THE SIXTH FORM @ WESTMINSTER ACADEMY PROSPECTUS

Welcome from thePrincipal, Chair ofGovernors and SponsorsSmita Bora (Ms)BSc(Hons), PGCE, MBA.PrincipalJeremy WittChair of GovernorsWestminster Academy TrustWelcome to the Sixth Form @ Westminster Academyprospectus, which is intended for all students who areconsidering joining the Sixth Form in September 2010,as well as their parents. We hope you will enjoy findingout more about our plans.We hope this prospectus is a helpful introduction forstudents and parents involved in choosing post-16options. We will also be holding two Sixth Form openevenings on:• Wednesday 2th December 2009 between 6pmand 8pm• Friday 4th June 2010 between 3.30pm and 5.30pmWe look forward to keeping you informed about ourdevelopment and progress.David DangoorThe Exilarch’s FoundationWe are proud to be associated with WestminsterAcademy which continues to make significant progressin providing inspiration and innovative education to theyoung of the local community coming from so manyfascinating and diverse backgrounds.As sponsors we are committed to supporting theChair of Governors, Principal and staff in deliveringengagement and excellence to give every student thebest possible foundation for their future.The Academy atthe Naim DangoorCentre, Harrow Road,Westbourne GreenThe Sixth Form @ Westminster Academy opened inSeptember 2007. The award-winning buildings areequipped with the latest technology, resources andwell-designed furnishings in comfortable, safesurroundings. This represents an impressive investmentin the future of our young people and provides anexcellent learning environment, comparable with thebest schools in the country.The site on Harrow Road, between Alfred Street andTorquay Street, is extensive for a city school andincludes eight sports pitches, recreational zones anda magnificent community sports centre, with a dancestudio and a professional sports hall.The main building has a ground floor comprising alarge lecture theatre, drama studio, library and atriumwith breakout spaces and a global café. The first andsecond floors each have classrooms and practicalrooms, laboratories, workshops and studios, while onthe top floor you will find the performing arts area, thesky dining area and staff and sixth form rooms.All our facilities are available to local groups andbusinesses, as we intend the building to become a hubof community activity.Over the next few years, major improvements willcontinue taking place to complement the recent provisionof new health centres and the redevelopment of theStowe Centre. Representatives from housing, social andyouth services, the health service, the police and CivicWatch are working together in a joined-up strategicapproach to improving people’s lives in Westbourne. TheWestbourne Forum has been key to the co-ordination ofall these improvements, through the community plan.

What can I study atWestminster Academy?Level 3 (2 years):Information Technology (IT) Diploma (worth a total of3.5 A Levels) including Functional Skills Level 2Level 3 (2 years):BTEC National Certificate in BusinessBTEC National Certificate in Travel and TourismBTEC National Certificate qualifications should becombined with up to two A Level qualifications, to makethe equivalent of up to four A Levels.A wide range of A Level subjects will be offered aspart of the Westminster 14-19 Partnership (6f), includingMedia Studies, Islamic Studies, Law, Psychology,Business Studies, Economics, Maths, Accounting,Applied ICT, Media Studies and Languages e.g.French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese etc.The Curriculum*Level 3 (2 years):International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma ProgrammeSee IB section of the prospectus for further details-page14-31 (worth 6 A Levels)Students choose 1 subject from each group, three atStandard Level (SL) equivalent to AS Level, and three atHigher Level (HL) equivalent to A Level.Group 1: First Language A1 (SL or HL)Group 2: Second Language (A2 and Languages Bcourses are SL or HL but Ab Initio languagesfor beginners are SL only)Group 3: Business & Management, Economics,Geography, History, Psychology, InformationTechnology in a Global Society - ITGS (SL or HL)Level 2 (1 year):Vocational CoursesBTEC First Diploma in BusinessInformation Technology (IT) DiplomaSkills qualificationsLevel 1 Literacy, Numeracy and ICTLevel 2 Literacy, Numeracy and ICTECDL‘Asset Languages’ languages ladder qualificationsin reading, writing, speaking, listening from‘breakthrough’/beginners to advanced.*Westminster Academy reserves the right not to offer asubject should the numbers wishing to study it not justify this.Group 4: Environmental Systems (SL only) or Physics,Chemistry, Biology (SL or HL).Group 5: Maths Studies (SL only) or Maths (SL or HL)Group 6: an additional option from one of the groupsabove or Computing (SL or HL)Core Curriculum: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), theExtended Essay and Creativity,Action, Service (CAS) are compulsory.

