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Denice Zhuang, Principal, Power Talk, Shantou, CHINA

After looking at Allen's recent report, I felt I really wanted to tell you all you are just fantastic! I am so glad I found out about Rochester, as it truly is a magical place. Allen finally has a place to let his true abilities shine at Rochester, after a struggle in Chinese public school system. I do believe he is just a wonderful boy at heart, and he seems to be growing in all aspects. Many heartfelt thanks to you both, and to the teachers there for your patience and ongoing support of Allen. You all are just wonderful!

Denice Zhuang, Principal, Power Talk, Shantou, CHINA

A top British boarding school education

RIC is one of the best independent boarding schools in England and prepares students for competitive universities and key professions. RIC is a boarding school that offers specialist university entry pathways in both Maths and Sciences and the Creative and Visual Arts so whether you are an aspiring doctor, scientist, filmmaker or artist you’ll study with people who share your interests.

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The Independent

The teaching at Rochester is rigorous and tailored to the best possible exam results. It offers a broad education, combining its original focus on getting students into competitive university courses such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science with an emphasis on the creative arts.

The Independent

A UK boarding school that is successfully individual

At RIC it is possible to study A levels over two years- the standard length of study, over 18 months or, for very well qualified students, intensively over one year of study. We also offer pre-GCSE, one-year GCSE courses, two-year GCSE courses and a pre A level course for international students.

Just like all of our students from the UK, our international students are a bunch of amazing individuals. We recognise that everyone’s goals are different and that everyone’s background is different no matter how similar it may look on the surface. We pride ourselves on tailoring courses as much as is possible to the needs of our students. While at the start of every course, this shows in the individual design of each student’s timetable, it continues throughout all courses with our personal tutor system ensuring that there is constant communication between student and teacher. We can’t guarantee exam success or entry to a particular university – no one can. But we can guarantee that every student will be fully aware of everything they need to do to give them the best chance of meeting or – often – exceeding their aims. Our individual approach to all our courses means that students have the best chance possible of developing their strengths, gaining new skills and building a strong foundation for their future.

OUR COURSES

One year Pre-GCSE course

YEAR 9 (AGES 13+)

IELTS 4.5 or equivalent

A preparation course for entry to British curriculum year 10. Day or Boarding.

Comprising intensive English teaching as well as studying a range of other academic subjects alongside our UK students, including Maths, Science, Geography, History, Music, ICT, Art and PE.

Two year GCSE course

YEAR 10 & 11 (AGES 14-16)

IELTS 5.0 or equivalent

GCSE course for entry to British curriculum sixth form. Day or Boarding.

Comprising intensive English teaching as well as studying a range of other academic and creative subjects alongside our UK students, including Maths, Science, Geography, History, Music, Computer Science, Economics, Photography, Textiles, Film, Art and PE.

One year intensive GCSE course

YEAR 11 (15/16 YEAR OLDS)

IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

An intensive one year GCSE course preparing students for 6th form entry (years 12 and 13). Day or boarding. Students can choose from a wider range of academic and creative GCSEs.

Students who successfully follow these one year courses proceed to study A levels and RIC, creating a three year pathway to university.

One year Pre-A Level course

YEAR 11 (AGE 15 UPWARDS)

IELTS 4.5 or equivalent

This course prepares international students for A-Levels in the UK, especially for those needing to improve their English language skills. This course is a mix of intensive English language teaching and GCSE level academic courses. This course is perfect for students who need more English language support to achieve the level required for A level study. Day or boarding. Students will take a small number of GCSEs on this programme, often in subjects such as Maths, Physics and the Arts. Day or boarding.

Five term GCSE course

AGE 14 UPWARDS

IELTS 4.5 or equivalent

Five term courses commence in January and end in June the following year. International students who finish their academic year in December overseas can move immediately onto these courses, avoiding the need to wait until the following September to start a one or a two year course.

Four term GCSE course

AGE 14 UPWARDS

IELTS 4.5 or equivalent

Four term courses commence in April and end in June the following year. International student can move immediately onto these courses, avoiding the need to wait until the following September to start a one course.

Two term GCSE taster course

AGE 14 UPWARDS

IELTS 4.5 or equivalent

An opportunity to enjoy life at a British boarding school and choose freely from our wide range of GCSE level subjects.

One term GCSE taster course

AGE 14 UPWARDS

IELTS 4.5 or equivalent

An opportunity to enjoy life at a British boarding school and choose freely from our wide range of GCSE level subjects.

Two year A level course

YEAR 12 & 13 (AGES 16+)

IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

The ‘conventional’ A level course lasts for two years. At RIC it is usual for students to study four subjects in Year 12 and three in Year 13. Where required, additional language teaching support leading to the IELTS examination is part of the course. Day or boarding.

Some students have a firm career aim and can with confidence select a certain set of A level subjects. Others are encouraged to select combinations which keep their options as wide open as possible.

Early on a two-year course, students even have chance to try subjects for a while before settling to a final choice. RIC specialises in teaching short courses and it is thus rarely a problem should a student wish to change subject options as late as the beginning of their second year of study.

Guidance is always available in making option choices, indeed, students would not be allowed to change subjects until the change had been discussed at length with Personal Tutors.

One year A level course

YEAR 13 (AGES 17+)

IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

Groups in all subjects on one-year courses tend to be dynamic and exciting with lots of interaction between students and teachers. Those aiming for places on highly competitive courses such as Law, Medicine, English, and Veterinary Science will find themselves in groups of similarly dedicated students keen to make rapid progress. On a one-year A level course it is usual to concentrate on three subjects although each year three or four RIC students successfully complete four or even five from scratch. If needed, IELTS preparation is combined with these courses.

The advantage of one year A level courses for overseas students is that they can move quickly into Higher Education, specialising in a way that is more difficult in many international systems or with the IB Diploma.

RIC specialises in Maths and Science A levels and is able to offer the full range of subjects at A level (including further mathematics and statistics) to students ensuring they have the right qualifications and skills base for a variety of degrees in the Sciences, Engineering, Accountancy, Finance and Management Studies.

There is no such one year option in many traditional Private schools as A levels are generally taught as a 2 year course. Instead of joining a university foundation course, brighter students from abroad can take a one year A-level course to maximise their chances to get into the best UK universities such as Oxford and Cambridge as well as competitive courses such as medicine. A one-year A level course is also suitable for students retaking A levels.

Five term A level course

IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

Five term courses commence in January and end in June the following year. International students who finish their academic year in December overseas can move immediately onto these courses, avoiding the need to wait until the following September to start a one or a two year course.

Four term A level course

IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

Four term courses commence in April and end in June the following year. International student can move immediately onto these courses, avoiding the need to wait until the following September to start a one course.

Two term A level taster course

IELTS 5.0 or equivalent

An opportunity to enjoy life at a British boarding school and choose freely from our wide range of A level subjects.

One term A level taster course

IELTS 5.0 or equivalent

An opportunity to enjoy life at a British boarding school and choose freely from our wide range of A level subjects.

Pre Sessional A level or GCSE course

Students on these courses are able to join for the summer term of Year 9, 10 or 12 for preparation and familiarisation and to then start in that year group again in the following September.

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Former Student

Rochester is quiet compared to Lagos, but living in the College is great. It is very friendly and the teachers are always there to help. Even though I started very late in the term the teachers were all so supportive and I really enjoyed my short time at the College.

Former Student

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