Prior Park College Bath

• Founded: in 1830
• Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
• Age of students: 11-18 years
• Total number of students: 580 people (about 130 at the boarding house)
• Type of accommodation: residence (full or weekly board), full-time
• Type of training: mixed
• Language of instruction: English.

College of Prior Park in Bath is considered one of the largest and most respected private Catholic schools of mixed learning in the UK. Now the number of boys and girls here is approximately equal (52% and 48% respectively): children can study on a daily basis, week (from 11 years) or full (from 13 years old) boarding house. Today, the number of pupils in the school reaches 580 people, about 86 of whom live in full board. Approximately 10% of students are foreign citizens, and the ratio of teachers to students is 1:10.

Founded Prior Park College Bath by Benedictine Bishop Baines in 1830, having conceived the institution as a theological seminary. To date, the school is funded by Prior Park: together with the preparatory schools of The Paragon and Prior Park Preparatory School, it has a common strategy and development plan, similar (but consistently high) educational standards. Many students enter secondary and senior schools of Prior Park College Bath from local elementary and preparatory institutions: The Paragon, Prior Park Preparatory School and other county schools.

Great attention is paid to the Christian upbringing of children in the spirit of the basic rules and traditions of the Benedictines. They instill a sense of respect for others, the ability to self-sacrifice and service, the rejection of bad habits and immoral actions, upbringing, spirituality. Pupils always and at any stage study theology (religious studies), visit the local chapel of the Virgin Mary of Snow during holidays, concerts, general meetings, mass and services. However, Catholicism in the school is mild and unobtrusive: the children of any confession and religion are accepted for training.

Foreign students who come to study receive special attention and care at first - teachers and mentors do their utmost to help them adapt to new conditions. Every foreign student receives a personal curator: he helps them not only in solving administrative and educational issues, but also solves personal and everyday problems, can simply drink a cup of tea and listen to the child at any time. Additional language program EAL (English as a second language) is organized: individually or in mini-groups, students quickly improve all the basic, key skills and knowledge of English to successfully engage with the main class. In addition, in the fall (in the first trimester) for the newcomers an interesting program is being devoted to the culture of Britain, British history and the history of Bath and the school. At Prior Park College Bath, the Buddy program is constantly working: each newcomer is assigned a mentor friend from among his classmates to help them adapt in the first weeks and calmly join the team.

All students are assigned to a class teacher: he is responsible for solving all administrative, educational and everyday issues. In the middle of each trimester parents are sent a full report on the successes, achievements of the child, recommendations and comments from educators, a report card with grades.

Also, the distinctive feature of the school is the method of open education: many classes (both academic, and extra-curricular, additional) are held outdoors, hikes, excursions and research expeditions are constantly organized.

Intensive work is conducted with students of middle and senior classes on career and career guidance issues. For senior pupils regular excursions and trips are made on the campuses of the most famous universities and colleges, profile testing, job fairs, meetings and lectures with representatives of universities, admissions commissions. International students are explained how to correctly fill out an application for enrollment, collect and send documents, learn to find the necessary information on useful resources and Internet portals. If the graduate plans to enter Oxbridge or medical high schools, he is offered an even more intensive training program, including additional academic studies. Among the high school students, a very special series of lectures "In Memory of Ralph Allen" is also very popular: famous and successful personalities are invited to the campus, give the students useful advice, tell about the specifics of their profession and specialty.

The academic results of the school clearly demonstrate the success, effectiveness and balance of the proposed programs:

• GCSE: 96% of students passed the exams successfully, 59.7% received high scores A * -A, and the highest score A * could earn 28% of students;
• A-level: 90% of graduates successfully passed the most difficult exams - 40% earned points A * -A, and 9% achieved the highest A * score.

According to statistics, 98% of graduates of Prior Park College Bath successfully enter the universities of their own "first choice": Oxford, Cambridge, Royal Academy of Music, The Actors Studio (New York, USA), Old Vic Theater School (Bristol), Guildhall School of Music And drama.

On the territory for students who have chosen a full or weekly boarding house, 3 comfortable residences (2 men's and 1 women's) are equipped, each of which is designed for 60-70 people. Students' residences are waiting for cozy rooms (mostly for 2-4 people, high school students on Sixth Form usually live in private bedrooms), common comfortable living rooms for recreation and communication, quiet rooms for self-study and training, kitchens with necessary equipment and appliances , Computer classes.

With the children in the residences there are always teachers (ratio to pupils - 1: 5) and the head of the House.

In the spacious, majestic school canteen there is organized a boarding three meals a day. Every day students can choose from a wide range of delicious, healthy and nutritious dishes; On request, you can arrange vegan, vegetarian meals, diet according to the medical prescription.

On the territory of the school there is a 24-hour medical center, where two qualified nurses are constantly on duty. Reception at the doctor-therapist is carried out twice a week: the expert heads also clinic Combe Down in Bath where it will always be possible to address in case of a serious malaise or illness.

Students can contact their parents at any time by phone or through the Internet - connections are available in each House.

Subject list: Art, biology, Classical civilization, design, drama, economics, geography, health education, history, Information Technology, maths, music, Natural science, philosophy, photography, physical education, physics, textile, theology

Students have the widest opportunities for sports and outdoor activities:

• Basketball;
• Judo;
• Netball;
• Table tennis;
• Diving;
• Cricket;
• Rounders;
• Athletics;
• Swimming;
• Tennis;
• Football;
• Sailing;
• Fencing;
• Tennis;
• Hockey;
• Ultimate frisbee;
• Rugby.

