King's School Rochester Senior & Sixth Form Prospectus

SENIOR SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM • AGES 13 - 18

There’s one motto we
live by at King’s, and
that’s simply ‘Work hard,
play hard and look after
each other’ no matter
what age you are...

Welcome to
KING’S SCHOOL
ROCHESTER
A great education prepares young people of
all abilities and diverse talents for a successful
and fulfilled life, and this is precisely what we
provide at King’s.
Academic rigour and qualifications are very important of course,
but a real education goes much further and develops the skills
and character which every young person needs to make the most
of their abilities. It may be the academic results which secure
the interview but beyond this, it is the engaging character who is
offered the job.
At the heart of the King’s approach is the achievement of academic
potential, and our excellent results at GCSE and A Level arise from
a love of learning, supported and guided by exceptional teaching
within the framework of an innovative curriculum which best serves
our pupils in a fast-changing and globalised world.
Extensive co-curricular activities give pupils the opportunity to
try out many new experiences and this, along with a strong set of
values, is the bedrock of a rounded, confident individual.
Do come and visit us and find out what makes our School so special.
We would be delighted to welcome you into the King’s family.
Ben Charles
Principal and Head of King’s Senior School
WELCOME TO KING’S SCHOOL ROCHESTER 1

VALUES & ETHOS
Our pupil’s gain the foundation for an enriched, healthy and rewarding life.
The goal of our Senior School is to ignite
interests in subjects and areas that our pupils
may not have previously considered, and extend
the intellect of every pupil, whatever their
strengths may be.
Compassion and regard for others are central
values, and pupils develop the strength of
character to become valuable future
members of society.
With many co-curricular activities to experience
and enjoy, we believe pupils’ progression is
complimented by the skills and interests that
are nurtured in and beyond the classroom.
All these aspects enable each pupil to make
informed decisions regarding their future career
paths and ultimately go on to lead rewarding
and fulfilling lives.
2 VALUES & ETHOS

PASTORAL CARE
We want every pupil’s experience to be happy and fulfilling.
With this in mind, we ensure that our pupils are
well supported so that they can concentrate on
enjoying their time at school. The health and
well-being of pupils is our priority, and we pride
ourselves on the excellent pastoral provision
delivered by our team of highly experienced
teachers, tutors and boarding house staff.
Pastoral care at King’s is further supported
by the Chaplain, a counsellor, Well-being
Coordinator and School Nurse.
At King’s, our House system plays a crucial role
in our pastoral care provision, and there are four
Houses: Crick, Parker, Storrs and Whiston. All
pupils will have close relationships with their
House Tutor, who monitor academic progress
and co-curricular involvement, and support their
general well-being.
The close-knit and caring atmosphere of the
School ensures that a pupil’s individual needs
and concerns are identified early and responded
to quickly and effectively.
PASTORAL CARE 3

Tracking Progress at King’s
At the start of Remove (Year 9), Lower Fifth (Year 10) and Lower Sixth (Year 12)
pupils take externally assessed tests managed by Cambridge University Press and
Assessment. From these assessments, challenge grades for each subject are
generated. A challenge grade is usually one grade higher than those generated by
CEM but adapted with our knowledge of each pupil. Pupils are then tracked
against these grades with assessment grades at half termly intervals.
4 TRACKING PROGRESS

GCSE
Pupils are supported through their GCSE
years with excellent teaching and small
class sizes.
Pupils at King’s have achieved excellent results, and this
is due to a number of linked but important factors.
Firstly, the commitment and focus of the pupils themselves
is tremendous, and this has been supported by exceptional
teaching delivered in small classes of approximately
fifteen pupils.
Furthermore, we believe our enhanced curriculum has
enabled us to create a stimulating and bespoke learning
programme - one of the advantages of being an
independent school.
We offer a broad range of subjects at GCSE and IGCSE,
balanced with a wide complement of co-curricular activities.
Subjects taken by all pupils are: English Language, English
Literature, Mathematics, Religious Studies and Science (Dual
or Triple Award). Pupils are then able to choose from a range
of other subjects including: Art and Design, Classical
Civilisation, Computer Science, Design and Technology,
Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music,
Physical Education, Religious Studies and Spanish.
GCSE 5

Prep. (Homework) at King's
In the Senior School, homework is used to
consolidate work done in class, prepare for
lessons, develop independent learning and
facilitate individual enquiry and research. In
Remove (Year 9), pupils usually have two
40-minute homeworks an evening. In the Fifth
Form this increases to three 40-minute
homeworks a night. Sixth Formers are expected
to be responsible for planning their own workschedules
and to meet deadlines. As a guide,
they should spend one hour a day in individual
study per subject in addition to timetabled
lessons or supervised study periods.
6 PREP. HOMEWORK AT KING’S

