16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School

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16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
16+ PROSPECTUS
      2021
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
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                                                 Head Master’s welcome                 3
                                                 A Westminster education               4
                                                 Our unique location                   5
                                                 Boarding and day
                                                 Our co-educational community
                                                 A day at Westminster
                                                                                       6
                                                                                       7
                                                                                       8
                                                                                            Welcome
                                                 A place of wellbeing                10
                                                 Academic life                         11
                                                                                            Dear Parents, Guardians and Pupils,
                                                 The Sixth Form curriculum            12    I hope that you will find this 16+ Prospectus informative and
                                                 Before you decide                    13    that you will feel both inspired and encouraged to proceed
                                                 Beyond the subject choices          16     with an application to Westminster School.
                                                 The broader curriculum               18
                                                 Adventures and Expeditions           19    The co-educational Sixth Form at              In recent years, we have opened a             Once you have read this prospectus
                                                 Music                               20     Westminster offers a safe, stimulating        House for girl boarders and day boys,         and explored the website, I warmly
                                                 The Art School                       21    and challenging environment for learning.     and an indoor sports centre adjacent          encourage you to join us at an Open Day
                                                 Drama                               22     The School’s reputation as one of the         to the School’s playing fields at Vincent      before the formal process of interviews
                                                 Sport for life – and to win         23     foremost centres of academic excellence       Square. Both have significantly enhanced       and assessments gets under way. It is
                                                                                            in the country is due not only to our         the facilities for pupils joining us in the   always best to gain a first-hand glimpse
                                                 Westminster and the community       24
                                                                                            pupils’ superb examination results and        Sixth Form. In September 2017, girls were     of what lies ahead, to put some faces
                                                 After Westminster                   25     admission to some of the world’s top          elected as Queen’s Scholars for the first      to names and experience the buzz and
                                                 The admissions procedure            26     universities, but even more importantly       time, and a new series of classrooms and      energy of the School for yourselves.
                                                 Scholarships and Bursaries          28     to their genuine enjoyment of academic        an observatory have recently opened in        I look forward to meeting you in person,
                                                 Frequently asked questions          29     enquiry, rigorous debate and search for       our refurbished Science building.             showing you the School and introducing
                                                 Information for                            explanation and meaning well beyond                                                         you to the heads of the academic
                                                 overseas candidates                 30     any examination syllabus.                     Westminster pupils follow specifications      departments, who will be able to answer
                                                 Choosing your                                                                            in A Levels and the Cambridge Pre-U           any questions you may have.
                                                 Sixth Form subjects                  31    Westminster pupils enhance their              examinations, depending on the
                                                                                            intellectual, personal and social             subjects studied. These qualifications        I know that applying to a new school
                                                                                            development by taking full advantage          allow for the deep specialisation on          can sometimes seem daunting for pupils
                                                 Course information section                 of the many opportunities in sport, music,    which Westminster pupils really thrive,       (and, often, their parents); but I hope
                                                 Art                                 34     drama, community service and other            while the principle of choice fits well        that, in applying for Westminster, feelings
                                                 Art History                         35     forms of civic engagement. Together,          with the School’s liberal academic            of excitement will outweigh any natural
                                                 Classics: Latin and Ancient Greek   36     these opportunities help our pupils to        tradition of drawing out and nurturing        anxiety. Our hope is that by providing as
                                                 Economics                           37     prepare themselves for a life well lived as   individual talents.                           much information about the School as
                                                                                            informed and committed global citizens.                                                     possible at this stage, and seeking as
                                                 English Literature                  38
                                                                                                                                          Pupils study four subjects that provide       much information as possible about you,
                                                 Geography                           39     You will read about all of this and much      both breadth and depth throughout the         the decisions that we eventually make
                                                 History                             40     more in the following pages.                  two years of the Sixth Form (Years 12         will be the right ones. One thing I can
                                                 Mathematics                          41                                                  and 13). We find that the sheer intellectual   say with certainty: the new pupils who
                                                 Modern Languages                           Historically, Westminster has been            enjoyment that this bespoke, individual       join us in the Sixth Form each year settle
                                                 and Linguistics                     42     a boarding school in the heart of             approach brings to learning ensures           in quickly and happily and make a great
                                                 French                              43     London and approximately one quarter          that our pupils go on to win places at        success of their time here.
                                                 Chinese                             44     of Sixth Form pupils board. Some come         some of the world’s best universities.
                                                                                            from far afield, but most are Londoners       Academic departments are free to follow       Our most recent ISI inspection report
                                                 German                              45
                                                                                            who prefer to avoid the daily grind           the specification they feel will enable       describes the School as engendering
                                                 Russian                             46     of commuting. Thanks in part to this          pupils most effectively to realise their      “…a pupil body liberated from dogma,

 A BRIEF HISTORY                                 Spanish
                                                 Music
                                                                                     47
                                                                                     48
                                                                                            boarding tradition, Westminster is very
                                                                                            different from a conventional school for
                                                                                                                                          academic potential, evidenced in part by
                                                                                                                                          examination results: in 2019 Westminster
                                                                                                                                                                                        prejudice or unthinking conformity...”
                                                                                                                                                                                        We cherish this distinctiveness. If it
  Westminster is a long-established school
                                                 Philosophy and Theology             49     our day pupils too. Many remain on-site       pupils achieved more than 50% of their        strikes a chord with you, then we are
                                                 Sciences                            50     long after the teaching day has finished,      A-level and Pre-U grades at A* or D1 / D2.    the right school to be applying to for
 on an ancient site. Its origins can be traced
                                                                                            perhaps to work in the library, take part                                                   your sixth form studies. Good luck with
 back to 1179, when the Benedictine monks        Biology                              51
                                                                                            in extra sport, rehearse for a play or        A by-product of its long-standing             all that lies ahead.
of Westminster Abbey were asked by Pope          Chemistry                           52
                                                                                            concert, or attend a lecture or debate.       commitment to intellectual rigour
   Alexander III to provide a small charity      Physics                             53     There is never a dull moment and always       and enquiry, Westminster is the               Dr Gary Savage – Head Master
 school. The School’s continuous existence       Electronics AS Level                54     plenty to get involved with, whatever the     only school to have achieved this
     is certain from the early 14th century.
                                                 Drama and Theatre Studies           55     individual pupil’s interests.                 outstanding feat every year since
Following the dissolution of the monasteries
                                                                                                                                          the A* grade was introduced.
 in 1540, Henry VIII personally ensured the
 School’s survival by statute and Elizabeth I    How to find your way around         56
      confirmed royal patronage in 1560.         Timeline                            58
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
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                               A Westminster
                               education
                               Central to Westminster’s ethos is the
                               rapport between teachers and their pupils.

                               This inspires passion for the subject,     While academic and cultural
                               encourages confidence in learning,         attainments are highly prized, the
                               conveys knowledge and develops skills      School is fully committed to nurture
                               of rational, independent thought. Our      each pupil’s spiritual, moral, emotional
                               pupils’ academic success comes from        and physical wellbeing. We seek
                               their enjoyment of intellectual enquiry,   to develop individual talent wherever
                               debate and search for explanation,         it lies – and to prepare young people
                               reaching well beyond published syllabi.    for fulfilled private and public lives.
                               They delight in a huge range of
                               opportunities to develop initiatives and
                               to discuss their ideas. We are a happy,
    “Pupils express delight    busy and purposeful community.             A ‘halfway-house’ between
    in how the School                                                     school and university
                               The broader ethos of the School
    has encouraged them        resides in the enduring values reflected   The Westminster Sixth Form is

                                                                                                                      Our
    to explore beyond the      in the 1560 Charter of Westminster’s       often regarded as a ‘halfway-house’                                 Some of our buildings date back          Situated between Parliament,
    boundaries of what         Elizabethan foundation, where it is        between school and university.                                      to the 11th century and, while the       The Supreme Court and Westminster

                                                                                                                      unique
                               stated that: ‘the youth which is growing   As such, it aims to provide a safe,                                 community comprises pupils               Abbey, the School’s inspirational
    they might have thought    to manhood, as tender shoots in the        stable and enriching community, in                                  and teachers of many different           location has always been of significant
    they could do.”            wood of our state, shall be liberally      which pupils are encouraged to learn                                faiths, we retain close links with       influence. Politics and the law are

