International Handbook 2024-2025

International Handbook

2024-25

Welcome to King’s Ely

Introduction

At King’s Ely, international students have been part of a unique educational experience dating back over 1000 years. With over 45 nationalities represented within the school we are proud of our strong sense of international community.

Our international students live, learn, and lead alongside British students in every aspect of their British boarding school life. Made up of so many backgrounds and beliefs, students forge firm friendships as lively members of kind and homely boarding community.

Ely to Stansted

72km – 75 minutes

Ely to Heathrow

165km – 110 minutes

Ely to Gatwick

177km – 120 minutes

Helpfully, we also offer an intense, fast-track one year IGCSE programme. This provides the perfect academic pre-A level preparation where students can take up to 7 IGCSEs in small, international classes. It also offers the flexibility of attending King’s Ely for one or two terms as the perfect ‘taste’ of British Boarding.

Whether in the mainstream or progressing from the one-year IGCSE programme our international students learn inquisitively and innovatively to achieve both academic and personal success. We look forward to meeting and speaking to you soon to discuss your international application further.

Matthew Norbury Director for International Students

The British Curriculum

Diagram to show how international programmes are part of the British Curriculum: Years 3-6

• Ages 7-10

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• Age 11-12

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• Age 17-18

• Age 18-21

• Age 21-22

• Master’s Degree (MA, MSc, MPhil)

• Age 22-26

• Doctorate (PhD)

In mainstream, GCSEs often start studying the content of science and language courses in Year 9. A levels are now 2-year linear courses with no exams at the end of Year 12.

English Levels

The most important aspect of success in the British Curriculum is the applicant’s English level. All applicants are tested using an online English language test that checks reading, vocabulary and writing. In addition, successful candidates will be interviewed either on Skype or face to face where possible.

English level CEFR (Common European Framework for languages)

Proficient C2

Cambridge King’s Ely Entry

UK Qualifications

CPE (Cambridge Proficiency in English test)

Advanced C1 CAE (Cambridge Advanced English test)

Upper Intermediate B2.0 - B2.3 First

Upper Intermediate B2.0 - B2.3 First

Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate A2 to B1.3

KET (Key English Test)

• Any year group: native speaker level

• Year 12 A level Mainstream Programme

• Year 11i One Year IGCSE Programme

• Years 9i and 10i

Mainstream International Programme

• King’s Ely Prep Years 3-8 Mainstream International Programme

• IGCSE First Language English A*

• IELTS 8+

• IGCSE ESOL Grade A*

• IGCSE First Language English A-C

• IELTS 6+

• IGCSE ESOL Grade A-C

• IELTS 5.5+

• IGCSE ESOL Grade A-C

• IELTS 5.5+

• IELTS 3-4

Years 3i-6i (Mainstream International Programme)

What is it?

It is a bespoke programme focused on equipping students with the language and skills needed to fully access the mainstream British curriculum appropriate to their age group.

Who is it for?

Any nationality with at least a low A2 level of English aged 7-10.

How many subjects are available?

Students follow a core British curriculum but will have up to six lessons of English (ESOL) teaching in place of up to six curriculum lessons.

Is this a study centre programme?

No. It is fully integrated into the mainstream Prep school.

Where do I live?

All international students live in a Prep Boarding House with British students.

Do I have to be a boarder?

No. If your family live nearby you can be a day pupil.

Will I automatically progress to Year 7 full British mainstream?

It depends. International students will have their English language level assessed and their support tailored as they progress through Years 3i to 6i. In March and June of Year 6i international students will have their language level assessed and a plan for Year 7 will be discussed.

For more information about KEP mainstream courses, please refer to the KEP handbook.

Course Details:

Year 3-6 King’s Ely Prep International Programme

Name of Course General mainstream curriculum with support course

English Level needed High A1 (Elementary) to B1 (Intermediate)

Entry point Usually September (December or April if spaces are available)

Age upon entry Usually the age appropriate year group

Course length As long as needed. Students transfer to the full KEP mainstream curriculum when support is no longer required.

Compulsory Subjects As the mainstream curriculum with ESOL in place of English lessons.

English lessons per week (ESOL)

In addition to immersion into mainstream lessons, each KEPi student receives a bespoke package of ESOL teaching.

