INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS' GUIDE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ GUIDE
WELCOME TO VARNDEAN
COLLEGE
Varndean College is a sixth form Yanlei studied A Level Maths, Further Maths and
college in the north of Brighton,
Chemistry at Varndean from 2018-2020. She won
one of the most vibrant cities
in the UK. The College campus a Gold medal in the UK Senior Maths Challenge
is beautiful with its green and with a score of 102 points, the highest score of all
spacious grounds and an original Year 1 students, winning her a place in the British
1930s building. Students enjoy this
stimulating learning environment Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1). Yanlei is
and have a rich, wide-ranging and now studying Maths and Statistics at the University
enjoyable experience throughout of Warwick, after which she hopes to follow a postgraduate degree.
their time studying here. Yaniei from Zhejiang Province, China
Varndean’s aim is to develop
students into well-rounded, Runshi attended Varndean from 2017-2019 and
confident and free-thinking received a Distinction in BTEC Level 3 Business
individuals, who are aspirational
Studies and was offered a place at Queen Mary’s
and excited to move on to the next
stage of their lives. College, University of London to study Accounting
and Finance.
We have 1800 UK based students Runshi from Shanxi Province, China
and a small International
section of 100 students from 14
countries across the world. We Erjia attended Varndean from 2017-2019 and
offer 30 A Level subjects and
the International Baccalaureate received a Distinction* in BTEC Level 3 Dance and
Diploma as full two-year was offered a place at the prestigious London
programmes. We also offer shorter School of Contemporary Dance.
‘Study Abroad’ programmes for one
Erjia from Fenjtai District, China
term, one semester or one year.
2
ABOUT THE COLLEGE WHERE WE ARE
• Long history, founded in 1884.
• Welcomes 16–19 year olds.
• Study A Levels, BTECs or the International •
Baccalaureate Diploma.
•
• Study for 3, 6, 9 or 18 months – entry points are
•
September or January.
•
• Internationally recognised qualifications
including preparation for IELTS. •
• 1800 students per year, 100 international •
students from around 14 different countries. •
• 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.
• Varndean College is located in the city of Brighton
• Participate in any of our clubs, sports and
& Hove on the south coast of England.
societies including Art, Badminton, Basketball,
Creative Writing, Fitness, volunteering in various • Brighton has just over 11 million visitors a year.
projects, Netball, Funk Band, Origami, Poetry, (www.brighton-hove.gov.uk).
Politics Society and many more. You will take part • Brighton’s population is vibrant and diverse, with
in these activities alongside British students. 41% of residents aged 20-44 who are either
• Brand new £2.9m STEM centre opened in 2020. students or young professionals enjoying the
cutting edge entertainment and opportunities on
offer because of its proximity to London.
• Near the UK’s international airports - London
Gatwick ( 40 mins) and London Heathrow
(1hr 30mins).
£2.9m STEM Centre
3
COURSES AT VARNDEAN
A great choice of three subjects you can study, plus IELTS English classes – see the link for
entry requirements https://varndean.ac.uk/courses
A Levels (Level 3) Vocational Courses (Level 3)
• Art (Fine Art) • History - Early Modern • Biology (Applied)
• Biology • History - Modern • Business Studies
• Business Studies** • Law • Childcare & Education
• Chemistry • Maths** • Computer Games Development
• Classical Civilisaton • Maths - Further • Creative Media Production
• Computer Science • Media Studies • Criminology
• Design - 3D • Music Technology • Dance
• Design - Graphic Design • Philosophy • Engineering
• Drama & Theatre Studies • Photography** • Environmental Sustainability
• Economics • Physics • Health & Social Care
• English Language • Politics • Information Technology
• English Literature • Psychology • Law (Applied)
• Film Studies** • Sociology** • Performing Arts
• French • Spanish • Psychology (Applied)
• Geography • Textiles • Science (Applied)**
• German • Travel & Tourism
** These courses are available
International Baccalaureate at AS Level which is taken in
Diploma (Level3) one year (the equivalent to
An exciting alternative to A Levels half an A Level).
