to-one basis. invest wholeheartedly in all they do. in the summer term, and the tutor oΩers tailored support to each individual. the Sixth Form. King’s careers support is responsive to Tutors act as guides through the changes in the modern job market, and university application process, working References are written by the tutor encourages students to use the internet as alongside the structured programme and house parents, who have worked The same is true for students applying a means of communicating with potential provided by the Sixth Form team. closely with students throughout for medical, dental and veterinary employers and to make sure their web their school career, and are checked courses. A dedicated member of staΩ presence will prove benefcial in their job Students choose their own tutor from carefully by the Head of Sixth Form. co-ordinates applicants as they work hunt. Sessions on cv writing and what the academic staΩ. This allows them to through the necessary work experience, makes a good application are compulsory. select someone they get on with or who Specifc help is on oΩer for students test preparation and interview practice. has expertise which is useful to them. As making specialist applications. Students The Old Aluredian Club (the King’s the teaching staΩ are highly qualifed, applying to Oxford and Cambridge In the increasingly international market alumni association) is a powerful means it is often the case that students can are supported through the particular of university admissions, support is of making connections, and students work with someone who has followed demands of these applications, especially provided for those applying through are invited to a formal professional a path through higher education the tests and the interviews. Applicants diΩerent systems. In recent years King’s networking event annually. ^ similar to the one they desire. ^ are assigned an Oxbridge mentor, who leavers have gone on to study in the usa, co-ordinates and advises the applicant. Canada, Germany and Hong Kong. ^ university destinations

ur Sixth Form students leave us Cambridge as well educated, well rounded CardiΩ 12 individuals, ready to embark on Cornell 13 the next stage of their journey. Coventry Durham Our leavers choose to study Edinburgh a broad range of courses Exeter including medicine, business, Goldsmiths economics,O computer science, history, Imperial College London engineering, sciences, law, languages, Keele art and design, and mathematics. King’s College, London Leeds Many go on to study at prestigious Liverpool academic institutions including London School of Economics Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Loughborough Group universities, and some have Manchester chosen to continue their studies Newcastle overseas, for example taking up Oxford scholarships at American universities. Oxford Brookes Plymouth Our leavers’ destinations Reading recently included: Royal Holloway Royal Veterinary College Bath She≈eld Birmingham Swansea Brighton Warwick Bristol York pastoral care the house The boarding house staΩ were always there system if I wanted to talk. I especially enjoyed the sense of community—I have made friends for life.

astoral care starts with the ne of the great strengths of Housemaster or Housemistress, King’s College is its house 14 who has a particular interest in system. All students, both 15 the happiness and well-being of boarding and day, belong to each student under his/her care. one of the seven boarding The dedicated team of Deputy houses. Here they have a Housemaster/mistress, Tutors proper base, a home-away- and Matron is caring and attentive and from-home. In the Sixth Form every keepsP a careful watch over health, welfare studentO has a desk and storage space. and academic progress. And of course there is plenty of extra support from Day students are able to stay the night teachers, the Chaplain and the student’s on occasion; indeed one night’s boarding own tutor. Pastoral problems are picked per week is included in the day fees, up quickly and are dealt with sensitively and this is a very popular option. and effectively. This is an extraordinarily happy and settled community. ^ Houses are the centre of the social life of the school, and students gather in the common rooms and kitchens at free time. Students love their houses, and house competitions, whether in debating, general knowledge, sport, cooking or singing, elicit dedication and passion. ^ boarding

