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Sixth Form Stories: Live Your True Colours

To be our true selves requires consideration, thought, courage – and support.
We need encouragement and guidance that give us the space to grow, not rigid
structures that only stifle. Frameworks, not boxes.
The right support enables us to thrive academically, emotionally and socially.
Then we can be flexible and creative enough to deal with this highly competitive,
fast changing and challenging world.

Alanna’s story

Live Your True Colours

Alanna’s story

For as long as she can remember, Alanna has loved reading – and writing.
She believes that books are important, that they can make a difference and that they can influence change.
Her love of books grew even more at KAS because she so enjoyed the way she was taught English and so now, in Year 12, it is one of her chosen A level subjects, alongside Drama and History.
Alanna chose Drama because she loves performing as she finds it a great way to express emotions and to get rid of what is bottled up inside. As someone who loves reading – and writing – plays (Tennessee Williams is her favourite playwright) it is a natural progression to want to act in them too.
She chose History because it fosters good skills such as examining and evaluating evidence and essay writing – and Alanna believes in order to effect change, we need to look at the past. Also, it gives her the added bonus of being able to write period literature confidently and knowledgeably.
Not surprisingly, Alanna wants to go on to university to study English and, potentially, to become a writer.

“The dynamic between the teachers and the pupils at KAS is really important. Teachers go out of their way to help; to organise revision timetables, to offer wellbeing meetings during the stress of GCSEs. At KAS you are allowed and encouraged to explore who you want to be, to make your own decisions instead of having them made for you. You are not forced to follow a particular route but you are supported in finding what is best for you.”

Louis’s story

Live Your True Colours

Louis’s story

Louis grew up watching his father and his grandfather fix the unfixable and was in awe. He looked up to them and wanted to emulate them.
So, when he joined KAS in Reception, he started doing DT immediately and has excelled in it to the point that he is now, in Year 12, studying it for A level along with Politics and History.
Louis chose Politics because he is genuinely interested in current affairs all over the world and wants to be sure he votes with knowledge. He selected History because he feels it helps him to understand how we got to where we are.
Louis is considering either Law or Architecture for his degree and subsequent career. Law, because his father is a solicitor and so has grown up hearing about legal matters and Architecture because it ties in with his love of DT.
Louis plays a couple of hours of video games daily and also adores music

“I’ve been at KAS since Reception and it has helped me in many, many ways. The teachers are all incredibly supportive. You genuinely have a personal relationship with them and if you are not doing well in something, rather than judge you they help you. It’s not about pressure, it’s about encouragement. I was always really bad at both Maths and spelling but the teachers supported me with so much extra help that now I am confident and good at both. They have encouraged me with the stuff I love and helped me develop.”

Sixth Form Information

Sixth Form Information

The King Alfred School Sixth Form is a unique learning experience. We know that in order to thrive we need a supportive and a non-pressurised environment which allows us to learn and grow. We pride ourselves on having created just such an environment and we hope you will join us to experience it first-hand.

Live Your True Colours

Alanna’s story

For as long as she can remember, Alanna has loved reading – and writing.
She believes that books are important, that they can make a difference and that they can influence change.
Her love of books grew even more at KAS because she so enjoyed the way she was taught English and so now, in Year 12, it is one of her chosen A level subjects, alongside Drama and History.
Alanna chose Drama because she loves performing as she finds it a great way to express emotions and to get rid of what is bottled up inside. As someone who loves reading – and writing – plays (Tennessee Williams is her favourite playwright) it is a natural progression to want to act in them too.
She chose History because it fosters good skills such as examining and evaluating evidence and essay writing – and Alanna believes in order to effect change, we need to look at the past. Also, it gives her the added bonus of being able to write period literature confidently and knowledgeably.
Not surprisingly, Alanna wants to go on to university to study English and, potentially, to become a writer.

“The dynamic between the teachers and the pupils at KAS is really important. Teachers go out of their way to help; to organise revision timetables, to offer wellbeing meetings during the stress of GCSEs. At KAS you are allowed and encouraged to explore who you want to be, to make your own decisions instead of having them made for you. You are not forced to follow a particular route but you are supported in finding what is best for you.”

Live Your True Colours

Louis’s story

Louis grew up watching his father and his grandfather fix the unfixable and was in awe. He looked up to them and wanted to emulate them.
So, when he joined KAS in Reception, he started doing DT immediately and has excelled in it to the point that he is now, in Year 12, studying it for A level along with Politics and History.
Louis chose Politics because he is genuinely interested in current affairs all over the world and wants to be sure he votes with knowledge. He selected History because he feels it helps him to understand how we got to where we are.
Louis is considering either Law or Architecture for his degree and subsequent career. Law, because his father is a solicitor and so has grown up hearing about legal matters and Architecture because it ties in with his love of DT.
Louis plays a couple of hours of video games daily and also adores music

“I’ve been at KAS since Reception and it has helped me in many, many ways. The teachers are all incredibly supportive. You genuinely have a personal relationship with them and if you are not doing well in something, rather than judge you they help you. It’s not about pressure, it’s about encouragement. I was always really bad at both Maths and spelling but the teachers supported me with so much extra help that now I am confident and good at both. They have encouraged me with the stuff I love and helped me develop.”

Sixth Form Information

The King Alfred School Sixth Form is a unique learning experience. We know that in order to thrive we need a supportive and a non-pressurised environment which allows us to learn and grow. We pride ourselves on having created just such an environment and we hope you will join us to experience it first-hand.

Felix’s story

KAS Felix

Felix’s story

Whilst building a drone for an Higher Project Qualification project in Year 10, Felix discovered his love for Physics. He takes his work home with him as his out of school hobby is computer programming – although he gives himself a break by kayaking. Felix moved to the UK from Germany and began at KAS in Year 9.

“I chose KAS because I loved the fact that the teachers I met were so excited about what they teach. That has turned out to be the reality; it is completely different from other schools where the teachers often seem bored with their subjects, particularly if they have taught them for a long time. That excitement rubbed off on me and by working on projects set by the school, I discovered my love of Physics and KAS have encouraged that passion and helped me to get to the level I am at now.
KAS accepts you for who you are. And helps you become the best you can be. They have helped me find what I like and what interests me.”

Felix gained four A* grades at A level in Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths and EPQ and has gone on to read Natural Sciences at Cambridge University.

Tara’s story

Live Your True Colours

Tara’s story

Tara has known since she was very young she wanted to be a lawyer. And now, in Year 13, she is well on her way towards achieving that dream.
She is taking Politics, Spanish and English A levels and is about to apply to Exeter, Warwick, Edinburgh, Sussex and Leeds to study Spanish and Politics before doing a Law Conversion.
She chose her subjects because Politics has always been the dinner table conversation in her family so she has grown up with a familiarity and passion for it. She chose Spanish as, whilst doing it at GCSE level, she discovered she has a natural ability for it and really enjoys it. English was her final choice and, guided by her teachers, settled on it as the writing and analytical skills it requires would be great assets for her future career.
Initially, Tara thought she wanted to be a corporate lawyer but her interest in Politics and her fascination with the Gina Miller case has made her think more about constitutional law.
Future governments had better watch out.

“I have been at KAS since Reception and loved it from day one. The most beneficial aspect is the relationship with the teachers and I feel I can go to them about anything. Two of them studied Law and two of them went to Exeter and I trust them to give me the truth rather than just be the echo chamber which friends or family tend to be. KAS are arranging for me to visit law firms so I can see, first hand, the reality of what I am choosing as a career.
As well as giving me the guidance and academic support to realise my ambitions, KAS has also introduced me to netball and singing; both of which I love and which give me the perfect release from studies.”

Harriet’s story

Live Your True Colours

Harriet’s story

When Harriet was given the part of Betty Rizzo in a KAS production of Grease, she was shocked, scared and decided there was no way she could stand on stage and sing three solos.
But she did. And she did it brilliantly. Her confidence soared and whilst serious drama (specifically period pieces from the 20s and murder mysteries) is where her love lies, now she has musical theatre firmly under her belt too.
Harriet is in Year 12 and as well as doing the UAL course because of her love of drama, she is also studying photography. Coming from a thespian family, acting has always been in her veins. But photography was something she discovered at KAS and she has never looked back. She says she now sees everything differently – she notices buildings, nature, people – and is always shooting (even with just her phone) and editing.
Harriet plans to either go to drama school or to university to study Photography but ultimately would like to combine both her passions.

