Prospectus HEATH HOUSE LONDON NW3

“VERY GOOD INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS ARE DEVISED IN DISCUSSION WITH STUDENTS AND SHARED WITH ACADEMIC STAFF TO ENABLE EFFECTIVE SUPPORT.”

Current Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report www.lsicollege.co.uk Contents

ABOUT US p1 ACCREDITATION & MEMBERSHIP p4 WHY STUDY WITH US p5 WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL p8 THE CAMPUS p10

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME p11 OVERVIEW p12 OUR TEACHING METHODOLOGY p12 A LEVEL SUBJECTS p13 PROGRESS TRACKING p13 EPQ p14 INTENSIVE COURSES p15 UNIVERSITY PREPARATION SERVICES p16 PREPARATION FOR OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITIES p16

STUDENT LIFE p17 PASTORAL CARE p18 ACADEMIC AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME - Typical Weekly Schedule p19 - Exams p19 - Private Study p19 - Extra-curricular p19 - Lower Sixth Enrichment Programme p19 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - Overview p21 - Pre-sessional English Programmes p21 ACCOMMODATION - Host Family p22 - Residence p22

ADMISSIONS p23 HOW TO APPLY p24 SCHOLARSHIPS p24 OPEN DAYS p24 LSI INDEPENDENT SIXTH FORM COLLEGE PROVIDES HIGH QUALITY, FULLY ACCREDITED, A LEVEL AND UNIVERSITY PREPARATION PROGRAMMES. WE PREPARE STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO GAIN ENTRY INTO SOME OF THE UK’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITIES. OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS, OUR INSTITUTION AND OUR ACADEMIC STAFF HAVE GARNERED FIRST CLASS REPUTATIONS IN THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY, THROUGH OUR LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT TO OUR STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.

1 2 A FULLY EQUIPPED, MODERN EDUCATIONAL FACILITY OCCUPYING A SPACIOUS VICTORIAN BUILDING IN LEAFY HAMPSTEAD – JUST 20 MINUTES BY TUBE FROM CENTRAL LONDON.

3 Accreditation & Membership

ALL LSI SCHOOLS ARE FULLY ACCREDITED BY LOCAL AND NATIONAL AGENCIES AND ARE MEMBERS OF INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS. LSI INDEPENDENT SIXTH FORM COLLEGE IS ACCREDITED BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE (ISI), ACCREDITATION UK AND IS A TIER 4 SPONSOR. INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL'S RECENT INSPECTION REPORTS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

Current ISI Inspection Report feedback:

"INDEPENDENT LEARNING "KNOWLEDGEABLE TEACHERS PLAN WELL TO IS WELL DEVELOPED." CHALLENGE AND MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS."

"PASTORAL SUPPORT IS EXCELLENT AND "ACTIVITIES ARE VARIED AND ENGAGING, MEETS THE NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS." DELIVERY IS WELL PACED AND STUDENTS PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY."

4 ACCREDITATION & MEMBERSHIP Why Study With Us

At LSI Independent Sixth Form College, we are to you and will work with you to foster critical dedicated to ensuring that each student reaches thinking and a capacity for independent learning, his or her full potential, both academically and crucial for successful university applications. personally. Our focus is on helping each student to achieve the best possible A level results while LSI will help you achieve your best possible A level providing a learning environment which is nurturing results through intensive structured teaching in small and supportive. Building the self-confidence and classes, knowledgeable and committed teachers, sense of well-being in each and every one of our regular progress testing and individual study plans. students is a fundamental part of our mission, so In addition, we monitor and support each student that our cohort leaves LSI with the grades they through one-to-one tutorials and supervised self- need, but also with the self-assurance that they study programmes. need to thrive. This ethos feeds back into successful At LSI, we encourage maturity in our cohort applications to universities and success in the wider by treating each student like a young adult. employment world, where confidence is crucial. Teachers and students refer to each other on a From enrolment through to graduation and first name basis and students are not expected admission into university, we are dedicated to your to wear a uniform. We capitalise on this mutual personal development, providing support and advice respect to engender confidence in our academic to help you plan for a bright future. Our academic and social programme. Our students trust us to staff will identify which learning style is best suited help build their confidence and reach their potential.

