A leading full boarding school for boys and girls aged 12 to 18. A Guide for International Pupils

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1 A leading full boarding school for boys and girls aged 12 to 18 A Guide for International Pupils

2 A Guide for International Pupils This handbook has been produced for international pupils, to give more information about Glenalmond College, our courses and how to apply. Further information can be found on our website: or by contacting our Registrar, Mr Mike Jeffers We can also supply copies of our prospectus and DVD, and guides to our GCSE and A level programmes. Why Choose Glenalmond College? Top Universities The thing that makes Glenalmond so attractive to pupils and parents is our success in getting pupils into the top universities. Every year, over half of our pupils get places in the Russell Group universities (the top 24 universities in the UK) and almost all of our pupils get into their first choice of university. High Proportion of Full Boarders Over 80% of our pupils are full boarders, in school 7 days a week. Only our day pupils go home at the weekends, so the school is almost as busy on a Sunday morning as on a week-day. We do not offer flexi-boarding or weekly-boarding, so all our British boarders, as well as our international boarders, stay in school at the weekends. Low Number of International Pupils Only 25% of our pupils come from outside the UK, with only 7% from outside Europe. This means that our pupils speak English all the time, and our international pupils get the very best of an English-style education in the UK. Location Glenalmond is an English-style school located in the beautiful countryside of Scotland. We are only 1 hour s drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow airports, and they are only 1 hour s flight from London or Amsterdam, so Glenalmond is easier to travel to than most English schools. Glenalmond is on a 300-acre safe, secure rural campus. 2

3 Introduction Glenalmond College is a full boarding school: Over 80% of our pupils are boarders. Most of our pupils are British: only 25% are from outside the UK and only 7% are from outside Europe. All our teachers live on campus and there is a full programme of activities each weekend. Because so many of our pupils are boarders, school life is as busy at the weekend as it is during the week. Glenalmond College is located on a 300 acre countryside campus in Perthshire, Scotland, just one hour s drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow airports, which are one hour s flight from London. The campus has excellent academic and sporting facilities, and is a safe, clean and inspiring environment for young people to learn and grow. The school is close to the small city of Perth, suitable for shopping and outings, and trips are regularly organized to Glasgow and Edinburgh. 3

4 Some key facts and figures about Glenalmond College 400 pupils Boys and girls aged Almost even split of boys and girls Over 80% of our pupils are full boarders 75% of our pupils are from the UK English qualification system: GCSE and A-level Oxford and Cambridge university successes every year Excellent record of top universities for Glenalmond leavers 300 acre campus with excellent academic, sport, music and drama facilities Just 2 hours from London (1 hour flight to Edinburgh, 1 hour drive to Glenalmond) All teaching staff live on campus Safe, secure location Inspirational environment for learning International pupil numbers at Glenalmond College 75% of pupils at Glenalmond are British and 25% are from overseas. UK (75%) Germany (9%) Spain & France (4%) Russia/Ukraine (1%) Rest of Europe (5%) China/Hong Kong (5%) Rest of World (2%) 4

5 Boarding and Pastoral Care at Glenalmond Over 80% of Glenalmond pupils are full boarders All boarders stay in school every weekend (except for one leave-out or exeat per half term) A full programme of weekend activities is provided for all boarding pupils There are 8 boarding houses on campus 5 for boys and 3 for girls Dorm sizes vary by house, and according to the age of the pupils. Older pupils will be in single or twin rooms, while the youngest pupils might be in bedrooms of 2 or 3 pupils All the boarding houses have internet access. Each house has a housemaster or housemistress whose home is attached to the boarding house, where they live with their family There are also tutors for each house, responsible for a small group of pupils, helping with their academic progress and pastoral care 5

6 Provision for International Pupils New international pupils A new pupil induction weekend is organized every September, to help international pupils to fit in with school life, and to make sure that their need for English and an Additional Language (EAL) provision is assessed. English as an Additional Language We have a very good specialist EAL department to help our international pupils They provide general EAL teaching, and work with subject teachers to provide subject-specific vocabulary for each pupil There is the opportunity for one-to-one lessons in addition to group lessons, if required. Each pupil will receive additional support depending on need, which may range from one period per week to several periods per week. There is an extra charge for these lessons (see the Fees section below). Pupils are expected to have at least an Intermediate level of English on arrival and they should be able to manage the normal academic curriculum of the school. All pupils who have a native language other than English are given a diagnostic test by the EAL department upon arrival at Glenalmond. 6

7 Exam entry for international pupils Exam entry and qualifications are geared to age and stage. By arrangement with the English Department, international pupils may sit GCSE or A Level examinations in English but we also aim to provide pupils with an internationally recognised qualification. From the age of 16 and above, pupils may be entered for the IELTS exam (International English Language Testing System). This excellent qualification is recognised by universities world-wide and allows non-native speakers of English to prove their proficiency in the language which is often needed for university entry or employment later on in life. Guardianship Guardianship can be arranged for international pupils, and all pupils living outside the UK need a named guardian in the UK Host families can be provided for exeats and half term holidays, or pupils can choose to stay in school for exeats The school can arrange transport to and from the airport or guardian 7

