2015/16 | 01634 828115
www.rochester-college.org
THE RIC TIMES A co-educational day and boarding school | Year 7 to sixth form
Accelerated academics 1 year A level courses University Entry
Boarding at Rochester Weekly and full
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Bitesize Year 7 Taster days 23 Sept and 21 Oct
Accredited by the Independent Schools Council
Rethink and retake Second chance success
Switching schools Year 13 transfers triumph
For a unique place choose RIC
Admissions Accomplished One of the elements of the winning formula at RIC is the dynamic mix of local students from a variety of backgrounds with inspirational young people from overseas. An International Gold Medal Olympian in the class can be a real advantage, as aspiring Medic Joe McManners can attest. Joe (pictured second from the left) moved to RIC from Tonbridge School. He gained A*A* in Chemistry and Biology in one year from scratch, having shared a Chemistry class with Jiratheep ‘Boom’ Pruchayathamkorn. Boom came to RIC on the Thai Government Scholarship programme (see p 7) and achieved the Olympian feat of 5 A* grades in Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Statistics in one year. He has a place at Merton College, Oxford to read Chemistry. “Working through past papers together was actually really good fun” says Joe “I don’t think I’d have done so well without those weekly sessions with Boom, and I loved hearing about his time with Buddhist monks - Good times!” Joe previously shot to fame in the BBC’s operatic version of “The Little Prince” and was subsequently nominated for Album of the Year
at the 2006 Classical BRIT Awards. Boom won Gold at the 45th IChO (International Chemistry Olympiad) in Russia in 2013 having taken Bronze the previous year in the USA. His main worry this year was his English; while he helped his classmates through the demands of one of the most challenging of A levels, they gave him valuable support with his English.
From GCSE Resits To Med School
Also sharing classes with Boom were Rohan Ghag, pictured far left, and Aimee Coleman, second from right, who joined RIC from local grammar schools. Rohan is now off to read Biomedical Sciences at Royal Holloway having retaken Chemistry and Biology and added a one year course in Statistics. Aimee retook four subjects and has secured a coveted place at Bath to study Maths and Physics. Students usually decide to retake before they go off to try a University course, but sometimes, the decision comes after a disappointing start in Higher Education. Tom Lightfoot decided after a month at university that the course he had taken through Clearing was not for him. He left and came to RIC to retake his A levels, securing his first choice place to read Maths at Loughborough University. Lizzie Bradshaw, who joined RIC at the age of 11 from St William of Perth Primary School, is celebrating a place at Warwick University, one of the top rated universities in the country for Film Studies. Her A* grades in Film Studies and Photography demonstrate that creative A levels can work as a passport to the most competitive institutions.
Many talented students join the College with a proven record of academic success in order to aim for top university places, often because they have decided to change direction - perhaps from an Arts based set of A levels to Sciences or vice versa. But not everyone demonstrates what they are capable of in exams first time around. Every year some students join RIC for intensive one year A level courses, either first time or retake, or combined A level and GCSE retake programmes designed to give a second chance to those aiming high.
even more impressive as he retook his GCSEs alongside his A level studies .
Special congratulations to Charlie Bicknell who starts his UCL Medical School degree this year. There are typically 2400 applicants for 322 places and Charlie’s achievement in securing a place after a two year A level course at RIC is
Also starting this year at Medical Schools are Tom Kerr who is off to the Peninsula School of Medicine in Plymouth and Florence Wallace who has gained a place at Bristol University Medical School.
George Hales is off to Exeter to take up the place at Medical School that his previous school told him only a year ago that he would never achieve. George resat his Biology and gained an A* and brought his Chemistry up from a B at AS to a full A level grade A. He also took Sociology from scratch in a year gaining an A*. He says: “It’s not a breeze, but if you put in the effort and decide you can do it and listen to the advice you get here then anything is possible! Just look at me!”