WHY STUDY WITH US 5 AN EMPHASIS ON HELPING STUDENTS AIM HIGHER AND EXCEED THEIR OWN EXPECTATIONS.

6 7 Welcome from the Principal

Welcome to the LSI Independent Sixth Form LSI has garnered a reputation for excellence over a College. We aim to provide academic excellence broad range of areas, from international language for our students in a friendly, purposeful and centres to preparatory schools and now our sixth supportive environment; although our approach form college. During that time LSI has consistently is socially informal, hard work and the academic delivered excellent educational courses with success that comes from this, are central to years of expertise in advising students about their our ethos. We offer a unique personal approach, university choices. This wealth of experience precisely tailored to students’ needs. greatly benefits our A level students.

Underpinning our commitment to academic The wide range of quality A levels on offer at LSI success for our students is a dedication to Independent Sixth Form College, coupled with pastoral care. We see the two as going hand the supportive environment and excellent in hand in shaping students and their futures. pastoral care, ensures our students will be LSI is committed to creating independent successful in this crucial stage of their academic students who will take responsibility for their and personal development. own learning, equipping them not only with the tools that they need for sixth form success, but I look forward to welcoming you to our college and also with the skills and qualities they need for to the adventure which awaits you. university and their future careers.

Dr. Seán P. Buckley College Principal

8 WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL "WE AIM TO PROVIDE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR OUR STUDENTS IN A FRIENDLY, PURPOSEFUL AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT.”

Dr. Seán P. Buckley

9 The Campus

All courses at LSI Independent Sixth Form College Facilities are based in our beautiful and spacious Victorian building in the leafy borough of Hampstead. • Fully equipped, spacious classrooms LSI’s location provides a tranquil environment in which to study, in one of the most beautiful parts of • Specially designed science laboratory London. The college has excellent transport links • Dedicated student lounge and is only 20 minutes from the heart of London, by • Beautiful garden tube or by bus. In addition, we are a short walk from the Freud museum, the poet John Keats’ house and of course London’s largest park, Hampstead Heath.

Classrooms are fully equipped with technology including internet, computers, large screen TVs and interactive whiteboards. We also have a specially designed laboratory for our science programme. All of our classrooms are spacious and have natural light. The campus has a dedicated student lounge and a beautiful garden that can host college events in the summer, providing the perfect environment to foster a strong student community.

10 THE CAMPUS WWW.LSICOLLEGE.CO.UK/CAMPUS

Academic Programme 11

Current ISI Inspection ReportCurrent AND LEARNING." THEY PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT AN EXCELLENT THEY PROVIDE ENVIRONMENT FOR TEACHING FOR TEACHING ENVIRONMENT "PREMISES ARE OF HIGH QUALITY; QUALITY; OF HIGH ARE "PREMISES AT LSI INDEPENDENT SIXTH FORM COLLEGE, WE ARE COMMITTED TO ENSURING EACH AND EVERY STUDENT REACHES THEIR POTENTIAL. OUR SMALL CLASS SIZES, CLOSE ACADEMIC SUPERVISION AND EMPHASIS ON PASTORAL CARE Our Teaching ENSURE WE FOCUS ON Methodology STUDENTS AS INDIVIDUALS. At the heart of our academic programme is engaging and dynamic teaching that motivates WE BELIEVE THAT THE and challenges our students. Our teaching methodology is based around interactive classes PATH TO ACADEMIC AND where each student is an active participant. Our small class sizes, generally no larger than PERSONAL SUCCESS 8 students, engenders full participation, ensuring students not only engage, but actively contribute VARIES FROM STUDENT to programme development. TO STUDENT, SO OUR At LSI Independent Sixth Form College we believe that excellent teaching involves not just the delivery of key knowledge and skills but the PROGRAMME PROVIDES ability to engender a shared passion for the subject. Our teachers encourage critical thinking, THE FLEXIBILITY NEEDED questioning and debate. They expect students to challenge and offer alternative points of view. TO WORK WITH ALL OF OUR Our teachers create an environment in which students are curious and motivated, so that our STUDENTS, ADAPTING TO students can build on the A level syllabus and can become independent learners; with the desire to DIFFERENT SKILL SETS, think for oneself, the ability to select information and the confidence to construct an informed NEEDS AND GOALS. argument. We believe this is fundamental, both to the student’s success at the A level examinations, but also to their wider success at university and in the work place.

