Co-educational Boarding School in England, UK

Rochester Independent College:
Rochester Independent College is a progressive alternative to conventional secondary education with a happily distinctive ethos. Accepting day students from the age of 11 and boarders from 16 the focus is on examination success in a lively, supportive and informal atmosphere. Students are encouraged to be themselves and achieve exam results that often exceed their expectations. The College's January 2008 Ofsted report judged that"the quality of education is outstanding."

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Courses
Most full time students at the College are here to study one or two year A level courses in sixth form, GCSE courses in the Lower School, English as a Foreign Language (ESL), Visual and Creative Art courses or a combination of these. Many are taking subjects on first time courses, others may be taking resits. Direct entry into any year group is possible.

One Year A Level Courses
Students take one year A level courses for a variety of reasons. The most common are under-achievement in the lower sixth, AS year at another school; a need to retake A levels, perhaps adding one or two new subjects; returning to education after a break and needing to gain qualifications rapidly. 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. The advantage of one year A level courses for Overseas students is that they can move quickly into Higher Education.

Two Year A Level Courses
Two year A level courses give tremendous scope for gaining the widest possible AS and A level base. Students study at the pace most suited to their ability and aims. Frequent meetings with their Personal Tutor ensure that students are keeping constant track of their own progress. Two year A level students also follow an enrichment programme including work experience, ICT training and a series of university application guidance seminars.

One Year GCSE Course
The One Year GCSE course allows students to take a fresh look at their options, perhaps starting one or two subjects from scratch. It is sometimes possible to add a subject at AS level to prepare for A level study. Only English, Mathematics and Science are compulsory on a one year GCSE course. Most students take both English and English Literature GCSE and at least GCSE Core and Additional Science although we are also able to offer Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy as Single Sciences. Students will be guided and advised during the admissions process as to the most appropriate combination and number of subjects to take- anything from 5 to 12 is possible depending on individual circumstances. With the exception of Modern Foreign Languages any subject can be taken as a one year course from scratch without the requirement for the student to have studied it previously.

Two Year GCSE Course
The majority of Lower School students begin a very distinctive two year GCSE programme, the first year of which retains a great deal of flexibility. Students may opt to take a variety of subjects as either one or two year courses. Where they prefer to do so, students can pursue conventional two year programmes in all of their GCSE subjects. All options are discussed extensively with students and parents before any particular course is commenced. English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and Art are compulsory. Students will be guided and advised during the admissions process as to the most appropriate combination and number of subjects to take- anything from 5 to 12 is possible depending on individual circumstances.


GCSE courses in the Lower School, English as a Foreign Language (ESL), Visual and Creative Art courses or a combination of these. Many are taking subjects on first time courses, others may be taking resits. Direct entry into any year group is possible.

Personal Tutors and Form Tutors work closely with students on all courses to give advice about course combinations and help students to ensure that their courses are designed to meet the requirements of future career plans or to ensure that their options for the future are kept as wide as possible. With such small class sizes individual attention is not only available, it's practically inescapable.

The College's reputation for academic excellence is founded on twenty five years' experience of rigorous teaching. Students come to us for a variety of reasons and from many different backgrounds. We are not academically selective; our only entrance qualification is an honest determination to work hard. Our results however are always ranked among the best of the academically selective and students secure places at top UK universities.

English Language Courses
Rochester Independent College offers specialist English language teaching support to Overseas students on GCSE and A level courses. We specialise in preparing students for the IELTS examination necessary to secure entry to UK universities. We also offer a variety of part time English language courses, including those designed for students who require this before commencing full time academic study. The courses offered have flexible start dates and run throughout the year. Our experienced and qualified teachers are used to dealing with the wide variety of linguistic needs of all students whether they are studying General English, English for Academic Purposes, Part Time Courses, Business English Courses, on an Easter or Summer Programme or studying one to one.

Visual Arts
A level students enjoy an art College atmosphere where students are welcomed at all times during the working week, not just during lesson times. Spacious studio spaces are available with individual working zones for fine art students and an open area for graphics, textiles, ceramics and photography students. 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); 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.