Academics

Art plays an important role in the education of all pupils. It encourages the exploration of values, fosters imagination and creativity, and develops practical and perceptual skills promoting intellectual and aesthetic development.

The aim of the Art department is to give each child an equal opportunity to achieve a valuable and worthwhile Art experience that connects them with their own culture as well as that of the wider world. We aim to make the subject accessible and enjoyable to all by offering a broad curriculum.

We give students every opportunity to experiment and experience a wide range of media and techniques allowing them to find a personal means of expression. Some of the media and techniques offered are: drawing, painting (watercolour, oil, acrylic) printmaking (screen printing, drypoint etching collograph, lino printing), 3D, ceramics, photography and digital media. This is underpinned by basing projects within a contextual framework relating to a particular artist, era or genre of art or a cultural background.

What skills will I learn?

You will work in a variety of materials and techniques both 2D and 3D.
You will learn about a wide range of specific artists and art movements both past and contemporary which will inform your work.
You will learn how to interpret what is seen, felt or imagined into an effective response.
You will learn how to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile form by researching, selecting, making and evaluating your work.
You will acquire a working vocabulary relevant to the subject and an ability to discuss ideas and make informed judgements about your and other artists’ work.

What else will I get to do?

You will be encouraged to enter in-house, local and national competitions such as The Turner Contemporary annual Portfolio Prize and The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. GCSE, AS, A Level and IB students will take part in exhibitions of their work.
Lower School and Senior Art Clubs and Photo Club.

Trips

GCSE/A level/IB trips to Tate Modern, Tate Britain, National Gallery.National Portrait Gallery and The Turner Contemporary.
Field trips for photography and drawing..
The next step..
A high proportion of our students go on to study courses related to Art Craft and Design or Architecture at University. This can either be through an Art Foundation course or direct entry onto a Degree Course. Courses that past KC students have gone on to study have included History of Art, Illustration, Fashion, Architecture, Animation, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Advertising and many other pathways that might not be directly related to art but will require creative and artistic skills for example Forensic Art and Medical Illustration.

Alumni

Jojo Montague (fashion designer with River Island)
Ryan Hakminian (architect, recently exhibited at the Royal Academy)
Ekaterina Kukhareva (fashion knitwear designer)
Ptolomy Dean (architect royal)
Tacita Dean (internationally famous artist)
Herman Ho, asscociate lecturer at UAL for Games Design

Meet the Head of Art

Marie Montague BA (Hons) Fine Art, PGCE Art & Design, Goldsmiths’ University of London, RSA CELTA International House, London

"I have always loved Art and a career in it was inevitable. After a Foundation course in Art & Design, I specialised in Painting and Print-making for my degree. I began my teaching career in Singapore actually teaching EFL and on my return to the UK decided I wanted to train to become a teacher in the subject I have a real passion for, Art.

After my PGCE at Goldsmith’s College, I was offered my first teaching post in London in 1995. I have worked in a number of large state schools in and around London, finally moving to the Independent sector as Head of Art at Cambridge Tutors College in Croydon.

After a sabbatical where I studied and practised Interior Design, I returned to teaching and started at Kent College in 2006."

Creative risk-taking and conceptual experimentation are championed in the Design Department at Kent College. Students are encouraged to explore their individual values and ideas. The challenges and environment that students face in the department mimic the challenges and environment they face in the real world, as designers or as conscientious consumers.

The world is evolving rapidly and we know the skills needed of the workforce are shifting in importance-- rote knowledge is becoming less important in the digital information age, and design thinking has become invaluable. That’s why Design at Kent College is a subject looking to the 22nd Century, preparing our students not only for the world that we know now but the world that is coming--we teach students how to think, not what to think.

Within purpose built facilities, students benefit from a deliberate mixture of traditional, industrial and emerging technologies. We have built a stimulating curriculum that challenges, excites and is rooted in real-world problems. Fostering each student's personal approach to design, we introduce them to the manufacturing processes at their disposal, from 3D printing and laser cutting through to coding and sand casting.

As students progress through the curriculum, design thinking becomes more complex. Students naturally strive for greater independence, identifying their own real-world problems and solving them through the application of research and the iterative development of an idea--from concept through to finished prototype.

What skills will I learn?

Students can gain a variety of transferable skills such as:

• Design teaches you to analyse and understand the world around you; it strikes the perfect balance—integrating arts and design-thinking with STEM subjects to boost complex problem solving, develop analytical thought, and foster creative innovation—the key skills needed to succeed in your future
• At all levels, Design fortifies analytical thought, problem solving, creativity, risk taking, and innovation. Additionally, it forges a firm foundation for students pursuing a career in any Engineering discipline, Fashion Design, Product Design, Architecture, Industrial Design or Graphic Design
• We live in a world where technology is rapidly evolving, studying Design will arm you with the adaptable approach to make the most of it

What else will I get to do?

BIEA STEM competition, Robotics club, Whole school competitions, Innovation competition, Makerspace.
Through in-house competitions, students have a say in the school’s design, developing whole school projects, such as: designing furniture for the Great Hall, the redesign of outdoor spaces.
Trips
Recent trips include: The London Design Festival, The Barbican Centre, Central Saint Martins, BIEA STEM Competition finals at the Royal Air Force Museum.
We also have visiting lecturers and professionals (architects) come to the Department to assist with GCSE and A Level groups.

Destinations

Creative Industries are currently outperforming the UK wider economy and government figures demonstrate that the UK has the biggest creative industry in EU.

“The most valuable roles are those that enable machines to pair with skilled, cross-disciplinary thinkers to innovate, create, and deliver services.”

Join the fastest growing industry sector in the UK. The subject will prepare you for an undetermined future job market as well as more traditional roles within Engineering discipline, Fashion Design, Product Design, Architecture, Industrial Design or Graphic Design.

Meet the DT Faculty

Peter Farnsworth (Head of Design & Technology) 

Tim Phillips (Teacher of Design and Technology & Assistant Head of Sixth Form) BA (HONS) in Goldsmithing, Silversmithing and Jewelry Design.

Mr Phillips will challenge you to take risks, discover new things through doing and embrace any happy accidents along the way. He particularly enjoys revelling in the unknown.

Drama education thoroughly embraces our whole school philosophy where we aim to develop the full potential of each individual. Drama education ensures that students are provided with a safe environment to develop creative, expressive and evaluative skills essential for effective communication within the classroom and beyond.

The Drama Department’s aim at Kent College is to instil in all students an enjoyment of the subject and an understanding of its relevance to the world around them. We want our students to develop confidence in their ability to be creative performers, public speakers, directors and team players.

What skills will I learn?

Students can gain a variety of transferable skills such as:

• Decision-making
• Team building
• Innovative thinking which enhances their confidence and creativity
• Communication
• Co-operation
• Control
• Concentration
• Problem solving
• Commitment
• Motivation
• Acceptance of rules
• Adaptability
• Independence
• Time management
• Self discipline and respect

What else will I get to do?

Upper School (Years 10-13) musical production takes place in October each year and rehearsals take place after school on a Thursday, and on Sunday afternoons. (Additional after-school rehearsals take place closer to the production). Junior Drama runs every Tuesday after school for those in the Lower School (Years 7-9) As part of this club, students will get to build on their Drama skills, perform in a production, the Great Drama Challenge and showcases.

Members of the lower school are also invited to take part in the Annual House Drama Festival which takes place in February as part of Arts Week. Senior Drama runs on a Monday after school and this acts as an opportunity to create work for showcase performance, and rehearse for the Whole School Play. Musical Theatre club runs every Friday lunchtime. Theatre design club runs every Monday lunchtime to encourage those interested in the designing elements of theatre. LAMDA lessons are available on request.

Trips

Theatre trips to support students in preparing for their live theatre reviews are offered throughout the academic year. We also arrange theatre trips to encourage a breadth of knowledge and understanding in how theatre is developed and performed.

Destinations

If you are considering a career in the performing arts, Drama and Theatre Studies is a valuable foundation. It can prepare you for further study in drama school or university with a wider range of degrees in the industry now being offered. The skills developed through Drama and Theatre studies can be applicable to a wide range of careers such as teaching, law, marketing, and more. Drama and Theatre Studies can foster personal growth and discovery. Through acting and exploring different characters and situations, you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others as you develop empathy, adaptabiliity, problem solving skills, and resilience.

Alumni

Harvey Almond - A recent acting graduate of Mountview Academy, Harvey is of British-Maltese heritage and can be seen as Prince Ernest in Netflix & Shondaland's 'Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story'. Other upcoming works include Lionsgate's 'Cannibal Cabin', and the Cannes Gold, ANDYs Gold and Spotlight Gold award-winning short, 'Josh & Jacob'.

Contact the Head of Drama

Music is at the heart of Kent College and our splendid music department offers a broad range of opportunity to pupils of all ages and abilities. Working within a positive and vibrant environment, our aim is for music to be both fun and productive, ensuring that pupils perform and progress to the best of their abilities. Members of teaching staff, as well as a dedicated team of visiting music teachers, are fully committed to both the enjoyment of music and promoting the highest standards. Many pupils learn a musical instrument, and numerous musical events take place throughout the school year.

The Department is housed in its own purpose-built Music school and has outstanding facilities, including teaching and practice rooms, two large rehearsal rooms, and an impressive recording studio. There is a comprehensive stock of instruments available to pupils including two grand pianos, drum kits and orchestral percussion, a pedal harp and a 3 manual Makin organ in the Great Hall. Our new state-of-the-art 600 seat auditorium, the Great Hall, provides splendid surroundings for our annual concert and other musical performances throughout the year and also hosts many local Arts events including the Canterbury Festival.

