Rochester College

Ages: 12-15 years.

Dates 2025:
6th July - 19th July, 20th July - 2nd August (2 weeks)
6th July - 2nd August (4 weeks)

One of the UK's most renowned colleges – Rochester College – offers a range of exciting summer courses. The college has an excellent reputation for its academic excellence and high standard of creative teaching.

Rochester is a small city with a rich heritage and a thriving contemporary arts scene. It offers a quieter life than London, close to areas of outstanding natural beauty, yet within easy reach of all the capital has to offer. London is 40 minutes by train.

With a focus on individuality, variety and flexibility, the Summer Course is ideal for 12-15 year olds from all over the world who want to improve their English, pursue an activity and experience life at a British boarding school.

The school offers 3 exciting courses:

1. General English.
   Teaching English in a less traditional way than standard classroom lessons. The course promotes language development by encouraging pupils to adopt “values, attitudes and behaviours that support responsible global citizenship” (Unesco).
2. Social Sciences.
   The course is designed to engage pupils in exploring the complexities of human society by exploring topics such as psychology, sociology, politics and economics. The program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the social forces that shape our world.
3. Art and Design.
   The course offers creative students the opportunity to explore their artistic potential through a variety of media and techniques. The program is designed to inspire innovation, improve technical skills, and help develop a unique artistic voice that resonates with both traditional and contemporary art forms.

Key Factors

• The Summer School at Rochester Independent College offers a unique environment that encourages both academic and creative growth.
• Students enjoy the summer school experience because they are treated like young adults. The teachers really understand teenagers and have the knowledge and experience to meet their needs.
• The summer school has an excellent faculty. The school is committed to working with teachers who not only know their subject, but who also know how to get the best out of young people.
• Maximum 15 students per class.
• With weekly trips to London's world-class museums, the course is designed to spark new ideas and a passion for creativity.
• Pupils will receive one-on-one mentoring from experienced teachers to hone their skills and deepen their understanding of their chosen field.
• London is just a short drive away, and students will take two excursions to London to see the capital's iconic landmarks.

Facilities

The school has spacious studios with separate work areas for students studying art, graphics, textiles, ceramics and photography. The school has strong links with local teams and clubs, meaning that pupils have access to first-class facilities. The school has a fully equipped gym and sports pitch. Rochester College has eight fully equipped laboratories.

Program

The curriculum includes 20 hours of academic tuition per week with a specialist subject teacher, delivered through interactive and practical lessons.

At the end of each week, pupils come together and take part in a group presentation to their tutors and peers, known as “Time to Shine”. These projects are the highlight of the week and give children the opportunity to showcase their academic and learning skills. They gain valuable experience by practicing their skills in working together and presenting to a large audience.

The Summer School offers 3 courses:

General English

The minimum level of English required to participate in the program is A2+ (beginner and above).

For children who want to improve their knowledge of a world language while becoming responsible citizens of the world. The course is designed not only to maximize their language skills, but also to do so using UNESCO's “four pillars of learning”: learning to know, learning to do, learning to be and learning to live together. The course is ideal for curious young people who want to developtheir language skills through an alternative and less traditional route than just classroom lessons.

Students will develop in key areas through workshops, lectures, independent study and study visits. During the course, children will practise writing and improving their writing by creating an academic essay on a chosen topic, which will help them to put their new skills into practice. They will be able to improve their teamwork skills by completing research projects in small groups with students from different countries.

The General English course will motivate students with its global themes, from climate change to the rights of refugee children. This is a highly relevant course, made up of topics that students are familiar with, including: the role of influencers, healthy living, discussing celebrity influence and the potential impact of a plant-based diet.

Lesson Topics:

• Rise and Fall of Civilisations: This will be a week of learning revolving around a huge game of 'diplomacy', where students explore culture, peace and conflict, and global issues to help debate, negotiate and develop foreign policy strategy.
• 21st Century Citizen: Students explore what it means to be a 21st century citizen, with a focus on mental health, social issues, media and identity.
• STEM Week: From practical challenges to theoretical debates. Students explore the impact of science and technology across the centuries, from the Industrial Revolution to the near future.
• The Rochester Echo - a week where students become journalists and content creators, researching news and propaganda, creating cultural and travel blogs and writing critical reviews.
• Rochester Festival of Arts, Film and Media.
• Mini PPE - using a series of simulations of major global events, students consider the application of politics, philosophy and economics to our complex world.

