Introduction

 

Kent College has an examination pass rate of which any school would be proud, with 100% pass rate at GCSE and A-level, and academic standards that are consistently high.

 

The extensive curriculum aims to develop intellectual curiosity and a thirst for learning, encouraging girls to think independently and put their knowledge to good use in the real world. Communication of ideas and fluent expression in English and other languages are taught, along with mathematical concepts and the confident use of information technology. Girls make the most of this balanced programme of creative and scientific subjects by learning, with the guidance of their teachers, a disciplined approach to private study.

 

The aim of the school is to offer a wide and exciting academic education. The school is selective, but not narrowly so, taking into account interest and diversity of strengths.

 

As a Christian school, Kent College has a policy of accepting a range of abilities, which will span from those girls who are very able to those with mild learning difficulties or who have gaps in their knowledge due to interrupted schooling. The school can support such a range of abilities by providing a high level of individual attention through small teaching groups (the average size is 16 girls per class and smaller at GCSE/A level) and close monitoring. In addition, a Learning Development Department co-ordinates individual learning programmes. For example, high achieving students may have extra lessons when taking early/extra GCSEs or A-levels, whilst less able students may need extra lessons to fill gaps in their knowledge, and overseas students have extra English with a specialist EAL teacher. The Department has also extended the provision of learning skills courses (accelerated learning).

 

As a result of these measures, examination results are high and on a par with local selective schools, including the grammar schools. At KC, students are closely monitored and the progress of each girl is discussed in detail by her teachers every half term. The students are taught to set their own targets for improvement and senior students agree action plans with their teachers. Parents receive two reports each year and are invited to discuss their daughters' progress at annual meetings.

 

A co-ordinated programme of personal, social and health education (PSHE) is delivered by school staff with the help of visiting speakers. At relevant stages, girls learn about a variety of important issues to help them take responsibility for their well-being.

 

Careers education is available throughout the senior school. There are individual interviews, aptitude tests, visits to careers conferences and university open days, and a work experience scheme help students make informed choices. There is a well-stocked careers library and computer resources with wide range of information on careers and higher education. Professional qualified careers staff are always available to offer advice at any stage and academically able students are prepared for admission to Oxford and Cambridge.