                                                                                                                      location
                               instructed in good books to the greater    about the world around them in order                                Westminster Abbey: the Dean of           abiding interests among the pupil
    ISI Report November 2016   honour of the state.’                      to engage actively with it and lead                                 Westminster is the Chairman of           body and the importance of spiritual
                                                                          a fulfilling life beyond Westminster.                               the Governing Body and the Abbey         and moral reflection is also deeply
                                                                          With an enviable programme of                                       is the School’s chapel.                  embedded. Minutes away is the best
                                                                          outside speakers and an ever-increasing
                                                                          range of academic, artistic, sporting       When other              Westminster School now extends
                                                                                                                                                                                       of everything metropolitan: museums,
                                                                                                                                                                                       galleries, concert halls, theatres
                                                                          and cultural expeditions, Westminster’s     schools moved to        beyond Dean’s Yard and into the          and the energy of a great city –
                                                                          global dimension provides pupils
                                                                          with every opportunity to develop           the suburbs in the      surrounding quiet streets, having, in
                                                                                                                                              recent years, expanded to include:
                                                                                                                                                                                       all of which enrich our curricular
                                                                                                                                                                                       and co-curricular programmes.
                                                                          their cultural capital and understanding.   late 19th century,
                                                                          Alongside this, the School coordinates
                                                                          a popular and thriving civic engagement     Westminster School      • the Weston Building
                                                                                                                                                for the Humanities;
                                                                          programme, which encourages                 remained on its         • state-of-the-art laboratories
                                                                          Sixth Form pupils to engage with the
                                                                          local community in a meaningful way,        original site at the      and an observatory in the newly
                                                                                                                                                refurbished Robert Hooke
                                                                          thus developing social understanding        very heart of London.     Science Centre;
                                                                          and responsibility.                                                 • the Sports Centre near
                                                                                                                                                Vincent Square;
                                                                                                                                              • the Manoukian Music Centre;
                                                                                                                                              • an inspiring new location for
                                                                                                                                                Purcell’s boarding house
                                                                                                                                              • the Millicent Fawcett Hall Theatre;
                                                                                                                                              • the recently opened Sir Adrian Boult
                                                                                                                                                Building, a new events space.
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
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                                                                                                                         Our co-educational
    There are approximately
    760 pupils at Westminster
    School – 120 are admitted
                                                                                                                         community
    each year at 13+ (Year 9)
    and 85 at 16+ (Year 12).                                                                                             The co-educational    Westminster has enjoyed a co-
                                                                                                                                               educational Sixth Form for the last
                                                                                                                         environment creates   40 years. Some 70-80 girls join the

                                                                                                                         an intellectually     Sixth Form each year, about a third
                                                                                                                                               living in as boarders.
                                                                                                                         and culturally
                                                                                                                         stimulating Sixth     All pupils belong to a House. This
                                                                                                                                               provides them with a supportive and
                                                                                                                         Form experience       stable community for the duration of

                                                                                                                         at Westminster.       their time at Westminster and allows
                                                                                                                                               them to get to know pupils of different
                                                                                                                                               ages, genders and backgrounds.

                                                                                                                                               Before they even arrive at Westminster,
                                                                                                                                               all the new pupils joining the Sixth Form

                                Boarding and day
                                                                                                                                               enjoy a comprehensive induction
                                                                                                                                               programme coordinated by the Head
                                                                                                                                               of Upper School, and become part of
                                                                                                                                               the diverse social fabric that makes the
                                Boarding has been central to life at                                                                           School such an exciting place to live
                                                                                                                                               and learn. Representing one third of the
                                Westminster since the School was founded.                                                                      Sixth Form, girls enjoy the academic
                                                                                                                                               challenge and debate in the classroom,
                                                                                                                                               an extraordinary breadth of co-curricular
                                The Westminster Sixth Form is unique         year group. For those who board,                                  activities and a large number of
    “I love the sense           in London as the only co-educational         Westminster allows for a regular home                             voluntary and leadership opportunities
    of having an                Sixth Form with day and boarding pupils.     life with the large majority returning                            within the School and wider community.
                                While academic and cultural attainments      home on Saturday afternoons.
    extended family,            are highly prized, Westminster is fully                                                                        Further information and advice
    with whom you               committed to the nurture of each pupil’s     Co-operation accompanies competition                              may be obtained from the Head of
                                personal development. The boarding           at Westminster and the School                                     Upper School, Miss Clare Leech,
    share a huge number         school ethos and structure have been         shows that high-achieving individuals                             at: clare.leech@westminster.org.uk.
    of experiences.”            central to the fulfilment of a Westminster   working together in a climate of mutual
                                education since the School’s foundation.     respect create something much
                                The School is run along boarding lines       greater than the sum of their individual
                                and based around a House system,             achievements. In addition to teachers,                            “I feel like girls have
                                where the House becomes a ‘home              Housemasters and Personal Tutors play
                                away from home’ for day and boarding         an important role in the rich, relational
                                                                                                                                               a strong voice at
                                pupils alike. The extended day and           experience that Westminster offers.                               Westminster; the School
                                week enable the provision of the                                                                               is a very inclusive and
                                overall curriculum and in particular         Day pupils are encouraged to
                                ensure depth of pastoral care and            participate in the opportunities provided
                                                                                                                                               welcoming environment.
                                breadth of opportunity.                      by the boarding life of the School.                               And I think the boys
                                                                             They can join boarders for breakfast                              really like having girls
                                There are five mixed boarding                and supper, and many choose to
                                houses with girls-only floors and one        remain at School in the evenings too,
                                                                                                                                               around, especially the
                                girls’ boarding house with day boys.         to rehearse or to attend the evening                              younger ones – it’s
                                One boarding house is boarders-only,         programme of activities. The Library                              like having a whole lot
                                and all Houses have pupils from every        remains open until 9.00pm.
                                                                                                                                               of big sisters!”
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
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    A day at Westminster
    The Westminster Day offers so much more
    than lessons from 9 to 5. The following
    timetable outlines the range of activities                                                                                                                                                                                    “I never stop…
    a pupil could enjoy on an average day.                                                                                                                                                                              I just love everything!”

    Morning                                                                                Lunchtime                                     Afternoon                                                                               Evening