12 OUR TEACHING METHODOLOGY A level Subjects

A levels are the standard qualifications Economics required for admission to most UK universities. Even in Scotland, where the Scottish Higher is the English Literature predominant entry level qualification, A levels are French widely accepted. History The college mainly offers the following subjects at A level but other subjects can be catered for Mathematics on request: Further Mathematics

Art Physics

Biology Politics

Business Psychology

Chemistry Spanish

Computer Science

Progress Tracking

Students receive feedback on a daily basis from Parents are kept fully informed of progress in their class teachers. In addition, every student is regular correspondence with Directors of Studies supervised by their Director of Studies, who reviews and are warmly encouraged to contact us at any their progress through meetings with their class time. We view parents’ participation as fundamental teachers and evaluation of test and assignment and we welcome an ongoing dialogue. In cases scores. Teachers regularly write grade predictions where we identify issues, parents will be informed and progress reports, which are discussed with immediately and we will work together to provide the student before being sent on to parents. support and resolution. Directors of Studies meet each student regularly to discuss their progress in scheduled tutorials.

WWW.LSICOLLEGE.CO.UK/A-LEVELS A LEVEL SUBJECTS / PROGRESS TRACKING 13 EPQ

In addition to studying for their 3 main A levels, The EPQ teaches new skills, such as independent students may elect to take an EPQ (Extended research and project management. Completing Project Qualification). This is a largely self-directed the project engenders confidence and a sense course of study that is roughly equivalent to half an of achievement. The EPQ offers students the A level credit towards university admission. opportunity to build a product or engage in high level research while providing a competitive An EPQ allows individuals to choose their own advantage for university applications. research topic with each student being responsible for their own learning and development. The EPQ Although the subject of the EPQ is completely open is a progressive way to encourage independent to an individual’s interests, we encourage students learning and is a useful aid for successful to pursue projects that relate to their university university applications. course choices and will therefore be most likely to assist in their applications when writing personal statements and in potential interviews.

THE EPQ IS A PROGRESSIVE WAY TO ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENT LEARNING AND IS A USEFUL AID FOR SUCCESSFUL UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS.

14 EPQ Intensive Courses

LSI Independent Sixth Form College can help students with the opportunity to gain further you to improve your A level results and university understanding and skills that they may have options through small nurturing classes, dedicated missed during the first year of their studies. supportive teachers and excellent UCAS support. These courses may also be suitable for strong students wishing to take one or more A levels in a short period of time. One-year Intensive A level Re-sit

Our intensive one-year re-sit programme provides External Tuition students with the opportunity to improve their current A level grades and reach their full potential. We offer A level and GCSE tuition for external Our teachers give a great deal of attention to students in a wide range of subjects, depending on individual students’ needs while our specialised tutor availability. UCAS support helps to make each student’s application more effective. International Foundation Programme

One-year Upper Sixth Courses The International Foundation Programme is a one-year course, equivalent to A levels. It prepares Students may transfer into the second year of our students thoroughly for a broad range of university A level programmes and continue their studies courses. Please see our website for further details. with us. Our one-year upper sixth course provides

IMPROVE YOUR A LEVEL RESULTS AND UNIVERSITY OPTIONS THROUGH SMALL NURTURING CLASSES, DEDICATED SUPPORTIVE TEACHERS AND EXCELLENT UCAS SUPPORT.