Transition to KEP general curriculum As each student’s English progresses at a different speed, support is reviewed regularly and decreased as the student progresses.

Full integration into school life YES: activities, assembly, cathedral, charity action events, clubs, competitions, games, music, sport, trips

Years 7i-8i (Mainstream International Programme)

What is it?

It is a tailored programme focused on equipping students with the language and skills needed to fully immerse into a mainstream British curriculum.

Who is it for?

Any nationality with at least a low A2 level of English aged 11-13.

How many subjects are available?

Students follow a core British curriculum with ESOL in place of English lessons. They will take one modern foreign language instead of two. Pupils will take the Trinity College London ISE (B1) exam.

Is this a study centre programme?

No. It is fully integrated into the main Prep school.

Where do I live?

All international students live in a Prep Boarding House with British students.

Do I have to be a boarder?

No. If your family live nearby you can be a day pupil.

Will I automatically progress to Year 9 full British mainstream?

It depends. In March and June of Year 8i international students will have their English level re-assessed. For a few students they may be able to progress to mainstream Year 9 with 3 lessons of ESOL support but for most, Year 9i with 6.5 lessons per week of ESOL lessons will be the best option.

For more information about KEP mainstream courses, please refer to the KEP handbook.

Course Details:

Year 7 & 8 King’s Ely Prep International Programme

Name of Course General mainstream curriculum with support course

English Level needed Low A2 (Elementary) to low B2 (Upper-Intermediate)

Entry point Usually September (December or April if spaces are available)

Age upon entry Usually 11 by September 1st of that year

Course length Up to 2 academic years. Students transfer to the full KEP mainstream curriculum when support is no longer required.

Compulsory Subjects ESOL, maths, science, geography, history, religious studies (RS), Latin/ classics, one modern foreign language (French, German, Spanish), Computing/ ICT, physical education (PE), games, PSHE (personal, social and health education), art/ design technology/ food technology, drama

English lessons per week (ESOL) Up to 8 depending on support needed. Many students take 6 with 2 lessons of in-class support.

Transition to KEP general curriculum As each student’s English progresses at a different speed, support is reviewed regularly and decreased as the student progresses.

Full integration into school life YES: activities, assembly, cathedral, charity action events, clubs, competitions, games, music, sport, trips

Year 9i (Mainstream International Programme)

What is it?

A programme for 13-year-old international students who use English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL). It is a main school curriculum programme designed to support students whose level of English needs increasing while still accessing the full range of a British education curriculum. In English, Maths and the Sciences, it is also the starting point for GCSE subject content.

Who

is it for?

Any nationality with at least a B1.3 - 2.0 level of English language aged 13 by the September of Year 9. These students need not have studied in the UK before or they may be transitioning from Year 8 in the British system but still need more English language support.

How many subjects are available?

Students will study a full British curriculum but will have up to 7 additional lessons of English (ESOL) teaching in place of up to 7 curriculum lessons (4 x Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), 2 x History and 1 x Classical Civilization). Students on this programme can still study up to 12 subjects in total. They will also take the Trinity College London ISE 11 (B2) exam.

Please be aware that ESOL lessons are charged separately. A full breakdown of charges appears within the Fees section of the school website.

Is this a study centre programme?

No. This is a fully integrated, mainstream, British Curriculum programme.

Is it only for boarders?

No. There are both Day and Boarding options and fees available.

Will I automatically progress to Year 10 full British mainstream?

It depends. In March and June of Year 9i international students will have their English level re-assessed. A few may be able to progress to Year 10 British mainstream with up to 3 ESOL lessons per week. For most, they will continue with 10i and 7.5 lessons of language support. In addition all international students will be guided towards the most appropriate combination of GCSE subject options.

For more information about KES mainstream courses, please refer to the Year 9 curriculum handbook.

