12 – 14 year olds
English level: Intermediate to Advanced
GCSE Explorers Summer Courses are designed to help students gain an excellent preparation for their IGCSEs/GSCEs, Middle Years Programme (MYP), or equivalent courses through cross-curricular and project-based learning. It’s ideal for international students who want to taste the variety of subjects offered in the British education system.
Students will study 30 hours a week including four 75-minute lessons Monday-Friday with lectures, workshops, assemblies, educational visits and tutor time. The course is based on IGCSE/GCSE Curriculum, integrating a spectrum of subjects: English, Applied Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, Humanities and Art. Lessons integrate theory and practice, combining classroom instructions and practical workshops and experiments in the laboratories. Students are assessed on academic performance and attitude towards learning in lessons and this assessment is documented in the student’s weekly report.
GCSE Explorers Summer Courses fully integrate English language learning and academic subject study through European ground-breaking teaching method – Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). The core curriculum of this effective dual learnings is based on the 4Cs – Content, Cognition, Communication and Culture.
The programme also includes 20-hour of a CPD accredited Be a Leader programme, to help students develop critical thinking, communication, negotiation, problem-solving and presentation skills.
Course Essentials:
GCSE Explorers Summer Courses consist of a well-balanced programme of academic tuitions, activities, sports and excursions. The weekly programme includes:
- 60 hours of tuition over 2 weeks
- 20 hours of Be a Leader programme (CPD accredited)
- Lectures, workshops, laboratory experiments, educational visits and Personal Best tutor time
- Full activity and social programme
- 5 full day excursions over 2 weeks
- Weekly study report
- Maximum class size of 15 students
- Comprehensive Insurance
- Airport transfers (between 09:00 and 17:00)
- Optional Horse-riding £60/hour
GCSE Curriculum:
GCSE Explorers Summer Courses encompasses a diverse range of GCSE subjects including English, Applied Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, Humanities and Art. Taught by inspiring subject teachers. Lessons are cross-curricular centred around a captivating weekly theme, such as the following:
Activities and Excursions:
Outside classroom, students will improve language skills and learn new skills through an action packed social programme with a wide range of sporting, cultural and entertaining activities. In addition, excursions are a vital part of the summer experience for international students to gain a cultural understanding of the UK alongside academic study.
The followings are structured leisure programmes including sports, evening activities and weekend trips.
Below is a typical two-week sample timetable and a typical day of GCSE Explorers Summer Courses.
Boarding:Students stay in Sidcot School boarding houses with single and double rooms. Girls and boys are accommodated in separate boarding houses which are close to both the classrooms and dining room.
A team of friendly staff will stay with the students to look after them in the evenings and is on duty throughout the night. The Sidcot School nurse is also on call twenty-four hours a day.
Meals:
Well balanced, nutritious three cooked meals a day are provided in the college refectory. Packed lunches are provided for excursions.
Facilities:Sidcot has an inspirational environment with fantastic facilities spread over 160 acres of rolling Mendip Hills. Excellent sports facilities including a swimming pool, good IT facilities and wireless access throughout the campus, a library, a new creative arts block with extensive drama, art and music facilities. There are students’ lounges, kitchens and laundry facilities in the accommodation.
Laundry:
Laundry is done once a week. All bed linen is provided and is laundered once a week. Towels are not provided.Established in 1699, Sidcot School is a lively and popular independent boarding and day school where students work hard and achieve excellent results. The school is a non-selective all-through school for boys and girls aged 3 – 18.
The School is situated in the heart of glorious Somerset, the south-west of England, surrounded by some stunning countryside. Sidcot benefits from being situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty whilst being within easy access of the two major cultural centres or Bristol and Bath. The coast at Weston-super-Mare is 8 miles away, and it is only two hours from London.Sidcot’s beautiful 160-acre countryside campus is home to over 500 students. Sidcot encourages children to make a difference in the world through teaching them to live their lives adventurously, to question and to take action. They celebrate individuality, creativity, and challenge students to think with greater depth to reach a better understanding of themselves and the world they live in. Students are encouraged to be outward looking and adventurous, to participate fully in the life of the school and to be of service to the community. The focus is put on finding the best in everyone.
Sidcot School is always pride of offering a range of extra-curricular activities with excitement, diversity, challenge and rigour within a safe and supportive framework. ‘PASS’ (Programme of Activities for Sidcot School) is a very special co-curricular initiative based on key values of integrity, stewardship, self-reflection, adventure and community. A range of exciting activities are embedded at the heart of the curriculum and are focused on bringing these values to life. Every Year Group will be involved in a unique and tailored range of activities every Wednesday afternoon throughout the year.Sidcot School is one of seven Quaker schools in England with the belief that there is ‘that of God’ in every person. As well as offering an education based on Quaker values, Sidcot is one of only a few schools in the UK to offer a choice of three pathways at sixth form (A Levels, IB and BTEC). Sidcot students perform well in both GCSE and IB exams, and the level of academic excellence is all the more impressive as this is a non-selective school with students of all strengths and abilities. Typically, over half of its students go to Russell Group universities, and nearly 94% students received offers from their preferred choice of university.
The pastoral care, gentle approach to learning and determination to ensure inclusivity make this a kind and accepting community where opportunities are broad and curious exploration of each wholeheartedly encouraged. This is a school where learning is fun not forced, persuasive not pressured, ‘absolutely not a hothouse,’ glowed parents. – The Good School Guide Review
