ctc prospectus
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College ProspectusTRANSCRIPT
2 Cambridge Tutors College ProsPectus ProsPectus Cambridge Tutors College 3
A pathway to the UK’s leading universitiescambridge tutors college (ctc) is an international college that prepares young
people for entry into prestigious universities, such as oxford, cambridge, Imperial
college, university college London and the London school of economics. set in an
easily accessible location to the south of London, it offers a secure and attractive
environment in which each student is encouraged to fulfil his or her academic and
personal potential.
ctc was founded in 1958 by a graduate of cambridge university and is a warm and
friendly community with around 25 countries represented on the student body. It is
governed by a charitable trust which has three main aims:
to promote high academic standards
to foster international understanding, welcoming people of all faiths, nationalities
and backgrounds
to create an adult focused environment to prepare students for higher education
small class sizes, careful monitoring of academic progress and weekly testing lie at the
heart of ctc’s commitment to high academic standards. expert guidance and support
during the university application process also help to explain why so many ctc
students succeed in securing places at leading universities.
Not only does the college enjoy a well-earned reputation for helping students
to get into the top universities, it also prides itself in preparing students for the
challenges that they will face at university and in the increasingly globalised world
beyond. Within the college, through our carefully managed
homestay programme and through our varied programme of
extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to
become more independent and to develop a sense of
responsibility for themselves and for others. I invite you to
find out more about ctc by reading this prospectus, by
visiting www.ctc.ac.uk and by visiting the college.
Mario Di Clemente, PrINcIPaL
CTC’s Academic Programmes page 4
Studying at CTC page 7
Meet the Tutors page 8
University and Beyond page 11
Beyond the Classroom page 12
Location and Facilities page 13
Admissions, scholarships and bursaries page 14
4 Cambridge Tutors College ProsPectus ProsPectus Cambridge Tutors College 5
Choosing the right Course a level (regular and Fast-track)
ctc offers two year a level courses,
which start in september, and fast track,
18 month a level courses, which start in
January.
gCse (Fast-track)
ctc offers one Gcse year courses. all
Gcse courses start in september.
english Language programmes
english language support, which focuses
on preparation for IeLts examinations,
is available throughout a student’s time
at the college. It is a requirement that
students take english language classes
until they have achieved an IeLts result of
at least 7.0, or higher if required by their
chosen universities.
CTC’s Academic Programmes
avaILabLe oN the tWo year a LeveL ProGramme
avaILabLe oN the 18
moNth a LeveL ProGramme
avaILabLe oN the oNe year Gcse
ProGramme
accounting
art & Design
biology
business studies
chemistry
computing
economics
english Language
english Literature
French
Further mathematics
Geography
Government & Politics
history
Ict
Italian
Law
mathematics
Physics
spanish
statistics
*availability of these subject choices is subject to demand
Choosing the right subjeCtsthe college welcomes the opportunity to
advise applicants which a level or Gcse
subjects best meet their needs.
a level students are normally expected
to study four subjects to as level (i.e.
during the first year of a two year course).
they may continue to study three or four
subjects to a2 level (i.e. in their second
year), depending upon their ability,
progress and as results.
Gcse students are permitted to study
a maximum of five subjects, which
should include english Language and
mathematics.
*
*
*
6 Cambridge Tutors College ProsPectus ProsPectus Cambridge Tutors College 7
Studying at CTC
ctc offers an environment that is
academically challenging but also
friendly and supportive. the college’s
academic expectations are high, as are
those of most of our students. however,
our small teaching groups and dedicated
tutors mean that help and support are
very readily available. a report by the
Independent schools Inspectorate (IsI)
noted, in 2011, that “students achieve
outstanding levels of performance.”
sMaLL CLassesthe maximum class size at ctc is nine
students. therefore, tutors are able to
devote a great deal of attention to the
needs of each individual student.
