Founded in 1979 as a co-educational school on the South Bank. The senior school is now in Portland Place, between Oxford Circus and Regents Park (Southbank Westminster); a separate annexe for sixth-form pupils is a ten minute walk away. There are primary schools in Hampstead and Kensington and pupils from both progress to the senior school. It was the first UK school to offer all three International Baccalaureate programme. 69 nationalities are represented among the pupils and more than 20 languages are offered - an altogether exceptional variety; a very high proportion of pupils take more than one language. Teaching is of a high standard and results are excellent. There are also good drama, art and music activities and facilities. All primary pupils learn the violin or cello via the Suzuki method (included in the fees). There is a fair range of games, clubs and societies and full use is made of the capital's cultural amenities.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18, 730 day pupils (351 boys, 379 girls). Primary departments 3-11: at Hampstead, 213 pupils (107 boys, 106 girls); at Kensington, 200 pupils (97 boys, 103 girls). Senior department 11-18, 317 day pupils (147 boys, 170 girls). Entrance: Entry at any age (3+) or time of year. No special skills or religious requirements. For sixth form entry, good all-round achievement and motivation, equivalent of GCSE grade B in IB diploma subjects. Large intake to the senior school from its own two primary sections in Kensington and Hampstead.
One sixth form scholarship up to full fees. Limited help for existing students whose families are experiencing financial hardship.
High proportion of parents are in finance or industry, the diplomatic service, media or entertainment industry. Some parents are on a fixed term posting (around 5 years) in London.
Principal of Southbank Westminster: Terry Hedger, in post from 2007. Educated in London. Previously Director of the International College Spain, Madrid, Deputy Principal of John Gray High School, the Caymen Islands, and taught chemistry and general science in the UK and the Cayman Islands. Also worked with IBO's Academic Directorate on strategic planning, former Chair of IB Professional Development Committee. Teaching staff: 100 across all sites.
IB: 54 in upper sixth; all passed the IB Diploma (14 were awarded bi-lingual diplomas). Average IB points 34.
All sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, the majority in the UK, some after taking a gap year.
All 3 IB programmes delivered: Primary Years (in primary schools), Middle Years (age 11-16) and IB Diploma (aged 16-18/19). 27 subjects offered plus 20+ different languages. Special provision: EAL teaching available at all levels. Languages: Spanish (from age 4), French (from 11) to IB Diploma level. Other languages include Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish as mother tongue or second language to IB, as extras. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. Many classes have on-line support by class teacher. Computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access. Many pupils have own laptops.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument (violin or cello compulsory in primary department); instrumental exams can be taken. Some musical groups including choir, instrumental ensemble. Drama: Is offered. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions and some in house/other productions. Art and design: Taught to IB Diploma level.
Sport: Soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf optional. Activities: Community service is an integral part of IB curriculum. Clubs include Student Council, chess, Model United Nations, Global Issues Network, International Schools Theatre Association, student newspaper and creative writing group.
Uniform: None. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses, prefects or head boy/girl. School council. Religion: Inter-denominational. No religious worship. Social: Major events include discovery week, international evening, open days, graduation, prom. Organised trips abroad. Canteen at Westminster campus, hot meals at Kensington campus, otherwise no meals provided; fund-raising Pizza Day on Fridays in primary schools.
Emphasis on personal responsibility and a system of academic and social probation. All members of the Southbank community (pupils, staff, parents) are expected to embody the IB Learner Profile characteristics, being: risk-takers, balanced, open-minded, caring, reflective, inquirers, knowledgeable, communicators, thinkers and principled.
is run by an alumni relations manager via the school's website and webAlumnus.
Include successful musicians, authors and entrepreneurs.
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