introduction to padworth college · each programme offers a broad range of academic subjects and...

Introduction to Padworth

College

2020/21

© OC&C Strategy Consultants 2013

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College Overview

◼Established in 1963, Padworth College is an

international, co-educational boarding and day

school for students aged 13 to 18

◼The College offers a broad range of academic

programmes to prepare international and British

students for entry into top UK universities

◼Up to 100 boarders and 20 day students.

International students represent c.80% of

overall enrolments, with 30 nationalities

represented

◼Situated on a 12 acre site on the edge of the

hamlet of Padworth, near the university town of

Reading, with London close by


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Accreditation

◼The College is an accredited member of the

Independent Schools Association and the

Boarding Schools’ Association

◼Padworth College is accredited by the British

Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

The College was last inspected in May 2018

and was awarded 6 ‘Strengths’ (out of 15)

across Teaching and Learning, Welfare and

Student Services and Accommodation

◼Padworth College is also a member of English

UK

◼Padworth College is also an accredited NCUK

Delivery Partner for the NCUK International

Foundation Year programme and is a member

of CIFE, the professional association for

independent sixth form colleges


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Key Dimensions of Differentiation

◼ Preparation for University in a College

Environment: Informal, yet supportive environment,

with small, interactive classes and excellent pastoral

care. All students benefit from single study bedrooms

◼ Expert Leaders and Teachers: The College’s Senior

Leadership Team and teaching staff are experienced

in supporting international students’ transition into the

British education system. Many have taught

overseas during their career

◼ Location: The College is situated on a 12 acre site,

near the university town of Reading. With London

close by, Padworth provides a great location for

exploring the UK. London Heathrow airport is a 40

minute drive away

◼Global Diversity: We have students from 30 different

nationalities and celebrate the diversity, ambition and

global outlook that they bring to the College. British

students represent the largest single nationality

(c.20%)


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Our Programmes

◼The College offers a broad range of academic

programmes for boarding and day students

◼Each programme offers a broad range of

academic subjects and extra-curricular

activities

◼Class sizes are small for optimum learning and

to encourage student-teacher interaction

◼The key programmes are:

- Year 9

- 1 Year I/GCSE Programme

- 2 Year I/GCSE Programme

- 18 month A Level Programme

- 2 Year A level Programme

- NCUK International Foundation Year

- Short Immersion Programme (for

international students)


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Padworth Online

◼ Padworth Online was developed in response to the

coronavirus pandemic. It is a new kind of school

founded on the educational philosophy, practices and

traditions of Padworth College

◼ Padworth Online delivers a fully interactive Padworth

education to students around the world. Our unique

online school offers the best of Padworth’s academic

programmes, preparing students for onward progression

to top universities, both in the UK and around the world

◼ Padworth Online offers much more than a remote

learning experience. Face-to-face lessons are delivered

in live, interactive classrooms by Padworth’s

professionally qualified teachers. Students are able to

interact with their teacher in the video classroom or

message their teacher with particular questions,

comments or contributions

◼ In addition to academic classes, the Programme covers

cultural and social preparation, as well as wellbeing and

fitness


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Year 9

Features

Age ▪ 13-14 years

Admissions Process ▪ Registration Form

▪ Current School Report

▪ Character Reference

▪ Password Mathematics assessment and English test (for

non-native English speakers)

▪ Skype or face-to-face interview

Minimum English Language Level ▪ A2: Basic Language User

Start Date ▪ September

Course Length ▪ 1 year

Subjects Studied ▪ Languages: English,

French

▪ Mathematics

▪ Biology

▪ Chemistry

▪ Physics

▪ Art

▪ Geography

▪ History

▪ ICT

▪ Music

▪ Performing Arts

▪ Physical Education

EAL Provision ▪ English as an Additional Language

End of Programme Assessment ▪ Internal examinations

Progression ▪ Year 10

◼ The Year 9 curriculum aims at developing

intellectual, creative and sporting interests

◼ Core subjects are complemented by a wide-

ranging and balanced curriculum of a variety of

different subjects

◼ Alongside lessons, students have the

opportunity to broaden their educational

experience by participating in a range of co-

curricular pursuits, sports, music, art, trips and

excursions and other activities

◼ Year 9 students are required to make their

I/GCSE choices in March, towards the end of

the Spring Term. Before these choices are

made, parents receive the GCSE Course

Outline which provides an overview of each

I/GCSE subject. Parents also have the

opportunity to discuss progress and course

options


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I/GCSE

Features

Age ▪ 14-16 years




▪ Password Mathematics assessment and English test (for non-

native English speakers)