Admissions CriteriaThe Sixth Form @ Westminster Academy has an agreedadmission number of 275 students. The total number ofenrolled pupils is limited by a planning condition for thenew building.Level 3 International Baccalaureate (IB)Diploma ProgrammeThe minimum entry requirement is passes in at leastseven GCSE subjects at grade B or better, or theequivalent to this. These subjects must include EnglishLanguage, Mathematics and a Science.Students must have obtained a grade A/A* at GCSEin a related subject area, or the equivalent, to study aHigher Level (HL) subject.Level 3 BTEC National Diplomas andInformation Technology (IT) DiplomaThe minimum entry requirement is passes in at leastfive GCSE subjects at grade C or better, or a pass ina Level 2 diploma, or the equivalent to this. Subjectsat minimum grade C or Level 2 must include English/Literacy and Maths/Numeracy.Level 2 BTEC First Diplomas and InformationTechnology (IT) DiplomaThe minimum entry requirement is passes in at leastfive GCSE subjects at grade E or better, or a pass ina Level 1 diploma, or the equivalent to this. Subjects atminimum grade E/Level 1 must include English/Literacyand Maths/Numeracy.Level 2 skills qualificationsThese qualifications are available to students whohave passed a Level 1 course at grade D or above, orequivalent, in the subject area.Level 1 skills qualificationsThese qualifications are available to students who havepassed a relevant entry level course, or equivalent, inthe subject area.Our Businessis LearningThe Sixth Form @ Westminster Academy is locatedin the heart of cosmopolitan London and, as aninternational school, we celebrate the many countries,cultures and faiths represented in the local community.Global awareness and tolerance are threads which runthrough all our work.As a Business and Enterprise Academy, we preparestudents for the world of work, but also to have highpersonal standards and ambition, seeking opportunitiesfor higher education and lifelong learning.The Sixth Form @ Westminster Academy is more thanjust a new educational establishment. It represents anew “can do” approach to learning, which is purposefuland achievement focused. Our ethos is business-like.We expect high standards of punctuality, dress andbehaviour because these help create positive attitudesto learning, which in turn lead to success.As a new Academy, we have a unique opportunityto deliver an innovative curriculum, based on thecompetences employers have told us they look for inyoung people. We place a great emphasis on skills,as the gateways to learning. All learning activitiesare designed so that students practise thinking andproblem-solving skills. We value personal and socialskills, ensuring students learn how to co-operate, work inteams and respect others.Above all, we treat all students as individuals,recognising their unique identity and respecting theirpersonal qualities, skills, interests and needs as weprepare them to be international citizens, workers andparents in the 21st century.Attendance, punctuality and conductStudents with a record of poor attendance, punctuality andconduct will not be admitted into Westminster Academy.

The 6th Form atWestminster Academywill offer:• a state-of-the art building, built for 21st century learning• sophisticated learning resources includingwireless technologies• global specialism in International Business,Enterprise, ICT and Languages• the world class International Baccalaureate (IB)Diploma Programme• AS, A2 and vocational courses as part ofWestminster’s ‘6F’ Partnership• bridging courses at Level 2 and 3• skills qualifications including ECDL• arts, sports and enterprise education,as enrichment activities• an entitlement to internships and work experience• opportunities for voluntary work in the Academyand community• national and international educational visits,conferences and workshops• small class sizes, leading to personalised learning• Careers Education, and Information, Advice andGuidance (IAG)• a careers library and access to careers fairs• access to the Academy’s full-time Connexionspersonal adviser• routes to university entrance and Higher Education• links with Oxford and Cambridge• a personal tutor with one-to-one tutorial sessions• electronic, personal, individualised learning plans• progress checks, including reports and parents’ evenings• opportunities for Gap Years• a Sixth Form ‘lounge’• free education• additional financial awards to UK students, ifeligible, e.g. EMA, free school mealsWe expect our students to:• achieve 100% attendance• aim for a perfect punctuality record• behave appropriately at all times• show respect towards students and staff• meet targets and deadlines• work independently• demonstrate the ability to work in groups• understand that success in the Sixth Form depends ona high level of commitment to studying ‘out of hours’• prioritise Academy work over and abovepart-time employment• hold positions of responsibility in the Academy• take responsibility for their own learning andcareer development• come to school fully equipped with the correct stationery• show organisational ability by keeping up-to-datewith filing work and maintaining portfolios• follow the dress codeIf you do not possess these attributes, then studying at TheSixth Form @ Westminster Academy may not be for you.Please see the International Baccalaureate DiplomaProgramme section for the International BaccalaureateOrganisation (IBO)‘s expectations of students.The difference between the nature of work in Year 11 andSixth Form is wide, and two points are worth identifying:• The pace of work required can be deceptive.Although the number of subjects studied is less thanin Year 11, each is covered in far greater depth anddetail with an emphasis on analysis and evaluation.• The need for self management is probably the mostimportant feature distinguishing Year 11 from SixthForm. Although the academic curriculum is timeconsuming, you will be expected to put just as muchtime into private study.An attendance record of less than 90% in any subject ortutorial will jeopardise chances of continuation on the course.Some courses require attendance after school as part of theextended day timetable – the 90% rule still applies.

