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My KMC Edge
Do you have the KMC Edge?
Six Certificates, one goal – are you in?
The KMC Edge – The Principals Award
The Principal’s Award reflects academic achievement but also a dedication to the values of leadership, safety and responsibility, and social impact. It recognises students who have demonstrated excellence across multiple areas, from career preparation and financial literacy to citizenship, environmental awareness, and voluntary service.
This recognition highlights your commitment to developing a wide range of skills, and it’s an achievement that will stand out prominently on your CV.
By earning all the individual KMC EDGE certificates, students will receive the Principal’s Award, demonstrating excellence in the following areas:
Attitude to Learning: Demonstrating a proactive approach to attendance, behaviour, attitude and effort during your time at college.
Future Success: Equipping yourself for future success with strong career skills, including CV writing and financial awareness.
Environment: Actively participating in sustainability initiatives and promoting environmental responsibility.
Volunteering: Contributing to the community through meaningful voluntary service and helping others.
Modern Britain: Upholding British values, embracing diversity, and staying informed about social issues like misinformation.
Safety and Wellbeing: Prioritising personal safety, mental health, and building resilience through well-being initiatives.
The Principal’s Award not only reflects your academic and personal achievements but also signals to employers that you are a well-rounded, socially responsible candidate with leadership experience. Having this award on your CV will make you stand out in a competitive job market, showing that you possess the initiative, dedication, and diverse skill set that employers value.
This award signifies that you are not only ready for your next career steps but also equipped to make a lasting positive impact on both your community and the professional world.
Want to learn the specifics?
Select the tabs below to understand what it really takes to earn your KMC Edge. There’s no time to waste!
Commitment, Effort, and Curiosity
You should consistently demonstrate a positive approach to learning. This means coming to lessons prepared, actively engaging with the material, and showing enthusiasm for improving your skills. A strong attitude to learning includes asking questions, seeking help when needed, and always aiming to do your best.
In order to achieve this, you need to:
- Be actively engaged in every lesson and participate in class discussions.
- Show curiosity by asking questions and seeking help when needed.
- Consistently complete your work ON TIME to the best of your ability, both in class and at home.
- Demonstrate a desire to improve by responding positively to feedback.
Attitude: Exhibiting a Growth Mindset and Positive Attitude
We value a positive attitude, which includes being open to challenges, resilient in the face of setbacks, and determined to succeed. You should show respect to peers and staff, demonstrate optimism in their efforts, and embrace new opportunities with a ‘can-do’ spirit.
In order to achieve this, you need to:
- Maintain a positive mindset, even when faced with challenges
- Show resilience by staying determined and not giving up
- Treat others with respect and be a positive influence on those around you
- Take on new tasks with enthusiasm and show pride in everything you do
Punctuality: Being On Time, Every Time
You are expected to arrive on time for college and all lessons. Punctuality shows a good working attitude and a readiness to learn. Arriving promptly ensures you make the most of your learning opportunities and stay on top of your academic progress.
In order to achieve this, you need to:
- Arrive on time for college and all your lessons, ready to learn
- Be prepared and organised so you don’t lose time at the start of the day or lesson
Behaviour: Respect, Responsibility, and Integrity
Outstanding behaviour is essential for creating a positive college environment. You should act with respect towards your peers and teachers, take responsibility for your actions, and always strive to be a role model for others. We expect high standards of behaviour in class, during breaks, and in all college activities.
In order to achieve this, you need to:
- Follow college rules and behave in a respectful manner towards staff and fellow students
- Take responsibility for your actions and make positive choices both in and outside the classroom
- Act as a role model, showing kindness, fairness, and consideration to others
Attendance: Maintaining High Levels of Attendance
Excellent attendance is key to success. You need to attend college regularly, aiming for 100% attendance, with any absences explained and authorised. This demonstrates commitment to your education and ensures you don’t fall behind in your learning.
In order to achieve this, you need to:
- Aim for 100% attendance throughout the year (minimum 90%)
- Ensure any absences are rare, fully explained, and authorised when necessary
- Understand that attending all lessons helps you stay on track with your learning and contributes to your success
What next?
At the end of the term your tutor will produce a reference for you to take to future employers detailing your attitude to learning, attendance and behaviour.
This certificate recognises your commitment to preparing for life beyond college. With a focus on developing skills for future success, you will demonstrate a solid understanding of essential areas such as financial literacy, building a strong CV, and planning your career path. Whatever career you are looking to go into this will help you take the next steps toward a prosperous and fulfilling career.
Finance: Attend a finance tutorial and gain valuable insights into managing personal finances and building a strong financial foundation for the future.
CV: create a professional CV, highlighting your skills, experiences, and strengths in a way that will stand out to potential employers.
Employer Reference: You will need to obtain a reference from a paid employer or work experience supervisor, highlighting your dedication, work ethic, and professionalism
What next?
