2014/15 | 01634 828115

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THE RIC TIMES A co-educational day and boarding school | Year 7 to sixth form

Sixth form multiple choice IB or A level

Boarding at Rochester Weekly and full

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Accredited by the Independent Schools Council

Bitesize Year 7 Taster days 24 Sept, 15 Oct, 12 Nov

Aiming higher Russell Group and Red Bricks

RIC megagrowth Musical gates and Mac labs

Your route to a top university

A level results 2014 • 40% A*-A • 75% A*-B National average 26%

Rochester Independent College is again one of the top performing independent schools in Kent at A level. This is particularly impressive because the school is academically non-selective at all levels from Year 7 to 6th form and because the number of top grades awarded nationally has dropped following removal of January examinations and a controversial toughening up of the awarding process. Among the outstanding achievers in the class of 2014 is Nadine Muncey whose A2 grades of A*A*A* in English Literature, Spanish and Media transformed her AS

grades of BBD from her previous school, Mayfield Grammar, Gravesend. “I’ve got the Muncey perfection streak and was determined to improve on my AS results. I have thoroughly exceeded my expectations. I like the relationship between teachers and students here. In class there was lots of banter as we sat around tables in small groups.” Nadine is pictured with Sasha Miles who joined RIC after Year 12 at Simon Langton, Canterbury and celebrated grades of A*AB in Politics, English Literature and History. She says: “I hated English at my old school but at RIC the teachers prepared me for the exams, inspired me and made me love

English again. I went from a D at AS to an A grade at A2. It was really easy to get here on the train from Selling and even better as there were lots of us travelling to College.” Also pictured are twins Jack and Thomas Hinchliffe who, after disappointing AS results at Greenacre School, considered giving up education altogether and entering the job market. They were keen to make a fresh start but keep up with their old year group, hence the appeal of a one year course at RIC that allowed them to retake their AS modules alongside their A2 studies. It was soon clear that they were capable of much better grades than their Year 12 results suggested and both now have places at top rated universities.

National average 52%

RIC Courses at a glance • Year 7 entry • Two year A level courses • One year, short & part time retake courses • Transfer for Year 13 or restart Year 12 • One Year GCSE courses. Repeat Year 11 or transfer after Year 10 elsewhere • All boards. No subject combination restrictions • No minimum GCSE grades required • Regular Medicine, Dentistry & Veterinary Science university placements • Average Class Size 8 • No uniform • Minibus services from Maidstone, Kings Hill, Sevenoaks, Otford and Tunbridge Wells • Situated opposite Rochester Station

Kent’s GCSE & A level Retake Specialists

“It was a huge leap of faith moving our son to RIC at the age of 11 but the best thing we could have done for him.” Parent of Ed Smyth who achieved A*A*A and is going to King’s College London

