Knightsbridge Senior School Prospectus

Knightsbridge Seniors Learning Through

welcome

Where pupils become their best selves.

Senior school. A time and place you will undoubtedly remember well yourself. A place filled with challenges, excitements and rewards. When pupils become more independent and start to chart a path beyond school. You will agree then, your child has much to look forward to on the journey ahead. And here at Knightsbridge, we are ready to support and encourage them every step of the way.

This brochure is designed to give you a taste of life as a Knightsbridge School Senior. It also goes one step further. We encourage our Seniors to share their ideas and actively participate in the school community. So, it will come as no surprise that this brochure has been written in collaboration with our pupils, who want to share with you directly what it is that they think makes Knightsbridge School exceptional. We invite you to come in and hear from them yourself on one of our tours; book through registrar@knightsbridgeschool.com. We look forward to meeting you.

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There’s something for everyone at Knightsbridge. No matter what you’re interested in, the teachers will challenge and support you to do your best. We love KS and know you will too -

community

Knowing how to be a good citizen in today’s society is more important than ever.

Our pupils will encounter challenges in their future that we have never had to think about. It is essential that they are given opportunities for building, supporting and shaping their communities, both inside and outside of school.

At Knightsbridge, Seniors learn a ‘service above self’ ethos by taking part in our leadership programme. Pupils apply for positions as Prefects and Subject Ambassadors with responsibilities such as representing their year at School Council and guiding visitors on tours. Similarly, our Eco Committee champions sustainable practices and raises awareness through campaigns such as the Earth Day March.

Being an all-through, co-ed school brings particular benefits to our Seniors. Those without younger siblings learn patience and care when they help Reception pupils with their reading. And spending time in the company of others with different cultures and nationalities, allows each to value the others’ differences.

When you grow up, life is co-ed so when you go into society you need to know how to get on with the other gender so you don’t end up behind in life - Amine, Year 9

Seniors support the wider community through volunteering and fundraising. Whether litter picking, organising supplies for refugees or donating books to the local primary school, our pupils get stuck in and help out. In acknowledgement of our efforts in this area, Knightsbridge was awarded a Rosette by The Independent Schools of The Year for Outstanding Fundraising Achievement.

Where else will pupils get this experience? At Knightsbridge, we prepare our Seniors to take part and make a difference.

Helping others opens up your mind to other people’s needs that might be different - Max, Year 7

case study

Why I Run For Charity

by Harry , Year 8

I’ve always loved running.

One afternoon, I was singing with the choir to raise money for the charity RESTART, which is just across the road from school. I knew about homelessness in London, but not really just how many people actually live without a home or food in our own area. It’s a lot. I was shocked. So I thought, why don’t I do something to help? And that’s when I decided to do a sponsored run.

I set a 10k course around Hyde Park. People kept looking at methey must have thought it was really strange seeing a kid running laps of the park! I raised £2000 for RESTART. Everyone from school was really supportive.

I like RESTART and think the work they do is really important. They give blankets and food to the homeless, as well as a place to chat and socialise.

This was a few years ago, and I did another run last year from Big Ben to the Ukrainian Embassy to support them after the war broke out. I didn’t tell the school about it this time. I just felt so bad for the Ukrainians and wanted to help in some way. I raised almost £2000 and gave it to the Red Cross who were sending aid.

Running is great because it helps take your mind off other worries and focus on something else, so you can be proactive and helpful. I recommend it to everyone!

enrichment

Opportunities abound when we broaden our horizons.

Seniors at Knightsbridge have the chance to unlock new interests and talents by taking part in our excellent range of clubs. There are more than 30 clubs available to Seniors, with many students having been part of the same club since their time as Juniors. And it’s not just after school, but also during break and lunchtime, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

As well as clubs, Years 7-9 enjoy Enrichment Hour. Rotating between workshops each half-term, pupils have a chance to try Yoga, Textiles, Computing, Film, Creative Writing, Performance and, the always popular, Cooking. Pupils not only pick up new skills but also get an idea of what these subjects might be like at GCSE or A-Level.

With many of London’s top museums on our doorstep, Seniors enjoy numerous curriculum trips throughout the year, complementing the learning in the classroom. This includes West End theatre productions, such as, ‘When an Inspector Calls,’ as well as exhibitions in The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, the V&A and Saatchi Gallery. Residentials, of course, are some of the most anticipated and enjoyed trips in the calendar, and in the past have included studying art in Barcelona, history in Rome and geography in Iceland.

