King's College School review by University of Oxford student.
King's College School academically speaking was all-rounded, with no emphasis placed on a particular aspect of the academic curriculum (such as humanities, sciences etc). The school has fairly well-equipped science labs, a language lab to assist with modern language tuition, and modern, up-to-date design and technology and art facilities. The fact that the school does not place a particular emphasis on one aspect of academia but instead chooses to attempt to cater for most interests is perhaps in part attributable to the adoption of the International Baccalaureate programme, which currently all students must take when they enter sixth form (the school recently discontinued A-Levels). The IB makes study of all academic areas compulsory, as opposed to the specialism offered through the A-Level system. The 'Extended Essay' component of the IB programme also provides valuable practice for research methods at university level. Class size at at the GCSE level is fairly large, ranging roughly between fifteen and twenty. However, at sixth form, depending on subject, the classes become markedly smaller (my smallest class consisted of only four students) - although for more heavily subscribed subjects, especially English and Mathematics, as these were compulsory under the IB programme, class sizes were often of up to twelve students. For the most part, speaking from my personal experience, the teachers were concerned with demonstrating to the students how to 'do' their respective subjects as opposed to simply teaching examination technique. Teachers often went beyond the tuition required for the curriculum, although, for obvious reasons, in the classes immediately preceding the Easter break and the final examination period, exam technique was the main focus.
Students were asked to consider possibilities for choice of degree when subjects were chosen for.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at King's College School as experienced by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
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They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
I cannot comment on the admissions process for the sixth form at KCS, as I.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to King's College School by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
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For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
The school's student body is varied in terms of ethnic background, although the socio-economic background was mainly fairly well-off middle class (being a rather expensive private institution), although I believe the school does offer a number of bursaries and scholarships. The school is located in Wimbledon, which is a safe, middle class suburb of London. As has been said before, the school's facilities are extensive and modern; the school recently renovated its dining facilities, which had previously been rather outdated. These facilities are now excellent; most students noticed a marked improvement.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at King's College School as experienced by former pupil and University of Oxford student — Login or Sign Up to access full review