The quality and breadth of music-making at Kent College is evident in both public and school performances, from a recent appearance as finalists in the Barnardo’s national Choir Competition at the Royal Festival Hall, to productions of Musicals, to individual performances by talented soloists at the annual Spring Concert. Many musicians from Kent College go on to further studies in music at one of the specialist colleges or at university, including the Royal College of Music, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music.

Curriculum

Music is taught to all pupils as part of the curriculum at KS3 (years 7-9) and is a popular choice at GCSE (years 10 – 11) and A-level (years 12 – 13). Music Technology is also offered at A-level and Music can be taken as part of the IB as a Group 6 subject option.

What skills will I learn?

The KS3 Music curriculum aims to give every student the opportunity to develop their creativity through practical music making. Emphasis is given to collaborative group work through performing together. Students learn about a broad range of styles, genres and traditions to develop both cultural awareness and a general appreciation of music.

GCSE Music is designed to be accessible to all students who have a broad interest in music. Candidates should have some experience of playing a musical instrument or voice, with at least a Grade 4 standard reached by the end of the course. Students will build on the work covered in Years 7-9 and further develop their skills in performance and composition, as well as study a wide variety of music from different genres, including Classical, popular and World Music styles.

For advanced students choosing to study at A level or IB Music, as well as listening to a wide variety of music to develop a more informed appreciation of how and why it was written, you will continue to develop skills as a performer on an instrument or voice. Students will also develop skills in composition, including through the study of harmony and counterpoint by J.S Bach. The course is suitable for anyone who has a keen specialist interest in performing, creating and listening to music, and who wishes to broaden their experience and gain an in depth understanding of both classical music and a variety of other styles.

For 6th Form students choosing to study Music Technology A level, students will work regularly in our recording studio, and through practical projects learn recording and production techniques, principles of audio technology and about the development of recording and production technology.

Co-Curricular /Individual Music Lessons

Many pupils learn a musical instrument and instrumental tuition is available on all standard orchestral and band instruments, as well as singing, piano and guitar. Lessons are taught individually by one of our experienced Visiting Music Teachers. During the course of the year, pupils usually receive thirty 30-minute lessons. It is normally possible to have a free trial to confirm suitability for a particular instrument before committing formally to lessons.Lessons take place during the school day and normally operate on a rotational system in Years 7-9 to ensure pupils do not miss the same academic lesson from week to week. For Years 10-13, lessons are arranged outside academic lesson time. This system is closely monitored and timetables are clearly displayed in the parent portal on the school website, and in the Music Department.

Alumni

Lillie Harris - Composer
Caitlin Shaughnessy - Academic
Amelia Webb - Pop Singer (Mimi Webb)
Sophie Dee - Pianist
Juian Hubbard - Opera Singer
Raymond Yiu - International classical composer

Meet the Head of Music

Julian Ross BMus (Hons), PGCE

Julian Ross started his musical education as a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral and later studied the organ with David Saint at the Birmingham Conservatoire, gaining a first class music degree and winning the BMus course prize. Whilst furthering his studies at the University of Durham, he was Organ Scholar at University College, where as well as playing the organ he directed the Chapel Choir. As a singer he has been a Choral Scholar at Lichfield Cathedral, a member of ‘Ex Cathedra’ and currently sings regularly as a Deputy Lay Clerk at Canterbury Cathedral. Prior to taking up his position at Kent College in 2010, he was Director of Music at Arnold School in Blackpool and previously Assistant Director of Music at Blundell's School in Devon. As well as working extensively as a conductor of instrumental and choral groups, he is an experienced teacher of GCSE, A level and IB music, and is proud to have guided many students successfully towards studying music beyond school at leading Universities and Conservatoires.

Learn More About Music At Kent College

The course consists of 4 components:

Component 1 - Recording: Students will use technology to explore a range of techniques for capturing, editing and manipulating sound which will help them understand the impact of music technology on creative processes in the studio. They will then produce a completed mix.

Component 2 - Composition: The purpose of this component is to assess students’ skills in creating, editing and structuring sounds with increased sensitivity and control to develop a technology-based composition. Students will develop the skills to create and manipulate sounds in imaginative and creative ways in order to communicate effectively with listeners.

Component 3 - Listening and Analysing: The purpose of this component is for students to develop listening and analysing skills through the study of a range of music production techniques used in unfamiliar commercial recordings. The production stages of capture and creating sounds, editing and arranging sounds and mixing will be covered in the examination.

Component 4 - Producing and Analysing: This component assesses students’ knowledge of the techniques and principles of music technology through a series of written and practical tasks, in the context of audio and MIDI materials provided by Pearson. The production stages of sound creation, audio editing and mixing will be covered.

What skills will I learn?

• Understand the principles of sound and audio technology and how they are used in creative and professional practice
• Understand a wide range of recording and production techniques and how they are used in practice for both corrective and creative purposes
• Develop recording skills to demonstrate an understanding of sound and its capture
• Develop the skills to create and manipulate sound in imaginative and creative ways
• Develop skills in critical and analytical listening to evaluate the use of sound and audio technology in students’ own and others’ work
• Develop an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the use of technology in the creation, performance and production of music
• Make links between the integrated activities of recording, processing, mixing, sound Creation and creative music technology applications, underpinned by analytical listening
• Understand the basic principles of acoustics, psycho-acoustics, and the digitalisation of sound

What else will I get to do?

There will be opportunities to get involved with the co-curricular music activities and the technological aspects of running shows and concerts, for example sound and lighting desk, setting up stages etc.

Destinations

Sound engineer / producer
Many aspects of the Media Industry
Theatre production

Providing the latest technology to improve learning, enhance personal lives and remain safe, to foster an environment of exploring new software and extending capabilities. In A Level Computer Science, students learn the principles of computation and algorithms, computer programming, machine data representation, computer systems (hardware and software), computer organisation and architecture, communications and networking, databases and the consequences of using computing.

What skills will I learn?

• How to obtain information well matched to purpose by selecting appropriate sources, using and refining search methods and questioning the plausibility and value of the information found
• How to develop and explore information, solve problems and derive new information for particular purposes
• How to use a range of ICT tools efficiently to draft, bring together and refine information and create good-quality presentations in a form that is sensitive to the needs of particular audiences and suits the information content
• Problem Solving
• Logical Thinking
• Coding
• Abstraction

What else will I get to do/Trips?

Coding Club runs for 1 term and is open to all pupils. The Processing language is used to code fun, graphics programs and a short task is set for the whole group to solve as a team. Coding Club is open to all. Pupils follow their coding passions from game creation to maths problem solving. The inspirational A Level trip to the London Science Museum offers an opportunity for sudents to see how technology has been used in the world around us over the past 100 years.

Destinations

• Network Engineer
• Animation and Media based careers
• Web based careers
• Computing for Business e.g. Cloud Computing
• Computer games tester
• E-learning developer
• Forensic computer analyst
• Information systems manager

Meet the Head of ICT

John Shillito BEng(Hons) Electronics/Music Media Technology

"My interest in Electronics and Computing have always been intertwined with my passion for Music Technology; from using studio recording equipment to building and programming synthesizers. Prior to working in schools I have spent time in the computer industry and also as a semi-professional musician. I have been teaching since 2009 and enjoy seeing pupils grow, develop and succeed."

The Media Cambridge Technical programme is a Level 3 course which means that it is equivalent to a single award A level in terms of UCAS points for university entrance. The course is 100% coursework and would be suitable for students with a strong interest in digital and lens based creativity. Over a range of unit’s students use applied creativity to promote a variety of commercial products in each of their exam projects. 

Work is delivered and presented in e-portfolio format and consequently 6th form students have found that they have built up a very convincing and varied body of work by the time they have completed the Media course at the end of the two-year programme. As a result, many of the students who have studied Media with us at Kent College have successfully progressed onto Film, Media and digital arts courses at higher educational establishments, as well as Media and film related careers.

The Media courses have provided students who are creative and technical with an opportunity to succeed. The standard of practical film, photography and print media produced at exam level in the school is very high. The equipment in the Media department and school includes technology such as the laptop scheme and access to industry standard software which provides the students with opportunities to produce high end work. Students are able to access HDV video and DSLR cameras and equipment via the department booking system and this facilitates their interest and creative motivations and expression. More recently the department now has a dedicated studio space as well as a separate Media classroom, which has provided the students with even greater opportunities for experimentation and production.

What skills will I learn?

Students have the opportunity to work in a way that reflects industry, as well as planning their ideas practically, they are also required to consider the legal and ethical issues within the media as well as developing skills such as assessing risks.

What else will I get to do?

• Narrative Through Film Club
• Guest speakers who work in media industries

Destinations

Media is ingrained modern society. Studying the media provides opportuities in all areas of future development. Students can continue their study of media at university, apply their media skills to any industry or even utilise other subjects in a media context. All film sets, for example, could require lawyers, doctors and even accountants.

Meet the Head of Media

Mrs Austerberry

"I studied Drama and Media studies at the University of Winchester where I developed my interested in representation of gender, regulation of film and science fiction. My interests also include the advertising and marketing industry.

Prior to joining Kent College as Head of Media in 2023, I have taught across a variety of schools delivering GCSE, A Level and BTEC Media and Film Studies. Part of the development of my own teaching knowledge also included working as an examiner for OCR GCSE Media Studies."