InternationalBaccalaureate (IB) DiplomaGeneral characteristics of theDiploma ProgrammeConceived in Oxford in 1960, the IB DiplomaProgramme has been established over three decades. Itis one of the most important qualifications in the world.Controlled by the IB office in Geneva since 1968, it hasbecome a symbol of academic integrity and intellectualpromise internationally, with more than 50,000 studentsin 1351 schools examined in 120 countries.The International BaccalaureateOrganisation (IBO) mission statementThe IBO aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable andcaring young people who help create a better andmore peaceful world through intercultural understandingand respect.To this end the IBO works with schools, governmentsand international organisations to developchallenging programmes of international educationand rigorous assessment.These programmes encourage students across theworld to become active, compassionate and lifelonglearners who understand that other people, with theirdifferences, can also be right.Aims and objectivesIn the years since its founding, the InternationalBaccalaureate Diploma Programme has becomea leading, internationally recognised pre-universityqualification. Now it is a symbol of academic excellenceworldwide. The student who satisfies its demandsdemonstrates a strong commitment to learning, both interms of mastery of subject content and in the developmentof wide-ranging skills. He or she is also encouragedto appreciate the universal value of human diversityand its legitimate boundaries, while at the same timeunderstanding the common humanity that we all share.While each component of the Diploma has specificaims and assessment objectives, as outlined in eachcourse outline, the distinctive aims of the programme asa whole are to:• provide an internationally accepted qualification forentry into higher education• promote international understanding• educate the whole person, emphasizing intellectual,personal, emotional and social growth• develop inquiry and thinking skills, and the capacityto reflect upon and to evaluate actions criticallyAt Westminster AcademyWe promote international understanding through education:• through our pedagogy, promoting and openingopportunities for educational excellence byproviding a balanced curriculum and by facilitatingconcurrency of learning• by introducing students to skills appropriate toindependent research via the extended essay• by recognising the fundamental, integrative role ofthe Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the habits ofmind that it should inculcate• by realising the potential of creativity, action, service(CAS) in complementing academic pursuits in thepersonal development of students.

The CurriculumInternational curriculum planners seek to ensure that theIBO’s educational aims are embodied in the structureand content of the programme.The Diploma programme is taught over two years.All students take a core, compulsory curriculum comprising:THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK) – 100 hoursover two yearsThe interdisciplinary TOK course is designed to providecoherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across alldisciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other culturalperspective. Critical thinking and analysis are promoted.EXTENDED ESSAY – 40 hours of privatestudy and writing timeWithin a prescribed limit of 4000 words, this offers theopportunity to investigate a topic of individual interestand acquaints students with the independent research,presentation and writing skills expected at university level.CREATIVITY, ACTION, SERVICE (CAS) –150 hours over two yearsParticipation in the Academy’s extra-curricular andcommunity service programme encourages students tobe involved in artistic pursuits, sports and/or communitywork, fostering their awareness and appreciation of lifeoutside the academic arena.In addition, students choose 1 subject from each group,three at Standard Level (SL) equivalent to AS Level, andthree at Higher Level (HL) equivalent to A Level*.Group 1: First Language A1 (SL or HL)Group 2: Second Language (A2 and Languages Bcourses are SL or HL but Ab Initio languagesfor beginners are SL only)Group 3: Business & Management, Economics,Geography, History, Psychology, InformationTechnology in a Global Society - ITGS (SL or HL)Group 4: Environmental Systems (SL only) or Physics,Chemistry, Biology (SL or HL).Group 5: Maths Studies (SL only) or Maths (SL or HL)Group 6: an additional option from one of thegroups aboveCore Curriculum: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), theExtended Essay and Creativity,Action, Service (CAS) are compulsory.By arranging work in this fashion, students are ableto explore some subjects in depth and some morebroadly over the two-year period; this is a deliberatecompromise between the early specialisation preferredin some national systems and the breadth found inothers. While overall balance is maintained, studentscan pursue areas of personal interest and meet specialrequirements for university entrance. The IB draws on thebest educational systems from around the world to offeran exciting but rigorous and challenging programme,with this unique combination of breadth and depth.*Westminster Academy reserves the right not to offer asubject should the numbers wishing to study it not justify this.