Social Studies

The minimum English level required to take part in the programme is B1+ (Intermediate and above).

The Social Studies course is ideal for students who are interested in the dynamics of human behaviour, social structures and the forces that influence change in society. This programme offers an in-depth study of key disciplines within the social sciences, providing tools for analysing and understanding the world around us.

The course combines theoretical study with practical application. Students will engage in discussions, debates and research projects on topics such as social justice, political systems, economic theories and the psychology of human behaviour. This approach ensures that they not only gain knowledge but also learn to apply it to real-world situations.

Interdisciplinary learning is at the heart of this course. By exploring the intersections between different social sciences, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how different aspects of society interact and influence each other.

This holistic understanding is essential for those interested in careers in law, public policy, international relations or any other field that requires a deep understanding of human societies.

Important importance is placed on the development of critical thinking and research skills. Students will challenge assumptions, analyze data, and build informed arguments about complex social issues. These skills are essential not only for academic success, but also for becoming informed and active global citizens. By the end of the program, students will have a deeper understanding of the social sciences and the ability to think critically about the world’s most pressing issues.

Module 1: Introduction to Psychology

Students will be introduced to the fascinating world of psychology, learning how the mind works and why people behave the way they do. Topics such as perception, memory, and emotion are covered, along with simple experiments and exercises that demonstrate psychological principles in action. By the end of this module, students will have a better understanding of themselves and others, and a basic understanding of psychological science.

Module 2: Understanding Society through Sociology

The study of society and social behavior. Students will learn how social structures, cultural norms, and institutions shape the way people live and interact with each other. Topics such as family, education, and social inequality will be discussed to help them think critically about the world around them. Through group discussions and projects, students will learn to analyze social problems and consider possible solutions to societal problems.

Module 3: Exploring Culture through Anthropology

In the final module, students will go on a journeythrough the lens of anthropology about the world’s diverse cultures. Learn about different customs, traditions, and belief systems and how they influence the way people live. Learn how anthropologists study cultures and what we can learn from the similarities and differences between them. This module encourages open-mindedness and appreciation for cultural diversity, essential skills for living in an interconnected world.

The Time to Shine project will involve students conducting an in-depth analysis or research into a social issue or phenomenon of interest. This project will allow you to apply the theories and methods learned in the course and will culminate in a presentation in which students share their insights and demonstrate their understanding of complex social dynamics. Topics include the impact of social media on youth behavior, the impact of economic policy on inequality, or the role of culture in shaping identity. This project will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and effectively present your findings.

Art and Design

This course is ideal for aspiring artists and designers who are looking to explore their creative potential and hone their craft. This program offers a comprehensive journey into the world of fine art, allowing you to experiment with different styles, materials and techniques while building a strong portfolio of work.

The course is built on practical learning. Students will spend time in the studio where they will tackle a variety of projects - from drawing and painting to sculpture and digital design. Artistic expression goes hand in hand with conceptual development. Students are encouraged to think critically about their work, exploring the themes and ideas that drive their creativity.

Through group critiques and individual mentoring, students will receive valuable feedback to help them refine their vision and communicate their ideas more effectively. In addition to studio work, the course includes the opportunity to learn from experienced artists and designers through workshops and guest lectures. These sessions provide insight into the world of art and offer practical advice on building a career in the creative industries.

By the end of the program, students will have expanded their artistic skills, developed an individual style and created a portfolio that demonstrates their ability and creativity.

Module 1: Drawing and Painting Fundamentals

In this module, students will begin with the fundamentals of drawing and painting, exploring the essential techniques that form the basis of any artist’s craft. They will explore a variety of media, such as pencils, charcoal, watercolour and acrylic paint, and experiment with different styles and approaches. Through guided exercises and individual projects, students will develop their observation skills and learn to confidently and creatively transfer what they see onto paper or canvas.

