Edith Kay School Prospectus 2023

Edith Kay School Prospectus

Our Mission

To engage with children and young people to enable them to identify their own talents and strengths.  To prepare them for a successful and enriched future, where they can contribute to society around them irrespective of their starting point.

 

Welcome to Edith Kay Independent School

Edith Kay Independent School is a dynamic and creative environment which is completely driven by our pupils’ needs, strengths and expectations. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan and personalised learning is very much at the heart of our  school ethos. Edith Kay is committed to providing an equity of challenge for all pupils and an inspiring education for life.

Our mission is to engage with children and young people to enable them to identify their own talents and strengths.  Edith Kay actively seeks to find and nurture each pupil’s unique spark. We believe that all pupils are entitled to an education that will enable them to develop their full potential, be that intellectual, physical, aesthetic, creative, emotional, spiritual or social.

The school specialises in developing tailored learning pathways alongside a robust academic education.

 

Equality of Challenge and Inspiring Education for Life

We know the importance of knowing our pupils strengths and qualities and setting them in the right direction.  Having a clear sense of purpose is endemic to successful learning. There are numerous opportunities for further development and career guidance to find the best choice for each pupil. We care about our pupils and understand the importance of ensuring a well rounded curriculum for all.

The school’s pastoral system is simple and effective with clear expectations for positive self-regulation. Under-achievement is consistently addressed and challenged while tenacity is fully recognised to ensure the best environment for teaching and learning.  We enjoy celebrating our pupils’ behaviour and academic progress through the merit system and assembly.

Inclusion is our key strength and we work closely with our parents, carers and key support organisations in making sure that all pupils feel secure and supported throughout their learning pathway.  Staff are equally supported in ensuring they are fully capable of meeting the needs of pupils.  Pupils with English as an additional language are identified for the appropriate support. All areas of pupil potential are stretched and developed through differentiated pathways which include science, mathematics, literacy, art, sports, music alongside vocational skills.

We have strong personal and professional relationships with our young people and their families/carers which underpin our commitment to setting high levels of expectation for our school community.  This, in turn, supports a school environment which is calm, purposeful and a happy learning environment for all.

Pupils and Achievement

The school opened in 2017 and since then it has actively worked to improve pupil expectation and attainment. Our commitment in ensuring all pupils can achieve, regardless of their starting point, means that all our pupils are given accelerated learning pathways with one to one tuition where possible.

We aim for positive results in every subject area on the curriculum. Pupils are given excellent support and guidance in ensuring continued education or employment based training when they’re ready to move on to post 16 and 18 phase of learning. 

Curriculum and Pedagogy

At Edith Kay Independent School we offer a well balanced one, two or three year programme to study a wide range of courses relative to individual pupil needs and strengths. All pupils are expected to follow Science, Maths, English and literacy courses as their core basis of learning. This, in turn, supports pupils in applying their understanding successfully at entry, functional, GCSE and A Level.

The curriculum is highly personalised and pupils follow individual guidance classes and enrichment courses to further support their enjoyment of learning.  A Level courses are also offered as pupils complete their GCSE awards. GCSE subjects currently on offer are Maths, English Literature, English Language, Double and Triple Award Science, Art, Media, Spanish. NCFE Art Awards are also offered.  A Levels include English Language, Art and Design, Art and Design (Photography), Maths, Chemistry, Biology, History and Politics.

The quality of teaching is highly important in supporting effective learning in the classroom and keeping expectations high. The quality of teaching has been strengthened with weekly workshops, an increase in specialist tuition and one to one lessons. Our staff are fully committed in facilitating extended lessons and ensuring pupils master key concepts and subject knowledge to a greater depth of understanding .

Partnerships and Professionalism

We consider ourselves a learning community and therefore alongside the achievements of our pupils, professional development is a priority at Edith Kay for the benefit of all our school community. Most of our staff members are working for further qualifications in their relevant areas of expertise.  We recognise the strengths of all and value everyone’s contribution to our school’s success. Our training days are delivered by staff and outside professionals with a clear aspiration for continued excellence in all aspects of teaching and learning.