Full Name Previous School University Course Destination University Alice Abbotts King’s Rochester History & Archaeology University of Reading Arif Hajee Abdoula Lycee La Bourdonnais International Foundation University of Reading Friederike Ach Aloisiuskolleg, Bonn English & French University of Exeter Ashraf Adil Cranbrook School Business Economics Cardiff University Zahrah Ahmad Mayfield Grammar Pharmacy Medway Sch of Pharmacy Purvinderdeep Atwal Maths School, Rochester Architecture University of Brighton Damilare Babatunde Wilmington Grammar Pharmaceutical Science De Montford University James Baker King’s School, Canterbury Sociology University of Exeter Daniel Barnes Canterbury College Radiography & Imaging University of Hertfordshire Alex Bartlett Cranbrook School Classical Studies University of Birmingham Adrienne Bellot St John’s College, Nassau Law Coventry University James Bendkowski Sutton Valence School Music Performance ACM Oliver Beresford Gravesend Grammar Music Newcastle University Amber Billings Epsom College Chemistry University of Leeds Elizabeth Blenkinsop Maidstone Grammar Orthoptics University of Sheffield Jessica Borowsky King’s Rochester Accounting & Finance University of Essex Nathan Brabon Greenacre School Sports Studies & Business University of Hertfordshire Emma Brand Dover College History of Art University of Warwick George Brewer Suffolk New College Business Management University of Greenwich Sophie Burn Maidstone Grammar Podiatry University of Southampton Alice Bushell St Edmund’s Canterbury Int’l Relations & Chinese SOAS, University of London Robert Byrne Bishop Challoner School Social Sciences University of Kent Louise Carus Hillview School Sociology University of Liverpool Premkamon Chaipanichkul Thai Government Scholar Physics Imperial College London Danraj Chana Dartford Grammar Construction mngment Aston University Luc Chance Emanuel School English & Creative Writing University of Kent Methawi Chomthong Thai Government Scholar Natural Sciences University of Cambridge Joey Christian Emanuel School Criminology University of Southampton Sam Costelloe King’s Rochester Politics University of Sheffield Jack Crush Gravesend Grammar Business Management University of Surrey Arielle De Lacy King’s School, Rochester History of Art University of Glasgow Mofetoluwa Demuren Wymondham College Mechanical Engineering Portsmouth University Isabella De Rosa Judd School Veterinary Medicine Royal Veterinary College Grigory Didur St Petersburg Gymnasia Accounting and Finance Carleton Uni, Ottowa Louis Diebel Bethany School Film & Television University of York Rebecca Dolman Invicta Grammar School Law with American Studies University of Sussex Adam Dooley Sutton Valence School Sports Management Leeds Beckett University Hallam Dyckhoff KEGS Chelmsford Philosophy University of Southampton Louis Ellingworth Sherbourne Sociology Manchester University Brooke Ellis Gad’s Hill Art Foundation K College Charlotte Evelyn Weald of Kent Grammar Graphics & Illustration Loughborough University Dylan Evelyn St Matthew’s Academy Computer Science University of Kent Henry Fairhead Tunbridge Wells Grammar German & Spanish University of York Cameron Fariba St Gregory’s Business & Politics Aston University James Flury Gravesend Grammar Sports Science University of Greenwich Lauren Garrett Bethany School Media & Culture Oxford Brookes University Harry Gibbon King’s School, Canterbury Computing Foundation Oxford Brookes University Guy Grist King’s Rochester Biochemistry University of Reading Alexander Gustyr Gordonstoun School Politics & Philosophy Sheffield Fionnuala Halfacre King’s School, Canterbury Law University of Sussex Theo Halpern King’s Rochester History King’s College, London Tariq Hamza Meopham School Business Management Manchester Met University Edward Hatch King’s Rochester Management, Govt & Law Plymouth University David Hawes Central Sussex College International Politics Aberystwyth University Patrick Hickey St Gregory’s, T Wells Chemical Engineering Swansea University Tom Hinchliffe Greenacre School Finance UEA Jack Hinchliffe Greenacre School Business Management University of Surrey Grace Hoggard Weald of Kent Grammar Biological Sciences University of Liverpool Isabella Holmes Darrick Wood School Events Management University of Lincoln Louis Houiller Sutton Valence School Geography Oxford Brookes University Allan Irving Harvey Grammar School Computer Engineering University of Kent Piers Jahn Tunbridge Wells Grammar Hospitality Management Bournemouth University Chris Kellie St Edward’s School Law & Business Studies University of Liverpool Sadia Khalid Mayfield Grammar Biomedical Sciences Queen Mary, London Will Kilgour Pangbourne College Bio & Chemical Sciences Coventry University Emily Labrum Walthamstow Hall Geography University of Exeter Charlotte Lewell Gad’s Hill Education & English Bishop Grosseteste Juliet Maines British School of Brussels Art & Film University of Kent Lucy Manning Woldingham School Biochemistry University of Exeter Stuart Marlow Langley Park School Mechanical Design Plymouth University Amareet Mattu Rochester Grammar Business & Management Queen Mary, London Conor McManaman Gravesend Grammar Medicine Newcastle University Dunya McNamara Intl School, Jordan Film & TV Production Anglia Ruskin Sasha Miles Simon Langton Class Civ & English University of Nottingham Joshua Mir Hurtwood House Computer Science Aberystwyth University Isabel Moore Tring School Physiological Science Bristol University Lauren Morley St Lawrence College Psychology University of East Anglia Michael Morrell Home Educated Physics King’s College London Anastasia Mortlock St Aidan’s, Harrogate Human Geography Leeds Met University Juella Noldred Lebanese Intl School Law University of Kent Gabby Norris Combe Bank School Geography & Spanish University of Leeds Vivian Oladeinde Northfleet School Animation University of Hertfordshire Omer Oosman Cranbrook School Business with Economics University of Brighton Harry Pattison Gad’s Hill Digital Media University of Portsmouth Leila Pain QE Faversham Politics & Economics University of Nottingham Hannah Presdee King’s School, Canterbury Zoology Bristol University Cameron Purewal Gravesend Grammar Physics Queen Mary, London Robert Rey Northfields, Mauritius Maths with Finance University of Exeter William Richardson King’s School, Canterbury Geology Kingston University Matthew Robson Oxted School Outdoor Adventure Mngmnt University of Worcester Peerasak Sae-Ung Thai Government Scholar Natural Sciences University of Cambridge Eliza Saunders Strood Academy Film Studies Bath Spa University Edward Smyth King’s Rochester Film Studies King’s College, London Adam Snaith Sutton Valence School Modern Languages Nottingham University Joe Spratt Abbey School Film Studies University of Sussex Fergus Stewart Maths School, Rochester Physiotherapy Coventry University Harry Taylor King’s Rochester Graphic Design Falmouth University Katie Taylor Dartford Grammar Geography Durham University Martha Teverson Hayes School Fine Art Falmouth University Hannah Thomas Combe Bank School Finance & Accounting Keele University Alex Tipping Bayside Comprehensive History University of Reading Robert Turvey Tunbridge Wells Grammar Sound Engineering Birmingham City William Walker Sponne School Chemistry University of Leeds Caitlin Wallace Al Khubairat British School Maths with Actuarial Science University of Leicester Nicholas Wells St Gregory’s, T Wells Film & TV with Philosophy Nottingham Trent Chris Whiting Bishop Challoner School Biomedical Sciences University of Surrey Alan Wolfe Archbishop’s School Archaeology Cardiff University