The vision of the Kent College English Department is to enable our pupils to acquire the tools and understanding of the English language to become skilled and confident in their use of language - as readers, writers and speakers - so that they can fulfil their potential academically and in the world beyond the classroom and develop social competence by developing interpersonal skills.

To this end, we aim to engage and enthuse pupils by giving them the opportunity in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 to read and engage with a wide range of challenging texts spanning the whole English literature canon and a range of cultural contexts, ensuring a breadth of study so that our pupils are well-read and able to appreciate the connection between literature and language and the contexts in which they are written and used.

Our team of passionate subject specialists will encourage pupils to recognise and engage with the universal and timeless themes and ideas that inspire and influence writers and to understand that they are also connected to these ideas and appreciate how this can inform their own response to a text. Pupils will develop critical appreciation skills, through personal response, leading to discussion and analysis, not only of textual content and technique, but of authorial purpose too. Through their study of literature pupils will be supported in developing their own creative voice.

Alongside their study of literature, pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of the English language, as well as developing the tools to express themselves confidently, purposefully and accurately in their written and oral communication, recognising the need to adapt their use of language according to purpose and audience. We recognise that good reading and writing skills are essential for examination success, but our philosophy is that our pupils are not only prepared for exams but to be successful communicators in the word beyond the school boundaries.

What skills will I learn?

The English curriculum will enable you to develop a wide range of valuable skills - skills which are essential to success not only in school but which are also key to success in the outside world. Skills in:

• Reading and decoding texts and writers’ meanings and ideas
• Critical thinking and evaluation, recognising bias, and implicit and explicit meanings
• Reviewing and synthesising information/ideas
• Writing for different purposes and audiences, to communicate your own ideas and thinking
• Understanding how the English language works
• Discussion and debating
• Research

What else will I get to do?

The English Department runs a wide range of co-curricular activities which our pupils can take advantage of. They can:

• Join our Creative writing club
• Enter writing competitions, such as the BBC 500 word short story competition; the Canterbury Festival Poetry competition
• Enter Book competitions and the Reading Olympics
• Entry to the Royal Society Science book prize
• Have their work published in KC Writes – an anthology of students’ creative writing
• Take part in school-wide activities to celebrate World Book Day
• Join the Public speaking club and take part in national English Speaking Union competitions
• Potentially represent their House in the Inter-House Public Speaking competition
• Take part in Skype interviews with authors
• Perform in the summer garden opera (a production produced in collaboration with the Music department)
• Be taught by and attend workshops given by a published author, our own children’s writer in residence, Ms Strange

Trips

The department organises a number of theatre trips to both local, London and other theatres, as well as to cinemas to see streamings - live and recorded - of performances.
Additionally we are looking to establish a new residential trip for our A-level and IB students to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see productions of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as take part in workshops and visit local Shakespeare sites.

Our sixth form students are also able to take advantage of attending lecture days on some of the texts studied given by leading academics from UK universities, giving them the opportunity to develop and enhance their knowledge of their exam texts but also to experience university style lectures and get a flavour of what life is like at university.

A number of visiting speakers are welcomed into school to give talks to our students across all year groups, as well as inviting in guest lecturers to enhance the study of some texts at A-level and IB to lecture on the contexts of texts such as ‘The Leopard’ and ‘One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich’. Visiting authors include Alan Gibbons, Simon Scarrow and Lucy Strange.

Destinations

Anything - the world’s your oyster, but studying English Language and/or Literature directly links to careers in journalism, law, teaching, copywriting, publishing/editing, advertising, marketing, acting and theatre/drama schools, and writing.

The skills studying English develops complement a wide range of other subjects.

Meet the Head of English

Steven Gant BA(Hons), Kent; PGCE, Canterbury Christchurch University

"Having originally trained as a journalist, my passion for literature ultimately persuaded me to a career in teaching in the late 1990s and I have certainly had no regrets! (and teaching pupils some rudimentary shorthand symbols speeds up the note-taking process in lessons!). Having taught in a local girls’ grammar school, I joined Kent College as Head of English in 2006.

With particular interests in Elizabethan and Jacobean drama, and the Victorian novel, I very much enjoy journeying through the world of literature with my students, encouraging them to see parallels between our society and those that have gone before, an especially proud moment being when one of my GCSE students achieved one of the top 5 marks nationally in her GCSE English Literature qualification. It is genuinely a pleasure to work with our students as they learn about the English language and its literature in our classrooms and to see many go on to continue that journey of discovery at university.

As well as leading the department team I also enjoy organising and overseeing a number of the co-curricular activities run by the department, as well as collaborating with the Director of Music to direct the annual summer opera production."

In today’s ever-changing business environment and globalised world, here at Kent College we try to make sure our Business and Economics students gain the necessary tools needed to succeed in their post-A Level and IBDP careers. Our highly regarded department offers a stimulating learning environment in which our students can master their critical thinking, decision-making, analytical and evaluative skills. In doing so, students extend their intercultural understanding and open-mindedness, developing attitudes necessary to respect a range of viewpoints in tandem.

We have an ever-expanding cohort and 5 different pathways which students can study. We offer the traditional pathways, such as A-level Business and Economics, as well as IBDP Business Management and Economics. We also offer a more empirical pathway, the Cambridge Technical Diploma in business studies.

What skills will I learn?

• Personal skills
• Communication skills
• Analytical skills
• Decision making skills
• Independent study skills
• What else will I get to do?
• Young Enterprise Club

Trips

We attend lecture series in Economics (G2L Aims conference at Oxford University). We are in the process of arranging a residential trip overseas.

Destinations

Studying Business and Economics allows you to study Business, Economics and EPP further. This can lead to a career in Banking and Finance, Business Management, Marketing, Politics and International Relations.

With the world becoming increasingly interconnected both economically, socially and environmentally, the study of Geography has become even more important. Whilst studying Geography at Kent College, students are able to learn important analytical skills, as well as being able to form opinions and develop understandings of both basic and complex concepts ranging from the study of coastal processes and natural hazards, to contemporary international relations such as the geopolitics of the South China Sea.

During their time at Kent College, students are able to accumulate a wealth of geographical knowledge, building on the topics studied at Key Stage 3 (Year 7 -9) and GCSE into A Level and IB so that they are able to become informed global citizens. During Geography lessons at Kent College across all Key Stages, students are given a valuable insight into how the physical and human environments in which they live are interconnected, and an understanding of how these are changing.

The enthusiasm of the teaching staff within the Geography department is infectious, with Geography being a popular subject choice at Key Stage 4 and 5. At GCSE the department follows the OCR Geography B course “Geography for an Enquiring Mind” which leads onto the OCR A Level course or IB Diploma course at Key Stage 5. All courses are packed with contemporary Geography and international links discussed in detail. All of the courses have a case study approach where concepts and issues explored are then examined within specific areas or locations. This allows the students to apply their knowledge and establish a deeper connection to the issues that are and will continue to affect their own lives.

What skills will I learn?

The Geography Department keenly promotes the following aims throughout the school:

• The enjoyment of Geography
• An understanding of the topicality of the subject, using current global events
• The acquisition of basic skills in the subject including map reading, weather watching, statistical analysis and critical thinking
• An awareness of the range of cultures and levels of economic development found in different countries

What else will I get to do?

Experiencing Geography outside of the classroom is integral to the subject. Fieldwork features across all key stages, developing from smaller, local investigations in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), to residential fieldwork and individual student led research projects in Key Stage 5 (years 12-13).

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Making good use of the local geographical environment close to the school, students experience a mixture of both physical and human based fieldwork. This includes the use of the school farm for development and decision making exercises, the North Kent coastline for coastal studies and Blean Woods for a study into how many trees need to be planted to offset the carbon emission from Kent College!

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

A compulsory part of the OCR ‘Geography for an Enquiring Mind’ course is fieldwork of both physical and human elements which is then examined in the final examinations. Investigations into coastal processes along the North Kent Coastline and the urban process of distance decay within Canterbury are used as a part of this.

Key Stage 5 (Years 12 - 13)

Within the A Level and IB courses, fieldwork is a fundamental part of the learning of Geography. Students at this stage are able to apply their knowledge and understanding of the subject to an individually devised investigation which is student led. During the residential fieldwork week to Slapton, Devon, IB students are able to collect data for their Independent Investigation (worth between 20 - 25% of their total grade) and A Level students experience a wide range of fieldwork techniques which they are then able to apply to their own Non Examined Investigation (NEA) later on in the summer term of Year 12. Additionally, IB students are also able to work with staff to plan and execute their Extended Essay within Geography which can involve local or international research depending on the topic chosen.

Eco Warriors “No excuse for single use”

Who are we? A pupil led group which started in Jan 2019, it is a group of 30 strong, like minded, individuals representing all the year groups- Year 12 are key leaders (many are keen Geographers). There are also staff and governors, keen to offer their support. We are the Eco Warriors.

Aim: to make Kent College a more sustainable community by encouraging the best possible environmental practices in order to control and reduce the school’s direct impact on the environment.

Having already achieved the Bronze Award, and more recently the Silver Award, by focussing on three main areas from a list of ten topics:

• Waste- food waste is processed more efficiently, encouraging students to waste less, the waste is then used at the farm
• Biodiversity- this is encouraged at the farm with an eco pond, coppicing
• Energy- timers, reminders to conserve energy, Earth Hour
• We are now set to go for the Green Flag award and be officially recognised as an Eco School...so much to do!

