Summer Study

An ideal environment for study

Students at Padworth College

The Summer Study course provides the opportunity for boys and girls aged 13 and over to improve their understanding and use of English before starting their academic studies (GCSE or A Level) at a school in the UK or to take advantage of a more intensive English Language course.

Padworth College is based in beautiful countryside near the university town of Reading, just 45 minutes by road from Heathrow Airport in a safe and peaceful location which provides an ideal study environment.

The aim of the course

The 7-week residential course aims primarily to develop the English language skills which are essential for successful academic study. In addition, students are introduced to the specialist language associated with the study in English of Mathematics, Science and Information Technology. Students also learn about British culture and traditions to enable them to feel comfortable in their new environment. This includes an introduction to some of the team games they are likely to play in a British school.

Course programme

A competent command of English is vital for success in academic study in the UK and therefore the weekly programme provides 18 hours of intensive English tuition. In a class of no more than 12, students concentrate on the four basic language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The principal aim is to help a student to develop confident understanding of spoken and written English and accurate use of the written language during the course.

Students often have a sound knowledge of their main academic subjects in their own language but have little or no experience of studying such subjects in English. The course therefore devotes 4 hours per week each to the study in English of the core subjects of Mathematics, Science and Information Technology. The aim of these classes is to teach the basic vocabulary which is specific to each of these subjects.

By the end of the course, a student should be ready to follow an academic programme appropriate to her age and experience either at Padworth College or at another boarding school or college in the UK.

Accommodation and welfare

Comfortable accommodation is provided in single or shared bedrooms within separate boarding houses for boys and girls. Resident house staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help with any issues that may arise. The College Nurse is also on hand to provide medical care as required. All meals are provided in the College Dining Rooms and our dedicated catering staff provide a wide range of food catering for all tastes and appetites.

The importance of pastoral care is paramount at Padworth College - our team of house staff make sure that every student is cared for and supported throughout their stay.

Activities and excursions

Summer Study students have two full-day excursions each week and take part in the social and leisure activity programme which is organized for the International Summer School, a programme for children aged 9 to 16 from around the world who come to Padworth to combine classes in English with an active holiday. Excursions include visits to places of historical and cultural interest such as London, Bath, Oxford, Windsor, Maritime Portsmouth and Warwick Castle.

Dates and fees

The course will run for 7 weeks during July and August . The normal minimum stay is 4 weeks, the maximum is 7 weeks. Students must arrive on Sunday and leave on Saturday in order to be able to attend all classes.

Padworth offers value for money by including all essential items in the fees. The only additional costs to parents are the air fare and individual pocket money.

The fees for the Summer Study 2008 course are £550.00 per week and include the following:

To make a booking

To make a booking, please download an application form here, complete and return it to Mrs Diana Hambly

By post:
Holiday Course Registrar, Padworth College, Padworth, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4NR, UK

By email:
ppa@padworth.com

By fax:
+44 (0) 118 983 4515

We will confirm that we have received and processed your booking and will send you an invoice and further information. Fees must be paid either directly to Padworth College or by bank transfer not later than one month prior to the start of the course. Please mark your payment clearly with the name of the student or in the case of a bank transfer, please fax us a copy to confirm payment.

If you require more information about any aspect of Padworth Summer School, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

"In my opinion, these 4 weeks have been very special! I have met great people and I also have enjoyed all the evenings because of the sports activities! I think I will never forget this experience." Spanish student aged 16