8 Academic/Curriculum All Glenalmond Pupils follow the English curriculum (GCSEs at age 16 and A-levels at age 18) We offer an extensive curriculum, with 25 subjects available at A-level. In addition, international pupils can be helped to sit GCSE or A-level in their own language. The teacher:pupil ratio is 1:7 This is the same at weekends all our teaching staff live on campus and provide a full 24/7 programme of academic teaching, sport and activities Average class size varies by age. A-level classes may be as small as 4 pupils, while classes for younger age groups may have pupils 8

9 Exam Results 2015 A-level A* 11.2% A 20.3% B 27.4% C 20.3% Pass 98.7% GCSE A* 24.1% A 28.9% B 24.9% C 13.9% Pass 98.6% 9

10 University destinations of leavers Glenalmond leavers get places at the top universities. 4-8% every year get places at Oxford or Cambridge universities Over 50% get places at the Russell Group universities (the top 24 universities in the UK) Glenalmond College Leavers Destinations Oxford 4 Cambridge 3 Top Universities (Russell Group) Bristol 6 Cardiff 1 Durham 6 Edinburgh 12 Exeter 4 Glasgow 18 Imperial College London (ICL) 3 King s College London 1 Leeds 4 Manchester 7 Newcastle 13 Queen Mary University of London 1 Queen s University Belfast 2 Sheffield 1 University College London (UCL) 5 Warwick 4 York 3 Over half of Glenalmond leavers get places at Oxford, Cambridge or Russell Group universities. 10

11 Academic Strengths There is a high level of academic achievement achieved across a broad range of abilities. The valueadded scores are high compared to other schools. Oxford and Cambridge results are always good, and most pupils get into their first choice of university. Glenalmond s main academic strength is its teachers. The teaching staff all live on campus, and are dynamic, energetic and committed. We offer a wide curriculum, with 25 subjects at A-level. This means that all pupils are able to select the subjects that best suit their abilities and their university and career ambitions. GCSE subjects Art Biology Chemistry Design and Technology Drama English French German Geography Greek History Information Technology Latin Mathematics Music Physics Physical Education Religious Studies Spanish A-Level subjects Ancient History Art and Design Biology Chemistry Design & Technology Drama Economics English French Further Mathematics Geography German Greek History History of Art Latin Mathematics Music Music Technology Physical Education Physics Politics Religious Studies Spanish Business Studies 11

12 Activities As a full boarding school, with over 80% of our pupils staying in school every weekend, we offer a very wide programme of extra-curricular activities, as well as a varied programme of clubs and societies to support academic work. International pupils are encouraged to join clubs and societies, and to take part in the activities available this helps them to improve their integration with the other pupils, their English language skills, and their enjoyment of their life at Glenalmond. 12

13 The following clubs, societies and activities are currently running at Glenalmond: Rugby Compline Essay Society Opera Club Hockey Sunday School Astronomy Club Scottish Dancing Cricket Confirmation Group William Bright Society Chapel Choir Lacrosse Soul Space Critical Thinking Chamber Choir Netball Community Service Gladstone Society Choral Society Rounders Charity Fundraising Cultural Tours House Singing Tennis CCF House debating String Orchestra Cross-country DofE School Debating String Ensembles Athletics Conservation Visiting Author programme Choir Tours Swimming Third Form Outdoor Activity Everybody Writes Day Concert Band Shooting - Small-bore Amnesty Group Creative Writing Group Wind ensembles Shooting - Full-bore Fair Trade Group Lecture Programme Jazz Band Golf Leadership Training Work experience Rock Bands Sports Tours Prefect Training Interview Training House Instrumental Sailing Driving International Exchanges Pipe Bands Basketball Chainsaw Field Trips (Biol & Geog) Music Recitals Climbing Food & Wine Society Art Master Classes Lunchtime concerts Hill walking (Munro) Food Hygiene Art Gallery visits Cantores Snow hole expedition First Aid training Languages Fair Chamber Music Programme Islands Peak Races Life-saving GAP year Fair Musicals Squash Recycling Careers Fair Piano Club Football Basic Fire Training Classics Tour Accompanist sessions Paddle Sports 100-mile charity walk Battlefields Tour Drama - school shows Skiing - down hill Post GCSE programme Maths Challenge & Olympiad House Drama Skiing - cross country St Andrew's night Ball Chemistry Analysts Comp Film Club Fishing Burns Night Dinner Reading Challenge Photographic Society Cycling Valentine's Ball Peer Mentoring Perth International Film Soc Table Tennis Leavers' Dance Medical Society Theatre trips Riding Junior Ceilidhs Creative Writing competition Tutor Outings Personal fitness Moncrieff nights Writer / poet in residence House Arts / Revue evenings Croquet House Dinner Parties Philosophy Society Spanish study visit Yoga Junior Discos Geographical Society School newspaper Swiss Ball Film Nights History Society Circus Skills Dance classes Quiz nights Politics Society Theatre lighting/sound Clay Target Shooting Investment Club Stage set/design/build Fencing Biology Challenge & Olympiad Archive Triathlon Russian Conversation Stratford Trip Bushcraft Italian Conversation Imperial War Museum Trip Orienteering Science & technology project awards Canyoning Bank of England / Times business Competition Bothy trips St Johnstone Supporters Club Athlete development programme 13

