Study Guide For International Students
Contents
3.
Welcome
4.
What can I study?
5.
Level 3 Subjects
6.
Academies
15.
Student Action
16.
Fees & Charges
17.
Visa & Accommodation
19.
10 College Promises
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www.worthing.ac.uk
Welcome
Dear International Student, As an international student, choosing the right college is a very important decision, and we are delighted that you are considering studying as a member of the Worthing College community. I know that you will have many questions and hope that this guide helps to provide answers for you. You will find excellent information, advice and guidance and support to assist you through your time with us. Students work hard at the college but they also have a great time. An important feature of college life is the friendly atmosphere, the chance to meet new friends and have new experiences. Our international students have achieved excellent results and progress to some of the UK’s top universities. Worthing is a busy friendly town by the sea on the south coast of England. It’s the largest town in West Sussex with a population of 105,000. It is ideally situated for access to the beach and the beautiful Sussex countryside. I look forward to welcoming you to the college. Principal
First Things First So firstly, our mission for all our students is:
“To inspire, build confidence and prepare you for the life you want to live” Everyone’s journey is different and we embrace that through our 10 college promises, putting students at the heart of everything we say and do.
‘Choose from over 60 courses’ There are no restrictions to the study programme choices at Worthing College, so students can choose to study A Levels, vocational courses or a mixture of both, where entry requirements have been achieved.
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What can I study?
A Levels A Levels are widely regarded as the ‘Gold Standard’ qualification for top universities in the UK, and are recognised throughout the rest of the world. At Worthing College we offer a broad range of subjects. A Levels take 2 years to complete, international students choose 3 subjects in addition to their IELTS English language course.
Diplomas and Certificates These courses combine academic and vocational studies. All are equivalent to A Levels and are accepted by many UK universities.
High School Programme We can offer international students a chance to study with British students in their classes; this can be for one term, or a semester (six months), or one year. You will select three subjects plus English and receive a report at the end of your course, students from South America will also receive an official validated report required by their governments.
IELTS English Classes for International Students IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. At Worthing College, all international students follow a 2 year course to prepare for the Academic IELTS, which is specially designed for university entry. You will have the opportunity to take the IELTS test each year to improve your score. As part of this course, you will develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. All other students will take part in these IELTS classes and are offered a chance to take the exam if they wish.
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Level 3 Subjects
Applied Science
Film Studies
Psychology
Biology
Financial Studies
Business
Fine Art
Social Science (Public Services)
Chemistry
French
Creative & Performing Arts
Further Mathematics
Computer Science Criminology Dance Digital Media Drama and Theatre Economics Electronics Engineering English Language and Literature
Geography Graphic Communication Health & Social Care History Information Technology
Sociology Spanish Sport Sport & Exercise Science Statistics Textiles Travel & Tourism
Law Mathematics Media Studies Music Photography
English Language
Physical Education
English Literature
Physics
Environmental Science
Politics
Visit our website for full details of each course: www.worthing.ac.uk
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Academies
Learn more about our unique academies designed to stretch and challenge students to develop their skills and broaden their experience in the following disciplines; Sport (Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Football, Netball, Men’s and Women’s Rugby), Performing Arts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) and Visual Arts.
STEM Academy The STEM Academy offers students who are studying science, technology, engineering and maths courses extra opportunities outside the classroom. We aim to inform students about STEM careers and offer a range of enjoyable activities, trips and competitions to help students build friendships and enrich their studies. We have two STEM Learning Zones for independent study and the supportive maths and science staff work closely together to ensure that STEM students excel on their courses.
Who is eligible to join STEM Academy? All students studying the equivalent of two A level STEM subjects will automatically be members of STEM Academy.
Academy activities include: • Chemistry Society • Computer Aided Design Course • Conservation Projects
• CREST and Industrial Cadets Awards • Engineering Club • Engineering in Education Scheme
#101ReasonsToApply
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Academy of Sport Play alongside your studies
Learn team and leadership skills “I really enjoyed Worthing College and I found fantastic teammates and a really nice coaching team. I would like to repeat this experience. The best moment of the year has been the win against Hartpury at AoC 7s and I really thank every one who I met during the year for helping me to improve my rugby and me as a person” Martina Giampaglia (international student)
Sports we offer: • • • • • •
Basketball Men’s Football Men’s Rugby Netball Women’s Football Women’s Rugby
Harlequins Harlequins is a rugby union team that plays in the top level of the English Premiership. They were one of the founding members of the Rugby Football Union (RFU). “We have a great relationship with Worthing College, the college has a strong pedigree and has already supplied players to the Women’s first team squad” Harlequin Football Club
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Academy of Performing Arts The Academy of Performing Arts offers exceptional teaching skills to develop your technical and performance skills. It has strong links with the industries to which our students aim to graduate. The Academy’s student population is a diverse community united by a shared passion for creating performances. We have our own fantastic teaching and performance venue The Sealight Theatre and the Academy prides itself on the professional standard of its student productions, some of which may be attended by industry professionals.
