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Are you concerned that your child will not overcome those A level hurdles?
Are you anxious over their future in the event that their grades are not what you hoped for?
Parents in Kent are fortunate enough to have an ideal solution.
Rochester Independent College, a specialist university entry boarding and day college, describes why some students opt to move for their Year 13 or even spend an extra year resitting their A levels.
A change of scene can be what is needed for students transferring to the College. RIC is in the top 5% of schools in England for student progress at A level.
The Good Schools Guide notes how 'many students transfer here after poor progress at A level and the effect can be dramatic.
Parents all speak highly of the pastoral care and the growth in confidence witnessed. It’s a sound investment- among the retakers all got into university and three-quarters won Russell Group places.'
RIC focuses on students’ individual requirements when assessing their suitability for courses, it’s the opposite of a one size fits all approach to education.
For students looking at clearing retaking A levels is an alternative option, allowing them to not compromise and aim again for their first choice university. A level retake students at RIC successfully win places on the most competitive courses, including Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Science and Law.
For those who have had a disappointing Year 12 switching to RIC for Year 13 gives the opportunity to catch up and refocus, potentially avoiding the need for a retake year.
There are 40 A level subjects available and no restrictions on subject combination.
What gives RIC’s A level students the competitive edge is that they often add new subjects as one year intensive courses to prepare for their chosen course and demonstrate potential.
“At RIC we monitor attendance, work submission and exam preparation very carefully," said principal Alistair Brownlow.
"The groups are also very small - averaging around eight students per class - meaning they get more individual attention.
"Exam practice is plentiful and UCAS advice highly personalised.”
Each student is invited for an informal interview where academic staff can give guidance on the next steps.
RIC ensures that students willing to work hard maximise their A level grades, particularly for those retaking their A levels or who are looking to move for their final year of sixth form.
“With the newly reformed A level system, students are today called upon to sit one set of papers at the end of their course, obliging them to draw on their whole two years of study," added Mr Brownlow.
"It’s never been more important to have tutors who are specialists. Many of the teachers at RIC are A level examiners who really know their stuff.”