A LEVEL
Sixth Form gives pupils the freedom and confidence to shape
their own paths.
This is a tremendously stimulating time as
pupils are given the freedom to pursue their
own specialisms and experience various
enrichment activities. Sixth Formers enjoy
much smaller study groups, and develop
supportive and mature relationships with
their teachers and peers.
At King’s, we don’t have option blocks, meaning
that pupils are completely free to choose all
their subjects, provided they submit their
options within our deadlines.
Sixth Formers are expected to undertake a
minimum of three subjects at A Level, while also
having the option to explore a selection of
electives, including beginners’ Mandarin and
LAMDA public speaking, allowing them to
cultivate broader interests and skills.
Additionally there is the option to take the
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is
viewed favourably by the top universities.
Our A Level curriculum encompasses a wide
range of subjects, including Art and Design,
Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation,
Computer Science, Design and Technology,
Drama and Theatre, Economics, English
Literature, Mathematics, Further Mathematics,
French, Geography, History, Latin, Music,
Psychology, Physics, Religious Studies, Sociology
and Spanish. We also offer BTEC Physical
Education. International pupils are encouraged
to take A Level examinations in their
native language.
To foster independent learning, Sixth Formers
have access to dedicated study periods in the
Sixth Form Centre or Library. The Sixth Form
Centre is equipped with a study area and
amenities for preparing hot drinks and snacks
during break and lunchtime.
Academic progress of our Sixth Form pupils is
closely monitored, with a strategic focus on
supporting their journey towards UCAS
applications, apprenticeships, and career
planning, enabling them to prepare for their
future in the professional world.
A LEVEL 7

ART & DESIGN
Art and Design in the Senior School is stimulating
and challenging for pupils.
Pupils in both the Preparatory and Senior Schools are taught by the same
dedicated Art and Design specialist teachers in one purpose-built building.
This provides tremendous continuity in which pupils in the younger years
are taught precisely the skills and understanding that they will need to
strive for in the Senior School.
For GCSE, pupils are taught as creative individuals who will begin to pursue
their own ideas and interests in the subject rather than be taught as a class
unit. By the time pupils arrive in the Sixth Form, teachers will facilitate
individual creativity that is relevant to them, rather than direct the
narrative. This approach helps pupils become individual learners and
foster succession into higher education and beyond.
8 ART & DESIGN

Scholarships at King’s School Rochester
Across music, art, drama, sport and academic, we offer scholarships to those who demonstrate
particular skill and ability. Scholarships are awarded typically to both internal and external candidates.
Further information on scholarships is available on our website, within the Admissions section,
or please contact our Admissions Team.
ART & DESIGN 9

10 MUSIC

MUSIC
Music is woven into the fabric of our School and
we are proud to say “we are a school that sings”.
At King’s we make music together. We sing as a whole school nearly every
day and music resonates not only in individual lessons but also within our
various bands and ensembles. The breadth of musical opportunity is vast,
with a diverse range of ensembles and events throughout the year for
pupils to showcase their talents.
Our team of 22 instrumental teachers provides instruction for almost all
instruments. Each year many of our Upper Sixth leavers depart with a deep
appreciation for singing and making music with their peers. A talented few
leave to study music at our most prestigious conservatoires, studying
voice, composition or their individual orchestral instrument.
Pupils enjoy creative freedom and flexibility within their subject and are
encouraged to follow individual musical paths. We hold regular Scholars’
Concerts and travel to perform in London and across the country.
In addition to our strong classical music tradition, we host a lively series of
Open Mic Nights and informal concerts. House Music competitions involve
all pupils and stand out as one of the most enjoyable and vibrant events of
the year.
CO-MUSIC 11

SPORT
Sport at King’s is for everyone, regardless of ability
or experience.
Playing a prominent role in everyday school life, sport provides countless
opportunities for pupils to build their confidence, take care of their physical
and mental health, and develop their team skills. King’s offers an ever-growing
list of sports and activities to choose from. Pupils in the Senior School enjoy
four hours of timetabled games lessons each week. At A Level, pupils can opt
to participate in alternative sports in addition to regular team games.
We also offer expert ‘strength and conditioning’ coaching and mentoring
through a Sports Scholarship Programme, which supports athletic development
and target setting for our most talented athletes. An ‘emerging athletes
programme’ is also offered to some pupils in Remove (Year 9) and Lower Fifth
(Year 10) to help them further develop and reach their potential in a range
of sports.
12 SPORT

