The educational journey at Sidcot School

The educational
journey at
Sidcot School
2014 / 2015
Headmaster’s Welcome
I am delighted to introduce you to Sidcot School. We are a
truly international community with boarding and day students
set in the beautiful Somerset countryside. Although the
majority of our students come from the UK, we have around
30 nationalities represented in the school.
Iain Kilpatrick
Headmaster
Sidcot values the contribution our international students
bring to the school and we are a global community where
everyone is welcomed. We are proud that many of our
international students hold positions of responsibility.
For example, our Head Boy is from Luxemburg and our
Head Girl is from Germany.
Close to the historic cities of Bristol and Bath, all our
students benefit from enjoying the open spaces on campus
whilst being near these major cities, to which we make
educational and leisure visits. We are only two hours from
London and have excellent air links with Europe and beyond.
Sidcot is, above all, a happy school community where
students and staff live together and learn together.
Our students work hard and achieve excellent results.
I hope you enjoy this introduction to our school and look
forward to welcoming you to Sidcot in the future.
Iain Kilpatrick BA, MEd, FRSA
Headmaster
Contents
Sidcot 4
Year 7 to Year 9 7
Year 10 & Year 11 8
GCSE subjects10
Year 11 Pathway
12
Course structure
14
Year 12 & Year 1318
International Baccalaureate
(IB Diploma)
19
A Level20
Boarding22
The road to university24
Sidcot stories27
Entry procedure31
Term dates
32
Boarding fees34
Contact35
Sidcot
Sidcot
At a glance
Gender:
Year founded:
Religion:
Age range:
Age range of boarders:
Total number of students:
Number of boarders:
Educational programmes:
Extras:
Co-educational
1699
Quaker
3 to 18
11 to 18
540
175
Long term boarding from Year 7,
Year 11 Pathway, two year GCSEs,
the IB Diploma and A Levels
Equestrian Centre
Boarders can bring their own horse
Location
Setting: Nearest airport:
Nearest station: Nearest cities: Distance to London:
6
Rural
Bristol - 7 miles
Bristol Temple Meads - 20 miles
Bath and Bristol
Two hours
Sidcot
A brief history
Sidcot is one of the oldest co-educational boarding schools
in the UK, originally established in 1699.
Today, the Sidcot School community is a culturally diverse
one, with students from a variety of backgrounds creating
a rich and vibrant social environment. From nine pupils in
1808, Sidcot is now home to over 500, including around 175
students from over 30 countries across the world.
Sidcot’s campus has some outstanding facilities. As well
as superb sporting grounds, a 25m swimming pool, dance
studios and an equestrian centre, we have professional
standard facilities for arts and media. Our art school
includes studios for painting, sculpture, photography and
a digital media suite. The music school has a dedicated
performance hall, practice rooms, recording studio and
music technology suite. The drama studio can be used for
both theatre performances and film.
We are a top performing school in the south west of
England, with impressive results especially in mathematics,
the sciences and the arts.
Sidcot is surrounded by beautiful countryside and this
has not changed since 1699. Take a walk out into the
woodlands and breathe in the fresh and healthy air.
This makes Sidcot a wonderful place to study.
7
Year 7 to 9
Year 7 to Year 9
A time when students can develop, flourish and become
more confident.
In the UK, Years 7 to 9 are for students aged 11 to 13. Age 11
is the youngest that boarders can join Sidcot and Year 7 is
the first year of the Senior School.
Joining Sidcot early on in the educational journey is good
as it builds a strong foundation for later on. It gives students
a chance to experience many subjects, adapt to the UK
educational system, make friends and achieve native level
English with fantastic pronunciation.
We make sure that students study a broad range of subjects
in Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9). Where necessary, students
are given additional small group or individual English
support. This provides them with a wide range of experience
and knowledge so that, when they come to choose GCSE
options, they are equipped to make informed decisions.
We recognise that younger students need extra nurturing
and support to help them settle in and feel at home, so our
boarding houses are small and have a family feel.
9
Year 10 & 11
Year 10 & 11 two year course
A time to focus and work towards key examinations.
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.
It is a two year programme which students in the UK start
at age 14. GCSE exams are the compulsory school leavers’
examinations in the UK.
Education to GCSE level is required for students who want to
study the IB Diploma or A Levels.
Students aged 14 will join Year 10 and will study up to 11
subjects at GCSE level.
10
GCSE
GCSE subjects
for Year 10 & 11
The following subjects are available at Sidcot for the
two year GCSE programme.
