LEARNING
WELCOME
In the Fourth Form and Lower Fifth (Years 7 to 9), King William’s College broadly follows the requirements of the National Curriculum, except we encourage all pupils to study two modern languages. From the Lower Fifth, the sciences are also taught as three separate subjects.
PROGRESS
Progress is monitored through regular assessments and internal exams are held twice a year. Most pupils go on to take ten subjects at (I)GCSE level, and in addition to the core subjects, there is a wide range of options. This provides a strong foundation for the Sixth Form where all students study the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Exam results are consistently high and far above the national average. Over 95% of our students proceed to Higher Education each year, both in the UK and abroad, and students regularly gain places at the very best universities.
MEET OUR STAFF
FOURTH FORM (YEAR 7 TO 8)
Fourth Form at King William’s College represents Year 7 (Lower Fourth) and Year 8 (Upper Fourth). Each class has a form tutor who is always on hand to look after the students’ interests. There are usually eight tutor groups which combine Lower and Upper Fourth students. The form tutors closely monitor the students in their care, reviewing academic progress and pastoral matters, reporting back to the Head of Year on a daily basis. The Fourth Form study the core subjects of:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- French
- Spanish/Latin
- History
- Geography
- Design and Technology
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Art
- Music
- Religious Studies
There are timetabled lessons of Physical Education (PE), Young Enterprise, Drama and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE). In Upper Fourth, Adventure Training is introduced for two lessons a week in preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) activities.
(I)GCSEs (YEAR 9 TO 11)
At King William’s College, the Fifth Form is divided into three years: the Lower Fifth (Year 9), Middle Fifth (Year 10) and Upper Fifth (Year 11). They are accommodated in the Raglan Fifth Form Centre in the very heart of the School and each year group has its own separate area. Each fifth former is assigned a tutor and the tutor stays with them for the whole of their time in the Fifth Form. The tutor plays a key role in the life of the pupil; they will meet with their tutees several times a week and they are the main point of contact for parents. We provide a broad and balanced curriculum in the Fifth Form and most pupils study a total of 10 or 11 subjects to (I)GCSE level. All pupils take the subjects of:
- English
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
In the Lower Fifth, pupils are taught separate Sciences and they can opt to either continue this or do Double Award Science. All pupils study Religious Studies in Lower Fifth, leading to the GCSE qualification at the end of Middle Fifth. Pupils will then choose one foreign language of ESOL, French, Spanish or Latin, and three additional subjects. The option blocks for these additional subjects will be determined following discussions at the Parents’ Evening in March and in subsequent consultations with the pupils. Depending on the students’ interests, these blocks will be made up of the following subjects: Art, Business Studies, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama, French/Spanish/Latin (second language), Geography, History, Music, PE and Photography.
PRE-IB PROGRAMME (YEAR 11)
The aim of our Pre-IB programme is to provide our international students with the language skills and academic foundations to make a success of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Pupils successfully completing the year will automatically be offered a place to study the IB in our Sixth Form.
Pre-IB pupils will become members of the Fifth Form and will join the Upper Fifth tutor groups to help aid integration.
The Head of Overseas Pupils has responsibility for the Pre-IB programme and will oversee the choice of subjects, monitor academic progress and provide appropriate language support.
All Pre-IB students join existing (I)GCSE classes and study the (I)GCSE First Language and the (I)GCSE First Language English courses, which are specifically designed for them.
The (I)GCSE course is a two-year course which Pre-IB students join in its second year.
In addition to English and their native language, Pre-IB students join the Mathematics and Science classes. The Sciences are taught separately (Biology, Chemistry and Physics); due to the specific linguistic challenges of these courses we would expect the Pre-IB students to take only one or two Sciences. Pupils then choose three additional subjects from a wide choice of options.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (YEAR 12 TO 13)
In 2002, King William’s College began teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Since then more than 900 students have studied the Diploma with us and we have become one of the largest and most successful IB schools in the British Isles. We believe that it is an excellent preparation for both university and life beyond, and it is the only qualification we offer in the Sixth Form. The entry requirement is six (I)GCSEs grade C or above or equivalent.