Award of the DiplomaAssessmentThe award of the International Baccalaureate diplomaor certificate(s) is the sole prerogative of the InternationalBaccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and not ofWestminster Academy.Responsibility for all academic judgements about thequality of candidates’ work rests with more than 5000IB examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners withinternational authority. A variety of assessment methodsis used to value both the content and the processof academic achievement and to take into accountdifferent learning styles and cultural partners.The Diploma has a maximum score of 45, made upof a possible 7 points from each of the six subjectsplus a possible three further points for exceptionalperformance in the TOK and an excellent extendedessay component. A Diploma can only be awardedwith a minimum point score of 24 AND if the followingconditions are met:Conventional external examination techniques, forexample, essay, short answer, multiple choice etc., arecomplemented by externally moderated but internallyassessed coursework, representing approximately 20%of assessment in each subject.ExaminationsAt Westminster Academy, examinations take place inMay of the second year of the course.• Satisfactory completion of the extended essay,TOK course and CAS.• No subjects at grade 1 or below• No HL subject at grade 2 or below• Not more than one grade 2 at SL• Not more than three subjects at grade 3 or below• At least 12 points in total for HL subjects• At least 9 points in total for SL subjects

UCAS TariffThe table below shows the points awarded to theInternational Baccalaureate diploma for university entrance.The minimum score needed to pass the diploma, 24points, is equivalent to three GCE A Levels at grades B, Band C on the UCAS tariff. The maximum score obtainableon the IB, 45 points, is equivalent to more than six GCE ALevels at grade A or five and a half A Levels at grade A*.International BaccalaureateDiplomaPoints45 76844 74443 72242 69841 67540 65239 62838 60537 58236 55935 53534 51233 48932 46631 44230 41929 39628 37327 35026 32625 30324 280University recognitionMore than 700 universities all over the world, including themost prestigious, understand and welcome the InternationalBaccalaureate diploma; it is a passport to internationalstudy. British universities appreciate how good the diplomais as a predictor of success at degree level.Results are received at the beginning of July whichallows staff and students time to speak to universityadmissions tutors well in advance of A Level results atthe end of August.Certain courses may indicate specifically which subjectsstudents should study at Higher Level, so it is importantto check before making any subject choices.Information on the recognition policy of a particularcollege or university is available on the InternationalBaccalaureate Organisation (IBO) website, www.ibo.org

Career prospectsThe International Baccalaureate diploma is recognisedby large international companies as an ideal groundingfor young people entering the world of work in theglobal economy of the 21st Century. Internationalbusiness needs people with a broad outlook andlanguage skills. Diploma students are seen as excellentpotential employees by many companies who arelooking for an ability to communicate; interpersonalskills; transferable skills; enterprise; self confidence;motivation; and problem-solving ability.ExamplePathwaysSL1 SL2 SL3 HL1 HL2 HL3AccountancyFirst LanguageSecondLanguagePhysics orChemistryBusinessManagementEconomicsMathsComputingFirst LanguageSecondLanguagePhysicsBusinessManagement orITGSITGSMathsInternational Lawor JournalismMaths Studies orMathsSecondLanguageEnvironmentalSystems orBiologyHistory orGeographyor ITGS orEconomicsHistory orGeographyor BusinessManagementFirst LanguageFluent linguistor InternationalBusinessMaths Studies orMathsHistory orGeography orEconomicsEnvironmentalSystems orBiologyITGS or BusinessManagementSecondLanguageFirst LanguageMedicineDentistryEngineeringFirst LanguageSecondLanguageITGS or BusinessManagement orPsychologyChemistryBiology orPhysics orPsychologyMathsThese example pathways represent only a small numberof the possible course combinations in the InternationalBaccalaureate diploma