Core subjects
English Language
Biology
English Literature
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics
Options
Fine Art
Business Studies
Catering
Design & Technology
Textiles
Drama
Geography
History
ICT
12
Modern Languages
(French, German, Spanish)
Music
Physical Education
Religious Studies:
Philosophy & Applied Ethics
IGCSE English
(as a second language)
Digital Media
(Sidcot Assessed Course)
Year 11 Pathway
Year 11 Pathway one year course
Leading students to the next step in their
educational journey.
Year 11 is an important year in the British education system
as students take their GCSE exams. Students are usually
aged 15 or 16 in Year 11 and it is the last year of compulsory
secondary education in the UK.
GCSEs are usually taken over two years but the special
Year 11 Pathway allows students to take up to seven GCSEs
in one year only. This means in one year they will achieve
the minimum entry requirements necessary to go on to study
the IB Diploma or A Levels.
For many degree courses such as medicine it makes
the application stronger to have GCSEs as well as the
IB Diploma or A Levels. The Year 11 Pathway has been
especially designed with a good range of subjects that
keeps students’ options open for the next step.
During the year we help students to choose the right
subjects for Year 12 and decide between the IB Diploma
or A Levels so that the pathway they choose leads them
to their chosen university degree.
14
Year 11 Pathway
Choose the Pathway if:
•
You are planning to study the IB Diploma or A Levels
in the UK and you are aged 15. The Year 11 Pathway
will help you get the GCSEs you need. The programme
focuses on developing you academically and providing
you with the skills to flourish in the UK education system
in Year 12/13 and beyond at university.
•
You want a gap year studying in the UK system before
returning to your own country to continue your education
there. You will leave the Year 11 Pathway with GSCEs,
improved English and an unforgettable experience.
•
You are aged 16 but your English is not strong enough
for you to start the IB Diploma or A Levels. The Year 11
Pathway will help you improve your English as well as
helping you to get a good foundation in the subjects you
want to study.
•
You are a British student who wants to return to the UK
education system or you want to repeat your GCSEs in
one year to improve your results.
15
Course structure
Course structure
To achieve up to seven GCSEs in a year, students will
study in specialist classes with experienced teachers to
help them achieve the best results. These classes are
dedicated Year 11 Pathway lessons so they receive the
necessary support. We make sure students cover all the
material in one year.
When students arrive at Sidcot we will assess them and
place them in either the higher stream or the standard
stream. The number of GCSEs that they take will depend
on their ability, their level of English and their plans for the
next stage.
16
Course structure
Higher Stream
Minimum of B2 Level of English
Standard Stream
Minimum of B1 Level of English
IGCSE
English Language
IGCSE English
as a second language
IGCSE
History
GCSE ICT
(Short Course)
IGCSE Maths (Streamed by ability)
Global Studies – a course that covers global issues. This course will help you with
research, presentations and extended writing and leads to an Extended Project
Qualification at Level 1 or Level 2
GCSE In your own language (If available)
IGCSE
Physics
OR
IGCSE
Biology
IGCSE
Chemistry
OR
GCSE
Art
IGCSE
Economics
OR
IGCSE
Business Studies
17
Year 12 & 13
Year 12 & 13 - Sixth Form
The final step before university
The Sixth Form aims to achieve academic excellence
and give students support in applying to the very best
universities in the world. In order to provide all our students
aged 16 to 18 with a stimulating and creative curriculum, we
offer the choice of studying the IB Diploma or A Levels in
the Sixth Form.
Sixth Formers at Sidcot often say that life feels very
different to their GCSE years. Students choose their own
subjects for IB or A level. They do not wear uniform, not
every period is a formal class as they study independently
and there are opportunities to take up positions of
responsibility and leadership.
The Sixth Form Passport
The Sixth Form Passport is a special programme of
activities, workshops, seminars and master classes.
There are ten elements to the Passport: careers,
community service, global studies, finance and budgets,
personal development, leadership, post-school survival
skills, work experience, thinking skills and an introduction
to university style learning, research and presentation.
20
IB Diploma
International
Baccalaureate Diploma
The International Baccalaureate was originally launched in
1968 and now involves some 80,000 students studying in 125
countries. It is highly regarded internationally and recognised
by all universities in the UK and across the world.
Students study six subjects: three at higher level and three
at standard level, with the organisation of subject choices
ensuring that they maintain a breadth of study across English,
Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages and Arts.
In addition to their chosen subjects, students follow the core
elements of the Diploma that include a course in the Theory
of Knowledge, an Extended Essay and a programme of
Creativity Action Service (CAS), where students participate in
creative, physical and service activities.