Constantly held a variety of relay races, exciting competitions, games and friendly matches.

Do not lag behind and creative directions - the college employs a huge number of circles, sections and clubs of interest, where each student will be able to showcase his unique talents and abilities:

• Playing a musical instrument;
• Mathematical club;
• Spanish club;
• cosmetology;
• Cookery;
• Geographical society;
• Crossword Club;
• Playing in the orchestra;
• Theater, drama and theatrical art;
• Dance (choreography);
• Classic Club;
• Painting;
• Clothing design;
• Choir (including church);
• Literary society;
• Chess;
• Sculpture;
• Animation;
• Playing on African drums;
• Wind ensemble;
• Archery;
• Information technology and computers;
• Musical big band;
• Philosophical club;
• Foreign languages;
• Study of textiles;
• Medical community;
• Jewelery making;
• Solving puzzles;
• Radio electronics;
• General fitness;
• Scientific and academic clubs in various areas;
• Yoga;
• Art and much more.

Most groups work for free, in some areas you can even get a company certificate or qualification.

On weekends, various leisure activities, entertainments and holidays are organized for students: concerts and parties, excursions and hikes, movie screenings or theater visits, bowling and ice skating. On Saturdays (10: 00-11: 30) - the traditional time of "Saturday activity": more than 25 additional interesting courses, events, circles, lectures and master classes. Each mini-course takes half a term - their students can choose independently, to your liking, most of them are free. For example, you can practice at the club driving, riding horses and ponies, learn to shoot arrows or learn cycling, improve culinary skills. For the completion of some of the courses, firm certificates, attestations and qualifications are provided.

All 10th grade pupils are engaged in the United Cadet Corps (except students who are intensively engaged in music): you can choose a general army or naval department. There is also a competition program for the Duke of Edinburgh Prize - wishing high school students can always compete for silver or gold prizes.

Hobarts, one of the leading UK companies specializing in the sale of high-quality laser cutters and 3D printers, has assigned the status of the Center for Advanced Technologies to the design technology department. The company marks an exemplary high standard for students who use laser processing and 3D printing technology. Only 14 schools in the UK can boast of such status.

The faculty offers a huge range of design and creation tasks that students perform in a large well-equipped workshop, where there is also a fully equipped workplace with a computer-aided design and production system. We are engaged in textile design, design and work with sustainable materials (wood, metal and plastic), using software for 2D and 3D design. There is also a 3D printer, a laser cutter and a number of milling and turning machines in the training room. The department works closely with the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Textiles and is located in the large recently renovated Center for Art and Design.

Students are encouraged to develop their design and practical skills, moreover, they can continue to study the “Product Design” program under the GCSE and A Level programs.

Prior Park College is located in a picturesque, calm and peaceful suburb of the famous resort of Bath (south-west England) - a total area of ​​57 acres. You can get to London in 1.5-2 hours (as well as to Heathrow Airport), to Gatwick International Airport - for 3 hours, while the large and lively Bristol is only 20 minutes away.

The main part of the college occupies a majestic, ancient and very beautiful mansion, built by the architect John Wood Jr. for the famous philanthropist and entrepreneur Ralph Allen. From the hill you can enjoy stunning views of the countryside of Bath and the picturesque valleys surrounding the city. The school is frequented by tourists from all over the UK and the world to visit local architectural attractions - the statue park, the amazing Palladian Bridge in the classical Romanesque style, the beautiful 18th century chapel. Many examples of the architecture of Bath are a UNESCO World Heritage List.

Over the past 10 years, large funds have been invested in modernizing and renovating the campus - and now the territory is fully in line with high British and world standards. There is absolutely everything that the children can need for study, rest and active pastime:

• Indoor pool;
• Dance studios Mackintosh;
• Computer classes;
• Numerous playing fields and playgrounds (mostly open and with artificial cover, for team sports);
• Tennis courts;
• Multifunctional sports hall;
• Cozy, comfortable residences;
• Own theater for 180 seats;
• Spacious antique dining room;
• Sound recording studio;
• Fitness and fitness room;
• A big library;
• Center for Information and Computer Science;
• Scientific laboratories.

For sports and active leisure, students can also freely use the sports village of the University of Bath, located nearby.

Academic year in the school consists of trimesters:

• Autumn - from 4-5 September to 13 December (vacation 20-31 October);
• Spring - from January 7 to March 22 (vacation February 9-18);
• Summer - from April 16 to July 7 (vacation from May 25 to June 3).

Tuition fee already includes:

• Training on the selected course;
• Accommodation and meals (if full board is selected), lunches (for day time use);
• All necessary teaching aids, books and materials;
• Free use of school infrastructure, access to the Internet.

List of services to pay additionally to tuition fee:

• Registration fee;
• Deposit confirming the place on the course (returnable);
• Examination Boards;
• Educational deposit;
• Additional academic and language classes (optional);
• English Lessons for Foreign students (EFL);
• Additional leisure activities and excursions (optional);
• Guardianship (registration with the agency + guardian services);
• Air tickets;
• Transfer in both directions;
• Compulsory medical insurance;
• Personal pocket expenses;
• Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents;
• Consular fee (paid at the Embassy).

Extras:

• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 150 GBP
• Deposit for a course/programme 1000 GBP

Foreign students are accepted from the age of 13 and only with accommodation at a boarding school. Applicants are waiting for introductory testing in mathematics and English, a personal interview, a preliminary study visit to the campus is also recommended.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision