Kings International High School Programme FAQs

INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS A guide for anyone involved in counselling agents or students TARGET AUDIENCE WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR? Students age 14-17 who are serious about academic study and want to dramatically improve their English and experience high school in the British education system.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR PROGRAMME AND A TRADITIONAL BOARDING SCHOOL? Our colleges offer the same British academic curriculum, leading to the same high school qualifications. The difference is that you will be in an international school environment, studying alongside other international students from all over the world.

This has a number of advantages: • • • •

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Our classes are very small (between 4 – 10 students) so you get lots of individual attention.

Our teachers are experts in teaching international students both English and academic subjects.

All our staff are used to and understand the needs of international students adapting to living and studying in the UK. Because you stay with a host family, also used to welcoming long term international students, you have the experience of actually living in a British home, which also contributes to your rate of progress in English and the overall cultural experience.

Another thing we can offer, which many traditional boarding schools cannot, is flexibility – you can choose how many terms you want to study and when you want to study.

IF I WANT TO GET GCSE OR A-LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS IS THIS THE RIGHT PROGRAMME? It depends: •

If you already know which qualifications you want and you have the right level and the time, it is better for you to enrol for the appropriate academic programme (e.g. GCSE or A-level). You may have the opportunity to sit for some of these examinations and gain external qualifications while you are on the High School programme, but this will depend on a number of things including how many terms you study.

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If you are not sure yet whether you want to commit 1 – 2 years to studying in the UK, the High School Programme may be a good choice for you as a kind of ‘taster’ – a chance to discover if this is the right path for you, and whatever progress you make on the High School Programme will make a difference to your entry point (and therefore the total number of terms you need to study) on a GCSE or A-level programme afterwards.

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IF I HAVE DROPPED OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL IS THIS A GOOD PROGRAMME FOR ME? No - the best option for you is to book the appropriate GCSE pathway (4-6 terms depending on how many years you have completed and your English and academic entry assessment by Kings). The High School programme is not a qualifying programme for GCSE. You can find more information on this link: http://www.kingscolleges.com/prepare-for-uk-university/our-courses/gcse.html For our High School Programme, you need to have completed Year 8 if you are 14+ or year 9 if you are 15+; the minimum entry requirements are the same as those required for a GCSE programme.

WHAT PATHWAYS TO HIGHER EDUCATION/UNIVERSITY ARE AVAILABLE TO ME ON COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAMME? The two most likely routes you will follow on completion of our High School Programme are: •

You return to complete high school in your own country, (convalidating your studies from the time you have spent in the UK so as not to repeat the school year). You then progress to Higher Education in your own country or return to the UK to do a qualifying programme including placement into a UK university (or go elsewhere e.g. to the US for placement into a US university).

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Having experienced the High School Programme, you decide you would like to enrol on the appropriate academic programme for your level (e.g. A-level or Foundation), which will get you into a UK university. You will gain credit for your High School Programme studies, according to your level and achievement i.e. you will continue your studies from the point you reach on the High School Programme until you qualify for university entry.

If you already know when you enrol that you want to progress to a UK university and are able and willing to commit to 1-2 years study in the UK, your best option is to apply for the right academic pathway programme at the beginning (e.g. A-level or Foundation). You can find more information on this link: http://www.kingscolleges.com/prepare-for-uk-university/

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME? •

In Bournemouth, you must be at least 14 when you start the programme.

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In London or Oxford, you must be at least 15 when you start the programme.

IS THERE A MAXIMUM AGE FOR THE PROGRAMME? Yes, the maximum age you can be when you start the programme is 17.

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GENERAL WHAT IS THE NATIONALITY MIX? Students from 89 different countries studied with us last year. The top 10 nationalities make up only 65% of our students – the remaining 35% come from 79 different countries. If you would like to see a snapshot of the nationality spread in a specific school in a specific month from 2011/2012, just ask us and we can provide a breakdown for you.

HOW DO I KNOW KINGS COLLEGES IS A GOOD SCHOOL? • •

• • •

Each of our UK colleges is British Council accredited and registered as an independent school with the UK Department of Education, inspected by Ofsted.

Kings Colleges has an excellent track record for academic results and progression to the top universities in the UK. Over 95% of our A-Level students and over 60% of our Foundation students win places at the UK’s top 30 universities. Kings students achieve grades that are far higher than the national average.

Classes are very small: 4 – 10 students.