All one year short courses need
recognised worldwide.
to take at least one formal AS
A two year course where qualification as a requirement
students choose six subjects, one of the Student visa.
from each of the subject areas
shown opposite, as well as the Core Not available as January entry
date
Programme.
4
THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION PROCESS
You can apply directly to international@varndean.ac.uk, or you can apply through an agent.
1 Look at the information on our website 3 . You will receive a Conditional Offer. 5. Apply for your visa 7. You will receive an
https://varndean.ac.uk/international Please send the deposit within one (if applicable). Orientation Pack one
month. month before you arrive.
2. Download and complete the application 4. On receipt of the deposit, you 6. Pay the full fees 8. Your first day will
form. Email it, together with all documents will receive an Unconditional Offer at least one month be an Orientation
needed to international@vardnean.ac.uk and a draft CAS if applicable before arrival. Day.
WHAT ARE OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
A Levels
IELTS 5.5 and grades of B or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study
International Baccalaureate Diploma
IELTS 6.5 and grades of B or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study
Short Term Study Programme
IELTS 5.5 and grades of B or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study
5
UNIQUE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT
How we support you Clubs & Activities Varndean College tutors
• International students study • African & Caribbean Society are always looking after you,
alongside British students. • Chemistry Society seeing that you are alright
• We offer a weekly tutorial with • Christian Union and help you to make the
an experienced International • Community Links
right choices, the IB allows
tutor - 2:1 ratio. • Creative Writing
• Duke of Edinburgh you to do many interesting
• The International Office team
• Environmental Committee things in addition to your
offer advice and support for the
International students. • Feminist Society subjects.”
• Languages IB student Rebecca from Italy
• College progress and
• Law Society
attainment reports are issued
• Maths Challenge
3 times a year.
• Med/Vet/Dent Programme
• Online ‘real time’ student • Mentoring
management system (STS) • Music
which parents can access for • Oxbridge Support
academic information about • Performing Arts
their child. • Philosophy Society
• Host families service managed • Politics Society
by Varndean College. • Rainbow Alliance
• The support of a ‘Student • Raspberry Pi Club
Buddy’ network within college. • Sport & Fitness
• The College Additional • Storytelling Society
Support team for welfare and • Visual Arts
wellbeing. • Voice@varndean
https://varndean.ac.uk/support • Zareen Society
6
STUDENTS FROM 14 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
Country Total
Brazil 13 16%
Chile 1 1%
China 19 24%
I feel I have had a chance to breathe. I really Czech Republic 3 4%
loved studying three subjects in depth, instead France 1 1%
of the twelve subjects we study at home. I love Germany 2 3%
the hands-on practical lessons in Biology, and Hong Kong 2 3%
I feel I’ve really learnt a lot academically. But Italy 14 18%
also, I feel more confident because I have been Japan 6 8%
treated like a person not a number, like in my
Korea 9 11%
school in Italy.”
Norway 1 1%
B from Italy on Short Term Study Programme,
Russia 2 3%
Jan-May Semester
Slovakia 5 6%
Switzerland 1 1%
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come, my father sent me, saying it was an experience I didn’t want to miss.
I didn’t believe him. I have waited until the last day to say how I feel, but now I know I am transformed. To
be honest I was a little lazy – my parents did everything for me. Now I have learnt to look after myself in
so many ways. I really like the way the teachers at Varndean talk to you like a person, and want to know
your opinion. This is very different for me, and it took some time to really believe it! I love walking past the
Victorian houses in Brighton, with balconies and trees and the sea, it’s magical! This experience has opened
my eyes to the world of travel. And to myself. “
B from Slovakia on Short Term StudyProgramme, Jan-May Semester
I am really happy for the year. I have had lots of time to reflect, and feel more mature and expansive. I
have been able to reflect on my future path and my relationship with people at home. I want to go home and
engage with them better. I don’t feel so shy. My English accent has improved.”
L from Switzerland on Short Term Study Programme, Sept-June – three terms
7
ACCOMMODATION
• The International team offer a Host Family finder service.
• All our host families are visited by us and the houses and student rooms need to
be of a high standard.
• All members of the host family aged 18+ are police checked for safeguarding
with a DBS check.