University Destinations 2014

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Retakes and Boarding Options The Clean Slate Typical of RIC resit students in 2014 is James Baker who joined us from King’s Canterbury with CDD. Having decided to make a completely fresh start, he gained grades ABB in three brand new A level subjects: Media, World Development and Sociology - all taken in a year from scratch. James received offers from Bristol and Cardiff but opted to accept a place at his first choice, Exeter University, to study Sociology.

Subject choice is often crucial in determining success as proved by Adam Dooley who joined RIC last September from Sutton Valence School with EUU at A level in Business Studies, ICT and Sports Science. He took three fresh subjects at RIC (Media, Film and Graphic Design), all in one year, and achieved BCC at A level and a place at Leeds Beckett University to study Sports Marketing. Students at RIC often excel on one year A level courses, covering both AS and A2 from scratch intensively. One of RIC’s star performers in 2014 was Arielle de Lacy whose results of A*A*A (English Literature, History of Art and Philosophy) were achieved after only nine months of study. Full boarder Irina Bravo (pictured left) from Barcelona was similarly successful on her one year A level programme, achieving grades of A* (Spanish), A* (Photography), A (Film Studies) and B (Drama). Aim for the Stars While taking three complete A levels from scratch in a year is an exciting option, retake students more often combine improving scores for key modules with adding new subjects to impress universities and to make their academic gap year more interesting. Isabella De Rosa from the Judd School took AS and A2 Sociology alongside her Chemistry and Biology retakes, gaining A*A*A* and a coveted place at London’s Royal Veterinary College, the oldest and largest of the seven highly prestigious UK Veterinary Science course providers. Added Value Hallam Dyckhoff joined as a weekly boarder from King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford, one of the top performing state schools in the country where he had achieved CDE in A level Economics, Philosophy & Maths. Hallam only one year later has an impressive AABB in English Literature, Film Studies, Economics and Philosophy and a place at Southampton University to study Philosophy.

Celebrating AAAB at A level in Physics, Maths, Philosophy and Chemistry is previously home-schooled student Michael Morrell. Michael became interested in the idea of studying Physics at university after taking a GCSE in Astronomy at the age of 13. He joined RIC for a two year A level course and has achieved his goal of a place at King’s College London to study Physics where he will be able to use the department’s new rooftop telescope in central London to observe everything from planets in our solar system to distant galaxies. Flexi schooling and home education is increasingly popular in the UK. The College’s timetable allows home educated students to join GCSE, AS or A level courses at stages appropriate to their individual circumstances rather than always according to their age or other imposed criteria. Over the years, many home educated students have joined the College full time, finding the friendly environment a comfortable and productive place in which to study.

Need to retake some GCSEs but want to start your A levels? Go to rochester-college.org

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Medic makes the grade Aspiring doctor Conor McManaman celebrates grades of AAAA (Biology, Chemistry, Maths and English Literature) and a place at Newcastle, the only UK university to start life as a medical school in 1834.

my parents suggested wasn’t the one I had in mind. I agreed eventually, saying I would go to RIC because I needed the grades but that I’d hate it - I wanted to stay at school, have a shot at being Head Boy, go on rugby tour. How wrong was I? I cried my eyes out saying goodbye to Gravesend and it took me three days to stop calling the teachers at RIC “Sir” but I know that after my time here I’m less one dimensional and the College has helped me think about different things in different ways.” Conor’s mum commented on results day: “The most interesting thing about Conor’s move was that he went for the results but the College was actually less of an exam factory than many schools are. RIC is about the development of students as a person which is a much more significant thing.”

