2019/20 | 01634 828115 www.rochester-college.org THE RIC TIMES

A co-educational day & boarding school | Year 7 to Sixth Form | Non-selective & high performing | ISC accredited

Destination: Success The RIC route to a brighter future Rochester Independent College is Fashioning the future celebrating another year of top results. #FabRIC 60% of the 409 A level entries were graded A*-B, with top A* achieved in Noah George, who has subjects ranging from English Literature, a place on the highly Sociology and History of Art to Computer competitive Fashion Science, Biology, Spanish and Media Design Menswear course Studies. The College’s results - from at UAL’s Central Saint a mixed ability intake - comfortably Martins says: “What I am match those from many highly selective really grateful to my grammar and independent schools. teachers, Francesca and Robin, for is that they FutureDoc allowed me the space to find out what I am really Rupert Cochrane-Dyet feels well prepared capable of. They gave for his medical training: “What helped me me the self belief to not most was the more relaxed relationship produce pieces of work with teachers and lots of individual just as a tick-box exercise attention, giving me a more rounded and to go on and make a understanding career for myself in the of my subjects. fashion industry.” That five minute informal chat Exceeding expectations after lessons really James Murphy from helps. My study thought skills improved success was beyond him exponentially; my after a disappointing set time management of GCSEs, but his parents got better and I confirm that being given at Aston University. “Thank you for not reported: “The school fulfils its aim to realised the time and individual encouragement only making this possible, but for giving enable pupils who have not necessarily importance of has given him back his self-belief: “Two him the confidence to know that he can had a successful experience in their dedication and years ago James had very few options succeed. James has done better than education previously to reach the taking responsibility on GCSE results day; few schools would many of his contemporaries from his course of their choice. The quality of for myself and my own learning.” even speak to us, let alone discuss A old , who, unlike him, pupils’ personal development is Rupert’s A*A*A* in Chemistry, Biology levels. Only one school gave us hope were allowed into the sixth form.” excellent.They flourish as they become and Mathematics have gained him and that was RIC.” Despite having only more confident because staff encourage a place at Southampton University to four GCSEs, James gained the precise Rochester Independent College was them at all stages and provide high study Medicine. grades - BBB - he needed for his place inspected by the ISI in 2018 who levels of pastoral care.”

2019 Oxbridge Trinity There’s more than one path to top universities Three students are off to Oxbridge this year via RIC

Three coveted places, three very different academic pathways. Georgia Crean is taking up the place she secured post A level results after moving to RIC for Year 13 transfer 2 Year A level 1 year A level year 13. Felix Enslin took his Georgia, who featured in last year’s RIC Thai Government Scholar Thanawitch Felix was home-educated before taking A levels in a single year after Times, says she has “had an absolute is heading to Merton College Oxford, to the IB at a grammar school. Having switching from the IB. blast of a year” after deciding during read Chemistry. He feels the individual decided to switch from the sciences, Thanawitch Chatbipho’s main her gap year to apply for Biochemistry approach at RIC helped him to gain he joined RIC’s year 14 for three new hurdle was the level of English at Oxford. Her previous school his A*A*A*A in Chemistry, Physics, A levels in a year and set his sights language he needed to achieve considered her background too weak Maths, and Further Maths: “The English on Cambridge to study History and the top grades. for A level Biology, but she transferred classes have helped me to use my Politics. “I actually felt relaxed and to RIC’s year 13 and gained grade A knowledge better in the A level classes. well-prepared in my interview. When I in a year from scratch which, with the I have also really enjoyed being able explained the reason for my choice of A*A in Chemistry and Maths she took to discuss beyond the A level syllabus sample essay was that it was the only at the same time, secured her place with my two Chemistry teachers.” Four new one I’d written, the interviewers were at New College. Thai Scholars join RIC this September. amused, but not concerned.”