uch of what sets us apart Our houses have a high standard of from other schools in this accommodation—homely common 16 area stems, we believe, rooms, and modern kitchens in which 17 from our strong boarding to practise culinary skills. Sixth Form ethos. Boarding is part boarders are accommodated in very of our dna. Our houses comfortable bedrooms of one or are centrally placed and two. Meals are taken communally boarding is central to what we are. Our in the dining hall, where the food boardersM come from far and wide. Many is excellent and plentiful. are local. A few live closer to school than some of their day student friends. The College’s beautiful grounds and Others come from overseas. This makes many of its facilities, including the for a varied and vibrant community new library, are open to boarders in within the houses. Friendships the evenings and over weekends. are extraordinarily long-lived. The College boasts a state-of-the- Our boarders enjoy the supervision art medical centre, manned 24 hours of an experienced team of house staΩ. a day by qualifed medical staΩ. There is plenty of support and advice on hand, and senior students, who play We believe that boarding is a rich an important role in helping to run and life-a≈rming experience for our We believe that boarding is a rich and the house, learn useful leadership and students. We know students leave us well management skills along the way. prepared for the demands and challenges of university life. Our graduates are life-a≈rming experience for our students. Boarders develop a strong sense of independent, resilient, resourceful, loyalty to their houses, which makes cheerful, tolerant, proactive, kind, They leave us well prepared for the for exciting and hotly contested capable young men and women who go inter-house competition. on to make their mark on the world. ^ challenges of university life. dress code

ather than wearing uniform, Sixth Formers wear modern 18 business dress. Boys and girls 19 both wear suits, and boys wear ties. This trains them to dress in a way which will enable them to present themselves in a neat, professional manner from Rthe start of their working life. ^ social life trips leadership opportunities

he house is the starting point lanned international trips might ne advantage of life in a busy for a Sixth Former’s social life, include a cultural visit to China, 13–18 boarding school is that 20 and in the course of the year a scholars’ trip to Rome, a girls’ there are countless opportunities 21 each house runs its own major football tour of the usa and to practise leadership. Most social event, for example Fox a Big Band trip to Barbados. Sixth Formers do duties in Rocks, a festival-style outdoor Recently, King’s students their house helping the staΩ concert, and the Meynell Ball. have climbed Kilimanjaro, to organise the younger years. been on cricket tours to South Africa There are also numerous leadership EveryT Saturday night the Sixth andP Sri Lanka and visited Prague. So rolesO around the school, all of which Form social club is open, and a whatever a student’s interests are, give students opportunities to manage committee of Upper Sixth organises there will be a major trip for them. others. The school needs sports captains, a programme of entertainments. co‑ordinators of subject societies, ccf In the course of every year, a group goes Non-Commissioned O≈cers, library The culmination of the Sixth Form skiing, many enjoy Combined Cadet monitors and sacristans, to name a few. experience is the fantastic Leavers’ Force (ccf)camps and there are regular Ball, where students, staΩ and theatre trips to Stratford-upon-Avon. ^ A small number of Upper Sixth parents celebrate in grand style. ^ students become School Prefects. This group plays a major role in the day-to-day running of the school and is rewarded with opportunities to represent the school at public events.

All King’s students leave with experience of leadership, experience which will be invaluable however their careers develop. ^ co-curricular living well

aining experience in a wide ll Upper Sixth students variety of cultural and sporting complete a domestic skills 22 activities at a young age is key to course to prepare them for 23 an enriched and rewarding adult independent living. They life. And cultural breadth and learn to cook basic meals and physical ftness help students to manage a household eΩectively. focus and motivate themselves and, as a result, have a benefcial For those who take an interest in food influenceG on examination performance. andA drink, the school oΩers a Leiths cookery course and a Wine and Spirits The longer school day allows for Board course in wine tasting. ^ students’ experiences to be varied and interesting. One day could include lessons, sport, a choir rehearsal, and then a play rehearsal in the evening. Students become organised and adaptable, building the stamina needed to perform well at university and in the early stages of careers.

King’s caters for elite actors, musicians and sports-people, and specifc programmes are available for students with exceptional talents. It also caters for those who simply want to learn new skills and spend time doing things they enjoy with their friends. ^ drama

arge-scale productions such as Guys and Dolls, The Wi≥ard of Oz, 24 The Sound of Music and Twelfth Night 25 provide opportunities for actors of all abilities. A large proportion of backstage work, lighting and music is also done by pupils, giving anyone who wants experience of theL theatre a chance to be involved.

