International Prospectus 2015/16

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The Educational Journey2015/16

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Headmaster's Welcome

Sidcot School is a lively and popular co-educational boarding and day school where students work hard and achieve excellent results. While

the majority of pupils are British, Sidcot has a well-established international community with around 25 different nationalities. Cultural diversity is understood and celebrated.

The school is close to the historic cities of Bristol and Bath and only two hours from London. Bristol International Airport is 15 minutes away by car. In this setting, students can enjoy the best of both rural and city life: a peaceful environment in which to concentrate on their studies, and access to the cities for educational opportunities and weekend activities.

Sidcot is, above all, a happy school community where students and staff live together and learn together. Our students work hard to achieve the grades they need to take them to the next stage of their educational journey. We are a top performing school in the South West of England, with impressive results especially in mathematics, the sciences and the arts. Our international students do as well as their British counterparts and, on leaving Sidcot, go to top universities all over the world.

I hope you enjoy this introduction to our school and look forward to welcoming you to Sidcot in the near future.

Iain Kilpatrick BA, MEd, FRSA Headmaster

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Contents

Sidcot at a glance 06

Year 7 to Year 9 09

Year 10 & Year 11 11

Year 11 Pathway (one year IGCSE course) 13

Year 12 & Year 13 – Sixth Form 17

International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) 17

A Level 19

Boarding 21

Outside the classroom 23

The Pass Programme 25

What makes a Quaker school different? 29

The road to university 31

Sidcot stories 33

Entry procedure 37

Term dates 39

Boarding fees 41

Contact 42

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sidcot - at a glance

Gender: Co-educational

Year founded: 1699

Faith: As a Quaker school we welcome students and staff of all faiths or none

Age range: 3 to 18

Age range of boarders: 11 to 18

Total number of students: 600

Number of boarders: 180

Educational programmes: Long term boarding from Year 7Year 11 Pathway (one year GCSE programme)Two year GCSE courseIB DiplomaA Levels

Outstanding reputation: Well known for excelling in the Creative Arts, Maths and Science

Extras: Equestrian Centre – boarders can bring their own horse or ride one of the school’s horses

Setting: Rural

Nearest airport: Bristol – 7 miles

Nearest railway station: Bristol Temple Meads – 20 miles

Nearest cities: Bath and Bristol

Travel time to London: Two hours by train

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Sidcot is one of the oldest co-educational boarding schools in the UK, established in 1699.

A brief history

First class facilities

As well as 160 acres of organic farmland, Sidcot has superb sporting grounds, a 25m swimming pool, a brand new all-weather pitch, dance studio and an equestrian centre.

Our Arts Centre bridges the traditional genres with modern technology and includes studios for painting, sculpture, photography, a digital media suite, a dedicated performance hall, practice rooms, recording studio and music technology suite and a state of the art drama studio.

We also have some more unusual facilities – for example, a garden where students get involved with growing vegetables and fruit for the kitchens, a yurt village, bee hives to learn about bee keeping and even a well-equipped Observatory enabling students to explore the night sky.

international outlook

Sidcot is a British school with a global outlook. This is one of the reasons why British parents choose Sidcot – they want their child to experience first hand a diverse and culturally rich community.

Academic Excellence

We set out to provide a creative and stretching education that inspires young people to want to learn. We help students develop the self-motivation that will enable them to take responsibility for their own learning. In this way, we equip them with the skills and attitudes they will need for further education and lifelong learning. It’s no surprise that these personal qualities go together with academic excellence – Sidcot has some of the strongest results in the South West, ranking alongside the best selective schools in the region. In 2015 Sidcot School students and teachers celebrated another impressive year of exam results at A Level and in the International Baccalaureate, where their performances have continued to outstrip national and world averages.

At A Level, Sidcot students recorded 38.4% A* and A Grades and 70.9% A* to B, as against 26% and 52.4% respectively nationally. Our IB Diploma results were also ahead of world averages with the top score being 43 out of a possible 45, the equivalent of four A*s and an A at A Level. Sidcot’s average score was 32.4 compared to a world score of 29.9 For GCSEs the school saw its students gain a 100% pass rate with 89% of students gaining at least five A* to C grades and an amazing 36% of grades were either A* or A.

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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 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). 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. Where necessary, students are given additional small group or individual English language support.

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.

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GCSE subjects for Year 10 & 11

The following subjects are available at Sidcot for the two year GCSE programme.