“Go there, they know what they’re doing.” Charlie Stocks, Year 14. Destination 2019: University of Bristol, Economics and Politics From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 RIC shape and Bristol fashion there, and 7 more will join them studying your mates are already at university Strong ties at the university, which is ranked 44th in but I have matured a lot this year and It is not only recent students who have the world by QS. 5 of these 7 were year 14 appreciate the need for hard work moved to Bristol. Dr Annika Johnson, students at RIC, demonstrating perhaps much more than I did before.” former RIC teacher of Economics and RIC that retaking, or changing direction for Times infographics wizard, orginally left A levels can often make an application Alex Eyo, who came to take up a doctoral scholarship with the stronger, even for the most competitive of to RIC from Fulston Economics and Social Research Council the Russell Group universities. Manor in year 9 and Royal Holloway, University of has a massively London. She has since taught Economics Freddy Bott from , well-deserved place to students at UCL, the Foreign and improved his grades from to study the course Commonwealth Office and is now an BBC to A*A*A and now has a place at of his dreams in Economics lecturer and Faculty Admissions Bristol University has long been an Bristol for Aerospace Engineering. Palaeontology Officer at the University of Bristol. aspirational destination for students, He’ll be joined there by Freddy Cammegh and Evolution at particularly those aiming for engineering from King’s , also a year 14 Bristol. Alex took or medical degrees. It is also the home boarder at RIC, who improved his A levels his GCSEs at RIC, of Banksy, and Aardman Animation. It is from CDE to A*A*A and will study discovering the joy of learning in the perhaps unsurprising that in April 2019 Engineering Mathematics. RIC Lower School. Alex says of that Bristol was the first University to declare a time: “I have lots of good memories of climate emergency after having vowed to Another retake success story heading to my time at RIC. I think my best year divest from fossil fuels in 2015. Bristol with A*A*A, this time for Economics was probably year 11 when I really and Politics, is Charlie Stocks from St started to get into studying hard and Former RIC students are currently studying Olave’s Grammar. He says: “I could have taking my education seriously. This Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science gone to university with the grades I had made school much more enjoyable last year and that for me because I’ve always been makes it even harder determined to do my best.” Other when you know successful Bristol all your friends are applicants have settled on degree places to read courses. But I knew Cellular and Molecular I could do better. Medicine, Medical It is particularly hard Microbiology and at first when all Psychology.

