prospectus
i. introduction ii. the principal iii. a level iv. gcse v. portfolio course vi. careers & higher education vii. terms & conditions p. 03 p. 05 p. 07 p. 09 p. 11 p. 13 p. 15
I. Introduction In 2015, Fine Arts College joined the Dukes Education. The market leader in Oxbridge, US and UK university admissions guidance, Dukes Education operates Sixth Form colleges in London as well as high-quality English language and activity summer school courses for international students. Fine Arts College was founded in 1978 as an independent sixth form college specialising in the study of Arts and Humanities. Today the College offers a wide choice of subjects at GCSE and A level as well as a one-year portfolio course for students preparing for art school entry. The College is located in a charming part of Belsize Park with the main site situated in a secluded courtyard away from the bustle of the street. The courtyard buildings, originally a Victorian dairy, are modern and light-filled and comprise a series of lecture and tutorial rooms alongside art, drama and music studios. The College also houses specialist studios for photography and media studies nearby. Each of the tutorial rooms has its own extensive subject library including books, slides and DVDs. The College functions on an ethos of mutual respect where an individual s talents and ambitions are encouraged and nurtured. For this reason the number of students is restricted to no more than 140, maintaining small class sizes and strong pastoral care for all students and ensuring an exceptional pass rate in exams. Virtually all students go on to higher education at a range of universities and art, music and drama schools. Fine Arts College provides an opportunity for young people to study in a mature, open and stimulating atmosphere; a unique bridge between school and university. Fine Arts College provides an outstanding quality of education. The outstanding quality of teaching promotes students outstanding progress, particularly in the arts and humanities. ofsted report 2012 03 + 04
II. THE principal The Principal Candida Cave founded the College with Nicholas Cochrane in 1978. Candida trained at the Ruskin School of Art, Oxford and studied History of Art with the University of Buckingham. She has been Principal of the College since its foundation. Candida is also a practicing painter & playwright. Her plays have 05 + 06 been performed at the Royal Academy, British Museum, Tate Britain, the National Portrait Gallery, London theatres and for the British Councils in Florence, Bologna & Rome. I just want to take this opportunity to thank you and everyone at the College so much for everything you have done for my son. His time with you has been truly enriching and the quality of teaching outstanding. He has grown enormously in his time with you and we really can t thank you enough. For what it s worth, we extol your virtues to anyone who will listen! past parent
III. a level The majority of students follow two-year A level courses although a few students join in the final year of study to take a one-year course in one or two subjects. The College offers over 20 subjects in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and places no restriction on subject combinations, allowing students to follow courses suited to their skills, interests and future plans. Students are encouraged to take a mature attitude to independent study and are supported and guided by staff enabling them to become responsible young people, ready for the transition to university life. extended project qualification The extended project qualification (EPQ) is designed to challenge the most able students and is offered to all sixth formers. The EPQ is taken in addition to A levels and supports higher education applications. Each year we present awards to outstanding A level students for exceptional progress in academic or creative subjects. extra-curricular The College prides itself on its rich programme of extracurricular visits that support the curriculum and foster cultural development. There is a varied series of outings throughout the year to galleries, theatres, concerts, film and media centres and exhibitions, as well as Art History study visits to Paris, Florence and Rome. The quality of teaching and assessment is outstanding overall. Teachers excellent subject knowledge and expertise engage and inspire students. ofsted 2012 07 + 08
IV. GCSE The GCSE Department provides a broad and balanced curriculum with students taking up to 10 subjects over one or two years. Students in the fifth form are expected to take a mature and responsible approach to their studies but are more closely supervised than sixth form students. Lessons are taught Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm and homework is set for every subject each week, some of which can be completed in College during supervised study periods. 09 + 10 Beyond academic progress, the College fosters personal and social development through a rounded PSHE course, a changing programme of weekly afternoon sports and talks by outside speakers. The curriculum is enriched by a series of extracurricular cultural trips throughout the year including visits to museums, galleries, exhibitions and the theatre. Students are well known and exceptionally well cared for. The College is an inclusive community in which all students are valued. ofsted 2012
