TAUNTON SCHOOL AND TAUNTON INTERNATIONAL STUDY CENTRE UNITED KINGDOM

Located in peaceful Somerset, Taunton School is a co-educational boarding & day school for pupils aged 2 ½ - 18 years.  Its safe and secure campus on the edge of the town provides an ideal setting for learning, whilst the excellent road and rail links and access to airports mean Taunton School is a lively, international community leading the way in independent education. Pupils leaving Taunton School go on to top universities including Oxbridge.

A complete education

Taunton School comprises Taunton Pre-Preparatory School, Taunton Preparatory School and Taunton School, which all share the same spacious campus.  In addition the School also has its own International Study Centre (TISC) which prepares international students for United Kingdom boarding schools.

Taunton International Study Centre

Taunton International Study Centre (TISC) was established by Taunton School in 1996 to provide a first step for overseas students wishing to complete their education in a British school. TISC, which shares Taunton School’s facilities and is part of the School community, has places for 60 boys and girls aged 13–17. Younger students can apply to enter directly into Taunton Preparatory School. They live with British students but they have their own special lessons with a qualified EAL teacher until their English is good enough for them to fully integrate into normal classes.

Academic excellence

TISC provides high-quality tuition appropriate to our students’ ages, abilities and, most importantly, their proposed entry point into the British education system. All students follow an intensive course in English for Academic Purposes, taking English language examinations offered by UCLES (KET,PET,IGCSE,IELTS) throughout their time with us. Students also continue with their other academic studies including Mathematics, Sciences, Business Studies, Geography, Art and ICT, following the British National Curriculum to GCSE. Classes are small, with a maximum of ten students per class, and each student has an academic tutor who supports them in their studies and helps them to make the best possible progress. All students complete a course in Study Skills and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) as well as Sport, to help them to adjust to the education system in the United Kingdom, and to develop culturally, pastorally and socially.

One year GCSE courses

One year GCSE courses in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Combined Science, Business Studies, ICT, Art and Geography are available. These provide a real challenge for our most able students and are excellent preparation for them before they begin their A-level studies after they leave TISC. Their achievements are impressive and our website gives details of our latest exam results.  We also offer a two year GCSE course for those with weaker English.

Extracurricular programme

We want our students to participate fully in the life of their next school, and to help them develop the self-confidence to do so, TISC runs a wide variety of clubs and sports. We enjoy full use of Taunton School’s excellent facilities, which include two swimming pools, fitness suite, sports halls, and basketball, badminton and tennis courts. In addition to sports, students can try art, photography, cycling, film appreciation and many more activities. Music lessons are available through Taunton School. We encourage students to integrate into the senior school as much as possible, and to take part in the sporting, musical or house activities that are offered. In addition, TISC has its own programme of weekend activities.

Accommodation and facilities

TISC is fully residential. Boys and girls live in separate houses in comfortable, single or double bedrooms, or small dormitories for the younger students. TISC has its own garden leading on to Taunton School playing fields and good recreational facilities. TISC has a suite of computers linked to the Taunton School network so students can stay in touch easily with friends and family. Wireless access is also available throughout the school campus. Taunton School has its own medical centre providing 24-hour nursing care.

Strong pastoral care

We are very aware that our students are a long way from home. At the beginning, everything is new and strange and they need a lot of support. Our dedicated house staff live with the students, helping them to feel happy and secure. A strong sense of community exists at TISC. Students are encouraged to respect the cultures of others and to get involved in the British way of life. We aim to develop confident young people who take responsibility for their lives and studies.

After TISC

Most students spend one year at TISC, although it is possible to stay for any length of time from one term to two years. Following their time with us, some will apply to enter Taunton School. Many others will go on to a wide variety of boarding schools and colleges to complete their secondary education and prepare for university. It is a source of great pride to us that TISC is represented by its former students in schools and universities throughout the United Kingdom.

Vacation courses

Our highly successful vacation courses have been running for over 9 years and are offered during the spring and summer holidays. Our vacation courses are ideal for students who are preparing for exams, going on to a British boarding school or simply looking for an interesting holiday. The spring course in March/April includes GCSE revision as well as general English. The summer courses in July and August are for students between the ages of 9 and 17, and combine intensive English tuition with other academic subjects such as Mathematics, History, ICT, Business Studies and Art.  Students receive 25 hours tuition per week in small classes (maximum 10 students), and are able to choose which additional subjects they study each week.  Lessons are complemented by a full leisure programme which is included in the fees.  Students enjoy a daily programme of sports including tennis, football and swimming, as well as a varied programme of activities and excursions to local cities and towns. The summer courses are very popular, as they provide a well-supervised, structured language holiday in a safe environment. Fees are all inclusive and include transfers from and to the airport.

Contact Details:

Mrs Caroline Nixon     

Principal

Taunton International Study Centre

Taunton School

Taunton

Somerset

TA2 6AD

Tel: +44 1823 348100

Fax: +44 1823 349206

e-mail: tisc@tauntonschool.co.United Kingdom

Mrs Helen Lami

Vacation Course Director

Tel: +44 1823 348110

Fax: +44 1823 328107

e-mail: tisc.vacation@tauntonschool.co.United Kingdom

website: www.tauntonschool.co.United Kingdom