University Destinations for RIC students 2019 UCAS places as at 24/9/19 RIC Course Previous School University Course University RIC Course Previous School University Course University 2 year course Bryony School Opthalmic Dispensing Anglia Ruskin Year 14 Cranbrook School Environmental Sciences East Anglia Year 13 transfer Wymondham College Computer Sci & Business Aston Year 14 King’s School, Canterbury English Literature East Anglia 2 year course Marketing Aston 2 year course College, Pembury Fashion Design East London Year 14 Weald of Kent Grammar Int Dev & Economics Bath 2 year course King George V, Hong Kong Economics Edinburgh Year 14 Oakwood Park Grammar Accounting and Finance Bath Year 13 transfer Biomedical Sciences Edinburgh Year 13 transfer Accounting and Finance Birmingham 2 year course Liantang Middle School Chemical Physics Edinburgh 2 year course Maidstone Grammar School Psychology Birmingham City 2 year course Zhoushan Putuo Middle Sch Electrical Engineering Edinburgh 2 year course International School, Hague Games Design Bournemouth Year 14 Sandringham School Biomedical Sciences Edinburgh 2 year course Sackville School Business Studies Bournemouth 2 year course Hillview School for Girls Creative Producing Essex 2 year course Fort Pitt Grammar Fine Art Painting Brighton Year 14 Mid Economics Essex 2 year course King’s School, Canterbury Business Management Brighton Year 13 transfer Simon Langton Girls Neuroscience Exeter Year 14 Judd School, Tonbridge Aerospace Engineering Bristol 2 year course St Edmunds, Canterbury Popular Music Goldsmiths Year 14 King’s School, Canterbury Engineering Mathematics Bristol 2 year course Gad’s Hill School Computing (Extended) Greenwich Year 14 St Olave’s Grammar School Psychology Bristol 2 year course Trinity School, Rochester Physical Geography Keele 2 year course Fulston Manor Palaeontology and Evolution Bristol Year 13 transfer Maidstone Grammar Economics Kent Year 14 Weald of Kent Grammar Medical Microbiology Bristol 2 year course St Georges Grammar School Accounting and Finance Kent 2 year course Canterbury Steiner School Cellular/Molecular Medicine Bristol 2 year course Judd School, Tonbridge Law Kent Year 14 St Olave’s Grammar School Economics and Politics Bristol 2 year course Maple Leaf Int School, Dhaka Politics and IR Kent 2 year course Bishop Challoner School Acting (2 years intensive) Buckinghamshire New Year 13 transfer Lebanese Int School Accounting and Finance Kent Year 14 Tonbridge Grammar School History and Politics Cambridge 2 year course Chatham & Clarendon Ancient History Kent Year 14 Maths School Digital Media Canterbury Christ Church Year 14 Dover Grammar School Philosophy King’s College London Year 14 Kent College, Pembury Architecture Cardiff Year 14 Medicine King’s College London 2 year course St. John’s International Chemistry Cardiff Year 13 transfer Lycee Henri IV Paris English and French Law King’s College London Year 13 transfer Cardiff Sixth Form College Law Cardiff Year 14 Winchester College Mechatronics and Robotics Leeds Year 14 Sturgis Charter School Mathematics Cardiff 2 year course Simon Langton Girls Physiotherapy Leicester 2 year course Finance City, Uni of London Year 14 Oakwood Park Grammar Aerospace Engineering Liverpool 2 year course St Edmunds, Canterbury History of Art Courtauld Institute of Art 2 year course Queen Elizabeth’s Faversham Psychology Liverpool 2 year course Rainham Mark Grammar Finance and Investment Coventry 2 year course King’s, Rochester Computer Science (F) Liverpool 2 year course St John’s Catholic School Law Coventry Year 14 English Literature Liverpool Year 13 transfer Wilmington Grammar School Economics and Politics De Montfort Year 14 Howard School Sociology Liverpool 2 year course English Language & TESOL De Montfort Year 14 Tunbridge Wells Grammar Psychology Loughborough 2 year course King’s School, Canterbury Anthropology Durham Year 14 Berkhamsted Economics Loughborough Year 14 King’s School, Canterbury Neurocience Durham Year 13 transfer Queen Ethelburga’s Politics and Int Relations Loughborough Year 14 Maths School Finance Durham 2 year course Guanghua Cambridge School Philosophy and Economics LSE

“Pupils say that it’s confidence-boosting to watch your grades go up. Many students transfer here after poor progress elsewhere and the effect can be dramatic.” Good Schools Guide From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 Year 14: rethink, reroute and fly high

#VetSchool Others find that the direction they set for themselves turns out to be the wrong one. Our successful Royal Veterinary College applicant this year had lost confidence after difficulties at school and spent a year doing a second-choice degree before deciding to join RIC’s Year 14 for one-year courses in Biology and Chemistry.

#MedicalSuccess Retaking Mathematics A level has resulted in a place at KCL Medical School for another of RIC’s Year 14 high fliers.

#AdmissionsAccomplished #RussellGroup

#FreshStart us, even from very local schools, to move There are as many different reasons for For many students, the path through A on straight away to more independence being in Year 14, as there are students. levels runs smoothly. But a significant from home as they might have planned This year, around 40 of RIC’s A level number meet hurdles along the way to do before results changed their students were in year 14, and the vast and need to make some big decisions original higher education plans. majority gained grades A*-B in subjects unexpectedly and quickly. It can be ranging from Chemistry, Physics and reassuring to know that it is possible #ConfidenceRegained Maths to Film Studies, Graphic Design to join RIC’s year 14. Year 14 students It is a year in which many students have and Global Perspectives. The variety of retake the A levels they need for highly found confidence, inspiration, maturity subject combinations is matched by the competitive universities and sometimes and some pretty stellar results and diversity of the students’ destinations take completely new ones on intensive university places they had thought were in subjects ranging from Engineering at one year courses. Our retake and board unachievable before taking the big step UCL and Pharmacy at Nottingham to Year 14 student Jacob Wilder will study Fine option allows students who transfer to to change direction. Architecture at Cardiff. Art Painting at UAL.