V. You have taught me so much about the world of art and shared with me your own techniques. These things will stay with me a lifetime. I owe you so much. past student Portfolio course The Portfolio Course is specifically designed for students wishing to apply either for an Art foundation course or direct entry to a degree course at university or art school. In addition, we are able to offer an individual programme for students who simply wish to explore the creative world for their own satisfaction and development. The Portfolio Course will therefore enable students to prepare either a general portfolio for a foundation application or a more subject specific portfolio for direct application at degree level. Areas of study available include Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles, Photography and Contextual Studies. This is a one or two term course, depending on the specific requirements of the student. Application is by interview with the Principals and presentation of portfolio where applicable. 11 + 12
VI. Careers & Higher Education Fine Arts students go on to a wide range of higher education courses and all students are offered advice and guidance on their future after A levels. The College provides students with all the necessary information that allows them to make an informed and considered choice about their future: university, art, music or drama school, career options or a gap year. The College also hosts talks for students and parents with a range of visiting speakers from universities and industry. 13 + 14
VII. terms & conditions Laurence Bowkett taught at Fine Arts College from 1988 until his death in 2002. A graduate in Ancient History and Archaeology, Laurence was a practising archaeologist who worked all over Europe and published a book on Hellenistic Mycenae and a textbook for A Level Archaeology. Laurence inspired generations of students with his passion for the ancient world and was much loved as a paternal, caring director of GCSE, which made Health & Safety Policy Complaints and Grievances Procedure Equal Opportunities Policy admissions scholarship & bursaries Laurence Bowkett Memorial Scholarship policies & procedures The following policies are available on our website: Admission at A Level is based on interview with the Principals, satisfactory GCSE results and a satisfactory reference from the student s previous school. Admission at GCSE is based on assessment at interview with the Principals or Director of GCSE and satisfactory references from the student s previous school. Admission to the Portfolio Course is based on an interview and a portfolio assessment. him a very special member of the College for the younger students. In memory of Laurence we offer one scholarship annually. We offer a limited number of bursaries to full-time students each year. Bursaries are awarded to students who have previously been educated within the state system or who would not normally be able to afford private education. Child Protection Policy and Curriculum Policy Anti-Bullying Policy Disciplinary Policy payment of fees & general conditions Any alterations to the terms and conditions below are rendered void unless confirmed in writing by the College. These conditions come into effect upon registration of the student. 1. Fees are payable in advance and are due two weeks before the first day of term. 2. Where parents may have difficulty in meeting this requirement they should discuss their situation with the College Accountant prior to registration. Any alternative arrangements made must then be confirmed in writing by the College Accountant prior to the start of term. 3. Fees unpaid after the first day of term will be subject to 100 surcharge per term without exception. If alternative arrangements are made under paragraph 2 above, the 100 surcharge will apply if any of the agreed instalment dates are not met. 4. Payment of fees from abroad must be completed two weeks before the start of each term for the student to be admitted to the College. 5. Entitlement to a bursary or scholarship will be withdrawn if the fees are not paid by the due date, or if the student fails to meet the College s expectations of attendance, effort or behaviour. 6. Public examination entrance fees are not included in the tuition fee cost. 7. The College reserves the right to refuse entry to public examinations if the tuition fees have not been paid in full. 8. To withdraw a student from the College, one full academic term s notice must be given in writing. Receipt of this notice must then be confirmed in writing by the College Accountant. Failure to give a full term s notice will result in one term s fees being payable. 9. A student may be asked by the Principals to leave the College for disciplinary reasons. Under these circumstances fees for the whole of that term remain payable. 10. Timetables may be altered at short notice should circumstances demand. The Principals reserve the right to reduce the standard hours of tuition for groups of three or less. 11. Students are jointly and individually liable for any damage caused by them to the premises. 12. The College does not accept responsibility for students personal possessions. 15 + 16
map key Centre Studios Underground Station location The main building is situated close to swiss cottage (jubilee line) and belsize park (northern line) underground stations.