Core subjectsEnglish Language English Literature MathematicsBiology Chemistry Physics

OptionsFine ArtBusiness Studies

CateringDesign & TechnologyTextiles Drama Geography HistoryICTModern Languages (French, German, Spanish)MusicPhysical Education Religious Studies: Philosophy & Applied EthicsIGCSE English (as a second language) Digital Media (Sidcot Assessed Course)

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 eleven subjects at GCSE level.

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Year 11 Pathway - one year GCSE 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 (I)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.

(I)GCSEs are usually taken over two years but the special Year 11 Pathway allows students to take up to six (I)GCSEs in one year only including a GCSE in their own language. In addition, Year 11 Pathway students complete the Global Studies programme which compliments their academic studies and enriches their experience of studying in the UK.

The Year 11 Pathway gives students the best possible preparation for further academic study at A Level or IB by providing them with core qualifications in both IGCSE English and IGCSE Maths and a range of (I)IGCSE options which allow students to choose whether they focus on science-based subjects, art and humanities- based subjects or a combination of the two. Students are streamed by ability in English and Maths.

Global studies

Global studies is a course unique to Sidcot which not only allows Year 11 Pathway students to consider some of the issues facing the modern world but also gives them the opportunity to broaden their understanding of UK culture and history. The course is

delivered through a number of projects built around regular educational visits outside school. During these projects students develop a number of key skills for Sixth Form study, university and beyond including: effective researching, oral and written presentations, teamwork, time management and independent and creative thinking. This is a Sidcot certified course.

Choose the Pathway if:

• You are planning to study the IB Diploma or A Levels in the UK and you are aged 15 or 16. The Year 11 Pathway will help you get the (I)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, Year 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. You will leave the Year 11 Pathway with (I)GSCEs, improved English and an unforgettable British Boarding School 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 get a good foundation in the subjects you want to study.

• For many degree courses such as medicine it makes the application stronger to have GCSEs as well as the IB Diploma or A Levels.

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Year 11 Pathway - Course structure

To achieve up to six (I)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 to ensure students receive the necessary intensive support to cover all the material in one year.In order to encourage integration, all other activities and some subjects, including tutor groups and sport, are taken with the rest of Year 11.When students arrive at Sidcot we will assess them and place them in their English and Maths classes, dependent on ability. The number of (I)GCSEs that they take will depend on their ability, their level of English and their plans for the next stage.

Core

IGCSEEnglish Language

IGCSE English as a second languageOR

IGCSEMaths Extended

IGCSEMaths Standard

OR

options

IGCSEPhysics

IGCSEHistoryOR

IGCSEChemistry

GCSEArtOR

IGCSEBiology

IGCSEBusiness StudiesOR

enrichment

Global Studies Sidcot certified course

IGCSE In your own language (If available)

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1 2 3 4 Lunch 5 6 7

Mon IGCSE Maths Extended

IGCSE Maths Extended

IGCSE Business Studies


IGCSE English as a Second

Language


Language

IGCSE Physics

Tues IGCSE Physics

IGCSE Physics



Language

IGCSE Chemistry

IGCSE Chemistry

WedIGCSE English as a Second

Language


Language

Global Studies

Global Studies

Global Studies

Global Studies

Thurs IGCSE Physics

IGCSE Chemistry



Games Games

Fri IGCSE Chemistry

IGCSE Chemistry



Language

IGCSE Physics


Sample Timetable 1Based on a choice of Physics, Chemistry and Business Studies

1 2 3 4 Lunch 5 6 7

Mon IGCSE Maths Standard

IGCSE Maths Standard

IGCSE Biology

IGCSE Biology

IGCSE English as a First Language


IGCSE History

Tues IGCSE History

IGCSE History

IGCSE Biology


GCSE Art

GCSE Art

WedIGCSE English

as a First Language


Global Studies

Global Studies

Global Studies

Global Studies

Thurs IGCSE History

GCSE Art


IGCSE Biology Games Games

Fri GCSE Art

GCSE Art

IGCSE Biology


IGCSE History


Sample Timetable 2Based on a choice of History, Art and Biology

These are just two examples of possible combinations.

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Year 12 & 13 - Sixth Form

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.

