Welcome to from the principal. the international team. Philip Harland Principal

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1 varndean college international prospectus progressivedistinctivesuccessful

2 Welcome to Varndean College from the principal Varndean has a high reputation for examination results and students progress to university and employment - with many of our former students now prominent in public life. Students at Varndean become involved in a wide range of activities - sport, music, drama and societies and there is also a lively student union with two international representatives. Support for students is excellent whether this be from personal tutors or using important services such as welfare, careers guidance and additional support for learning and language. Our academic courses (A levels, International Baccalaureate and English as a foreign language) will prepare you for university. Philip Harland Principal the international team We will do all we can to support you along the way. These are the key people that will help you during your stay with us: Jill Sawyer Director of student progress Claudia Beltran Student Coordinator Steve Last Student Progress Leader Hannah Colgan International Student Administrator Rebecca Moore Personal Tutor Maggie Paxton-Walker Personal Tutor The international and ESOL team: l Prepares you for IELTS l l l l l l Prepares you for University supports your university application Helps with college life Finds you a place to live Gives you the opportunity to join sports, clubs and international days out Helps you with visa applications, Registering with Doctors and anything that is worrying you! Communicates with parents about your progress varndean college

3 About the college: Welcomes year olds Study English, International Baccalaureate or A levels Combine English plus 1-4 Academic Subjects in Design, Film, Fine Arts, Biology, Chemistry, IT, History, Law, Politics, Psychology, Economics and many more Study for or 18 Months Entry points January, June and Sept Internationally recognised qualifications including preparation for IELTS Long history, founded in students per year, 70 International students from around 15 different nationalities You will have the opportunity to study and share clubs/activities with UK students An International Department offering advice and support to all international students Participate in any of our clubs, sport and societies (Art, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Creative writing, Fitness, Volunteering in various projects, Netball, Orchestra, Choir, Taekwondo, Politics Society and many more). You will take part in these activities alongside British students. Location: For more information: Main contact: Claudia Beltran cmb@varndean.ac.uk The college is located in one of the wealthiest areas in the UK Brighton has the fourth-best city beach in the world, according the CNN Travel website with 8.5 million visitors a year Brighton s population is vibrant and diverse, with 41% of residents aged who are either students or young professionals enjoying the cutting edge entertainment and opportunities on offer because of its proximity to London Near the UK s largest int l airports - Heathrow 1hr 30 mins and Gatwick 40 mins

4 Accomodation: Homestay accommodation either a short walk or bus ride to the college All host families are police checked (List 99 and DBS) Host families managed by the international department (no third parties) Students get to know their host families by or skype before they arrive to the UK What we are best known for (1) What we are best known for (2) For the great choice of subjects that you can study in addition to English: Impressive academic results: Arts courses: Fine Art, Graphic Design, 3D Design, Textiles and Photography, Film 98% pass rate 100% pass rate for all Art subjects Science and Maths courses: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Statistics, Maths with mechanics and Pure maths and psychology Chemistry students this year reached the National Final Competition for Chemistry Humanities: History, Politics, Law, Business, Economics, Travel and Tourism, Geography, World studies, Media The only college designated by the Government to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Brighton & Hove Located in the city of Brighton, one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. One of the best campuses in the south east, last year we built new classrooms, gym, library and updated our equipment. For the IB Varndean received its highest marks ever, with an average score of over 36 points, equivalent to at least three A grades at A Level for university entry.