Here are just some of the specific things we have done this year:

• Green Day- a non uniform day- money raised adopted an orangutan- highlighting issues of deforestation, palm oil usage, climate change...this will now be an annual thing
• Earth Hour- the school switched off the power for one designated hour during the school day, this will be a regular event
• Beach clear up- Year 7 had a day in February clearing up the beach and then made a sculpture with what they had collected to highlight the issue to the wider school community
• Recycling art project at Lorenden Prep School
• Farm day- a group of ecologists ran the pond dipping activity to highlight the biodiversity that exists

Trips

The department has a strong tradition of leading international tours to explore some of the most exciting and interesting locations in the world. These have included trips to rainforests, deserts, mountains and volcanoes. The countries visited are varied such as Costa Rica, Nepal, New Zealand and Iceland. In recent years, conscious of the impact of such expeditions on the environment, these tours have become biennial and are developing a focus on Iceland such as the recent ‘Fire and Ice Tour’.

All the tours include accessible, adventurous activities such as ice caving, hiking, zodiac boat trips on glacier lagoons and glacier hikes. Talks, lectures and detailed guides are included with an emphasis on geographical understanding and environmental appreciation. The aim of the tours is to provide an exciting and informative experience to enhance and stimulate the wider Geographical education in the school. Many students have pursued Geography further in the school in the IB / A Levels and indeed to degree level partly based on the time they spent on these trips.

Destinations

A qualification in Geography can take you far due to its multidisciplinary nature combining science, sociology, economics and politics. Recent Geography IB and A Level students have gone on to study a range of fields including:

• Geography and Planning
• Geography and Business Management
• International Relations
• International Development
• Engineering
• Midwifery
• Law
• Medicine
• Neurological Sciences
• Geology

Meet the Head of Geography

Ally Letley BA(Hons)

"After graduating from The University of Brighton I embarked on a career as a transport planner for Sussex County Council. This was an interesting application of my passion for Geography and the environment but ultimately my underlying desire to become a Geography Teacher meant a return to university to complete my PGCE. I have been a Head of Geography since 2005; it is literally the best job in the world as it allows me to engage with my favourite subject, enthuse another generation of Geographers and engage in the many co-curricular aspects of the subject for the pupils. I teach on the IB, A Level, GCSE and junior curricular and am very proud of the huge success seen by the Geography students of Kent College. Many have gone on to read Geography related degrees at leading universities as well as others that have pursued other courses, for instance Medicine, Law, Finance and Land Management.

I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively myself over recent years which has helped enrich the work of the department. I lead, with the department, international Geographical expeditions which have explored many different countries in far flung corners of the globe, again these trips are used to enrich the curriculum, enhance environmental understanding and be fun! It is difficult to single out one area of the subject that is a focus of mine as the subject is a holistic, contemporary examination of the world in which we live, the challenges we face and how they could be approached in the future. That said I am particularly keen on all aspects of demography and how this relates to the issues of economic development and climate change."

Contact Ally

The most fundamental aims of the History Department are to generate an interest in the subject and to transmit an understanding of the past to our pupils. It is important that they appreciate the world beyond their immediate experience and understand how we got to where we are now. We believe that the story of the past is an intrinsically important and fascinating one.

Throughout the school, we attempt to challenge all pupils to maximise their potential. Our examination results have been excellent and we run an extensive programme of co-curricular trips and lectures.

At Key Stage 3, we study British history from the Norman Conquest to the end of World War II. Each year includes an element of international History to provide a contrast with the predominant British theme.

At Key Stage 4, we offer the Cambridge IGCSE course, which allows pupils to cover a good deal of the social, economic and political history of the twentieth-century world.

Our AQA A-level course presently follows two themes, Tudor England and Communism in Crisis, with a coursework investigation based upon African American civil rights. At IB, we study the Cold War, authoritarian dictatorships and the Paper 1 course, Rights and Protest. At higher level, there is an additional paper on the history of the Americas.

What skills will I learn?

Reading, writing, debating, research skills and thinking.

What else will I get to do?

• Model United Nations
• Debating Society
• Links with the Historical Association
• Anstey Junior History Prize

Trips

Year 7: A Walk In Medieval Canterbury
Year 8: Hampton Court
Year 9: The Somme
Year 10/11: Berlin
Year 12: Parliament

Destinations

The possibilities are endless. Many of our strongest students have gone on to study history at excellent universities.

Contact the Head of History Rosie Kenmir

What skills will I learn?

• Reading
• Writing
• Debating
• Research skills and thinking

What else will I get to do?

• Hear from a range of politicians
• Meet leading academics

Trips

Annual visit to Parliament.

Destinations

Many students go on to study politics or allied social science disciplines at university. Beyond that, careers in journalism, law, business, the civil service, and teaching are all possibilities.

Religious Studies enables students to understand the world in which they live. The subject enhances thinking skills, analytical thought and independent learning, equipping students with a set of highly marketable qualities for further education and the world of employment. Throughout the teaching of Religious Studies an open and honest approach is fostered that allows an environment to be created in which students feel able to share ideas and develop their own beliefs. As a department we are committed to drawing out the best of our students.

In Years 7 and 8 we look at a global course which encompasses the six main world religions and covers such topics as discrimination, poverty and the environment. Students are encouraged to engage in passionate discussion and examination of their own world views

At GCSE we focus on philosophical and ethical issues from a Christian perspective, alongside the main teachings of Christianity and Islam, offering students a choice of the full or short course.

As part of the A-level students will study philosophy, ethics and theology. Students often say that this in-depth look at the subject can be life-changing. We participate in events both inside and outside of the school, including conferences and university-led seminars. Groups of students have given presentations and won prizes for these over the last few years.

What skills will I learn?

• Critical thinking
• Debating skills
• Abstract reasoning
• Logical thinking
• Self-reflection
• Arguing philosophically
• Respect for all
• Open-mindedness
• Appreciation and wonder

What else will I get to do?

• Participate in events both inside and outside of the school, including conferences and university-led seminars
• Give presentations at academic conferences
• Attend local theology groups

Trips

• Visit local places of worship: UKC mosque, Blean church, Canterbury Cathedral
• Philosophy conferences

In recent years, visiting lecturers have included:

• Dr Alexandra Trofimov, UKC: The Ethics of Euthanasia
• Major Andrew Pelham: Warfare and Armed Intervention
• Professor Robert Beckford: How Theology Changed The World
• Professor Gordon Lynch: Remembering Child Migration: Faith, Nation-Building and the Wounds of Charity

Destinations

Students have gone on to study law, medicine, veterinary science, politics, philosophy, theology

Meet the Head of Religious Studies

Elaine Jameson

"I have been teaching Religious Studies since 2000, initially in the maintained sector and for the last seventeen years here at Kent College Canterbury. My interest in the subject goes well beyond the classroom, and I am involved with the local contemporary theology group and I am an active member of the University of Kent's philosophy forum. In my teaching, I encourage students to think for themselves and apply what we discuss to their everyday lives. I want them to be open-minded, challenge pre-conceptions and be caring towards others. By exploring their own beliefs and trying to understand the lives of others they give themselves the opportunity to develop a fuller appreciation of the world around us. I very much hope that this way of thinking stays with them long after they have left KC."

CONNECT: The most important life-skill for a human being is communication - and the most essential tool for communication is language! Language learning is not only about the mechanics of contemporary vocabulary and structures, but also involves the fascinating study of culture, politics, history and literature.

CAREER: People with foreign language skills have a marked advantage in the job market and a greater earning potential than their mono-lingual counterparts. It is a little known fact that after medicine, graduates with a modern language as part of their degree have the highest rate of employment!

CULTURE: In the Languages department at Kent College, we aim to make every pupil’s experience of learning the language a memorable one. From taking part in clubs and theatre workshops to travelling abroad and experiencing language immersion trips and visits, the dynamic nature of the department keeps language learning alive, purposeful and stimulating.The staff within the department are caring and enthusiastic about their subject. We are fortunate to have native speakers including a well experienced foreign language assistant.

COMMUNITY: The four language departments at Kent College hugely benefit from the international atmosphere of our school. We have pupils from so many nationalities and this contact with European and overseas students encourages pupils to be part of the global community. They benefit from an insight into the culture of other countries and a better understanding between communities. This often allows them to form friends and practise their language skills “in situ” and gain confidence in expressing themselves in the Target Language (TL) . Our students can see the global relevance of MFL each day!

CONFIDENCE: Learning a language pushes you out of your comfort zone and so the sense of confidence and accomplishment when you are able to communicate with someone else in a different language is fantastic! Students learn to have a go, making mistakes is very much part of the journey, and they grow stronger from pushing themselves forward regardless. This resilience is a valuable skill that they can take into other areas of their lives.

What skills will I learn?

Ability to communicate in French

Ongoing opportunities are provided to develop and use the 4 key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Communicating in French is a skill that is immediately transferable out of the classroom into real life situations of making new friends, assisting tourists and travelling abroad!

Analysis and evaluation / problem-solving

• Understanding and decoding grammar
• Inferring information
• More advanced students learn to study literary and non-literary texts, films, and extended creative and analytical writing

Research

Pupils are involved in projects and tasks where they research various aspects of francophone life in different francophone countries across the world.

Cultural understanding

Pupils are regularly given insights into the culture of another francophone country, enhancing the understanding of that country’s people and promoting better understanding between communities.

Confidence and resilience

Learning to communicate at whatever level in a foreign language builds confidence and resilience in pupils as they are compelled to push themselves out of their comfort zone to progress. The subsequent sense of accomplishment they feel has a positive impact on other areas of their lives.

What else will I get to do?

