A British education is globally recognised as being an excellent foundation for children to prepare them for life in the international world in which they live. It offers them the breadth of opportunity both inside and outside the classroom that, for many, is just not available in their own countries. This is why many families will choose to send their children to study at schools in the UK.
One of the key elements of success for children who are able to benefit from this experience is the power of the English language. Developing skills in communication - speaking, listening, reading and writing - in English at the earliest opportunity, will put those pupils firmly ahead when it comes to gaining internationally recognised qualifications and will give them the confidence they need to achieve their goals.
This Pre-GCSE Pathway programme for children between the ages of 12-14, has been designed to offer younger international pupils a holistic curriculum with a strong emphasis on English skills development, and will provide excellent preparation for the GCSE course at Year 10 (14+) entry. Pupils will enjoy the advantages of being able to integrate with native English speaking students for a large part of their timetable, whilst still receiving specialist language support.
English as an Additional Language sessions are delivered by qualified and experienced specialists to help students whose first language is not English learn to communicate well with both native and non-native speakers of English in most everyday situations. Depending on needs, Geography, History, Maths and Sciences may be taught as EAL sessions by specialist tutors. Years 8-9 Junior Pathway curriculum subjects will run parallel to maximise opportunities for students to study at the right level for their ability in each subject.
In order to encourage integration, Tutor Groups, Art, Computing, Drama, Sport, Music and Technology will be taken as mainstream subjects, together with other students of their own year group who are not part of the Pathway programme.
An example of a Pre-GCSE Pathway Timetable
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Unlike schools who provide some one-to-one or small group sessions for pupils who need additional English language support, the Junior Pathway will provide a much more intensive and structured programme. Pupils will normally have 10 sessions a week of EAL classes where they will be taught by specialist teachers to improve their English language and study skills with the aim of achieving an internationally recognised EAL qualification.
Cambridge Global Perspectives Challenges (CGPC)
At Sidcot there is a bespoke style to the teaching and learning programme known as the Sidcot Learning Wheel. The skills of research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, collaboration and communication are an integral part of the individual pupil development which will not only equip them for higher education and employability, but also develop their social skills, emotional intelligence, resilience and determination to make a difference in the world.
To underpin this for our international students’ and as an addition to their syllabus, international students will also undertake Cambridge Global Perspectives Challenges which include project topics such as Human Rights, Globalisation, Sustainability and The Human World – all part of the Quaker ethos at Sidcot. They will be able to achieve Gold, Silver or Bronze certification, which is awarded in recognition of their ability to appreciate their responsibility to the community and wider world.
To find out more about the Pre-GCSE Pathway programme contact our Admissions Team on admissions@sidcot.org.uk or check out our Pre-GCSE Pathway Prospectus