    7.50am                                   9.00am                                        12.40pm                                       1.30pm                                      4.00pm                                      5.45pm
    Breakfast is served in the medieval      On Mondays and Fridays there is a short       Lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays                  Tuesdays and Thursdays, pupils              Tea on Tuesdays and Thursdays.              Lower School Supper.
    College Hall. Day boys and girls start   service in Westminster Abbey, the             and Fridays.                                  enjoy an extensive range of sports
    to arrive from all over London.          address often given by an eminent                                                           in the afternoon, including: football,      4.10pm                                      6.00pm
                                             visiting speaker. On Wednesdays, there        From 1.10pm, pupils can enjoy a wide          cricket, rowing (Water), netball, hockey,   Tea on Mondays, Wednesdays                  Upper School Supper.
    8.40am                                   is a short assembly called ‘Latin Prayers’.   range of talks from pupil-led societies.      tennis, climbing, judo, DanceFit,           and Fridays.
    All pupils register in Houses.           Lessons begin at 9.25am.                      Societies include African Caribbean,          Gym Fitness, cycling, basketball,                                                       6.30pm
                                                                                           English, Environmental, Feminist,             yoga, athletics and hula-hooping.           4.30pm                                      Supervised trips to London
                                             On Tuesdays and Thursdays,                    History, Huxley, Model United Nations,                                                    Every Fifth Form (Year 9) and Lower Shell   events begin.
                                             lessons begin at 9.00am.                      Politics and many more. Pupils can also       We play matches against a full              (Year 10) pupil participates in at least
                                                                                           take part in other co-curricular activities   range of other schools on Tuesday,          two Lower School Activities each week.      7.15pm
                                                                                           such as drama and music rehearsals, art       Thursday and Saturday afternoons.           Options include: Animation, Astronomy,      Boarders do their prep (homework) in
                                                                                           club or learning an additional language.                                                  Bookbinding, Carpentry, Debating,           their studies or in the Library. Day pupils
                                                                                                                                         2.00pm                                      Drama, Duke of Edinburgh, Fencing,          are also welcome to study in the Library.
                                                                                           On Mondays, all pupils meet with their        Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays             Fives, Football Training, Model Building
                                                                                           Tutors at 1.50pm until 2.10pm.                (2.10pm on Mondays): lessons begin,         and Robotics.                               9.00pm
    Lessons continue on Saturday mornings and on Saturday                                                                                ending at 4.10pm (4.25pm on Mondays).                                                   Prep time ends. Pupils use the next hour
    afternoons, pupils can enjoy a full range of sporting fixtures.                        1.00pm                                                                                                                                to socialise, to play pool, chess or table
                                                                                           Lunch on Tuesdays, Thursdays                                                                                                          tennis in their Houses, or to play football
    There are often musical and theatrical rehearsals at                                   and Saturdays. Lunch is followed                                                                                                      in Yard. Some enjoy the programme of
    weekends, as the dates of concerts and plays approach.                                 by afternoon sports (Station).                                                                                                        activities available in the Sports Centre,
    Pupils who are not involved in these activities go home                                                                                                                                                                      some prefer to continue studying.
    at 1.00pm on Saturdays.                                                                On Saturdays, pupils who are
                                                                                           not involved in sports fixtures or                                                                                                    10.00pm
                                                                                           weekend rehearsals go home after                                                                                                      Bed times vary according to
                                                                                           morning lessons.                                                                                                                      Year groups.
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
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                                                                                                                                                               Academic life
     “It’s not about having                                                                                                                                    Westminster provides an exceptionally strong
     someone to look after                                                                                                                                     and highly successful academic environment,
     you; it’s about having                                                                                                                                    which enables pupils to fulfil their intellectual
     people to look out for                                                                                                                                    ambitions and to develop life-long skills of
     you, and there’s a                                                                                                                                        sophisticated, independent thought.
     world of difference.”
                                                                                                                    Westminster pupils are encouraged          academic institution, we participate        national and international competitions.
                                                                                                                    to love academic life, to think for        regularly in important educational          As such, the community provides an
                                                                                                                    themselves, to question and to argue       research studies. Westminster teachers      exceptional learning environment,
                                                                                                                    things out. Departments develop their      are best qualified, therefore, to guide     both within the classroom and without,
                                                                                                                    own curricula, which go well beyond        and support pupils with a variety of        so that Westminster pupils emerge
                                                                                                                    exam specifications and stretch and        learning styles and needs.                  well-informed, articulate and confident
                                                                                                                    challenge our pupils.                                                                  to meet the challenges ahead of them.
                                                                                                                                                               The love of learning and confidence to
                                                                                                                    Teachers at Westminster are inspiring.     develop independent thought flourishes      After Westminster, the vast majority
                                                                                                                    They demonstrate outstanding               in pupil-led societies and initiatives.     of our pupils take up places at leading
                                                                                                                    individual scholarship and a contagious    Every week, pupils give talks, which are    international universities, such as:
                                                                                                                    enthusiasm for their subject. We are       well-attended by their peers, on a wealth   Amsterdam, Cambridge, Harvard, Hong
                                                                                                                    at the forefront of developments in        of subjects, and they group together        Kong, Imperial, Oxford, Sciences Po,
                                                                                                                    teaching and learning, and, as a leading   to succeed in an impressive range of        Stanford, UCL and Yale.

     A place of
                              We want our pupils to flourish, to        Boarding houses have a dedicated
                              develop resilience, confidence in         Matron and all pupils have access to our

     wellbeing
                              themselves, and sensitivity to others.    state-of-the-art Health Centre, run by an
                              We aim to do all we can to set them up    experienced Nursing Sister and visited
                              for meaningful, happy and satisfying      regularly by the school GP. We have the
                              lives, at School and beyond.              full-time support of a School Counsellor
                                                                        and pupils can also talk through
     We are fully committed   The well-established community            particular problems with experienced
                              of Houses enables a strong, well-         Independent Listeners. The Chaplain
     to the happiness,        integrated system of pastoral care,       and the Heads of Year also play an
     welfare and wellbeing    which ensures that the needs of each      important role in ensuring the welfare of
                              individual pupil are addressed, and       the community. Senior pupils from each
     of our pupils.           that all pupils – whatever their age,     House are trained as Peer Supporters to
                              background or gender – enjoy their        provide additional support and advice.
                              time at School. When issues occur,
                              they are communicated swiftly to the      The Head of Wellbeing and their
                              Housemaster, who talks with the pupil’s   team deliver a relevant and engaging
                              parents, teachers and Personal Tutor      programme within the curriculum,
                              to devise the best way forward.           addressing the experiences and
                                                                        challenges of teenage life. We promote
                                                                        discussion, learning and reflection, to
                                                                        guide pupils and to help them make
                                                                        constructive choices in their lives.
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
12

     The Sixth Form curriculum
     Sixth Form admission to Westminster is by
     competitive examination and interview in November
     the year before entry. Candidates select the four
     subjects, in which they are to be examined, based
     on their likely choice of courses for study.

     There is a great deal of flexibility in the
     way in which pupils may approach their
     choice of courses at Sixth Form level,
                                                           their choice up until Exeat in the
                                                           Play Term of Year 12. However, further
                                                           assessment in the new subject intended
                                                                                                                      At Westminster, most pupils study four
                                                                                                                      subjects for both years and end up
                                                                                                                      with four full A Levels, or a combination
                                                                                                                                                                  Departments choose the qualification
                                                                                                                                                                  which they feel provides the best
                                                                                                                                                                  educational experience and potential
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Before you decide
     and that may make the choice quite a                  for study may be required before                           of four A Levels and Pre-Us, although       outcomes for our pupils and as such
     difficult one for many. It is for this reason         permission is given to change. You will                    some pupils each year do give up one        pupils may study towards an A level,       Please read the notes below carefully
     that the choice we are asking you to                  understand, however, that the School                       subject at the end of Year 12. For the      International A level or Pre-U             as they describe in detail what you
     make now is a provisional one. Pupils                 does need to plan ahead and that                           moment, we need to know the four            qualification in their subject.
     will be allowed to change their choices               getting an idea of provisional numbers                     subjects that pupils think they wish                                                   will need to consider when choosing
     and some even make modifications to                   for each subject is important.                             to study in the Sixth Form.                 In addition to their specialist courses,   your Sixth Form subjects.
                                                                                                                                                                  pupils follow the Cultural Perspectives
                                                                                                                                                                  and Options courses. Only Electronics
                                                                                                                                                                  offers an AS Level at the end of
                                                                                                                                                                                                             1 At this stage, we are asking pupils to choose their four entrance
                                                                                                                                                                  Year 12, a course offered in the
                                                                                                                                                                                                               examination subjects; one subject must be chosen from each Block.
                                                                                                                                                                  Options programme, and pupils do not
                                                                                                                                                                  necessarily continue to A Level in Year
       Block 1                        Block 2                           Block 3                            Block 4                           AS Subjects          13. More details of the non-examined
                                                                                                                                                                                                             2 The subjects in each of Blocks 1 to 4 offer two-year courses leading
                                                                                                                                             (taken in                                                         to full A Level or Pre-U.
       Art History                    Art                               Art                                Chemistry                                              courses can be found in Beyond
                                                                                                                                             Options lessons)
       English                        Biology                           Art History                        Chinese‡                                               the subject choices and these choices
                                                                                                                                             Electronics                                                     3 Mathematics with Further Mathematics leads to two A Levels and uses the
                                                                                                                                                                  can be made on arrival at Westminster.
       History                        Chemistry                         Biology                            Economics                                                                                           time allocation of Blocks 1 and 3; it, therefore, counts as two choices but
                                                                                                                                                                                                               only one entrance examination. Those studying this subject must take two
       Mathematics                    Economics                         Economics                          English                                                The Sixth Form subjects are arranged
                                                                                                                                                                                                               additional specialist examination subjects.
       Mathematics with               English                           English                            Geography                                              in four blocks, one subject to be chosen
       Further Mathematics                                                                                                                                        from each block. Some subjects appear
                                      French                            French                             German                                                                                            4 There is no formal entrance examination for Art. Candidates portfolios are
       Philosophy                                                                                                                                                 in more than one block to give a wider
                                                                                                                                                                                                               assessed on the day of the entrance exams. Those selecting Music or Art
       and Theology                   Geography                         Geography                          Greek                                                  choice of subject combinations. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                               must sit the exams in the UK.
                                      History                           History                            History                                                provisional blocking for September
                                                                                                                                                                  2020 is shown here.
                                      Latin                             Mathematics with                   Physics                                                                                           5 Some pupils may wish to study Electronics. However, no decision needs
                                                                        Further Mathematics                                                                                                                    to be made until a candidate has been offered a place.
                                      Philosophy                                                           Philosophy
                                      and Theology                      Philosophy                         and Theology
                                                                        and Theology                                                                                                                         6 Whilst we will do our utmost to accommodate any combination of subjects,
                                      Physics                                                              Russian
                                                                                                                                                                                                               no particular combination can be guaranteed other than those listed in the
                                                                                                           Spanish                                                                                             blocking system on page 12.

