Students aged 12 - 16
Rochester Independent College
General English
This course drives language development by encouraging its learners to adopt “the values, attitudes and behaviours that support responsible global citizenship” (Unesco).
General English
Looking to boost your world language skills whilst learning to be a responsible global citizen?
Our General English course at Rochester Independent College is designed not only to maximise your language development but to do this through using UNESCO’s ‘Four pillars of learning’: learning to know; learning to do; learning to be and learning to live together.
General English
At a Glance
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Price
£3,350
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Ages
12-16
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English Level
A2+ (Pre-intermediate and above)
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Duration
2 weeks
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Maximum Class Size
15
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Academic Content
20 Hours Per Week
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Starting Dates
6th July and 20th July 2025
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Location
Rochester Independent College, Rochester
General English
What's Included?
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Academic Hours
20 hours of subject-specific academic content per week with a subject tutor, delivered through interactive and hands-on lessons
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Time to Shine
Opportunities to apply and share this knowledge through dynamic ‘Time To Shine’ group projects, culminating in an end-of-the-week ceremony in which you can present your innovative ideas to your peers.
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Excursions
With the captial only a short distance away, students will benefit from two excursions into London where they will explore the exciting attractions the capital has to offer.
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Social Programme
Our social programme fosters friendship and community through engaging activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and themed disco nights, creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for students.
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Develop English Language Skills
Numerous opportunities throughout your academic programme to develop your English language skills, whether that’s building vocabulary to talk about your subject, or developing your speaking skills to present your Time To Shine project.
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End of course certificate
All students receive an end-of-course certificate for attending the programme.
What you'll learn
- Rise and Fall of Civilisations: a week revolving around a huge game of ‘diplomacy’, where students study culture, peace & conflict, and global issues to help debate, negotiate and strategise foreign policy.
- The 21st Century citizen: students look at what it means to be a citizen of the 21st century, with a focus on mental health, social issues, media, and identity.
- STEM Week : from practical challenges to theoretical debates, students study the impact of science and tech through the ages – from the industrial revolution to the near future.
- The Rochester Echo – the week where Rochester students become journalists and content creators – studying the news and propaganda, creating culture & travel blogs, and writing critical reviews.
- The Rochester Festival in Art, Film and Media.
- Mini PPE : through a series of simulations of major global events, students look at the application of politics, philosophies and economics to our complex world.
Why choose this course?
Students will develop in key areas through a series of skills-based workshops, lectures, independent learning, and study tours.
During the course, students will practise and improve their writing by constructing an academic essay on a topic of their choice, to help put into practice the skills that they have developed.
You will get to enhance your team-working by doing research projects in small groups with fellow students from all around the world.
What you'll get
Our General English course will motivate students with its global themes and will excite and extend to all abilities.
From looking at climate change to the rights of child refugees, this General English programme is a highly relevant course which is drawn up from topics in which students are familiar with, including: the role of an influencer, healthy lifestyles, discussing the impact of celebrities, and the potential impact of the plant-based diet.
This course is fantastic for young learners who are inquisitive and would excel at the challenge of developing their language skills via an alternative and less traditional path.
General English
Dates & Prices
Download The Academic Overview
Get a detailed insight into our General English programme, designed to inspire and challenge students in a dynamic learning environment. This academic overview includes:
✔ Course objectives and key learning outcomes
✔ A breakdown of academic content and skills development
✔ Sample timetables outlining daily lesson plan
✔ Engaging projects and interactive learning experiences
✔ How this course helps students build confidence, critical thinking, and leadership skills
Download now to explore how General English equips students with the knowledge and experience to excel.
General English FAQs
Is General English at Rochester a challenging programme?
General English is a dynamic programme designed to challenge students. However, if students are finding it a little too hard, then the teacher can modify it so that every student feels involved in the class. At SBC we take great pride in delivering a course which delivers for a broad range of ability levels.
What level of English is required?
The programme is open to students with a English level of Pre-intermediate or above (A2+).
Do students receive a certificate?
To mark the end of the programme each student receives a certificate of completion.
Do students learn from a coursebook?
Throughout each course, our teachers give students their own materials.
What should students bring to class?
Students should come with their own pens to class, but don’t need to worry about folders and notebooks.
Is any pre-reading necessary for the course?
Despite the fact that prereading is not necessary to participate in the course, it would benefit students to perhaps review what they have learned this year to feel even more confident with their English, but only if they feel it is necessary.
No better opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded students
No better opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded students. For our son there was no better opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded students from all over the world and to immerse himself in this broad field of interest.
Irena, Germany - Parent
Speak with a member of our friendly admissions team
We’re happy to answer any questions you have and support you in finding the perfect experience.