In the last year alone, students have been involved in French theatre workshops, French clubs, a residential trip to Normandy, writing to French pen pals as well as visiting our Junior school to run language games for younger pupils. Previous years have also seen pupils go to the West End to see Moliere’s Tartuffe and participate in an exchange programme with a school in Pau, in south-west France. We are always looking for opportunities that engage and inspire the students, and give them a more holistic language experience.

Destinations

Increasing globalisation and other socio-economic developments in Europe and beyond, make communication across national borders increasingly important, so people with foreign language skills have a marked advantage in the job market and a greater earning potential than their mono-lingual counterparts.

We are fortunate in languages that AS courses are still offered, and so an AS in French can be taken in Y12 alongside other subjects that have been chosen for A-level, enabling the student to showcase extra skills and stand out from the competition. Language skills are always highly respected as they are a reflection also of a student’s capacity to understand and assimilate large quantities of information (vocabulary and grammar) and manipulate them simultaneously to react in the moment. These skills set one pupil apart from another. In addition, because the study of language involves the study of other cultures, linguists also stand out because they will have developed a more innate understanding of connecting with others from other countries.

Meet the Head of French

Francesca Modi MA Joint Hons French & Spanish, Oxon. PGCE Christchurch Canterbury. PGCM Warwick Business School
Before teaching, I worked in business and marketing for several years, which gave me a wealth of experience in how groups of people interact; a skill that has served me well as a teacher. My teaching career has been varied, taking me from grammar schools and prep schools, teaching Spanish and Italian as well as French, and providing me with the invaluable opportunity of teaching languages to the whole school range, from children aged 3 to 18!

Together with my language colleagues, we find it is a delight and a privilege to be teaching French in a time where more than ever, the importance of communication, understanding and connection with people from all over the world is key. It is a true pleasure to enable our younger generation to embark on the magical journey of communicating in a new language, where they emerge as more confident and aware individuals, excited by the opportunities open to them.

Learning a foreign language gives us an opportunity to connect with people around the world and visitors on our doorstep, and to connect with their cultures. Language learning can boost a career, but it also develops self-confidence and a much needed global perspective. 100 million Europeans have German as their first language, and German is particularly strategic for business.

German is offered at Year 7 at beginners’ level. Able students can achieve GCSE German at the end of Year 9. We also offer FCSE at this point. Various bespoke routes are available for students opting for a modern foreign language in years 10 and 11 to build on their previous achievement and to prepare them for future learning and language use. Students can opt to pick up a German in Y10 from scratch and complete an IB ab initio certificate at the end of Y11. In Sixth form, German can be taken as a post-GCSE course at higher or standard level or as a standard level beginners’ course. We also offer German A-level, which can be started either in Year 10 or Year 12.

We cater for native speakers, particularly through the IB German A Language and Literature course, which fulfils a key requirement for German university entrance, and a Pre Sixth Form One Year course to prepare students at Kent College to start the Language and Literature course.

All students in Year 9-13 have weekly speaking lessons with our native German Assistant. In recent years we have run trips to Christmas markets, Berlin and Esslingen and we use a range of online resources to bring German-speaking cultures into the classroom. Our students visit the careers fair organised by the German Embassy and the DAAD in London and recently took part in the Goethe Institut debating competition.

What skills will I learn?

• Ability to communicate in German
• Generic communication skills including focuses on listening and grammatical accuracy
• Knowledge of the cultures of German-speaking countries
• Native speakers learn to study literary and non-literary texts, including film texts, and extended creative and analytical writing

Trips

Recent trips have included trips to Christmas markets, Berlin and Esslingen and we use a range of online resources to bring German-speaking cultures into the classroom. Our students visit the careers fair organised by the German Embassy and the DAAD in London and recently took part in the Goethe Institut debating competition. We took our Y8 class last year through the woods neighbouring the College to communicate the culture of the German fairy tale and pupils learn about the German tradition of Easter egg painting in the classroom. We are developing a link with the Praxismittelschule in Vienna and our Y9 class took part in an initial skype lesson with the school last month.

Clubs

Students use the German Clinic to consolidate classroom learning, especially in preparation for public examinations, and to develop German as a skill for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Students are currently preparing to take part in the Linguistics Olympiad in February 2020.

Destinations

Language can be combined with any academic discipline and many careers to add a global perspective and international opportunities or taken as a subject on it’s own, leading to opportunities in business and beyond.

Meet the Head of German

Franziska Payer Crockett, Teacher of German

"I am a German native speaker, having completed my Masters in German Literature and History at the University of Augsburg in Southern Germany. My working life in Germany revolved around publishing houses specialising in literature and history. When I arrived in England twenty years ago, I continued working in publishing until my path led me to Kent College. I started working for the school as the German Language Assistant, preparing the students for their oral exams and then took on the position as the IB teacher for German Language and Literature. I find it truly fulfilling as literature guides us readers to reflect on life in the most surprising way! From September 2020 I have also been teaching German Language Acquisition. It is my delight to introduce students not only to a foreign language but to a different culture and for the students to realise that once you open your eyes and ears to a different perspective and sound, that there is no end to an exciting journey! I find it hugely rewarding to mentor students, to let them unfold their wonderful potential."

CONNECT: The most important life-skill for a human being is communication - and the most essential tool for communication is language! Language learning is not only about the mechanics of contemporary vocabulary and structures, but also involves the fascinating study of culture, politics, history and literature.

CAREER: People with foreign language skills have a marked advantage in the job market and a greater earning potential than their mono-lingual counterparts.It is a little known fact that after medicine, graduates with a modern language as part of their degree have the highest rate of employment!

CULTURE: In the Languages department at Kent College, we aim to make every pupil’s experience of learning the language a memorable one. From taking part in clubs to travelling abroad and experiencing language immersion trips and visits, the dynamic nature of the department keeps language learning alive, purposeful and stimulating.The staff within the department are caring and enthusiastic about their subject. We are fortunate to have native speakers including a well experienced foreign language assistant.

COMMUNITY: The four language departments at Kent College hugely benefit from the international atmosphere of our school. We have pupils from so many nationalities and this contact with European and overseas students encourages pupils to be part of the global community. They benefit from an insight into the culture of other countries and a better understanding between communities. This often allows them to form friends and practise their language skills “in situ” and gain confidence in expressing themselves in the Target Language (TL) . Our students can see the global relevance of MFL each day!

CONFIDENCE: Learning a language pushes you out of your comfort zone and so the sense of confidence and accomplishment when you are able to communicate with someone else in a different language is fantastic! Students learn to have a go, making mistakes is very much part of the journey, and they grow stronger from pushing themselves forward regardless. This resilience is a valuable skill that they can take into other areas of their lives.

What skills will I learn?

Ability to communicate in Spanish

Ongoing opportunities are provided to develop and use the 4 key skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Communicating in Spanish is a skill that is immediately transferable out of the classroom into real life situations of making new friends, assisting tourists and travelling abroad!

Analysis and evaluation/problem-solving

• Understanding and decoding grammar
• Inferring information
• More advanced students learn to study literary and non-literary texts, films, and extended creative and analytical writing

Research

Pupils are involved in projects and tasks where they research various aspects of the Hispanic world.

Cultural understanding

Pupils are regularly given insights into the culture of another Hispanic country, enhancing the understanding of that country’s people and promoting better understanding between communities.

Confidence and resilience

Learning to communicate at whatever level in a foreign language builds confidence and resilience in pupils as they are compelled to push themselves out of their comfort zone to progress. The subsequent sense of accomplishment they feel has a positive impact on other areas of their lives.

What else will I get to do?

In the past, students have been involved in Spanish theatre visits, Spanish clubs, cooking workshops and short visits with bespoke language lessons in Salamanca. Previous years have also seen pupils go to the West End to see La casa de Bernarda Alba and participate in an exchange programme with a school in Vigo, north of Spain. We are always looking for opportunities that engage and inspire the students, and give them a more holistic language experience.

Destinations

Increasing globalisation and other socio-economic developments in Europe and beyond, make communication across national borders increasingly important, so people with foreign language skills have a marked advantage in the job market and a greater earning potential than their mono-lingual counterparts.

We are fortunate in languages that AS courses are still offered, and so an AS in Spanish can be taken in Y12 alongside other subjects that have been chosen for A-level, enabling the student to showcase extra skills and stand out from the competition. Language skills are always highly respected as they are a reflection also of a student’s capacity to understand and assimilate large quantities of information (vocabulary and grammar) and manipulate them simultaneously to react in the moment. These skills set one pupil apart from another. In addition, because the study of language involves the study of other cultures, linguists also stand out because they will have developed a more innate understanding of connecting with others from other countries.

CONTACT THE HEAD OF SPANISH EMMA BURRELL

Physical Education provides students with the skill set to lead a healthy, active lifestyle whilst also developing their knowledge and understanding of the impact of physical activity in many areas; physiological, psychological and socio-cultural. A broad and exciting topic area that provides strong foundations for a diverse range of career pathways.

Facilities

The sports’ facilities include a sports hall, gym, an Astro-turf for hockey and tennis, and extensive sports pitches for football, rugby and cricket. Kent College also has a Riding Centre and offers horse riding lessons, and the opportunity to take part in competitions, as part of its sports programme.

Options

The major sports for girls are hockey (Autumn term), netball (Spring term) and tennis (Summer term). The major sports for boys are football/rugby (Autumn term), hockey (Spring term) and cricket/tennis (Summer term). However, for exceptional hockey, football and cricket players (boys and girls) training is available over both the Autumn and Spring and summer terms

Girls' cricket is very popular at Kent College – and we are delighted that our U13 girls' team won the 2018 National Indoor Cricket Championships at Lord's. Many pupils take part in cross country running over the winter, and athletics events in the Summer term. In addition, the school has facilities for trampolining, badminton, volleyball and basketball, and some practice sessions for indoor hockey take place at the impressive indoor facilities at Polo Farm Hockey Club.