WeekLy testingstudents are tested on a weekly basis
in each of their subjects. the tests are
conducted in the college examination
hall and under strict examination
conditions. this frequent and continual
assessment ensures that students’ relative
weaknesses can be identified and very
quickly addressed by their tutors.
personaL tutoreach student is assigned a Personal tutor.
a student’s Personal tutor is a source of
guidance and support throughout his
or her time at the college. each student
meets with his or her Personal tutor at
least once a week.
8 Cambridge Tutors College ProsPectus ProsPectus Cambridge Tutors College 9
Meet the Tutors
the college’s tutors are experienced and
well qualified. our tutors have a wealth
of experience and expertise helping
students to perform to the best of their
ability. relations between tutors and
students are based on mutual respect
and shared goals. ctc tutors are proud
of the academic success of their students.
ctc students are respectful of the
dedication of their tutors and grateful for
the unusually high level of support that
they receive.
Dr Chris DreW, vIce PrINcIPaL joined the CtC staff in 2010
Dr Drew has an undergraduate degree and a Post Graduate certificate in education
from the university of sussex, as well as a PhD in education from the university of bath.
beyond his tutoring and administrative responsibilities, Dr Drew is involved in the
football, Duke of edinburgh’s award and student magazine activities.
Mrs heather hayes, heaD oF ecoNomIcs, accouNtING aND busINess stuDIes
taught at CtC from 1981 to 1987
and re-joined the staff in 1989
mrs hayes has a degree in economics
and economic history from edinburgh
university and a Post Graduate certificate
in education
outside the classroom, mrs hayes is the
college’s Link teacher for the young
enterprise programme.
Dr john roDgers, heaD oF eNGLIsh as a ForeIGN LaNGuaGe.
joined the CtC staff in 1980
Dr rodgers has an undergraduate degree
from cambridge university, a masters
degree from birkbeck college, London
and a PhD in applied Linguistics from the
Institute of education in London.
outside the classroom, Dr rodgers helps
to run the college’s christian Fellowship
and a singing group.
“It’s difficult to imagine a better place to teach.”
“I love working with such fantastic students who are very focussed on their studies and are very caring of each other. Their tutors are also very dedicated to ensuring the success of their students. This creates a very special atmosphere.”
“Teaching Economics here can be very rewarding as the students are highly motivated. The College has a small maximum group size. This means that I can work closely with my students creating a warm and purposeful learning environment.”
Mr anDreW Cook, PhysIcs tutor
joined the CtC staff in 2002
mr cook has a degree in Physics from
city of London Polytechnic and a Post
Graduate certificate in education
outside the classroom, mr cook is a staff
representative on the student committee
and is therefore involved in helping
to organise a wide range of social and
charitable activities.
“I very much enjoy the friendly and relaxed environment at CTC. I work with experienced colleagues and have the opportunity to meet interesting students from all over the world.”
10 Cambridge Tutors College ProsPectus ProsPectus Cambridge Tutors College 11
Mr barry Morgan, art tutor joined the CtC staff in 2005
mr morgan has undergraduate and masters degrees from Norwich school of art and
the royal college of art respectively and a Post Graduate certificate in education
outside the classroom, mr morgan runs weekend visits to London art galleries and
museums as well as a Photography club.
Ms eLizabeth sLater, bIoLoGy tutor
joined the CtC staff in 1999
ms slater has a degree in biology from
manchester university and a Post
Graduate certificate in education.
ms slater also tutors students in Personal,
social and health education (Pshe)
Mr stephen oakes, heaD oF chemIstry
joined the CtC staff in 1979
mr oakes has a degree in chemistry from
oxford university and a Post Graduate
certificate in education. In addition to his
teaching responsibilities, mr oakes is a
member of the cambridge tutors college
educational trust council, the college’s
governing body.
Meet the Tutors
“There is a real sense of community spirit amongst both staff and students.”
University and beyond Careers aDviCe anD university appLiCationsstudents are provided with a carefully
managed programme of university and
careers guidance and support. expert
advice ensures that each student makes
sound decisions about which universities
and degree courses to apply for and that
each student’s university application
is as strong as it possibly can be. the
programme includes presentations
by carefully selected visitors from
universities as well as meetings with
Personal tutors, the vice Principal and
independent careers advisors.
special provision is made for students
applying to oxford, cambridge, medical
schools and Dentistry schools, an
important part of which is interview
training.
students are guided through the
university central admissions service
(ucas) process, from course choice
and application to firm acceptance of a
university place.