Switch for Year 13 Sixth form should be the most exciting years of secondary education and many switch schools to prepare for university. While some stay in the independent sector from prep to sixth form it is now common for savvy students to go private at key points in their education. Such moves can allow for improved grade and university entry prospects or changes in direction after AS results. Students at private schools are three times as likely to score top A level grades. Independent sixth forms offer small classes, structured tutorial support and high quality UCAS advice. Students join RIC’s sixth form directly into Year 13 after disappointing results in Year 12. Becky Dolman joined RIC after year 12 at Invicta, determined to improve her AS results and stay on track in terms of university prospects. Her A2 Grades after a year at RIC were AAAB, including Grade As in both Politics

and Sociology taken in a year from scratch. “The moment we came to the interview at RIC I knew it was the right place. When I came there were lots of people in the same boat. At RIC there are people from all over the world - my best friend is from Sierra Leone.” Becky has a place to study Law and American Studies at Sussex University. Louis Ellingworth, joined after Year 12 at Bryanston School, Somerset and boarded at the College. His AS grades were a disappointing BCD. In Year 13 Louis picked up two new subjects - Film and Sociology from scratch to add to his Religious Studies and History. His ABBB grades secured a place to study Sociology at Manchester.

RIC’s Senior UCAS Advisor Dr Rachel Woolley says: “There is no secret to how to make a successful medical school application and the universities themselves are increasingly transparent about the process. They tend to point score applicants on each aspect of their application - academic performance to date, work experience, personal statement, UKCAT score and interview performance.”

“We didn’t quite believe you could pull it out of him. How wrong we were.You should hear us recommending you! In Louis’ words “the place I was in this time last year was dark. Look where I am now!” Amanda Ellingworth

Scholars’ stunning results Every year since 1991 the College has welcomed outstanding young academics from Thailand who win prestigious places on the Thai Government Scholarship programme in a challenging national competition.

School’s far out

Schools can’t pay or lobby to be included in the fiercely independent and widely respected ‘The Good Schools Guide’.

The Thai government fund the students through A levels at the College and then through top UK universities. The scholars return home, often after completing doctoral study, and work in senior positions for the Thai government. Methawi (Amy) Chomthong won her place on the programme having been a Gold Medallist at the 23rd International Biology Olympiad held in Singapore. At RIC she notched up an astonishing A*A*A*A*A* in just one year dropping only 36 of the 5000 UMS marks in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics. She has a place at Trinity College, top of the Tompkins table that ranks Cambridge Colleges, and former academic home to Isaac Newton, Charles Babbage and Niels Bohr. Successful Cambridge applicants students score an average 567 UCAS points so Amy met her offer comfortably with her 700. Amy is joined at Trinity by Peerasak Sae-Ung (Tom) who won Gold at the 44th International Physics Olympiad in Denmark last year. The trio is completed by Premkamon (Bow) Chiaparichkul who is to study Physics at Imperial College London.

“I really enjoyed being at my grammar school up until GCSEs and I got good results in year 11 -4A*, 6As and 2 Bs. I started sixth form and everything changed. I got to February by which time I was told that if I was the hardest worker in the world I would only get Bs. Then I received a report card and was predicted Ds. I knew I had to make some radical changes but the radical change

Only 1200 of the UK’s 30,000 primary and secondary schools are chosen to be featured in what has become the country’s most talked about parents’ manual where the reviews are famously opinionated, unbiased and no nonsense. RIC is home to many international students each year who, as well as securing places at top universities, perfect their English and find time for extra-curricular adventures in Kent, East Sussex and London. This year’s students enjoyed trips to local landmarks as varied as Derek Jarman’s house and the beach at Dungeness, the ancient medieval Port of Rye. In London they attended the “Future History Now” event - learning about replicating functional human hearts using 3D print technology - and visited 221B Baker Street, furnished still with the very chairs in which Holmes and Watson would have sat to hear details of their latest case.

Featured for the first time, RIC is described as a “place for individuals” where “the students are a strikingly nice bunch and there’s a lovely air of tolerance and warmth.” The review quotes one mother: “That playground talk, everyone wanting their child to be in the top set, you don’t have that” but makes the point that this lack of “school gate competitiveness” and traditional formality is not at the expense of academic results or artistic high flying: “The top five student destinations in the last eight years are Leeds, Nottingham, Sussex, Cambridge and Imperial. Two RIC students have won places on the prestigious Fine Art degree course at UCL’s The Slade School.”