We have highly qualified teachers: all are subject specialists and many hold a PhD. All our UK colleges have Highly Trusted Sponsor status.

WHAT ARE THE TERM DATES?

Term

Number of weeks

Start date

Autumn term 2013

13

16-Sep

13-­‐Dec

3

Spring term 2014

11

06-Jan

21-­‐Mar

2

Summer term 1 2014

10

07-Apr

13-­‐Jun

Long weekend

Summer term 2 2014

7

18-Jun

01 Aug

6

Autumn term 2014

13

15-Sep

12-­‐Dec

3

3

End date

Number of weeks holiday break

ACADEMIC CONTENT

WHAT WILL I GET AT THE END OF THE PROGRAMME? You will get an academic school report (including grades and hours for each subject) and a Kings Colleges Certificate of Graduation for our International High School Programme.

If, depending on the length and dates of your study, you are able to sit for any external examinations (such as GCSEs), you will also get these external qualifications – but this will depend on the length and dates of your study.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAKING THE PROGRAMME FOR ONE, TWO OR THREE TERMS? It really depends on how long you want to be away, as this is all about having the experience of being in a high school abroad. One of the key advantages of this programme is flexibility, allowing you the option to study abroad for just one or two terms, without the need to repeat your school year on return to your country, and being able to choose whether you want to go in January or September.

WHO DECIDES HOW MANY TERMS I TAKE? You do – this is really a matter of personal choice. Providing you qualify to enter the programme, it is up to you how many terms you study.

We do recommend that you check with your school before you book with us, just in case they have any restrictions about how long you can study abroad without the need to repeat the school year on your return.

HOW MANY SUBJECTS WILL I TAKE? This will depend on your age and academic ability, which will determine which academic programme you join.

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If you are under 16, English, Maths, Information Technology and Physical Education are compulsory and you will usually also take 3-4 other subjects (which normally include at least one science and one humanity subject). You will also do a weekly class of PHSE, a requirement for all under 16s in British schools (see below for an explanation of what this is).

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If you are 16+, depending on your ability and length of study, you will either join a GCSE stream, in which case you will do the same range of subjects as above, or you will join a Foundation or A-level stream, in which case you will normally study English + 3 or 4 special subject areas.

In all cases, we try to include your preferred subject areas as indicated in your application form. The final subject combination will depend on your level and ability, on the subjects required for convalidation by your school in your home country, and on availability of specific subjects at each of our colleges.

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GCSE PATHWAY

UNDER 16

• • • • • •

16 or 17

English Maths Information Technology Physical Education + 3-4 other subjects including Geography and one Science + PHSE

A-LEVEL or EXTENDED FOUNDATION PATHWAY • •

English + 3-4 other subjects

WHEN WILL I KNOW ALL THE SUBJECTS I AM ACTUALLY GOING TO STUDY? When you have arrived at the school and we have been able to personally meet you and complete our assessment of your needs and ability.

WHICH SUBJECTS ARE AVAILABLE IN WHICH SCHOOL? Broadly, the same subjects are available in each school. The combination of subjects you do will depend partly on which academic pathway you join – and this depends on your age and ability.

Here are the different pathways and subjects offered: 1. GCSE: English, Maths, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Physical Education, IT, Geography, Creative Arts (this may vary – Art or Drama), PSHE 2. A-level: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Politics, Geography, History, Computing, Economics, Art

3. Extended Foundation: Scientific Investigation, Business and Enterprise, Humanities, Maths, IT, Language In addition, all students can take part in the Kings Young Enterprise scheme, which comprises practical Business activities.

CAN I SEE A SAMPLE TIMETABLE? Yes, these should be available soon.

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HOW MUCH ENGLISH WILL I DO? This will depend on your entry level of English and how much English you need.

As an indication, students can expect to have about 8 lessons a week of English (lessons are 40 minutes).

WHAT IS PHSE? PHSE stands for Personal, Health, Social and Economic education and it is a requirement of all British schools to include this in the curriculum for young students. We incorporate a weekly lesson into the timetable according to this requirement. The modules each year include: Healthy and Safe Food, Conflict Resolution, Alcohol, Personal Wellbeing, Relationships, Becoming a Parent, Economic Wellbeing. The methodology also incorporates other skills such as communicating, working with others, and problem solving.

HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL THERE BE IN THE CLASS? There will be 4 – 10 students in each class – maximum 10.

WHAT IS CLASSMATE? Classmate is your 24/7 online learning companion. It provides guided learning sessions to supplement your teacher-led English classes and practise your English language skills.