RIC Course Previous School University Course University RIC Course Previous School University Course University RIC Course Previous School University Course University Year 14 King’s School, Canterbury Electrical Engineering Manchester 2 year course Cranbrook School Politics and IR Southampton Year 14 Weald of Kent Grammar Social Anthropology Manchester 2 year course Tonbridge Grammar School History and Archaeology Southampton 2 year course Kent College, Pembury Practical Filmmaking Met Film School 2 year course St Lawrence College Comms, Media, Marketing St Mary’s Year 14 Elizabeth College, Jersey Marine Zoology Newcastle Year 14 Simon Langton Boys Psychology/Cognitive Sci Sussex 2 year course Eastbourne College Chemistry Newcastle Year 14 Collingham College Computer Science and AI Sussex Year 14 Tunbridge Wells Grammar Psychology Newcastle Year 14 Judd School, Tonbridge Finance and Business Sussex 2 year course Yancheng Senior Education Newcastle 2 year course King George V, Hong Kong Business Management The University of Law Year 13 transfer Hayes School Computing Northampton Year 14 Maths School Engineering UCL 2 year course Kent College, Pembury Physiotherapy Nottingham 2 year course Bryanston School Fashion Design: Menswear University of the Arts Year 14 Townley Grammar School Pharmacy Nottingham Year 14 King’s, Rochester Fine Art: Painting University of the Arts Year 13 transfer Ravensbourne School Biomedical Sciences Nottingham Trent Year 13 transfer Cardiff Sixth Form College Aerospace Engineering UWE, Bristol Year 13 transfer Weald of Kent Grammar Engineering and Maths Nottingham Trent Year 13 transfer British International School Law with French Law Warwick Year 13 transfer Cranbrook School Marketing Nottingham Trent Year 14 St Edmunds, Canterbury Film and Literature Warwick 2 year course Thai scholar Chemistry Oxford Year 13 transfer Triamudomuksa School Computer Science Warwick 2 year course Sir Roger Manwood’s Biochemistry Oxford 2 year course Liceo Scientifico Psychology Westminster Year 13 transfer International School Geneva Photography Oxford Brookes Year 13 transfer Cardiff Sixth Form College Medicine Yeditepe, Turkey Year 14 Simon Langton Boys Business and Management Oxford Brookes Year 13 transfer St Olave’s Grammar Philosophy York 2 year course Gad’s Hill, School Optometry Plymouth 2 year course Ecole de Chateau - D’Oex Philosophy York Year 14 Simon Langton Boys Marketing Plymouth 2 year course Trinity School, Rochester Psychology Portsmouth Year 13 transfer Cardiff Sixth Form College Advanced Dental Nursing Portsmouth 2 year course Sedbergh School Politics Queen Mary, London 2 year course Kent College, Pembury Fashion Ravensbourne 2 year course St Edmund’s Canterbury Fashion Ravensbourne Year 14 Architecture Reading 2 year course Wellington International Law Reading 2 year course Sutton Valence Prep Business and Management Reading Year 13 transfer Queen Ethelburga’s Liberal Arts Regent’s University Year 13 transfer Brentwood High School Politics and IR Royal Holloway Year 14 Walthamstow Hall Veterinary Medicine Royal Veterinary College 2 year course Steiner School, Canterbury Computer Science Sheffield 2 year course Maple Leaf International International Relations SOAS Uni of London 2 year course Maths School Ancient History/Archaeology Southampton 2 year course Sackville School Medicine Southampton