“I came to KAS in Year 5 from another school and have never looked back. KAS gave me the freedom and the independence to discover what I enjoy most and encouraged me to develop in areas I never thought I could – musical theatre is a great example of that. I have grown in confidence because of the faith and support KAS has shown me and, as a result, I feel much less self conscious and vulnerable and more self assured.”

KAS Felix

Felix’s story

Whilst building a drone for an Higher Project Qualification project in Year 10, Felix discovered his love for Physics. He takes his work home with him as his out of school hobby is computer programming – although he gives himself a break by kayaking. Felix moved to the UK from Germany and began at KAS in Year 9.

“I chose KAS because I loved the fact that the teachers I met were so excited about what they teach. That has turned out to be the reality; it is completely different from other schools where the teachers often seem bored with their subjects, particularly if they have taught them for a long time. That excitement rubbed off on me and by working on projects set by the school, I discovered my love of Physics and KAS have encouraged that passion and helped me to get to the level I am at now.
KAS accepts you for who you are. And helps you become the best you can be. They have helped me find what I like and what interests me.”

Felix gained four A* grades at A level in Physics, Chemistry, Further Maths and EPQ and has gone on to read Natural Sciences at Cambridge University.

Live Your True Colours

Tara’s story

Tara has known since she was very young she wanted to be a lawyer. And now, in Year 13, she is well on her way towards achieving that dream.
She is taking Politics, Spanish and English A levels and is about to apply to Exeter, Warwick, Edinburgh, Sussex and Leeds to study Spanish and Politics before doing a Law Conversion.
She chose her subjects because Politics has always been the dinner table conversation in her family so she has grown up with a familiarity and passion for it. She chose Spanish as, whilst doing it at GCSE level, she discovered she has a natural ability for it and really enjoys it. English was her final choice and, guided by her teachers, settled on it as the writing and analytical skills it requires would be great assets for her future career.
Initially, Tara thought she wanted to be a corporate lawyer but her interest in Politics and her fascination with the Gina Miller case has made her think more about constitutional law.
Future governments had better watch out.

“I have been at KAS since Reception and loved it from day one. The most beneficial aspect is the relationship with the teachers and I feel I can go to them about anything. Two of them studied Law and two of them went to Exeter and I trust them to give me the truth rather than just be the echo chamber which friends or family tend to be. KAS are arranging for me to visit law firms so I can see, first hand, the reality of what I am choosing as a career.
As well as giving me the guidance and academic support to realise my ambitions, KAS has also introduced me to netball and singing; both of which I love and which give me the perfect release from studies.”

Live Your True Colours

Harriet’s story

When Harriet was given the part of Betty Rizzo in a KAS production of Grease, she was shocked, scared and decided there was no way she could stand on stage and sing three solos.
But she did. And she did it brilliantly. Her confidence soared and whilst serious drama (specifically period pieces from the 20s and murder mysteries) is where her love lies, now she has musical theatre firmly under her belt too.
Harriet is in Year 12 and as well as doing the UAL course because of her love of drama, she is also studying photography. Coming from a thespian family, acting has always been in her veins. But photography was something she discovered at KAS and she has never looked back. She says she now sees everything differently – she notices buildings, nature, people – and is always shooting (even with just her phone) and editing.
Harriet plans to either go to drama school or to university to study Photography but ultimately would like to combine both her passions.

“I came to KAS in Year 5 from another school and have never looked back. KAS gave me the freedom and the independence to discover what I enjoy most and encouraged me to develop in areas I never thought I could – musical theatre is a great example of that. I have grown in confidence because of the faith and support KAS has shown me and, as a result, I feel much less self conscious and vulnerable and more self assured.”