Guidance is also available to students
wishing to apply to universities in the
usa and other countries outside the uK.
“I am immensely grateful to CTC. My subject tutors were constantly encouraging. The guidance that I received before and during the university application process was also critical. Support was available every step of the way. The College is really geared up to giving students the best possible chance of getting into the university and course of their choice. Nothing is left to chance.”Ranjeet Sandhu, fRom CRoydon, took a two yeaR a level CouRSe at CtC. on Completion of hiS a levelS he went on to Study eConomiCS at univeRSity College, london (uCl), wheRe he waS awaRded a fiRSt ClaSS honouRS degRee.
“It is a pleasure to see academically motivated students from different geographic and social backgrounds work together enthusiastically to achieve their potential and gain access to top universities.”
“We are very fortunate to be so close to London’s galleries and museums and I actively encourage students to get out and see as much as they can by running weekend Art trips.”
12 Cambridge Tutors College ProsPectus ProsPectus Cambridge Tutors College 13
A212
A212
A232
A232
A232
A212
B274B243
B275
A236
A236Croydon
East Croydon Rail
South Croydon Rail
Lloyd Park
SandilandsLebanon Rd
Wandle Park
Reeves Corner
Location and Facilitiesbecause the college is situated just
outside central London, we offer a
secure and attractive environment that
is ideal for studying. however, because
of our proximity to central London and
because croydon benefits from excellent
transport links, the capital’s rich variety
of museums, theatres, concert halls
and other cultural attractions are easily
reached within forty minutes. heathrow
airport is an hour’s drive away and is also
easily accessible by public transport.
Gatwick airport is closer still.
the college buildings are a blend of old
and new. the majority of the classrooms
are housed in the historic main building.
science laboratories, the cafeteria and a
cyber café are also located within the main
buildings. the purpose built osborne
study centre is home to a well-stocked
library, a lecture theatre and a spacious It
centre. the college’s computer facilities
are of a high standard throughout.
Preparing students for the challenges
of university and their professional
careers is as much about their personal
development as it is about their academic
development.
outside as well as inside the classroom,
we aim to provide our students with
an environment that is as exciting and
challenging as it is safe and supportive.
a report by the Independent schools’
Inspectorate (IsI) noted, in 2011, that
“students’ personal development is
outstanding” .
aCtivities at CtCstudents are encouraged to participate
in a varied programme of extra-curricular
activities. most activities take place after
college on weekday evenings. however,
weekend expeditions and excursions are
also organised. activities offered include
football, basketball, tennis, badminton,
table tennis, fitness, chess, debating
and singing. many of the weekend
excursions are operated as part of the
widely regarded Duke of edinburgh
awards programme. an elected student
committee is instrumental in organising
a range of social and other activities,
including concerts, discos and an annual
international evening. students wishing
to practise their religion are very likely
to find suitable places of worship within
the multi-cultural local community.
a christian Fellowship group meets
weekly within the college and welcomes
students of any faith.
aCCoMMoDation a number of ctc’s local students live at
home and travel to the college on a daily
basis. other students are accommodated
with carefully selected local host families.
the college is very fortunate in having a
large number of local families, who have
been delighted to host ctc students
for many years. every effort is made to
place each student with the host family
that best suits his or her particular
preferences. Living with a local family can
be a particularly beneficial experience for
overseas students. It provides an exciting
opportunity to experience british life and
ensures that non-native english speakers
are operating within an english language
environment outside, as well as inside
the college. students may remain with
their host families during holidays, other
than the long holiday between academic
years, should they wish to do so.
stuDent WeLFare – Who to turn toIf students have academic concerns, they
would normally talk, in the first instance,
to their Personal tutor. For non-academic
support and advice, the head of student
Welfare and her team operate an open
door policy and are always willing to help.