Progression toHigher EducationUniversity of Cambridge“The International Baccalaureate is highly regarded byAdmissions tutors at Cambridge University for entry toall subjects. Most conditional offers would ask for anoverall point score, normally 38-40 points, with specificgrades in the most relevant subjects.”Susan Stobbs, Admissions Tutor, Pembroke CollegeLondon School of Economics (LSE)“The London School of Economics regards the IB asone of the most useful qualifications that its studentscan have. We have been told by the IB office thatwe have more students who have the IB qualificationthan any other university in the world and we find thestudents excellent in every way.”Dr John Ashworth, DirectorImperial College, University of London“Universities welcome applicants offering IB as they havemastered a wide range of key skills in addition to thespecific subjects offered. The IB helps differentiate betweengood quality applicants and oversubscribed courses.”Mr D A Robb, Admissions Tutor (Mechanical Engineering)Heythrop College (University of London)“Our 2007/8 guidance is 32-36 points, likely toremain at this for 2008/9.”Anthony Charles, Assistant RegistrarSchool of Oriental and African StudiesSOAS (University of London)“Depending on the courses, our IB entry requirementslay between 30 pts for many of our Languages andCultures Degrees to 38 pts for our Law degree.”Katja Lamping, Student Recruitment Officer (Home and EU)Holborn College“We offer LLB (Hons) Law with the University ofLondon, University of Huddersfield and University ofWales or BA (Hons) programmes with the University ofWales. Admission onto these courses requires an IB of30-32 points.”Tonya Willoughby, Head of Admissions and EnrolmentMiddlesex University“The International Baccalaureate is considered forentry to all programmes. Offers are normally madein terms of gaining the Diploma with a point total ofapproximately 28-36 points with at least grade 5 intwo or three specified subjects”.Claire Wilson, Admissions Enquiries AdministratorRoehampton University“We ask for between 24 and 28 points depending onthe course requirements”Samantha Matthews, Admissions Team LeaderUniversity of Kent“Higher and standard subjects have parity withA-Levels despite the fact that students are concentratingon more subject.”University of Bristol“The attraction of the IB is the breadth of bothacademic subjects and other related activities. IB iswelcomed by admissions tutors.”Dr T Cole, Department of Historical StudiesUniversity of Nottingham“The University of Nottingham welcomes applicationsfrom candidates offering the IB and greatly values therigorous educational experience of IB students.”Dr David Holdich, Assistant Dean of ScienceUniversity of Manchester“I have great pleasure in confirming the very highregard in which I hold the structure, curriculum and thestandards set by the International Baccalaureate. Mycolleagues and I are more than happy to admit studentson the basis of appropriate IB results, and I hope verymuch that significant numbers of older students willchoose to continue their studies by this route.”Vice-ChancellorUniversity of Edinburgh“The University of Edinburgh actively welcomes alarge number of international qualifications includingthe increasingly popular International BaccalaureateDiploma. Full recognition is given to this qualificationand to the broad based curriculum covered by studentson the course.”Craig Mathieson, Director of the International Office

Other UK universities accepting the IBAberystwyth, Aston, Bath, Bath Spa, Birmingham,Bradford, Brighton, Brunel, Cardiff, Chester, City,Christchurch Canterbury, Durham, East Anglia, Exeter,Herriot-Watt, Keele, Kent, Kingston, Lancaster, Leeds,Loughborough, Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan,Middlesex, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading,Richmond College, Royal Holloway, Sheffield,Southampton, St Andrews, Stirling, Strathclyde, Surrey,Sussex, Warwick, Westminster, Wolverhampton, YorkOther international universities acceptingthe IBITALY Bocconi, Bologna, Genoa, Pavia, Pisa, Rome,Sacred Heart, SienaGERMANY Berlin FreeNETHERLANDS Delft, Eindhoven, Erasmus, Leiden, UtrechtSWEDEN Chalmers, Handelshögskolan, RIT,JAPAN Aoyama, Gakushuin, Hitotsubashi, Hosei,International Christian, Keio, Meiji, Rokkyo, Seikei,Sophia, Tokyo, Tokyo Gakugei, Tsukuba, WasedaOther countries accepting the IB:Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain,Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bosnia/Herzegovina,Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada,Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, CzechRepublic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,Ghana, Greece, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, HongKong – SAROC, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia,Lebanon, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, MacedoniaFYR, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico,Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, NewZealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Occ. Palestine, Oman,Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, RussianFed., Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia,Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka,Swaziland, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania,Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Uganda, Ukraine,Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.COLOMBIA BogotaUSA Boston, Emerson, George Washington, Harvard,Northeastern, Oregon State, California, Chicago,Colorado, Miami, Michigan, Richmond, SouthernCalifornia, Yale, Florida, Texas, Berkley.

