GCSE COURSES FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS
A TRULY HOLISTIC SCHOOL WITH AN INTERNATIONAL EDGE
CONTENTS
Introduction to Roedean
3
The Pre-A Level Programme
4
The One-Year GCSE Academic
6
The Two-Year GCSE Course
8
Teaching 10 Enrichment 11 Opportunities 12 Boarding 13 After GCSEs
14
Admissions 15
A TRULY HOLISTIC EDUCATION WITH THE FREEDOM TO GROW Why choose Roedean? Roedean is the most successful girls’ school in Sussex and ranked second of all Sussex schools. The strength of teaching is that discussion and debate sit at the heart of learning. Lessons are thoughtprovoking and meaningful. The sciences are as popular as the humanities, and in all lessons girls thrive through collaboration, cooperation, challenge, and discussion with each other. Our girls are keen to think, to learn, to explore and to develop intellectually, socially and emotionally. Roedean will provide you with a springboard to success in the British education system, academically, socially, and culturally. After completing your GCSEs at Roedean, you will have a strong level of fluency in English, be confident in your abilities, and excited about your future. What GCSE programmes are available? 1. 2. 3.
The Pre-A Level Programme – for girls aged 15 or 16 The One-Year GCSE Academic – for girls aged 15 or 16 The Two-Year GCSE Course (mainstream curriculum) – for girls aged 14 or 15
PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCED TEACHERS Teaching and learning at Roedean under the Executive Headship of Oliver Blond is effective and detailed. Established in 1885, Roedean has a long-standing history of providing an excellent education and a wealth of opportunities to girls both from the local area and beyond. The Roedean GCSE courses promise a tailored approach to education, fitting seamlessly alongside the mainstream curriculum offered here. The small class sizes and truly holistic education make Roedean the perfect introduction to the British curriculum. A newly-refurbished Library will complement inspiring subject departments, with a range of options on offer such as Art, Craft and Design, the Sciences, Economics and Mathematics, taught by outstanding teachers.
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PRE-A LEVEL
THE PRE-A LEVEL PROGRAMME Why choose the Pre-A Level Programme?
ENTRY LEVELS At least IELTS 4 or equivalent, or CEFR B1.
The Pre-A Level Programme is designed as a one-year gateway programme for overseas girls aged 15 or 16 to prepare them for entry into mainstream Sixth Form curriculum, through the provision of intensive English tuition, an introduction to teaching and learning in the UK and cultural studies and visits. This programme is for students whose level of English is not quite at the required level for mainstream entry to the School, the aim of the Programme being to improve students’ English levels in preparation for A Level study and provide them with a good GCSE foundation.
INTENSIVE ENGLISHLANGUAGE TUITION Our Pre-A Level Programme offers an intensive English Language programme, with a focus on speaking, comprehension and understanding, writing, and grammar, with the Pre-A Level Programme leading to an English as a Second Language GCSE. You will spend 30 hours per week on your studies, and 10 hours are dedicated to EAL classes.
Mainstream lessons are taught by our first-class subject specialists, whilst the 10 hours of the English language tuition are provided by Mrs Hammond – Head of Pre A Level – and other EAL teachers from the department.
Upon completion of the course, you will have raised your written and spoken English to a suitable level that will allow you to transfer seamlessly to your chosen A Level course, ensuring that language is no longer a barrier to your learning.
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PRE-A LEVEL
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BRITISH CURRICULUM Alongside English language tuition, the subjects on offer within the Pre-A Level Programme are an effective introduction to the British curriculum, ensuring you are prepared to transition to the mainstream A Level course in a British school. The Pre-A Level Programme includes the study of up to 7 IGCSE subjects. There are 4 core examined IGCSE subjects and a choice of three optional IGCSE subjects, designed to give you the background knowledge to prepare for A Level study, as follows:
Core IGCSE Subjects
SUBJECTS Optional IGCSE Subjects
Non-Examined Courses
English as a second language Further Mathematics
Art
Mathematics
Biology
Cultural Awareness
Physics
Chinese
Drama & Public Speaking
Chemistry
Games Geography PSHE
5
ONE-YEAR GCSE ACADEMIC
THE ONE-YEAR GCSE ACADEMIC
ENTRY LEVELS At least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, or CEFR C1.