Course Details:

Year 9i (Mainstream International Programme

Name of Course Year 9 Programme for International Speakers of English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL)

English Level needed B1.3 – B2 (high intermediate to upper intermediate) This will be tested with a school online test and Skype interview

Entry point September ONLY

Age upon entry 13 (by 1st September of that year)

Course length 1 year (3 terms) with progression expected to Year 10 and 11 for GCSEs and then to King’s Ely Sixth Form

Subjects taken 13

Additional Activities Ely Scheme Challenge: outdoor education including climbing, assault course, team work, camping, problem solving

Compulsory subjects 3: English and ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language); Maths and Religious Studies

Other subjects Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, Music, Art, Textiles

Optional Subjects Design & Technology or Food & Nutrition + can choose language pathway 1 or 2 MFL

British contextual knowledge Useful for: History, Geography and Religious Studies

English lessons per week 11 in total 4 mainstream English 7 additional ESOL

Lessons per curriculum subject 1-3 depending on subject

Full integration into school life YES: e.g. boarding, games, activities, music, sport, events, cathedral, assembly, trips, competitions, talks, presentations

Year 10i (Mainstream International Programme)

What is it?

The start of a 2-year programme for 14-year-old international students who use English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL). It is full academic and pastoral integration into King’s Ely for the traditional 2-year GCSE programme with bespoke curriculum and language support.

Who is it for?

Any nationality with at least a B2.2 (strong upper intermediate) level of English and an age-appropriate Maths level committed to a full 2-year GCSE programme.

How many subjects are available?

Students follow a main school timetable with up to 8 GCSEs. Depending on English language level, international students will take either English Language, English Literature or ESOL with the necessary bespoke language support. A modern foreign language (French, Spanish or German) may also be taken depending on language level in that subject. They will take Maths, two sciences, and 4 option blocks. They will also take the Cambridge First if they are on the full-time ESOL course.

Please be aware that ESOL lessons are charged separately. A full breakdown of charges appears within the Fees section of the school website.

Is this a separate international programme?

No. It is fully integrated into the main school where the curriculum of any international student is designed with language support and subject choices to match their ability, needs and interests.

Where do I live?

All international students live in boarding houses with British students.

Do I have to be a boarder?

No. If your family live nearby you can be a day pupil.

Will I automatically progress to Year 11 full British mainstream?

No. At this stage, GCSE subject options have been fixed and it is impossible to start new GCSEs in Year 11.

For more information about KES mainstream courses, please refer to the GCSE curriculum handbook.

Course Details:

Year 10i (Mainstream International Programme)

Name of Course GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) England and Wales

English Level needed B2.2 (High upper intermediate) This will be tested with a school online test and Skype interview

Entry point September ONLY for Year 10i start

Age upon entry 14 (by 1st September of that year)

Course length 2 years (6 terms) with final GCSE exams in the summer term of Year 11

Subjects taken 10-12 depending on English language and Maths levels, Double or Triple Science and if any modern foreign languages are chosen.

Additional Activities International students will have access to all main school sports, music, pastoral and extra-curricular activities

Compulsory subjects 3 aspects Maths and English are compulsory GCSEs and all students must take either Double or Triple Science

Optional Subjects Art & Design (ONE from: fine art, photography or textiles), business studies, classical civilisation, computer science, engineering & 3D design, food preparation & nutrition, drama, geography, history, Latin, music, MFL (ONE from: French, German, Spanish), physical education

British contextual knowledge Useful for: Business Studies, History and Geography

English lessons per week Up to 7.5 per week depending on level. English language, English literature or English as a Second Language are possible

Lessons per curriculum subject 2-3 depending on subject

Full integration into school life YES: e.g. boarding, games, activities, music, sport, events, cathedral, assembly, trips, competitions, talks, presentations

Year 11i (One-Year IGCSE Programme)

What is it?

The King’s Ely One-Year IGCSE programme is perfect preparation for successful A levels and achieving the best results needed for first choice UK and global universities.

Starting in September each year, exams are taken in the third term from late April to late June.

Who is it for?

Any nationality with at least a B2 level of English language aged 15-16. In the past students have come from over 30 countries including the USA, Canada, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, Peru, Latvia and Ukraine.

The one-year IGCSE programme is an intense twoterm course for students whose mother tongue is not English or for British and other native speakers who have been studying in international schools abroad and wish to re-join the UK system.

How many subjects are available?

