King Edward’s Witley is the first school in the UK to roll out a new course that aims to equip international pupils with an improved English Language qualification, designed to enhance their application for university.
Although schools are not obliged to offer any form of specialist English qualification to their international pupil intake, King Edward’s Witley has been running the IGCSE in English as a Foreign Language since 2011. However, the new IELTS (International English Language Testing System) has the added benefit of being recognised as a leading qualification by the Home Office and British universities. It is being trialed in small groups from September 2014, with a view to launching to all relevant international pupils from September 2015.
Access to the IELTS qualification will commence from Year 10 and will be available as part of the IB studies for EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils, although international pupils opting for A-levels at King Edward’s Witley will also be able to follow the course.
Mrs Sheila Butler, who joined the School in September 2014 as Head of Learning Support and EAL is spearheading the initiative and comments, “Children from 43 different countries choose to join the King Edward’s Witley community, to take advantage of the proven benefits of a British education that will enable them to develop the skills, attributes and knowledge required to become active global citizens. King Edward’s Witley has a long-standing reputation for the provision of the very best teaching and resources to encourage all pupils to realise their full potential. Our decision to offer the IELTS qualification demonstrates the School’s commitment to maximise the support available to international pupils, to ensure they are able to enjoy a seamless transition from King Edward’s Witley to university.”