News

Greetings to all future (and returning!) students and parents. We hope that the academic year has started well and you have all got into the swing of things, inside and outside the classroom. 

It might seem far away in the future, but we are already busily planning for the Summer 2024 programme and we're thrilled to bring you some exciting news from Whitgift Short Courses HQ. After a highly successful summer in 2023, where we had the privilege of hosting students from over 27 different nationalities, we are now making preparations for Summer 2024.  

Summer 2023: A Resounding Success!

Summer 2023 was a resounding success at Whitgift Short Courses, and we couldn't have been prouder of our students and the wonderful experiences they shared. Here's a quick recap of some of the key highlights:

• Diverse Representation: We welcomed students from all around the world, with over 27 nationalities represented on our campus, creating a truly global learning environment.

• Boarding House Delight: An impressive 98% of our students thoroughly enjoyed their time in our comfortable and welcoming boarding house, ensuring a home-away-from-home experience. 

• Engaging Pre-IB Classes: 98% of our students agreed that our Pre-IB classes were not just informative but also incredibly engaging.

• Effective English Enhancement: 97% of our students noted substantial improvements in their English language skills, thanks to our dedicated and skilled teaching staff.

• Positive Collaboration: An impressive 95% of our students reported that they thoroughly enjoyed working with the Whitgift Student Hosts, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines our courses. 

So, what's new for Summer 2024?

In our continuous commitment to offering top-quality educational experiences for visiting international students, we are thrilled to introduce a brand new addition to our academic program - an IGCSE course designed for 11 to 13-year-olds. This is a fantastic opportunity for younger learners considering applying to schools that offer IGCSEs. This course is ideal for students who are transitioning to an international or UK Boarding school and really need to improve their skills in English, Maths & Science. In order to attend this course, students need a minimum English level of B2 on the CEFR scale and are required to complete an online listening and reading test before being accepted on the course. Furthermore, they must complete a written test and have an online speaking assessment with a member of the Senior Leadership Team in the Whitgift International Office. Find out more here.

Exciting Activity Additions

For those seeking adventure and skill development, we've got some exciting news! Our activities program has expanded to include a Rock Climbing Academy, where you can hone your climbing skills at a local rock climbing centre. Additionally, we're introducing an Art Academy, led by professional teachers. Finally, we've added hiking to our multi-activity course to help you explore the great outdoors and build lasting memories.
 

Explore the Best of the UK

Life at Whitgift Short Courses is not just about what happens on our campus; it's also about exploring the vibrant culture and experiences the UK has to offer. That's why we're planning an exciting blend of excursions, combining culture, shopping, and activities. As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to visit the capital city of London once a week, ensuring they get to experience the best the city has to offer.

Progressive Skills in Action

Our innovative Progressive Skills in Action Course will continue to be a highlight of our program. This unique opportunity allows our students to engage in project work with English-speaking boys and girls from Whitgift Schools, promoting cultural exchange, collaboration, and personal growth. Projects in 2023 included: Creatiing Graphic Novels, Presidential Campaigning, Theatre Productions, Dragon's Den, Mock Trials and much more. 
 

Attention all parents!

At Whitgift Short Courses, we understand that choosing the right summer programme for your child is a significant decision. To ensure that parents are well-informed and confident in their choices, we are excited to announce a series of informative webinars throughout the year. These webinars are designed to provide valuable insights into our programmes, showcase our offerings, and answer any questions you may have. Please check here for the dates of our webinars. 
 

Webinar Series Schedule:

1. November Webinar - Meet the Summer School Senior Leadership Team

Date: Tuesday 14 November 2023, Time: 08:30 UK GMT 

Our first webinar, scheduled for November, will give parents and students an important overview of the summer programme. We have two speakers who are hosting this session.

• John Chisholm, Head of Marketing and Student Recruitment: With a wealth of knowledge about our courses and the summer experience at Whitgift, John will walk you through the key aspects of our programmes and what sets us apart.

• David Bates, Director of International Education at Whitgift: David will provide invaluable insights into the educational aspects of our programmes, highlighting their benefits and how they contribute to your child's personal and academic growth.

During this webinar, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of our courses and curriculum.
• Explore the various activities and excursions available.
• Learn about the support and care provided in our boarding house.
• Ask questions directly to our experts.

Future Webinars:

Stay tuned for our upcoming webinars in the coming months. We'll cover a range of topics, including testimonials from previous students, detailed information about our academic courses, and insights into the extracurricular activities that make Whitgift Short Courses exceptional.

Stay tuned for our upcoming webinars in the coming months. We'll cover a range of topics, including testimonials from previous students, detailed information about our academic courses, and insights into the extracurricular activities that make Whitgift Short Courses exceptional.

Our webinars are your chance to connect with us, ask questions, and make an informed decision about your child's summer programme. We are committed to ensuring that you have all the information you need to choose the right experience for your child.

Whitgift Summer School runs from Sunday 7 July - Sunday 18 August 2024. The minimum stay is 2 weeks for Intensive General English and 3 weeks for our Pre-IGCSE and Pre-IB Programmes.