“Pupils have come from grammars where they felt under too much pressure, or from large schools where they felt overwhelmed, and they have flourished here.”Good Schools Guide From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115

RIC Gallery Art and Design A level results 2019: 100% A*-C (53 entries)

Kiisi Lee, A level Photography

Jiahao Liu, A level Fine Art

Anna Cottrill, A level Photography

Adam Drury, A level 3D Eleanor Linforth, A level Textiles Emir Alkin , A level Graphic Design 35 Years of Visual Arts Talking Heads RIC showcased the work of students welcoming feel, with much of the work of Today’s generation of teenagers are really 2019 speakers include cancer research and staff first at Nucleus Chatham, then university standard with real individuality flexing their muscles and leading a sea scientist Dr Tim Fenton, human rights the Horsebridge Gallery, Whitstable, and and flair.” Dimitri George who took a 1 year change in attitudes. They are hungry to campaigner Peter Tatchell, Professor finished with a flourish to celebrate 35 A level course in Photography, has a place learn from passionate people on a wide of Journalism Tim Luckhurst and Steve years of creativity in a stunning exhibition at Oxford Brookes to pursue it and, to range of issues. At RIC, we recognise this Goldstein, deputy at the State Department at Sun Pier. In 2020, we’ll be exhibiting cap it all, was runner up in the Boarding hunger and encourage our students to in the Trump Administration until he at The Pie Factory, Margate. The Good Schools Association Khadija Saye suggest figures to invite to speak. received the “You’re fired” broadside Schools Guide said “Art rooms have a Photography award (photo below left). from the Oval Office.

JonathanAshArt Peter Tatchell @JonathanAshArt @PeterTatchell

Seriously blown away by the #exhibition @nucleusarts by Today I talked on using non-violent direct action to defend @rochesterindcol which is on right now. Exceptional skills on human rights: including Gandhi, Pankhurst & Dr King; plus my display; just wow. If this represents the #new #generation of 1999 attempt to arrest Mugabe on charges of torture. Thanks to #artists, we’re in very safe hands. @michaeldaks my hosts @rochesterindcol Great questions from the students

“Parents speak highly of the pastoral care: ‘The way they handle each pupil as an individual is striking’ said one.” Good Schools Guide

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See Peter Tatchell's other Tweets 4 11:10 AM - Mar 25, 2019

See JonathanAshArt's other Tweets From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115

"It’s hard to imagine better provision for the artistically inclined.” Good Schools Guide

Fran Oakenfull, A level Photography Alyina Rouf, A level Fine Art

Jiahao Liu, A level Fine Art

Kevin Yu, A level Graphic Design

Sophie Megarry, A level Textiles Willem Verhaeghe, A level Graphic Design Noah George, A level Textiles Bugsy Stars RIC Cinephiles 2019 speakers include cancer research With an all student cast - and a gungefest of Four young filmmakers in Year 7 came up scientist Dr Tim Fenton, human rights wonderfully talented band made up of a success. with the idea of the ‘Fair Share Note’, where campaigner Peter Tatchell, Professor students and Maths teachers Rob and The RIC Theatre people can make a donation to those in need of Journalism Tim Luckhurst and Steve Eytan - the College’s debut full-scale Company, under of financial help and won a recognition Goldstein, deputy at the State Department production Bugsy Malone was an the artistic trophy in the Bank of Film in the Trump Administration until he infectiously brilliant gangland direction of Deb Competition. GCSE students went on location received the “You’re fired” broadside and Sally, is to the BFI Southbank for a study day about from the Oval Office. already planning the teen film genre, watching clips fromRebel next year‘s show Without A Cause, Juno and The Breakfast Peter Tatchell ‘Little Shop Club. Meanwhile, A level shorts from Film @PeterTatchell of Horrors’ Studies and music Today I talked on using non-violent direct action to defend featuring Audrey videos from Media human rights: including Gandhi, Pankhurst & Dr King; plus my the R&B singing Studies had their big 1999 attempt to arrest Mugabe on charges of torture. Thanks to carnivorous screen debut at Nucleus my hosts @rochesterindcol Great questions from the students pot plant. Arts in Chatham.

