St
John’s College, an independent boarding school in Southsea UK, has 125 boarding
students of which 58 come from overseas and as such are automatically entered
on to the College’s English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme – a
series of lessons which aim to improve students’ level of English, preparing
them for the IELTS exam and higher education study. New for this academic year the Science
Department is offering additional classes to Year 10 and 11 boarding students
to maximise time spent in school and to help improve their GCSE results.
Overseas students receive targeted
support in Biology and Chemistry – helping them to succeed in areas other than
Maths and Physics in which many are already well tutored.
Classes take place for one hour on a
Tuesday evening before Boarders’ private study time and provide an opportunity
for students to conduct additional practical and experimental work in both
Biology and Chemistry. They will be
taught through pictures as well as visual and kinaesthetic-based learning
activities, which, as well as acting as revision, helps address their English
language knowledge in science-related topics.
Students have the opportunity to study essay questions, in English, as
well as structured exam review sessions.
All lessons are taught by the College’s Biology and Chemistry subject specialist
teachers.
Friends Elena and Christie study
together. Christie is from Hong Kong and
currently in Year 11. She said. “Last week we learned about the
characteristics of living things and today we are learning the difference
between plant and animal cells. Our
teacher makes the subject easy to understand as he explains all the scientific
terms to us. I enjoy these extra
classes.” Brian Tam, also in Year 11 and
from Hong Kong, said. “I am finding
these sessions really useful as I joined St John’s in Year 10 so missed out on
the Year 9 topics. The extra classes are
good and help with my English.”
Head of Science, Mr Andrew Martin,
comments. “This term’s programme is
aimed specifically at IGCSE for both Year 10 students are new to the school and
some Year 11 students. Next term we plan to invite our A Level students to take
part as the sessions will aid them in answering longer questions in their
coursework and in exams.”
Notes to Editors
For media enquiries, please contact Clare Young, Head of Marketing and Development, St John’s
College, Phone: 023 9281 5118. Email
cyoung@stjohnscollege.co.uk.
Electronic images available on
request.
St
John’s College is a
thriving co-educational day and boarding school, for ages 2 to 18 (boarding
from Year 5), located in the heart of Southsea.
There are approximately 600 pupils at the school. Since its foundation by Brothers of the
Lasallian Order, the school’s mission has been to provide for its pupils a
well-rounded academic, social and personal education – based securely on clear
Christian principles and values. The
School celebrated its centenary in 2008.