Why choose the One-Year GCSE Academic? The One-Year GCSE Academic is designed for overseas girls aged 15 or 16 whose level of English is already near-native fluency. The Programme offers a rigorous academic curriculum and provides a range of subject experience, leading to qualifications which will prepare girls for entry into mainstream A Level curriculum.
RIGOROUS ACADEMICS Our One-Year GCSE Academic offers bespoke lessons to prepare for the different expectations of the British examination system, as well as the possibility of joining mainstream lessons both to help with the development of your English, as well as to be a fully integrated member of your year group. Your progress will be carefully tracked and monitored, and reported back to parents every 3 weeks at the beginning of the course, to ensure that you adapt to the different teaching styles and the demands of the academic course. 6
ONE-YEAR GCSE ACADEMIC
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BRITISH CURRICULUM Alongside English language tuition, the subjects on offer within the One-Year GCSE Academic are an effective introduction to the British curriculum, ensuring that you are prepared to transition to the mainstream A Level course in a British school. In order to enable you to achieve both the highest level of academic success, and to enjoy the allround, holistic co-curricular enrichment programme, all students on the One-Year GCSE Academic will study 7 examinable subjects as follows:
SUBJECTS Core Subjects Humanities Option English Language Physics Biology Chemistry Mathematics
History or Geography
Further Options Latin (prior study required)
If you wish to have experience (non-examinable) of any other subjects, please let us know and we will do our best to fit into your weekly timetable.
TWO-YEAR GCSE
ENTRY LEVELS At least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, or CEFR C1.
THE TWO-YEAR GCSE COURSE
Why choose the Two-Year GCSE course? The Two-Year GCSE Course best suits girls aged 14 or 15 whose command of English is already of a good level, but who would benefit from two-years of study to ensure the best possible GCSE foundation for entry into mainstream A Level curriculum and after, to top universities. The course offers an individually-tailored programme of study, in combination with extensive co-curricular activity, providing a range of subject experience and opening the door to a wide-range of subjects and future career paths.
AN INDIVIDUALLY-TAILORED PROGRAMME OF STUDY The subjects on offer within the Two-Year GCSE Course provide students with a broad, balanced education, consistent with the aims of the school, the National Curriculum and the requirements for university entrance. Students must take the core subjects listed below and, to this core curriculum, should add further subjects from the options list below, carefully selected to reflect their interests and future ambitions. We recommend that students choose to take nine GCSEs in total, and only in exceptional circumstances, or if you wish to take Triple Science, ten.
SUBJECTS
Core Subjects
Options
English Literature
Art & Design
English Language
Design & Technology
Mathematics
Business
Double Certificate Combined Sciences
Computer Studies
(which counts as two GCSEs)
OR Triple Certificate Separate Sciences
Dance
(which counts as three GCSEs)
Drama
At least one from Geography and History
Music
At least one Modern Foreign Language from French, German, Russian and Spanish
Latin Physical Education Religious Studies
8
TWO-YEAR GCSE
WHAT THE PUPILS SAY...
‘My experience at Roedean so far has been wonderful. I have been given a lot of different opportunities to try a lot of things I have never tried before, which broaden my horizons. As an international student for whom English is not their first language, it’s not hard to catch up, as all the teachers are willing to help and support me through my GCSE course. Boarding is amazing as I am always around my friends and can enjoy any evening with them; everyone at Roedean welcomes you and makes friends with each other no matter where they are from. My favourite trip so far has been to Iceland. From this trip, I learnt more about natural hazards which has helped me with the Geography that I am learning. I also made more new friends from different year groups and nationalities on this trip. Year 10 at Roedean has been the most wonderful year of my life. I would definitely recommend the Two-Year GCSE course at Roedean to everyone planning to study for their GCSEs in UK.’ Helen, Two-Year GCSE student
9
ENRICHMENT
ENRICHMENT CENTRAL TO STUDENTS’ SUCCESS Although results in public examinations are key for your future, you will finish your GCSEs at Roedean with far more than just good results. Enrichment is central to the Roedean experience, because academic study is not enough on its own to prepare you for your future. • • • • • •
Vibrant academic lecture and speakers programme Exciting weekend trip and activity programme Inspirational charity and community projects Tailored Personal, Social and Health Education First-class careers and Higher Education guidance Enrichment lead by internationally-renowned Roedean Ambassadors WHAT THE STAFF SAY...
