INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ GUIDE WELCOME TO VARNDEAN COLLEGE ABOUT THE COLLEGE WHERE WE ARE • Long history, founded in 1884. • • Welcomes 16–19 year olds. • • Study A Levels, BTECs or the International • Varndean College is a sixth form Yanlei is studying A Level Maths, Further Maths and Baccalaureate Diploma. • college in the north of Brighton, Chemistry at Varndean from 2018-2020. She won • Study for 3, 6, 9 or 18 months – entry points are one of the most vibrant cities • September or January. 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 • Internationally recognised qualifications • including preparation for IELTS. spacious grounds and an original Year 1 students, winning her a place in the British • 1930s building. Students enjoy this • 1800 students per year, 100 international Mathematical Olympiad Round 1 (BMO1). After • stimulating learning environment students from around 14 different countries. • and have a rich, wide-ranging and Varndean College, Yanlei hopes to study Maths with • You will have the opportunity to study and share enjoyable experience throughout Statistics at the University of Oxford, followed by a postgraduate degree clubs/activities with UK students. • their time studying here. in the UK. Yaniei from Zhejiang Province, China • An International Department offering advice and • Varndean’s aim is to develop support to all international students. • Varndean College is located in the city of Brighton • Participate in any of our clubs, sports and students into well-rounded, Runshi attended Varndean from 2017-2019 and & Hove on the south coast of England. confident and free-thinking societies including Art, Badminton, Basketball, received a Distinction in BTEC Level 3 Business • Brighton has just over 11 million visitors a year. individuals, who are aspirational Creative Writing, Fitness, volunteering in various (www.brighton-hove.gov.uk). and excited to move on to the next Studies and was offered a place at Queen Mary’s projects, Netball, Funk Band, Origami, Poetry, • Brighton’s population is vibrant and diverse, with stage of their lives. Politics Society and many more. You will take part College, University of London to study Accounting 41% of residents aged 20-44 who are either in these activities alongside British students. and Finance. We have 1800 UK based students students or young professionals enjoying the and a small International Runshi from Shanxi Province, China cutting edge entertainment and opportunities on section of 100 students from 14 offer because of its proximity to London. • Near the UK’s international airports - London countries across the world. We Erjia attended Varndean from 2017-2019 and offer 30 A Level subjects and Gatwick ( 40 mins) and London Heathrow the International Baccalaureate received a Distinction* in BTEC Level 3 Dance and (1hr 30mins). 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 three months, six months or nine Erjia from Fenjtai District, China months. 2 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) • Media Studies • Biology (Applied) THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION PROCESS • Biology • Music Technology • Business Studies • Philosophy • Childcare & Education • Business Studies You can apply directly to [email protected], or you can apply through an agent. • Chemistry • Photography • Computer Games Development • Classical Civilisaton • Physics • Creative Media Production 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 • Politics https://varndean.ac.uk/international Please send the deposit within one (if applicable). Orientation Pack one • Computer Science • Criminology month. month before you arrive. • Design - 3D • Psychology • Dance • Design - Graphic Design • Sociology • Engineering • Spanish • Environmental Sustainability • Drama & Theatre Studies 2. Download and complete the application 4. On receipt of the deposit, you 6. Pay the full fees 8. Your first day will • Economics • Statistics • Health & Social Care form. Email it, together with all documents will receive an Unconditional Offer at least one month be an Orientation needed to [email protected] and a draft CAS if applicable before arrival. Day. • Film Studies • Textiles • Information Technology • French • Law (Applied) • Geography • Performing Arts WHAT ARE OUR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS? • German • Psychology (Applied) • History - Early Modern • Science (Applied) A Levels • History - Modern • Sport & Exercise Science • Law • Travel & Tourism IELTS 5.5 and grades of C or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study • Maths International Baccalaureate International Baccalaureate Diploma Diploma (Level3) IELTS 6.5 and grades of B or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study An exciting alternative to A Levels recognised worldwide. High School Programme A two year course where students choose six subjects, one from each of the subject IELTS 5.5 and grades of B or above in your current school report for the subjects you wish to study areas shown opposite, as well as the Core Programme. 