Rishworth School International Study Stream

This information is best understood with reference to Rishworth School’s Prospectus, Handbooks and Coursebooks (all available on request from the School)

What is Rishworth School International Study Stream?

• A pre-A level course for overseas students
• An integrated part of Rishworth School, founded in 1724
• A preparation for A levels at Rishworth School

What is the course designed to help overseas students to do?

• Improve their English
• Integrate quickly into British culture and society
• Acquire qualifications in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) with the University of Cambridge
• Succeed at A level
• Go to a good British University

Who can enrol on Rishworth School International Study Stream?

• Students aged 16 or 17 whose first language is not English
• Students who wish to raise quickly the standard of their English in order to gain the A level qualifications (normally in three A level subjects) that will give access to a good British University
• Students whose initial level of English, after assessment, is of at least an Intermediate level.

What do we offer?

Since A level courses all begin in September, most students start in September (Entry Point C).  However, there are three possible entry-points during the year.  Students must be aware that if they do not have enough time to reach the required standard of English they will not be able to go on to take A levels at Rishworth School.

ENTRY POINT A

1 term plus 2 years

Begin: April

Length of Intensive EFL course as preparation for A level: one term (April- July)

Length of A level course: 2 years

ENTRY POINT B

2 terms plus 2 years

Begin: January

Length of Intensive EFL course as preparation for A level: two terms (January - July)

Length of A level course: 2 years

ENTRY POINT C

3 terms plus 2 years (i.e. 3 years)

Begin: September

Length of Intensive EFL course as preparation for A level: three terms (September - July)

Possibility of some AS classes in the first year, at least to give students a head start if these classes have to be begun again in the second year

Length of A level course: 2 years

How do we provide for our International Study Stream students?

• Resident as any other boarder in our boarding houses, students benefit personally, socially, culturally and linguistically from full integration with native English-speaking students. During day-school hours also, overseas students learning English as a Foreign Language are not placed in a separate Study Centre: outside their EFL tuition, they mix fully with the School’s native English-speaking students both in A level lessons and out of class. 
• Students initially follow an intensive course of EFL tuition, whilst also experiencing some main-curricular lessons and following the whole of the out-of-class activity and boarders’ educational enrichment programmes.  The latter  include a very wide choice of sporting, musical and other activities using the School’s superb facilities, cultural visits to British towns and cities, leisure trips to cinemas, shopping malls and fun-parks, a residential leadership and team-building course in the Lake District, opportunities for taking on areas of responsibility in school, and formal training for Prefecture.
• The balance between the specialist EFL tuition and main-curricular study is determined through an Individual Programme of Study for each student, tailored to suit that student’s personal needs and potential.
• Each student will have to pass the necessary EFL Entry Assessment at the correct grade before being able to embark upon A level study.  This may take one, two or three terms.  Most students succeed, but those who do not make the grade in EFL are not permitted to proceed to A level.  Some who only just make the grade in EFL may be advised or required to follow a reduced programme at A level.  Where this happens it is because this will be the best way for that student to optimise results and obtain a university place.
• Each student may therefore expect to spend a total of up to three years (up to one year of which is preparatory and strongly orientated towards EFL) at the School in order to gain A level qualifications.
• After the initial, intensive EFL course (of one, two or three terms), EFL tuition still continues where necessary, but less intensively.
• Through regular reports and grades as well as personal e-mail and telephone contact (as necessary), parents are kept informed of students’ progress, which is monitored carefully.  If a student does not meet the required standard after 3 terms, that student is given advice on more suitable courses.

Contact information

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