Queen's Gate Sixth Form Prospectus

WelcomefromthePrincipal

It is often said that your Sixth Form years are the best of your entire school education. You are able to immerse yourself in the three or four subjects you find most fascinating. As near adults, you will see a shift in how your teachers relate to you. You will enjoy greater independence. You will be offered leadership opportunities. You will be role models for our younger pupils. And you will make those important final steps towards the next phase in your life: whether that’s university, or a gap year, or perhaps an Ourapprenticeship.SixthForm

will offer you a wide range of opportunities and close, individual guidance as you complete these important final years. Our goal is to send you out into the world ready to thrive in adult life and ready to succeed in whatever you choose to undertake. We know that within our diverse Sixth Form community, our girls will harbour a wide range of dreams and aspirations; our hope is that we can help you turn them into reality.

There is much of which we are proud at Queen’s Gate, including our outstanding A Level results, broad cocurricular programme and our extensive charitable work. We are independent-minded, and place high priority on values such as kindness, respect and authenticity.

We hope you will find your own place in our Sixth Form, and follow in our long tradition of developing energetic, forward-thinking and compassionate young women. We look forward to welcoming you.

Miss Amy Wallace MA MPhil (Cantab), PCGE (Oxon) Principal

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If you asked an Upper or Lower Sixth Queen’s Gate girl what she most enjoyed about the Sixth Form, she would probably reel off the lengthy list of opportunities available, or the many events and traditions that punctuate each academic year. If you asked her to arrive at just one, she would undoubtedly say ‘the sense of Wecommunity’. harnessthe

unique spirit and energy of our school community to get the absolute best from our girls. Through the provision of a broad academic curriculum, an extensive co-curricular programme and a wealth of leadership opportunities, our aim is to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and personal drive needed to forge their individual paths in our rapidly changing world. Our strong sense of identity and community is predicated upon this aim.

By design, we are a small, close-knit Sixth Form. Our small classes, coupled with an unparalleled offer of 28 subjects at A Level, ensures our girls really get to know their teachers, and our teachers really get to know our girls. Crucially, we do not place limits on our girls; we encourage them to be ambitious, to express their individuality, and to think critically. A bespoke academic curriculum and programme of guidance and support is tailored to meet the needs of each student, reflecting our utter commitment to securing and celebrating success and nurturing the talents of each individual girl, regardless of her starting point or academic interests.

Extensivehigher education preparation and careersprovision, including a varied Enrichment programme and our weeklyWider Worldlecture series, ensure that over 90% of girls regularly go to their first-choicedestinations in the UK and abroad. Indeed, Queen’s Gate students routinely gain entry to the world’s leading Student-focuseduniversities.

pastoral care and academic support in the Sixth Form is provided by an experienced team of Form Tutors, Work Tutors, a Senior Tutor and two Heads of Year. We work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that our girls are happy, healthy and fulfilled by their time at Queen’s Gate, and excited about what lies beyond. Additionally, we encourage all our girls to develop their confidence and independence by undertaking a range of leadership opportunities during their time in the Sixth Form. In addition to serving as Head Girls, Deputies and Prefects, Sixth Form students serve the school and wider community as peer mentors, subject ambassadors and/or community volunteers through our established Outreach

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location in the heart of South Kensington, it is this combination ofhigh academicstandards, community spirit and the provision of enriching activities that makes our Sixth Form such an exceptional and nurturing place to work and learn.

We would be delighted to see you at our dedicated Sixth FormOpen Evening the Autumn Term. Alternatively, you may contact us at any time to arrange a visit or informal chat.

We look forward to welcoming you to Queen’s Gate soon.

Mr C. Stump  Head of Sixth Form

Learning at Queen’s Gate

There are a wide number of subjects on offer at A Level, some of which will have been studied up to GCSE Level, and others which are brand new and only available in the Sixth Form. You may choose to combine your A Levels in a number of ways to provide an individual programme of study, which we hope, will enable you to pursue the courses you excel in and which you enjoy.

We believe many pupils discover their individual academic strengths once they are able to focus on their chosen subjects and explore them in depth. You will be able to study in small groups enabling you to benefit from individual support and work at a fast pace. Our aim is to help you become an independent learner who has the selfconfidence and motivation to succeed in whatever path you decide to follow.

“The teaching at Queen’s Gate is exceptional; in lessons we are faced with challenges that stretch us and better us. The teachers never hesitate to aid and support us in every way they can, should we ask for their help. Personally, I don’t think that there’s anything I would change!”

Imogen Leaver 2017

Academic success and progression

There are small groups for each A Level subject and extra help is always available if you need it. Our Sixth Formers cease to be pupils and become independent learners through building a partnership with their teachers. Lessons are less formal and Sixth Formers are treated as more mature learners than pupils lower down the school. Above all, intelligent and critical interest in all subjects is essential if learning at Sixth Form level is to be successful. With smaller classes, there are plenty of opportunities for participation and you will be inspired to further your understanding by the scholarship of your teachers and the enthusiasm and commitment of your peers.

Whatever you decide is best for you; you will be supported throughout by a team of experienced staff. These include:

• Sixth Form Work Tutors Fully conversant with subject and curriculum options and all aspects of UCAS.

• Sixth Form Careers Co-ordinator Offering ongoing support and advice on all aspects of progression and careers.

• Head of Sixth Form Helping you to choose your university or college and making a successful application.