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6 ACTIVITIES, clubs and SOCIETIES In addition to your academic subjects at Varndean College you will have the opportunity to participate in the following: Art Enrichment Gallery trips, studio visits and meetings with contemporary artists, illustrators and designers. You will keep a sketchbook of notes, drawings, ideas and resource materials. You will produce your own creative work. Tutors are themselves practising artists. ChemSoc is a society run exclusively by chemistry students and involves the setting up of talks on various topics with a chemical theme. The society has its own website that can be accessed from the Intranet. Community Links This gives you the chance to help others and to improve your understanding of different aspects of the community. You may choose to work with the under fives, the elderly, primary school children, or students of your own age with learning difficulties from the Downs View Link College. Creative Writing Students work with a local author to develop their writing skills and to get individual advice on the creation of their own poetry, prose or scripts. We publish our own anthology of students work each year. Digital Illustration This exciting course leads students through a series of workshops, building in-depth knowledge of digital practice through projects with real illustration briefs. Using the skills they acquire in other Art courses, Photography, Design or Art, students explore a range of translation and manipulation processes. Duke of Edinburgh In this programme you will be able to do charity work helping others, participate in activities or use your skills. The programme is a real adventure from beginning to end. It doesn t matter who you are or where you re from. At the end of this you will gain an award which could count towards your university entrance. English Literature Extension We meet every two to three weeks. We read and talk about a wide range of texts from 1590 to 2010: poetry, plays and novels. If you want to extend your knowledge and understanding of English literature beyond A Level or even further than the IB syllabus do come along. Green Team Get involved in being eco-friendly with the Green Team. They achieved a silver eco-award in July 2007 and are aiming for the green award. Activities so far have ranged from setting up a College wormery, carbon footprint testing, recycling and listening to what might happen when we run out of oil and creating a nature-friendly garden area for students. Life Drawing Working with experienced, supportive tutors and professional artists models, you will develop a strong set of drawings, paintings and study sheets. Learning about form, proportion and character, you will acquire skills to support your learning in many other visual arts subjects. Link College There will be opportunities to work with 16 to 19 year old students with severe learning difficulties. Mentoring Aware of the usefulness of talking to others about concerns and worries, a group of students set up a College peer support scheme. This involves a series of training sessions focusing on listening skills, and it enables those involved to explore some of their own feelings and to support other students in College. 4 varndean college 2011

7 Comments from Shiyun: I had two wonderful years at Varndean, The staff are brilliant, they helped me a lot both academically and personally. I love Varndean! Now at Imperial College London, Chemical Engineering Music Join the orchestra, choir, big band, or one of the many small ensembles including rock, pop, jazz, classical, the lot! You can also take grade 5 theory. The College is part of the Sussex Schools Chamber Music scheme. Muslim Student Support Providing support through events, discussion and festivals for Muslim students. Performing Arts There is a large production programme which engages many of our students in design, stage management, music, performing and backstage roles. Politics Society This has been running for 16 years and meets at least once a week. Students have had livdely debates with politicians from all the main political parties including Prime Minister David Cameron (pictured right). Publicity and Journalism Students help cover news stories about the college, interview the people concerned, write the stories up into press releases and organise photo opportunities. The aim is to get positive coverage in local. varndean college

8 host families Varndean College s host families go through a strict process to become a host family for the college. We meet all of our host families and make sure the accommodation is suitable for a long term student. We are committed to making the student comfortable in their host family as we have found this helps them settle into their new life faster and they do better in college. How far are host families from college? We aim to keep host families within a minute walk from the college. We have some that may require a very short bus ride from the college. Culture and diversity within our host families. The UK has a very diverse population. 300 languages are spoken and the city has at least 50 non-indigenous communities. Brighton may not be quite so diverse but it also has a wide and varied community, which is reflected in our host families. Feeling at home What your Host family will try to do for you? Do their best to make you feel at home. Encourage you to speak English as much as possible. Give you a clean and comfortable room, where you can relax and study. Keep in touch with the school and help with any problems. Make sure you have enough to eat 6 varndean college 2011

9 sport at varndean get involved! There are lots of ways that you can get involved in sport at Varndean, either as part of a team or as an individual. FOOTBALL RUGBY NETBALL BASKETBALL BADMINTON On Wednesday afternoons all college teams train and compete in league matches and tournaments. Qualified coaches run each team and students are able to develop their sporting skills. TABLE TENNIS SOCIAL BASKETBALL YOGA GYM INDUCTIONS During lunchtimes students are welcome to take part in social activities on their lunch break. These sessions help students to develop their fitness levels and meet new friends. STREET DANCE TAEKWONDO AEROBICS SESSIONS CLIMBING KAYAKING After college we organise regular taster sessions for students to try new fun activities for free. 8 varndean college 2011

