The King's School Canterbury, International College - Prospectus

Prospectus

The College specialises in preparing international students aged 13-17 for entry into a top boarding school. We provide a carefully designed academic programme and the cultural and pastoral support to allow our students to succeed in their future education.

Jo and Bill Prior studied together at Oxford University and have also lived, studied and worked in France, Germany, China, South Korea and Scotland. Knowing first-hand what it is like to study abroad, they strive to give international students an outstanding first experience of British boarding education.

Welcome from the College Principals

Wherever you are from, you are welcome in the College and in our truly international community. At the International College, you will develop the academic skills and cultural knowledge you will need as you go on to make a success of your education at a leading UK boarding school.

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We have worked with international students for many years at different schools, and we have studied abroad in different countries ourselves. This means we know what it is like to come to a new country and have many new things to learn. In your time with us, you will gain wonderful experiences – learning in the classroom, living in the College, being part of King’s, and building international friendships – that will stay with you for life.

An outstanding first step in the UK for international students

Our sought-after programme offers international students their first experience of a British boarding school education, helping them learn how to succeed academically in the British system, while also preparing them for their next step. Over one to three years, our students achieve strong GCSE results, as well as the necessary confidence and experience to thrive in their future boarding school of choice.

The International College is purpose-built and is set in a beautiful, leafy campus in central Canterbury. Students have their lessons on the ground floor, and live in comfortable rooms on the first and second floors. They move around the campus to go to Art and Science lessons in the historic Malthouse next door, and they also move throughout Canterbury as they integrate with students of The King’s School for sports and cocurricular activities throughout the week.

The King’s Family of Schools

The International College is part of the historic King’s educational tradition in Canterbury, dating back to the year 597. It includes a senior school, a junior school and various schools overseas. Our students are part of that history, and they take part in the rich and varied life of The King’s School, including sports, music, art, and cultural events.

Living and learning in Canterbury

Our College is conveniently located in the beautiful city of Canterbury, only 55 minutes from central London. Canterbury has the traditional English charm of cobbled streets and historic buildings. At the same time, it is safe, cosmopolitan and home to three universities.

Canterbury’s excellent transport links make it convenient for international students travelling to and from the major London airports. As members of The King’s School, International College students take part in important events, such as concerts in the historic Canterbury Cathedral.

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Destinations and results

Our goal is to help prepare students for success in their A-Levels or IB. Our graduates have gone on to a remarkable range of top schools, and to world-class universities following that. For a full list, please visit: www.kings-school.co.uk/the-international-college/ destinations/

The first step on this journey is the remarkable GCSE results our students achieve. We put this success down to the dedication of our students, a highly individualised programme of learning, and the professionalism and skill of our teaching staff.

‘The IC taught me what education in the UK is like and what skills other schools want you to have to be successful.’

Edward Bulgaria

State-of-the-art facilities

The International College was built by top London architects to offer students state-of-the-art facilities in which to learn and live. Our classrooms have been designed to promote communication in lessons, which is important for students adapting to an Englishlanguage curriculum. The College offers comfortable twin rooms with ensuite facilities, quiet areas for independent study, and communal break-out areas for recreational free time.

Science should be about learning through doing, and our science lessons feature lots of experiments to engage our students, who all study Biology, Chemistry and Physics in fully equipped, modern laboratories.

‘People are friendly and open and ready to help you anytime.’

Katia Belarus

Innovative curriculum

We prepare students for success in a British, Englishlanguage curriculum, and all of our subject teachers are experienced in working with international students. They teach in a way that helps students develop their communication skills and adapt to the British style of teaching. Small class sizes of 12 or fewer students, as well as our excellent teacher to student ratio, allow for personalised support and guidance.

Our highly sought-after Year 11 course for students aged 15 to 16 offers the opportunity to gain GCSE qualifications in just one year, enabling students to progress to A-Level or IB study the following year.

From learning formal musical theory to composing a film score, our students enjoy music inside the classroom and as part of their co-curricular life. Each year, we have students who join choirs and orchestral groups at The King’s School, giving them opportunities to make friends and perform in stunning concerts in Canterbury Cathedral.

Our small class sizes and individualised approach to teaching ensure students get lots of support. We offer a broad curriculum to all age groups, including the Sciences, Humanities, Economics, Music, Art and Computing. Our popular one-year GCSE programme prepares students for beginning their A-Level or IB studies after they graduate from the International College.

Discover and develop new talents

All of our students take part in the co-curricular sports and activities programme of The King’s School and mix fully with students from The King’s School on the stage, in choir, at talks and charitable events, or on the sports pitches.

Sport for all

There is an enormous range of sports students can take part in, the most popular of which are sailing, fencing, riding, swimming, football, lacrosse, rowing, rugby, hockey and mountain biking. Students with particular talents are selected to represent The King’s School on sports teams.

Feel supported and at home

We want students to feel like they belong here from the moment they set foot in our school. We are known for providing excellent care to students, and our highly professional team works around the clock to make sure students are well supported, connected and thriving. From a student’s personal tutor, to the residential boarding staff, and from our 24-hour Health Centre to our counsellors, we all focus on making sure students’ wellbeing is put first.

All teachers have pastoral responsibilities and our curriculum also meets the personal and social needs of a 21st century teenager. Each student belongs to a small tutorial group, led by a tutor who is also a teacher at the College. The group meets daily, and students also have regular one-toone meetings with their tutor. This provides an opportunity to discuss academic progress and personal development, as well as the chance to collaborate on presentations for assembly and competitions. Tutors are also the first point of contact for parents and guardians.

‘Pupils at the International College immerse themselves in the British education they receive. Leaders have created a dedicated setting for overseas pupils that promotes an understanding of British values and institutions, helping these pupils to transition successfully onto A-Level courses.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate

Joining the College

13-/14-year olds

One- or three-year course

Broad curriculum including: English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities, Art, Music, Business, Computer Science, Geography, PSHE, PE

14-/15-year olds

Two-year course

15-/16-year olds

One-year GCSE course

*Depending on student choice and timetable.

Core subjects: English, Maths, Sciences, Global Perspectives

Optional subjects*: Economics, Business, Art, Music, Computer Science

Enrichment subject: PSHE

We provide an eclectic, healthy and nutritious menu for our students featuring food from around the world. Our chefs regularly ask for feedback and adapt the menus to student requests. Staff eat breakfast, lunch, and supper together with the students.