Boarding School for Girls in Kent, UK

Kent College Pembury:
Kent College Preparatory School & Kent College Pembury is a leading independent girls' boarding and day school with a Senior School (ages 11-18) and Prep School (ages 3-11) sharing the same site in Kent, in the south-east of England. As well as providing an excellent learning environment, Kent College offers a secure and happy home for boarders.

Senior School Curriculum for Girls ages 11-18:

Years 7, 8 & 9 (Key Stage 3)
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are usually aged 11 to 14 years old. The curriculum is planned with due regard to the Key Stage 3 (KS3) National Curriculum, although we provide a greater variety of subjects than the National Curriculum to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum.

In Year 7, students are taught in mixed ability groups but are set according to ability in mathematics and French. In Years 8 and 9, students are in mixed ability tutor groups but are placed in teaching groups based broadly on ability. French and Latin are taught from Year 7. In addition, a choice of German or Spanish is started in Year 8. Class sizes in Years 7-9 average 16 students with a usual maximum of 20.

In Year 9, several subjects form a carousel and girls are given a chance to sample a range of subjects before choosing GCSE subjects. Careers' advice starts in Year 9. School examinations are held at the end of each academic year and the National Key Stage 3 tests in mathematics are taken in Year 9. All students also participate in a Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) programme as well as a Citizenship programme.

Years 10 & 11 (GCSE)
Students in Years 10 and 11 are usually aged 14 to 16 and follow the two-year GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) course with public examinations at the end of Year 11.

All students work towards examinations in English language & English literature, mathematics and science. All girls take physics, chemistry and biology either as three separate GCSE subjects or as the Double Award examination. In addition, most girls are also required to take a modern language. Each student selects two to four option subjects from a list which includes:
- Art History
- Business & Communication Systems
- Latin
- Classical Civilisation
- Music
- Drama
- Physical Education
- Food Technology
- Religious Studies
- French
- Geography
- German
- Spanish
- Textiles
- Technology

Girls in Years 10-11 follow a Life Skills programme which covers health education, citizenship, a GCSE short course in religious education, and physical education. The careers' advice started in Year 9 continues throughout the GCSE years, with work experience in Year 11 following the GCSE examinations.

School examinations take place at the end of Year 10 and mock GCSE examinations are held in the November of Year 11, with public examinations in May/June.

Further details about GCSE courses are provided in the detailed GCSE curriculum guide which is available on request.

Sixth Form (A Level)
Most students study four (AS) subjects in the first year and three of the same subjects (A2s) in the second year. A levels offer the chance to study chosen subjects in depth and are the passport to higher education. During the two year course, students develop a more independent approach to learning. An exciting programme of conferences, lectures and visits features in the programme for all subjects. One afternoon per week is set aside for physical education, and there are a number of different activities from which to choose.

Extensive careers advice is provided in the Sixth Form with interview workshops, visits to careers fairs and university open days. Comprehensive information is provided on higher education courses, universities and application procedures.

All A level students participate in an Enrichment Studies Programme, designed to develop key skills which will be useful in all walks of life. They participate in the University of Liverpool's Curriculum Enrichment Programme, join the School Magazine Editorial Team or take the Leith's Basic Certificate in Food and Wine. Students can also take the Guildhall School of Speech and Drama Speaking Skills Examinations. Outside visits are arranged to universities, conferences, museums and political institutions.