INTENSIVE COURSES 15 University Preparation Services

At LSI Independent Sixth Form College, we expect ISCO can provide students with an individual report the overwhelming majority of students in each year outlining career options as well as providing access to go on to further study at university. We work to online resources. with each student to identify which universities to target and apply for. Our system provides guidance Guest Speakers – LSI invites admissions and support in one-to-one tutorials. We help with officers from top universities to speak to students, research and with all aspects of the application providing information about their own programmes. process, ensuring that you make the right choice These seminars provide key information about and that your application has the best chance how to choose courses and also explain what of success. admissions officers are looking for in applications.

In addition, our Careers and Higher Education University visits – Our Careers and Higher Coordinator leads a comprehensive programme Education Coordinator leads trips to universities of events that introduces students to various each year where students meet with lecturers and university programmes and resources as well as current undergraduates in order to get a feel for the building key skills fundamental to the application universities and to learn about course options. process. This programme includes: The majority of our students choose to go to UK Career Assessment – Students may choose to universities. However, we can provide support for take a career assessment test, provided by ISCO, those wishing to study abroad, including specialist the Independent Schools Careers Organisation. SAT classes.

WE HELP WITH RESEARCH AND WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS, ENSURING THAT YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE AND THAT YOUR APPLICATION HAS THE BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS.

Preparation for Oxford & Cambridge Universities

Our Oxbridge Preparation programme is designed Personalised study plans – Students receive to support our most able students in gaining one-to-one tuition with the Director of Studies admission to Oxford and Cambridge Universities. and are set an individual study plan that extends We offer guidance through every aspect of the beyond the regular scope of the A level curriculum. application process, starting with which course and Not only does this additional study encourage college to aim for, through to understanding the students to get the best possible A level results, systems in place, culminating in the interview itself. but it also allows them to explore the subject in Our Oxbridge Preparation includes: greater depth.

Intensive academic preparation – Our small class Interview practice – Students are given rigorous sizes ensure that every student is given the support interview training, either individually or in small and guidance they need to realise their objectives. groups, to replicate the Oxbridge interview Students on the Oxbridge Preparation programme process and make students comfortable in will be given a personalised study plan, which is this environment. integrated into the general programme.

16 UNIVERSITY PREPARATION SERVICES / PREPARATION FOR OXFORD & CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITIES

Student Life 17 AND WELL-BEING OF OUR STUDENTS. AND WELL-BEING OF OUR STUDENTS. PRIDE OURSELVES ON THE SAFETY, HAPPINESS HAPPINESS ON THE SAFETY, PRIDE OURSELVES AT LSI INDEPENDENT SIXTH FORM COLLEGE WE SIXTH WE FORM COLLEGE LSI INDEPENDENT AT Pastoral Care

At LSI Independent Sixth Form College we pride in the same situation, making it easier for students ourselves on the safety, happiness and well-being to find their feet and make new friends. of our students. Student welfare is a fundamental part of our programme, which we recognise as On your first day at LSI, your appointed mentor being as important to our students’ development and the school welfare officer will meet with you as the academic programme. to introduce you to the other students, school staff and school welfare services. They will be on hand Starting a new school can be daunting, throughout your programme to offer support and particularly when meeting pre-existing groups of advice. We also organise a regular and varied social friends. At LSI, the A level cohort will be joining us programme for all students, ensuring that it is easy from other schools, state and independent schools to get to know everyone else and make new friends. as well as from schools abroad; so, everyone will be

WE ORGANISE A REGULAR AND VARIED SOCIAL PROGRAMME FOR ALL STUDENTS, ENSURING THAT IT IS EASY TO GET TO KNOW EVERYONE ELSE AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

