the sixth form @ westminster academy prospectus 2011-2012

What can I study atWestminster Academy?THE CURRICULUM*Level 3 (2 years):International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma ProgrammeSee IB section of the prospectus for further details –page 9-14 (Worth 5 A Levels)Students choose one subject from each group, three atStandard Level (SL) equivalent to AS Level, and three atHigher Level (HL) equivalent to A Level.Level 3 (2 years):• BTEC National Diploma in Business• BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma in Business• BTEC National Diploma in Media• BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma in Media• BTEC National Diploma in ITGroup 1Group 2Group 3Group 4Group 5Group 6First Language A1 (SL or HL)Second Language (A2 andLanguages B courses are SL or HL butAb Initio languages for beginners areSL only)Business & Management, Economics,Geography, History, Psychology,Information Technology in a GlobalSociety - ITGS (SL or HL)Environmental Systems (SL only) orPhysics, Chemistry, Biology (SL or HL).Maths Studies (SL) or Maths (SL)An additional option from one of thegroups above• A Level LawBTEC National Diploma qualification should becombined with a BTEC National Subsidary Diploma orup to two A Level qualifications.A wide range of A Level subjects will be offered as partof 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 and Chinese.Level 2 (1 year):Vocational CoursesBTEC First Diploma in Travel and Tourism withGCSE English and MathsCore Curriculum Theory of Knowledge (TOK), theExtended Essay and Creativity,Action, Service (CAS) are compulsory.• ECDL‘Asset Languages’ languages ladder qualificationsin reading, writing, speaking, listening from‘breakthrough’/beginners to advanced.*Westminster Academy reserves the right not to offer a subjectshould the numbers wishing to study it justify this.Level 3 (2 years):4WESTMINSTER ACADEMY | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | 6TH FORM

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 DiplomasThe minimum entry requirement is passes in at leastfive GCSE subjects at grade C or better, or a passin a Level 2 diploma, or the equivalent to this. Subjectsat minimum grade C or Level 2 must include Englishand Maths.Level 2 BTEC First DiplomasThe 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,or equivalent, in the subject area.Level 1 skills qualificationsThese qualifications are available to students whohave passed a relevant entry level course, orequivalent, in the subject area.Attendance, punctuality and conductStudents with a record of poor attendance,punctuality and conduct will not be admittedinto Westminster Academy.6TH FORM | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | WESTMINSTER ACADEMY 5

We 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 above part-timeemployment• hold positions of responsibility in the Academy• take responsibility for their own learning and careerdevelopment• come to school fully equipped with the correctstationery• 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 Baccalaureate(IB)‘s expectations of students.The difference between the nature of work inYear 11 and sixth form is wide, and two points areworth 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 anysubject or tutorial will jeopardise chances ofcontinuation on the course. Some courses requireattendance after school as part of the extendedday timetable – the 90% rule still applies.8WESTMINSTER ACADEMY | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | 6TH FORM

International Baccalaureate(IB) Diploma Programme:General characteristics of the Diploma 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 Baccalaureate (IB)mission statement:The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeableand caring young people who help create a better andmore peaceful world through intercultural understandingand respect.To this end the IB works with schools, governmentsand international organisations to develop challengingprogrammes of international education and rigorousassessment.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, emphasising 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 understandingthrough 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.“I am a great admirer of the already existing InternationalBaccalaureate and am determined to support a wider take up ofthat qualification. It is a qualification which has held its value overtime. Year on year the percentage of students who graduate withtop grades in the IB remains roughly the same. It is a qualificationwhich is widely regarded as rigorous and consistent.”Secretary of State for Education Rt Hon Michael Gove MPduring his visit to Westminster Academy in September 20106TH FORM | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | WESTMINSTER ACADEMY 9

The CurriculumInternational curriculum planners seek to ensure that theIB’s educational aims are embodied in the structure andcontent of the programme.The Diploma programme is taught over two years.All students take a core, compulsorycurriculum comprising:THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE (TOK) –100 hours over two yearsThe interdisciplinary TOK course is designed toprovide coherence by exploring the nature ofknowledge across all disciplines, encouraging anappreciation of other cultural perspectives. Criticalthinking and analysis are promoted.EXTENDED ESSAY –40 hours of private study 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 hoursover 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)Group 6 an additional option from one ofthe groups aboveCore CurriculumTheory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay andCreativity, 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 onthe best educational systems from around the worldto offer an exciting but rigorous and challengingprogramme, with this unique combination of breadthand depth.*Westminster Academy reserves the right not to offer a subjectshould the numbers wishing to study it justify this.10WESTMINSTER ACADEMY | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | 6TH FORM

