KES - King Edwards School, Birmingham whilst an excellent school academically, has always had an emphasis on producing well rounded young men, rather than just being an "exam factory". There is no particular emphasis or speciality in any particular subject or set of subjects - rather the school has strong departments in all subjects. The science labs are well-equipped, the music department is modern and the art and design technology department has its own building with all the expected facilities for a school of this stature. When I was there a couple of years ago, I took mainly science-based A Levels, which had excellent teaching and preparation for University. However, I understand that the school is now in a period of great upheaval as the International Baccalaureate is being adopted in order to provide not only a more rounded education to the boys, but also to simultaneously provide a depth of education on par with or beyond that of the A Levels. In addition to A Levels, I received special classes in Physics (the degree I am now studying at Oxford) and in Mathematics that were beyond the scope of the National Curriculum, and beyond my GCSE and A Level studies. Lower down the schools, these lessons were given as fun extension classes to foster a natural fascination with the Mathematical Sciences for gifted students in these fields. In the Sixth Form, these classes were to help us with interview preparation, encouraging us to think in new ways that would be required of us at University, rather than just churning through standard exam questions. I also received a weekly class to help prepare me for the Physics Admissions Test at Oxford and a couple of practice interviews for Physics. All of these classes and interviews were provided by teachers going above and beyond their paid hours! The school's teaching philosophy was friendly and nurturing, and although very much lecture-based, we still go the opportunity to work together, discussing how best to tackle problems and specific areas of the syllabus. Class sizes lower down the school are about 20-25 as everyone does the same subjects. GCSE classes are slightly smaller at around 20, but towards A Levels, class sizes can come down to 10 or even 5 for less subscribed subjects like Ancient Greek or Further Mathematics. The teachers are always happy to help, even above and beyond the call of duty. The work load can be a bit hectic at times, especially in the Sixth Form, but is usually manageable, and the school always encourages good time management skills. The school runs many subject help sessions are lunchtimes and after school for those in difficulty in particular subjects. In addition to this, there is a student-run "Mentoring Society" which runs on Thursday lunchtimes, when older and/or more gifted students provide classes and tutoring to those in difficulty.