18 PASTORAL CARE Academic & Extra-curricular Programme

Typical Weekly Schedule

The final look of your timetable will depend on your programme. In the first year of A levels, each choice of subjects, but the typical college day is subject is allocated five hours per week. In the between 9am and 4pm, apart from Tuesdays and second year this changes to six hours per week. Thursdays when lessons finish at 3pm to allow Most students take three A level subjects. for extra-curricular activities and our enrichment

Although each student's schedule may vary, here is a timetable for a typical A level student:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9-11 Economics Economics Mathematics Academic Further 11-1 Mathematics English Mathematics 1-2 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Further Further Further Academic 2-3 Economics Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics English 3-4 Mathematics

Exams Extra-curricular

Students may take standalone AS examinations There is a vibrant social programme at LSI, which at the end of the first year of a two-year A level includes weekly extra-curricular activities. We take programme. The Directors of Studies will liaise students to cultural institutions, meals out and trips with the subject tutors about AS examination associated with the academic programme. We also entries. In most cases students will be taking their have a welcome BBQ for new students as well as an final examinations at the end of the second year. end of year party. Students on one-year programmes will sit all of their papers at the end of that year. Lower Sixth Enrichment Programme

Private Study The enrichment programme is intended to broaden your horizons and inspire you to gain further Your timetable is likely to contain some free periods, knowledge in a broad range of areas. It comprises of in which you’ll be able to complete homework a series of seminars, workshops and lectures which assignments, prepare for presentations and tests, go beyond your college curriculum. The EPQ can or socialise with your friends. There are two also form part of the enrichment programme. common spaces on campus to spend your free periods: the student lounge/cafeteria and the student library. The garden is also available during the summer months.

ACADEMIC & EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME 19 STUDENTS CAN TAKE PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH PROGRAMMES PRIOR TO THE START OF THEIR A LEVEL PROGRAMME.

20 International Students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARE WELCOMED AT LSI INDEPENDENT SIXTH FORM COLLEGE. LSI AS A COLLEGE IS ENRICHED BY ITS DIVERSE AND VIBRANT STUDENT BODY.

Overview For students who need extra help with the English that they need for their A levels or preparation We have borne our international students very much for important English tests such as IELTS, LSI is in mind when drawing up our A level curriculum, uniquely placed to support them, with its 50 years choosing subjects which are popular among of experience of English language teaching at a high international students as well as UK students. level. English language support is available to all of our international students, whatever their level. On arrival in the UK, it is important that students A minimum of Band 5.5 IELTS is required for our settle in quickly and feel at home. The friendly A level courses. The college can also set its own atmosphere in the college makes this easier, but we English language test to determine a student’s level. also provide an induction programme which helps students get used to academic life in the UK as Prospective students will be interviewed before the well as life in London in general. Our location in the start of their course. Interviews can be arranged with leafy suburb of Hampstead, as well as the homely LSI representatives in a student’s home country or environment of the college, further help international via Skype with a member of the college’s academic students to acclimatise; however, our close proximity team in London. to central London also enables students to savour the cultural richness that London has to offer.

We believe integration is key to academic success Pre-sessional English Programmes and each individual student’s sense of well-being, so we provide our international students with many With an excellent reputation for English language opportunities to interact with home students and training established over 50 years, LSI can offer students from other nationalities. Our extensive extra- expert assistance to students who do not meet curricular programme facilitates this integration. the 5.5 IELTS requirement. Students can take pre-sessional English programmes at the LSI Each student at LSI, including international students, Independent Sixth Form College campus prior to is assigned a Director of Studies, who is responsible the start of their A level programme. For A level for the student’s pastoral and academic welfare. programmes that start in September, pre-sessional Regular feedback, including written reports, is given English programmes run in July and August. to parents and regular parental communication is For students who have not reached the English encouraged. Every international student needs an requirement by September, subject to prior academic education guardian, who can relay this feedback performance and visa requirements, students may to the parents, if the parents’ first language is not be able to extend their pre-sessional English studies English, as well as being an emergency contact for and follow on with our shorter 18 month A level the student. Expert university advice is a key feature programme. Please visit our website or contact the of LSI and is administered through the Director of school for more information. Studies system, as well as through consultation with subject experts.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 21 Accommodation