Ria’s story

Live Your True Colours

Ria’s story

Ria first fell in love with English when she was tasked and encouraged to write poetry and short stories in the Lower School at KAS and that passion grew and developed when she went further up the school and began essay writing in English. Although English was a compulsory GCSE subject, Ria would never have contemplated not taking it and it is now one of her A level choices together with French and Film Studies.
Ria found the broad spectrum of choice available for GCSE quite overwhelming but felt fully supported and guided by the teachers around her to make the right decisions for her and now is very content with her chosen A level subjects.
She chose French because she enjoys languages and she would like to spend time in France as a part of her degree course and to, ultimately, be completely fluent in the language.
Her choice of Film Studies was initiated by a lifelong passion of film but then confirmed with a taster session KAS offered.
Ria has a deferred place to study French and English Literature at Edinburgh University and would like a career in film eventually.

“I have been at KAS since Reception and it has been the most amazing experience. There is a reason why I’ve never gone anywhere else. I’ve often wondered whether I should, whether I am missing out, whether I should get new experiences – but I have never wanted to leave.
KAS really has an atmosphere of community. When you are surrounded by this, you don’t realise it is not the norm. But other schools just aren’t like this. KAS has made me who I am. I don’t know who I would be if I hadn’t come here.”

Sam’s story

Live Your True Colours

Sam’s story

Sam has always enjoyed building things from the time he was a young boy and this passion has continued and become the foundation of what he would like his career and life to be. Sam plans to take his passion for building to the next level by studying Engineering after he leaves school and, currently, Edinburgh is his first choice.
Sam, who is in Year 12, is taking Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths A levels, subjects he excelled at in his GCSEs by getting Grade 9 in all four. They are also the perfect tools for his chosen degree and career.
Sam is also fascinated by space and so would like to combine his loves by ultimately applying his engineering degree to a career in the aeronautical or aerospace sectors.
Even when he is not studying, Sam is constantly building – his current project is building and bettering a 3D printer.
He also likes to exercise his body as well as his brain and is often seen excelling on the hockey field.

“I have been at KAS since I was four years old and it is the school that is responsible for giving me the confidence and the self assurance to figure out what I want to do with my life and to guide and support me to get to a place where I am able to fulfil those dreams.”

Apply now

Apply now

If you’re ready to join us, complete the application form.

Live Your True Colours

Ria’s story

Ria first fell in love with English when she was tasked and encouraged to write poetry and short stories in the Lower School at KAS and that passion grew and developed when she went further up the school and began essay writing in English. Although English was a compulsory GCSE subject, Ria would never have contemplated not taking it and it is now one of her A level choices together with French and Film Studies.
Ria found the broad spectrum of choice available for GCSE quite overwhelming but felt fully supported and guided by the teachers around her to make the right decisions for her and now is very content with her chosen A level subjects.
She chose French because she enjoys languages and she would like to spend time in France as a part of her degree course and to, ultimately, be completely fluent in the language.
Her choice of Film Studies was initiated by a lifelong passion of film but then confirmed with a taster session KAS offered.
Ria has a deferred place to study French and English Literature at Edinburgh University and would like a career in film eventually.

“I have been at KAS since Reception and it has been the most amazing experience. There is a reason why I’ve never gone anywhere else. I’ve often wondered whether I should, whether I am missing out, whether I should get new experiences – but I have never wanted to leave.
KAS really has an atmosphere of community. When you are surrounded by this, you don’t realise it is not the norm. But other schools just aren’t like this. KAS has made me who I am. I don’t know who I would be if I hadn’t come here.”

Live Your True Colours

Sam’s story

Sam has always enjoyed building things from the time he was a young boy and this passion has continued and become the foundation of what he would like his career and life to be. Sam plans to take his passion for building to the next level by studying Engineering after he leaves school and, currently, Edinburgh is his first choice.
Sam, who is in Year 12, is taking Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths A levels, subjects he excelled at in his GCSEs by getting Grade 9 in all four. They are also the perfect tools for his chosen degree and career.
Sam is also fascinated by space and so would like to combine his loves by ultimately applying his engineering degree to a career in the aeronautical or aerospace sectors.
Even when he is not studying, Sam is constantly building – his current project is building and bettering a 3D printer.
He also likes to exercise his body as well as his brain and is often seen excelling on the hockey field.

“I have been at KAS since I was four years old and it is the school that is responsible for giving me the confidence and the self assurance to figure out what I want to do with my life and to guide and support me to get to a place where I am able to fulfil those dreams.”

Apply now

If you’re ready to join us, complete the application form.

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