Age range:

11-17

Start Date:

September, January or April

Duration:

From 1 term to 2 years

Levels:

From beginner level

Background

The Foundation Course for UK Boarding Schools is aimed at students who want to move on to a boarding school at the earliest opportunity. Depending on their English Language level, their age, their motivation and other factors, they may stay for between one term and two years. The programme is particularly useful for students whose English language is not sufficiently developed or who would benefit from a period of study, cultural adjustment, and consolidation before moving on to another school.

The Foundation Course for UK Boarding Schools  prepares students for entry to schools and colleges in the United Kingdom by strengthening the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills necessary for successful communication in the English speaking world, as well as the study skills needed for academic success. Students extend vocabulary through authentic use of language in academic school subjects.

Features and support

There are 25 hours of tuition per week, plus 7.5 hours of homework Monday to Thursday and Sunday evening. In terms of academic support, students have their own Personal Tutor and receive daily tutorials and targets to focus their learning. In addition, the programme gives an authentic experience of boarding school life and study.  The course may also lead to an internationally recognized English Language qualification.

Entrance Criteria

Satisfactory reports from their current school showing good attendance and behaviour in school and a positive attitude to academic work.

Courses

All Foundation Course for UK Boarding Schools students focus on academic skills like note-taking, essay writing and classroom debate while developing communication skills and grammar in a full curriculum of subjects from the following groups:

Core

• English Language
• Maths
• Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)
• Art and Design
• Global Perspectives

Additional subjects offered

• Business Studies
• Environmental Studies
• History
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Physical Education
• Music

Placement

Students are tested in English and Maths upon arrival at Alexanders. Placement into the UK Boarding School Foundation Programme is based on the results of their English and Maths test.

Beginner students (F1) - will start in a class where they will concentrate on improving their English Language level using a variety of subjects as sources of vocabulary and practice. The content of each subject will follow the general syllabus of the corresponding GCSE subjects, made accessible to students who have not yet reached the required level in English language or have limited syllabus knowledge.

Elementary Level (F2) and Pre-intermediate Level (F3) students - will concentrate on language in a core of subjects that may lead to Entry Level examinations.

Entry Level Certificate (ELC)

Alexanders offers The Entry Level Certificate for students who demonstrate success in particular subjects of the Foundation Course for UK Boarding Schools programme. These tests are administered in May/June.

The Entry Level Certificate is a good preparation tool for the second language learner, providing an opportunity to study, research, and produce assessment work, and learn the skills needed to prepare for and take an examination in the British Educational system.

Entry Level Certificate Subjects include:

• Business Studies
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Maths
• Science

Foundation Course for UK Boarding Schools students can also be entered for English language examinations (Cambridge University Key English Test, Preliminary English Test, First Certificate and IELTS) during their stay at Alexanders.