                                                                                                                                                                                                             It is important that the choice of subjects be related as far as possible to
                                                                                                                                                                                                             university and career plans. Advice on choosing subjects can be found
                                                          Theatre Studies†
                                                                                                                                                                                                             on page 31; there is additional advice on thinking ahead to university and
                                                                 Music                                                                                                                                       on subject courses later in this booklet.

                                    † Theatre Studies will be taught in blocks to be decided once subject choices have been made.
                        ‡ The Chinese course is not suitable for native/fluent speakers: please do not enter this subject if you are in this category                                                        Further information or advice about the curriculum may be obtained from
                                        as your entry paper will be discounted. For more information please contact admissions.                                                                              Mr Peter Sharp, Deputy Head (Academic), at: peter.sharp@westminster.org.uk.
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
“The teachers here
 are always trying to
work out how to bring
  out the best in you.”
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
16                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           17

     Beyond the subject choices
     –within the timetable
     We aim to ensure that      In Year 12, a great range of non-examined
                                courses is on offer in the four weekly
                                                                              Cultural Perspectives                     General Options                                Study Skills                                 Careers
     pupils find the Sixth      lessons of the ‘Options Block’, alongside     These courses are designed to expand      The choice of General Options is               Effective study skills are essential for     Careers advice is available to all
                                                                              cultural and critical awareness within    similarly wide-ranging, and includes           all successful learners. In addition to      members of the Sixth Form from the
     Form at Westminster        some examined courses, including
                                additional languages and Electronics.         a greater global perspective, chipping    courses which are:                             the guidance provided by subject             Higher Education and Careers
     an exciting but also                                                     away at the comfortable sense of ‘self-      (i) directly related to university study    teachers, the Study Skills department        Department. A range of careers
                                                                              evidence’ that can make us assume that           or applications (Anthropology,          is available to support pupils, who          evenings and workshops is held
     challenging place.         Most Sixth Formers pursue a wide
                                range of Options that do not lead to          our own way of doing things or viewing           Psychology, Linguistics, the            might benefit from some specialist           throughout the year, which all Sixth
     For this reason, the       formal qualifications, but it is hoped that   the world is the only way, and that              Thinking Skills course);                input. The School should be informed         Formers are invited to attend, as well
                                                                              today’s society is the norm of human        (ii) supplementing or extending              of any particular needs, including details   as Futures Day in the Election Term
     School offers a wide       the interest evoked in each will add
                                greatly to a pupil’s own intellectual and     experience – somehow unquestioningly             existing examined subjects              of exam concessions and copies of            of Year 12, where pupils are exposed
     variety of co-curricular   personal development, and open up             right and natural.                               (Conservation Science, Greek            relevant diagnostic reports where            to a variety of different careers and
                                                                                                                               Tragedy, the Anglo-Saxons,              appropriate. It should be noted that         pathways. The Head of Careers,
     courses and activities,    new and exciting possibilities for further
                                study, research or discovery.                 The aim is to broaden horizons in place          Anglo-Irish Literature);                exam concessions previously agreed           Mr Simon Wurr, is available to advise
     which form an integral                                                   and time, asking fundamental questions     (iii) of a more general academic or           will not automatically transfer;             on work experience and careers:
                                                                              about why some behaviours or attitudes           cultural interest for non-specialists   regulations state that a new application     simon.wurr@westminster.org.uk.
     part of every pupil’s      In three ‘rounds’ of eight weeks prior
                                to the summer examination season,             have shifted from unacceptable to                (Western Philosophy, Art History);      must be made post-GCSE. For more
     programme in the           most pupils select three courses in           normal or vice versa, how nations and      (iv) more practical, including                details, see ‘Westminster School’s
                                                                              communities develop and express their            Volunteering in the Community,          Protocol for Exam Concessions’,
     Sixth Form.                each round, from a long list of choices,
                                under two distinct headings: Cultural         sense of identity, and how we ourselves          or which teach and develop              available within the online registration.
                                Perspectives and General Options.             can make connections with apparently             particular skills, including
                                                                              alien societies.                                 British Sign Language, the Art
                                                                                                                               of Illumination, Bookbinding,
                                                                              The range of courses on offer                    Computer Programming, Knitting
                                                                              reflects the wide-ranging and varied             and Film and Video Production.
                                                                              interests of the teaching staff. Recent
                                                                              examples include: The Psychology
                                                                              of Fundamentalism; A History of the
                                                                              Imagination; The Constitutional
                                                                              Future of the United Kingdom;
                                                                              Psychogeography; Facing East,
                                                                              A View from the West; Deep Time;
                                                                              Medical Ethics and Changing Attitudes;
                                                                              Russians in Exile; and The Economics
                                                                              of Nationhood. One of the great
                                                                              attractions of the courses is the
                                                                              chance they offer to range far
                                                                              beyond conventional examined
                                                                              subjects. Prizes are awarded
                                                                              each year for essays produced as
                                                                              a reflection upon the experience.
16+ PROSPECTUS 2021 - Westminster School
18                                                                                                                                                               19

                                                                                              Adventures
                                                                                              and Expeditions
                                                                                              Westminster life may be based in London,
                                                                                              but it also extends further afield.

                                                                                              Westminster has an extensive
                                                                                              Expeditions Programme, offering
                                                                                              academic, cultural and leisure trips for
                                                                                              pupils of all ages. Linguists are well
                                                                                              catered for by visits or exchanges to
                                                                                              Spain, Germany, Russia, France and
                                                                                              China. Recently, Art Historians have
                                                                                              been to Florence, Paris and Venice,
                                                                                              Historians to Aachen and Berlin,
                                                                                              Geographers to South Wales and
                                                                                              Iceland and Artists to New York.
                                                                                              On the sporting front, skiers have
                                                                                              been to the French Alps, the Canadian
                                                                                              Rockies and Vermont, and rock-climbers
                                                                                              to Spain and Portugal.

     The broader
     curriculum
     In addition to their timetabled subjects,
     there are many opportunities for pupils
     of all years to extend and enrich their
     academic life.

     Further languages can be studied           by pupil-led societies. Departments
     outside the timetable. Boys in the         also have their own programmes of
     Fifth Form and Lower Shell can take        workshops and visiting speakers, and
     introductory courses in new subjects,      all Sixth Form (Year 12) pupils attend the
     for example: Psychology, Art History       John Locke Society lectures, which are                                                   “The trips I’ve been
     or Film Making, as one of their Lower      held regularly, mainly throughout the Play                                               on have taught me
     School Activities. In the Upper School,    and Lent Terms (winter and spring), where
     all pupils enjoy a varied, year-long       they can learn from individuals at the                                                   so many new things
     programme of lessons designed to           top of their field. These lectures are also                                              and have actually
     explore different cultural perspectives.   open to Remove (Year 13) pupils. Recent
     In addition, they can take a range of      guests have included Damian Barr,                                                        changed the way
     short courses, ranging from Computer       Nick Bullock, Sir Nick Clegg, Reverend                                                   I think when I’m back
     Coding to Journalism and Design.           Richard Coles, Lucy D’Orsi, Fox and Owl
                                                Fisher, Professor Anthony Grayling CBE,                                                  in the classroom.”
     Pupils from all years enjoy the thriving   Dominic Grieve QC, Jan Rostowski, Sir
     programme of events and talks planned      Simon Schama CBE and Terry Waite CBE.
20                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  21

     Music
     Music is central to the cultural life
     of Westminster School.

