International students full-time prospectus 2016 - 2017

www.stdavidscollege.ac.uk

St David’s Catholic Sixth Form College

Coleg Catholig Dewi Sant Dosbarth Chwech

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General information

Why St David’s?Welcome to CardiffSubject choicesUniversity prospectsThe UK education system

Where will I live?

HousingWelcome to Penarth

Course information

A level coursesBTEC coursesInternational honours programmeEnglish language support

How to apply

Fees Student visasApplication process Contact details

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98% pass rate at A-Level, with 44%

at A grade (including the Welsh

Baccalaureate)

A UKBA Highly Trusted Sponsor, with

an International Manager to assist with student visa

applications

489 students progressed to University in

2014, to study subjects such as Medicine, Law,

Engineering, and Accountancy

Specialist British University advice and application

service, and on-site career

guidance service

Why St David’s?

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Welcome to Cardiff

Cardiff is one of the best cities in the world to visit*

Cardiff is a city of parks, and has more green space than any other UK cityIn 2011, Trip Advisor named Cardiff one of Britain’s best value cities for touristsCardiff has been named one of the best shopping destinations in the UKA recent survey found that Cardiff is a safer University city to live in than Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and LondonCardiff is the 2014 European Capital of SportHome to Malaysian-owned football club, Cardiff City

*National Geographic Magazine chose Cardiff as one of the 10 best places in the world to visit in 2011

Getting here from...3 miles, 13 minutes3 miles, 13 minutes16 miles, 40 minutes110 miles, 1 hr 50 mins135 miles, 2 hours170 miles, 2 hrs 40 mins

Cardiff bus stationCardiff train stationCardiff airportBirmingham airportHeathrow airport (London)Gatwick airport (London)

Cardiff is the capital and largest city in Wales and the ninth largest city in the UK. Cardiff is the major transport hub in Wales and is the focus for many road and rail routes that connect the city with the rest of Wales, and with England. Within Cardiff, there are excellent transport links around the city, including both commercial and college-owned bus services.

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Subject choices

A LevelsMaths or Double Maths and Economics, and one other subject

Maths, Art, and one other subject

Art & Design, Photography, and one other subject

Chemistry and Biology, and another Science subject or Maths

Maths and two other subjects

Maths, a Science subject, and ICT

Maths or Double Maths, Economics, and one other subject

Maths, Physics, and one other subject

Biology, Chemistry, and one other subject

Degree

Accountancy Finance

Architecture

Art & Design

BiologyBiochemistryChemistryPharmacy

Business

ComputingICT

Economics

EngineeringPhysics

EnvironmentalScience

A Levels

Double Maths, and one other subject

Chemistry, Biology, and Maths

Music and two other subjects

At least one Science subject

Degree

Mathematics

MedicineVeterinary ScienceDentistry

Music

Psychology

Most universities require three subjects at A level (known as A2), with an additional subject at AS level. St David’s College offers 35 AS and A level subjects, details of which can be found on page 8, or on our website. A levels require studying an offered A level subject over a two-year period and sitting for an examination at the end of each year (AS and A2, respectively).

Success rates are consistently high

Standards achieved are often well above national comparators

Learners often succeed at a level that is above predicted levels based on previous attainment

Estyn Inspection Report 2010

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University prospects

Russell Group Universities

The Russell Group comprises of the top universities across the UK. They are committed to the highest levels of academic excellence in both teaching and research.

St David’s College students consistently gain places at Russell Group universities including Kings College London, the University of Bristol, the University of Exeter, University College London, and of course, Cardiff University.

St David’s College is the biggest sixth form provider to Cardiff University in the UK.Almost20% ofourstudentswho attenduniversity,chooseCardiff University. Cardiff University

You will receive guidance and support throughout your AS and A level studies.

This includes: pre-arrival advice to ensure that your subject choices are right for you, individual progression advice from your Learner Coach, and help with your University application.

Tutors are responsible for guiding each of their tutees through the university admissions process; advising them on course requirements, encouraging them to attend university open days, marking drafts of personal statements, and supporting online applications.

