alyson, year 11 Student

When people look back on their school days it’s the trips out that are often remembered most vividly. At RIC Kent and London are used as exciting extra classrooms. RIC students enjoy an extensive programme of trips and visits, both those designed to enrich the curriculum and some just for fun!

Recent educational school trips  include the Science Museum, the London Film Museum, Tate Modern, the Imperial War Museum a GCSE German trip to Cologne and two day GCSE History trips to the battlefields of both Ypres and the Somme.

The Big Bang Young Scientists and Engineers Fair introduced students to the latest developments in science, opportunities in careers and the chance to take part in experiments for Brainiac Live! and sing in the intriguing musical-science number From Amoeba to Zebra!

Year 10 visited Westminster for a parliament tour and Churchill’s Cabinet War rooms under Whitehall. Music fans met up with RIC sixth formers in the evening for a performance of Puccini’s La Boheme at the back of an Islington pub! Other musically related excursions included an evening of electronica at The Royal Festival Hall on the Southbank hosted by Jarvis Cocker and to The British Music Experience at the 02.

The Art department run an interesting programme of visits to galleries and exhibitions that benefit students’ work. 2010-11 visits included The Design Museum, Zandra Rhodes’s Museum of Fashion and Textiles in Bermondsey, the Computer Arts Graduate Showcase at Cafe 1001, Brick Lane, the Museum of Brands, Advertising and Packaging in Notting Hill, the Powell Cotton Museum in Birchington and Billy Childish’s studio in Whitstable. Middle School students all escaped the classroom to attend Poetry Live and Science Live last year, enjoying the chance to see well known poets and scientists performing and lecturing. GCSE Spanish students relocated to the Ibernian environs of La Tasca in Bluewater to prepare for their oral exams.

West End shows visited have included Lord of the Rings, Wicked, War Horse, Edward Scissorhands, Billy Elliot and Oliver. This year 80 students and staff enjoyed The Royal Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet at the O2 arena. Theatre trips recently were taken to Much Ado About Nothing with Catharine Tate and David Tennant, The Invisible Man at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Olivier award winning Clybourne Park and Bloodbrothers. Student responses to these performances  inform their own work in Drama, History and English.

Regular trips provide great memories of school and are extremely valuable, allowing staff and students to get to know each other outside of the classroom, which in turn supports the informal but respectful atmosphere in lessons. Parents and students keep upto date with our programme of trips and visits by following the RIC blog here.

“Working relationships are very good and teachers and students enjoy each other’s company.”

ofsted

We have always endeavoured to provide a balance in extra-curricular activities. We understand that many students travel a long way to College each day, and also that, for some, lunchtimes are for eating and chatting! But we hate to see our students bored, and are proud of the broad range of clubs our students attend on a daily basis.

Most of our clubs are established in response to the needs and requests of our students, and to take advantage of the hidden talents of our teachers. Extra-curricular activities continuing from last year include debate club, manga club, chess and gym sessions, but new students always mean new ideas!

Students have free supervised access to the computer room, all weather sports pitch, gym and music rooms at lunchtimes and after College.

“the quality of education is outstanding.”

ofsted

Students can follow an IELTS course if they need to show evidence of their ability in English in order to go on to university in the United Kingdom. The courses support other academic subjects through the focus on note taking, dictation, interpretation of academic texts and essay writing. IELTS grades often form part of university offers for students who do not have GCSE or IGCSE English.

This course works on improving the four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and practices the techniques needed to best approach the examination paper. Regular testing takes place to monitor students’ progress and to allow them to become used to the structure of the examination paper.

ielts academic writing sample question

“It is inevitable that as technology develops so traditional cultures must be lost. Technology and tradition are incompatible – you cannot have both together.”

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words

Students take an IELTS course at RIC as a part of a combined EFL with GCSE or EFL with A level course.

course features

• Small groups

• Tuition and practice in all examination components (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing)

• Wide range of source materials

• Regular testing and individual feedback

• Flexible course length

• Examinations available March, June, November

As well as IELTS courses RIC also offers an English language summer school for students who are due to join us for A level and GCSE courses in September each year.