     Music has always been a very important     and organ scholarships to Oxford and       Little Shop of Horrors, My Fair Lady,
     part of life at Westminster. Several       Cambridge. The long list of instrumental   Oklahoma and Cabaret. The School’s
     world-famous musicians have been           ensembles includes the Symphony            Chamber Choir leads our services in
     educated at the School, including          Orchestra, which performs annually         Westminster Abbey, and this is also
     Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Roger Norrington,    at both St John’s Smith Square and         where we hold our candle-lit Christmas
     Sir George Benjamin, Ian Bostridge CBE     London’s Barbican. The standard of         Carol Service – a very special occasion
     and The Right Honourable The Lord          chamber music is exceptional and           for the whole school community.
     Lloyd Webber, as well as the pop stars     the School’s ensembles regularly
     Mika, Dido and Grace Chatto from           achieve recognition at competitions        Our choirs and orchestras take turns
     ‘Clean Bandit’.                            such as the Pro Corda National             to go on an annual summer music tour
                                                Chamber Music Festival.                    in the form of both destinations abroad
     A large number of Sixth Form pupils                                                   such as Venice, Prague, Berlin and
     involve themselves in the four choirs      We have had an exceptional number          Salzburg, and UK cathedral residencies
     and huge range of instrumental             of pupils playing in the National Youth    to cities such as Ely, Bury St Edmunds,
     ensembles on offer at the School. Choirs   Orchestra, as many as six at any one       Lichfield and Ripon.
     and organists sing and play in services    time. Accomplished musicians have
     in Westminster Abbey twice a week and      opportunities to conduct orchestras        Up to four 16+ Music Scholarships
     give various concerts throughout the       and to play concerti; while those          are awarded each year. Additionally,
     year. The Choir of Westminster School      developing their technique benefit from    biennially, one 16+ pupil is awarded
     records with the international record      masterclasses, workshops and talks         the Henry Purcell Organ Scholarship

                                                                                                                                                            The Art School
     label, Signum. Its most recent album was   with leading professional musicians.       by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster
     recording of the week on Classic FM’s                                                 Abbey. Further details can be found
     Drive and was included in the BBC          Every year, Westminster produces           on page 28.
     Music Magazine top ten Christmas           a musical, a highlight for pupils of all
     playlist. Pupils regularly gain choral     ages. Recent productions have included
                                                                                                                                                            In the Art Department the emphasis
                                                                                                                                                            is on drawing and painting, including
                                                                                                                                                            life drawing.

                                                                                                                                                            Westminster’s Art School is situated        The traditions abound: drawing,
                                                                                                                                                            on Great College Street, behind             painting and sculpting are forever
                                                                                                                                                            Dean’s Yard. There are numerous             present. The world-class galleries
                                                                                                                                                            architecturally-diverse spaces that         in central London, for study and
                                                                                                                                                            enhance creativity, spaces where            inspiration, are right on our doorstep.
                                                                                                                                                            ambition can be limitless.
                                                                                                                                     “I thrive because                                                  The Art School is available to all pupils
                                                                                                                                     there are no           Specialist equipment, including a           and often remains open late into the
                                                                                                                                                            printmaking studio, a dedicated IT suite,   evening to support extended work.
                                                                                                                                     creative boundaries.   film-making facilities and a well-stocked   There is a vibrant programme of visiting
                                                                                                                                     The School actively    library are set alongside many additional   artists. Pupils’ artwork is showcased
                                                                                                                                                            facilities such as the large darkroom       in the Department Gallery and studios
                                                                                                                                     encourages artistic    with equipment for black-and-white          and each year a major Summer Show
                                                                                                                                     innovation.”           processing and printing.                    is hosted to celebrate the achievements
                                                                                                                                                                                                        of pupils.
22                                                                                                                                                                                                               23

                                                    “Standing backstage
                                                   and hearing everyone
                                                    come in, waiting for

     Drama
                                                    us to begin, is one of
                                                       the most brilliant
                                                  experiences of my life.”
     Drama flourishes
     at Westminster.

     Most pupils will take part in shows
     during their time at the School – on
     stage, backstage or perhaps both –
     and some go on to pursue successful
     careers in the performing arts, making
     a name for themselves in television,
     theatre and film.

     Regular productions of musicals and
     large-scale classical plays involve pupils                                                                          Sport for life –
                                                                                                                         and to win
     from the whole school community.
     Another highlight of the theatrical
     calendar is a festival produced and
     performed by Sixth Form pupils,
     this year showcasing scenes from                                                                                    All pupils at Westminster
     iconic movies. In addition, we
     produce original translations, plays                                                                                participate in a wide     Our Facilities
                                                                             “We push each other
     in foreign languages and a lively
                                                                             to be the best we can                       variety of sporting       Westminster’s Pavilion, playing fields
                                                                                                                                                   and Sports Centre are at Vincent
     programme of House Drama. Pupils
     are encouraged to write, direct and                                     be, not just because                        activities (known as      Square, a ten-minute walk from Dean’s
     design their own productions.                                           the team wants to win,                      Station) on Tuesday and Yard.   Football, netball, cricket, tennis,
                                                                                                                                                   basketball, hula-hooping and rounders
     The School’s drama facilities are                                       but because we want                         Thursday afternoons.      are played on Vincent Square. Officially
     superb: state-of-the-art theatre and                                    everyone to enjoy and                                                                  opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014,
     studio spaces at the purpose-built                                                                                                                             the Sports Centre offers over 6,000m²
                                                                             get the most out of what                    Station takes place on Tuesday and         of space for a broad range of athletic
     Millicent Fawcett Hall; the School Hall,
     a traditional proscenium arch with fly                                  we’re doing together.”                      Thursday afternoons, as well as            pursuits and includes changing facilities
     tower; and Ashburnham Garden, where                                                                                 Saturdays for fixtures and competitions.   and a cafeteria. It houses a state-of-the-
     we often put on summer productions                                                                                  We offer some 25 different sports          art Fitness Suite, a multi-use Movement
     against the unique backdrop of the                                       Historically, the principal sports at      in our Station programme, providing        Studio, a Rowing Training Suite,
     ancient Abbey Walls. Visiting companies                                  Westminster are cricket, football and      pupils with a wide choice. In addition,    fencing pistes, six cricket nets, two
     regularly come to Westminster to                                         Water. All three have a long tradition     there is a Civic Engagement option.        climbing walls, four table tennis tables,
     perform and give workshops.                                              at Westminster and we can rightfully       No particular sport is compulsory in       five badminton courts, a weights room,
                                                                              claim a place in their annals. The first   any given term, although once choices      a dojo, and courts for basketball,
     Our theatrical alumni include Helena                                     known cricket match between public         have been made in the first term, those    netball, indoor football, hockey,
     Bonham Carter, Imogen Stubbs, Peter                                      schools was Westminster v. Harrow          involved in major competitive sports       handball and volleyball.
     Brook, Peter Ustinov and John Gielgud.                                   in 1796; the Westminster colours           such as Water (Rowing), football, Fives
                                                                              were chosen supposedly after               or netball will participate in these on    On the main school site there are
                                                                              rowing against Eton in 1837, and we        both afternoons. Others might choose       facilities for Fives and shooting, whilst
                                                                              competed against Charterhouse in           one sport on Tuesday and a different       the School’s Boathouse, which was
                                                                              the first ever inter-school football       one on Thursday.                           completely rebuilt in 1996, is situated
                                                                              matches in 1863.                                                                      on the Tideway at Putney.
24                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          25

                                                   Westminster
                                                   and the community
                                                   Westminster School is outward-looking.