In addition to Maths and English, students can choose 3 options from 7 academic subjects which are popular with and relevant to international learners. Furthermore, one-year students can choose ONE art subject to take as a pre-A level preparation course. Some European languages can be studied after lessons at an additional cost.

Is this a study centre programme?

No. One-year IGCSE students are fully integrated into all aspects of main school life: boarding houses, sport, music, and all King’s Ely events and activities. They flourish, and are valued, as part of the whole school community.

Where do I live?

All one-year IGCSE students live in boarding houses with British students.

Do I have to be a boarder?

No. If your family live nearby you can be a day pupil.

Will I automatically progress to A levels at King’s Ely?

It depends. King’s Ely expects at least a grade 6 result in subjects at GCSE to be considered for A levels. Furthermore, for A level Maths and Science a grade 7 is required. All one-year students expected to achieve such results will be offered a place in Year 12. Other students will be supported to apply for alternative courses elsewhere.

For more details about the one-year curriculum please see page 19 of this handbook.

Course Details

Year 11i (One-year IGCSE Programme)

Name of course International General Certificate of Secondary Education

English Level needed B2 (Upper Intermediate) and above

Entry point September ONLY for the one-year IGCSE programme

Age upon entry 15 to 16 (on 1st September of that year)

Course length 1 year (3 terms)

Subjects taken An average of 6 depending on Maths and English level.

Orientation to the school, Ely & Cambridge Yes – Testing, induction and orientation before starting IGSCE lessons in September

Career and Subject Choice Advice Yes – full online personal profile tests with a 1:1 interview afterwards to explain the results

Transition to A levels Yes – advice on A level subject choices, A level taster lessons, A level move up morning plus ongoing academic mentoring

Compulsory subjects 2: English/ESOL and Maths

Other subjects GSCEs: THREE from: Biology, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Business Studies, Economics, Psychology

Pre-A level: ONE from: Art, Textiles, Photography

At extra cost: Music lessons

British contextual knowledge None needed; can use examples from own country

Maximum class size 12 (with an average of 10 or fewer)

English lessons per week 9 (+ 1 Personal, Social and Health Education lesson: PSHE)

Lessons per curriculum subject 5 for Maths and each option.

Subject Option Choices For 1-Year IGCSE Course

The One-Year IGCSE Y11 timetable consists of 30 lessons plus 5 lessons of sport/activities per week. Between 5 and 7 (numbered below) GCSE subjects can be taken depending on ability and interests

a) There are 2 compulsory core subjects and PSHE:

1. ENGLISH IGCSE

ESOL or First Language (x 9 lessons + 3 study tasks)

2. MATHS IGCSE

AND Further Maths (set 1, subject 8) (x 5 lessons + 2 study tasks)

(Personal, Social & Health Education) (x 1 lesson but no exam)

b) Students then choose 3 option subjects: ONE subject each from A, B, C below Subjects are studied 5 times plus three 45-minute study tasks per week

c) Optional: Fine Art or Fashion & Textiles or Photography as a pre-A level course (2 lessons per week). You do not need to study A levels in these subjects.

6. PRE-A Level

6. PRE-A Level

d) Finally, IGCSE mother tongue exams can be arranged in certain languages. These subjects are not taught but students will be given past papers to practice from. The school will arrange for the exam to be taken and cover the cost of it.

7. e.g. Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, German and Second Language Russian

For reference, here are the exam boards and syllabus codes for all the IGCSE subjects

(CIE = ‘Cambridge International Examinations, Edex = Pearson Edexcel, AQA = The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)

Reporting Calendar for Year 11i

One-Year IGCSE

programme

During your child’s academic year, King’s Ely will report and communicate with parents every 4-5 teaching weeks according to the following annual calendar:

September

• Induction

• Progress test

• Maths test to decide set

• English Test as benchmark

• Subject choices x 3

• Email home

• Test scores

• Effort scores

• Attainment Grades

• Term Test

• Progress test

• Full Report

• Test scores

• Effort marks

• Comments

• Current Attainment Grades

• Test scores

• Effort scores

• Attainment Grades

• Term Test

• IGCSE Exams

• Full Report

• Test scores

• Effort marks

• Comments

• Predicted IGCSE grades

• Oral tests in April

• Written papers start in May

• Exams until end of June

Final IGSCE results are released in the 3rd week of August and are emailed directly to you. Official GCSE Certificates are posted to students in November.