“The students are a strikingly nice bunch. It’s a place for individuals, and there’s a lovely air of tolerance and warmth.” Good Schools Guide 2014
From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 Missed your crucial GCSE grades? Call or visit RIC to learn about our intensive retake courses or combining these with starting A levels
Top 20 RIC Uni Destinations 2009-2015 1
Exeter University
21
2
Sheffield University
14
3
Nottingham University
14
4
Cambridge University
13
5
Reading University
13
6
University of Kent
13
7
Sussex University
12
8
Oxford Brookes
12
9
Portsmouth University
12
10
Leeds University
12
11
University of East Anglia
11
12
Brighton University
10
13
Liverpool University
10
14
Kings College London
10
15
Southampton University
10
16
Nottingham Trent
9
17
Canterbury Christchurch
9
18
Aston University
9
19
Bristol University
9
20
University College London
9
Testing, testing...
Ex-RIC student Conor McManaman reports back on his first year of Medicine at Newcastle University “More and more at Medical School I’m finding that exams aren’t actually evil. In fact they might just be a useful learning tool - a view shared by everyone at RIC. When used properly, I’ve found testing has helped me to identify areas of study that require more attention, and present to me learning techniques which are valuable and effective. This allows me to hone my revision skills and create a solid and confident knowledge base. Unfortunately at most schools this is not how I felt exams or tests were treated. You might get an end of term test, in which all that really mattered was the grade you achieved, after which you could move on. This was not the case at RIC. Here tests were used regularly and properly. They weren’t to be feared or loathed but appreciated for their genuine usefulness. RIC’s use of testing and reflection mirrors a lot of what I use at medical school and I am particularly thankful that I learnt these techniques when sitting my A levels.
University Destinations 2015 University Course
RIC also removed from education the unecessary air of conflict and competition. As a teenage boy, I didn’t much like being told what to do. I found sitting my A levels whilst repeatedly being told to ‘do the top button up’ and call people Sir, really quite frustrating. At RIC, as I’ve so often said, the only thing to rebel against is education itself (which with such enthusiastic, supportive, and capable tutors seems a little bit daft). The first names used, own clothes worn, and tutors who would queue up with students at lunch meant the relationships developed were ones of mutual respect (much like at university with lecturers). This meant I never felt in conflict with staff, and instead saw them for what they were, people astonishingly willing and able to assist my learning.
enjoyable, but also equipped me with the skills set to tackle the challenges I have faced in my first year at medical school. Dr Rachel Woolley, RIC’s resident UCAS advisor, also offered me constant, personalised and quality advice, guidance and support when applying for medical school, ensuring my personal statement and interview preparation was the best it could be. For this I am very grateful. Moving to RIC from my grammar school was a fantastic decision and one I’m very happy I made.”
Competition is not king. RIC taught me this, and my time at Newcastle Medical School continues to affirm it. Learning is not supposed to be difficult, and tutors are supposed to help you. RIC recognises this and so creates a happy cooperative environment in which students and tutors can work well to develop and enrich themselves whilst attaining the best possible examination results. Passionate and engaging tutors encouraged me to take a mature approach to learning that not only made A levels, dare I say it,
Confirmed UCAS places on 18/8/15
Student Name
Previous School
University
Natasha Alford Lucy Anker Lucy Arbis Forest Aston Luke Bailey Aarondeep Bains George Baker-White Kate Belmore James Bendkowski Catherine Berns Charlie Bicknell Elizabeth Blenkinsop Lizzie Bradshaw Nicholas Chan Peter Chiana Valerie Chu Aimee Coleman Charles Constant Patrick Cooper Alex Deol Ryan Deol Megan Deverson Mary Dewar Rebecca Dolman Anantachok Duangsarot Nina Duncan Louis Ellingworth Kira Elliott Florian Erb-Rutherford Thomas Fidler Rohan Ghag George Hales Robert Hampton Ruby Harlow Camilla Harris Tallulah Harris