In the Sixth Form students are encouraged to develop study skills to help them become independent learners. Not every period is a formal class as they study independently and there are opportunities to take up positions of responsibility and leadership. Sixth Form students do not wear uniform.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

The International Baccalaureate was originally launched in 1968 and now involves 80,000 students studying in 125 countries. It is highly regarded internationally and recognised by all universities in the UK and across the world.

The IB is a two year pre-university programme giving students the chance to 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 at Sidcot

Group 1: English (including world literature), German A,

Italian A (including language and literature)

Group 2: Second Language – modern languages (German B, Spanish B, French B) Spanish and Italian ab initio (for beginners)

Group 3: Economics, History, Geography, Psychology

Group 4: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Group 5: Mathematics and Mathematical Studies

Group 6: Music, Visual Arts, Literature in Performance

Subjects may be added and vary from year to year according to demand. Group A languages are for native or near native speakers, Group B is taken as a second language.

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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:

Accounting

Art & Design

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Chinese

Computing

Design & Technology

Drama & Theatre Studies

Economics

English Literature

French

Geography

German

History

Mathematics

Further Mathematics

Music

Music Technology

Physical Education

Physics

Psychology

Russian

Spanish

Textile Design

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Boarding

When students board at Sidcot they join a friendly, family community which provides a truly British boarding school experience.

We have five boarding houses on the school campus. 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.

The facilities in each of the five boarding houses are broadly similar. When a student joins, they will share a room with three or four others, giving them a chance to make friends in the house. Where possible we mix nationalities to encourage students to integrate and speak English. Lower Sixth students will share with one or two students; Upper Sixth students have their own study or bedroom, or share with another student. Some students like to study in their

rooms, whereas others use the library - on the whole, though, the Houses are homes, places to relax and socialise and share experiences. Our boarding staff are experts in helping international students adjust to life in a British boarding school and do everything they can to help students settle in very quickly.

Food

We love our food at Sidcot and recognise that plenty of good food is a vital part of boarding life. 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’.

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Outside the classroom

At Sidcot we’re lucky in having 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 business.

Arts

Sidcot’s spectacular Arts Centre is a work of art in itself, beautifully designed and buzzing with creative energy. It has three main areas for visual arts, dramatic arts and music, along with gallery spaces. The Arts at Sidcot are a very popular choice for exam students and students get impressive results. There is also plenty on offer outside of the curriculum including music lessons, bands and choirs, craft workshops and theatrical and musical productions. We even have our own theatre company that performs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Sports

A whole range of sports are on offer at Sidcot: football, rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis , athletics, horseriding, fencing, golf, dance, waterpolo, basketball, table tennis, dry slope skiing and many more, including some more unusual activities like circus skills and ‘Octopush’ (underwater hockey). We have a busy fixtures list throughout the year playing competitively against local schools with some excellent results. In the Sports Centre students have use of a superb 25 metre indoor heated pool, a multi-gym, sports hall and dance studio.

Equestrian

For students who already ride, or who want to learn, Sidcot is a popular choice. Sidcot Equestrian Centre is a British Horse Society approved livery and riding centre and a registered Pony Club Centre with over 90 Pony Club members.

Our Equestrian Centre has an excellent reputation, and is friendly and welcoming to beginners and experienced riders alike. After a day’s study students often come to the stables to relax by taking care of the horses, riding or competing.

At the Centre you’ll find 21 stables, a 30 x 40m floodlit outdoor school and some of the most beautiful countryside in England to ride across. Our facilities and standards of equine care are well known, as is the quality of our teaching.

Activities

Activities run at lunchtime, after school, after tea 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 our students have plenty of opportunities to try new things as well as developing existing interests. There’s plenty going on outside school too, with field trips, gallery and museum visits, international exchanges, music tours, lectures and sports fixtures, also available to students as they progress through the school.

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the pass programme

The ‘Programme of Activities for Sidcot School’ (PASS) is a new and exciting project to help students develop key life skills and values.

This innovative programme aims to bring our key values to life with a specially designed course of activities that are embedded in the curriculum. Students take part in activities that focus on ideas around integrity, stewardship, self-reflection, adventure and community.

Our Year 7 students look at ‘integrity’ through activities that focus on team building. They will spend time outside – creating, building, adapting and working together. We want them to learn to play and enjoy exploration.

In Year 8 students start to understand more about ‘stewardship’ and caring for the environment. In our Yurt Village, our gardens and Forest School area, students will learn about nature, how to appreciate it and how to look after it.