Module 2: Exploring 3D Art

This module invites you to delve into the world of three-dimensional art. Students will work with materials such as clay, plaster and found objects to create their own sculptures and installations. They will learn about form, texture and space, as well as how to bring their ideas to life in three dimensions. This hands-on module encourages creative thinking and pushes the boundaries of traditional art, allowing you to express your ideas in new and exciting ways.

Module 3: Introduction to Digital Design

The final module explores the intersection of art and technology through digital design. Students will learn how to use basic digital tools and software to create their own artwork, from digital paintings to simple graphic designs. This module is ideal for young artists interested in exploring new media and combining traditional techniques with digital innovation. By the end of the module, students will have a portfolio of digital work demonstrating their creative and technical skills.

In the Time to Shine project, students will create a unique and expressive piece of art or design that reflects the skills and concepts they have developed throughout the course. This project is an opportunity to showcase their creativity, technical skills and personal artistic vision. Choose from a painting, digital artwork, graphic design or mixed media installation. This project will culminate in a presentation where students will talk about their process, inspiration, and the idea behind their work.

Accommodation and parting

Students live on campus in safe and comfortable houses. Rochester College has a safe and welcoming environment, making it the perfect place for a relaxing and enjoyable summer break. All students live int in comfortable single rooms, many of which are en suite. Each room has Wi-Fi, allowing students to stay connected throughout their stay. The houses have common rooms for relaxing and socialising, and children have access to the college sports pitch and art studios.

Activities

Every evening the school team runs a variety of activities designed to build confidence and help students make connections. They will develop key teamwork and communication skills, and most importantly - have fun! This part of the programme allows students to interact with peers outside their subject groups and builds a sense of community within the college.

As well as a wide range of traditional team sports, pupils can choose from other healthy and fun activities such as yoga, art, poetry and creative writing sessions.

Excursions

The two-week Summer School programme includes exciting excursions, including day trips to some of the UK’s most famous and culturally rich sites. These excursions are carefully designed to suit a wide range of interests, ensuring that every pupil has a memorable and enriching experience.

Each excursion is carefully planned by the school’s dedicated team, offering pupils the opportunity to explore historic sites, enjoy cultural events and experience the vibrant UK scene.

Highlights of the excursion include a full day in London, where pupils will soak up the vibrant energy of the capital, exploring famous landmarks and visiting renowned museums. Another favourite is Canterbury, where children explore its rich history and stunning architecture, truly immersing themselves in England's cultural heritage.

During excursions and visits to local attractions, all pupils are given up to 2 hours of free time with parental consent. During free time, pupils must be in groups of at least 3 people. School staff will advise pupils of a designated meeting place and time with a designated member of staff so that they know where to go if necessary.

Pupils may leave campus during the designated free time for up to 2 hours with parental consent.

Sample Daily Timetable

7:45 - 8:45 - Breakfast
8:45 - 9:00 - School Assembly
9:00-10:30 – Academic Program/Guest Speakers
10:30-11:00 – Break
11:00-12:30 – Academic Program
12:30-13:45 – Lunch
13:45-15:00 – Academic Program
15:00-15:30 – Break
15:30-16:45 – Academic Program
16:45-18:30 – Free Time
18:30-19:30 – Dinner
19:45-20:00 - Evening meeting
20:00-21:30 - Evening activities
21:30-22:00 - Relaxation from home
22:30 - Lights out

Saturday and Sunday - full day excursion, Wednesday - half day gallery trip after lunch.

Price, 2025

2 weeks - £3,350
4 weeks - £6,700

Included in the price

• Tuition
• Accommodation and meals
• All sports, entertainment activities and excursions
• Laundry

Additional payment

• Flight
• Visa
• Insurance
• Transfers from and to the airport
• Educational company services

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We have been working since 1996
• We choose camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers
• We only place children in good conditions
• We conducted a personal inspection of almost all the schools we offer
• We do not work with the mass segment, only camps for discerning clients
• 24/7 phone always works 
• Why our clients value us

How to choose summer courses

Continuing education at Rochester College