WHAT IS THE IB DIPLOMA?
The IB Diploma is a balanced programme of education that combines both breadth and depth of study. It places a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills and promotes a sense of international-mindedness. The programme is taught over two years and is recognised by all UK universities and by most leading universities around the world.
THE CURRICULUM
Students study six subjects, normally three at higher level (HL) and three at standard level (SL). They choose one subject from each of Groups 1 to 5, which includes languages, the humanities, science and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from Group 6 or another subject from Groups 1 to 5.
In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding:
THE EXTENDED ESSAY:
A 4,000 word piece of independent research, gives students the opportunity to conduct an in-depth study of a topic of interest to them. It introduces them to academic research and is an invaluable preparation for university.
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE:
A course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (sense, perception, emotion, language, reason, faith, imagination, intuition, memory) and different kinds of knowledge (for example, scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).
CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY AND SERVICE:
Requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately.
Because there are nine components in all, IB students learn how to organise themselves, think independently and take responsibility for their own learning. These are invaluable skills that will allow the students to go on and succeed at university.
EXAM RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS
(I)GCSEs 2023
Our 59 GCSE/IGSCE Year 11 students achieved an overall pass rate (9-4 or A*-C) of 87%, with 37% of grades at 9-7 or A*/A.
Figures released by the Isle of Man Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) for (I)GCSEs in 2023 are 72% at A*-C and 21% A* to A.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA 2023
The year group of 57 students achieved an average of 32 points. Nine students achieved 40 or more points out of a maximum of 45, putting them in the top 5% of students worldwide.
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2023
LEARNING SUPPORT
Learning Support at King William’s College aims to provide each pupil with an inclusive education, enabling the individual to feel that they have a valuable part to play within the academic, sporting, social and cultural environment of the school.
Early identification of pupils’ needs is vital and starts before transition to King William’s College through close liaison with the student’s primary school. Parents of children relocating to the Island or joining College from further afield are requested to state the nature of any difficulty on enquiry to ensure that College is able to put effective support in place.
The type of support offered is designed to suit pupil needs and may be given in a withdrawal setting, either individually or in a small group, in a lunchtime ‘booster’ class or, when possible, with in-class support taking place.
Teaching is aimed at improving areas of weakness, enabling pupils to cope with academic demands and maintaining their highest standard throughout all subject areas, so that the individual achieves their potential.
The school’s Leaning Support Department is well-resourced with a variety of effective structured programmes of work and materials to develop skills and thereby enhance the self esteem of the individual through the progress they make and the encouragement offered.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
An education begins in the classroom, but does not end there. There is another dimension to a rounded education: the opportunities outside the classroom. Learning how to lead, how to contribute and how to build – we offer a vast array of opportunity to try new challenges to enrich the academic experience of all our students.
SUMMER TERM BOARDING EXPERIENCE
The King William’s College Summer Term Boarding Experience is a unique course which is held during the summer term. For three weeks in June, the Summer Term Boarding Experience provides an opportunity for students aged 13 to 16 to join a fully functioning school. The 2024 dates are June 4 to 26.
The course is designed to empower students to taste boarding school life and discover if they would enjoy studying away from home long term. It offers intensive English tuition, with a range of other academic subjects, and total immersion into the School community. It is complemented by a full leisure programme of sports, activities and excursions.
EACH STUDENT WILL HAVE APPROXIMATELY 35 HOURS ENGLISH TUITION OVER THE COURSE, WHICH WILL AIM TO:
1. Improve spoken and written English.
2. Develop vocabulary.
3. Enhance listening and pronunciation.
4. Build confidence and fluency.
In the first week, students will attend English lessons in the mornings, followed by activities in the afternoon. In the second and third week, the students will be integrated into regular subject lessons with our current students, according to their age and ability.
Our Boarding Summer Term Experience is suitable for students who are preparing for IGCSEs, A levels or the IB Diploma, are thinking of entering a British boarding school, or looking for an interesting and rewarding holiday, whilst improving their English.
Places are limited.
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