‘At Roedean, our aim is to excite, engage, and challenge you in the classroom, but also to do so in other areas. Our vibrant programme of co-curricular activities has been designed to do just that, to complement your studies, to allow you to try out new things, to give you access to outstanding speakers who are experts in their fields, and to prepare you for life after Roedean. There really is something for everyone, so we’re sure that you’ll love it!’ Dr Ross Barrand, Associate Deputy Head: Co-Curriculum
ENRICHMENT
Physical Education Roedean offers a wide range of sports. You will take part in Physical Education lessons designed to help build relationships, develop leadership skills and enable you to challenge themselves at least once a week.
SPORTS ON OFFER Team Individual Hockey
Badminton
Netball
Martial Arts
Football
Tennis
Cricket
Trampolining
Basketball
Swimming
Volleyball
Horse Riding
Lacrosse
Athletics and more...
PSHE This programme will help you to develop self-awareness and self-esteem. It will broaden your understanding of others, both in and out of school, and highlight the relationship between you as an individual and the society in which you live. Tutor Period Tutors make contact with their group twice a day, and in addition to taking registers, they deliver the tutorial programme, accompany students to chapel, assembly, events and socials, and are the first point of contact for parents. This regular contact forges relationships of trust and allows tutors to offer effective and informed academic support, monitoring, and mentoring. Careers Guidance During your GCSE course, you will have a range of activities and events scheduled which help you to plan for your future. The school runs an early Oxbridge event and programme for those of you who are hoping to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, or other top universities.
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OPPORTUNITIES
RICHNESS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR GIRLS TO EXCEL Recent significant investment into our facilities have included a refurbished Boarding offer, a brand-new flood-lit al-weather pitch and resurfaced Netball/Tennis courts, and future plans include a refurbishment of our Main Library, a significant investment into our Performing Arts facilities and development of our STEM facilities, to ensure an inspiring environment within which to learn and excel. The breadth of co-curricular choices at Roedean allows the girls to excel and grow in confidence within a variety of fields. The girls can take private lessons on a wide variety of musical instruments, different styles of dance, and public speaking; these may lead to qualifications through ABRSM, RAD, ISTD and LAMDA. As part of Roedean’s boarding programme, girls will be immersed in British culture by taking part in a range of cultural trips and activities. There is a programme of cultural visits to famous UK sights, including visits to Oxford Street and the West End Theatre. In addition, there will be visits organised to top UK universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, and the LSE, designed to motivate students to work hard to fulfil their full potential and perhaps one day study at a highranking UK university. OUR FACILITIES...
OUR ACTIVITIES...
OUR TRIPS...
•
Sports Centre
•
Astronomy Club
•
London Museums
•
Swimming Pool
•
Bands, Choirs and Orchestras
•
Ice Skating
•
Netball/Tennis Courts
•
Baking Club
•
Theatre Trips
•
All-Weather Hockey Pitch
•
Debating Society
•
Harry Potter Studios
•
Dance and Drama Studios
•
Duke of Edinburgh
•
Cinema
•
Cricket Field
•
Farm Club
•
Windsurfing
•
On-site Café
•
Horse Riding
•
Top UK Universities
•
Professional Theatre
•
Karate
•
Shopping Trips
and many more...