Take this evidence to Jack Winborn the ‘Careers Lead’ for feedback
This certificate acknowledges your commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. Through your participation in environmental awareness initiatives, you will demonstrate a proactive approach to preserving the planet and inspiring others to do the same. This could include
- Sustainable Practices: You have actively engaged in eco-friendly practices such as reducing plastic use, recycling materials, conserving water, and minimizing energy consumption—each of which makes a positive difference in lowering your carbon footprint.
- Community Involvement: By participating in clean-up efforts, planting trees, and supporting local conservation projects, you have contributed to tangible, positive changes in your community.
- Advocacy and Education: You’ve raised awareness about environmental issues by encouraging peers, family, and friends to adopt greener habits, including using public transport, supporting sustainable products, and reducing waste.
- Sustainable Food Choices: Your efforts to promote plant-based meals and locally sourced food help reduce the environmental impact of food production and transportation.
This certificate reflects your dedication to sustainability and demonstrates your role in creating a healthier planet for future generations.
What next?
Keep a log of your activities or write a short report detailing the work you have taken part in and send to your tutor.
This certificate identifies your commitment to giving back to your community through voluntary service. By dedicating your time and energy to help others, you will not only make a meaningful impact but also demonstrate important qualities that will serve you well in the future. Your voluntary efforts can focus on:
- Community Engagement: You actively participate in initiatives that support and uplift others, demonstrating how you make a positive difference in your community.
- Environmental Volunteering: You can contribute to environmental causes, from participating in local clean-up projects to supporting sustainability initiatives aimed at protecting natural resources.
- Developing Key Skills: Through volunteering, you enhance your teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, while learning the value of compassion, responsibility, and civic duty.
- Social Impact: Your involvement in various causes can contribute to addressing important social issues, which would reflect a strong commitment to fostering positive change.
This certificate acknowledges your selflessness, hard work, and the personal growth you will achieved through volunteering. Your contributions will not only benefit those around you but will also help shape your future success.
What next?
Keep a log of your activities or write a short report detailing the work you have taken part in and send to your tutor.
This certificate recognises your dedication to understanding and upholding the principles that are essential to thriving in today’s diverse and dynamic society. By completing the Modern Britain tutorials, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to becoming an informed and responsible citizen. These key areas include:
- Prevent & British Values: You will gain a deeper understanding of the core values that shape modern Britain, such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect for different beliefs. Through your engagement with Prevent, you learned how to identify and respond to the risks of extremism, know how to protect those around you and understand how to keep safe.
- Stereotypes and Discrimination: You’ll understand the importance of diversity, showing a commitment to fostering equality, tolerance, and appreciation for different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
- Misinformation/Fake News: By understanding how to identify misinformation and fake news, you have equipped yourself with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s media landscape.
This certificate reflects your commitment to becoming a positive force in modern Britain, contributing to a more inclusive and informed community.
What next?
As part of your tutorials complete the feedback forms for a record of your attendance to a minimum of 3 of these tutorials
You will take part in essential tutorials designed to enhance your personal safety, well-being, and resilience. These tutorials will cover critical topics that equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate challenges and foster a healthy lifestyle. The key areas of focus include:
- Healthy Relationships: You will explore the foundations of building and maintaining healthy relationships, including effective communication, mutual respect, and the importance of consent. Understanding what constitutes a healthy relationship will empower you to form positive connections with peers and support others in establishing safe, respectful interactions.
- Mental Health, Anxiety, and Stress: These sessions will provide you with valuable insights into mental health, including recognising the signs of anxiety and stress. You will learn practical strategies to manage these feelings, such as mindfulness techniques, coping mechanisms, and the importance of seeking support when needed. This knowledge will empower you to prioritize your mental well-being and that of those around you.
- County Lines and Gang Awareness: You will engage in discussions about the risks associated with county lines, gang involvement and knife crime, understanding how these networks operate and the potential consequences of involvement. This awareness will help you recognise warning signs and make informed choices, contributing to safer communities.
- Drug Awareness: You will gain an understanding of the different types of drugs, their effects, and the associated risks. This knowledge will enable you to make informed decisions and empower you to discuss the implications of drug use with peers, promoting a culture of safety and informed choices.
- Enrichment Activities: You will participate in a variety of enrichment activities designed to learning new skills and improving your health. These may include workshops, team-building exercises, and a good understanding of first aid. By engaging in these experiences, you will enhance your personal health and well-being while equipping yourself with valuable life skills.
What next?
As part of your tutorials complete the feedback forms for a record of your attendance to 4 of the above tutorials and participate in the college enrichment activities.
How do I Start?
Contact your tutor about keeping a log of your activities.
If students successfully achieve all the individual KMC EDGE certificates—Attitude to learning, Safety and Wellbeing, Future Success, Modern Britain, Volunteering, and Environmental Responsibility—they will be awarded with the Principal’s Award. This award highlights their commitment to personal growth, community service, and readiness for the future.