The Judd School Chemistry/Study abroad Bath The Tutorial Foundation Psychology & Counselling Greenwich King’s, Canterbury History of Art Edinburgh Ashford School Psychology & Child Dev Winchester St Anselms, Canterbury Mech Engineering Anglia Ruskin Gravesend Grammar Accounting & Finance Essex King’s, Canterbury Int Relations & Spanish Exeter Gravesend Grammar Psychology Winchester Sutton Valence Film, TV & digital prod Royal Holloway Oundle School Psychology Lancaster Egerton Rothesay School Medicine UCL Maidstone Girls Grammar Health & Human Sciences Durham St William of Perth Film Studies Warwick Dean Close School Economics with Banking Nott Trent King’s, Canterbury Politics Nottingham Home Educated Textiles with Business Brighton SJWMS, Rochester Maths and Physics Bath Ecole Active Bilingue, Paris Geography Reading Bullers Wood School Int Economics & Trade Coventry King’s, Rochester Economics Kent King’s, Rochester Economics Kent Colfe’s School Orthoptics Sheffield Kent College, Pembury History and Politics Exeter Invicta Grammar Law & American Studies Swansea Phiriyalai School,Thailand Computer Science Imperial St Peter’s School,York English Literature UEA Bryanston School Sociology Manchester Mid Kent College English Literature Anglia Ruskin Bickley Park School Film & TV Studies Brunel The British School Muscat History Manchester Mayfield Grammar Biomedical Sciences Royal Holloway Simon Langton Boys Medicine Exeter Skinners School Philosophy Oxford Brookes Simon Langton Girls Geography Leeds Tonbridge Grammar Optometry Aston Combe Bank School Graphic Design UAL
Student Name
Previous School
University Course
University
Nicholas Hastings King’s Canterbury Real Estate Sheff Hallam Xanthe Hatchwell Simon Langton Girls Philosophy UCL Daniel Hickling The Judd School Physics Leeds Will Green St Edmund’s, Canterbury PPE Goldsmiths Eleseah Hooper Bartholomews, Brighton Int Studies & Chinese Goldsmiths Jade Houlahan St Theresa’s,Singapore Media Production Birmingham City Rachel James Maidstone Grammar Biology Manchester Elizabeth Jones Maidstone Grammar Law Oxford Brookes Idris Kaplan King’s, Canterbury Civil & Architectural Eng Bath Tom Kerr Sir Roger Manwoods Medicine & Surgery PSMD Plymouth Maja Kozlowski Norton Knatchbull Int Relations & Chinese Westminster Lisa-Nicole Lhermette Combe Bank School Drama and English Birmingham Taran Liddar Mayfield Grammar Accounting and Finance Portsmouth Tom Lightfoot Norton Knatchbull Financial Mathematics Loughborough Ryder Lloyd Ravenswood School Social Sciences Sussex Nicola Lockwood British School of Bahrain Graphic Design Portsmouth James Lund Royal Latin School Aerospace Engineering Sheffield Jedsada Maklai Samakkhiwitthayakhom Physics Lancaster Oliver Mangion QE Grammar, Faversham Anthropology UKC Rachel Meachin Bennett Memorial Nursing (Children) UEA Sasha Miles Simon Langton Girls Politics Nottingham Jessica Mounty Mayfield Grammar Biochemistry UCL Mark Murien Bayside, Gibraltar Environmental Geophysics UEA Rebecca Murrant Tutorial Foundation Law Southampton Isabella Ndizeye East Berkshire College Marketing Management Northampton Sophie Nichols King’s, Canterbury Animal Science Nottingham Gabby Norris Combe Bank Paramedic Science Anglia Ruskin Tom Norton The Judd School Economics & Management Cardiff Anthony O’Dowd T. Wells Grammar Economics Shefffield Caroline O’Malley St Dunstans College Psychology & CriminologyBrighton Emeline Palmer Weald of Kent Mathematics Dundee Jom Parkes Homeschool, Thailand Psychology Plymouth Adipol Phosrisom Loeipittayakom School Physics Surrey Bannawit Pimpanuwat Yupparaj Wittayalai Physics Manchester Gurbind Powar SJWMS, Rochester Business Studies City
“The most interesting thing about Conor’s move was that he went for the results but RIC was actually less of an exam factory than many schools. RIC is about the development of students as people which is much more significant.” Julie McManaman
From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115
Students and parents talk retakes I found boarding at RIC not only helped me complete the year, but I enjoyed doing so, growing as a student and gaining some of the confidence I had lost in myself on results day.
Idris Kaplan received offers from UCL, Bristol, Newcastle and Southampton while retaking at RIC and has opted for Architectural Engineering at Bath. Grades 2015 A*A*A*AA. “Obviously, retaking your A levels is not ideal. Nobody triumphantly slides their ballpoint pen back into their transparent pencil case, hands in their physics unit 5 paper, and smugly parades out of the exam hall, satisfied with the warm thought that they will be repeating the same process in a year. To really succeed in my retake year, I found that I had to fully commit. This degree of pressure was healthy enough as it provided the spark
which was missing the first time around as I coasted aimlessly to my inexorable fate of bad grades. I now wanted to succeed.