Fixtures

There is a full calendar of fixtures against schools in the southeast of England and further afield, and information about all sporting events and teams can be found on the Kent College Sports website. Sports tours give all of our pupils the opportunity to expand their sporting horizons – recent tours have been to Berlin (indoor hockey), and Holland (Euro Hockey tournament). Weekly activities include yoga, strength and conditioning sessions, badminton and gym.

Facilities

Sports Hall, Strength and Conditioning facility, specialist classroom, all weather sand dressed hockey pitch, tennis courts, athletics track, 2 x cricket squares, 3 x football pitches, 3 x rugby pitches. Yoga and Dance.

Additional access to facilities:

• UKC S and C facilities
• CCCU Sportslab for fitness testing/anatomy physiology and biomechanics
• Polo Farm and Apetti Tennis facilities and coaching
• Aire Trampolining facilities and coaching
• Kingsmead and Kings Recreation Swimming Pool
• Chimera Rock Climbing Centre

What else will I get to do?

We work closely with Kent University and Canterbury Christ Church University. GCSE students visit the Sport Science labs at CCCU and this aids the students’ studies and brings to life the training and fitness methods element of the course which underpins a significant amount of the course.

A Level students also visit CCCU to supplement their studies, generally focused around the biomechanics element of the course.

Sport scholars and exam groups also benefit from having access to the Strength and conditioning coaches at Kent University who come into school and work closely with students.

Trips and Tours

Recent tours have included European tours to Belgium and Holland for international Hockey events, visits to the Olympics Park for Hockey and Netball, annual visits to Eastbourne for Aegon International Tennis and Wimbledon Championships. Visits to CCCU Sports lab for biomechanics and fitness testing.

Destinations

The A Level in Physical Education allows students to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives, whether it’s higher education, an apprenticeship, or employment. The qualifications aim to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills of the principles of sport and physical activity. They’ll gain an insight into the sector as they investigate opportunities for delivering sport and physical activity to a wide range of participants, whether it’s to mobilise sedentary people to improve their health and wellbeing or to support regular participants to improve their performance and fitness, all done in a safe and professional environment. 

Designed in collaboration with experts spanning the breadth of the sector, the A Level in PE focuses on the requirements that today’s universities and employers demand. Your students will practically apply their skills and knowledge in preparation for further study or the workplace.

Alumni

KC students have gone on to represent England and GB at Hockey and Rugby. Grace Balsdon and Lizzie Neal (England and GB Hockey), Piers Francis (England Rugby), Abigail Pritchard ( England touch Rugby).

A number of current KC students represent England and SE England at Junior level. Hugh Scott (South England and Kent 2nd X1 Cricket), Alexa Stonehouse (South England Cricket) Adam Lee-Browne (U.18 Hockey), Oliver Weston and Jessica McMeeking (South of England Hockey), Josh Sharp ( England Jet Ski), Oliver Curtiss and Tilly Corteen-Coleman (Kent Academy Cricket). We have a huge number of students representing Kent in the chosen sports, including Netball, Rugby, Tetrathlon, Cricket, Hockey, Cross Country and Athletics.

Sports Science, Physical Education and Sports Management are popular choices for university courses. Recent KC students have gone on to study a sports-related degree at a range of institutions including Loughborough, Nottingham Trent, St. Mary’s Twickenham, Brunel and Canterbury Christ Church University.

Meet the Director of Sport

Mr Linden Lockhart, Director of Sport

CONTACT LINDEN

Kent College is a school steeped in sporting history. We have a reputation for delivering a strong sports programme as part of our diverse and varied school curriculum. The school sees sport as an integral part of a student's life and understands the important role it plays at both the scholarship and participation ends of the performance pyramid.

Our Vision for Sport is to provide an environment of excellence, for all students to be encouraged and supported to fulfil their potential by instilling some our core school values:

• AMBITION
• RESILIENCE
• CURIOSITY
• HUMILITY

Our Sports programme recognises that developing athletes is a process and KC will focus on SUPPORTING and GUIDING athletes through a structured progressive programme that ensures every student develops the skills to thrive in all aspects of their sport.

Kent College wants to create an empowered set of athletes who are confident to pursue their chosen level of sport when they leave the Sixth Form. These athletes are not just capable sports men and women, but responsible, personable individuals who are confident leaders, work well in a team and take responsibility in any given situation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPORT AT KENT COLLEGE

Biology is a fascinating subject offering students the opportunities to understand in detail how their bodies work and interactions between organisms in the world. There are some extraordinary advances in areas such as cell Biology and genetics which we can introduce to students as areas where Biology is currently being transformed. We can also explore some of the wider issues we face in society with conservation, disease and effects of pollution being topics areas we are able to cover and link to current events around us. Biology as a subject has connections to many other subjects in the school and as pupils develop they gain skills to review and interpret information, produce clear scientific writing, good mathematical skills linked with interpreting data all of these skills are beneficial to many future areas of study.

We are fortunate that we have many opportunities and options to convey the academic concepts within Biology with visual or practical learning experiences. This can be in many different ways, in carrying out practical work we have a dedicated technician and two well equipped Biology laboratories allowing us to carry out a wide range of practical activities. The farm and Blean woods also allow us to carry out field work with only a small walk to be onsite collecting data. Other options include the use of targeted video clips or simulations, or carrying out model or movie making to develop further insight into areas of study. Teaching staff all use technology effectively in lessons with Google classroom being a key interactive tool we also use different online quizzes allowing variety and engagement in the material covered.

Within the department we have very positive relationships with the pupils we teach such that they are open to asking questions and seeking support for work they do not understand either via email or attending clinic. As they go into the Senior school they are encouraged and supported to go out of their comfort zones and take risks. We help students to develop to be able to see the links between different parts of the course and think synoptically.

What skills will I learn?

Biology as a subject has connections to many other subjects in the school and as pupils develop they gain skills to review and interpret information, produce clear scientific writing, good mathematical skills linked with interpreting data. All of these skills are beneficial to many future areas of study.

What else will I get to do/Trips?

The Biology department ran a conservation trip to Honduras with Operation Wallacea. Students spent time working alongside conservation scientists to collect data for Cloud forest biodiversity research in an area named one of the top 50 most irreplaceable forest sites in the world. Here they encountered endemic and critically endangered species and carried out an extensive range of sampling techniques when working with a number of different field specialist in herpetology, ornithology and invertebrates to name a few.

Students also completed a Caribbean coral reef ecology course on an island off the mainland, some students learnt to scuba dive whilst others utilised scuba diving and snorkelling sampling techniques and focussed on finding solutions to major themes facing Caribbean coral reefs. Sixth form students attend an annual Biology conference in London to hear lectures from leading Biologists in the fields. Past speakers have included, Sir Robert Winston, Alice Roberts, Tim Spectre and Jonathan Van Tam.

• Field Trips to gain on site experience of Biological Sampling Techniques
• University workshops to gain a deeper knowledge of Genetics and Antibiotic discovery
• Biology in Action and Royal Society Summer Science exhibitions in London allows students to hear speakers at the cutting edge of their field explaining what is exciting within their areas and inspiring students to go onto University study in Sciences

Destinations

Medicine, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy, Marine science, Nursing, Biomedical courses, Veterinary Science, Conservation, Animal Husbandry, Teaching. As a 6th form course the skills gained allow students to make good progress on many other degree courses such as Geography, Psychology.

Contact the Head of Biology
Joanne Gibson 

At Kent College, Chemistry is one of the most popular curriculum subjects with high levels of optional uptake at GCSE, IB and A Level. Typically there are 4 or 5 groups in each year of GCSE, 3 or 4 groups at A Level and 1 or 2 IB groups. Chemistry is an academically rigorous subject that provides great opportunities for pupils. Our five chemistry teachers aim to support, encourage and inspire pupils to pursue excitement and interest in the subject. Consistently over time the department has produced students with exceptional levels of achievement who have gone on to pursue many chemistry related careers, including medicine, veterinary science, engineering, forensics and law.

The core of the department features two purpose built, well equipped laboratories. The advanced chemistry laboratory is primarily used for sixth form experiments that can accommodate up to twelve students for practical sessions. The elementary chemistry laboratory is used principally for pre a-level experiments and can accommodate up to 24 pupils. Both laboratories are equipped with modern fume cupboard facilities. Both laboratories are linked by a dedicated preparation room with a chemical store stocked with a comprehensive range of chemicals.

• The department maintains ties with Kent University to make use of their facilities and expertise
• Salters Festival of Chemistry
• Big Bang Fair
• Engineering and Education Scheme at EES
• Department has high expectations of our pupils and aims to support them to achieve a comprehensive and exciting understanding and knowledge base in this subject.

What skills will I learn?

The course specification is designed to enable candidates to:

• Generate understanding of the broad scope of Chemistry in the development of universal principles and life concepts
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Chemistry, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations
• Develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment
• Sustain and develop their enjoyment of and interest in Chemistry
• Recognise the value of Chemistry to society and how it may be used responsibly
• Prepare the necessary skills to promote further study in Chemistry and related areas
• Develop a broad based knowledge of the principles and applications of Chemistry to a high level consonant with university entrance or equivalent standard

The course will also encourage candidates to:

• Develop their interest in, enjoyment of and enthusiasm for chemistry, including developing an interest in further study and careers in chemistry
• Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
• Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other

What else will I get to do/Trips?