     Our pupils heed the call to be politically,   one-to-one, teaching English as an           experience, where 30 Sixth Form
     socially and ethically engaged. We            additional language, at breakfast or         pupils become the sole carers of people
     enjoy a unique educational partnership        after school clubs, and coordinating their   with physical and mental disabilities for
     with the Harris Westminster Sixth Form.       own Science, Music and Sports clubs at       a week of the summer holiday.
     In addition, Sixth Form pupils enjoy
     mentoring at the Westminster Summer
                                                   local schools. All Upper Shell boys work
                                                   together after their GCSEs to host a day     Our outreach programme allows
                                                                                                                                                                                                                “It’s a great
     School – a week of activities for pupils      of workshops – from dissection to dance      Westminster pupils see beyond the                                                                               environment to be in;
     in the maintained sector with high
     academic potential, in collaboration with
                                                   – for primary school children.               immediate priorities of their academic,
                                                                                                co-curricular and social lives. It
                                                                                                                                                                                                                the School encourages
     Imperial College, King’s College London       Sixth Formers enjoy further volunteering     encourages them to acknowledge                                                                                  all sorts of broadening
     and McKinsey and Company. We also
     host the Linacre Summer School.
                                                   opportunities: working at local hospitals,
                                                   academic mentoring, visiting older
                                                                                                their position in a wider society
                                                                                                and to take responsibility for others.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                of intellectual and
                                                   people and supporting the homeless.          For many, it is the start of life-long                                                                          social horizons – but
     Many pupils work with local primary
     school children: mentoring, reading
                                                   The annual Westminster Phab is
                                                   a popular and, for some, a life-changing
                                                                                                civic engagement.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                also they don’t mind
                                                                                                                                                                                                                if you just want to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                have a bit of fun.”

                                                                                                                                            After Westminster
                                                                                                                                            Pupils continue        Our experienced team of Higher
                                                                                                                                                                   Education advisers guides and supports
                                                                                                                                                                                                                experiences and give advice. This is in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                addition to the superb programme of
                                                                                                                                            their studies at       Sixth Formers through the exciting           visiting speakers each week. Boys in the
                                                                                                                                            leading universities   process of making decisions about the
                                                                                                                                                                   future and completing applications.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Upper Shell also enjoy a Futures Day
                                                                                                                                                                                                                where they are given practical advice,
                                                                                                                                            after Westminster –    University preparation classes are held at   in workshops that introduce them to the
                                                                                                                                            more than half at      lunchtime and after School to help pupils
                                                                                                                                                                   develop skills for assessment tests and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                world of employment and encourage
                                                                                                                                                                                                                them to think purposefully about the
                                                                                                                                            Oxford, Cambridge      interviews. Each pupil also benefits from    choices ahead. All pupils are encouraged
                                                                                                                                            and Ivy League         tutorials with a personal subject mentor
                                                                                                                                                                   specialising in the subject for which he
                                                                                                                                                                                                                to take appropriate work experience, and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                assistance is provided where possible.
     “Pupils engage in                                                                                                                      universities; almost   or she wishes to apply.
     service outside the                                                                                                                    all on top courses.    Popular careers panel events are held
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Our aim is that Westminster pupils
                                                                                                                                                                                                                should continue to live highly successful
     School with great                                                                                                                                             throughout the year, at which experts        and fulfilling lives, in a full range of
     enthusiasm and                                                                                                                                                from different fields – Medicine, Law,       professional, creative, political and
     great integrity.”                                                                                                                                             Journalism, Engineering, Investment,         entrepreneurial fields.
                                                                                                                                                                   Digital Media and Marketing – share their
     ISI Report November 2016
26                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             27

     The admissions procedure                                                                                                         Guide to applying
                                                                                                                                      Before you go online to register, please
                                                                                                                                      read the following information:
                                                                                                                                                                                   Candidates sit examinations in each of
                                                                                                                                                                                   the four subjects selected – each lasting
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Acceptance deposits
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Parents accepting the offer of a place
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  must also pay an Acceptance Deposit
                                                                                                                                                                                   an hour. There is information about            of £3,000 (£5,000 for international
                                                                                                                                      • Decide whether you are applying            the examination requirements for each          boarders). Acceptance deposits will be
                                                                                                                                        for a day or a boarding place.             subject in the Course information              refunded, upon request, at the start of
     There is a huge amount of information in this brochure and you                                                                   • For boarders who will not be               section (page 34).                             the academic year after the pupil has
     might decide not to read everything. It is, however, very important                                                                able to return home over half-term                                                        left Westminster.
     to read this section carefully and also the two sections that follow –                                                             holidays and ‘Exeat Weekends’, or          We also ask candidates to write
     Guide to applying and Frequently asked questions.                                                                                  when unwell, we require the name           a personal statement paper on the day.         GCSE / IGCSE requirement
                                                                                                                                        and address of the UK guardian, with       We will provide questions and headings
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The offer of a place is conditional on
     If, having read these sections, you have any further queries about the                                                             whom he or she will stay. If we are        to help candidates with this.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  a candidate achieving a minimum of
     admissions procedure, please telephone our Admissions Office on                                                                    not satisfied with the arrangements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  eight GCSE / IGCSE passes at A/7
     020 7963 1003 or email sixthformadmissions@westminster.org.uk.                                                                     for a guardian, we will not accept         Interviews                                     grade, of which at least four are at A*/8,
     If you are applying from overseas, it is essential that you read the                                                               the application.
                                                                                                                                                                                   Those candidates, who have performed           preferably in the subjects to be studied
                                                                                                                                      • Parents will be asked to pay the
     section entitled Information for overseas candidates.                                                                                                                         most strongly in the examinations, will        at A Level / Pre-U. Overseas candidates
                                                                                                                                        registration fee of £200 using a credit
                                                                                                                                                                                   be invited to come to Westminster for          and those requiring a visa to study in the
                                                                                                                                        or debit card.
                                                                                                                                                                                   interviews. Candidates not being invited       UK should refer to the section entitled:
                                                                                                                                      • We ask to see each candidate’s
                                                                                                                                                                                   for interviews will be notified in writing,    Information for overseas candidates
                                                                                                                                        most recent school report, from the
                                                                                                                                                                                   via email, at the same time.                   (page 30).
                                                                                                                                        last 12 months, so please have this
     Open Days                                                                               Registration                               ready to upload.
                                                                                                                                      • Candidates will be asked to choose
                                                                                                                                                                                   The interview day will be Saturday             Tier 4 visa sponsorship
     The best way to learn about entry to       When you arrive, please make your way        Registration opens on Monday 1 June                                                   28 November 2020 and all candidates
     Westminster School at 16+ is to join us    to Church House. The entrance is on the      2020. Candidates and their parents         the four subjects that they are thinking                                                  £1,000 will be charged for those
                                                                                                                                                                                   who have been invited, including
     for an Open Day. In 2020, in view of the   north side of Dean’s Yard. The entrance      register online. Please go to the          of taking for A Level / Pre-U and in                                                      requesting Tier 4 visa sponsorship.
                                                                                                                                                                                   those from overseas, must attend
     COVID-19 pandemic, our June Open           to Dean’s Yard is next to the main           Admissions page at www.westminster.        which they will be examined on 7
                                                                                                                                                                                   interview on that day. Candidates will
     Day (Saturday 20 June) will be virtual.    entrance to Westminster Abbey.               org.uk and follow the link labelled        November 2020.
                                                                                                                                                                                   have interviews in each of their four          What happens after
     A second, on-site Open Day is planned                                                   Apply for admission at 16+.              • Those wishing to be examined
                                                                                                                                                                                   examination subjects and they will also        accepting a place
     for Monday 7 September.                    The closest Underground stations are                                                    in Mathematics with Further
                                                                                                                                                                                   have a general interview.                      In March 2021, successful candidates
                                                St James’s Park and Westminster. There       Follow the instructions step by step,      Mathematics must select it in Block 1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  will be invited to spend a day at the
     Open day timetables                        are parking restrictions until 6.30pm and    but before you go online to register       and Block 3. There is only one
                                                                                                                                                                                   School references                              School. By this time, they will have
                                                the Congestion Charge operates until         please read the section Guide to           entrance examination for both.
     Saturday 20 June 2020                                                                                                                                                         Should a candidate be invited to               been allocated to Houses, so this
                                                6.00pm Monday to Friday. There is no         applying (page 27).                      • Candidates choosing Mathematics
     The Open Day will take the form of                                                                                                                                            interview, following the entrance              will be an opportunity to get to know
                                                Congestion Charge at weekends and                                                       with Further Mathematics should
     a webinar, beginning at 11.00am.                                                                                                                                              examinations, we will write to the             the other pupils going into the same
                                                parking restrictions may vary.               If you experience a problem, please        not choose Art as an entrance
     Details of the precise schedule will be                                                                                                                                       Head Teacher of their current school           House and also to meet existing
                                                                                             email sixthformadmissions@                 examination subject.
     published nearer the time, but the event                                                                                                                                      for a reference. No exceptions will            pupils. Candidates will also meet their
                                                There is an underground car park in          westminster.org.uk or telephone          • Candidates from overseas should
     will include introductory talks from the                                                                                                                                      be allowed.                                    Housemasters for the first time.
                                                Abingdon Street opposite the House           020 7963 1003.                             read carefully the section of this
     Head Master and senior members of                                                                                                                                                                                            There will be another opportunity to
                                                of Lords open 24 hours a day, seven                                                     brochure entitled Information for
     staff, a virtual tour of the School and
                                                days a week.                                 The closing date for registration          overseas candidates (page 30).             Offers                                         meet with Housemasters after GCSE /
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  IGCSE examinations and before the
     opportunity to submit questions to                                                                                               • We also ask candidates to complete
                                                                                             is Wednesday 30 September 2020.                                                       Offers of places will be sent out on           summer holidays.
     subject specialists, the Head Master                                                                                               a personal statement exam paper
                                                If you are planning to attend the                                                                                                  Wednesday 9 December and the
     and other senior members of staff.
                                                September Open Day, it is essential          Candidate age                              on the day.
                                                                                                                                                                                   deadline for acceptance will be
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Fees
                                                to book online. To request a ticket                                                                                                Wednesday 16 December 2020. Some
     To sign up for this event, please visit
                                                please visit our website, www.
                                                                                             Westminster is a school for pupils
                                                                                                                                      Entrance examination                         candidates will be placed on a waiting         Fees are subject to annual review at
     our website, www.westminster.org.uk,                                                    under the age of 19. The date of birth
                                                westminster.org.uk, and follow the links                                              The examinations will be held on             list – these candidates will be contacted      the end of the academic year. The fees
     and follow the links for Open Days.                                                     of a candidate applying for admission
                                                for Open Days. Once we have received                                                  Saturday 7 November 2020 for all             if they are going to be offered a place.       for the academic year 2019 / 20 were
                                                                                             in 2021 must be between 1 September
                                                and processed your booking, we will                                                   candidates. They will take place                                                            set at £13,869 per term for Sixth Form
     Monday 7 September 2020                                                                 2004 and 31 August 2005.
     4.00pm – Arrival and registration.
                                                email your ticket to you. You will need to                                            between 9.00am and 3.30pm in                 Entrance fee                                   boarding entry and £10,497 per term for
                                                bring this with you to the Open Day.                                                  Westminster. All candidates will be                                                         Sixth Form day pupil entry.
     5.00pm – Introductory talks                                                                                                                                                   Parents accepting the offer of a place
     from the Head Master and senior                                                                                                  required to bring their valid Child
                                                                                                                                                                                   must pay the non-refundable Entrance
     members of staff.                                                                                                                Oyster Card or Passport (hardcopy)
                                                                                                                                                                                   Fee of £1,500. Please note that this fee
     5.40pm – Tours of the School led by                                                                                              as photo ID; images on their ‘phone
                                                                                                                                                                                   is not offset against the final term’s fees.
     current pupils and the opportunity to                                                                                            will not be accepted.
     talk with subject specialists, the Head
     Master and senior members of staff.
28                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            29