Many people claim that universities do not give out offers to retake students. This fear-mongering should not be heeded. The new-found focus delivered by the extra year in education is reflected in the personal statement and the reference from your teachers. For the majority of the other retake students I knew and myself, university offers were being given regardless of the fact we were retaking. I can claim confidently that retaking your exams will produce a higher grade the second time around. The lingering scars of disappointment from last summer’s results day provide the motivation; the extra year of maturity provides the work ethic and the experience of the UCAS system ensures you have a goal on which you focus your studies. Many of my friends have gone on from very disappointing grades and now see themselves at highly competitive universities studying well-respected degrees.
SWITCH FOR YEAR 13
Whereas I began in the mind-set that I would complete my retake year as quickly as possible, and go back to my ‘normal’ life,
Every September many students join RIC directly into Year 13 after disappointing AS results for their final year of sixth form. RIC is able to offer teaching on all exam boards for most subjects so switching schools can be done with ease. Tom Fidler transferred to RIC after year 12 at the British School of Muscat in Oman and now has a place to read History at Manchester University.
Student Name
Previous School
University Course
University
His parents Chris & Angela Fidler said:
of Tom’s teachers and to the boarding staff whose support was equally important – not least for putting up with all that muddy rugby kit! The experience of being away from home has also been a maturing one for Tom and a great stepping stone to university life.” Patrick Cooper joined RIC after Year 12 from a local grammar school. He considered restarting a two year A level course but instead opted for an intensive catch up in Year 13. His spectacular grade improvements saw him go from UUUD at AS to BBC at A level. “I would just like to thank you so much for everything last year, helping me completely change my situation! I remember being told by one of my old teachers after receiving my AS levels to just ‘apply to do BTECS or get a job’ because maybe university ‘wasn’t for me’. I was in a hopeless situation (I thought!) and genuinely believed I had insufficient skills to pass my A-levels. But just out of pure luck I found Rochester Independent College on the internet and my mum encouraged me to give A-levels another shot. I am so grateful for everything and want to thank everyone at Rochester for helping me jump back onto the path I was told I shouldn’t take. ” His mother Marie Cooper comments: “What a different experience for us as a family this year, and of course for Patrick! I recall so vividly talking to you for the first time. We were bewildered as parents, scared, worried and totally out of our depth in terms of knowing how to help Patrick and what was best for him. Coming off the phone and then going down to meet you left us in a very different place. Patrick has really enjoyed his year with you and has done a lot of growing up. We are relieved and truly delighted with his academic achievements. Thank God RIC is there for the next young ‘Patrick’.”
“Just a brief note to say that we are pleased with Tom’s results and delighted that he has Jiratheep Pruchyathamkorn Mahidol Wittayanusorn Chemistry Oxford been accepted at Manchester. Clearly, the Sophie Pugsley Mayfield Grammar Physiotherapy Brunel hard work put in by Tom, and the exemplary Nick Rainey King’s, Rochester Music Production BIMM support given by the academic staff, has paid Rebecca Ridpath Surbiton High School Biomedical Sciences KCL off and vindicates the decision to change Lincoln Ritchie Maths School Biological Sci Foundation Liverpool schools for year 13. We would not hesitate to Ailsa Russell Cranbrook History of Art York recommend RIC to others in a similar posiAhmed Saleh Chatham Grammar PPE UEA tion. Please pass on our grateful thanks to all Pedro Santos Oporto School, Portugal International Business Man Met Hartej Singh Ponteland High School Politics, Phil & Economics York James Skulczuk King’s, Rochester Chemical Engineering Surrey Hunter Smith The Howard School Law Exeter Sam Smith Mid Kent College History KCL Brandon Smith Chatham Grammar Psychology & Cognition Winchester Will Sparrow Sir Roger Manwood’s Geophysics Liverpool Harriet Spinks Wouldham All Saints Drama Essex Louise Springham Kent College, Pembury Film & French Bristol Harry Stacey King’s Canterbury Business, Management Exeter Will Stacey West Hatch High Accounting & Finance Oxford Brookes Thomas Surman Bridgewater High School Chemical Engineering Hull Isobel Tear King’s, Rochester Biological Sciences Sussex Lara Terzi Int School, Amman Computer Science Northumbria Avneesh Thind King’s Canterbury