International Study Centre

International Study Centre Courses

Padworth International Study Centre is an integral part of Padworth College, a co-educational boarding school for students. The ISC welcomes overseas students aged 13-19, both those who wish to learn or improve their English Language skills and those who need to improve their English before embarking on academic study (GCSE or A level) either at Padworth College or at another British boarding school. ISC students are full members of the boarding community and participate in every aspect of traditional British boarding school life.

Overseas students of all levels are accepted and follow a suitable programme of study according to the needs and abilities of each student so that their course starts when they arrive at Padworth. The ISC operates a very flexible admissions policy and can accept students aged 13-19 at any point during the academic year for any length of time, from two weeks for a short language course to one term or two years.

The International Study Centre operates three levels of English Language programme within which there will be a number of classes divided by ability and age. All ISC students are assessed on arrival and assigned to the appropriate class where they will join other ISC students of a similar ability.

ISC Option One (Full time)

Intensive English Language programme for overseas students with any level of English including complete beginners. Course content includes a strong focus on English Language skills (18 hours per week), Study skills (Essay writing, note taking, etc), Understanding British culture, PSHE and Sport and can extend to include Maths and IT depending on ability. This programme is also available as a short course for groups and individuals with a 2 week minimum stay at any time in the academic year.

ISC Option Two (Full-time)

English Language programme plus academic subjects to prepare students from a pre-intermediate level who need to improve their English before taking up places on GCSE and A level programmes. Course content includes General English (12-18 hours per week), plus a choice of academic subjects from Mathematics, IT, Science, Humanities, Art or Business Studies as well as Study skills, Understanding British culture PSHE and Sport. Students may commence GCSE or A level study once they have reached the required level of English.

ISC Option Three (Part-time supporting course)

English for Academic purposes (EAP) programme to provide continuing English Language support for students with an inter-mediate level of English who are studying for GCSE and A levels to prepare them for the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language and/or IELTS examination, one of which is a compulsory requirement for entry into British universities). Course content will include English Language (minimum of 6 hours), Mathematics and IT in addition to the student's academic study timetable.

ISC Option Four (Part-time supporting course)

This EAP programme provides continuing English Language support preparing students studying A level and Access for the IELTS examination which is a compulsory requirement for entry into British Universities and students studying GCSE level for the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language examination.

Summer Study course

Intensive four to seven week course available during July and August for students age 13-19 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 as individuals or in groups with any level of English for a short course for any length of time from two weeks up to a term at any point in the academic year.

Short courses are particularly appropriate for small school groups who wish to give their students an integrated educational experience immersed in an English-speaking school community.

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 - this includes grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, vocabulary and spelling as well as 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 aspects of British culture 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.