Academic Offer

An Ethos of Scholarship

At Harris Westminster we aim to develop young people who are scholarly in attitude and ambition and who love learning. Our aim is to nurture a community of scholars.   

For us, scholarship is an attitude of mind but also an approach to thinking, to study and to reading which is:

extensive

exact

scrupulous

critical

Students study a wide range of subjects (concentrating on the “facilitating subjects” valued by the most competitive universities) which lead to A-level and International A-level examinations. Classes are taught by skilled and enthusiastic subject specialists who share a love of their subject and an ability to make sure that students are stretched and inspired to fulfil their high academic potential. All students study for 4 A-Levels or equivalent. Each A-Level has 7 x 40 minute lessons a week over both years, plus a 30 minute Societies lesson. In Year 12, students additionally have 2 x 40 minute Cultural Perspectives lessons.

Learning is not limited to academic pursuits and students are encouraged to develop physical as well as mental fitness. On Thursday afternoons all students have the opportunity to play sports. We use several different excellent sporting facilities across London and students are encouraged to take part in a variety of individual and team sports. There are also options for students who opt to stay in Westminster: debating society and bridge club meet and train during this time. 

Harris Westminster Sixth Form is focused on turning out rounded and responsible individuals ready to study in the top universities in the UK and abroad and ready to make their contributions to society.

Students are encouraged to attend our weekly Lab lecture delivered by celebrated individuals from a variety of fields including academia, law, politics, science, the arts and journalism. Throughout their two years at Harris Westminster, students will be exposed to an array of cultural influences like these lectures. 

There is so much more to preparing for university and the world beyond than is contained within even the most inspiring examination classes (although these are clearly vital and form the backbone of the students’ timetables and, indeed, of the school). With the cultural references and social and ethical confidence developed in their time at Harris Westminster Sixth Form, we are confident that students will be prepared for happy lives and fulfilling futures. 

16-19 Study Programme

Learning hours:

• Each A level has approximatey 165 hours in year 12 (term time lessons + Saturday school in Celebration term)

• Each A level has approximately 162 hours in year 13 (term time lessons + Saturday school in Remembrance and Resilience, not including any of Celebration)

• EPQ has approx 62 hours in year 13 (term time lessons + Saturday school)

• Planned qualification hours between 548 and 660.

• Planned non-qualification hours should be the same.

For further information about the curriculum please contact enquiries@harriswestminstersixthform.org.uk.