Economics Southampton Harry Thompson Oakwood Park Product Design South Bank Simon Till Gravesend Grammar Criminology Winchester Javi Tucker West Kent Economics & Philosophy Manchester Will Turner T. Wells Grammar Combined Honours Exeter Jack Vitoria Singapore Music Tech UKC Florence Wallace Cranbrook Medicine Bristol Freya Wallace Cranbrook Chinese Edinburgh Robin Watson Cologne Film UKC RIC, KENT’S UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE SPECIALISTS, CAN HELP. Ellen Welsh Felsted School Art and Design Leeds EVERY SEPTEMBER, STUDENTS JOIN US FOR THEIR 6TH FORM STUDIES. Ross Wilkinson-Boram Ravenswood School Civil Engineering Portsmouth WE OFFER THE WIDEST RANGE OF A LEVELS IN KENT WITH NO OPTION Casey Willis St Felix School, Southwold Event Management Coventry Abigail Wong Simon Langton Biochemistry UCL BLOCK RESTRICTIONS AND FLEXIBLE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. IT IS
need advice about post-GCSE options?
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POSSIBLE TO COMBINE GCSE RETAKES WITH STARTING A LEVEL STUDY.
“Many students transfer after poor progress at AS or A level and the effect can be dramatic” Good Schools Guide
From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115
RIC Gallery
Matthew Clarke, AS level Photography
Marta Colomer, A2 Textiles
Marta Colomer, AS Fine Art
Nathan Brabon, A2 Graphic Design
Lizzie Bradshaw, A2 Photography
Catherine Henry, GCSE Fine Art
Pinhole camera work
Ollie the RIC Olympian For a number of years, Ollie Mangion was on course to represent Team GB at the Paralympics as a sprinter (T43 category) but, quite by chance, he now finds himself as a key member of the Wheelchair Rugby squad preparing for Tokyo 2020. A keen academic, Ollie did not want to disrupt his A-level studies by committing to training sessions in London, so when a new club opened closer to home in Canterbury he jumped at the chance of getting involved. “I saw an advert for the new club in a magazine that I usually don’t bother reading,” Ollie said, “so it was quite lucky that something about the advert caught my eye.” Ollie’s coaches soon realised he had a flair for the sport and put him forward for Team GB trials which he flew through. Wheelchair Rugby works on a points
system and Ollie plays in the 3.5 role, the highest you can get at international level. Ollie is moving on to study Anthropology at the University of Kent whilst keeping up his preparations for the Paralympics. “My sincerest thanks for not only supporting Ollie, but me too – I think the process is almost as traumatic for the parents! RIC is the most extraordinary place and together you have transformed Ollie and given him the opportunity to move on to the next stage in life. All I’ve ever wanted for him is to have his chances in life and have happy experiences reaching for them, the college has certainly enabled this chance.” Alison Mangion
“Parents all speak highly of the pastoral care, and the growth in confidence they have witnessed in their children.” Good Schools Guide
From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115
“It would be hard to find better provision for an artist” Good Schools Guide 2014
Tariq Hamza, A2 Graphic Design
Libby Morrell, AS Fine Art
Textile sample Lizzie Bradshaw, A2 Photography
Ross Wilkinson-Boram, A2 Graphic Design
Joe Sutton, A2 Photography
Ellen Shaw, GCSE Fine Art
Campus Catch-up
From West End to Star Hill Theatre trips are a vital part of several courses at RIC and are also popular with the College in general, often turning into very popular excursions. Just as important are trips to look at the history of drama and production. For those with an interest in a career in performing arts or writing these can all be inspirational. Trips this year included Frantic Assembly’s Othello at the Lyric Hammersmith and Walpole’s Strawberry Hill,a Gothic literary and architectural icon, an exhibition of Russian Avant-Garde theatre design at the V&A and to the Olivier and Tony award winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Gielgud Theatre. Perhaps what we are proudest of at the College is our close ties with professional performing groups. It is a whole different
experience to see all the practical processes involved in adapting a well known play to a new setting without losing the essence of it. Watching the complete process of the staging of the production in the familiar setting of the College is a treat. Seeing top professionals who work mostly in the same productions on the West End can make all the difference between: “I wish I could do that” and “I will do that.” Upcoming performance highlights are the hugely popular staging of Hamlet starring Benedict Cumberbatch; a trip to Ealing Studios and another visit from the European Arts Company who are bringing Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Grey in September, direct from the Trafalgar Studios.
