International Study Centre 

Mrs Katie Plumb

Head of International Study Centre

The International Study Centre at Kent College offers an English language programme that gives students the English they need to join the mainstream British academic curriculum and take relevant English examinations for entry to universities.

Ethos and Environment

The ISC provides an environment in which all students gain the  confidence to attain their full potential. It is a welcoming place, where we celebrate the achievements of all our pupils.

Students are fully integrated with other mainstream students in the boarding houses and tutor groups.

Numbers

Normally there are between 6 and 10 students in each group. Everyone is treated with great care and given pastoral support.

Language Level

Students in Year 7 to 9 are accepted into the ISC with a level of English between beginner and intermediate. The students study English intensively as well as Maths and the vocabulary they need to join mainstream subjects. Integration into the mainstream curriculum occurs when their English is of an appropriate level. In Year 10 and 12 we accept students at an intermediate level of English. They will normally spend an academic year in the ISC to help them prepare for entry into GCSE courses or sixth form courses.

Stage 1 full- time

We concentrate on the four language skills; reading, writing, listening and speaking as well as basic grammar and vocabulary.

We ensure that our pupils take part in extra-curricular activities.

Teaching is conducted within a personalised timetable suited to the student’s ability and speed of learning.

Stage 2 full-time

Once the required standard has been achieved, the next stage is access to the main school curriculum. At the ISC students will have been taught the skills they need to cope with the demands of  subject lessons. As their language skills continue to develop many are able to join British public examination courses.

EAL Support

Students who are in the mainstream, but who need language support, come to the ISC instead of studying French in the junior school or as one of their options in the senior school. They are given the opportunity to prepare for the IGCSE in ESL and the IELTS examinations.

 

Bobby, Beijing:
“ I could hardly speak to people when I first came to this country. The ISC has always helped me with my study. I quickly found an efficient way to study English.”

Camille, France:
“When you first come to an English school it's really hard to understand the teachers and the students. However, thanks to the ISC, your English grammar, speaking and writing will improve quickly.”

Max, Macau:
“When I came to Kent College my English wasn't that good but the ISC honestly helped me improve my speaking and the teachers are kind, and I am not making that up.”

Rolando, Brazil

"I would like to say that when I first went to the UK I intended to spend one year at Kent College only, and here I am going to study in a British university."