14 Application Process The main contact for Admissions to Glenalmond is the school s Registrar, Mr Mike Jeffers. Telephone: +44 (0) registrar@glenalmondcollege.co.uk The main entry points for pupils to Glenalmond are in Third Form, Fourth Form and Lower Sixth Form (usually age 13, 14 and 16). SECOND FORM (YEAR 8, AGE 12) Entry to the Second Form is subject to our own academic assessment, which involves basic tests in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. These tests are taken in February, although they can be offered at other times by arrangement with the Registrar. Pupils wishing to enter this form should be 11 years old by 30th April preceeding the year of entry. Please apply to the Registrar for an application form for Second Form. THIRD FORM (YEAR 9, AGE 13) International prospective pupils take our own assessment tests in basic English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. A reference is required from the applicant's current school and we will look at school reports for the last two years. 14

15 FOURTH FORM (YEAR 10, AGE 14) GCSE PROGRAMME At 14+ pupils enter immediately into the two year GCSE course and are assessed through our own basic tests and by recommendation from their current schools. We will look at school reports for the last two years. FIFTH FORM (YEAR 11, AGE 15) Entry directly into the Fifth Form (halfway through GCSE courses) can pose problems with preparation for these examinations, but applications at this stage are considered on merit. SIXTH FORM (YEARS 12 AND 13, AGE 16-18) A LEVEL PROGRAMME For entry into the two year A Level Course, the minimum entry requirement is 5 GCSE grades at B or above, or equivalent Standard Grade/Intermediate 2 scores. In certain subjects (e.g. Maths) an A grade at GCSE would normally be expected. For pupils who have not sat GCSE exams, we will look at school reports and ask pupils to sit our own exams in Mathematics and English. ADDITIONAL ENTRY CRITERIA FOR THOSE WHOSE FIRST LANGUAGE IS NOT ENGLISH For those whose first language is not English, we expect, as a minimum, an Intermediate standard (IELTS Grade 4 or equivalent) of written and spoken English in order for pupils to be able to meet the requirements of academic courses. Please contact the Registrar ( registrar@glenalmondcollege.co.uk ) For international pupils of all ages, we will normally arrange a Skype interview with the Registrar. 15

16 Fees Boarding fees: per term (3 terms per year) ( ) * There is an additional premium for pupils entering direct to the Sixth Form. This equates to 10% of one year s fee, and can be split over the two years of Sixth Form. These fees include boarding accommodation, food, tuition, reporting and pastoral care. They also cover include costs that are common to all pupils, such as the expenses of games, activities, membership of the CCF, use of the library, initial stationery pack, laundry and sewing Registration fee (non-refundable): 50 Refundable deposit EU (offset against final bill): 500 Refundable deposit non-eu (offset against final bill): 3000 Fees are payable termly in advance in equal amounts; extras are charged in arrears. Each invoice must be paid in full by the first day of term. Other methods for payment of fees by instalments are available; details can be obtained from the Director of Finance. A full term's notice is required when removing a pupil from the school or a term's fee in lieu will be due and payable. The school also offers a "Fees in Advance" scheme. Through this scheme, lump sums can be paid in advance to cover part or all of the estimated cost of a pupil's fee. Other items incurred by the pupil will be charged as Extras and include such costs as: Music Lessons per 35 minute lesson Instrument Hire per term Percussion Hire per term Learning Support (one to one) per 55 minute lesson Learning Support (one to one) per 35 minute lesson Learning Support Initial Assessment English as an Additional Language per 55 minute lesson English as an Additional Language per 35 minute lesson Private Tuition (one to one) per 55 minute lesson Private Tuition (one to one) per 35 minute lesson Leave Out accommodation (per night) Sixth Form Centre per term (Sixth Form) Sibling Discount Automatic sibling discounts are offered to the third child (25%) and to the fourth child (50%) when all children are at the school concurrently. 16

17 Term Dates Michaelmas Term 2015 Tuesday 1 September Saturday 12 December Half Term: Thursday 15 October Sunday 15 October Lent Term 2016 Wednesday 6 January Wednesday 23 March Half Term: Friday 12 February Sunday 21 February Trinity Term 2016 Tuesday 19 April Saturday 2 July Half Term: Friday 27 May Sunday 5 June 17