4 5 STUDENTS FROM 14 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES Country Total UNIQUE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT Brazil 13 16% Chile 1 1% How we support you Clubs & Activities Varndean College tutors China 19 24% • International students study • Chemistry Society are always looking after you, I feel I have had a chance to breathe. I really Czech Republic 3 4% alongside British students. • Christian Union seeing that you are alright loved studying three subjects in depth, instead France 1 1% • We offer a weekly tutorial with • Community Links and help you to make the of the twelve subjects we study at home. I love Germany 2 3% an experienced International • Creative Writing right choices, the IB allows the hands-on practical lessons in Biology, and Hong Kong 2 3% tutor - 2:1 ratio. • Environmental Committee I feel I’ve really learnt a lot academically. But Italy 14 18% • Feminist Society you to do many interesting • The International Office team also, I feel more confident because I have been Japan 6 8% • Languages things in addition to your treated like a person not a number, like in my offer advice and support for the Korea 9 11% • Maths Challenge subjects.” school in Italy.” International students. Norway 1 1% • Med/Vet/Dent Programme IB student Rebecca from Italy B from Italy on High School Programme, • College progress and • Mentoring Jan-May Semester Russia 2 3% attainment reports are issued • Music Slovakia 5 6% 3 times a year. • Outdoor Pursuits Switzerland 1 1% • Online ‘real time’ student • Oxbridge Support management system (STS) • Duke of Edinburgh I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come, my father sent me, saying it was an experience I didn’t want to miss. which parents can access for • Performing Arts 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 academic information about • Politics Society 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 their child. • Rainbow Alliance your opinion. This is very different for me, and it took some time to really believe it! I love walking past the • Host families service managed • Raspberry Pi Club Victorian houses in Brighton, with balconies and trees and the sea, it’s magical! This experience has opened by Varndean College. • Sport & Fitness my eyes to the world of travel. And to myself. “ • Visual Arts • The support of a ‘Student B from Slovakia on High School Programme, Jan-May Semester Buddy’ network within college. • Zareen Society • The College Additional Support team for welfare and I am really happy for the year. I have had lots of time to reflect, and feel more mature and expansive. I wellbeing. have been able to reflect on my future path and my relationship with people at home. I want to go home and https://varndean.ac.uk/support engage with them better. I don’t feel so shy. My English accent has improved.” L from Switzerland on High School Programme, Sept-June – three terms 6 7 FEES A Level or International Baccalaureate Programme : 2020-2021 Total cost: Total cost: Deadline for Deadline for A Levels tuition & admin tuition, admin & entry full payment only accommodation 1st year Fri 4 Sept 2020 to Wed 14 Jul 2021 £8,830 £15,390 1 July 2020 1 Aug 2020 2nd year Mon 6 Sept 2021 to Wed 13 Jul 2022 £8,700 £15,260 1 July 2020 1 Aug 2020 ACCOMMODATION Total cost: Total cost: Deadline for Deadline for International Baccalaureate tuition & admin tuition, admin & entry full payment only accommodation • The International team offer a Host Family finder service. 1st year Fri 4 Sept 2020 to Wed 14 Jul 2021 £9,830 £16,390 1 July 2020 1 Aug 2020 • All our host families are visited by us and the houses and student rooms need to 2nd year Mon 6 Sept 2021 to Wed 13 Jul 2022 £9,700 £16,260 1 July 2020 1 Aug 2020 be of a high standard. • All members of the host family aged 18+ are police checked for safeguarding High School Programme : September 2020-July 2021 with a DBS check. Total cost: Total cost: Academic Year 2020 – 2021 Deadline for Deadline for tuition & admin tuition, admin & • We choose hosts who live within a maximum walking distance of thirty minutes September 2020 start entry full payment only accommodation from College.