All staff members are regarded as leaders in their respective roles. They consistently use their professional judgement and a wide range of information, knowledge and emotional intelligence to engage pupils, identify underachievement and keep pupils on track.  Pupils actively use their leadership skills in identifying what works well and areas for development. They have been involved in charity events and they have contributed to school policies and pupil wellbeing.

As part of our commitment to the wider community, we have partnered with Greenwich University and North West London Teaching Hub to facilitate new teachers in our approaches to improving teaching, learning and achievement.  We have equally benefited from the support of our wider organisation (Work Skills Learning and EK Outreach) in effectively offering a wider range of courses.  Edith Kay works with a range of local and national organisations in improving opportunities available to pupils.

Our Vision

Edith Kay Independent School is a wonderful place to work and a fantastic place for pupils to learn. We are never complacent and we constantly strive to be the very best for our pupils.  As a result, we have developed in collaboration with pupils, parents, carers, staff and governors a vision which looks beyond the obligations expected of all schools and focuses on ensuring our pupils are given all the skills, knowledge and autonomy needed to be successful and happy citizens in the local, national and global community.

While we work to ensure every young person has a number of qualifications, we endeavour to build an intrinsic love of life-long learning in supporting them to take on new challenges for the benefit of themselves, their families and their communities.

We expect pupils to have a keen sense of right from wrong with a commitment to manage what is expected of them and willingness to help others and a respect for the help offered to them. We hope that our pupils continue to thrive and challenge themselves to be the best they can be. We work with the aspiration that our young people will be valued, respected and cared for throughout their life.  We are fully committed to giving pupils the best conditions in terms of results, values and opportunities to gain a fully-rounded perspective on their place in our community and society as a whole.

‘Pupils receive the support they need to learn well. They quickly become confident and motivated learners..’ – Ofsted 2020

Visit Edith Kay Independent School

We strongly recommend visiting the school and seeing for yourself how unique Edith Kay School is.  Your visit is scheduled on a normal working day to give you a real sense of what this school can offer your child. Most of our prospective pupils join us on the recommendation of their Local Authority. 

You are very welcome to contact the school directly to ask for details on the process of visiting or joining the school.

Contact us at:

Telephone No:

020 8961 4204

Address:

32 Crouch Rd, London, NW10 8HR

Website:  www.edithkayschool.com

Safer Internet Day – 06/02/2024

Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to focus on online safety with your child, whatever their age. This year’s theme is all about change and influence online and we have created a range of pages to help you talk about these issues and ideas with your child, no matter how much time you have and in an age-appropriate way.

Safer Internet Day 2024 is celebrated on 6th February 2024, with thousands of people across the UK working together to champion youth voice and engage in conversations about how we can all work together to make the internet a great and safe place.

Help and advice for you as a parent or carer

Click on the link below for more information on this Safer Internet Day: https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers

National Apprenticeships Week

National Apprenticeship Week runs from Monday 5 February to Sunday 11 February 2024. It aims to raise awareness of the many benefits apprenticeships can offer you. It’s a fantastic chance to learn about apprenticeships, explore your options and network.

Please see the following links for more details:

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week#

 

Forest School & Outdoor Education

The PE Department run a very successful Forest School and Outdoor Education programme. Activities include fire lighting, shelter building, volunteering, orienteering, kayaking, celebrating Apple Day, and many, many more.  Below are pictures of some of the activities the pupils have taken part in so far:

  

 

Sufra NW London Food Bank

Some pupils volunteer at the local Food Bank, which is run by the charity Sufra NW London.  The pupils say they enjoy giving back to the local community.  Below are some photos of the activities the pupils have been involved with at the Food Bank:

Community Kitchen

Some of our pupils volunteer to help at a local Community Kitchen, which charity, Sufra NW London, runs.  The pupils learn new skills that could assist them in their future careers.  Here are some of the latest pictures from the Community Kitchen:

St Raphael’s Edible Garden

The pupils at Edith Kay School volunteer at St Raphael’s Edible Garden, which is run by the local charity Sufra NW London.  The activities pupils have been involved with include: planting bulbs for next Spring, harvesting & preserving herbs, fruits & vegetables, clearing areas for new planting, cleaning the garden equipment and much, much more.