With a large theatre and an amphitheatre for outdoor performances, there is huge potential for students to set up and perform their own productions. ^ music

hether students arrive with a high degree of profciency An annual rock 26 or are looking to take up a 27 musical instrument for the concert gives frst time, the busy music department can provide bands and singer- excellent teaching. A highly qualifed team of visiting instrumental songwriters an teachersW supports the three full- time members of the department. opportunity to There is a wide range of ensembles, including an orchestra, choir, share their work. chamber choir, wind band, brass group, big band, jazz band and the small jazz group, King’s Katz.

The choir leads the worship at the Musicians here have an extremely varied school’s weekly Eucharist service. The diet and plenty of opportunities to highlight of the choral year is the Service practise performing diΩerent genres of of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is music in diΩerent contexts, and, whether extremely well attended by parents and they are heading oΩ to a music college members of the local community. or joining a university choir, King’s students are enriched by the musical An annual rock concert gives experiences they have had at school. ^ bands and individual singer- songwriters an opportunity to share their work with their peers. sport

eam sport plays a major part in King’s life, and on a Saturday 28 afternoon most students are 29 involved in fxtures. King’s teams have been very successful in recent years, and have won national independent school competitions inT girls’ football and boys’ cricket. King’s is a place where elite sports players are able to thrive. The school is used to working with members of sporting academies, Bristol Rugby Club, Exeter City Football Club and Somerset County Cricket Club in particular, and works closely with the students concerned to help them achieve their goals.

However, sport is for all, and third team fxtures can be as well contested as any.

For those who are not interested in team sports, a varied programme of games, which includes badminton, table tennis and aerobics, is fully integrated into the daily routine. ^ core boys’ games main playing fields sports halls Michaelmas: Rugby/Football 5 Rugby Pitches Main Hall Lent: Hockey/Football 1 Lacrosse Pitch Badminton Summer: Cricket/Tennis/ 6 Cricket Squares Basketball Athletics/Swimming 4 Football Pitches Cricket 1 Rounders Field Football core girls’ games 1 Five-a-side Football Pitch Hockey Michaelmas: Hockey/Football 1 Croquet Lawn Modern Pentathlon Lent: Netball/Football Netball Summer: Tennis/Athletics/ all-weather Volleyball Swimming/Cricket 2 Hockey Pitches (floodlit) 9 Tennis Courts (hard) Drama Studio 30 alternative games 8 Cricket Nets Aerobics 31 Aerobics 1 Fives Court Ballet Badminton 5 Netball Courts Dance Basketball Yoga Canoeing athletics track Climbing 400m track and areas Fitness Room Croquet for feld events equipped with: Cross Country Cardiovascular Equipment Dance indoor facilities Exercise Bikes Fencing 1 Cricket School Concept II Rowers Golf with 3 bowling lanes Elliptical Trainers Kayaking 1 Rifle Range Multi Gym Lacrosse 4 Squash Courts Free Weights Area Pilates 1 Swimming Pool Riding (25m, 5 lanes, Rugby 7s 1.1–2.8m depth, Sailing equipped for Canoeing, Self-Defence Sub Aqua, Swimming & Shooting Water Polo) Skiing Squash activities away Table Tennis from the Volleyball college estate Water Polo Canoeing/Kayaking Yoga Clay Shooting Modern Pentathlon Mountain Biking Mountaineering Riding Rock Climbing Rowing Sailing Skiing Sub Aqua outward bound community & charity work

ing’s has a long tradition of e are particularly proud of our expeditions and giving students Service Activities which take 32 the expertise to plan adventures place on a Monday afternoon. 33 and manage risk. A large number The aim is to encourage of students gain the Duke of service to the community, the Edinburgh Gold Award, and emphasis being on leadership the Combined Cadet Force is skills. The options range very popular. King’s has for many years from Community Service (working in beenK highly competitive in the Royal localW schools, retirement homes, charity Marines Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy, shops or hospital), primary school winning it on a number of recent athletics and primary school football occasions. Teams compete annually coaching (where students acquire in the Ten Tors 35-, 45- and 55-mile national qualifcations) to backstage challenge, and an intensive training drama crew, King’s Sustainability Society, course is provided for the entrants. the ccf and King’s Horticulture Club.