The Year 9 students focus on ‘self-reflection’ and will equip students with useful life skills. For example, students learn how to iron a shirt, manage their money and cook simple meals. They also develop their keyboard and basic first aid skills.

‘Adventure’ is the key focus for Year 10. Students enjoy the great outdoors, putting up tents, reading maps, orienteering and cooking in the open air. Students also try new pursuits like canoeing, caving and climbing.

At Sidcot, we believe in the importance of playing a role in the ‘community’ and this is the focus of activities for Year 11. Our students will go out into the community, visiting old people, working in charity shops and working on art and music projects outside of school.

Our Sixth Form students will engage in games and physical activities that will see them participate in sports like rugby, netball and hockey as well as Yoga, Zumba and dry slope skiing.

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MAIN

RECEPTION

to combe house

(boys' boarding)

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MAIN

RECEPTION

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What makes a Quaker school different?

Since its foundation, the values of the Society of Friends have been at the heart of Sidcot School. Quakers believe in living life adventurously and letting their lives speak.

In practice this means an approach to teaching that encourages individual thought and exploration, whilst making sure all students have the support they need to grow as individuals with their full range of talents recognised and celebrated.

Follow in the footsteps of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton who sent their children to Quaker Schools as they wanted an environment with strong values and a culture of acceptance.

How will your child benefit from an education in a Quaker school?

• By being encouraged to work hard and make the most of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom

• By learning in an atmosphere of friendliness and openness, where relationships are based on trust and on the expectation of sensible, thoughtful behaviour

• By having the opportunity to develop academically, personally, socially and spiritually

Quaker Meetings

The whole school community meets together in a ‘Morning Meeting’ once a week. This is a time when all staff and pupils share a period of quiet reflection - a rare opportunity for peace in today’s noisy and hectic world. The meeting helps students to learn the habit of self-reflection, and experience the power of shared silence. There is also a Quaker Meeting on a Sunday which boarders can attend if they wish to.

At Sidcot we welcome students and staff of all faiths and none.

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The road to university

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 that suits their individual talents, skills and interests.

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.

Leavers destinations 2015

80% of applicants were successful in gaining a place at university, with 15% taking a planned gap year.

Of those going to university, 78% secured places at their first choice of institution with 22% successful in securing their second choice through clearing.

University destinations include:

Russell Group – 47%University of Bristol (1) University of Edinburgh (3) University of Exeter (4) Imperial College, London (1) University of Nottingham (1) Queen Mary, University of London (1) University College, London (1) Leeds University (1)York University (1)King’s College, London (2)

Durham University (1)Newcastle University (1)University of Southampton (1)

Other UK – 43%Royal Holloway, University of London (1) Loughborough University (1) Reading University (1) University of Bath (1)

Art School (including Foundation Courses) – 8.5%London College of Fashion (1)

International – 1.5%Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (1)University of Vienna (1)

For a full list of leavers by institution and course, please visit our website at www.sidcot.org.uk/how-we-learn/academic-success

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A Sidcot story: Al

Sidcot feels like my second home. The boarding staff are so friendly and are like family to me. I’ve been in the UK for about ten years but arrived at Sidcot in September 2014 to gain a new experience. Studying at a boarding school is great – I get a rounded education; academic, sports and extra-curricular all under one roof! It’s very convenient – if I want to play sport, I can go upstairs to get my sports gear. One of the things that attracted me to Sidcot was that it is a Quaker school. There is a very respectful rapport between teachers and

students – everybody is equal. We are treated as valued members of the school community. Lessons are always fun – nothing becomes tedious and the teaching always intrigues me.It’s the small things at Sidcot that impress me. I feel valued. It is a very considerate school and treats its students very well. As a Muslim, I eat Halal meat and the catering staff are very accommodating. The campus is beautiful especially in the summer.

Al, Year 12 (A Levels), Libya

A Sidcot story: Joshua

I arrived at Sidcot at the beginning of Year 8. My two sisters had already started boarding and I decided I’d like to board too! I live in Combe House which is small and friendly. There’s lots of room to play in the garden; the surroundings are beautiful. I have really benefited from my experience in the Technology Faculty; I enjoy food tech, design tech and textiles. I find those subjects quite different and interesting – it feels very English!