We have also recently introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which gives pupils a chance to enjoy nature and set themselves a challenge. Pupils go in small groups by themselves, set up camp, cook outdoors and use maps and compasses to find their way back to base. Pupils develop mental and physical endurance as well as self-confidence and teamwork.

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It’s fun to see people outside of the school environment when you’re on a trip. You learn a lot about each other and yourself - Jade, Year

8

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Every year, we encourage pupils to take part in a school-wide enrichment event. One year it will be ‘KS Got Talent’ for budding performers, and the other year it will be ‘The Entrepreneur Event’ for business leaders of the future. We place a priority on enrichment because, at Knightsbridge, success outside the classroom is just as important as inside it.

See some of the fun on our previous trips and residentials

Residential destinations

case study

5 Skills I’ve Learned From Table Tennis Club by Emir, Year 8

Table tennis has been my passion for years. It has helped me change and grow as a person. These are the 5 important skills I’ve learned by taking part in the club.

1. Self-discipline. You have to be consistent and practise a lot. Learning tricks takes time, especially to do them well. Even though it may take a while, it’s always worth it in the end.

2. Focus. In table tennis, you can’t switch off for even a second. You have to stay alert and pay attention to your opponent and be responsive. Staying cool under pressure is a really good skill for life.

3. Communication. You have to learn how to listen to your coach and discuss tactics. When you communicate well you also make friends more easily.

4. Resilience. There are times when you don’t win, but you always learn from it. It’s important to have the right attitude.

5. Sportsmanship. Sometimes there can be a lucky shot. Always shake hands. Apologise if necessary. Whether you’re a winner or loser, always be graceful.

When I first played table tennis, it was challenging. You had to get the technique right and be very accurate with the ball. Even though it was tough, I loved the sport straight away! It’s so fun playing with your friends and family. If you haven’t played it before, I highly recommend it. Give it a go! I’m sure you’ll like it as much as me.

curriculum

Knowledge and skills for a bright future.

During Senior school pupils develop a strong understanding of who they are and who they want to be. At Knightsbridge, we help pupils on this journey by providing a broad and balanced curriculum that inspires and enthuses, and the support of specialist teachers to guide and advise.

In overview, Years 7 and 8 follow the curriculum for the 13+ Common Entrance set by the ISEB. It is used by the majority of independent schools and supports families looking for a traditional exit at the end of Year 8.

Year 9 follows an enhanced curriculum, introducing increased rigour and subjects that will be available at GCSE, including Business and Sociology.

Years 10 and 11 follow GCSE curricular, based on pupils’ subject choices and the exam boards selected. The helpful diagram to the right shows the wide range of subjects on offer, allowing each pupil to select a path to a career they desire.

Maintaining a good balance between academic subjects and the Arts and Sports is something we are very proud of here at Knightsbridge School. Being non-selective, we encourage pupils to be all-rounders; at ease on the stage or pitch, as much as in the classroom. Have a look at the sample timetable to the right to see how time is shared between the subjects.

We want Seniors to develop skills for lifelong learning. We encourage pupils to be independent thinkers, proactive and organised. So, wherever their path might lead them, they are sure to have the toolkit they need to thrive.

We are encouraged to challenge ourselves in lessons. And if you try you have already succeeded - Vedika, Year 8

arts

Confidence and creativity flourish in the Arts.

Creativity is a much-prized skill in today’s world. At Knightsbridge, our pupils have the chance to flex their creative muscles in Art, Drama, Dance and Music.

Balanced against the academic subjects, our Arts curriculum challenges pupils to think broadly about the world and deeply about their place in it. In Art, pupils use new materials and complex techniques for sculpture, photography and graphic design. In Performing Arts, pupils develop confidence and teamwork, putting on shows and testing their creative boundaries.

Performances are much-anticipated events in the year. They include Company productions (both musical and drama), House Competitions, as well as the Senior Show, allowing all pupils to have their moment in the spotlight.

Several alumni have gone on to burgeoning careers in the theatre and film industry, including School of Rock, The Secret Garden and Leopolstadt.

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Drama is amazing; you can try on lots of different personalities. You learn a lot from it - Amal, Year 7

With such an abundance of talent, we offer scholarships in Art or the Performing Arts for those who want to take it to the next level. We also support ABRSM, Trinity and LAMDA certifications

Learn more about our Performing Arts department

case study

In conversation with Year 11 about the Arts

What have you learned from taking part in the Arts?