The department maintains relationships with a variety of scientific bodies. The School of Physical Sciences at the University of Kent, our neighbouring university, features suites of analytical equipment. The Salters Festival of chemistry is attended every year by two separate teams of year 8 and year 9 pupils frequently winning awards for their efforts. Frequently attend GCSE Science live. Chemistry Olympiad. Fundamental component in KC experience days for local primary schools and a major contributor to the school Science club.

The department encourages learning & progress with school visits by forensic experts, pyrotechnic & explosives scientists as well as external visits to lectures at the RSC, O2 etc. in all chemical fields.

Destinations

The broad-based knowledge and understanding imparted by the course provides a good grounding for any career in any technical area, especially the Sciences, but is also applicable to other degrees, including Law, Engineering, Sports Science, Psychology etc.

The qualification is particularly appropriate for such degree courses as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Natural Sciences and Human Sciences, and is especially adapted to provide a solid foundation for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Pharmacology, Forensic Science and related areas.

Contact the Head of Chemistry Mary Mcgovern

The Kent College Physics Department is dynamic and progressive and looking to move Physics in the school into a new era. We aim to give our students an opportunity to develop their skills and understanding of a subject that is challenging and becoming increasingly more relevant to our everyday lives. Quantum Physics has filtered down into our everyday lives through the use of LED technology in our TV’s, and computer screens. The ‘A-Level Science live’ lectures we went to in London addressed the topic of the new OLED screens and their energy efficiency.

The aim of our department is to produce students with enquiring minds and a set of problem-solving skills so that when they go off to university they will be able to rise to any challenge that they are faced with. Ideally, we are trying to encourage students to go into STEM related subjects at the top universities but we are equipping them with transferable skills that will apply to all subjects

We benefit from three newly-refurbished and well-equipped laboratories, and a dynamic teaching team providing skills, knowledge and invaluable preparation for a career in related fields.

What skills will I learn?

• High level problem solving skills
• Practical skills
• Analytical skills
• The ability to think clearly and logically
• A methodical approach to work, with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• An excellent understanding of statistics and relevant computer packages.
• Research and Organisational skills

What else will I get to do?

As a department we are always looking to take Physics beyond the classroom initially by teaching beyond the confines of the curriculum, but also with our co-curricular activities that include: Lego League competitions for KS3; Science club for KS3; CREST awards for KS4 & KS5; Electronics club for KS4 & 5.

We also offer Star-gazing evenings with support from the University of Kent and the South East Kent Astronomical Society. These are run in conjunction with an Astronomy Club. Recently we have developed a partnership with the Royal Institution to offer exciting Science presentations to our students and to the local community. Our community outreach also includes taking workshops out to local primary schools.

We also offer short workshop courses on various topics in conjunction with the University of Kent, which have included a series of astronomy workshops for KS4&5 that have taught students how to create and analyse scientific images of star fields. Students learnt how to plot light curves for stars to identify exo-planets. Pupils also have the opportunity to attend the Kent College Lecture each year which last year was given by Chris Lintott FRAS ( Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford and broadcaster) on the subject of the Zooniverse which encourages the general public to take part in scientific research. Students met Chris before the event for a Q&A session with two students carrying out a formal interview with him. The success of this programme has led to funding being given to start up an Astronomy Club.

Visiting Lecturers

Chris Lintott - University of Oxford
Dirk Froebrich - University of Kent

Trips

We are planning to re-start an annual trip to CERN to explore the Large Hadron Collider. Sixth form student have to opportunity to attend A-level Physics Live! each year to inspire them to take a future pathway in a STEM related subject. We also regularly take trips to various STEM fairs and lectures.

Destinations

Physics is such a broad subject it can lead to any career from Working in the city to becoming a Nobel Laureate.

An understanding of mathematics is vital for success in our modern world. The mathematics department at Kent College aims to support all students to reach their mathematical potential and to instil the confidence and skill to use mathematics to solve problems. Our goal is to provide students with a stimulating learning environment which provides challenge, enjoyment and interest.

All students at Kent College study mathematics up to IGCSE in Year 11 (16 years) and a large number of students study mathematics in the 6th form. All IB students studying mathematics, and mathematics or mathematics and further mathematics are very popular choices for A level students. The Kent College maths department has a good reputation of developing students' appreciation of mathematics and supporting them to achieve their potential. Teachers extend the most able and provide support and encouragement for all students to reach their potential in mathematics. The department runs regular weekly clinics, however students are encouraged to drop in for help at any time. We provide additional support in student’s study periods if that is required.

Up to Year 11, students are set according to mathematical ability. This is based on rigorous testing and teacher recommendations. Good systems of monitoring allows a fluid approach to setting, motivating students to achieve their potential.

Students take part in UKMT challenges and team competitions and are given the opportunity to attend masterclasses at the University of Kent. Intermediate and Senior Mathematical Challenges are popular and many students have qualified for the follow-up Olympiads. We identify talented pupils and make sure they have lots of opportunities to develop their mathematical skills and to achieve their goals.

Mathematics is taught in 6 dedicated classrooms, each room is equipped with Promethean ActivPanels. Students usually complete work on paper, nevertheless the use of technology is an integral part of teaching. There is a balance of traditional and modern teaching styles, this wide range of teaching styles are adapted to meet the needs of the students. Students have access to many online resources and subscription services to support learning.

What skills will I learn?

• Problem solving
• Logical thinking
• Numeracy
• Working with statistics
• Financial skills

What else will I get to do?

Access to a wide range of online resources. Opportunities to take part in University Masterclasses.

Meet the Head of Maths

Stuart Wiles BSc (Hons) Warwick, PGCE Hertfordshire

"My passion for mathematics began in the sixth form where I studied two mathematics A levels and developed when I studied mathematics at university. Although I have always enjoyed mathematics for its own sake, my main mathematical interests are mathematical modelling and how it is used in science, particularly physics. I also have a keen interest in the history of mathematics. I began teaching in the early 1990s and have been a head of mathematics for more than twenty years. Although I have always taught in secondary schools, I have been involved with outreach work in primary schools. I have worked on the team that created a GCSE Programme of Study for Kent Schools. I joined Kent College in 2007.

I enjoy working with young people, seeing them grow in confidence, develop and find enjoyment in a subject that I love and am so passionate about. It is a privilege to work with such dedicated students and a great team of mathematics teachers."

The ethos of the Food and Nutrition dept at Kent College is based on healthy eating and wellbeing. Eating a balanced diet and promoting the development of cooking skills throughout the year groups is to encourage the use of fresh foods as opposed to using and eating processed foods.

All students in year 7 and 8 follow a cooking course where basic skills are learnt so that these can be used in home. The aim is to use fresh foods so the students work with as many different ingredients as possible. Students also learn about the value of healthy eating - what nutrients they need and why their body needs them. Focussing on why they should have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in their diet and how they achieve the aim of 30 different fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds a week.

All students enjoy their time in the Food Room, being very proud of the dishes they cook. It is a delight to watch them come into the room at the beginning of the lesson, with a huge smile on their faces as they so look forward to the lesson. Many comments from students include ’I so look forward to this lesson’, ‘it’s my favourite lesson of the week’. All food is provided by the school, but students are expected to to weigh out their ingredients and to reduce wastage.

What skills will I learn?

At KS3 skills include rubbing in, rolling pastry, preparing a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, creaming method of cake making, stir frying, working with raw meat, making tasty meals and encouraging students to taste their food.

All cooking skills are taught at GCSE, all methods of cake making, working with different meats, preparing different fruits and vegetables, cooking tasty meals and presenting dishes - checking flavours and making the necessary adjustments to flavour of foods are all important and time is taken to develop these skills. A comprehensive time plan must also be produced showing how the 3 dishes for the Food Preparation Task will be cooked simultaneously. High level skills must be demonstrated to achieve a high grade.

What else will I get to do?

I am hoping that a love of Food Preparation, a knowledge of different ingredients and lifetime love and knowledge of foods will be established. In our lifetime, how we shop, what we shop for, how we prepare our foods, the different foods that we will be preparing is going to change. The recent situation with the Coronovirus has shown how important it is to be healthy, to have a healthy body and to consider our well-being. We have to learn how to build up our immune system, to be aware of the risk factors and to minimise them. My one aim is to develop that culture within the college.

In year 8 the students decorate a cake using different icings and if one student develops a love for cake decorating then I feel that the exercise has been successful.

Destinations

The types of jobs in the food industry is rising exponentially and the opportunities are amazing. If you like cooking and presenting food, the chef type jobs are plentiful. If you have an interest in Food and Nutrition with a liking towards sport - combine the 2. Every sports person has a team of people working for them including a nutritionist. If you like experimenting with different foods and cooking methods - consider the development of new recipes using new and different ingredients. Vegetarianism and associated options is a fast growing type of eating but it is important that everyone gets the correct nutrients so consideration must be given to make sure that everyone gets the appropriate nutrients naturally rather than using supplements

Meet the Head of Food and Nutrition

Mrs Wilson

"I trained at a Domestic Science teacher and have had a varied and exciting career in teaching, teaching both Business Studies and becoming Head of IT. Sound knowledge of IT ensures that the coursework produced on the computer is neatly done using the appropriate facilities of the software.

I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to introduce Food and Nutrition at Kent College, a room being provided and then kitting it out to be able to support the students. It is a safe environment and often students will tell us that they ‘enjoy being in the room’. I have been an examiner for both IT and Food and Nutrition for several years and understand the processes and requirements of many courses to ensure the best results are achieved."