The College has come a long way since Brian Pain and Simon de Belder taught six students in no 25 Star Hill, at the same time as doing much of the renovation of the then mostly derelict building themselves. This year, the buildings team is putting the finishing touches to the latest of the 18 subsequent acquisitions. The former Dickens Hotel on New Road will house 38 students in ‘hotel standard’ accommodation, bringing the total boarding places to 100. In the meantime, 25 Star Hill has not been neglected and also has a new construction: Designed to be colonised by a variety of bugs and beasties the “Nest” has been built using cuttings and clippings and is the latest addition to the award-winning gardens which form the heart of the College campus.
“Those whose strengths lie outside the traditionally alpha areas of academic or sport have their own kudos. ‘There is a lot more respect for art and creativity,’ said one pupil.” Good Schools Guide
From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115
Eco-trip
Local education Rochester Independent College is superbly located for access to all kinds of educational resources. Many people who live in Kent forget how rich in history, landscapes, art and culture we are here. At RIC, we really enjoy encouraging our students to discover how their local area can help them to learn.
Juniper Hall in Dorking is home to the UK’s largest slug (the Ash Brown) and the UK’s only tarantula so maybe not the perfect destination for a weekend break - unless you are an A level Biology student. The Year 12 group spent the weekend honing their sampling and statistical skills in comparisons of
There is a great art scene in Kent, and Rochester and Medway are buzzing with creative life. There are rich and diverse natural habitats on our doorstep, and Kent has been at the forefront of military history for centuries. While overseas trips can be hugely valuable, we believe that the quality of learning is not necessarily related to miles travelled and we use our local area, including London, as much as we can. Pictured clockwise from top left: A level English literature trip to Walpole’s Strawberry Hill; GCSE History trip to the Imperial War Museum; Drama Trip to London, Lower School activity day at Shorne Country Park; GCSE Art trip to The Beaney in Canterbury; A level Photography trip to London; Eclipse watching on Jackson’s Fields in Rochester; EFL trip to Dover Castle and (centre) the Golden Hour for photography on Whitstable beach.
Summer Festival musically gifted, but he is also a unique sound engineer. While much of his work is seriously musical, he can be very, very funny. Those of us lucky enough to have seen his wonderful “Catastrophone” or the mysterious ancient Chinese instrument smuggled out of the country at great personal risk have probably only just got over the face-ache caused by so much laughter. Henry is currently close to completion of the College’s new Musical Gates. After ten years in the making, these will be installed at next year’s festival. Our next summer festival is going to be the event of a lifetime and we hope it will be even better, if that is possible, than this one.
samples from managed and unmanaged woodland. The group gained experience in other practical skills such as setting and observing small mammal traps; capture mark and release using pond snails; using reptile mats to observe slow worms and trekking on the South Downs to do population studies. Asked what part of the weekend was most enjoyable “the statistics” was the unexpected reply. Which just goes to show how different study can be out in the open air.
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This year’s end of term summer festival gave us all a chance to see the product of the hard work of the many departments that make up the College. There were student films; live music performances; art works; tours of the grounds and buildings; hands on creative pottery and felt making; English and Biology displays; a silent disco of student Music Tech work; great food and drink and some fantastic performances both dramatic and musical by students and staff. Also performing at the Festival was the unique talent that is Henry Dagg (pictured right). There are no words or categories to describe Henry. He and his work have to be seen to be believed. Not only is he
“Maths is the biggest A level subject. English Literature and film studies are also strong departments, both having received Good Schools Guide awards in recent years.” Good Schools Guide
From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115
Capturing the moment
given a lesson in press photography, by observing, and subsequently competing with, dozens of reporters and photographers from national newspapers and agencies. In between documenting highlights of the day (an appearance by Nigel Farage, a demonstrator burning a UKIP badge), the students engaged in insightful and wellarticulated discussion with members of UKIP, often at party’s request.