“Excellent systems ensure new boarders readily settle into the college. They say the induction process is informative and clear and overseas boarders commend the additional language support in place before the start of term.”

ofsted boarding inspection 2010

Year 11 students share the main refectory- Chesters- in Star Hill with the sixth form. The College pioneered the provision of real healthy food using fresh ingredients years long before Jamie Oliver descended to save the nation’s malnourished children from the dark menace of turkey twizzlers. All of our food is freshly prepared on the premises and we have not served chips once in 27 years!

The catering is all provided by our in house team, not contracted out to external providers as is common in schools.There is always a vegetarian option and the experienced chefs also try to add as much variety as possible to the diets of any students with particular requirements such as Coeliac, Vegan or low fat.

As well as home cooked English food Chesters also serves Chinese, Indian and Mexican dishes as well as cooked breakfasts and roast dinners. Chesters’ diner also include fresh sandwiches and paninis made to order at subsidised prices.

michaela, year 10 student

Students have been focussing on improving extra-curricular provision.  Student Councillors have been instrumental in collecting suggestions, gauging interest and making arrangements. Thanks to their hard work and flair for persuasion, they now have film clubs two lunchtimes a week and gym club on various days.

Practical improvements have included re-shingling the path by the sports court, installing a water cooler and individual storage boxes for GCSE students.  Year 10 and 11 councillors are also keen attendees of evening theatre trips, and regularly provide reviews and write ups of performances.

They also requested a repeat of last year’s GCSE trip to Thorpe Park which duly took place on the last Friday of term!

“I’m originally from South Korea. My family moved to Durham when I was 5 years old and I have studied in the UK ever since. My sister Seewon (Anna) came here to do a one year course last year and I came to visit. I had a chance to talk to some of the teachers and they really sounded as if they knew what they were doing! My previous school was one of the best in the area and I was very happy there but I thought perhaps a change for 6th form would be a good idea. At first it was very weird, particularly the informality of the school and the fact that there was no uniform. Boarding life was very different too but gradually I became more settled and happier. I would like to study Law at university but I love art too. I’m taking A levels in Chemistry, Government and Politics and English lit and this school gave me the chance to study A2 textiles in one year so that I can focus on the others next year.”

tom teverson joined RIC from more house school, surrey

I came to RIC this year for year 13 to study A levels in Biology, Chemistry, English and AS Maths. Previously I’d been a student at Moore House, a boarding school in Surrey and at a comprehensive school in Hayes. I’m dyslexic and there was no real help for me at Hayes. It was like a giant machine churning out students – there were about 3000 pupils in total. There was no room for individuality – I hated it. I really loved the ethos of my previous school though – it was an inspiring and I had amazing friends but my head was completely in the clouds. I would spend my time reading Shakespeare, rowing and fencing obsessively. Although I thought I was working hard it wasn’t enough and the study I did do was not exam focussed. Consequently my A level results were BDEE. It turned out that actually I needed go back to basics at AS to improve my understanding overall and with such big syllabuses there was a lot to cover in a year.I’m here to get the grades. The teaching is superb and I now feel incredibly well prepared for the examinations. I hope to study English next year.

jack weston joined RIC from gravesend grammar school for boys

I decided to change school after year 12. I was at Gravesend Grammar School for Boys and was disappointed with my AS results. My results were not what I wanted or needed for university. I’d been at my previous school for 6 years and consequently there were lots of distractions. I came to RIC to take Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Government and Politics, it’s a much more academically focussed college. In fact it was my parents who came in to see Alistair and have a look around as I was working, it wasn’t until my first day that I saw the college for myself! It has been a really good year, I’ve worked really hard and the support from the teachers has been excellent. My personal tutor gave me lots of help and advice with my university application and I now have 5 out of 5 offers for university. Warwick is my first choice and I know that I’ve done all I could have this year to get the grades.