“Parents speak highly of the pastoral care: ‘The way they handle each pupil as an individual is striking’ said one.” “Pupils describe the music here as ‘sick’ and rave about the music technology opportunities and their bands, Good Schools Guide which they can showcase at the summer festival.” Good Schools Guide

17 8:58 PM - Jan 31, 2019

See Peter Tatchell's other Tweets From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 At RIC we aren’t afraid to grasp the nettles... In fact, we embrace them Inspectors go green RIC’s wild garden has won many awards The huge contribution made by the garden and an important part of the reason for to student welfare was recognised in our that is that we make space for nettles. recent inspection: “Pupils demonstrate an The stinging nettle is one of the most excellent aesthetic appreciation of the important native plants for wildlife in visual arts and their natural surroundings. the UK. This may seem strange, but it They appreciate the peace, greenery and wildlife of the surroundings within an urban setting and enjoy the gardens for relaxation and personal reflection.”

Blue campaign hearts RIC is taking part in the Blue Campaign this year and will be creating the blue by George de Wit Chaney hearts from recycled materials (and at RIC we shall use clay too) that are used to is the presence of the stings that has The RIC garden is a small step towards for nature and wildness is becoming even show that an area is being rewilded. allowed the relationship with numerous recreating that connection. more crucial for carbon sequestration and As stated by the Blue Campaign insect species to develop as there is the garden is our own small contribution (bluecampaignhub.net) “Biodiversity little danger of the adult insects or larvae Wildness, wildlife and well-being to that too. restoration is not just about wild flowers. ending up in the stomach of a grazing Wildlife and well-being have always been It is about restoring a habitat animal. Insects can move between the Anna McGovern MYP at the centre of planning for the garden. so that many different species spines without activating the sting. The @AnnaMcGovernUK Landscape artist Simon Bernthal, the can live there.” The RIC garden nettle supports over 40 species of insect creator of the garden says: “The garden is It is incredible to see young people across the UK striking out is an inspirationally bucolic including some of our most colourful against climate change. This is something that will affect our a haven. We need to leave it as wild as we backdrop for the College’s butterflies. The futures - and we, as young people, have every right to be can to bring back the nature that belongs artists, film-makers and most notable listened to and heard. #YouthStrike4Climate there and enjoy bringing that into our lives. photographers as well as nettle patch #Youth4ClimateJustice Over-controlling a garden and using highly being the venue for our inhabitants bred plants is as destructive to the natural 1 8:26 PM - Feb 15, 2019 · Ashford, England annual Summer Festival. This year, are the small environment as intensive wheat farming. RIC Boarder Anna McGovern is a UK textiles students took the gardens as a tortoiseshell See Anna McGovern MYP's other Tweets The stream has been there for 15 years Member of Youth Parliament for Medway starting point to create, print and embroider and peacock now and a kingfisher has been seen on it and Chair of the Medway Youth Council. cushions for the RIC reception areas. butterfly larvae on several occasions. It’s for the students, which feed in and the staff too, of course. It’s always large groups great when the students stop me to ask hidden in Lasercut garden signage about the garden and even ask to help in silken tents the little allotment we have.” at the top of the nettle stems. Nettle patches also hold overwintering aphids which swarm around the fresh spring growth and provide an early food source for ladybirds and blue tits and other agile woodland birds. In late summer, the huge quantity of seed produced provide another valuable food source for many of our seed-eating birds. Some insect species, such as the nettle weevil, live only in the nettle patch.