Beyond the Classroom
“It is very important to both students and their parents that they are settled and happy in their accommodation to ensure that they get the best results from their course.”mRS BeveRley oakeS, aCCommodation offiCeR. mRS oakeS joined the CtC Staff in 1997.
MeaLs our host families provide students
with breakfast and dinner on a daily
basis, and with lunches on weekends
and holidays. other than on holidays,
the college’s cafeteria serves a wide
range of international dishes, with
halal and vegetarian options, healthy
salads and snacks available from the
start of the college day until
mid-afternoon.
Day stuDents at CtCLocal students, who attend ctc as day
students, are fully integrated into
college life. they are encouraged to
participate in the college’s extracurricular
programme and benefit from an
extraordinary opportunity to form
friendships with students from a wide
range of countries as well as to develop a
deeper understanding of other countries
and cultures.
the stuDent CoMMitteean elected student committee
contributes greatly to enriching the life
of the students outside their academic
studies. the committee meets weekly
to create, plan and organise social and
charitable fund raising events.
“The Welfare team is here to help with anything from accommodation arrangements and opening a bank account to medical treatment and visa applications.” mRS patRiCia BRown, head of Student welfaRe. mRS BRown joined the CtC Staff in 1986
14 Cambridge Tutors College ProsPectus ProsPectus Cambridge Tutors College 15
the appLiCation proCessapplications may be submitted on paper
or online. a paper application form is
enclosed with this prospectus. Whether
submitting an application on paper or
online, the procedure is as follows:
step 1 complete the form in full
and send it, with accompanying
documentation, to the college.
step 2 We will reply, sending you an
offer of a place, if appropriate, which
may be conditional on your obtaining
satisfactory examination results.
step 3 your parent/guardian signs the
acceptance and returns it to us, together
with your registration fee plus deposit.
Step 4 on receipt, we send a letter
confirming our offer. your place is now
booked.
entry requireMentsstudents need to have an academic
background and a level of proficiency
in the use of english appropriate to the
course they wish to follow.
For a level applicants who are applying
from within the uK system, a minimum of
5 Gcses at grade b or above is required.
applicants for our Gcse course should
have completed 9-11 years of full-time
education and will have achieved a
suitable academic standard.
all students are required to provide a
copy of their most recent end of year
school report and transcript.
applicants are required to demonstrate a
level of proficiency in the use of english,
appropriate to their chosen course. For
september entry, those levels are:
IeLts 6.0 for an a level course, if not
all subjects chosen are mathematics or
sciences
IeLts 5.5 for an a level course, if all
subjects chosen are mathematics or
sciences
IeLts 5.0 for a Gcse course
IeLts 6.0, or the equivalent, is required
for all students commencing an a level
course in January.
Admissions, scholarships and bursariesIf an applicant does not have an
IeLts or equivalent qualification,
the college may allow him or her to
demonstrate the required level of
english language proficiency, through
sitting ctc’s own entrance tests and
being interviewed.
the college may require applicants to sit
entrance tests in maths or other subjects
which are relevant to their chosen course.
sChoLarships anD bursariesacademic scholarships are awarded each
year to exceptionally able students and
applications should be made, in the first
instance, to the Principal.
bursaries are allocated in cases of
financial need. the trustees of cambridge
tutors college are committed to
broadening access to ctc by offering to
eligible parents/guardians means-tested
financial support with the payment of
tuition fees. such support is known as
a bursary and this may be awarded in
the form of a reduction of up to 100%
of tuition fees payable, depending on
the financial, compassionate or other
pertinent circumstances of applicants.
the awards will also contribute to the
public benefit requirement of cambridge
tutors educational trust. For further
information, please contact the college.
scholarship and bursary awards are
normally awarded for the duration of a
student’s course but are subject to the
student maintaining a high standard of
attendance, behaviour and academic
endeavour, which is reviewed each year.
cambridge tutors college, Water tower hill, croydon, surrey cr0 5sX
telephone: +44 (0)20 8688 5284 | fax: +44 (0)20 8686 9220 | email: [email protected]