Robert Capa, one of the best press photographers ever, once said “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough”. He wasn’t telling us to use our zoom lenses more, but to physically place ourselves in the thick of the action. That is exactly what RIC A-level and GCSE Photography students did over the days when Rochester became big news. The Rochester and Strood by-election meant all eyes, and lenses, were on the town, in anticipation of, and subsequent victory by the UK Independence Party. As UKIP were effectively the centre of attention, students made their way to the campaign HQ in Rochester High Street, keeping their eyes and shutters open along the way, documenting the mood around town as voters went to the polls in what would be a crucial election. Once outside UKIP headquarters they were
An exciting and eventful experience, with RIC Photography students not only making their mark by documenting the news, but by expressing their opinions directly, and in turn listening to what others had to say. They did themselves, and their college, proud. A-Level Photography student Joe Sutton beat the rest of the Press pack by having one of his photos chosen to appear on the BBC Twitter feed (as well as achieving an A* in his exam)
Year 7 to Sixth Form “We never contemplated private education until we heard about RIC, then were shown around & it has worked out very well for Lizzie. She’s really flourished at RIC, & that’s due to the ability & dedication of the teachers, as well as her own hard work.” John and Helen Bradshaw The whole procedure for entrance to secondary schools in Kent can be a difficult one for both children and their parents. Every year RIC students whose primary schools told us they were unlucky not to have been offered grammar school places finish after seven years here with confidence about the future, top A levels and places at some of the country’s top universities. Our only entrance qualifications in Year 7 are a willingness and ability to work hard and behave well. At RIC our Lower School offers children from the age of 11 a world of difference from traditional secondary schools and a chance for them to continue
to grow in confidence, develop academically and mature as they have often done so well at primary school. Children’s needs are more clearly recognised and focused upon in a smaller school. In class sizes that average 8, relationships between teachers and children prosper. A smaller school size allows more opportunity for our teachers to work closely together and share information, as well as allowing us to provide an unparalleled level of feedback to parents. The curriculum offered is a full academic one with an additional focus on the creative arts. The Good Schools Guide review quotes one RIC mother saying: “That playground talk, everyone wanting their child to be in the top set, you don’t have that” but makes the point that this lack of “school gate competitiveness” and traditional formality is not at the expense of academic results or “artistic high flying”.
Bitesize RIC Year 7 Taster Days Weds 23 September & 21 October 9.30am-3pm
Join us at Kent’s fresh alternative to a traditional Independent school for a fun and educational taster day. Go to rochester-college.org for details
RIC Thailumni This year marks 25 years of RIC’s association with Thailand. Every year since 1990 we have welcomed a small number of Thai students who have won prestigious Government scholarships. The students all return to work at top academic or government posts after completion of their education in the UK. We are delighted to have been able to keep in touch with some of our alumni over the years. Thai star from the Class of 1990 is Apinunt ‘Toey’ Thanachayanont, Associate Professor at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang in Bangkok. He was one of the original three Thai students who made the first momentous decision to study in Rochester at the then Rochester Tutors College.
Where our boarders come from
Massive congratulations to Apinunt on the publication of his first text book: CMOS: Analog Integrated Circuits. Sadly, it is available only in Thai (otherwise we would, of course, have understood every word). NB: For an easy-to-understand definition of semiconductors we recommend whatis. techtarget.com which usefully explains that they are: “...materials which ‘sort of’ conduct electricity but not enthusiastically...”.
Sukpuck Dien Phongsathit-Barnett globe trotting foody blogger and Thanawat Tan Manathat were both at Rochester in 2000 and have just been promoted to the post of First Secretary of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dien has been posted to Taipei, Taiwan and Tan to Laos. Dien has worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2010 and has travelled the world representing her country in the UN and negotiating international agreements in various forums. Massive congratulations on a very well deserved promotion and on Dien and Neil’s recent first wedding anniversary.
“Pupils have come from grammars where they felt under too much pressure, or from large schools where they felt overwhelmed, and all say they are learning better and enjoying school more here.” Good Schools Guide
From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115
What people say about RIC...