Who is eligible to join the Academy of Performing Arts? Any student who attends Worthing College! The Academy of Performing Arts is looking for passionate, talented, and focused performers and production crew - irrespective of their background, disability, gender, nationality, political persuasion, race, religious belief or sexual orientation. We consider diversity to be enriching and a vital part of what makes us one of the best choices for performing arts.
What courses do we run? • A Level Dance • A Level Drama and Theatre • A Level Music • RSL Creative and Performing Arts • RSL Music Practitioner
#101ReasonsToApply
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Academy of Arts The aim of the Academy of Arts is to offer students who are studying Visual Arts, Film and Media courses, a range of enriching and interesting opportunities as well as activities that support and extend their learning, reward achievement and promote ambitious progression and employability.
Who is eligible to join the Academy of Visual Arts? All students studying Level 2 and 3 Art and Design, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textiles, Photography, Media Studies, Film Studies and Digital Media courses will be eligible to join the Academy. Selection will be by participation in events and creative and consistent performance in these subjects while studying at college.
Academy activities include: • Silver Arts Award projects. • A programme of resident and visiting visual arts and media practitioners who run specialist practical workshops and show their own work. • Opportunities to take part in competitions, work experience and commissions. • Opportunities to visit galleries and exhibitions. • Participation in the mid and end of year exhibitions. • Awards for selected fine art, design, textiles, photography, media and film works which are distributed at the end of year exhibition. • Information about progression opportunities and advice on portfolio preparation.
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#101ReasonsToApply
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Student Action... Get Involved
Enhance your time at college by becoming a student rep, a college ambassador, join or start a new club or even run to become president of the Student Union! Here are #10ReasonsToGetInvolved
1. Make a difference.
2. Meet new people.
4. Work with the community.
6. Contribute to charities.
3. Develop leadership skills.
5. Have a voice. 7. Represent your peers.
8. Develop employability skills.
10. Bring about change.
9. Boost confidence.
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Fees & Charges
Our fees are very reasonable compared to private colleges or studying in major UK city. Our inclusive tuition fees include:
• All tuition
• Email and internet access
• Examination fees (except
• Use of the College library
re-sits) • International introductory days to help students settle and prepare for their studies • Expert advice on choosing subjects • A personal tutor to help
• Access to College campus sports facilities • Opportunity to join a Sports Academy (subject to assessment of skills) • Arrangements for a host family
throughout the programme. • Expert advice and support in applying to UK universities • Progress reports for parents • Access to College+ (extra activities) Fees for the high school programme will vary, please ask the International Office for full details.
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Visa Information
EU nationals are currently allowed free entry to study in the UK, all other nationalities will require a visa. The UK government website www.gov.uk is the best place to start for basic guidance on the Student Visas pages. If you are coming to stay for six months or less you will be given a short term study visa, you are given this permission on arrival at the airport, or have to apply before you travel. If you are studying A Levels or other vocational Level 3 courses you must apply for a Tier 4 General Visa, you must take an IELTS test before you apply, and prepare documents before making an online application. Worthing college is a Tier 4 Sponsor, licensed by the UK Visas & Immigration to enrol international students under the Points Based system.
The International office will give you support and guidance to assist with your application
Accommodation Placing students in host families is a very important part of the service we offer to international students at Worthing College It is vital that students feel comfortable and safe in their host family while they are studying and living in the UK. We take great care to try and match students with a family that is right for them. Students are able to change family if this is needed at any time. Families in Worthing that host international students are well known to the college. Many have been welcoming students to their homes for many years and often still receive letters and Christmas cards from students they have hosted.
Host families make students feel part of their family and provide a great opportunity for students to practice and improve their English
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We promise what you learn will give you a fantastic boost to your future
2.
We promise we’ll prepare you for employment, an apprenticeship or university to secure your future
3.
We promise we’ll get to know you more through a college/student relationship over time
4.
We promise we’ll keep you informed through Communications directly to you
5.
We promise we’ll put your college opportunities at the heart of the local community
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We promise we’ll support you even when the going gets tough
7. 8.
We promise we’ll provide experience to enrich your time
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We promise you’ll learn in a smart way through innovative teaching & learning
We promise we’ll support your health and wellbeing
10.
We promise we’ll always be there for you
OUR 10 PROMISES TO ALL OUR STUDENTS!
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+44 1903 275720 1 Sanditon Way Worthing BN14 9FD internationalinfo@worthing.ac.uk
WorthingCollegeOfficial @WorthingCollege @WorthingCollege Worthing College
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www.worthing.ac.uk