alex alford joined RIC from bennett memorial school, tunbridge wells

I was so happy with my GCSE results but then my AS year did not go as well as planned at my previous school. I got BDD in Maths, Chemistry and Physics. I was lucky, my parents gave me the opportunity to come here for year 13 and retake some of my AS modules. Environment change has been the key. I think I was just too buddy with my friends at Bennett which affected my work. At RIC I am here to work hard and get the grades I need for Engineering. The travelling is strenuous but it is great having the college minibus service from Sevenoaks. I feel so much more confident now and am much better prepared for the exams. We do loads of past papers and the teachers give us fantastic insights into how to answer questions to achieve our potential. There is a real enjoyment of learning, the teachers are passionate about their subjects and we don’t just work from text books. Maths lessons are quirky in the shed in the garden! I’m hoping to study Chemical Engineering next year.

maneesh dhillon joined ric from st george’s school, gravesend, pictured with pav randwawa

Last year I didn’t have much guidance as to what subjects to choose for A level, I studied Chemistry, Biology and RE. When I got my results I decided to change subjects and haven’t looked back. I’m now doing Biology, Chemistry, Statistics and Sociology and I’m aiming for Medicine. I had already planned to come to RIC for year 13 as there was just not enough help at my old school. I effectively had to teach myself, the classes were too disrupted by people who didn’t really want to be there.

At RIC everyone has common goals, we know what we want. It is much better for learning, a more relaxed atmosphere. We are on first name terms with the teachers making them more on a level, which means there is more respect. Programmes of work/modules are put together carefully to suit each individual.

It all just seems to flow when you are here. I sit with my friends in class and work hard. Teachers give you the incentive, they help you to study effectively and use your time wisely. I think this has really prepared me for independent study at University.

I still find time for Gatka, performance swordfighting – see us in Gravesend town centre  on Saturdays from time to time!

As is clear from the rich diversity of activities, trips and events posted on the RICblog, we have a very diverse extra-curricular programme at RIC.

One of the most exciting contributions comes from the Duke of Edinburgh award, which is run by Head of Geography Richard Blood and involves students from Year 9 upwards through the Lower and Middle Schools through to the Sixth Form.

The D of E award is a long term commitment for our students; they dedicate a lot of their own time to complete their various tasks and projects, and this dedication is matched by many members of RIC staff who give their time and expertise.

This year as well as expedition trips locally and to Wales and Scotland they have been involved in volunteering and conservation projects, participated in sports and music, and, most excitingly, are currently creating an outdoor education space to provide a wonderful legacy for future generations of students at the college. Click here for a review of a recent expedition.

Over the last couple of years we have seen the numbers of students participating in the scheme flourish with students completing the Bronze award and continuing on to the Silver. Students attend the annual awards ceremony at Rochester Cathedral to collect their certificates along with hundreds of other students from Medway schools and local dignitaries.

Students use much of the College’s Co Curricular existing provision to fulfil their award requirements, and many members of staff have given extra time and support to supervise and sign off activities.

Jack Fryer has bass guitar lessons, organised by College through Kent Music School.
Cecelia Johnson attended art club and produced a project supervised by Robin Macintosh. Co Principal Pauline Bailey is delivering the Skills for Employment course which promotes careers awareness, work based learning and interview practice.
Rad Topalovic and Laura White supervised the astronomy club (and students achieved extra GCSE qualifications too).
Tony Smith supervised language clubs.
Todd Dedman and Lisa Herron have all supported students with skills of desktop publishing and film-making
Richard Taylor supervises gym clubs and sporting activities on site.

The D of E award also supports students in their achievements and activities outside of College, recognising their motivation and success in non-academic areas.

Tom Golby trained and competed in Fencing
Theo Halpern and Harry Taylor attended skateboarding sessions with a local youth club
Monica O’Leary had ballet and piano lessons
Alex Halpern completed his first novel- House of Wolves
Laurence Routledge pursued an archaeology course

the wildlife garden

The Service section of the award encourages students to make a contribution to the wider environment and community, and over the past few years students have completed many environmental projects in the college gardens, which are recognised as a site of excellence by the Kent Wildlife Trust. They have made bat and bird boxes to encourage biodiversity; completed research projects and delivered presentations to raise awareness of environmental issues among their peers; and have been involved in national projects such as the Opal Air Survey, which they have completed during half terms and on expeditions. A large-scale ‘outdoor classroom’ project has involved investment and partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust, and given students the opportunity to work with adults from external agencies and establish a project that will encourage wildlife, have long-term conservation value, and benefit current and future students at the College.