     Scholarships
     and Bursaries                                                                                                                        Frequently asked questions
     Queen’s Scholarships                         16+ Music Scholarships                                                                  Q. If I can’t make an                      Q. Why am I sitting only one                 Q. How many
     The Queen’s Scholars are part of             Up to four 16+ music scholarships worth    Bursaries are available where the            Open Day, how else can                     exam for Mathematics?                        applications are made
     Queen Elizabeth I’s Royal Foundation         10% of the day fee, and free tuition on    parents and children fall into one           I visit the School?                        A. If you have chosen Mathematics with       and places are offered?
     of the College of St Peter, which            up to two instruments, are awarded         of the following categories:                 A. Please email the Admissions             Further Mathematics in Blocks 1 and 3        A. We usually have about 550
     encompasses both Westminster                 each year. Additionally, biennially, one   • British citizens in possession of a        Department – registrar@westminster.        you will only have one Mathematics           applicants. We interview approximately
     School and Westminster Abbey.                16+ pupil is awarded the Henry Purcell       British passport (The United Kingdom       org.uk – to arrange to join one of         entrance examination, although               160 candidates and we offer between
     They have the privilege of attending         Organ Scholarship by the Dean                of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);    the regular tours of the School.           Mathematics with Further Mathematics         75 and 85 places, with a waiting list.
     certain Abbey services and have              and Chapter of Westminster Abbey.          • Citizens of the EEA or Switzerland, as     You should be aware, however, that the     count as two A Levels.
     a variety of ceremonial duties to            Applications are part of the online          defined by the UKVI, in possession of      other families on the tour will probably                                                Q. How many girls apply
     perform in connection with the Abbey         registration. Auditions will be held         an EEA or Swiss passport or ID, who        be interested in 13+ entry and you will    Q. Are past papers available?                compared with boys?
     and the Crown.                               in November for those candidates,            live in London. See website: www.gov.      not have the opportunity to speak to       A. No, but look carefully at the             A. The great majority of candidates are
                                                  who are invited to interview. A good         uk/government/organisations/uk-            subject teachers. These tours also get     information about the examinations           girls but we have a significant number
     Four Queen’s Scholarships per year           Grade 8 standard on the candidate’s          visas-and-immigration;                     booked up weeks in advance so do           by referring to the Course information       of boy applicants. Applications from
     are awarded to girls entering the            first instrument is usually expected.      • Has indefinite leave to remain             come to an Open Day if you can!            section (page 34).                           girls and boys are treated in exactly the
     Sixth Form at 16+, based on the              The Director of Music is very happy to       in the UK.                                                                                                                         same way.
     overall performance in the subject           discuss the process with prospective                                                    Q. How do you set exam                     Q. What if the A Levels /
     exam papers and interviews.                  candidates. For further information,       Parents should consult the UKVI website      papers when only one                       Pre-Us I want to take                        Q. Is it easier to gain
                                                  Sixth      Formthebursaries
                                                  please contact       Music Administrator   for a detailed explanation of the criteria   year of the GCSE / IGCSE                   don’t fit into your four                     entry by selecting one or the
     The total number of Queen’s Scholars         on 020 7963 1017 or email music.           established by the United Kingdom.           syllabus has been covered?                 teaching blocks?                             other: boarder or day?
     is 48 and all of them board in College,      office@westminster.org.uk.                 These criteria are used by the School.       A. Be assured that we do take this         A. Read the notes on the Sixth Form          A. No. Selection is based upon
     with the girls accommodated in their                                                                                                 into account when we set the papers.       curriculum (page 12). If your question       academic criteria.
     own separate area. The girls are known       A number of means-tested bursaries         Parents who qualify under the above          For information about specific             is not answered there please email the
     as Queen’s Scholars just as the boys are     (up to 100% of the day fees) are           criteria must also live inside the M25       examinations, please refer to the          Deputy Head (Academic):                      Q. Can I study more than
     and will have the post-nominal ‘QS’.         available at 16+ entry each year. We aim   London orbital. The expectation is that      Course information section (page 34).      peter.sharp@westminster.org.uk.              four A Levels / Pre-Us?
                                                  to act as sensitively as possible and      their child will commute from home to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A. In general the answer is no, but
     What is College like?                        very few members of staff and no           School each day.                             Q. I haven’t studied the                   The subjects appear as they do               there are a few exceptions. For more
                                                  other pupils will be aware that a pupil                                                 subject before, how will
     College is a relaxed and friendly                                                                                                                                               in the blocks because these are              information, please refer to Before you
                                                  is receiving financial assistance. When    For more information about eligibility       I cope with the exam?
     boarding house and the Queen’s                                                                                                                                                  the subject combinations that suit most      decide (page 13). Studying for more
                                                  a full bursary is awarded, it covers       for bursaries, please refer to the
     Scholars mix with other pupils, just                                                                                                 A. The exams in Art History and            Westminster pupils, and which allow          than four A Levels does not give
                                                  the cost of uniform, equipment and         website: www.westminster.org.uk/
     like everyone else. The present                                                                                                      Economics are based on the                 most Westminster pupils to go                pupils any advantage in university
                                                  compulsory school expeditions. Please      admissions/bursaries.
     building dates back to the early                                                                                                     assumption that candidates will not        to their first-choice universities to read   applications and may result in lower
                                                  note that bursaries are available for
     18th century and is in Yard, at the                                                                                                  have studied these subjects before.        the subjects, in which they are most         grades across the board.
                                                  day pupils who live in London only and
     very heart of the School.                                                                                                            They are not offered at GCSE / IGCSE       interested.
                                                  who meet the eligibility criteria.
                                                                                                                                          level at Westminster, so all Westminster
     The Housemaster is Mr Gareth Mann,                                                                                                   pupils moving up from Year 11 will be      Q. What happens if I change
                                                  Candidates who wish to apply for
     also known as Master of the Queen’s                                                                                                  starting from scratch. There is also       my mind after selecting
                                                  a bursary should ask their parents to
     Scholars. There will be an opportunity                                                                                               a Russian examination for those who        the A Levels / Pre-Us I want
                                                  complete the Bursary Part A (Initial
     on the day of interviews for pupils to see                                                                                           have never studied the language.           to study?
                                                  Assessment) Form, which is available
     the House and meet Mr Mann.                                                                                                                                                     A. We expect pupils to study their
                                                  as part of the online registration
                                                  process. For assistance, please contact                                                                                            entrance examination subjects when
     The monetary value of the new 16+                                                                                                                                               they arrive at Westminster. Pupils who
                                                  the Bursary on 020 7963 1028 or email
     Queen’s Scholarship for girls is set at                                                                                                                                         wish to make changes to their choices
                                                  sixthformadmissions@westminster.org.
     halfway between 50% of the boarding                                                                                                                                             should discuss this with the Deputy
                                                  uk. If a candidate who is applying for
     fee and the full day fee. Based on the                                                                                                                                          Head (Academic), who will probably
                                                  a bursary is called back for interview,
     current year’s fees that would be £7,800                                                                                                                                        require them to sit an examination in
                                                  his or her parents will be invited to
     per term. The Governing Body reviews                                                                                                                                            the relevant subject(s).
                                                  meet the Bursar on the interview day –
     the fees in June and will publish the fees
                                                  28 November 2020.
     for 2020/21 in early July 2020.
30                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            31