For more information on Sufra NW London, please see their website https://www.sufra-nwlondon.org.uk/

The pupils really enjoy their time in the Community Garden, where they learn about different plants, how to use and clean the equipment, how to care for the plants, what different herbs, fruits and vegetables taste like and what they can be used for.  Here are some photos of a few of these activities so far:

Up-to-Date Pupil and Family Information

If your child is currently a pupil at Edith Kay School, it is essential that you keep the school up-to-date with all contact details relating to your child.  Please download and complete the following form to notify the school if anything details change, for example:

Please send the completed form to admin@edithkayschool.com

Student & Family Information Form & Permissions Form

 

Exam Results

Examination Success for Students at Edith Kay Independent School

Passes at AS Level – Grade C and above

Passes at GCSE – Grade 4 and above

Our wonderful students have worked extremely hard this year, and between them, have achieved great results!
We congratulate you!

August 2023
Board Subject Award Grade
Cambridge International English Language AS Level B
Cambridge International English Literature AS Level C
AQA Spanish AS Level C
AQA Biology GCSE 4
AQA Chemistry GCSE 5
AQA Physics GCSE 4
Cambridge International English First Language IGCSE 7
AQA English Language GCSE 3
Pearson Edexcel Higher Maths GCSE 5
Pearson Edexcel Foundation Maths GCSE 3
AQA History GCSE 5
WJEC Food preparation and nutrition GCSE 7
Pearson Edexcel Art & Design GCSE 6
Pearson Edexcel Art & Design GCSE 5
AQA Spanish GCSE 3
AQA English Functional Skills Level 1 Pass
AQA Maths Functional Skills Level 1 Pass
AQA English Entry Level Certificate – Level 3 Pass
AQA Maths Entry Level Certificate – Level 3 Pass
AQA Maths Entry Level Certificate – Level 2 Pass
AQA Maths Entry Level Certificate – Level 1 Pass
AQA Science (Single Award) Entry Level Certificate – Level 3 Pass

Celebration Day – 12th July 2023

Edith Kay School celebrated pupils’ achievements this academic year with a BBQ and Award Ceremony.  Pupils’ families, past, present and new attended. We were also honoured to welcome and have the support of Councillors from the London Borough of Brent, including the Mayor.

The National Sleep Helpline

Who do you talk to if you or a loved one can’t sleep? The National Sleep Helpline can help with your sleep problems. Visit The National Sleep Helpline for more details:  https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/

National Sleep Helpline – Schools

Testimonials

In May 2022 a Trainee Maths Teacher from Greenwich University was placed at Edith Kay School for a day.  All the staff were very happy to welcome him to the school.  This is the feedback he gave us:

 “A member of the Senior Team introduced me to the staff when I arrived and gave me a tour of the School. Even though it is a small School, the atmosphere is pleasant and the students are happy. There is an air of positivity and I felt welcomed. 

The Head Teacher, Karen, is originally from Ireland as I mentioned and we conversed in Irish (Gaelic)!

Classroom sizes are small, and there are only 2-3 students max per class. Students receive a lot of one-to-one support. 

I observed lessons in Science, Art and Maths. I also went to the small park across from the school with the Art Teacher and a Student. The Art Teacher said something to me that I will always remember. He said that “SEN is all about relationships”. This resonated with me, and I think it is quite profound. It showed clearly in the school that there is a great relationship between the staff and students. 

At the end of the day, I was invited to partake in the Staff Briefing, which was a very nice touch by Karen and made me feel even more welcome. The staff are so precise with their understanding of the student’s needs and how to cater for them. It was very impressive to see this, and made me realise how I need to learn a lot more about SEN. Karen led the Meeting, and it was inspiring to hear and see. The staff know exactly what the students are experiencing, and there is a collaborative effort in addressing any concerns, especially with the Exams coming up. 

I will definitely be keeping in touch with Karen, and I was invited to attend the school at any time in the future also. Overall, a lovely day and I learnt a lot about handling SEN students, their needs and behaviours.”