Minimum English Language Level ▪ B1: Independent Language User


Course Length ▪ 2 years or 1 year

Compulsory Subjects ▪ English Language

▪ English Literature (native English speakers on 2 year course)

▪ Mathematics

Optional Subjects ▪ English as a Second Language

▪ Biology

▪ Chemistry

▪ Physics

▪ Art

▪ French

▪ Geography

▪ History

▪ ICT

▪ Music


End of Programme Assessment ▪ External I/GCSE examinations

Progression ▪ Sixth Form

◼ Year 10 and 11 students follow a two-year

programme leading to I/GCSE. It is also

possible for some students who are able to

cope well with the demands of the course to

study I/GCSEs in one year

◼ The curriculum consists of compulsory and

optional subjects. Students can choose up

to 10 subjects

◼ The range of I/GCSE courses on offer is

constantly under review and new subjects

are offered from time to time. Equally, it

cannot be guaranteed that all subjects listed

will run in a particular year, as this depends

upon the number of students who wish to

take them


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1 Year IGCSE Programme

Features

Age ▪ 15-17 years

Entry Requirements ▪ Registration Form

▪ Copy of passport and birth certificate

▪ Most recent school report

▪ Character reference

▪ Interview (face-to-face or via Skype)

▪ Password English and Maths assessment

Minimum English

Language Level

▪ Level B1 or higher

Start Date ▪ September (only)

Course Length ▪ 3 terms

GCSE Subjects Studied ▪ English as a First Language or English as a Second Language

▪ Mathematics

▪ Biology

▪ Chemistry

▪ Physics

▪ Art

▪ Business Studies

▪ ICT (not examined)

▪ Music (not examined)

▪ PSHE (not examined)

End of Programme

Assessment

▪ External IGCSE examinations, including Own Language IGCSE,

dependent on level of English

Progression ▪ Sixth Form entry

◼ The 1 Year IGCSE Programme offers a range of

subjects leading to up to 6 IGCSE examinations

and is an excellent preparation for international

students before they begin their A Level studies

◼ The Programme is suitable for international

students who wish to complete IGCSE

examinations in just one year, in preparation for

entry into Sixth Form to study A Levels

◼ The Programme includes 30 hours of academic

tuition and 7 hours of supervised study (‘prep’). In

addition, there is up to 5 hours of sports and

activities each week and an optional excursion

every weekend

◼ Every student has regular reports and benefits from

target setting in weekly tutorials, which supports

future subject choices and career plans

◼ Students must enrol in September for 3 terms


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A Level

Features

Age ▪ 16-18 years




▪ Password Mathematics assessment and English test (for

non-native English speakers)


Minimum English Language Level ▪ B2: Independent Language User (IELTS 5.5)

Start Date ▪ September or January

Course Length ▪ 2 years or 18 months

Subject Choices ▪ English Language and

Literature

▪ Mathematics

▪ Further Mathematics

▪ Biology

▪ Chemistry

▪ Physics

▪ Accounting


▪ Economics

▪ Government and Politics

▪ Fine Art

▪ Graphic

Communication

▪ History

▪ Geography

▪ Sociology

▪ Psychology

▪ ICT

▪ Photography

▪ Textiles

EAL Provision ▪ English IELTS

End of Programme Assessment ▪ External A Level examinations

Progression ▪ University

◼ Year 12 and 13 students follow a two-year A Level

course (although an 18 month course is also available)

◼ Students choose three A Level subjects for two years. In

addition, international students study IELTS (for

university entrance)

◼ In exceptional circumstances, it is possible to study four

A Level subjects, subject to a prior discussion with the

Director of Studies. During the course of the first year

and depending on performance and after careful

discussion, it may be appropriate for a student to drop

one of the four subjects and carry the remaining three

through to A Level

◼ A wide range of subjects are offered. These are

reviewed regularly and new subjects are added from time

to time. It cannot be guaranteed that all subjects listed

will run in any particular year, as it depends on the

number of students who opt for that subject

◼ Prospective students and parents may specifically

request subjects that are not on the list – e.g., French.