SPORT 13

14 DRAMA

DRAMA
We are proud of our reputation for exceptional
drama performance - from musicals through to
Shakespeare.
Drama is focused around integration with real world industry and aims to
equip pupils with the creative and communication skills so vital in
many careers.
With links to professional theatres in London’s West End and major drama
conservatoires, King’s School alumni have successfully ventured into the
professional theatre world, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Our Theatre Production Team help create all the elements required by our
major school productions, which often boast casts of 70+ ensuring that
everyone who wants to, can take part.
LAMDA Acting and Public speaking coaching and examination are offered
to develop skills in performance and public speaking. We have a tailored
scholarship programme including support and guidance for pupils
interested in auditioning for the National Youth Theatre.
CO-DRAMA 15

16 FRIDAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

Friday Afternoon
ACTIVITIES
On Friday afternoons Senior pupils experience co-curricular activities
to build leadership skills and teamwork.
Combined Cadet Force (All Senior Pupils)
Senior pupils can choose to join our School’s CCF
(Combined Cadet Force), which delivers the cadet
experience across all three contingents (Royal
Navy, Army and Royal Airforce). The CCF is a youth
organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence,
which offers pupils the opportunity to grow their
skills in leadership, discipline, motivation, selfawareness
and perseverance. The programme
comprises a wide range of activities, including
Adventure Training, Leadership Training and Single
Service Subjects (Afloat, Flying, Field Craft and
Shooting), all of which are delivered by specialist
military and civilian instructors.
Theatre Production Company (All Senior Pupils)
The Theatre Production Company assists with the
delivery of school productions and events, and is a
valuable opportunity for pupils wishing to learn
the practical disciplines needed for this area of
work. Theatre Production offers broad, practical
training in all areas that contribute to making a
theatre production, including lighting, sound, set
painting, sourcing and making props and
costumes, puppetry, hair, makeup and stage
management. The programme of activities is
dependent on the performances taking place
across the school, creating a varied and exciting
experience for our pupils.
Music (All Music Scholars)
Our Music Scholars are offered a great opportunity
to become part of a small group helping the local
community. Pupils work with our Director of Music
to run fun and engaging workshops in local
primary schools, along with playing in different
settings to support school marketing activities and
local community events.
Enrichment Programme (Upper Fifth / Year 11 only)
The Enrichment Programme is designed to give
pupils a range of “Life Skills” through various
activities including cooking, sewing, DIY, selfdefence,
and budgeting for life beyond school.
They are also encouraged to uncover their
entrepreneurial skills when completing mini
enterprise projects. Pupils cultivate their selfawareness
and interpersonal skills. Additional
activities such as self-defence, first aid, poolside
rescue and climbing are also available.
Volunteering (Lower Sixth / Year 12 only)
Pupils may choose to volunteer both within the
School and in the local community. A range of
activities is available including supporting a reading
programme in a local primary school, mentoring
Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory School pupils, or
coaching swimming and rugby. Volunteering
provides a fantastic opportunity for pupils to learn
the importance of supporting others and giving
back to their local community. Pupils are both
allowed and encouraged to seek out their own
placements if they have a particular volunteering
opportunity they wish to pursue.
Strength and Conditioning (Upper Fifth and Lower
Sixth Sports Scholars)
Sports Scholars participate in additional Strength
and Conditioning training sessions on Friday
afternoons. These sessions are conducted by
specialist coaches who possess a deep
understanding of the specific needs and
requirements for each sport and the various age
groups. Scholars also have the opportunity to get
involved in coaching and umpiring at
Sports Festivals.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES 17

Co-curricular
CLUBS &
ACTIVITIES
In addition to our Friday afternoon curriculum,
there are lots of other clubs and activities for
pupils to get involved in.
It is our core belief that our pupils learn just as much outside of the
classroom as they do inside. Pupils in the Senior School can enjoy a range of
clubs and activities, such as Chess, Astronomy, Debating, eSports, Medieval
Society, Art and Design, Choir, Jazz, each taking place during lunchtime, after
school or over the weekend.
This is further enhanced by a range of regular trips both abroad and closer
to home, which help to broaden our pupils’ horizons and understanding of
the world around them. Details of the current up-to-date co-curricular
offerings and trips are emailed to parents on a termly basis.
Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in all three levels of The Duke
of Edinburgh Award, a fantastic programme of activities and challenges
designed to develop essential skills for life and work, such as resilience,
problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive. Taking part in the
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a life-changing experience, and a great
opportunity to build friendships and discover new talents and interests. A
recognised mark of achievement, The Duke of Edinburgh Award enhances
pupils’ future CVs and university applications.
18 CO-CURRICULAR

It is our core belief that our
pupils learn just as much
outside of the classroom as
they do inside.
CO-CURRICULAR 19