In addition, your child’s personal tutor is available every day via email should you need to discuss any individual matters including:

• Subject results

• Effort marks

• Predicted grades

• Personal academic targets

• Personal issues

• Future plans

Year 12 and 13 IELTS Academic English Programme

What is it?

4 lessons of 50 minutes each of academic English preparing A level international students for their IELTS test. All lessons are taught by IELTS language teaching specialists

Who is it for?

Any international student in Year 12 or 13 who needs an IELTS test score to enter a UK university

What other support is available?

In addition to the 4 IELTs lessons, international A level students can opt to receive 2 lessons of 50 minutes each per week of English language support for their specific A level subjects

Do I have to pay extra for this?

No, all 6 weekly lessons above are included in the standard school fees

Are these lessons after school or in my free time?

No. All lessons are part of the normal school timetable for Year 12 and Year 13

How long do I have to study IELTS for?

It depends on your language level at the start of year 12. For students with very high levels of English, they may be able to achieve the desired IELTS score after 3 months. Other students may need more than one academic year.

Year 12-13 IELTS Academic English

Entry point

September in Year 12

Age upon entry 16-17

Course length

Variable but at least 12 weeks

Maximum class size 12

Lessons per week 4 IELTS (+ 2 for optional subject support)

King’s Ely Learning Habits Framework

Resilient Learners:

• seek effective alternative strategies when the solution to any aspect of work is not immediately obvious

• are prepared to risk experimenting with new approaches and try new things in order to improve

RESILIENCE

COLLABORATION

• will try again if not successful the first time, showing patience and perseverance.

Collaborative Learners:

• know that it is advantageous to work with others and consider other viewpoints

• respect and value the input of other cultures, nationalities and religious perspectives

• seek out the resources needed for a task, whether they are electronic or more traditional sources of knowledge.

Creative and Curious Learners:

• are able to ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and satisfy their curiosity

• want to find out the answers beyond the work set or expected

CREATIVITY & CURIOSITY

REFLECTION

• generate ideas, explore possibilities and consider alternative ways of presenting information.

Reflective Learners:

• take time to think about how their own work can be improved and act upon it

• seek out advice from teachers when necessary

• listen to, consider and act upon feedback from teachers and peers.

International Boarding

All our international students benefit from a fully integrated experience in our boarding houses with British full and flexi-boarders as well as some day students. In Years 9-11 there is a maximum of 3-4 to a room whilst our A level students benefit from single or double rooms in Year 12 and mostly single rooms inYear 13. There is a programme of Saturday and Sunday events including a number of full day trips as well as options during the week to access the school gym, sports hall, library as well as art and music facilities in the evenings. An example of our weekend and activity options for our boarders aged 13 to 18 is illustrated below:

Boarding house activities include, but are not limited to:

• Cookery or food nights e.g. barbecues, cupcakes, noodles or pizza

• The King’s Ely House Music Competition

• Themed parties e.g. talent night, jazz music night, and charity events

• Games nights – e.g. pool, table football or chess, quiz nights

• Laser tag, paintballing, Clip and Climb, Stately home visits

• House sports competitions e.g. dodgeball, volleyball, table tennis and swing ball, basketball

• National celebration nights e.g. Burn’s Night (Scotland), Chinese New Year, Easter Egg Hunts and Secret Santa

• House cinema trips

• Park Runs

University statistics 2023

King’s Ely students consistently secure a place at their first choice university, not just in the UK, but across the world.

3 students taking up places at Oxford or Cambridge

UK destinations

58 different courses being studied

UK universities

International destinations include Paris, New York and Chicago to study film making, art and design.

98%

of our students at their firm choice Higher Education Institute

o n servatoires (Drama)and A r t

Exam Statistics 2023

King’s Ely students consistently achieve superb A-Level results, which is reflected in the 2022 results below

26% A*& A

24 pupils have achieved all A* and A grades in their subjects

69 students have secured all A*-B grades

Higher Education Destinations

Our students are studying at 54 different Higher Education Institutes this year

King’s

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admissions@kingely.org

www.kingsely.org