As soon as you enrol, you will be given a username and password, so that you can access this before you arrive. After you leave, you will continue to have free access for 3 months.

Learn more about it at: http://www.kingscolleges.com/learn-english/classmate.html

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ACCOMMODATION

WILL I BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN FAMILY LIFE? Yes, you will stay with people who are used to looking after international high school age students and understands how important it is for you to be ‘part of the family’. The relationship you develop with your hosts is a hugely important aspect of your experience of studying and living in Britain and you will be included in many activities and made to feel welcome and at home.

CAN I STAY WITH MY HOST FAMILY DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS? Yes. You just need to tell us in advance if you would like us to arrange this – ideally tell us when you make your booking so that we can check that the family is not going away when we choose the family for you. You will need to pay a small weekly supplement for the 3-week Christmas period.

IF I GO HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS, CAN I GO BACK TO THE SAME FAMILY? Yes you can, but you need to tell us in advance that you want to do this and you will need to pay a small weekly retainer for the period you are away.

WILL THERE BE OTHER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT MY HOST FAMILY? It depends; some homestays host only one student, some more than one. If you have a particular preference – either to be with another international student in the same homestay or to be the only international student – just let us know when you make your booking and we will do our best to accommodate this. Even if there is another international student staying there, you will always have your own single bedroom.

WILL MY HOMESTAY BE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE SCHOOL? Yes, we guarantee that you will be within reasonable walking distance of the school.

WILL I HAVE INTERNET ACCESS AT THE HOUSE? Yes, we guarantee that you will have Internet access at your homestay. (You will need to take your own laptop).

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOMESTAY AND HOMESTAY EXTRA? Homestay Extra provides an extra spacious bedroom with a double bed, a television and a private bath or shower room. (Available in London and Bournemouth).

WHAT IF I DON’T PAY FOR THE FULL BOARD SUPPLEMENT? That is fine. You will have Half Board included in your accommodation fees (breakfast and dinner every day). You will be able to pay for a hot or cold lunch at the school cafeteria Monday to Friday.

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IF I HAVE PAID THE FULL BOARD SUPPLEMENT, WHERE DO I HAVE LUNCH? From Mondays to Fridays, you will have lunch at the school cafeteria. On Saturdays and Sundays, you will have lunch at your homestay. If you go on a full day excursion, your host will provide you with a packed lunch to take with you.

If you are staying at Charminster residence in Bournemouth, you will have lunch at the school cafeteria Monday to Friday and a packed lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday.

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO STAY IN THE RESIDENCE AT BOURNEMOUTH? 16. Our brand new residence in Bournemouth has an onsite residential warden and 24 hour security. It is 15 - 20 minutes walk from the school and has an onsite cafeteria serving breakfast and dinner.

WELFARE AND CARE FOR JUNIORS WHAT KIND OF ORIENTATION WILL I GET? You will receive a full orientation programme during your first week. This will include meeting the Principal, the Director of Studies, Accommodation and Student Welfare staff, and the Activity Organiser. You will have induction sessions for the library, the computer centre, the social activity programme, course administration, the academic programme, study skills, and general welfare. You will also be shown around the town or city and the local area where the school is based.

IF I AM UNDER 16 WILL THE SCHOOL APPOINT A GUARDIAN FOR ME? •

No, the school does not appoint a guardian on your behalf. However, we recommend a guardianship service so that you can arrange this directly with them. It is a requirement that all under 16s DO have a guardian and you need to inform us as soon as this is arranged.

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You will need a guardian until the end of the term in which you become 16 (if you are not doing very well academically or emotionally, we may ask you to keep a guardian for the duration of your stay).

IF I AM UNDER 16, WHAT KIND OF SUPERVISION WILL I RECEIVE? You will receive full supervision during college hours Monday to Friday. Outside college hours, you are expected to be with your host family, on supervised activities, or have asked permission to go to a friend’s house etc. You will have the same curfews, no key rules as other under 16s.

Your parents will need to sign a parental consent form, enabling you to take part in activities and excursions – see Application section below.

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WILL I HAVE A PERSONAL TUTOR? Yes. During orientation, you will meet your personal tutor, who will oversee you throughout your stay and have regular meetings with you to monitor and discuss your progress and general welfare.

In addition, you will be encouraged to approach your class teachers and our accommodation and welfare staff for any specific problems you might have at any time.