     Information for                                                                                                                                                                   Choosing your
     overseas candidates                                                                                                                                                               Sixth Form subjects
     All candidates whose parents do not live in the UK should read this
     section carefully before proceeding with an application.

     Candidate age                             UKiset                                      Entrance examinations                         Guardians
     The date of birth of candidates           All applicants who have English as          Overseas candidates who cannot                All pupils at Westminster School,
     applying for admission in 2021            their second language are required          sit the entrance examinations at              whose parents live abroad, must
     must be between 1 September 2004          to provide a UKiset (UK Independent         Westminster School are expected to            have a guardian.
     and 31 August 2005. The School            Schools’ Entry Test) profile as part of     arrange invigilation at their local British
     reserves the right to demand proof        their application. UKiset is an adaptive    Council. Parents are responsible for          What is the role of the guardian?
     of a candidate’s date of birth.           online test taken in English that has       making the necessary arrangements             • The guardian must take the place
                                               been designed to support admission          and for payment of any costs incurred.          of a pupil’s parent during term time
     English language                          into the UK independent education           Westminster School must be satisfied            in a very real sense.
                                               system. UKiset tests a child’s underlying   in advance with the security of the           • He or she must be available at all
     Candidates are expected to
                                               academic abilities through three            supervision arrangements. The                   times to discuss with members of staff
     demonstrate fluency in both written
     and spoken English. Lessons at
                                               principal reasoning areas – Verbal,         examinations must be taken on the               any problems that may have arisen.          It goes without saying, of course, that
     Westminster move at a fast pace and
                                               Non-Verbal and Numerical Ability –
                                               together with a piece of creative
                                                                                           designated Examination Day, which
                                                                                           is 7 November 2020. If this is not
                                                                                                                                         • In the event of illness or suspension
                                                                                                                                           from School, the guardian must take
                                                                                                                                                                                       this is an important decision, and one that
     a pupil who does not speak good
     English will not cope. Candidates are
                                               writing and the English Placement Test.     possible, permission must be obtained           the pupil into his or her home.             deserves careful thought.
                                               In total, the test takes approximately      from Westminster School for the               • Westminster School is closed over
     not allowed the use of dictionaries
                                               two and a half hours.                       examinations to be taken on either              half-term holidays and for two ‘Exeat
     during the entrance examinations.
                                                                                           6 or 8 November 2020. The examinations          Weekends’ each term. At these times,        Talk to as many people as possible (parents, teachers, friends), but remember
                                               To arrange a test you must first register   cannot be taken before or after those           a pupil may not stay at school and          that, ultimately, this is up to you, and it is a decision best made according
     GCSE / IGCSE qualification                online at www.ukiset.com. This must         dates. Candidates offering Music or             must go to his or her guardian.             to the reasons you find most compelling. It might be helpful, however, to bear
     There is no GCSE / IGCSE requirement      be taken before the application closing     Art as one of their four subjects must                                                      the following in mind:
     for overseas pupils, who attend schools   deadline, Monday 30 September 2020.         sit their entrance examinations at            Candidates who are resident overseas
     that do not prepare pupils for GCSE /                                                 Westminster School on Saturday                must provide the name and address of          • First and foremost, choose a subject that you find stimulating, and try to
     IGCSE examinations.                       After the candidate has taken the test,     7 November 2020; these cannot be              the proposed guardian and state their           avoid the ‘means-to-an-end’ mentality; if the means are not attractive then
                                               a report is generated for their parents     taken overseas. Any cost incurred in          relationship to the guardian.                   there is a large chance that the end will turn out to be less appealing than
                                               and a separate, in-depth report is          the sending out and return of the                                                             perhaps it seems at the moment.
                                               created for us. If you have taken UKiset    examination papers must be borne              An application will not be accepted if the
                                               and wish for your report to be sent to      by the candidate. Wherever possible           name and address of a guardian have           • Find out as clearly as possible what the A-level or Pre-U course involves, and
                                               us, please contact the UKiset team at       the preference of Westminster School          not been provided or if, in the opinion         make sure you are aware not just of its content, but also the methods, by which
                                               enquiries@ukiset.com.                       is for examination papers to be sent out      of Westminster School, guardianship             you will be working (e.g. number of essays, quantity of coursework, number of
                                                                                           by electronic mail to a secure address.       arrangements are unsatisfactory.                practicals, amount of factual learning and so on). Moreover, do not assume that
                                                                                           Completed examination scripts should                                                          the course will necessarily be similar to GCSE; try to find out exactly what will
                                                                                           be scanned and mailed electronically,         Visas                                           be involved.
                                                                                           in addition to sending hard copies of the
                                                                                                                                         Westminster School is authorised by the
                                                                                           scripts to us by 11 November 2020.                                                          • Although it is true that your Sixth Form subjects should be ones, in which you
                                                                                                                                         Home Office to issue candidates who
                                                                                                                                                                                         are aiming for top grades at GCSE, do not choose a subject simply on the basis
                                                                                                                                         have been offered places at the School
                                                                                           If a candidate is invited for interview                                                       that you are good at it now; to be in the running for the top grades at A Level
                                                                                                                                         with Certificates of Acceptance to Study
                                                                                           he or she must come to Westminster                                                            or Pre-U you must be willing to work very hard, within and beyond the syllabus,
                                                                                                                                         (CAS). Please look at the GOV.UK
                                                                                           School on the designated Interview                                                            so make sure the subject is one with which you engage.
                                                                                                                                         website to find out how you can apply
                                                                                           Day, which is 28 November 2020.
                                                                                                                                         to come to or remain in the UK as
                                                                                           No exceptions can be made.                                                                  • Aim for a group of subjects that complement and reinforce each other, but that
                                                                                                                                         a child student under Tier 4 (Child) of the
                                                                                                                                                                                         include sufficient breadth to keep your options open. To this end, it is important
                                                                                                                                         points-based system and other related
                                                                                                                                                                                         to be aware of the requirements that different degree courses may have.
                                                                                                                                         information: https://www.gov.uk/child-
                                                                                                                                         study-visa.
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