AdmissionsThe minimum entry requirement is passes in at leastseven GCSE subjects at grade B or better, or theequivalent to this. These subjects must include EnglishLanguage, Mathematics and a Science.Students must have obtained a grade A/A* at GCSEin a related subject area, or the equivalent, to study aHigher Level (HL) subject.Student expectationsParticipation in the IB Diploma Programme demandsintellectual rigour and high academic standards, butthere is also a strong emphasis on responsible andethical behaviour.Expectations ofparents/carersIf a student accepts a place at Westminster Academyto study the IB Diploma Programme, parents must sign aform to acknowledge that they have• received, read, understood and accepted theGeneral regulations: Diploma Programme• noted and understood the rules on copyright relatingto candidates’ materials submitted to the IBO forassessment as provided under article 3 of theGeneral Regulations: Diploma Programme.In addition to the Academy’s entry requirements above,the IBO expects students to:• participate in the IB Diploma Programme curriculumas structured and required by the school• comply with all subject-specific regulations andinternal school deadlines• complete the IB Diploma Programme over a periodof two years• show intellectual honesty in the completion andsubmission of all work• acknowledge fully, and in detail, the work, thoughtsor ideas of another person if incorporated in worksubmitted for assessment• submit separate pieces of work in order to fulfill therequirements of different assessment components (forexample, extended essays and internal assessment)• ensure that their own work is never given to anothercandidate, either in the form of a hard copy or byelectronic means, knowing that it might be submittedfor assessment as the work of that other candidate• recognize the IB Diploma Programme coordinator asthe intermediary for all communication with the IBO• consider CAS activities as important to theirpersonal development.

AttendanceSchool attendance is crucial to achievement soany absence must be notified to us. An attendancerecord of less than 90% in any subject or tutorial willjeopardise chances of continuation on the course. Somecourses require attendance after school as part of theextended day timetable – the 90% rule still applies.Students must let us know if they are unable to attendschool by ringing the duty keyworker before 10 a.m.to leave a message for their tutor.Medical and dental appointments should not be madeduring school hours.If a student misses school due to illness or anunavoidable medical appointment, evidence must beproduced for the tutor to authorise the absence.Time off school should, of course, be avoided if at allpossible. On return to school following any absence,a student should bring a note from a parent/carerconfirming the reason. This is essential evidence forrecording an absence as authorised. Holidays duringterm time are discouraged, as they damage a student’seducational progress. Application for any such absencemust be made on the form available from reception.If a student is ill or has an accident at the Academy, s/he will be looked after by our Student Welfare Officerin our medical room and a parent/carer telephoned.Please make sure the emergency contact numbers wehave for parents/carers are kept up-to-date, becausethey can be vital in a situation where we need to get intouch urgently. In the event of a serious emergency, amember of staff would accompany a student to hospitaland arrange to meet parents/carers there.BehaviourAll members of the Sixth Form will sign a contract to showtheir commitment to the Academy’s Code of Conduct.At the Academy, we will instill high expectations andstandards of behaviour. Our code of conduct is basedon five values which we take to our H.E.A.R.T:HONESTY We try always to be truthful and fairEFFORT We are ready to learn and we do our bestASPIRATION We set ourselves challenges and aim highRESPECT We respect each other and ourselvesTRUST We are reliable and won’t let you downThe Academy reinforces, recognises and rewardsthe good behaviour which we expect. Students areawarded ‘Vivo miles’ for presentation, responsibility,achievement, initiative, showcase and effort, leading tocertificates, awards and prizes.All incidents of exceptionally good or unacceptablebehaviour are logged immediately on Connetix, so thatparents can see the evidence and follow up at homewith rewards or punishments. Personal tutors do thesame and contact parents to praise students or to discussissues of concern. Students may be required to work inisolation at the Academy, attend at different times or beexcluded if their behaviour prevents others from learning.