Something I love at Sidcot is sport. I take advantage of the Sports Centre facilities in the evening. I enjoy my swimming, so I’m very grateful for the amount of time I can spend in the pool.An interesting fact about me: I am half Irish, one quarter Columbian, one eighth American and one eighth Ukrainian.Joshua, Year 8, Switzerland

A Sidcot story: ruth

I am from Hamburg, Germany, but I also have a passport from Mali, West Africa. Sidcot’s location is very useful to me – I can travel to Bristol Airport in fifteen minutes and I can catch a direct flight back home. It’s very handy, especially as I miss my mum’s cooking!My boarding house is School House Girls. The rooms are big, the staff are really nice and always willing to help you, and I think it’s good that I have the opportunity to interact with older girls.My favourite subjects are History and Art – I find them easy and informative. The school

focuses on personality, not only on grades – this helps me achieve what I want. Compared to education at home I have more freedom here and I think I have grown much more. I can study better and quicker and do more of the subjects I like. Sidcot teachers are really helpful and dedicated and I can tell they really like their job – this affects the way I learn.When I am able to go to university I’d like to study in England and maybe choose a course in fashion or marketing. Ruth, Year 11 Pathway, Germany

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A Sidcot story: valerie

I came to Sidcot from Fribourg, Switzerland, to do the Year 11 Pathway. I chose to study higher level Economics, Biology and German and standard level English, French and maths. I felt very welcome when I arrived. I started off in School House Girls, the largest boarding house in the top of the main building, and moved to Meadowside which is home to just eight girls. The boarding and teaching staff are very supportive – they can concentrate on students individually because the class sizes are so small. There’s always time for questions – teachers are nice! The Sidcot community is full of many nationalities and you can learn anything about

any culture Since being here I have become more confident in speaking English. I’d advise new students to try new things, take part in everything – it’s never boring. When I started playing netball I didn’t think I’d be very good at it, but now I am! I’d also recommend speaking English to everyone – why come to England if you’re not going to improve your English? There are many trips included in the Y11P course – it’s a great way to discover England and its culture. I have made many international friends, I’ve even made friends with teachers as they are so easy to communicate with.Valerie, Year 11 Pathway, Switzerland

A Sidcot story: tanyaI first arrived at Sidcot after my dad found a book about the school at a local car boot sale! I moved to England last year after living in Papa New Guinea. My grandparents live in Weston-super-Mare, but I chose to board as did my younger sister and brother.A UK education is good! There’s amazing respect between students and teachers. It’s okay to ask questions and say what you feel. Don’t hold back. I enjoy being able to get involved with art, drama and textiles – I didn’t have this back at home. This summer I got the chance to perform with other drama students

at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wish I was still there!Sidcot has helped me with many things. I am more confident, I’ve had the pleasure of talking to new people and helping others that I don’t know, I’ve gained invaluable life skills which will help me when I leave school.Friends that I’ve made at Sidcot feel more like family. My teachers feel like friends – I can talk to them about all kinds of things without being judged. People won’t judge you for being who you want to be. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Bristol or Beijing.Tanya, Year 12 (A Levels), Papua New Guinea

A Sidcot story: kenrick

At Sidcot, school is not just about lessons – it’s a 24 hour experience with activities and sports on offer. I’ve learnt a lot about myself through being a boarder – I’ve grown more independent and more tolerant – you have to learn to live alongside one another and make it work. I’ve also really benefited from incredibly supportive staff who are around in the evenings on duty and always ready to help with homework. I know the general consensus is that the IB is loads of hard work and you can’t have a life but that’s not true. I’ve managed to fit in so much in addition to academic study. Coming in Year 10 allowed me to soak up the British culture and values of the school – it was so easy to fit in and make friends. Our

academic agent in Hong Kong suggested 6 different schools to visit – Sidcot was the last and we almost didn’t go as we’d already seen some lovely schools. But the moment I got here, even though it was the end of term and students were packing up ready for the holidays, I knew that this was the place I could belong – it was friendly and comfortable. My mother felt it too.Kenrick was one of two Sidcot students who achieved 43 out of a possible 45 points this summer – the equivalent of the equivalent of four A*s and an A at A Level - putting him in the top 1% of IB students worldwide.

Kenrick, now studying at Exeter University

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Entry procedure

Our Admissions Team is happy to guide you through every step of your enquiry and application so please don’t hesitate to contact us. You’ll find email and phone details at the end of this booklet.Documents required at enquiry stage• Full Name

• Date of Birth

• Copies of latest school reports with English translation

• Personal statement*

• Internationally Recognised English Qualification Certificate

• Copy of passport* The personal statement can be hand written or typed, approximately 300 words and should include information about the student to help us get to know them - family, interests, favourite subjects, aspirations for the future, the reasons why they’d like to come to England to study and why they are interested in Sidcot.

