Description
Kensington Aldridge Academy is a State Secondary school for kids aged 11 to 18 (Gender - Mixed)
KAA is a high performing academy with a strong local and national profile. In December 2017 Ofsted graded the school “outstanding” in all areas and described standards as “exceptional”. In 2018 KAA was named the TES Secondary School of the Year. Students and parents who are considering KAA, or teachers who are interested in working with them, can read the Ofsted report here, our 2022 Good Schools Guide review here, and see our recent results here. The Sixth Form is also outstanding. Over half of all Year 13 leavers progress to Russell Group Universities, with a small number to Oxbridge each year. Any current Year 11 students interest in applying for KAA6 should visit the Sixth Form pages. Another distinctive feature of KAA is the partnerships. They are linked with Godolphin & Latymer and Charterhouse independent schools, and this helps provide the students with opportunities that are unique in the state sector. They are also partnered with LAMDA and the Royal Academy of Dance and have a specialism in performing and creative arts subjects.
Facilities
Curriculum
The curriculum at KAA is rich and balanced. Academic excellence, high aspirations and creativity are the driving forces behind the structure of the curriculum. In Year 7 a large amount of time is devoted to the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. They believe that a strong grounding in these areas is essential to equip students for further study at Advanced and Degree level, and to support their development in other subjects. The curriculum covers traditional academic subjects but also meets the needs of the modern world. We don’t see that there is a tension between the two. They will develop as creative, resilient learners, who see problems as puzzles to be solved and mistakes as opportunities to improve. This is what we mean by developing entrepreneurial attributes in the students: they encourage confidence and creativity in lessons and the students increasingly self-direct their studies and take control of their own destinies.
Autism & SEN
At KAA they recognise that some students may need different or additional support at specific times during their school career to meet learning challenges, whilst others may need ongoing support. KAA makes a commitment to provide outstanding support to all students, planned and delivered to the highest standard by all teaching and support staff. The principles that underpin all support activity at KAA are: Support is available for all students of all abilities who require it, which includes those who are gifted and talented, and those for whom barriers to learning exist. Inclusion and pupil support is everyone’s responsibility. They recognise that success for every student is dependent on a through-school approach to inclusion, and that this must form the core of all teaching and learning activities at KAA. Any area of learning can be improved through targeted support. This includes: support for class work, homework and time management skills, relationships with others, social and emotional skills, attitude, self-esteem and behavioural self-management.
Features
Things to note
Enrichment
In addition to their weekly timetabled lessons, students at KAA are also offered an extensive programme of enrichment designed to stretch their thinking, broaden their horizons and teach them more about the world. Enrichment takes place Monday to Thursday, from 4pm to 4.45pm (unless otherwise stated in the timetable). It is non-compulsory but we encourage all students to choose at least one enrichment per term. They expect all students to show INTREPIDUS in their Enrichment choices. Intrepidus means students push themselves to do new things and take risks in a safe environment. Despite there being an academic focus to some of the sessions, the primary goal of enrichment is for students to enjoy learning and to love spending time at school. Enrichment, for many students, supports their social and emotional needs, allowing them the confidence to build friendships, to focus on their future and to grow as individuals. It also ensures students are kept healthy through sporting and active sessions.
Performing & Creative Arts
As a performing and creative arts specialist academy they are committed to excellence in art, music, drama, dance and design technology. This means excellent facilities and – most importantly – excellent teaching within these subjects. They believe performing and creative arts provide essential cultural knowledge to the students and develop a wide range of talents, helping them become confident, expressive communicators. Universities increasingly require applicants to demonstrate these skills and provide examples of success that are not purely ‘academic’.
Extra Curricular
Please check the school website link for details.
1.21 miles