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11 course directory a-z directory of all our courses Subject Qualification Level pg Other Anthropology AS A l 18 Archaeology AS A l 19 Art Fine Art AS A IB l 20 Art Textiles AS A l 21 Art & Design First Certificate l 82 Biology AS A IB l 26 Biology (Applied) Subsidiary Diploma l 27 Business Studies AS A l 28 Business (Vocational) First Extended Certificate l 81 Chemistry AS A IB l 30 Children s Play, Learning & Development First Award l 81 Classical Civilisation A l 31 Community Sports Leader Award CSLA Level 2 l 82 Computer Games Development Certificate & Subsidiary Diploma l 32 Computing AS A l 33 Creative imedia Creative Media Production OCR OCR Creative imedia Level 2 Technical Extended Certificate in Media l l Dance Design - 3D Design AS Subsidiary Diploma A l l Design - Graphic Design AS A l 23 Drama, Theatre & Performing Arts First Award in Performing Arts l 84 AS A IB Certificate l 29 Advanced Subsidiary Diploma l 29 Advanced Diploma l 29 Diploma l 34 (Theatre only) l 37 Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting) l 38 Subsidiary Diploma in Performing l 38 Arts (Acting and Devising) 38 Early Years Education and Care Cache Diploma l 39 Economics AS A l Varndean College

12 course directory Subject Qualification Level pg Electronics AS l 41 English Language igcse l 87 English Language AS A l 42 English Language & Literature AS A l 43 English Literature AS A IB l 44 Environmental Sustainability National Certificate l 45 IELTS Film Studies AS A IB l 47 French AS A IB l 48 Geography AS A l 49 German AS A IB l 50 Health & Social Care First Certificate l 83 AS A History Early Modern AS A l 52 History Modern AS A l 53 ICT AS A l 54 International Baccalaureate IB l 56 Italian GCSE AS l l 58 Latin GCSE AS l l 59 Law AS A l 60 Law (Applied) Certificate l Other English Functional Skills levels 1 & 2 l l 87 Subsidiary Diploma l 45 ESOL Skills for Life l 46 l 46 Exercise & Fitness CYQ Introductory Certificate l 88 Football Coaching FA Level 1 Certificate l 88 Subsidiary Diploma l 51 l 51 Subsidiary Diploma l 61 Mathematics GCSE AS A IB l l 62 Media Studies AS A l 63 Music AS A l 64 Varndean College

13 course directory Subject Qualification Level pg Other Music Technology AS A l 65 Nutrition & Health Level 2 Award l 83 Philosophy AS A IB l 66 Photography Level 2 Award l 84 AS A Physical Education AS A l 68 Physics AS A IB l 69 Politics AS A l 70 Psychology AS A IB l 71 Public Services First Certificate l 85 Science GCSE Core l 87 GCSE Sociology AS A l 73 Spanish NVQ GCSE AS A IB l l l 74 Sport Extended Certificate l l 85 Travel & Tourism First Certificate l 86 l 25 Nationals - Level 3 courses l 72 Additional l 87 Diploma l 75 Step up to Business, Enterprise, Care, l 89 Media, Marketing, Sport 89 Thinking & Reasoning Level 2 Certificate l 86 Nationals Level 3 courses l 76 World Development AS A l 77 Young Enterprise Scheme l Varndean College

14 Comments from Rosio : Although we are far away from home, thanks to the staff and especially the international department I never felt vulnerable, The staff were sincerely helpful, I enjoyed all the subjects I studied, and thanks to A level law I realised what I wanted to do in life and now I am sure I made the right choice. International Foundation Programme The subjects are: 1 General English Language l Study the language and communication skills you need to survive in an English speaking environment l Prepare for college or university in the UK 2 English for Academic Studies Learn the English that you will need for the study of academic subjects at college/ university 3 English for Business Develop the practical language skills for the modern business world, Economics and Finance l Study authentic materials l Carry out a project within the local community 4 Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Learn the practical computer skills which you will need to use in your academic studies 5 Tutorial Meet weekly with your personal tutor English programme Entry Requirements Start Date January September Programme Length 20 weeks 35 weeks End Date Mid June Mid June Age range yrs yrs Hours per week 21 hrs 19 hrs English level on Entry IELTS 5.0 Equivalent IELTS Qualification Obtained upon completion IELTS IELTS 10 varndean college 2011