IB Subjects
Group 1: English (including world literature), German A
(including language and literature)
Group 2: Second Language – modern languages
(German B, Spanish B, French B) Spanish and Russian
ab intio (for beginners)
Group 3: Economics, History, Geography, Psychology
Group 4: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Group 5: Mathematics and Mathematical Studies
Group 6: Music, Visual Arts, Drama
21
A Level
A Level
A Level is a two year pre-university programme giving
students the opportunity to specialise and study the subjects
that lead them to their chosen degree at university. Students
normally follow four subjects at AS Level (first year) and then
continue with three subjects in their A2 year (second year).
A Level Subjects that Sidcot offers:
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Accounting
Geography
Art & Design
German
Biology
History
Business Studies
Mathematics
Chemistry
Further Mathematics
Chinese
Music Technology
Computing
Physical Education
Design & Technology
Physics
Drama & Theatre Studies
Psychology
Economics
Russian
English Literature
Spanish
French
Textiles
Boarding
Boarding
When students board at Sidcot they join a friendly, family
community in which they can live, work and play, being
secure in the knowledge that they are valued and well cared
for. Boarding provides students with the space to focus on
their work, whilst also giving them the chance to get involved
in a wide range of extra curricular activities.
We have five boarding houses on the school campus.
The houses are homes; places to relax and socialise and
share experiences. Each house has full wi-fi access,
a comfortable common room with TV, DVD and
PlayStations, and a small students’ kitchen. Houseparents
are responsible for looking after the students’ welfare.
Food, Glorious Food
We love our food at Sidcot. Students and staff enjoy a
wide variety of tastes and flavours from around the world.
Our menus are varied and delicious, providing students
with a high quality diet that is balanced, healthy and full
of fresh local ingredients.
Health Centre
The school has its own Health Centre on campus staffed
by a team of highly experienced nurses. Local doctors hold
surgeries at the school twice a week and students can
choose to see a male or female doctor. In a recent
boarding inspection our Health Centre was described
as ‘outstanding’.
24
Boarding
Outside the classroom
At Sidcot we are lucky to have an excellent rural location and
top class facilities for sport, arts, crafts and environmental
studies, as well as links with local community groups,
charities and businesses. Activities run at lunchtime, after
school, after supper and into the evening, as well as
at weekends.
With over 100 extra curricular activities ranging from archery
to trampolining, maths club to hill walking, we make sure
that our students have plenty of opportunities to try new
things as well as developing existing interests. There is
plenty going on outside school too, with field trips, gallery
and museum visits, international exchanges, music tours,
lectures and sports.
25
The road to university
The road to university
Sidcot students are individuals who know their path through
life will be a reflection of their unique talents, skills and
interests. Throughout their time with us, we make sure that
students get to know about the wider world, the opportunities
it offers them, and the contribution they can make.
At every stage we help students understand the importance
of making informed choices. In Year 12 they will be assigned
their own tutor from our experienced careers team. This tutor
is a mentor, helping students plan their next steps, choosing
the right university and the degree course for them.
We help students with every aspect to help them reach their
chosen pathway whether this is Oxbridge preparation, work
experience, UCAS support, writing their personal statements
or applying to a university in a different country.
Students at Sidcot are encouraged to be ambitious and
adventurous. When they leave us we want them to feel they
have the confidence to choose what is right for them in life.
26
The road to university
Our destinations in 2013 included:
University of Arts, London
University of Bath
University of Bath
University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
Imperial College, London
Imperial College, London
London School of Economics
London School of Economics
University of Manchester
University of Manchester
Queen Mary, University of London
Queen Mary, University of London
New York University
University of St Andrews
University of Nottingham
St Georges, University of London
UAL, Central St Martins
Cardiff University
University of Glasgow
University of Dresden
Birmingham City University
Bournemouth University
Glasgow School of Art
University College, London
University College, London
University of Surrey
Swansea University
University of Warwick
University of the West of England
Fashion Journalism
Biochemistry
Creative Music Technology
Architecture
Mathematics & Business Studies
Medicine
Computing
Geology
Economics
Actuarial Science
Accounting and Finance
Business and Economics
Law
Computer Science
Economics
Psychology
Geography
Medicine
Product Design
Mechanical Engineering
English Literature
Regenerative Energy Systems
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Art Foundation Course
International Foundation Course in Art & Design
Chemistry and Management Studies
Statistics, Economics and Finance
Criminology and Sociology
Accounting and Finance
Engineering and Business Studies
Product Design
27
Sidcot stories
A Sidcot story: Helena
When I first came to Sidcot, the plan was that I would be
returning home after a year. Now, three years later, I am still
here and I am still feeling that Sidcot is not only my school,
but my home away from home. Not only the boarding made
it worth staying, but also the atmosphere and the people.
The teachers are supporting us all in a way that I would
never have found in Germany. And I realised how lucky I am,
that I decided to stay here right up to the end.