Award of the diplomaThe 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:- 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 subjectsAssessmentThe award of the International Baccalaureate diplomaor certificate(s) is the sole prerogative of the InternationalBaccalaureate (IB) and not of Westminster 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.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.6TH FORM | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | WESTMINSTER ACADEMY 11

IB DiplomapointsUCASTariff45 72044 69843 67642 65441 63240 61139 58938 56737 54536 52335 50134 47933 45732 43531 41330 39229 37028 34827 32626 30425 28224 260UCAS TariffThe table belowshows the pointsawarded to theInternationalBaccalaureatediploma foruniversity entrance.The minimum scoreneeded to pass thediploma, 24 points,is equivalent to threeGCE A Levels atgrades B, C and Con the UCAS tariff.The maximum scoreobtainable on theIB, 45 points, isequivalent to morethan six GCE ALevels at grade A or5 A* grades atA Level.University recognitionMore than 700 universities all over the world, includingthe most prestigious, understand and welcome theInternational Baccalaureate diploma; it is a passportto international study. British universities appreciatehow good the diploma is as a predictor of success atdegree 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 (IB) website, www.ibo.orgCareer 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 which arelooking for an ability to communicate; interpersonalskills; transferable skills; enterprise; self confidence;motivation; and problem-solving ability.Example Pathways SL1 SL2 SL3 HL1 HL2 HL3AccountancyFirstLanguageSecond LanguagePhysics orChemistryBusinessManagementEconomicsMathsComputingFirstLanguageSecond Language PhysicsBusinessManagement orITGSITGSMathsInternationalLawor JournalismMathsStudies or MathsSecond LanguageEnvironmentalSystems or BiologyHistory orGeography orITGS or EconomicsHistory or Geographyor BusinessManagementFirstLanguageFluent linguistor InternationalBusinessMathsStudies or MathsHistory orGeographyor EconomicsEnvironmentalSystems or BiologyITGS or BusinessManagementSecond LanguageFirstLanguageMedicineDentistryEngineeringFirst LanguageSecond LanguageITGS or BusinessManagement orPsychologyChemistryBiology or Physicsor PsychologyMathsThese example pathways represent only a small number of the possible course combinations in the InternationalBaccalaureate diploma12WESTMINSTER ACADEMY | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | 6TH FORM

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.In addition to the Academy’s entry requirements above,the IB 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 fulfil 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• recognise the IB Diploma Programme coordinator asthe intermediary for all communication with the IB• consider CAS activities as important to their personaldevelopment.Expectations of parents/carersIf a student accepts a place at Westminster Academy tostudy the IB Diploma Programme, parents must sign a formto acknowledge that they have received, read, understoodand accepted the General regulations: DiplomaProgramme having noted and understood the rules oncopyright relating to candidates’ materials submitted tothe IB for assessment as provided under article 3 of theGeneral Regulations: Diploma Programme.14WESTMINSTER ACADEMY | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | 6TH FORM

Calendar 2011-20122011Term 1Start Wednesday 7th September End Friday 21st October 2011INSET 5th and 6th September 2011INSET Days5th and 6th September2011, 3rd January2012, 16th April 2012and 11th June 2012.2011Term 2Start Monday 31st October End Friday 16th December 20112012Term 3Start Wednesday 4th JanuaryEnd Friday 10th FebruaryINSET 3rd January 20122012Term 4Start Monday 20th February End Friday 30th March 20122012Term 5Start Tuesday 17th April End Friday 1st June 2012May Day Bank Holiday on Monday 7th May, | INSET 16th April2012Term 6Start Tuesday 12th June End Friday 20th July 2012INSET 11th June 2012Complaints procedureThe Academy believes that most concerns can be settledquickly if the teacher or an Curriculum Co-ordinator withinthe subject 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.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.16WESTMINSTER ACADEMY | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | 6TH FORM