The UK education system

Further Education

Level 3

-A level (AS & A2)-BTEC

Higher Education

Level 5

-University Foundation Degree

Level 6

-Bachelor Degree Level 7

-Masters Degree-Post Graduate Certificate-Post Graduate Diploma

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Housing

There are many web-sites available which advertise properties in the local area. Prices start at about £75* per week (room only).Alternatively, there are many private halls of residence situated all over the city.From £103* per week.Alternative options

Some families prefer to buy a property for their son or daughter to live in while they are studing with us. This has proved a popular option with families who expect to send more than one child to St David’s.For a more affordable option, some students choose to take advantage of a spare room in the home of family or friends already living in Cardiff.

and the student then uses a pre-paid card to buy their meal each day. This minimises the amount of money that the student needs to carry on their person.Each homestay is different and students are expected to abide by any curfues and rules put in place by their host.St David’s Catholic College has a list of approved homestay properties throughout Cardiff. If homestay is your chosen housing option, then please contact us for further details on the properties available.Homestay costs range from £120 - £140 per week*.Private renting

Students over the age of 18 may wish to privately rent a room in a student house or flat.

Cardiff has a number of housing options available to students, and St David’s College international team is happy to help find accommodation for any international student who requires it. Homestay

Homestay allows students to rent rooms in a local family home. This has many benefits including the opportunituy to improve English language skills, and to become familiar with the English and Welsh lifestyle. In a typical homestay situation the studentwould be provided with a private room complete with bed, workspace, and wardrobe. Breakfast and a hot evening meal the would also be supplied. The college has a choice of hot and cold food at lunch time. This can be paid for in advance

studentcastle.co.uk studentcastle.co.uk

*All prices correct at time of print 7

Welcome to

Penarth

Location

Many of our homestay properties are in the beautiful seaside town of Penarth, situated on the Bristol Channel. It is less than twenty minutes to St David’s College and just ten minutes to Cardiff town centre. The town itself is urban in character, but its coastal position commands some fine views of the Bristol Channel, including the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm, and the English coastline opposite.Transport

As well as by bus and train, Penarth can be reached from Cardiff City Centre by waterbus and from Cardiff Bay by waterbus or road train. There is also a dedicated St David’s College bus which serves Penarth during term-time.

Shops and restaurants

Penarth caters to a wide range of needs with local family owned shops and outlets as well as a number of nationally-known names. The traditional appearance and character of the town centre shopping area provides a welcome relief from the much larger city centre stores and shopping centres.

In addition to the more traditional shopping outlets, covering food and fashion, the shopper will find a wide variety of chemists, jewellers, bookshops and stationers, hairdressers, gift shops, antiques, and art galleries.

The seafront provides a café style quarter enabling customers to eat and drink ‘al fresco’.

Leisure activities & attractions

Glamorganshire Golf Club is located in Penarth and is considered to be one of the best courses in the area. Penarth also has two tennis clubs, an amateur boxing club, and a leisure centre which houses a full range of sporting facilities including a pool and playing fields.

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Medieval Village, Turner House Art Gallery, the beach-front promenade, and cliff-top walks are just a few of the attractions that Penarth has to offer.

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Courses

The college’s excellent track record for achieve-ment means you can have every confidence that St David’s will provide first class educational opportunities. We have a flexible programme offering courses tailored to match your personal abilities, prior learning, and choice of career.Below is a list of the AS, A level and BTEC courses we run at St David’s Catholic College. For detailed information on each course, please visit our website: www.stdavidscollege.ac.uk. Alternatively, please contact us if you have any further questions.

You can choose up to four of the following subjects. All subjects are A level unless stated otherwise:

AArt and Design

BBiologyBusiness (BTEC)Business Studies

CChemistryComputer Science

DDrama & Theatre Studies

EEconomicsEnglish Language & LiteratureEnglish Literature

F Film StudiesFood TechnologyFrench

GGeographyGerman

HHealth & Social Care (BTEC)History Early ModernHistory Modern

IInformation Technology (BTEC)

LApplied Law (BTEC)Law

MDouble MathematicsMathematicsMedia StudiesMusicMusic Technology (BTEC)

PPerforming Arts (BTEC)PhilosophyPhotographyPhysical EducationPhysicsPoliticsProduct Design Psychology

RReligious Studies

SApplied Science (BTEC)SociologySpanishSport Development, Coaching & Fitness (BTEC)StatisticsSystems & Control (BTEC)

TTextiles

W Welsh (2nd Language)

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English language support

International Honours

Programme

The International Honours Programme is an initiative of St David’s College designed to engage the most able academic students at the highest level. This is in accordance with the College mission that provision be made for the education of all people, whatever their gifts, and ultimately that each person be enabled in living up to their full potential.