“The quality of provision for students’ spiritual, moral and cultural education is outstanding. The development of students’ self knowledge, self esteem and self confidence are central to the College aims.”

ofsted

The sixth form refectory- Chesters- is an important place where boarding students and staff socialise as well as take their meals.

The prospect of a full English breakfast has been known to get even the least keen of students out of bed and the cakes are always popular. Although the emphasis is on good home cooked, locally sourced English food, curries, stir fries, pasta and rice also feature very regularly. All of our food is freshly prepared on the premises and we have not served chips once in 27 years! The College uses fairtrade foods wherever possible. There is always a vegetarian option and the experienced chefs also try to add as much variety as possible to the diets of any students with particular requirements such as Coeliac, Vegan or low fat.

At RIC catering is all provided by our in house team, not contracted out to external providers as is common in schools.

There is a College chess club, Film Society and Debating Society. The Art Department offers a Photography club. A recent innovation has been a College wide Suduko competition.  Students and parents keep up to date with College trips and activities by following the RICblog which can be accessed here.

While RIC students have ventured in the past as far as Thailand on student exchanges 2011 saw our first trip south of the equator with a dozen of intrepid year 12 students putting their long summer break to good use on an African adventure they raised the money to fund. The students travelled and trekked through Malawi and Zambia, doing community volunteer work and learning how to live and work together.

The student council for A level students meets to discuss particular events, such as the End of Year party, which they helped to plan, arranging the theme, music and decorations. This year’s event was a 1920s themed F.Scott Fitzgerald Great Gatsby party.

Members of the student councils have also helped at College events this year like the Quiz Night, Talent Night and Summer Festival. They’re also improving day to day life in Star Hill, having brought catering requests and asked for more lighting in the garden.  A Level student council members are also active in other parts of the College, and some deliver clubs for years 7 – 11 in their lunchtimes.

There is a culture of encouraging students to become active and involved in their own learning by referring them to other sources. Art, Photography, Graphics and Art History students are all inducted into using the neighbouring University of the Creative Arts library.

Students specialise in one of the following areas:

Fine Art (including drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking)

Graphic Design (including corporate identity, packaging, illustration, printmaking and computer aided design)

Click here for one of last year’s animations!

Photography (including traditional and digital photography, studio techniques, lighting and photoshop)

Textiles (including fashion)

Students are able to combine Visual Arts courses with additional A levels in Art History, Theatre Studies, Film Studies and Media Studies. Students at the end of their courses are well placed to proceed to either degree or foundation programmes at Art Colleges and universities.

special features

Regular half and one day artists workshops are held to encourage a broad approach to the creative process.

An artist in residence scheme is in place with a diverse range of artists/photographers/designers working with students on the college premises throughout the year. Life drawing is part of the course and weekly classes are held for A level students.

Recent trips organised by the Art Department include overseas visits to Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Rome and Pisa as well as many visits to the V & A, Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery, the London Museum of Transport, the Saatchi Gallery and the Royal Academy. 2010-11 visits included The Design Museum, Zandra Rhodes’s Museum of Fashion and Textiles in Bermondsey, the Computer Arts Graduate Showcase at Cafe 1001, Brick Lane, the Museum of Brands, Advertising and Packaging in Notting Hill, the Powell Cotton Museum in Birchington and Billy Childish’s studio in Whitstable.

There is an annual summer show where the students’ work is showcased. The web gallery is also an excellent means of display.

A one week ‘foundation’ style art week is held just prior to the start of term for all A level art and design students. This is important for students to get to know each other, identify as a group, and meet their tutors.

The Art Department also runs summer and easter courses for local primary school children.

The well known artist, poet and musician Billy Childish is a Visiting Lecturer. Billy was closely associated with the Young British Artists, founded the Stuckist movement and has been described by fellow artist Peter Doig as “one of the most outstanding, and often misunderstood, figures on the British art scene.” Billy is the only RIC member of staff as far as we are aware to have inspired the name of a Kylie Minogue album and to have counted Kurt Cobain and Jack White amongst his celebrity fanbase.