• We choose hosts who live within a maximum walking distance of thirty minutes
from College. There are also many buses which can take you to and from your
host family and into Brighton.
• We ask the students to tell us if they would like a family with or without
children, with or without pets and what their hobbies are, so that we can match
students to appropriate families.
• The cost is included in the overall fees quoted.
• It is a very successful programme and our students are very happy.
“They are really friendly always keen to help. They treat you like a proper member of the family. They let you
be responsible and don’t tie your down a lot. They trust you. We talk all the time, they help me when I need
something.” Nina, Slovakian
“It’s a very friendly and caring host family. They like to communicate with me, ask questions, give advice. My
hosts like to help me with English, if there is something wrong with my pronunciation. They are very funny
and like to joke quite a lot.” Laura, Russian
“They always cook good meals. Also they have a lovely cat and an amazing garden.” Ziyi, Chinese
“They are accustomed to having international students, so they are able to give you all the space you need
and they are not strict. The dog, Bella, is beautiful.” Roberto, Italian
“This is a very kind family with lovely children. I have a very big room and the food the host mom cooks is
really good. I always feel free to ask anything and that makes me feel like home. I play with the children and
walk the dog.” Nina, Swiss
8
FEES 2021-22 (both EU and non-EU)
Two Year Programmes
*UKVI Student visa and UKVI IELTS are needed for all two year programmes for all students
Total cost:
Deadline for Deadline for
A Level and Level 3 Vocational Courses tuition fees, admin &
entry full payment
accommodation
1st year Wed 1 Sept 2021 to Fri 8 Jul 2022 £15,770 1 June 2021 1 Aug 2021
2nd year Thurs 1 Sept 2022 to Fri 7 Jul 2023 £15,550 1 June 2021 1 Aug 2021
Total cost of package over two years: £31.320
Total cost:
Deadline for Deadline for
International Baccalaureate tuition fees, admin &
entry full payment
accommodation
1st year Wed 1 Sept 2021 to Fri 8 Jul 2022 £18.620 1 June 2021 1 Aug 2021
2nd year Thurs 1 Sept 2022 to Fri 26 May 2023 £16,000 1 June 2021 1 Aug 2021
Total cost of package over two years: £34,620
Short Term Study Programmes
*UKVI Student visa and UKVI IELTS are needed for the one year programme
Total cost:
Deadline for Deadline for
Academic Year 2021 – 2022 tuition fees, admin &
entry full payment
accommodation
Wed 1 Sept 2021 - Fri 17 Dec 2021 £7,295 1 June 2021 1 Aug 2021
1 term
Tue 4 Jan 2022 - Fri 1 Apr 2022 £5,960 1 Nov 2021 1 Dec 2021
Wed 1 Sept 2021 - Fri 28 Jan 2022 £9,375 1 June 2021 1 Aug 2021
Semester
Tue 4 Jan 2022 - Fri 27 May 2022 £8,930 1 Nov 2021 1 Dec 2021
1 year Wed 1 Sept 2021 - Fri 8 Jul 2022 £15,770 1 June 2021 1 Aug 2021
• Tuition fees include: tuition in L3 courses (A Levels or Vocational or IB), administration fees, orientation
programme in first term and exam fees where applicable.
• Accommodation costs include: full-board accommodation in a host family, situated close to the college.
The accommodation costs are inclusive of all College holidays during the student’s period of stay.
• All students must stay in host family accomodation arranged either by Varndean College or by their agent.
• From 1 January 2021, a Student visa is needed for all students for periods of study longer than 6 months.
www.gov.uk/student-visa
• An IELTS UKVI official test is also needed for the CAS to be issued. www.ielts.org
9
BRIGHTON, THE COSMOPOLITAN CITY BY THE SEA …
Brighton is a cosmopolitan seaside resort on the British Airways i360
South coast, an hour south from London by train.
It’s a popular destination for holiday makers, day-
trippers and international students, as well being
a centre for many national and international
conferences.