15 ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES International Baccalaureate IB The IBD is an exciting and increasingly popular alternative to A Levels. You should consider it seriously if you: are a well-organised student who enjoys a wide range of subjects and activities and who is keen not to narrow your education too early want a course that will extend and challenge you personally and intellectually want a course that will encourage you to think independently and to speak and write well in more than one language want to keep all your university and career options open at 16 plus want an international qualification which is recognised all over the world for your future career The IBD is taught worldwide and is internationally recognised and understood by universities and employers as an excellent preparation for further study or employment. It is administered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, a body which is independent of any government and which has an international perspective. Varndean College is the college designated by the Government to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) in Brighton & Hove and is now in its seventh year of running the programme. IB INFO evening To find out more about this alternative to A levels, come along to our information evening Thurs 23 October 6.30pm-7.45pm The IB allowed me to study all the subjects I wanted to study whilst the CAS (the extra-curricular activities part of the IB programme) meant I could develop myself outside of College. Nesta Smith ex Priory School, Lewes GROUP SUBJECT SL HL 1. Language A1 Literature Second Language French 3 3 Spanish 3 3 Spanish for beginners ( ab initio ) 3 German Individuals and Societies History 3 3 Global Politics 3 3 Psychology Experimental Sciences Biology 3 3 Physics Mathematics Mathematical Studies 3 Mathematics* 3 6. The Arts or a further SUBJECT Visual Arts 3 3 Chemistry 3 3 Philosophy 3 3 German 3 3 Spanish 3 3 Theatre 3 3 Film 3 3 *with the option of A Level Maths in addition 56 Varndean College

16 ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES topics covered You choose one course from each of six subject areas, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. The content of Standard Level courses is smaller than that of Higher Level courses and they are not quite so demanding academically. Everyone also follows the core programme which is made up of: Extended Essay: 4,000 words on a topic of particular interest in any subject Theory of Knowledge: A study of the foundations of knowledge Creativity, Action, Service: A programme of extra-curricular activities How the course is assessed The maximum possible score is 45. In order to pass the Diploma you need 24 points. There are no external examinations at the end of Year 1. All the written exams take place in May of Year 2 and the results are published in July. In many subjects there is a substantial amount of coursework and assessed oral presentation. Theory of Knowledge is assessed by an externally-marked coursework essay. facts What are the entry requirements? The IBD requires 6 or more GCSEs with a mixture of A* to B grades in five different subjects, including English and Maths. In addition, certain subjects at Higher Level have particular subject requirements. Group 5 chemistry; philosophy; visual arts; german; film; spanish or theatre Group 6 mathematics or maths studies biology or physics Group 4 extended essay Theory of knowledge creativity, Action, Service Group 1 Literature history, GLOBAL POLITICS or psychology Group 3 French or german or spanish Group 2 What might my timetable look like? IBD students will have a fuller timetable than A Level students but will have fewer exams and less formal assessment MON BIOLOGY SL BIOLOGY SL B VISUAL ARTS SL VISUAL ARTS SL B LUNCH ENGLISH HL ENGLISH HL TUES GLOBAL POLITICS HL GLOBAL POLITICS HL R FRENCH HL FRENCH HL R MATHS STUDIES SL LUNCH VISUAL ARTS SL WED E ENGLISH HL ENGLISH HL E GLOBAL POLITICS HL TUTOR LUNCH THUR A A BIOLOGY SL LUNCH MATHS STUDIES SL MATHS STUDIES SL FRENCH HL FRENCH HL FRI ENGLISH HL K THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE K FRENCH SL LUNCH GLOBAL POLITICS HL GLOBAL POLITICS HL SL = Standard level HL = Higher level Varndean College