Calendar 2010–2011The proposed term and holiday dates for 2010-2011are set out below. These may be subject to change andwill be formally confirmed in the autumn.2010TERM 1Thursday 6th September – Friday 22nd October 2010(35 days)Complaints procedureThe Academy believes that most concerns can be settledquickly if the teacher or an Assistant Principal within thesubject area is informed about the problem. For anyconcerns which are not resolved in this way, there is aformal complaints procedure and a leaflet outlining thesimple steps in this process and the associated timescalesis available from Reception. It will always be our intentionto respond positively and promptly to any complaints.TERM 2Monday 1st November – Friday 17th December 2010(35 days)2011TERM 3Wednesday 5th January – Friday 18th February 2011(33 days)TERM 4Monday 28th February – Friday 8th April 2011(30 Days)TERM 5Wednesday 27 April – Friday 27th May 2011(23 Days)NB Public Holidays-Easter Monday 25th April 2011and May Day 2nd May 2011TERM 6Tuesday 7th June – Friday 22nd July 2011(34 Days)TOTAL: 190 DAYSINSET days2nd & 3rd September 2010, 4th January 2011,26th April 2011, and 6th June 2011

Dress code andpersonal belongingsSixth Form students are expected to dress appropriatelyfor work in an Academy that encourages a business-likeethos. A suit or smart jacket and trousers with shirt andtie is encouraged for male students and staff. A similar,business-like dress is expected of female students andstaff. Jeans, tracksuit bottoms, denim and caps are notpermitted. A modest amount of make-up and small itemsof jewellery are acceptable. Senior staff are the finaljudges of what is acceptable or unacceptable.As a Business and Enterprise Academy, we feel itis important that students learn to dress smartly andappropriately. They should understand that most businessesrequire uniform or professional dress and be proud of ourdress code. The dress code is strictly enforced, and weappeal to parents to support us in helping us create apositive image and reputation for the Academy.Each student is responsible for his/her own belongingsat the Academy. An individual locker is provided, forthe safe storage of outdoor clothing and personalequipment. Lockers are also provided in changingrooms for temporary use during PE lessons.All items of clothing and personal possessions shouldbe labelled. The Academy cannot accept responsibilityfor personal belongings, nor can we insure them.Students and users of the Academy building shouldtherefore have personal insurance for their belongings.Please do not bring valuable items to the Academy,unless they are essential for school work.Students may bring mobile phones, provided they areswitched off in lessons, left in lockers and never usedto cause nuisance. The Principal reserves the right toconfiscate any personal belonging which is not allowedin school or is not being used sensibly by the student. Inthat case, parents will be asked to call to collect the item.1:1 MonitoringAt the Academy each student’s work will be closelymonitored. Each week every student has a one to one(1:1) review meeting with a personal tutor at 8.30 a.m.The purpose of this review is to help students plan theirlearning, understand test results and any other evidenceof progress, and set personal targets. To help withthis, each student is given a planner, with all dates,deadlines and important information.Through looking at the planner each week, parentscan be involved in this process. Indeed, parents arewelcome to attend reviews and personal tutors willkeep parents informed about progress.1:1 time is also an opportunity for the personal tutor tocheck on attendance, dress code and behaviour, andfor the student to raise any worries in a confidential andsympathetic situation. The member of staff’s role is tobe a “critical friend”, supporting, advising and guiding,listening but also challenging and pushing to raisestandards. Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE),Careers Education, Citizenship Education and Study Skillsguidance may also be offered during this time.Evidence of the weekly targets and progress is recordedin the planner and in the student’s personal record onConnetix. This is a web-based system which logs allstudent data, including learning journals, progress andattendance information, and makes this available toparents immediately when they use their password tolog on via the Academy website. Parents therefore havethe benefit of being regularly updated on progress,rather than having to wait for an annual report.The regular Academy newsletter will also keep parentsinformed of all events.