It has a wide shingle beach and a lively seafront
with Regency-era buildings. There is never a
dull moment in Brighton and there are many
things to do, which include The Brighton Pier
(with many fairground rides, amusement arcades
and food kiosks), the British Airways i360 and
also the Brighton Marina. The spectacular and
majestic Regency place, The Royal Pavilion,
once home to the Prince Regent, George IV, is
also an interesting place to visit.
Brighton is famous for its wide range of shopping,
which includes the Bohemian style North Laines,
the quaint historic area called The Lanes and a
large indoor shopping centre Churchill Square.
It is also known for its colourful nightlife, arts
scene, outdoor events (e.g. Veteran Car Run,
Brighton Marathon, National Speed Trials) and
various festivals, notably The Brighton Festival
which takes place throughout May every year and
Brighton Pride in August.
Brighton Pier
10There are several theatres hosting weekly touring Transports Links
productions, as well as the The Brighton Centre,
Rail
a 5000 seat arena which holds a wide range of
The city is served by two main railway companies,
major concerts, sporting events, conferences and
Southern Rail and Thameslink, with direct trains from
exhibitiions.
Brighton to London Victoria station taking approximately
It is also easy to go out into nature and the 1 hr or to London Bridge station 1hr 10 mins.
countryside by visiting beautiful parks on the
Air
edge of the city, such as Stanmer Park and
London Gatwick Airport is just a 30 minute train
Preston Park, or travelling a short journey away
journey or 45 minute drive away.
to the South Downs and Devil’s Dyke, areas of
outstanding natural beauty. London Heathrow Airport is a 2 hour train journey or
90 min drive away.
Royal Pavilion
Stanmer Park
ORIENTATION PROGRAMME
During your first term we organise several
activities and trips which familiarise you with
Brighton and give you the opportunity to visit
many famous UK landmarks.
These include: a city tour of Brighton; a visit to
London which includes a walking tour around
famous places such as Buckingham Palace, the
Houses of Parliament, No 10 Downing Street, plus
a Thames river cruise; a trip to the famous city
of Oxford when you can walk around the historic
streets and colleges; a visit to the Harry Potter
Studios where you can see behind the scenes and
some of the cinematic secrets are revealed; an
evening at LaserZone where you can shoot each
other with lasers!; ice skating at Brighton’s Royal
Pavilion and a ‘flight’ on the British Airways i360
tower on Brighton seafront, the tallest moving
observation tower in the UK. We are very proud
of our orientation programme which is always
highly rated by our students.
11WHY COME TO VARNDEAN COLLEGE?
Impressive academic results Superb location on the South Coast
A Level Results
• In 2020, the overall pass rate at A level was • Situated in the vibrant city of Brighton & Hove.
99.3% with 63% achieving A*-B and 86% • An hour’s train journey from the capital city of
achieving A*-C. London.
• 97.8% of Visual Arts students achieved A*-C. • Good transport links, close to Gatwick Airport.
Our IB Results - far exceeding the world average Our students go on to study at the
• Varndean College’s average in 2020 was 36.26. UK’s top universities
• The world average in 2020 was 31.34.
• Varndean College’s five-year average from • 337 students with university offers in 2020.
2015-20 is 35.66. • 80 students went to Russell Group universities
in 2020.
Most importantly, it’s what our students say about their time here
“The overall atmosphere at Varndean is truly something to admire.”
“This experience has opened my eyes to the world of travel. And to myself.”
“Everyone at Varndean is incredibly friendly and I have made numerous friends. I will leave with the fondest of
memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am incredibly happy I came to Varndean.”
“I had the most amazing time at Varndean, the support and inspiration were definitive in my success. Also the
help that I received from my host family was so special, I even invited my host mum to my university graduation
ceremony.”
“I chose Varndean because I really liked the energy of the place. I also liked how they do not choose students
purely on academic achievements and really work on bringing out the best in everyone.”
For further information contact:
The International Team
international@varndean.ac.uk
Varndean College
Surrenden Road
Brighton, BN1 6WQ
Tel: +44 1273 546646
APPLY NOW!
The Application Form is available on
2019 Christmas Card design winner, Jiahui Yang from China
www.varndean.ac.uk/internationalYou can also read