BOARDING
Boarding at King’s School Rochester is a true home-from-home experience.
Our boarding community is small enough
so that it has a real family-like atmosphere,
where everyone knows one another and feels
supported and cared for. At King’s we offer a
range of boarding options to suit every family’s
needs, from full time to flexi boarding. We
welcome both domestic and international pupils
from Year 7 through to Sixth Form into our two
boarding houses: School House for boys, and St
Margaret’s House for girls.
Rooms in both boarding houses are light and airy
with modern furnishings, and equipped with the
latest high-speed, age-appropriately filtered
Wi-Fi, meaning that a video call home or quick
online game with friends is always an enjoyable
experience. Depending on the age-group,
boarders have access to either an en-suite or
communal bathroom close by.
Both boarding houses have shared common
areas that include facilities for making food and
playing games, from relaxed card games to
console thrillers. There are many opportunities
for making friends and enjoying each
other’s company.
Due to the School’s location at the heart of
historic Rochester, our boarders have access to
lots of independent shops nearby and other
local amenities like a commercial gym and
sports clubs. Older boarders can make use of
the high-speed rail connection, linking Rochester
to London in just over half an hour.
Our very own Italian chef serves bespoke two
course meals with a wide variety of salads at
lunch and dinner. The two boarding houses
come together every evening for a shared dining
experience, a highlight of the school day, where
pupils and staff share a delicious meal and
catch-up on the day’s events.
Each boarder is supported upon arrival with a
bespoke induction and familiarisation
programme. For international pupils, this
includes sessions on British culture and how to
excel in a UK classroom setting.
Each House has several staff members on
hand including a Head of House, Tutors and a
Houseparent to ensure that pastoral support is
available 24/7 so that every King’s boarding pupil
has a happy and exciting boarding experience.
20 SENIOR BOARDING

BEYOND KING’S
Pupils leave King’s having fulfilled their academic potential
and experienced a brilliant life-changing education.
Our pupils are our greatest ambassadors. Their
quiet confidence and self-belief gives them
the courage to engage with the world and
pursue their dreams, whatever they may be.
Pupils also leave as kind, compassionate and
caring individuals, ready to make their mark.
Sixth Formers often secure places at top
Russell Group or Oxbridge universities, whilst
others undertake apprenticeships, or join
music or drama conservatoires. Whatever their
destination, we are immensely proud of each
individual’s journey and progress during their
time at our School. It is this progress and sense
of personal achievement and happiness that
we focus on and celebrate.
A School For Life
The King’s community provides pupils
with a valuable alumni network of
contacts that will enrich and further
their respective careers, along with
providing a wealth of knowledge,
experience and mentoring. As members
of the Old Roffensian Society, our pupils
will always have the option to remain
connected to King’s and our Old
Roffensians to support them in future
career decisions, along with reunions
and school events to remind them of
the special place they are part of.
BEYOND KING’S 21

FURTHER INFORMATION
We work with families to ensure that the admissions process supports
you and your child every step along the way.
To find out more information or to schedule
a visit to the School, please contact us on
+44 (0) 1634 888590, or email
admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk
Our School Day
7.30am - 8.25am
Breakfast Club
Visit Us
The best way to get a real sense of our School is
to visit us. We offer private tours and taster days
during term time and hold two whole school
Open Mornings each year.
School Fees
Fees are charged in advance and reviewed
annually, with additional charges kept to a
minimum. Further information about fees and
charges are available on our website within the
Admissions section.
Scholarships
8.10am
8.25am
8.50am - 10:50am
10.50am - 11.15am
11.15am - 1.15pm
1.15pm - 2.15pm
2.15pm - 4.15pm
4.15pm
4.30pm
Playground
supervision begins
Registration
Lessons
Break
Lessons
Lunch
Lessons
End of School
Clubs and After School
Activities available with
provision to work in the
library until 5.30pm
King’s School Rochester is pleased to offer a
range of scholarships in both the Preparatory
School and Senior School to internal and
external pupils in Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.
Pupils with a proven talent in sport, music,
drama, art or academic attainment are
encouraged to apply.
Bursaries
We offer means-tested financial support to
pupils who otherwise would be unable to
attend. Bursaries may be offered in addition to
the award of a scholarship to increase the value
of the award.
For more information on admissions,
fees, scholarships, bursaries and
term dates, scan the QR code...
Parking
Due to the central and historic location of our
School, there is very limited parking during drop
off and pick up. Instead, if you are arriving by car,
there are numerous car parks nearby which can
be found at en.parkopedia.co.uk.
22 FURTHER INFORMATION

Come and experience
our School for yourself.
Meet our pupils, talk
with our staff, and feel
the welcoming and
inspiring atmosphere
that makes King’s School
Rochester so unique.

SENIOR SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
Satis House • Boley Hill • Rochester • Kent • ME1 1TE Telephone +44 (0)1634 888555
www.kings-rochester.co.uk