Liaison with parentsProgress evenings are held throughout the year andreports are written about students’ progress in both theiracademic and personal development. Attendance atprogress evenings is compulsory for all students. Studentsare encouraged to bring their parents to these evenings.If there are serious concerns about an individualstudent’s progress, attendance, punctuality or behaviour,then tutors, subject teachers or a Vice Principal willendeavour to resolve the issues with the student.Although we expect students to take responsibility fortackling such concerns, parents can be contactedby letter or phone. The small size of personal tutorgroups means that students benefit from a high level ofattention, care, support and guidance.RevisionThere will be a requirement for every Sixth Form studentto have an ongoing revision timetable as part of theirIndividualised Learning Plan (ILP). This will involve asignificant amount of out-of-hours study.RoutinesBreakfast service is available in the global café from8.15 a.m. and the library opens at 8.30 a.m. Studentsmay arrive after 8.15 a.m. but must be here by 8.25a.m. on their 1:1 day and 10 minutes before the startsof lessons on other school days. There is only onesecure main entrance which students must use. Anystudent who arrives late for any reason must report tothe security reception.Safe routes to schoolThe Academy has produced its school travel plan, inconsultation with students, parents and local residents.The safety of our students on their way to and from theAcademy is our prime concern. We will ask studentshow they will travel to school and will do our utmost toensure all routes and transport methods are safe.We encourage students to cycle to the Academy andprovide protected cycle hoops on the Academy site.Cyclists should wear a helmet and provide a chainfor security at the cycle hoops. We believe it is animportant part of growing up to learn to travel safelyand independently.The 18 and 36 buses stop right outside the Academy.The Royal Oak tube station is also convenient, beingonly a five minute walk away and Warwick Avenuetube on the Bakerloo line 10 minutes walk away.

Timing of the day*The application process08.30am – 08.55am08.55am – 09.05amBreakfast and library serviceor 1:1 on one day per weekwith personal tutor.Tutor Touch Base• Check that you will meet the general entry requirements.• Check that you will meet the specific entryrequirements for the subjects you have chosen e.g. forstudying higher level IB diploma programme subjects09.05am – 10.40am10.40am – 12.00pm Lesson 212.00pm – 14.10pm14.10pm – 15.30pm Lesson 4Lesson 1 – including a15 minute breakLesson 3 – including a50 minute lunch break*This will depend on Westminster 6F Partnership timings.• Either fill in the hard copy of the application form enclosed;or request an electronic application form from Mr OllyWells, Vice Principal, by telephoning 020 7121 0617or by emailing owells@westminsteracademy.biz or bywriting to Westminster Academy, 255 Harrow Road,London W2 5EZ• The subjects you have chosen will have a greaterchance of running if you can manage to post/email your form back by March 2010. Formswill be accepted after this date, but your chosencombination of subjects might not be possible.• Expect to receive acknowledgement of yourapplication within two weeks - contact Mr Wells on020 7121 0617 or at owells@westminsteracademy.bizif you do not receive this.• Students may be interviewed by an Vice Principalbut all students will have a conditional offer letterposted and emailed• Students will be notified of acceptance or rejectionindividually upon receipt of results in August• Students will receive further information giving detailsof enrolmentAt all stages of the application procedure, students cancontact Mr Olly Wells (Vice Principal) on 020 71210617 or at owells@westminsteracademy.biz to discusstheir applications with him.

Transport informationThe Sixth Form@Westminster AcademyThe Naim Dangoor Centre255 Harrow RoadLondon W2 5EZTelephone:020 7121 0600Bus Routes:18 & 36Nearest Underground station:Royal Oak or Westbourne Grove(Hammersmith & Metropolitan Line)Reproduced by permission of Geographers' A-Z Map Co Ltd.©Crown Copyright 2009.All rights reserved.Licence number 100017302.

Business is not just aboutmaking profits. For Visa Europe,it is about helping create theenvironment and supportingindividuals to achieve theirpotential and their dreams. Ourpartnership with WestminsterAcademy helps bothorganisations do just that.Peter Ayliffe, President and CEO Visa Europe.Westminster AcademyAdvisory BoardPresidentLord Marshall of KnightsbridgeChairman, Nomura International plcChairman, Pirelli UK plcProfessor David BeggPrincipal, Imperial College Tanaka Business SchoolGillian DuCharmeLeadership and Governance ConsultantKenneth DurhamHeadmaster, University College SchoolProfessor David LatchmanMaster, Birkbeck CollegeShrupti ShahDirector in Consulting, Deloitte