Kayley. Drama has taught me a lot. One of the biggest things is how to talk about my ideas with confidence. Instead of being brief, I take time to make sure I get my whole point across. I know how to stand, use my body language, pace and tone of speaking, so even when I don’t feel confident, I look it, and that really helps.

Leon. I like Art. You can express yourself in any kind of way. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, it’s about the idea and feeling behind it. It also helps you understand yourself, so when you draw you can look at it and understand more about how those thoughts and feeling came out on the page.

Pia. For me, it’s Music. Musical performances have taught me a lot about improvisation and on-the-spot thinking. Being flexible has been useful in lots of situations. It has also taught me the importance of maintaining hobbies outside of school, so whatever you’re interested in, whether it’s art or knitting, make sure you make time for the things you like.

Sophie. I agree with Pia. Thinking creatively in Art helps you in the academic subjects as well. So you can make links between things. It helps you understand the world better.

sport

Central London and still packed with Sport.

There are two types of teenagers when it comes to Sport; those who would gladly spend all day running around, and those who desperately need it for a boost of energy. Happily, our Sports department are expert coaches who instil a love of Sport in all our pupils, by teaching pupils not just how to play a game, but how to develop a winning mindset.

Sport is about pushing yourself to your own limits, not other people’s limits - Rayan, Year 8

Senior pupils have up to 5 hours of Sport a week, more than many other schools, because we realise the significance of a healthy body, healthy mind. Having time to exercise not only benefits the quality of work in class but also the relationships between friends and peers. Seniors play together as mixed year groups and are not siloed into gendered Sports. At Knightsbridge, we celebrate diversity and opportunities for all.

It’s about the team and not the individual, everyone plays a role to make the game happen - Genesis, Year 8

Only a short walk from Hyde Park and Burton Court, and short bus ride to Battersea Park, Seniors make the most of our nearby wide open spaces. The Sports curriculum includes Football, Netball, Rugby, Cricket, and Hockey. Students also enjoy rock-climbing and cycling at the Velodrome. There is no shortage of clubs available, both before and after school, so whether it’s Swimming, Fencing or Yoga, there’s a Sport for everyone.

There are several highlights in the sports calendar; one is the annual Ski Trip in the Spring Term, where pupils develop their skills, no matter what level of proficiency. The other is match days. Senior pupils take part in IAPS, ISA and national competitions throughout the year and have done themselves, and the school, proud - just have a look at our trophy cabinet!

In the meantime, here are the Sports Ambassadors to say more about why Sport is so important to them

case study

In conversation with the Sports Ambassadors

Leo. There’s such a great range of Sports at KS. We have the opportunity to choose the Sport we learn, so if boys want to play netball with the girls, they can now. It’s also taught in a way that means everyone gets what they need, so for example, you might be in a group practising a particular skill that’s your weakness, and others work on their area for improvement.

Ava. I would agree with that. You always get a chance to progress and do your best. So at the beginning of the year you might not be so good, but as you get better you get involved with matches and fixtures. It’s very inclusive.

Leo. Yes, we have so many fixtures! And with schools all around the country, not just the local area. We’ve taken part in lots of national competitions.

Ava. Like the ISA Netball competition last year. We won some matches but didn’t rank and were quite disappointed, but our teacher talked to us and showed us how we can learn from the experience. We weren’t told off, we took it in a good spirit and we were all happy by the end.

Leo. Matches are such fun. We went on one in particular last year and we still talk about it to this day. It was such a great opportunity to play. We’re so lucky because the Sports teachers have so much experience. Mr Knight played for Arsenal, Ms Pace was a professional gymnast, Mr Gibson and Mr Barnes were professional rugby players, and having teachers with all this professional experience is really good as they reflect that onto us.

pastoral care

Striking the right balance between independence and support.

By the end of Seniors, pupils will be forging a path for themselves. That’s why we focus on giving pupils the resources they need to build confidence, self-esteem and a positive ‘can-do’ attitude

Our pastoral team is regularly trained in mental health and wellbeing, so that we have the fullest knowledge and best tools for pupil care. This includes Form Tutors, who play a central role in our pastoral care system; they are the first port of call and the bridge to home. Our pupils and parents benefit from the deep and long-lasting relationships built by staying with the same tutor for the course of their time as Seniors. Being part of a small school and a strong community has the added benefit that teachers are always ‘findable’ and available for a chat.

Knightsbridge was the first independent school to offer counselling services on-site through Place2Be. The teenage years can be some of the trickiest and teens value privacy very highly. Having Place2Be allows pupils to drop in and have an open conversation with a trusted person in a safe and private space. For those who need continued support, there are weekly sessions with professional therapists available. Place2Be regularly meets with the school safeguarding team to discuss any particular cases of concern for a joined-up approach to pupil care.