The review notes “a firm concentration on exam technique, but still the school isn’t seen as an exam factory.” The College is judged “a sound investment”, noting that parents’ money won’t be spent on “the trappings of a public school – no mahogany-rich headmaster’s study, certainly no suave head in a handmade suit.” Other highlights include: “Parents especially appreciate the efforts made to ensure each pupil gains the best possible grade. One said: ‘There are a lot of extra lessons before exams, in the holidays and so on. They will do as much as they can if they think you can improve your grade.’” It says “Other pupils have come from grammars where they felt under too much pressure, or from large schools where they felt overwhelmed, and all say they are learning better and enjoying school more here.” “Parents all speak highly of the pastoral care and the growth in confidence they have witnessed in their children. One has three children at the school and she says: ‘They are all very different but they are spot on at all of their weaknesses and strengths.’”

“What a difference a year makes! We are absolutely thrilled Isabella that will be starting her vet medicine course in September. Thank you to all at RIC for the help and support with her A levels.” Current Parent

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RIC Gallery

Adam Bracey, A level Photography

Becky Jenkins, GCSE Fine Art

Purvinderdeep Atwal, A2 Fine Art

Thanakorn Milinthajinda, GCSE Photography

Harry Taylor, A2 Graphic Design

Valerie Yi-Shing Chu, AS Fine Art

Martha Teverson, A2 Fine Art

It was a bright sunny afternoon in June ... Star Hill’s answer to Glastonbury and Latitude, the summer festival, is an annual celebration of student art work, music and performance. This year’s festival was a great success and as ever we are grateful to Kelly Flatman, Head of Art for helping to organise the event and the RIC Catering Team for dispensing ice cream and ensuring that everyone was kept well fed while they were being entertained. Particularly striking this year was the number of RIC alumni who returned from their universities to help us celebrate the end of the term. The concept of a silent disco where people enjoy music en masse through headphones was pioneered by environmentally friendly party organisers in the 90s who were keen to minimise disturbance to wildlife and

noise pollution. Alex James, RIC Head of Music this year chose to showcase our students’ work at this year’s festival with our very own take on it. As well as hosting visiting theatre companies on site RIC students also enjoy an exciting programme of evening visits to both local and London productions. English and Theatre students enjoyed a final trip of the year to see Headlong Theatre’s acclaimed dramatization of George Orwell’s classic novel ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’ the terrifyingly dystopian vision of the future that gave us such popular cultural phenomenon such as Big Brother and Room 101. The production transferred

to the West End from the Almeida Theatre and is an intense, interval free multi media adventure touching on such timely issues as privacy, the surveillance state and the power of the media.

“Thank you for treating Sam as an equal and for giving him a sense of individuality, academic direction and worth. All in a day’s work for you maybe, but simply life changing for us. RIC is truly unique and remarkable” Sam and Marnie Partner

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“It would be hard to find better provision for an artist” Good Schools Guide 2014

Lizzie Bradshaw, AS Photography

Tallulah Harris, A2 Graphic Design

Robert Cross, A2 Graphic Design

Harry Taylor, A2 Photography

RIC at the Movies

Georgia Burt, A2 Fine Art, Year 13

Harry Fairhead, AS Fine Art

The College has encouraged many young film makers over the years. Clio Barnard, the BAFTA award-winning director of The Arbor and The Selfish Giant was film maker in residence. Industry professionals regularly visit the College to share their experience with students. This year photographer Ali Mobasser and illustrator and animator Russell Weekes gave a talk to our A level Photography and Film Studies students. Professionals in their own right, they also collaborate on projects, most notably music videos and a multimedia project for The Guardian. Russell showed his Franz Ferdinand video which made use of his signature visual playfulness and the Stephin Merritt (of the Magnetic Fields fame) music video that he directed, for which Ali took the stills.

Purvinderdeep Atwal, A2 Graphic Design

Wilde about ...

The most scandalous court case of the Victorian era will be played out on Star Hill when a hit play, based on the newly discovered shorthand transcripts of the trial of Oscar Wilde, is performed in Rochester Independent College’s Underhill Hall (pictured left). The co-authors are Wilde’s grandson Merlin Holland and RIC parent John O’Connor, director of the European Arts Theatre Company based in Maidstone. The sold out production played to great reviews at The St James Theatre in the West End over the summer and is scheduled to return to London’s Trafalgar Studios. RIC is very excited to be hosting such a landmark event. We will be inviting A level English and Drama students from across Kent to join us for the performance. See our website for details and tickets.

“You took a girl in pieces after the disappointment of her A level results and turned her into a confident and successful young woman. She is now going to study Zoology at Bristol, her dream university. She would not have done it without you.” Year 13 parent

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Sixth form multiple choice: A level or IB? subject choice can produce a comparable breadth of study to the IB, just without the prescription. Students have joined RIC from schools such as Cobham Hall, Dartford Grammar, Rochester Grammar and Tonbridge Grammar as well as from international schools around the world after starting the Diploma but finding it not suited to them.