Such requests are accommodated wherever possible

◼ The University and Careers Adviser works closely with all

A Level students to ensure they receive guidance and

support for the university application process (UCAS)


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NCUK International Foundation Year in Business

Features

Age ▪ 17+ years

Academic Entry Requirements ▪ Completion of 12 years of high school education

▪ A recognised English language qualification




▪ Password Mathematics assessment and English

test (for non-native English speakers)





Academic Modules ▪ Mathematics (Business)


▪ Economics

EAL Provision ▪ English for Academic Purposes (for non-native

speakers of English)

End of Programme Assessment ▪ 20% by coursework and 80% by examination

▪ All assessments are set and moderated by NCUK


◼ Padworth College is an accredited NCUK Delivery

Partner for the NCUK International Foundation Year

programme

◼ The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) in

Business is a one year qualification designed to prepare

international students for first year entry to undergraduate

degree courses at reputable English speaking universities

around the world. The programme is particularly suited to

those seeking a career in business, finance and all areas

of management

◼ As well as academic knowledge, the IFY gives

international students specialist English language, study

and cultural skills that are an essential part of their degree

course

◼ On successful completion of the IFY, students are

guaranteed a place at one of the following 16 universities:

Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of

Bradford, University of Bristol, University of Huddersfield,

University of Kent, Kingston University, University of

Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Liverpool John Moores

University, The University of Manchester, Manchester

Metropolitan University, Queen Mary University of

London, University of Salford, The University of Sheffield

and Sheffield Hallam University


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NCUK International Foundation Year in Engineering

Features

Age ▪ 17+ years

Academic Entry Requirements ▪ Completion of 12 years of high school education

▪ A recognised English language qualification




▪ Password Mathematics assessment and English

test (for non-native English speakers)





Academic Modules ▪ Mathematics (Engineering)

▪ Chemistry

▪ Physics

EAL Provision ▪ English for Academic Purposes (for non-native

speakers of English)

End of Programme Assessment ▪ 20% by coursework and 80% by examination

▪ All assessments are set and moderated by NCUK


◼ Padworth College is an accredited NCUK Delivery

Partner for the NCUK International Foundation Year

programme

◼ The NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) in

Engineering is a one year qualification designed to

prepare international students for first year entry to

undergraduate degree courses at reputable English

speaking universities around the world. The programme

is particularly suited to those seeking a career in civil,

mechanical, chemical and all other areas of engineering

◼ As well as academic knowledge, the IFY gives

international students specialist English language, study

and cultural skills that are an essential part of their degree

course

◼ On successful completion of the IFY, students are

guaranteed a place at one of the following 16 universities:

Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of

Bradford, University of Bristol, University of Huddersfield,

University of Kent, Kingston University, University of

Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Liverpool John Moores

University, The University of Manchester, Manchester

Metropolitan University, Queen Mary University of

London, University of Salford, The University of Sheffield

and Sheffield Hallam University


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Short Immersion Programme (for International Students)

Features

Age ▪ 13-18 years (TBC)




▪ English test (for non-native English speakers)

