Home > Admissions > The International School Admissions

The International School Admissions

Flexible IGCSE programmes to suit you

At The International School, we offer a range of IGCSE and study abroad programmes for students from around the world. So you can find a programme that suits you.

Our programmes

Find out more about which programme is most suitable for you:

The Discovery Years

Our Discovery Years programme offers students aged 11+ an exciting opportunity to take their first steps into the British education system earlier, and benefit from early preparation to succeed in their future GCSE and IGCSE studies. You will engage in active learning, project work, teamwork and presentations, whilst developing your study skills. You will improve your English significantly and study a range of academic subjects.

Two-year IGCSE

Students who are younger than 15 or whose English is weaker may take the IGCSE course in the normal two years instead of one year. In the first year, students follow a study programme which consists of intensive general and academic English as well as Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Introduction to Humanities and Social Sciences, Art, French or German, Extended Project Award, Personal, Social and Health Education (the Excelsis Award).

One-year IGCSE

The one year IGCSE course gives you the same qualification that British students gain in two years. How do we do it in half the time? Small classes, specialist teachers and the focus that comes from everyone being on the same journey. The shorter, more intensive course is a cost effective way to gain this internationally recognised qualification. Our students usually want to move on to A level or IB, either at d’Overbroeck’s or another independent school and this course is excellent preparation for success. By taking the IGCSE course, you will improve your chances of getting top A level grades and getting into your preferred university in future. Alternatively, students may wish to go home and study in their own system, in which case gaining top IGCSE grades in a year here will give you an internationally recognised qualification for the future.

4 or 5 term IGCSE

It is possible to join our IGCSE programme in January for 5 terms or in April for 4 terms. On these 4 and 5 term courses students will begin by studying a curriculum which includes: Intensive, general and academic English and Maths Science (combined Biology, Chemistry and Physics) Humanities (including History, Geography and Religious Education) Art and Performing Arts (Music and Drama) A Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish) Personal Development (Personal, Social and Health Education) This will enable students to develop the study skills which they will need to succeed in the UK (writing skills, essay skills, research skills and a stronger, academic english).

UK study abroad

Our UK Study Abroad courses are designed specifically for students like you wanting to experience studying in a UK school. We have students from all over the world coming to learn and experience life in the university city of Oxford. During your course you will study English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Languages and Citizenship. Your studies will be active – you will work in teams, you will give presentations, you will write reports – all helping you develop your study skills. Your lesson will be full of discussion, active learning and laughter! We like studying to be fun.

Take a tour of The International School:

Friendship Ambassador Awards

Friendship Ambassadors are students who add to the life of the International School. They should enjoy meeting visiting families and representing their countries and the school.

They may have:

already had positions of responsibility at their school, or
taken part in competitions or awards abroad, or
taken part in community or charity work, or
have a particular skill or talent (e.g. in music or sport)

How to apply

All students need to do is show on the application form that they are interested in a Friendship Ambassador Award by ticking the relevant box on the application form. In their personal statement they should explain briefly what they can offer the school by telling us what they have achieved.

All applicants will be interviewed but the interview can be by Skype. In the interview we will ask students about why they think they would be a good ambassador for the school.

The Awards

These are generous awards from £1500 to £6000 a year are for the first year of a student’s time at d’Overbroeck’s International School. If you have students who are excited by the idea of studying in the UK and who want to play an active role in school life, this award could be for them.