Host Family

At LSI, we recognize how important our host staying with just one other student or in a home with families are for the well-being of our students and many other students, we can accommodate you. how the home environment can affect academic performance. So, over many years, we have All homes are within a short commute of the carefully built up a group of trusted host families college. Our host families receive visits from our in and around Hampstead who can offer a wide accommodation officer and are regularly appraised range of home environments appropriate to our by the school. We have a good working relationship students' many different requirements and cultural with all our host families, some of whom we have backgrounds. Whether you would prefer more worked with for over 10 years. independence or a greater degree of care, we can All host families provide fully furnished, single accommodate you. If you have particular dietary or bedrooms, with breakfast, dinner and Internet other special requirements, we can accommodate access. Other services, including packed lunches, you. Whether you would feel more comfortable may be available upon request.

Residence

For students 16-18 years old, we recommend host accommodation within walking distance from family accommodation. However, we can arrange the school. boarding in a student residence building for all students aged 16+. For more information about our residence options, please visit our website or contact the This option is suitable for more independent school directly. students and provides high quality, safe

22 ACCOMMODATION WWW.LSICOLLEGE.CO.UK/BOARDING

Admissions 23 OUR STAFF AND STUDENTS. AND STUDENTS. STAFF OUR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS ARE INVITED INVITED ARE STUDENTS PROSPECTIVE TO VISIT OUR CAMPUS AND MEET WITH MEET AND OUR CAMPUS WITH VISIT TO Admissions

How to Apply For students living abroad, we appreciate that visiting the college before enrolment may not be Prospective students are invited to visit our campus feasible. Although we encourage students to visit and meet with our staff and students. We can the college before applying, to get a sense of the arrange an interview at a mutually convenient time school environment, we can also arrange interviews with our college principal. During the interview, by Skype. In addition, for students whose first you will be able to discuss your academic options, language is not English, we require proof of your choose the most appropriate A level subjects and English level. We ask students to complete our own ask questions about the school. You will also have English level test. Depending on visa requirements, the opportunity to speak with our Accommodation some students may need specific English language and Welfare Officer, if needed. qualifications such as IELTS; we can advise further Following the interview, if you would like to apply on this. to study at LSI Independent Sixth Form College, you should complete an application form. We will Transfer into Sixth Form 2nd Year then be in touch with your current school to collect references and school transcripts. The decision We can also accept students who wish to transfer whether or not to offer a place is based on the into our second year of sixth form from another interview, your academic scores to date and your institution. If you are considering transferring to previous school’s references. LSI Independent Sixth Form College, please contact us to discuss your options.

Scholarships

LSI Independent Sixth Form College offers Please note that scholarships are only applied to academic scholarships to students who show tuition fees. Accommodation and other college exceptional potential. We look for students who services are exempt and will be charged at full fees. demonstrate high aptitude for their course of study, as well as for students who show a willingness to make a significant and positive contribution to our student community.

Open Days

You are cordially invited to visit the college on one about how to visit the college on our website. If you of our open days throughout the year. This is an would like to book a place on any of the open days, ideal opportunity for you to look around the college, please contact us on +44 (0) 207 794 8111 or at meet the teachers and discuss your A level options [email protected]. informally. You can find out more information

24 ADMISSIONS / SCHOLARSHIPS / OPEN DAYS WWW.LSICOLLEGE.CO.UK/OPEN-DAYS YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO VISIT THE COLLEGE ON ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Heath House 13 Lyndhurst Terrace London NW3 5QA T. +44 (0)207 794 8111 E. [email protected]

www.lsicollege.co.uk