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, for thesafe storage of outdoor clothing and personal equipment.Lockers are also provided in changing rooms for temporaryuse during PE lessons.All items of clothing and personal possessions should belabelled. The Academy cannot accept responsibility forpersonal belongings, nor can we insure them. Studentsand users of the Academy building should therefore havepersonal insurance for their belongings. Please do notbring valuable items to the Academy, unless they areessential 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 allowed inschool or is not being used sensibly by the student. In thatcase, parents will be asked to call to collect the item.1:1 MonitoringAt the Academy each student’s work will be closelymonitored. Fortnightly, students have 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 evidence ofprogress, and set personal targets. To help with this, eachstudent is given a planner, with all dates, deadlines andimportant information.Through looking at the planner each week, parents canbe involved in this process. Indeed, parents are welcometo attend reviews and personal tutors will keep parentsinformed about progress.1:1 time is also an opportunityfor the personal tutor to check on attendance, dress codeand behaviour, and for the student to raise any worries ina confidential and sympathetic situation. The member ofstaff’s role is to be a “critical friend”, supporting, advisingand guiding, listening but also challenging and pushingto raise standards. Personal, Social and Health Education(PSHE), Careers Education, Citizenship Education andStudy Skills guidance may also be offered during this time.Evidence of the fortightly 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 to logon via the Academy website. Parents therefore have thebenefit of being regularly updated on progress, ratherthan having to wait for an annual report.The regular Academy newsletter will also keep parentsinformed of all events.Liaison with parentsOpportunities for reporting students’ progress occurthroughout the year and reports are written about eachstudent’s progress in both their academic and personaldevelopment. Attendance at progress evenings iscompulsory for all students. Students are encouraged tobring their parents to these evenings.If there are serious concerns about an individual student’sprogress, attendance, punctuality or behaviour, then tutors,subject teachers or a Sixth Form Leader will endeavourto resolve the issues with the student. Although we expectstudents to take responsibility for tackling such concerns,parents can be contacted by letter or phone. The smallsize of personal tutor groups means that students benefitfrom a high level of attention, care, support and guidance.RoutinesBreakfast service is available in the global café from 8.15a.m. and the library opens at 8.30 a.m. Students mayarrive after 8.15 a.m. but must be here by 8.25 a.m. ontheir 1:1 day and 10 minutes before the starts of lessonson other school days. There is only one secure mainentrance which students must use. Any student who arriveslate for any reason must report to the attendance office.6TH FORM | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | WESTMINSTER ACADEMY 17

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 racks on the Academy site.Cyclists should wear a helmet and provide a chain forsecuring their bicycle to the racks. We believe it is animportant part of growing up to learn to travel safelyand independently. The Academy is a “Bike-It School”and provides cycle training for students.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 dayTIMEACTIVITY8.30 a.m. – 8.55 a.m. Breakfast available and library open or 1:1on one day per week with personal tutor8.55 a.m. – 9.05 a.m. Tutor touch base9.05 a.m. – 10.40 a.m. Lesson 1, including a 15-minute break10.40 a.m – 12.00 p.m. Lesson 212.00 p.m. – 2.10 p.m. Lesson 3, including a 50-minute lunch break2.10 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. Lesson 43.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m. Clubs and activities. Library openThese timings vary slightly on FridaysThe application process• Check that you will meet the generalentry requirements.• Check that you will meet the specific entryrequirements for the subjects you have chosen e.g. forstudying higher level IB diploma programme subjects.• Either fill in the hard copy of the application formenclosed; or request an electronic application formfrom The Sixth Form Team, by telephoning020 7121 0654 or by emailingsixthformteam@westminsteracademy.biz or bywriting to Westminster Academy, The Naim DangoorCentre, 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 2011. 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 TheSixth Form Team on 020 7121 0654 or atsixthformteam@westminsteracademy.biz if you donot receive this.• Students will be interviewed by The Sixth Form Teamand offers of a place will be made by letter.• Students will be notified of acceptance or rejectionindividually upon receipt of results in August.• Students will receive further information givingdetails of enrolment.At all stages of the application procedure, students cancontact The Sixth Form Team on 020 7121 0654 or atsixthformteam@westminsteracademy.biz to discuss theirapplications with the Team.18WESTMINSTER ACADEMY | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | 6TH FORM

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 Park(Hammersmith & Metropolitan Line)CASTELLAIN RDSHIRLAND ROAD B413 SHIRLAND RDWARWICK AVEELGIN AVEHARROW ROAD A404SUTHERLAND AVEWARWICK AVEAMBERLEY RDWarwickAvenueBLOMFIELD RDWestbourneParkWESTWAY A40WestminsterAcademy NaimDangoor CentreALFRED RDHARROW ROAD A404AcademySportWOODCHESTERSQUARETORQUAY STSENIOR STREETBOURNE TERRACEBus 18 & 36DELAMERE TERRACEBOURNE TERRACEGREAT WESTERN RDWESTWAY A40WESTWAY A40WESTBOURNE PARK RDA4207 CHEPSTOW RDTALBOT RD TALBOT RDWESTBOURNE PARK VILLASWESTBOURNEPARK ROADRoyalOakB411 Porchester TerraceGLOUSTER TERRACE6TH FORM | PROSPECTUS 2011-2012 | WESTMINSTER ACADEMY 19

Business is not just about makingprofits, For VISA Europe, it is abouthelping create the environment andsupporting individuals to achievetheir potential and their dreams. Ourpartnership with Westminster Academyhelps both organisations 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 CollegeOUR BUSINESS IS LEARNING