The Knatchbull Baccalaureate

The Knatchbull Baccalaureate (KnatchBacc)

Our students’ experience in school is built on four key pillars that make up the ‘The Knatchbull Baccalaureate’ (Knatch. Bacc.):

• Academic The timetable, the subjects, the lessons, the assessments, the exam outcomes… A rigorous academic curriculum, taught in creative and demanding ways, developing students’ metacognition, recognising and acknowledging that secure understanding of knowledge underpins higher order thinking, synthesis (within and across subjects) and analysis.
• Extra-Curricular Enrichment, Sport, Music, The Arts… Through a wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities which broaden students’ perspectives, knowledge, skills and talents; reinforcing that high quality outcomes in any field come as a result of commitment, targeted practice and teamwork, consequentially developing resilience, adaptability and learning through mistakes (albeit currently mitigated and frustrated by COVID19 restrictions.)                                               
• Community Leadership, contribution – making a difference. Developing a sense (from experience) of how we gain from and how we can contribute to the communities in which we live, study and work. We can all make a contribution – leadership, fundraising, volunteering…
• Excel and extend Stretch and challenge – Looking to stretch and challenge ourselves in at least one area of the three curriculum strands above.

Excel and Extend

Students at NKS are encouraged to explore their interests in a variety of fields.  As their aspirations develop, they are supported to reach their chosen destinations through a varied programme of support.  A range of visitors and external speakers offer inspiration to students across a broad spectrum of topics, including working as a paramedic and the ergonomic design of tanks. With the aim to directly inspire and motivate students in their career ambitions.  Students have also been able to participate in medicine experience days facilitated by Meducators, and online discussions through ‘I’m a Scientist Get me Out of Here’ with scientists from a range of fields such as psychology, genetics and space.