In touch with the earth The RIC garden isn’t only about nettles of course, but they can be a bit of a seismic RIC Climate Change Committee The garden actively supports people shift in the perception of what makes a Skolstrejk för klimatet isolated by their mental or physical garden. One of the most evocative health, or social and economic disadvan- Many RIC students have independently and powerful slogans of the 1968 Paris tage, and gives them a community to become involved this year in FridaysForFuture, revolts was ‘sous les pavés, la plage’ – feel a part of. The APCG offers a healing the Greta Thunberg inspired climate beneath the pavement lies the beach. space for all, regardless of age, culture change action strikes. Today in the UK, or ability. where more than three quarters of We hope that all students and staff see the Abbey Physic Garden us live in cities, we RIC garden as our small connection with @AbbeyPhysic have lost touch the planet that sustains us and as a space RIC’s nominated charity Another spectacular day at the APCG. with the natural for relaxation and well-being as well as our for 2019 is The Abbey Today we had the pleasure of hosting school children from small contribution to sustaining a small Rochester College, sowing a wild flower meadow, making seed world. We have Physic Community forgotten the earth pocket of urban wildlife. More recently, it bombs, engaging in open conversations about maintaining good Jersey Tiger moth in garden beneath our feet. has also become clear that leaving spaces Garden in Faversham. mental health facilitated by Kelly from Mind... 3 8:09 PM - Mar 20, 2019

“This is a place for individuals. There’s a lovely air of tolerance and warmth between theSee pupils.” Abbey Physic Garden's other Tweets Good Schools Guide

From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115 A Fresh Approach to British Boarding Students came to Rochester from 30 different countries in 2018/19

While 80% of RIC’s 330 students are Education without borders Engineering the future for girls It makes it easier to ask questions from the UK, the College welcomes a Students in RIC’s boarding invariably Students also take a lead on suggesting because you don’t feel you are holding the number of academically talented comment on how much they have enjoyed exciting activities such as science class back. In Economics, the Investor international students each year who making new friends more easily than competitions. Kazhakh student Zhanel, Challenge was really useful as it got rid join our British boarders. they had expected. One reason for this played a massive role in organising of a lot of misconceptions I had about is the structure of our Student Council, several events at RIC, perhaps most the stock market. I had thought that RIC which always has representatives from notably organising a multi-national, mixed would be more ‘secluded’, like other the boarders, private schools, but in fact where it is there are more things to do and places both home and to go. It is easier to get out and about. international, Even though my previous school in and which has Hong Kong was an international one a genuine and based on the English system, RIC is really valuable much more English.” influence on how RIC Chloe adds: “I chose RIC for a operates. comprehensive education – there are ISI reported that “Relationships between lots of different nationalities and loads pupils are totally inclusive, creating Viviana from Italy says: “I made more of different subjects.The boarding is a harmonious community of day and friends more quickly and from a broader really flexible which I like and the boarding staff are always available if you need boarding pupils.” range of people because I was on the year group entry to the UK Space Design anything. The classes are much smaller Student Council, which was a really great Competition (uksdc.org). Zhanel is off to Alex from China confirms: “There were here than in China so you and the teacher opportunity to meet loads of different study Aerospace Engineering at BUWE. more local students here than expected can easily ask each other questions. people that I otherwise would not have Last summer she did an internship with but this was good – to be honest, there The teachers are all really nice!” is not much difference between the spoken to, let alone made such good the “Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary”, which national or international students. We friends with. Student Council was also designs, builds and operates earth remote are all students together.” sensing satellites. Kazakh cosmonaut Aidyn Aimbetov, founder of the Young Ex-pat Eric says: “Having come from Cosmonauts School in Astana told Zhanel a large Dubai school, small classes he was impressed with her interest in have been fantastic. I’d never been to aerospace engineering. boarding school, having grown up in Italy and the UAE. The boarding staff Fliers of the year are a friendly team and they instantly make you feel comfortable.” Successes in 2019’s Chinese year of the Pig include Jeff from Hong Kong and Chloe from China. Jeff will study Economics at Edinburgh, Chloe Philosophy and a really good way to improve my English. Abbey Physic Garden Economics at @AbbeyPhysic And I am proud of being able to help get a LSE. Jeff says: very popular and well-used pool table added Another spectacular day at the APCG. “Individual Today we had the pleasure of hosting school children from to the boarding common room. And to attention in class Rochester College, sowing a wild flower meadow, making seed be able to organise the Prom which was is possible with bombs, engaging in open conversations about maintaining good great fun because I was so happy to be the smaller mental health facilitated by Kelly from Mind... able to make other people happy.” classes. 3 8:09 PM - Mar 20, 2019

