Padworth International Study Centre (ISC) is an integral part of Padworth College, a co-educational boarding school for students and welcomes international students of all abilities aged 13-17.
The aims of the ISC are to:
Improve students’ English and study skills
Prepare students for academic study – GCSE, A Level or Foundation studies – either at Padworth or at another UK boarding school
Teach students about British life and culture.
ISC students are full members of the Padworth boarding community and participate in every aspect of boarding school life. All students are encouraged to take part in every aspect of school life including our weekly Saturday excursions to towns and cities, leisure and entertainment parks, museums and historical places of interest as part of our British culture programme.
Our English and Academic preparation courses are available for one, two or three terms starting in September, January and April. Courses include 18-25 hours of English and, depending on the course option, Science, Maths, IT, Humanities and Sport.
The ISC operates the following course options – if you would like advice on which option would be best for you, please email us at info@padworth.com.
| International Study Centre Courses | |||
| Course | English Level | Length of Course |
Subjects (hours per week) |
| Option 1 Intensive English |
Elementary+ (CEFR A1+) |
1-3 terms | English (25) + IT, English for Maths and British Culture |
| Option 2 Pre-GCSE Prepare for GCSE |
Elementary- Pre-Intermediate+ (CEFR A2+) |
1-3 terms (Followed by 1 or 2 year GCSE course) |
English (minimum 18 hrs ) +
And/or Science (NQF 2) and Art |
| Option 3 Pre-A Level Prepare for A level |
Pre-Intermediate+ (CEFR B1+) |
1-3 terms (Followed by 2 year A level course) |
English (minimum 18 hrs) +
And/or Science, Art, Business English, Introduction to IELTS |
| Option 4 Pre-AccessPrepare for Access(Foundation) | Pre-intermediate(CEFR B1+) | 1-3 terms(Followed by 1 year Business Access Course) | General English (minimum 18 hrs) +
|
Academic support
Students are taught in small groups by qualified and experienced teachers who make use of a variety of teaching techniques to stimulate students and to develop confidence in the use of language. Teaching will focus on grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, vocabulary and spelling as well as giving students an understanding of British culture and traditions.
Students derive huge benefits from participating in the daily school routine which helps them to improve their understanding and communicative skills throughout the waking day as well as introducing them to the British style of teaching and learning, aspects of British culture, traditions and way of life.
In addition to lessons in the classroom, there are excursions to places of historical and cultural interest on which project work in the classroom will be based. These trips include places such as Windsor Castle, historic Winchester, Oxford, Bath, London and maritime Portsmouth.
Summer Study course
The Summer Study course is an intensive four to seven week course available during July and August for students age 14+ who need to improve their English and prepare for academic study in the UK prior to taking up places either at Padworth or other schools in the UK in September.
Click here for more details about Summer Study
ISC Short Courses
The International Study Centre welcomes overseas students aged 13-19 for a short course of one term. Short courses provide students with an integrated educational experience immersed in an English-speaking boarding school community. This course is subject to a limited availability of places.
There are good outcomes for boarders and the promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. The small boarding community offers a friendly, intimate environment and is appreciated by many studnets who are living far from their families overseas.
Source: Ofsted Boarding Inspection Report, February 2011