A levels dominate the sixth form sector300,000 students took them in the UK last year compared to fewer than 5,000 opting for IB. With university entry increasingly competitive though it is now common to weigh up the benefits of different routes. Recent media reports suggest a move away from A levels in the light of uncertainty generated by forthcoming reforms. Responding to charges of grade inflation and dumbing down, new exams will have more challenging content, less coursework and be taken at the end of two years rather than in bite sized modules.

Although there is now a competing range of alternatives including the IB Diploma and Cambridge Pre U, A levels remain an excellent preparation for University entrance. At RIC, A level students value and benefit from being able to play to their strengths rather than being compelled to study subjects they’d rather stop at GCSE. For students naturally gifted in sciences or arts, A level offers the opportunity for early specialisation and a real depth of pre university study. For academic all-rounders an imaginative approach to

Tim Hoffman who switched from IB to A levels and won a place at Bath said: “The main difference between A levels and IB is being allowed to focus on the subjects I am interested in. It is essential to be well rounded academically to achieve a high IB score. I’m mainly interested in sciences so the IB was harder.” For university courses such as Medicine or Engineering the specialisation of A levels is arguably a better preparation. The IB does not allow students to study three Sciences. A 2012 Ofqual report while praising the Diploma for the range of skills it fosters, concluded that its Standard Level Maths was below A level standard and that its Higher Level Maths less demanding than A level Further Maths. Cambridge’s STEP 3 Maths paper taken by so many RIC students has been described as virtually impossible for an IB mathematician.

RIC students can take A levels in one year from scratch, something not possible with the IB. The current modular structure of A levels lends itself to retaking. Universities do recognise the commitment of students who opt to retake their AS and A levels and even top Russell Group universities give offers to our resit students every year. It is often the case that universities require higher IB scores than a comparable A level offer for the same course if entry requirements are translated into UCAS points. The standard offer for Dentistry at Bristol is AAA at A level (360 points) while for IB it is 37 (545 points). For English at Warwick the required IB score is 38 (567 UCAS points) but again AAA at A level. Law at UCL looks for grades that translate to 400 UCAS points (A*AAe) from A level students but an intimidatingly steep 589 (39) from the IB Diploma. While both routes provide strong foundations for university study it is clear that different pathways suit different students. The real strength of any sixth form is its ability to match the right programme of study to the right student to help them realise their university aspirations.

Geographers marked top for quality The outstanding academic and extra curricular Geography provision at RIC has led to the award of the much coveted Secondary Geography Quality Mark. The Geographical Association, the prestigious awarding body said of the Department: “You showed that you not only provide a quality experience at KS3, but also at GCSE and A-level. ” The Association was particularly impressed by “the range of

fieldwork activities which stimulated and engaged students in geography.” Part of the vitality of the department comes from its engagement with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme which sees students involved in a wide range of activities both outside and within the College. Students are inspired by cross curricular opportunities- undertaking media projects or with grounds team, working on projects in the College’s beautiful wildlife gardens.

Fanfare for Musical Gates Educating teacher RIC’s teachers are a talented bunch, contributing to a creative and lively academic environment. Not only to many of the staff also work as examiners in their subjects but there are always those undertaking further academic study or writing. Among those combining teaching and studying are History teacher Jonathan Moses - MA in Architectural History at UCL; Philosophy teacher Tom McGuffog - PhD at UKC on aesthetic concepts such as beauty, elegance and grace and Media and Film teacher Mat Sillet with his PhD topic: ‘Folklore and New Media’. Mat says: “The research which can seem pretty arcane such as into 7th century Chinese

storytelling, leads into how modern forms of communication (youtube, mobile apps etc) are a reflection of the oral tradition. The research has informed the way I teach media and helped me reconsider the ways in which our students learn beyond traditional methods” Head of Year 13 Todd Dedman recently celebrated the completion of his doctorate focussing on youth subcultural groups affiliated to hip-hop and grime culture. Todd says: “My PhD has helped to develop my teaching in recent years in the areas of subculture in Sociology and audience identification and cultural competence in Media Studies.”