Minimum English Language Level ▪ A2: Basic Language User

Start Date ▪ Year-round

Course Length ▪ 4 weeks

▪ Half a term

▪ 1 term

Subjects Studied ▪ English, plus a range of subjects including

Mathematics, Science and Humanities


End of Programme Assessment ▪ N/A

Progression ▪ Padworth College, another boarding school or

college or return to home country

◼ This Programme gives international students

the opportunity to discover and experience

Padworth College to determine if they enjoy

boarding without committing long-term

◼ The Short Immersion Programme provides

intensive English tuition, a taste of boarding, a

personalised timetable and optional sightseeing


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University Destinations

Russell Group Other Universities

◼ Cardiff University

◼ Durham University

◼ King’s College London

◼ Imperial College London

◼ London School of Economics

◼ Queen Mary, University of London

◼ University College London

◼ University of Bristol

◼ University of Cambridge

◼ University of Edinburgh

◼ University of Exeter

◼ University of Leeds

◼ University of Liverpool

◼ University of Manchester

◼ University of Nottingham

◼ University of Sheffield

◼ University of Southampton

◼ University of Warwick

◼ University of York

◼ Loughborough University

◼ Middlesex University

◼ Nottingham Trent University

◼ Oxford Brookes University

◼ Plymouth University

◼ Regent’s University London

◼ Royal Holloway, University of

London

◼ St George’s Medical School,

University of London

◼ St Mary’s University

◼ Sheffield Hallam University

◼ Solent University

◼ Ulster, London Campus

◼ University College Birmingham

◼ University of Aberdeen

◼ University of the Arts London

◼ University of Bedfordshire

◼ University of Brighton

◼ University of Buckingham

◼ University of Central Lancashire

◼ University of East Anglia

◼ University of Essex

◼ University of Greenwich

◼ University of Hull

◼ University of Kent

◼ University of Lincoln

◼ University of Portsmouth

◼ University of Reading

◼ University of St Andrews

◼ University of Sussex

◼ University of Swansea

◼ University of Ulster

◼ University of Westminster

◼ University of West of England

◼ University of Winchester

◼ Hotel Institute Montreux

◼ Manipal University, India

◼ University of Hong Kong

◼ University of Karachi

◼ Anglia Ruskin University

◼ Arts University Bournemouth

◼ Aston University

◼ Bangor University

◼ Bath University

◼ Bournemouth University

◼ BPP University

◼ Bradford University

◼ Brunel University

◼ City University

◼ Coventry University

◼ De Montfort University

◼ Glasgow Caledonian University

◼ Goldsmiths, University of London

◼ Heriot-Watt University

◼ Kingston University

◼ Lancaster University

◼ Leicester University

◼ London College of Fashion

◼ London Metropolitan University

◼ London South Bank University


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Enrichment Programme

◼ The College’s Enrichment Programme includes a

varied programme of sport, social and

recreational activities and trips throughout the

week, as well as regular excursions every

weekend

◼ The Programme includes a range of sports and a

variety of clubs and activities, designed to foster

team spirit and the confidence to integrate with

others when students move on from Padworth

◼ Sports include badminton, basketball, golf,

football, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.

There is also a Fitness Centre on site

◼ Activities include charitable work/ volunteering,

choral and instrumental tuition, chess,

conservation, cooking, debating, film, languages,

leadership skills and photography

◼ Off-campus recreational activities include

bowling, cinema, horse riding ice skating and

yoga


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Excursions

◼ As well as our on-site activities, we organise a

stimulating and varied programme of fully-

supervised trips at weekends. Some allow students

to discover places of cultural, geographical and

historical interest; others encourage students to

sample the great outdoors, through walking, hiking,

cycling and other physical pursuits

◼ Sightseeing, cultural visits and even shopping

provide contexts within which speaking and listening

skills are put to the test; they are also great fun and

provide memories to last a lifetime

◼ Weekend trips may include London sightseeing,

excursions to the nearby cities of Oxford and

Reading, trips to the zoo, laser quest, theme parks,

attending live sports events (football, hockey and

more)

◼ There are no exeat weekends


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Pastoral Care

◼ Boarding is central to the ethos of the College and

the close-knit community has a strong sense of

home-from-home

◼ Outstanding pastoral care is provided by the

residential team and is complemented by full

medical support from the local doctor’s surgery

◼ The Principal, Director of Studies and boarding staff

reside on campus, ensuring a family atmosphere of

care and support for all students at all times

◼ Boarding students live on campus in boarding

houses, with separate houses for boys and girls.

The majority of the rooms are single study

bedrooms

◼ All meals are served in the College dining hall and

lovingly prepared by our team of chefs, who are

able to cater for all requirements

◼ Day students are an integral part of the boarding

community and enjoy the benefits of having time

and space to develop their skills, interests and

friendships


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College Location

London

Padworth

Padworth College is situated

on a 12 acre site on the edge

of the hamlet of Padworth, near

the university town of Reading,

with London close by. London

Heathrow airport is a 40 minute

drive from the College

introduction to padworth college · each programme offers a broad range of academic subjects and...

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