“The campus is as unique as the school”
Good Schools Guide 2014
While the majority of RIC students are local, with a growing number spending all of their secondary school years with us, some join us from all over the world. Some students come because we are one of the only independent schools offering subjects as Film and Music Technology; others because of our international reputation for excellence in Maths and Sciences. We do our best to help everyone, whether they are with us for seven years or a few terms, move on to the next stage in their lives as more confident and better qualified individuals. All of our students are unique and we pride ourselves on making every effort to help that uniqueness flourish. We don’t take it for granted when parents choose to trust us with their children’s education, often at key points such as the transition from primary to secondary school or needing to retake exams after disappointing results. Once described by a local newspaper as ‘Kent’s best kept educational secret’, the College has now grown to become an established part of the educational landscape. It attracts positive attention from educational consultants, national newspapers, political think tanks and the Good Schools Guide. Most important though are the number of former students and parents who keep in touch with us, return for our legendary garden parties and follow the growth of the College with affection and enthusiasm. “RIC understands the university entrance system. They take the time to listen to your child’s wishes, and to advise on the best possible course by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of results to date. Sometimes they suggest a complete change of subject as in the case of my youngest daughter being advised to take English A level in one year which resulted in an A. For me, as a parent, this approach is like a breath of fresh air. This method, whereby the student is constantly monitored and supported, works. Having paid for private education for our three children, we assumed after they achieved sound GCSE results that they would secure good A level grades. This didn’t happen. Without moving them all to RIC they wouldn’t have been able to achieve their dreams.” Susan Morley, parent
ROCHESTER INDEPENDENT COLLEGE
“I wish we had known more about the school and made the decision to move years ago. The grammar school was definitely not the right school for Sophie – we learnt too late and also, I don’t think the (majority of) state schools provide the extra support and character development that independent schools do which is very much what we expect from education.” Helen Burns, parent. “The teaching at Rochester is rigorous and tailored to the best possible exam results. It offers a broad education combining its original focus on getting students into competitive courses such as medicine and dentistry with a new emphasis on the creative arts.” Liz Lightfoot, The Independent
“James wanted to go to university – without RIC this wouldn’t have been an option. I was sceptical as James had had poor results but RIC believed James could do three brand new, never studied before, subjects in one year! How could he? If he hadn’t managed over two years, how could he do it over one? From the first interview, James began to open up, discussing music tastes and modern culture. Twelve months later, having achieved an A and 2Bs, James had been accepted to his first choice university. He believes that the teaching style, being relaxed and discussion based, and less didactic than he was used to, is probably what motivated him to work. RIC were always on his case, checking up if he missed a class but encouraging him and building up his confidence. They were always more positive than I dared to be – I had to rely on their experienced advice which turned out to be right in the end. James has completed his first year at Exeter and is having a ball.” Parents of James Baker “It’s a sound investment. Parents all speak highly of the pastoral care and the growth in confidence they have witnessed in their children. There’s a firm concentration on exam technique, but still the school isn’t seen as an exam factory. Your money won’t buy the trappings of a public school – no mahogany-rich headmaster’s study, certainly no suave head in a handmade suit. No pupils with collars and lips firmly buttoned.” The Good Schools Guide
“I would like to take the opportunity to say a very big thank you to RIC for educating my daughter from the age of 11 through to 18. Your school has nurtured and educated her to an extremely high standard. The care and understanding she received from everyone from the catering staff to the Principals was amazing. Thank you so much for helping to create such a beautiful, challenging, witty and intelligent young woman who is now so readily embracing university.” Marion Nolan, parent “I was so impressed with the classes and teaching I saw and came away with a very positive view of the College, its ethos and aspirations. The priority of teaching and learning was foremost and the students projected such a positive attitude towards their studies” Peter Read, Kent Independent Education Advice
RIC Courses at a glance • Year 7 entry • Two year A level courses • One year, short & part time retake courses • Transfer for Year 13 or restart Year 12 • One Year GCSE courses. Repeat Year 11 or transfer after Year 10 elsewhere • All boards. No subject combination restrictions • No minimum GCSE grades required • Regular Medicine, Dentistry & Veterinary Science university placements • Average Class Size 8 • No uniform • Minibus services from Maidstone, Kings Hill, Sevenoaks, Otford and Tunbridge Wells
Interviewing now for Sept 2015 and Sept 2016. Call us to arrange an informal visit and campus tour Star Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1XF Tel: 01634 828115 email: admissions@rochester-college.org