The long awaited unique musical gates designed by Faversham based sound sculptor and musician Henry Dagg will open to their own fanfare in 2015. Conceived by Principal Brian Pain with Henry, a former Dalek, their completion has been delayed while Dagg and his Sharpsichord travelled the world with Bjork on her Biophilia tour. World champion musical saw player Henry is well known for his quirky but stunning musical creations which he designs and engineers himself from scratch. He was nominated for a Kent Public Art Award for transforming his garden fence into a glockenspiel which was officially ‘opened’ by Evelyn Glenny. Henry is perhaps best known nationally for reducing Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to tears of laughter with his performance on his Catastrophony at one of their eco-garden parties. Brian says of his vision for the gates:

“I wanted to make an impact, to mark the founding and growth of the College in a way that demonstrates our individuality and dynamism but also creates something beautiful and, more importantly, fun. Henry in many ways embodies what the College is. In everything he does he aims for perfection, but each creation is totally original and made to last. The complete construction will weigh around three tons with even the hinges being specially made. The intricate details have been cut from weather resistant stainless steel with water jets so as not to distort the metal. Richard Fleury, a local film maker has recorded the construction process and this is in itself part of the whole work of art.” Music will be created from the gates with a combination of vibraphone effects, resonating strings and organ pipe-like tubes. A description will be on the website shortly.

“I have seen how impressive your school is, on both the academic and pastoral sides. It is unusual to find a school that has your distinct ethos and a capacity to work with a degree of informality that makes students feel comfortable.” Beth Stockley, Deputy Head

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Gardens have Gall A new building for our award-winning wildlife gardens has been constructed from sustainable materials with the intention to create a shelter and ‘quiet place’ for students and staff at RIC. It has been conceived and painstakingly crafted by Faversham based artist and garden designer Simon Bernthal. The rounded shape is inspired by an oak gall, the common name for a large, round, apple-like growth commonly found on many species of oak created by gall wasps to enclose their developing lavae. The plan for the future is to cover the outside with crushed elderberries so that the whole form glows red.

classroom as part of their DofE awards. They also continue to tend the allotment and perform in the outdoor performance space on the roof of Underhill Hall. Our gardens, this structure and our Art and Design end of year exhibition were open to the public as part of Medway Open Studios in July this year.

Year 7 to Sixth Form “We were absolutely delighted with the results Edward got today for his A levels. They were better than we ever dared hope for and such an achievement. We know that a lot of this is down to you and all your staff who, over seven years, have given so much of your time and expertise to guide him on his way. To receive a confirmed offer from KCL this morning was wonderful. He has been so happy since joining you and you have given him so much in addition to purely academic knowledge.” Sarah Smyth, Parent A group of the first students to join RIC as Year 7 students at the start of their secondary education and go right through the school are celebrating A level success and places at first choice universities.

This is another interesting and thought provoking structure which we hope will inspire and motivate interest and enjoyment from students and staff alike. It ties in with continuing garden development work where students have already constructed birdboxes, insect houses, created a working compost area and built an outdoor

Edward Smyth’s grades of A*A*A won him a place at King’s College London for Film Studies. He will be joined at KCL by Theo Halpern who has a place for History. Their classmate Sam Costelloe has won a place to study Politics at Sheffield. Harry Taylor (pictured below) from the same year group is the star Creative Arts student of 2014, he has a place at Falmouth University, top university for Graphic Design. His grades included A* in Graphic Design and A* in Photography. Edward, Theo, Sam and Harry were all at a local preparatory school together before becoming some of the first students to join RIC’s Lower School for their complete secondary education. In the autumn term RIC will be visiting feeder schools in Kent including Dulwich Prep and Spring Grove School.

Ralph Steadman @ RIC

Artists of all ages from Kent were thrilled to have their work judged by iconoclastic illustrator Ralph Steadman, (pictured above). Winners included Tabetha Cook from Hempstead Junior School and Harvey Hall from Valley Park School. Year 8-11 category winner, Libby Morrell, won RIC’s Ralph Steadman Art and Design full scholarship worth £30,000. Local artist Michael Turley won the adult category for his superb Ice Sculpture ‘Time’. Steadman, famous for his anarchic, ink splattered drawings and acerbic political satires, illustrated classics such as Alice in Wonderland, Animal Farm and Treasure

Island and collaborated with Hunter S. Thompson on the birth of GONZO journalism with his illustrations for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. One of his latest projects: STEADMAN @ 77, shown at London’s Cartoon Museum (which our year 10s visited last summer) is shortly coming to Maidstone. In the film ‘For No Good Reason’ based on his life and works, Johnny Depp pays a call on his friend and hero and takes off on a “high-spirited, lyrical, raging and soulful journey discovering the life and works of one of the most important radical British artists of modern times.” Having Steadman in the RIC Art Department was truly inspirational for staff and students alike.