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...to name a few examples
BOARDING
A TRULY HOLISTIC SCHOOL WITH AN INTERNATIONAL EDGE Roedean will be your home from home – we know that you will flourish and be successful if you are happy and relaxed. So we have invested well over £10 million in all of the Houses over recent years, and the results are spectacular! Currently around 50% of girls at Roedean are Boarders, all accommodated in beautifully refurbished rooms. Girls of all nationalities are fully integrated in the boarding house and within the community as a whole.
House spirit is strong at Roedean – you’ll work that out pretty quickly when you arrive! Each girl is part of a House, and each House is part of the school. There are numerous inter-House competitions for all girls to get involved in, from House Drama, directed by the Sixth Formers, to House Netball and House Dance. The friendly rivalry produces a sense of camaraderie and community which inspires you to learn, grow and achieve together. It is the girls’ passion and drive which creates Roedean’s dynamic and inspiring atmosphere. WHAT THE STAFF SAY...
‘Studying and living at Roedean is a very special experience. The living spaces are a real home away from home. Each of the six Houses has its own character and unique spirit, each with superb open plan areas to socialise and study spaces to work on your own or in groups. These first-class facilities allow all of our students to feel settled and happy very quickly. We take great care and we are proud to work relentlessly to create a positive, enriching and vibrant community, making each evening and weekend enjoyable and feeling part of something bigger than ourselves. It is such a pleasure to see our boarders becoming more mature, independent and engaged with the world around them. Being a Roedean Boarder is a very exciting way of living.’ Mrs Becky Allen, Deputy Head, Pastoral 13
AFTER GCSES
AUTOMATIC TRANSITION TO ROEDEAN SIXTH FORM Successful completion of one of the Pre-A Level or GCSE programmes will enable students to remain at Roedean. In order to transition to the Sixth Form, students must show continued good progress and achieve the required GCSE grades in the subjects they wish to study (please refer to the Sixth Form Curriculum Booklet). Additionally, students following the One-Year GCSE Academic and Two-Year GCSE Courses, are expected to achieve 7 6-9 grades in their GCSEs.
WHAT THE PUPILS SAY...
‘My Pre-A Level experience prepared me well for life in the Sixth Form. The Programme enabled me to finish my GCSEs in one year and was the best way to become adapted to the British education system. We had a nice trip to Adrundel castle and learnt some intriguing facts about the royal family during the course. It was such an eventful year and I would definitely recommend the Pre-A Level Programme to girls who have similar backgrounds to me.’ Leila, Year 13 student who started on the Pre-A Level Programme
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ADMISSIONS
ADMISSION TO THE PRE-A LEVEL PROGRAMME AND THE GCSE COURSES Roedean is always delighted to consider bright, aspirational students who seek to enter top UK schools and world-class universities. This is a rolling admissions process, and we welcome applications at any time of the year; however, we advise early application during the Autumn Term preceding the September of entry in order to ensure boarding places are available. Worldwide educational provision varies enormously from country to country, so at Roedean we ask all pupils applying to us from outside the EU whose first language is not English to take the UKiset online tests for screening purposes. These tests have been specifically designed for international pupils and measure ability over four areas: non-verbal, verbal, quantative and spatial reasoning. Tests can be organised in centres around the world and details are on the UKiset website: www.ukiset.com. Entry is assessed by means of entrance exams, including a Maths and English test, a Non-Verbal Reasoning test, an Oxford Online English test and an interview, in person or via Skype.
ROEDEAN FEES These are the termly fees for the academic year 2022-23. A deposit of a full term’s fees is required to secure the place upon acceptance of an offer. All deposits are refunded without interest after the pupil has left the School and after all fees and ‘extras’ have been settled. If the pupil does not take up the accepted place, the deposit is non-refundable.
FEES PER TERM £14,745 Full Boarding • These fees will be subject to the annual standard of living increase • All fees are inclusive of meals and some text books • Weekend trips and activities will incur extra cost
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Please contact admissions@roedean.co.uk or submit an enquiry on our website, and the Admissions team will be happy to discuss any questions you may have along the way. Roedean School, Roedean Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5RQ T: +44(0)1273 667626 | W: roedean.co.uk