Teamwork, physical ftness and The King’s ccf is a popular option. responsibility are the obvious gains from Incoming Lower Sixth students are these endeavours, and, in recent years, able to join the Corps in one of the King’s students have gone on to plan and three sections: Army, Navy and Royal complete some extremely impressive Marines, and many stay in the ccf independent gap-year adventures, for the Upper Sixth year as Non- including crossing India in a tuk-tuk. ^ Commissioned O≈cers, playing a vital role in running ccf activities. ^ admissions scholarships & bursaries

very year somewhere between end of that term if they want to be sure 20 and 30 new students join of a place. For those students taking 34 the King’s Sixth Form—an gcses before they come to King’s the 35 essential element of the exciting entry requirement is at least three bs new Lower Sixth cohort at and two cs (or equivalent). a grades the school. They come from in the subjects they are intending to schools nearby, from uk schools take at a level are a good indication of further afeld and from all corners likely success. For those coming via Eof the world. They bring with them diΩerent routes we will set entrance new energy, ideas and skills which are papers in relevant subjects and a verbal invaluable to the success of the school. reasoning test. Good reports from current schools are also expected. The process of entry into the King’s College Sixth Form can begin as soon The generous nature of our as you like. We recommend a visit accommodation for both day and to the College, during which you will boarding students, however, means that meet key members of staΩ, including there is only a certain number of places the Headmaster and the Head of Sixth available. Students who delay the process small number of scholarships send their child to the school. Awards Form. You will be shown around by two until later in the academic year are in are available for students joining are made on an objective, means- senior students who will tell you about some danger of fnding themselves on the Sixth Form to recognise tested basis, and early application is their own experiences of life at King’s, a waiting list, though we will, of course, potential in academic work, in recommended as the bursary fund, and you will meet a Housemaster or always try to make room where we can. sport, music, drama, art and set by the School Council, is fnite. Housemistress for a tour of a house and design technology. Testing for a chat about the pastoral side of things. The best advice is to contact the these takes place in the second For further details please speak to Admissions O≈ce as soon as possible. half of the autumn term preceding entry. the Admissions O≈ce. A booklet The formal process begins in the autumn The excellent Admissions team will A on scholarships and bursaries is term preceding entry. We recommend be very happy to talk you through The school makes available limited available—please ask for a copy that interested students make a fnal the process of admission. ^ funds to support families who would to be sent to you. A copy is also decision and commit to the move by the otherwise not be able to aΩord to available on the school website. ^ message from By the end they are excellent company, the headmaster a thoroughly decent group of adults of whom we are always inordinately proud.

We know, because we keep track of how they do, that our leavers go on to 36 achieve remarkable things. Much of this 37 success is down to their experiences in the Sixth Form. They certainly stay in touch with each other to a remarkable degree—more than in any other school I have worked in—and constantly tell us that they owe a great deal to this school.

Two years pass by quickly. We encourage all our senior students, from day one, to dive in and make the most of all that is on oΩer. They are busy and involved, they are constantly learning believe that the King’s College Sixth more about themselves and the world Form oΩers an exciting and very around them. They learn leadership valuable experience. It provides skills and they grow day by day in an excellent balance between new confdence. They learn to think for freedoms and responsibilities and themselves, to argue their views and the opportunities aΩorded by being to listen to others. By the end they part of a larger fve-year school. are excellent company, a thoroughly We work hard to make sure that our decent group of adults of whom we seniorI students get the most out of all are always inordinately proud. ^ we oΩer, that they make sensible choices about the future and that they leave us with the skills and habits, the attitudes and the confdence that will see them thriving at university and beyond. south road, taunton, somerset ta1 3la telephone: 01823 328204 fax: 01823 328202 ^ [email protected] www.kings-taunton.co.uk

brochure designed by Jules Akel