Bitesize RIC Year 7 Taster Days 24 September • 15 October • 12 November 2014

Join us at Kent’s fresh alternative to a traditional Independent school for a fun and educational taster day. Go to rochester-college.org for details

Keep calm with RIC as exams change Michael Gove may have been reshuffled out of the Department of Education but the impact of his reforms continues to be felt in schools. Ahead of this week’s GCSE results, Rochester Independent College saw a surge in enquiries about our short English, Maths and Science GCSE retake courses. The exam watchdog warned schools to expect “particularly volatile” results as a result of reforms to GCSEs that prevent pupils repeatedly taking modules.We are expecting a larger than usual number of local students to join us for resit courses in these key subjects. Under current Coalition proposals A levels are also due to change with the first new tougher syllabuses being introduced for first teaching from September 2015. The new system proposes to abolish the AS in its current form and it will no longer form part of the A level. All exams would be taken at the end of a two year A level course. The situation is however complicated by the recent announcement by Labour’s shadow education secretary that should there be a change of government next year the reforms will be put on hold and AS exams retained as part of the A level.

However the current uncertainties are resolved; what will not be changing with A levels or GCSEs at RIC is the quality of our teaching or the flexibility of our timetabling or our consistently strategic and creative approach to navigating whatever exam system is in place at a particular point in time in the interests of our students. The College specialises in highly personalised programmes of study. By avoiding the one size fits all approach of so many bigger schools we have been able to help so many students realise their ambitions to become doctors, vets, dentists, teachers, city traders, publishers, academics, film makers, lawyers, illustrators, fashion designers, magazine editors, accountants and journalists. RIC is happy to offer informed advice to anyone finding themselves in a difficult position post-results, whether they are interested in joining the College or not.

Retake Advice Line

01634 828115

“There is no question that if she had remained at her old school, she would not have been in a position to take up a place at Exeter University. We are all absolutely delighted and relieved that she has achieved so brilliantly at RIC this year.” Year 13 parent

From Year 7 to Sixth Form | www.rochester-college.org | 01634 828115

RIC celebrates 30 years as Kent’s fresh alternative to traditional independent schools It was a bright cold day in April, the clocks were striking 1984, and RIC was founded by two Maths teachers, Brian Pain and Simon de Belder. Their small sixth form College, still known to many locally by its original name of Rochester Tutors, has grown since then into an ISC accredited day and boarding school with over 280 students from the age of 11. Maths is still the biggest and most successful A level subject. RIC now occupies a historically distinctive urban campus of fourteen, mostly listed buildings, creating a unique sense of place to explore and in which to live, study and work. This academic year will see our 30th anniversary party with former students, parents, staff and friends invited to return to the College to celebrate. RIC alumni Ray Smith is an illustrator working and living on the Kent coast, producing work for a wide range of clients across publishing and advertising. While at the College, Ray illustrated our student magazine ‘The Flying Pig.’ Now working internationally, Ray has lent his unique touch to a broad range of commercial projects and exhibited in London and Tokyo. His previous clients include Nike, Absolut Vodka, British Airways, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and Billboard magazine. As well as our 30th Anniversary Illustration (pictured right) Ray also provided the art work for our College website and prospectus.

“The campus is as unique as the school”

Good Schools Guide 2014

RIC continues to be one of the fastest growing businesses in Kent. It has always been policy to put profits back into the College and our 30th anniversary year will see another £2million of investment, developing the campus to improve facilities for students. The College has a tradition of sympathetically restoring landmark buildings in the Star Hill conservation area and enhancing them with modern design features. The former Dickens Hotel - the College’s twelfth Grade II listed building - on New Road is now set to be remodelled and will open fully in September 2015 as a new halls of residence, offering thirty four high quality, hotel standard rooms, all with en suite facilities. Architects have been instructed and the new boarding facility will feature a refectory, common room, landscaped gardens, a small wood and a meadow. The building dates from c1840 and features a striking ground floor Tuscan Doric verandah of 8 columns.

The recently acquired New Court at the top of Star Hill is also having a makeover, being transformed into a home for our award winning Film, Media and Visual Arts departments. State of the art fibre optics will serve two new Apple Mac design labs and an IT based library with places for 40 students is being established. The finishing touches are also being put to Underhill Hall, home to RIC’s Drama department. Over the summer the adjustable stage is being constructed, complete with changing rooms for performers and a full lighting rig.

and provided 275,000 jobs. Matthew Burgess, general secretary of the ISC commented: “While our schools have been long recognised for their educational excellence, we can now see how important our schools are in stimulating growth and employment, in contributing our fair share of tax and supporting local economies and communities across the country.”

Rochester Independent College has grown into an Independent Schools Council accredited day and boarding school with over 280 students on roll each year from year 7 up and employing over 100 people. An Oxford Economics report into the financial, cultural and educational impact of private schools on local communities published this year estimated that together they contributed a total of £11.7 billion to the UK economy and provided

Interviewing now for Sept 2014 and Sept 2015. Call us to arrange an informal visit and campus tour Star Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1XF Tel: 01634 828115 email: [email protected]