17 about the UK Educational System Frequently asked questions about UK qualifications Qualifications The most popular qualifcations for which you can study at UK colleges and Universities: University l Post Graduate Degrees (Master s, PHDs) l Undergraduate Degree Courses (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education) l HND, National, Foundation Courses Further Education/Sixth Form College l AS/A Levels l International Baccalaureate Diploma l /OCR Advanced Secondary School l GCSEs, First What is a GCSE? A GCSE (General Certificate of Education) course usually lasts for one year and is the traditional entry requirement for A levels or Nationals. What are A levels? An A level course is the traditional entrance qualification for universities. The programme normally lasts for 2 years and on average students choose 3 subjects. Can I do A levels in one year? Generally no. AS is taken in the first year and A2 in the second year. Remember that university degrees in the UK usually last three years so A levels are almost like the first year of university. What are qualifications? They provide an alternative to GCSEs and A Levels. s are widely accepted as entry qualifications by universities, and can be studied at three levels: First Diploma (which takes a year and is equivalent to GCSE level), National Diploma (which takes two years and is equivalent to A level) and Higher National Diploma, most commonly known as HND (it can take between two and three years to complete, and in some cases can provide access for a student directly on to the final year of a degree programme at a university. It is comparable to the first two years of a degree). What are foundation courses? Foundation courses are subject related courses offered by some universities and colleges which take a year to complete. In most cases you will need to have completed A levels or s in order to qualify for entry. The British Educational System Age Place of study Primary School Secondary Schools College University Exams Taken GCSEs AS/A level Degree - BA/BSc varndean college

18 Application form 1. Personal details Surname Application date / / Forenames Date of Birth / / Sex M n F n Title Mr n Miss n Mrs n Ms n Home Address Postcode Mobile ' Home ' Address 2. Nationality and Residency (attach a copy of your passport to this form if you are not a UK citizen) What is your nationality? Have you been resident in the UK or EU for a minimum period of 3 years, preceding the relevant start date? (excluding holidays of 3 months or less) Yes n No n If NO, please give details below of countries and dates. You can use a separate sheet if necessary. Are you an EU National? Yes n No n Are you an asylum seeker? Yes n No n If YES, provide a copy of your Grant Asylum document Have you come through an agency? Yes n No n please give agent name: 3. Proposed course and preferred start date: A LEVEL/GCSE n INT L FOUNDATION n ENGLISH PREPARATION n INT L BACCALAUREATE n JAN n SEPT n Your choice of subjects Level of study What is your career interest? varndean college

19 4. Previous education If you are currently attending school/college/university, please give details Name of institution Subject studied Grades achieved Year Please provide copies of certificates from your previous education and/or reference from your tutor if you are currently in education To help us understand your ability of English language, please tick the following boxes which apply to you IELTS n TOELFL n TOEIC n Others n (please specify) Result: Date taken: n My first language is English n I attended a bilingual school n I use English on a daily basis n I have lived in an English speaking country for more than 5 years n I have been learning English for more than 5 years n English is one of my country s official languages Would you like some information about a local language school to improve your English before you start your course? Yes n No n Please provide copies of your international English language exam results if you have any. 5. Disability or learning difficulties Do you have a disability, learning difficulty or problems with literacy and numeracy? Yes n No n If yes, What form does this take? How would you wish to let us know what you are likely to need: Here on this form (fill in details below if you wish) Yes n No n By talking confidentially to a member of staff at interview? Through someone else such as an advocate, parent or carer Have you previously received special consideration for examinations? Yes n No n Yes n No n Yes n No n You do not have to disclose this information, however, it will be helpful to the College if you let us know in advance any support you may need. Any information you give will be treated confidentially. If you wish to be contacted by telephone, please provide a contact number including dialling code 16 varndean college 2011

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21 Surrenden Road Brighton East Sussex BN1 6WQ For further information please telephone (01273) Heathrow airport 1.5 hours London 1 hour Gatwick airport 30 minutes Brighton (varndean college) Print and design: Captiv