A-level Psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways. You will learn a variety of skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, problem solving and many more that will prepare you for a diverse range of future careers.

The course is split into 3 subject content areas; Introductory topics in Psychology, Psychology in context and Issues and options in Psychology. Research methods, practical research skills and mathematical skills will be developed and used throughout the course, including designing and conducting your own research projects.

This is a new and increasingly popular subject choice for students at Kent College. September 2020 sees the 3rd group of students commence the course.

Psychology continues to be a popular A level choice, and in recent years this has  resulted in two classes running in Year 12 and 13, with a number of students going onto study Psychology at University. Recent leavers destinations have included Bath, Nottingham and UKC.

What skills will I learn?

• Mathematical Skills such as ratios, estimates, probability, statistical analysis and use of statistical tables, data interpretation, plotting data on graphs
• Communication skills - presenting information to others in a clear and concise manner
• Academic writing skills
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking and evaluating evidence
• Independent research
• TripsYr12: Bethlem Museum of the Mind, Yr13: Psychology Live, London - An exciting day of lectures from a range of professional psychologists

Visiting Lecturers

In the 2018-2019 academic year, students were lucky enough to receive a talk from Clinical Psychologist Dr Bettina Hohen from the University of London; she spoke to students about the teenage brain, neurology and the pathways to becoming a clinical psychologist.

Destinations

Psychology is classed by UCAS as one of the ‘science’ A levels, so can help students gain access to degree courses with these requirements, such as nursing, mental health or social work.

‘psychology A-level is actively recommended by the Russell Group as helpful for many degree subjects’ Jarvis, M (2011). The Psychologist, Vol 24, pp674-675.

In addition to a traditional Psychology degree programme, other psychology related degree programmes are as follows:

• Clinical psychology
• Counselling psychology
• Educational psychology
• Forensic psychology

Careers where a psychology degree would be useful include:

• Advice worker
• Border Force officer
• Careers adviser
• Counsellor
• Detective / Police Officer
• Education consultant
• Human resources officer
• Life coach
• Market researcher
• Mediator
• Neuroscientist
• Play therapist
• Psychotherapist
• Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)

Meet the Head of Psychology

Mrs Giselle Tomaszewska, MSc Psychology (Distinction), BSc Geography (Hons), QTS

"In 2019, I achieved my Masters degree with Distinction following 3 years of part time study via distance learning alongside my day to day work as a Geography teacher here at Kent College. My desire to study Psychology stemmed from a personal interest in human behaviour and mental health issues largely triggered by over a decade of teaching and supporting young people through their secondary school lives.

My interests within the field of psychology are vast, however they mostly relate to issues of Social Psychology, and Cognition and Development."

The International Study Centre at Kent College offers English language programmes that give students the English that they need to join the mainstream British academic curriculum and take relevant English examinations for entry to university in the UK and other countries.

The ISC aims to provide an environment in which all students gain the confidence to access the curriculum, to participate fully in school life and to be the best they can be. The centre is highly successful in meeting its aims as pupils clearly benefit from their experience of English language learning in programmes that are designed to match their needs. Overall, the progress and results of ISC pupils are very good in both their English language lessons and their other subjects across the Senior School. Most students will move on to take degree courses at top UK universities or at leading universities around the world.

What skills will I learn?

ISC class sizes are very small and lessons are taught by teachers that are highly experienced in teaching English as an Additional Language. The average class size is 6, which means that progress is very rapid, even for those pupils that have little English when they arrive at our school. One of the strengths of the ISC at Kent College is that it offers bespoke timetabling for all its pupils. The bespoke timetables offer flexible English language courses, including intensive programmes, examination courses and phased access to mainstream subjects.

ISC pupils indicate that they greatly value the support they get to develop specific language skills they need to succeed in their other subjects. The bespoke timetabling means that we can often meet the pupils’ subject choices.

ISC pupils are enthusiastic and committed learners that enjoy full integration into tutor groups, sports and the co-curricular activity programme. Most ISC pupils are boarders in one of the five boarding houses on the Senior School site. While over 350 of our students are from local British families, our 200 strong boarding community provides a home away from home for students from up to 40 different nationalities around the world. English is expected to be spoken in all areas of the school and if pupils share a room with another student, they will most likely not be of the same nationality. This ensures that English will be their common language.

ISC pupils partake in Chapel and assembly services, are active at the school Farm and act as school Prefects as well as student Heads of House for Boarding. Plenty of opportunities to develop key leadership skills, and other skills!

Preparing for the future - ISC Examinations

The ISC prepares international students for British examinations, such as IGCSE ESL in Years 10 and 11 and IB English B in Years 12 and 13. Depending on the level of English, preparation classes or bespoke 1:1 programmes are available for the Cambridge PET, FCE, and CAE examinations. These English language certificates are very useful if the student wishes to go on to study at an English speaking university (in the UK or abroad) and needs to have evidence of the level of English. Many international KC students in Sixth Form are prepared for the IELTS exam as they often require a certain IELTS score to enter the university programme of their choice. ISC students often achieve grades that strengthen their university applications.

YEARS 7 - 9

Students are accepted into the ISC with a level of English between beginner and lower intermediate.
The students study English as an Additional Language (EAL) intensively as well as having a reduced timetable with subjects such as Maths, Art, French and possibly Science depending on their level of English.
Integration into the mainstream curriculum occurs when their English is of an appropriate level. Students are given support in the ISC in their mainstream subjects through reinforcement of keywords and concepts. This enables them to make progress in these subjects, particularly when they join subjects after the beginning of the school year.
Teaching is conducted within a personalised timetable suited to the student’s ability and speed of learning.
Our small caring environment ensures individual attention is given. The teaching groups are small, from 3 to 10 students per class. 1:1 EAL lessons offered on a bespoke basis and at an additional fee.
The teaching focuses on the four skills, reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as vocabulary and grammar.
Students learn through a variety of activities including projects, literature, media, cultural visits and games.

YEARS 10 - 11

Students are accepted into the ISC with a low intermediate level of English.
They are taught English intensively for one term, two terms, a year, or 2 years, depending on the time of the year and their level at entry. It is possible to take the IGCSE ESL examination in one year depending on the level of entry.
The teaching focuses on the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking as well as grammar and vocabulary.
The course prepares students for the IGCSE ESL (B2) exam or the Preliminary English Test (PET B1) at the end of year 11 and for entry to the Sixth Form (where they will be in an IELTS class).
There are six IGCSE ESL / PET lessons per week, additional group EAL lessons added as required. 1:1 EAL lessons offered on a bespoke basis and at an additional fee.
Cross-curricular support is also provided within the lessons if needed.

YEARS 12 - 13

The lessons focus on the IELTS examination or the Cambridge examinations (B2 First and C1 Advanced).
We support students to help them reach the grade they need for university entrance.
Students attend four lessons per week, or more if required. 1:1 EAL/IELTS lessons offered on a bespoke basis and at an additional fee.
Cross-curricular support is given through weekly academic ‘drop-in’ clinics, besides the subject support provided by the academic clinics in other departments.
The ISC also offers the IB subject IB English B, both at Standard and Higher Level. Students attend 8 lessons per week.

What else will I get to do?

Extra support is offered in the form of our weekly Academic 'drop-in' clinic and our weekly Speaking clinic, where pupils can get individual help as and when needed.

Trips

Each year the ISC organises several educational and cultural trips for ISC students, including trips to Leeds Castle, Broadstairs, Canterbury Cathedral, and Tiny Tim's Tearoom. Sixth formers also partake in the annual International Student University Day organised by BAISIS, and a follow-up visit to CCCU.

Destinations

Students go on to study a wide variety of courses at universities in the UK or around the world.

CONTACT THE HEAD OF THE ISC CLAUDIA ALBERTINI

Kent College Library is a large and welcoming space filled with books suitable for our whole school community, from older pupils undertaking research to younger pupils simply looking for a good book to read. In addition we offer a wide range of educational magazines, four daily newspapers, audio-books - accessible through the ebook platform, and a large number of DVDs. To enthuse our reluctant readers, or for those whose native language is not English, we have a selection of graphic books. Also available are ‘dyslexia friendly’ books from specialist publishers, but by authors you are likely to recognise. A successful Manga Book Club was created in 2022 for students in years 7 to 9. Meetings take place in the Library at lunchtime every Thursday.

The Library subscribes to several online resources that are accessible to all students, including JSTOR, which is a very valuable source of information for research. An e-book platform is also proving popular with our students. The Library catalogue (OPAC) can be accessed from anywhere, and students can reserve books themselves.

The Library is the main research centre for the Extended Essay, an important part of the IB Diploma. The Librarian, Mrs Register, acts as EE Coordinator and ensures that students do not get behind with their work thanks to close contacts with the subject supervisors.

All Year 7 students receive a Library induction in September, during which they are encouraged to borrow books on a regular basis. They are also shown how to access the OPAC and how to sign up to the e-book platform. English teachers frequently bring their Y7 classes to the Library for silent reading sessions that also give them the opportunity to discover and borrow our latest titles. During lesson time, the Library becomes a quiet study area for Year 12 students.

The Library organises author visits every year, which gives students the invaluable experience of meeting writers, and asking them questions.

For World Book Day, in March, the Library usually organises a book fair. A local independent bookshop provides us with a selection of books and students are allowed to use their World Book Day vouchers toward their purchases.

A team of students from different year groups assist with the running of the Library during morning and lunchtime breaks.

Library opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4:30pm

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