Kings Brighton

• A-levels at Kings;
• GCSEs at Kings;
• Year 12 transfer;
• Art & Design Foundation.
  

Both A-levels and GCSE courses at Kings are defined by a highly intensive, highly personalised structure to ensure effective and efficient learning. We offer two-year, one-year intensive, September and January start dates and Year 12 transfers.

Very small classes are combined with a supportive, friendly college environment to ensure that individual progress, development of subject knowledge and transferable skills are maximised.

Key facts:

Start dates: 6 September 2021, 3 January 2022

Minimum age: 16

Length: Standard: 2 Academic Years (6 terms). Accelerated: 1 Academic year (3 terms), September start only

Lessons: Average 20-25 hours per week (plus homework and private study)

Class size range: 4-10 students

Fast-track one-year or traditional two-year A-level

We offer both the traditional two-year A-level with September and January start dates, and an accelerated, intensive one-year option, subject to availability.

Resits and retakes

The one-year options are designed to cater for students who are looking for an intensive course for one of the following reasons: to resit or retake subjects in which they have previously missed their full potential, to transfer from other programmes such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, to add a further subject where a student has not met the pre-requisite subject requirements for their chosen degree.

Year 12 transfers

With the changes created through A-level reforms, some students may not have the opportunity to use AS qualifications as an indicator of performance through their A-levels and may be concerned about achieving their university ambitions. Internal school assessments are important and can be a key indication of potential final A-levels grades. However, they may not always hold the same gravitas as AS qualifications, particularly with the development of more universities making early unconditional offers to year 12 students.

In addition, some schools may restrict students' progression between Year 12 and Year 13.

There is still time to seek advice and explore the range of options available. Our academic team can provide expert guidance and support for students who are concerned about their progress, subjects or university progression. This may include the possibility of transferring at Year 12 and/or changing one or more subjects.

Small class sizes

All A-levels are taught in very small classes of just 4-10 students to maximise teacher contact and interaction time with students.

A-level subjects

The selection of A-levels is a key issue for our students. Our aim is to provide a range of subjects which offer our students the maximum flexibility for progression to leading universities and degrees.

Our academic and UCAS teams liaise closely with admissions tutors to ensure we have a detailed understanding of university entrance requirements and preferred subjects.

Our provision is informed by these discussions and has the facilitating subjects, as defined by the Russell Group, at its core. A-level Reforms have added a new dimension to A-level decision making. Individual learning plans are discussed and agreed with every student, including consideration over the number of subjects taken and the value of sitting AS exams in the first year. Each student’s progress is carefully monitored throughout their time at Kings.

A-level Subjects

Art and Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Chinese, Economics, English Literature, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Mathematics / Further Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physics, Psychology

We are also able to offer additional subjects, depending on demand and availability. Please contact us to discuss your specific interests.

We offer an accelerated one-year GCSE programme with subjects that include Art, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics and Physics.

Resits and retakes

We also provide programmes to allow students to resit or retake GCSE subjects where they haven't realised their full potential and have narrowly missed the required grades for progression.

Key facts

Start dates: 6 September 2021

Minimum age: 14

Length: 1 Academic year (3 terms)

Lessons: Average 20-25 hours per week (plus homework and private study)

Class size range: 4-10 students

Learning outcomes:

Gain subject knowledge in preparation for A-levels Develop study skills required at Sixth Form level

Course structure

Main academic subjects: Mathematics: 5–6 lessons per week English: 5–6 lessons per week Study Skills: 2 lessons per week Science: 9–12 lessons per week ICT: 5–6 lessons per week Economics: 5–6 lessons per week Art: 5–6 lessons per week

Enrichment programme subjects: PSHE and Citizenship: 2 lessons per week Physical Education: 2 lessons per week Creative Arts: 2 lessons per week

Sample enrichment activities Annual three-day residential learning and cultural excursion Student Council Duke of Edinburgh's Award Trinity Arts Award English Literature Club Economics Club Art Club Maths surgeries Quiz Club Investors Club Yoga Club Personal & Health Club

Mentoring for under 16s

Includes: Full supervision during college hours Monday – Friday Welfare Counsellors Half-termly reports Separate Student and Parents' Portals Regular contact with parents on request.

The Kings Art and Design Foundation programme provides students with the knowledge, skills and understanding of creative development and practice required by leading arts universities.

At Kings Brighton we offer a one-year programme starting in September, an intensive January-start option and an extended programme of art preparation of 1, 2 or 3 terms to provide opportunities for experimentation and development of skills and creativity.

Key facts

Start dates:

Art Foundation: 6 September 2021, 3 January 2022

Art Preparation Programme: Termly

Minimum age: 17 Entry requirements: 1 A-level and portfolio.

Students with a limited portfolio can follow our Art and Design Preparation Programme for 1 – 3 terms to build their portfolio and progress to join the Foundation programme.

Length:

Foundation: 3 terms (September – June or January – July)

Art Preparation Programme: 1, 2 or 3 terms Lessons: Average 20 – 25 hours per week (plus additional private study, workshop time and homework)

Class size range: 4 – 12

Learning outcomes:

Students will explore a range of core concepts and methodologies, and experiment with a range of materials and techniques, to find solutions to communicate their concepts and ideas through creative practice. They will develop their communication and study skills to equip them for the application process and studies at university. Students will realise and exhibit a final project, which will form the centrepiece of their portfolio for application to degree.

Progress to wherever your imagination takes you

Specialist elective pathways include: Animation, Architecture, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Textile Design Degree options are limitless. Students have recently progressed to study degrees in: Advertising, Architecture, Book Making, Design, Embroidery, Fashion, Fashion Illustration, Fine Art, Garden Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Installation Art, Interior Design, Jewellery Design, Landscape Design, Packaging Design, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textile Design.

Course Units

Part 1 — Learning skills and context

Unit 1: Art and Design Research Methods Research methodology, contextual awareness, interpretation, evaluation and application.

Unit 2: Ideas and Development Concept and idea generation and creative development using a broad range of approaches.

Unit 3: Materials and Methods Experimentation with materials and methods to explore and deliver creative solutions and responses.

Unit 4: Evaluation and Reflection Reflective analytical and evaluative skills, assessment of outcomes and experience for continued development.

Part 2 — Development and Progression

Unit 5: Integrated Art and Design Integrated research, ideas and methods within the context of a chosen art or design specialism.

Unit 6: Preparation for Progression in Art and Design Development and demonstration of a range skills, approaches and analysis; demonstrate potential for further progression.

Part 3 — Proposal and Realisation

Unit 7: Project Proposal and Realisation of Final Major Project culminating in a public exhibition Take responsibility for personal learning, demonstrate achievement through the proposal and realisation of a large project which integrates contextual perspective, research, problem solving, planning and organisation, evaluation and reflection, practical, technical and presentation skills. Work to briefs to produce both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work, part of which will reflect a specialist subject area.