See Abbey Physic Garden's other Tweets “Around half the pupils come from the independent sector, the rest from families with no tradition of private education. ‘It’s genuinely diverse,’ said a pupil.” Good Schools Guide From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115

“RIC has been literally transformative. I’ve felt so much happier here. You’re allowed to be yourself, be independent and discover who you are.” Lexi Whitfield, 2 year A level student 2019

When asked what makes RIC DLW special and work so well, our @Lexiflorence students and parents often mention the rapport with So proud of your excellent A level results - A* A A - @whitfield_lexi a big thank you to the fantastic teachers and teachers and the support school that made it possible @rochesterindcol on to @QMUL received throughout their time with us, whether they join in year 7 4 10:37 PM - Aug 15, 2019 or on a short retake course. freedom at RIC: “Help is always available See DLW's otherif you Tweets need it. I lost count of the number of The times I was able to have extra lessons.” distinctive approach Parents recognise that this confidence-

means boosting approach also fosters motivation. Highlights of 2018 ISI Report more than “My son moved from his grammar school • Pupils’ personal development is excellent. • Pupils adapt readily to new situations simply after the first year of A levels, changed • Pupils’ achievements in the visual and and are flexible in their approach to recognising subjects, and achieved A*AC on a one-year creative arts are excellent. their education. everyone course” said one parent. “RIC delivers what • Pupils are engaged in lessons and have as unique. It is about being listened to in other schools can’t. Its unique blend of expert excellent rapport with their teachers RIC is part of the Dukes Education the classroom and being given confidence tuition, student engagement, constant and peers. family of schools and was awarded to speak out. Harriet Bagshawe, who has focus on the application of knowledge and • Sixth form pupils achieve well in public her first-choice place at Durham to read feedback with continuous communication examinations. their Overall College of the Year Award Anthropology attributes much of her from tutors, all lead to a level of motivation • Pupils are confident in discussions on in December 2018, recognising the success to well-supported individual to succeed that delivers results.” a range of academic topics. achievements of its staff and students. RIC Lower School Refreshingly Different, Reassuringly Academic environment that they are themselves encouraged to be part of and nourish. As in the sixth form, Lower School students have had a real impact on life at RIC. For example taking a major role remember this weekend for the rest of in transforming rubbish and recycling in their lives. Established friendships and the College. They know that what they bonds have grown stronger; new ones do is real, not just a patronizing tickbox have developed that will only grow over exercise, but something really worthwhile. the next few years.” Read more on the blog.

The Lower School offers a full academic to develop an imaginative and informed curriculum, complemented by specialist attitude, is exemplified by the students’ provision in the visual, digital and excellent behaviour.” performing arts. Students who have been with us since the Inclusivity, individuality, and mutual early years of their secondary education respect are crucial foundations for life really value the warm and supportive Go West Young RICies and are at the heart of the Lower School The Lower School trip to Cornwall was at RIC. This has been recognised in too fabulous for the limited space in the many reports over the years, including RIC Times to do it justice. Suffice to say by the ISI who observed that the Lower that there was surfing, pizza, throwing School: “has focused on the well-being and handbuilding at Leach Pottery, visits and educational development of the to the Eden Project and the Minack, a students, and on creating the desired bit more pizza, a little bit of Kylie and ethos; students often articulated their massive amounts of friendship making. extremely positive views about college And, as Leighton Bright – Joint Head life. The fulfilment of the aim to foster of Lower School – puts it: “I genuinely mutual respect, challenge prejudice and believe that all of our students will