The International Honours Programme seeks to accomplish this by means of an intensified programme of study including the A level programmes in Science, Business and Mathematics. Students will receive personal ESOL support and preparation for the IELTS test in order to meet university requirements.

Together, these elements demand of the students a willingness to explore the world well beyond what is required of them in a traditional Western education system.

Applying to world class universities

Deciding where to take the next steps in academic study can be a daunting decision. However, through discussion with their Honours tutor, subject staff, and university open days, St David’s Honours students are able to make an informed decision regarding their futures. As part of the College mission, we seek to widen participation, addressing any barriers to higher education, and encouraging all students to fulfil their potential.

Students will attend a careers/higher education fair with over thirty universities and employers represented. Students are able to ask pertinent and relevant questions that will enable them to stand out in their personal statements.

A successful student of the International Honours Programme will leave St David’s having earned at least:

-3 to 4 high grade A levels-ESOL and IELTS support-Guidance on applying to world class universities-High quality internship with UK national and international companies-Professional employ-ability skills for entering a global labour market

St David’s College offers a broad programme of English language learning, so you can develop your English skills while you study. You will be provided with a private tutor who will deliver lessons on a one-to-one basis, in order to meet individual requirements.

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Fees & visas

the UK Border Agency (UKBA). A list of exempt countries can be found on the UKBA website.

Recognised Secure English Language Tests:

-IELTS (recommended) -Trinity College London-Person PTE Academic -City and Guilds-TOEFL iBT -Cambridge ESOL

Grades required for Tier 4 Student Visa(Required for post-16 year olds wishing to study in the UK. St David’s College is a Licensed Sponsor and can assist in the visa process.)

IELTS TOEFEL paperListening 4.5 477Reading 4.5 477Speaking 4.5 477Writing 4.5 477

Secure English Language Tests

Secure English Language Test results are required, pre-enrolment, for all students who are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, as defined by

TOEFL (iBT) PearsonListening 12 41Reading 9 41Speaking 18 41Writing 15 41

Fees

For more information on our fees for 2016/2017 please contact our International Department directly on InternationalStudents@stdavidscollege.ac.uk.

Meet ValerieI’have always had my heart set on studying in the UK, mainly because of its world recognised and prestigious universities. I wanted to study A-levels in the U.K in order to improve my English language in preparation for studying Medicine there.I initially was advised by a Malaysian agent to study in a private school in Cambridge, England. However I found myself in a school with no local students whatsoever. Cardiff has all the benefits of London, being the capital of Wales, but at a significantly better price and with a friendly, more welcoming atmosphere.I was instantly impressed by the facilities at St. Davids in comparison to other private schools I had visited. Also being a government funded state school that accepts international students, it was exactly what I was looking for in terms of experience.” I personally recommend the school to other student wishing to study A-levels in the UK, as I have found the variety of additional subjects and extra-curricular clubs has helped to form a better general knowledge about the world. I have received excellent support from the tutors who have really helped me to feel at home.”

*conversion true March 2014 11

How to apply

Visit our website, click the ‘International’ tab and then download an application formwww.stdavidscollege.ac.uk

E-mail us and we will send you the application form InternationalStudents@stdavidscollege.ac.uk

Collect copies of your most recent qualifications and school report

www.

We require evidence of your English language ability through an IELTS test, with a of 5.5 or higher. This can be taken any time up to three months before you wish to begin your course (usually June to begin in September)

AB C

We require a copy of your passport and birth certificate to prove your identity

If you are under 18, you will need to provide a letter from your parents consenting for you to study at St David’s College, and promising to support you financially whilst in the UK

The above will need to be supported by bank statements showing that you have access to funds to cover academic fees and the cost of living in the UK (£12,000.00 GBP, aproximately 66,000 Ringgit*)

Send all of the above either via email or by post to:

InternationalStudents@stdavidscollege.ac.uk

St David’s CollegeTy-Gwyn Rd, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF23 5QD

*conversion true March 2014

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Contact us

St David’s College

Email: InternationalStudents@stdavidscollege.ac.uk Web: www.stdavidscollege.ac.uk

Tel: (+44) 029 2049 8555 Fax: (+44) 029 2047 2594

City centre

Cardiff Bay

If you have any queries or would like to request an application form, please do not hesitate to contact us.

St David’s Catholic CollegeTy Gwyn Road Penylan Cardiff Wales CF23 5QD

Homestay

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