Life Skills lessons support the personal, social and emotional growth of pupils, and are designed to help them navigate issues around body image, social media and relationships. We also put on workshops to support pupils with study skills and managing exam stress.

Our approach to pastoral care is underpinned by the KS Code, which is shared with the whole school and provides a set of timeless principles to live by. Our ultimate aim with pastoral care is to support pupils in becoming their best selves

The best thing about being a Tutor is the special relationship you have with pupils that you don’t always have teaching a class; you learn lots about each other and see a side of pupils that others might not.

As a tutor you can spot potential and guide your tutees. For example a student who starts school being quite shy but later applies to be a Prefect, to think that you supported them on that personal journey is very rewarding - Mr Henry, Form Tutor

Learn

transitions

Moving on to new schools and future careers is both an exciting and daunting prospect. We help pupils get ready to take the leap with a rigorous careers programme. As well as forming part of the curriculum, we host an annual Careers Week with workshops and visiting speakers to enlighten pupils on the variety of jobs and routes available to them. This has previously included journalists, product designers, engineers and lawyers.

In Year 9 pupils decide which subjects to pursue at GCSE, which sets the path for their future studies. Making sure pupils are knowledgeable about careers, talking with them about their career aspirations, helps them to make these important choices with confidence.

Seniors can exit at two points; at 13+ or 16+. Year 8 completes a programme based on 13+ Common Entrance exams, or exams set by their chosen school, to enter into Year 9. Year 11 complete GCSEs for entrance into their chosen Sixth Forms. In both cases, transitions are managed by our excellent Future Schools team who arrange meetings with both pupils and parents to discuss options, liaise with prospective schools and prepare pupils for interviews.

We are proud to have offered over 25 bursaries worth 100% of school fees, including trips and uniform, over the last 16 years thanks to the generosity of supporters of the Knightsbridge School Education Foundation (KSEF). We welcome applications for bursary places in the Autumn Term via the Registrar. We also offer non-funded scholarships to our Junior pupils entering Seniors at Year 7 who show particular talent in subjects such as Drama, Art, and academic excellence across the board.

admissions

A simple admissions process.

1 2

Take a tour

See KS in action! Tours last an hour and offer you an opportunity to see the school on a normal day, meet our Head and Principal and ask us your burning questions.

Tours are held regularly throughout the year and can be booked in advance via our website.

Hold

a place

For names to be registered on the applicants’ list, you must complete a registration form and fee. Entry points for Seniors are Year 7 (11+) and Year 9 (13+), with occasional places in other year groups.

3

Interview

We arrange a meeting with both parents and children, so that we can get to know one another better. A short online test in English and Maths will be given to prospective pupils, and we will request references and reports from previous schools.

4 5

Enjoy a taster day

Applicants will have a chance to join their future classmates, pairing up with a ‘buddy’ for the day to experience life as a KS pupil.

Receive an offer

Should all other steps be successful, you will receive an offer letter and have three weeks in which to accept.

meet the heads

Andrew Hall Head of Seniors

Andy has been working with young people for 17 years. After 10 years directing in the American Summer Camp System, he worked in the youth activities sector of the cruise industry in Florida before returning to the UK to do his teacher training. Andy did a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Media, before completing his Secondary English PGCE. Andy taught English (from KS3 to A-level) at a large maintained school in Yorkshire, before moving to London and joining Knightsbridge School. Andy’s passions lie in literature and the great outdoors, and he loves to share both of these with young people through his English teaching and the introduction of The Duke of Edinburgh Award at KS.

Magoo Giles Founder & Principal

Educated at Eton College before being commissioned in the Coldstream Guards, Magoo has a distinguished military career. He has served in the UK, Belize, Spain, Cyprus and Germany and was latterly Adjutant of the battalion in Bosnia. Magoo is the founder of Knightsbridge School and created the KS Code. He was previously Head of Knightsbridge School from 2006-2015 and Head of Garden House Boys’ School from 2000 - 2006.

Shona Colaço Head

Graduating from Oxford University, Shona has worked in education for over 25 years. Entering the profession as a teacher of Science at GCSE and A-Level, before becoming Head of Science, Director of Studies, Deputy Head and finally Head of KS, which is described by her as a: ‘unique, warm and caring school where happy staff and happy children achieve amazing things.’ She has an MA with distinction in Educational Leadership and is trained as an ISI School Inspector.

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