HOW WILL I STAY IN TOUCH WITH MY FAMILY AT HOME? You will have WIFI access at the school and at your homestay. Also, when you arrive we will give you a free mobile SIM card with £10 credit.

SOCIAL & ACTIVITY PROGRAMME CAN I BOOK EXCURSIONS AFTER ARRIVAL OR DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE EXCURSION SUPPLEMENT? Yes you can book and pay for excursions after arrival. You do not have to pay for the excursion supplement in advance – this is just an option to avoid the need to carry extra money with you.

IS THERE A SAMPLE ACTIVITY PROGRAMME? Yes, we can provide sample activity programmes for you – just ask us which school you are interested in.

WHAT KIND OF EXCURSIONS CAN I GO ON? You can visit a wide range of places: e.g. London, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath & Stonehenge, Bristol, Brighton, Warwick Castle, Windsor Castle & Eaton College, Cardiff & Wales - to name a few.

Most of our excursions are run by a highly professional and experienced company called UK Study Tours – you can follow this link for more information about where and what you will see: https://www.ukstudytours.com In Bournemouth, we also use an excellent company called Indigo Travel for some of the excursions – follow this link for more information: http://www.indigostudy.com/ On excursions where we use an external provider, you will not be accompanied by a member of Kings staff.

WHAT KIND OF SPORTS CAN I DO? Sports on offer include swimming, tennis, volleyball, badminton, netball or basketball, football, handball, table tennis.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT THE ACTIVITY PROGRAMME IS EACH WEEK? This will be displayed on notice boards in the school. You can also view the weekly programme and book excursions through Classmate.

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CAN I GET ANY STUDENT DISCOUNTS IN MUSEUMS, SHOPS ETC? Yes; when you arrive we will give you a free ISIC card, which entitles you to a wide range of student discounts on a whole variety of things including entertainment, shopping, cultural activities, travel and more.

APPLICATION

WHAT KIND OF VISA DO I NEED? •

If you are coming for just 1 term, you will need a Child Visitor Visa. This is valid for under 18s for a maximum of 6 months.

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If you are coming for 2 terms, you may only need a Child Visitor Visa if the total number of weeks of your stay is less than 6 months but if the 2 terms take you beyond 6 months (for example if you start in September), then you will need a Child Student Visa (Tier 4)

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If you are coming for 3 terms, you will need a Child Student Visa (Tier 4)

Please note that the Child Visitor Visa is only given for a maximum of 6 months; there is no leeway at all and this includes the total time of your stay from the day of arrival in the UK to the day you actually leave the UK. Also, you cannot extend a Child Visitor Visa in the UK; you have to go back to your country and re-apply for a new visa (and according to immigration rules you are actually supposed to wait 6 months before re-applying, although this is not always the case in practice). So, if you are at all unsure or think you might want to extend your programme, it is better to apply for a Child Student Visa (Tier 4) before you come!

Go to this link for more information: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/quick-guide/ Please note that the ESVV is no good for this programme.

WHAT IF I DO ONE OR TWO TERMS AND THEN DECIDE TO EXTEND FOR ANOTHER TERM OR ENROL ON AN ACADEMIC PROGRAMME (E.G. A-LEVEL OR FOUNDATION) – WILL I BE ABLE TO EXTEND MY VISA IN THE UK? No, you will need to return to your country and apply for a new visa. See “What kind of visa do I need?”

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO CONVALIDATE MY STUDIES? This depends on your country of origin. The most important thing to do is to check this directly with your school before you complete your application and to let us know what they say.

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If your school requires your certificates and school reports to be notarised by your Embassy in the UK, we will take care of this and forward the documents to your booking agent in your home country.

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If your school would like to see samples of the syllabus in our colleges, just ask us and we will email these.

If you would like more specific guidelines for your country, please ask us and we will do our best to provide these.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS? •

If you are 14, you need to have completed Year 8 at High School in your country and you must have an English level equivalent to IELTS 4.0.

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If you are 15+, you need to have completed at least Year 9 at High School in your country and you must have an English level equivalent to IELTS 5.0

WILL I HAVE TO TAKE AN ENTRANCE TEST?

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On application, you will be asked to complete a Kings English Test.

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You may be asked to complete a Kings Maths Test and do a Kings Skype interview but these are not normally required.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE AN IELTS TEST BEFORE I ENROL? No. You just need to have an equivalent level to the required IELTS grade. We will assess this through the Kings English Test that you will be asked to complete on application.

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