Helena - Year 13, Germany (pictured left)
Helena is studying the IB Diploma.
A Sidcot story: Jenni
My first boarding experience was in another boarding
school. I wasn’t happy there because I didn’t feel safe.
As soon as I arrived in School House Girls (SHG), I realised
what true boarding life was. We have supportive and lovely
house staff and they always look after all the girls as their
sisters and daughters. When we find it difficult to adapt
either in our studies or boarding life, we can always come
to talk to them. When I first came to Sidcot, I was a bit
homesick, but it got better by talking to the girls in SHG and
the house staff. We are living with girls from many different
countries so I have a lot of chances to share our cultures. I
really love my boarding school and for me, SHG is more than
just a boarding house, it is home.
Jenni - Year 13, Korea
Jenni is studying A Levels in maths, textiles and art.
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Sidcot Stories
A Sidcot story: Nikolai
I am from Moscow. I am twelve years old. I like everything at
Sidcot – I play basketball and football. At weekends I enjoy
spending time in the Library and cooking! I performed in
‘Arabian Nights’ last year – it took place in a circus tent in
the gardens. The education is good here which my parents
are pleased about and there’s lots of fun stuff for the kids.
This Sunday I’m going to Thorpe Park and some of the day
boys are coming too. I have had lots of help to improve my
English and I now feel much more confident about speaking,
listening and writing in English.
Nikolai - Year 8, Russia (pictured right)
A Sidcot story: Vytas
In Lithuania my agent recommended Sidcot as a very
friendly school, so I decided to apply. Later my parents
and I visited the school and it seemed very nice so we
chose it. I chose Year 11 Pathway because it is the perfect
way to improve your English as well as prepare for your IB
or A Levels. The best thing about Year 11 Pathway is that
you almost always have something to do, not only studying.
There are a lot of activities and other stuff that you can do.
The staff and pupils are very nice here and the atmosphere
is friendly.
Vytas - Year 11 Pathway, Lithuania
30
Entry procedure
Entry procedure
How to apply?
To make an application to Sidcot you should send
us the following documents:
• a completed application form
• a copy of your latest school report
• a personal statement
• a copy of your passport
Entry requirements
English levels:
A2 for Years 7 & 8
B1 for Year 9 & GCSEs
B2 for A Levels
C1 for IB Diploma
We may ask you to do Sidcot’s entry tests and to be
interviewed by Skype.
You are very welcome to visit the school to meet the
Headmaster and staff and see the facilities.
Our Admissions Department is here to guide you through
every step of the application.
33
Term dates
Term dates
Spring Term 2014
Boarders return Monday 6 January
Term begins Tuesday 7 January
Half term begins Friday 14 February
Boarders return Sunday 23 February
Term ends Friday 28 March
Summer Term 2014
(Easter Monday 21 April)
Boarders return Tuesday 22 April
Term begins Tuesday 22 April
Half term begins Friday 23 May
Boarders return Sunday 1 June
Term ends Friday 4 July
Autumn Term 2014
Boarders return Tuesday 2 September
Term begins Wednesday 3 September
Half term begins Friday 17 October
Boarders return Sunday 2 November
Term ends Friday 12 December 12.00 noon
Spring Term 2015
Boarders return Monday 5 January
Term begins Tuesday 6 January
Half term begins Friday 13 February
Boarders return Sunday 22 February
Term ends Friday 27 March 12.00 noon
Summer Term 2015
34
Boarders return Monday 13 April
Term begins Tuesday 14 April
Half term begins Friday 22 May
Boarders return Sunday 31 May
Term ends Friday 3 July 12.00 noon
Boarding fees
Boarding fees
Termly Fee
Annual Fee
Year 7 - Year 9
£7,580
£22,740
Year 10 & Year 11
£8,000
£24,000
Year 11 Pathway
£9,840
£29,520
Year 12 & Year 13
£9,070
£27,210
Please refer to our website www.sidcot.org.uk for full
terms and conditions. Fees are reviewed annually in the
Spring – any changes will be featured on the website.
Registration Fee - £150 (Non refundable)
Deposit - £3,500
Guardians
It is a condition of entry that all international students have a
mature and responsible UK guardian.
Sidcot School: a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England under
number 2093340. Registered office: Winscombe, North Somerset BS25 1PD.
Registered charity no: 296491 VAT no: 567627892
36
Contact
Contact
We would love to hear from you.
Please do not hesitate to give us a call or email us.
Contact our Registrar:
Valerie Kennedy
+44 (0) 1934 845212
admissions@sidcot.org.uk
www.sidcot.org.uk
37
www.sidcot.org.uk