Sixth Form Careers Co-ordinator

We are very proud of the A Level results Queen’s Gate girls have achieved which have gained them places at leading universities and art colleges in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Most girls choose to move immediately to higher education, but some prefer to take a gap year or apply after they have their A Level results. You will be encouraged to explore all options and take responsibility for your decisions.

There is a programme of careers advice, which includes interviews, talks, seminars and conferences. All Sixth Formers take part in the UCAS ‘Centigrade’ questionnaire scheme in which they receive a booklet of personalised advice and an action plan for Higher Education. Full use is made of the many links we have with universities, colleges and local and national employers. Speakers from these sectors come to talk to the Sixth Form during Pastoral Days and Careers Convention, and more tailored made visits are arranged throughout the year to meet specific needs and interests.

“Ourgirlswill emerge into a world where they need to be many things. We are here to prepare them for that world"

“Being at Queen’s Gate helped strengthen my personality in a safe and supportive environment, and played a vital role in preparing me for the important transition from Sixth Form to university”

Olivia Head Girls’ Team 2015–16

Pastoral care at Queen’s Gate

Our small Sixth Form, equipped with highly experienced and personable tutors, means every girl receives individual care, help and attention, whether she is feeling examination pressure or needs help drafting her UCAS personal statement. Our Work Tutor system maintains a close overview of the academic and pastoral development of each girl.

Through regular one-to-one meetings with both her Work Tutor and the Head of Sixth Form, each girl is able to have any concerns addressed at an early stage.

At Queen’s Gate, we believe that every girl has something to offer, and we embrace this individuality. There is no such thing as a “typical” Queen’s Gate girl – girls who are interested in academia, the arts or sport are equally valued.

We appreciate the contributions of the girl who chooses to work behind the scenes, as well as the girl who enjoys being centre stage. The only common denominator is that Queen’s Gate girls are loyal, kind and positive, with a strong work ethic and an enthusiasm for life!

“The pastoral care given at Queen’s Gate is second to none.With its small classes and individual attention, Queen’s Gate has proven itself to be anurturing environment inwhich girls are given the confidence to both express independence, and excel in theirchosen subjects.”

Poppy Head Girl 2016–17

Life in the Sixth Form

Our Senior School is housed in three elegant Victorian buildings and the Sixth Form Centre is located across the second floor. The area includes a workroom, a kitchen, two common rooms and even a roof terrace. All our rooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards and are well equipped to act as teaching rooms. There are also spaces available for independent study and for our Sixth Formers to work collaboratively. The two common rooms have been refurbished extensively in recent years to extend our provision for social areas. The School is ideally situated to take advantage of the museums, galleries, theatres and other resources offered by a central London education.

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The Sixth Form is also part of the wider school community, and it has a responsibility towards the School. We expect you to contribute to the life of the school in ways, which help you to develop leadership and responsibility.

You will help with the mentoring of a Year 7 pupil through the Queen’s Gate Challenge scheme and are expected to run a weekly lunchtime club for younger pupils. You may take on voluntary work with Age UK (one of our long-standing charity partnerships), provide assistance to our Junior School classes, organise charity events or apply to be a Prefect or House Captain. There are many positions of responsibilities to help organise and co-ordinate the life of the Sixth Form, and to represent the School on certain occasions such as Open Evenings and wider School community events. Sixth

Form pupils have started up the Wear it Pink Fashion Show and the joint Staff/Sixth Form Panto. Furthermore, Sixth Formers are invited to take part in the Extended Project Qualifications, Model United Nations programme, National Debating and Art competitions, and have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Gold Level.

Sixth Form life at Queen’s Gate is full and varied, encompassing House competitions, recreational sports, social events, extracurricular clubs and societies and trips to local, national and international locations. We take competitive sports seriously and there are many fantastic opportunities in music and the arts. Sixth Formers help to lead various school plays and concerts; these are produced at remarkably professional levels and regularly attract highly acclaimed reviews.

Sport Queen’sat Gate

One afternoon per week is devoted to physical activity and the whole Sixth Form comes together to take part in activities. Our Sixth Formers have access to a number of sporting facilities and venues in central London locations and a varied programme is offered to all girls by the Physical Education department. These include the state-of-theart Equinox Gym on Kensington High Street for spinning, Zumba and yoga classes, Imperial College Boathouse for novice to experienced rowers, and, for those more adventurous, they can take advantages of the rock-climbing wall at Imperial College’s Sports Hall. A number of teams including netball and hockey compete in Under-19 competitions and train regularly at Battersea Park. Cross country training in Hyde Park and swimming at Fulham Pools are also available. Sixth Formers can also work with younger years by helping to coach and organise teams and sporting competitions.

“I find that Queen’s Gate has provided me with a wide range of sporting activities, despite our Central London location, all of which are very fun, enjoyable and fulfilling”

Strong, friendshipslasting

Pupils always say they value the friendships made at Queen’s Gate. Old friendships strengthen, new friendships are formed; newcomers are quickly made welcome and soon feel part of the close-knit, friendly atmosphere. We frequently have Old Girls coming back to visit and even give talks through our Wider World and Inspiring Women lecture series.

“Being a Sixth Former at Queen’s Gate School has encouraged me to develop my independence in a comforting and friendly environment”

Veronica Head Girl 2014–15

Each year girls join us from other schools in the area and even from abroad. We find that all pupils quickly settle into the Sixth Form and become part of the diverse student body that makes our School so special.

For further information on how to apply or to visit the School, you can contact our Registrar:

020 7594 registrar@queensgate.org.uk4982

queensgate.org.uk/admissions