Levels of English required• Year 7-8: minimum level A2

• Year 9-10: minimum level B1

• Year 11 Pathway: minimum level B1/B2

• Year 12 A Level: minimum level B2

• Year 12 IB: minimum level B2/C1

Testing proceduresWe are happy to accept an internationally recognised English Qualification certificate as proof that a student has the level of English required for their chosen course. When a student does not have a certificate, we ask them to complete an online English Test (Oxford Online Placement Test) and, depending on what course they are doing, a Maths test.We interview all students wishing to apply either by Skype or during their visit to Sidcot. This helps us get a feel for the student and understand their motivation for coming to Sidcot.

Visits to Sidcot• We encourage all students who can

to visit the school. We are happy to arrange a personal visit.

• Visits will be arranged on weekdays, Monday-Friday.

• The visit will incorporate an interview with the Headmaster, or one of his deputies.

• The visit will also include a tour of the campus and a boarding house, and the chance to meet other staff

and students.

OfferAfter an offer of a place is accepted by a student, the School will ask them to complete a maths test before the end of the Summer Term for setting purposes only.

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Term dates

Spring Term 2016Boarders return 16:00 Monday 11 JanuaryTerm begins Tuesday 12 JanuaryHalf term begins Friday 12 FebruaryBoarders return 16:00 Sunday 21 FebruaryTerm ends 12 noon Friday 18 March

Summer Term 2016Boarders return 16:00 Monday 4 AprilTerm begins Tuesday 5 AprilHalf term begins Friday 27 MayBoarders return 16:00 Sunday 5 JuneNote: Upper Sixth and Upper Fifth and Year 11 Pathway students finish Sunday 26 JuneTerm ends 12 noon Friday 8 July

Autumn Term 2016Staff CPD Day Monday 5 SeptemberStaff CPD Day & Boarders return Tuesday 6 SeptemberTerm begins Wednesday 7 SeptemberHalf term begins Friday 14 October Boarders return Sunday 30 OctoberTerm ends Friday 16 December (12 noon) Spring Term 2017 Staff CPD Day & Boarders return Monday 9 JanuaryTerm begins Tuesday 10 JanuaryHalf term begins Friday 10 February Boarders return Sunday 19 FebruaryTerm ends Friday 31 March (12 noon) Summer Term 2017 Staff CPD Day & Boarders return Tuesday 18 AprilTerm begins Wednesday 19 AprilHalf term begins Friday 26 May Boarders return Sunday 4 JuneTerm ends Friday 7 July (12 noon)

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Boarding fees

Termly Fee Annual Fee Year 7 – Year 9 £8,015 £24,045

Year 10 & Year 11 £8,467 £25,401

Year 11 Pathway £10,111 £30,333

Year 12 & Year 13 £9,597 £28,791

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

Note: For Non-EU students there is an additional £250 supplement per term to contribute towards visa costs and other administration requirements.

GuardiansIt is a condition of entry that all international students have a mature and responsible UK guardian.

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Rachael CoatesAdmissions Manager+44 (0)1934 [email protected]

Headmaster – Iain [email protected]

Head of the Junior School – Claire [email protected]

Chair of Governors – Paul [email protected]

Admissions Team

We would love to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to give us a call or email us.

Sidcot People

Valerie KennedyRegistrar+44 (0)1934 845212 [email protected]

Ailsa WilliamsAdmissions Officer+44 (0)1934 [email protected]

Skype: Sidcot School

Please see our website for a full staff list: sidcot.org.uk/who-we-are

Marina Jonas Director of Marketing and Admissions +44 (0)1934 845297 [email protected]

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Our location

Sidcot SchoolOakridge LaneWinscombeNorth SomersetBS25 1PD

Nearest airport: Bristol International

Nearest railway station: Bristol Temple Meads

Nearest Cities: Bristol and Bath

Travel time to London: Two hours by train

SIDCOT

LONDONBRISTOL

BATH

44

Oakridge LaneWinscombe

North SomersetBS25 1PD

+44 (0)1934 [email protected]

Printed with vegetable based inks

International Prospectus 2015/16

Documents

Transcript of International Prospectus 2015/16