CTC Prospectus

2 Cambridge Tutors College ProsPectus ProsPectus Cambridge Tutors College 3

A pathway to the UK’s leading universitiescambridge tutors college (ctc) is an international college that prepares young

people for entry into prestigious universities, such as oxford, cambridge, Imperial

college, university college London and the London school of economics. set in an

easily accessible location to the south of London, it offers a secure and attractive

environment in which each student is encouraged to fulfil his or her academic and

personal potential.

ctc was founded in 1958 by a graduate of cambridge university and is a warm and

friendly community with around 25 countries represented on the student body. It is

governed by a charitable trust which has three main aims:

to promote high academic standards

to foster international understanding, welcoming people of all faiths, nationalities

and backgrounds

to create an adult focused environment to prepare students for higher education

small class sizes, careful monitoring of academic progress and weekly testing lie at the

heart of ctc’s commitment to high academic standards. expert guidance and support

during the university application process also help to explain why so many ctc

students succeed in securing places at leading universities.

Not only does the college enjoy a well-earned reputation for helping students

to get into the top universities, it also prides itself in preparing students for the

challenges that they will face at university and in the increasingly globalised world

beyond. Within the college, through our carefully managed

homestay programme and through our varied programme of

extracurricular activities, students are encouraged to

become more independent and to develop a sense of

responsibility for themselves and for others. I invite you to

find out more about ctc by reading this prospectus, by

visiting www.ctc.ac.uk and by visiting the college.

Mario Di Clemente, PrINcIPaL

CTC’s Academic Programmes page 4

Studying at CTC page 7

Meet the Tutors page 8

University and Beyond page 11

Beyond the Classroom page 12

Location and Facilities page 13

Admissions, scholarships and bursaries page 14


Choosing the right Course a level (regular and Fast-track)

ctc offers two year a level courses,

which start in september, and fast track,

18 month a level courses, which start in

January.

gCse (Fast-track)

ctc offers one Gcse year courses. all

Gcse courses start in september.

english Language programmes

english language support, which focuses

on preparation for IeLts examinations,

is available throughout a student’s time

at the college. It is a requirement that

students take english language classes

until they have achieved an IeLts result of

at least 7.0, or higher if required by their

chosen universities.

CTC’s Academic Programmes

avaILabLe oN the tWo year a LeveL ProGramme

avaILabLe oN the 18

moNth a LeveL ProGramme

avaILabLe oN the oNe year Gcse

ProGramme

accounting

art & Design

biology

business studies

chemistry

computing

economics

english Language

english Literature

French

Further mathematics

Geography

Government & Politics

history

Ict

Italian

Law

mathematics

Physics

spanish

statistics

*availability of these subject choices is subject to demand

Choosing the right subjeCtsthe college welcomes the opportunity to

advise applicants which a level or Gcse

subjects best meet their needs.

a level students are normally expected

to study four subjects to as level (i.e.

during the first year of a two year course).

they may continue to study three or four

subjects to a2 level (i.e. in their second

year), depending upon their ability,

progress and as results.

Gcse students are permitted to study

a maximum of five subjects, which

should include english Language and

mathematics.

*

*

*


Studying at CTC

ctc offers an environment that is

academically challenging but also

friendly and supportive. the college’s

academic expectations are high, as are

those of most of our students. however,

our small teaching groups and dedicated

tutors mean that help and support are

very readily available. a report by the

Independent schools Inspectorate (IsI)

noted, in 2011, that “students achieve

outstanding levels of performance.”

sMaLL CLassesthe maximum class size at ctc is nine

students. therefore, tutors are able to

devote a great deal of attention to the

needs of each individual student.

WeekLy testingstudents are tested on a weekly basis

in each of their subjects. the tests are

conducted in the college examination

hall and under strict examination

conditions. this frequent and continual

assessment ensures that students’ relative

weaknesses can be identified and very

quickly addressed by their tutors.

personaL tutoreach student is assigned a Personal tutor.

a student’s Personal tutor is a source of

guidance and support throughout his

or her time at the college. each student

meets with his or her Personal tutor at

least once a week.


Meet the Tutors

the college’s tutors are experienced and

well qualified. our tutors have a wealth

of experience and expertise helping

students to perform to the best of their

ability. relations between tutors and

students are based on mutual respect

and shared goals. ctc tutors are proud

of the academic success of their students.

ctc students are respectful of the

dedication of their tutors and grateful for

the unusually high level of support that

they receive.

Dr Chris DreW, vIce PrINcIPaL joined the CtC staff in 2010

Dr Drew has an undergraduate degree and a Post Graduate certificate in education

from the university of sussex, as well as a PhD in education from the university of bath.

beyond his tutoring and administrative responsibilities, Dr Drew is involved in the

football, Duke of edinburgh’s award and student magazine activities.

Mrs heather hayes, heaD oF ecoNomIcs, accouNtING aND busINess stuDIes

taught at CtC from 1981 to 1987

and re-joined the staff in 1989

mrs hayes has a degree in economics

and economic history from edinburgh

university and a Post Graduate certificate

in education

outside the classroom, mrs hayes is the

college’s Link teacher for the young

enterprise programme.

Dr john roDgers, heaD oF eNGLIsh as a ForeIGN LaNGuaGe.

joined the CtC staff in 1980

Dr rodgers has an undergraduate degree

from cambridge university, a masters

degree from birkbeck college, London

and a PhD in applied Linguistics from the

Institute of education in London.

outside the classroom, Dr rodgers helps

to run the college’s christian Fellowship

and a singing group.

“It’s difficult to imagine a better place to teach.”

“I love working with such fantastic students who are very focussed on their studies and are very caring of each other. Their tutors are also very dedicated to ensuring the success of their students. This creates a very special atmosphere.”

“Teaching Economics here can be very rewarding as the students are highly motivated. The College has a small maximum group size. This means that I can work closely with my students creating a warm and purposeful learning environment.”

Mr anDreW Cook, PhysIcs tutor


mr cook has a degree in Physics from

city of London Polytechnic and a Post

Graduate certificate in education

outside the classroom, mr cook is a staff

representative on the student committee

and is therefore involved in helping

to organise a wide range of social and

charitable activities.

“I very much enjoy the friendly and relaxed environment at CTC. I work with experienced colleagues and have the opportunity to meet interesting students from all over the world.”


Mr barry Morgan, art tutor joined the CtC staff in 2005

mr morgan has undergraduate and masters degrees from Norwich school of art and

the royal college of art respectively and a Post Graduate certificate in education

outside the classroom, mr morgan runs weekend visits to London art galleries and

museums as well as a Photography club.

Ms eLizabeth sLater, bIoLoGy tutor


ms slater has a degree in biology from

manchester university and a Post

Graduate certificate in education.

ms slater also tutors students in Personal,

social and health education (Pshe)

Mr stephen oakes, heaD oF chemIstry


mr oakes has a degree in chemistry from

oxford university and a Post Graduate

certificate in education. In addition to his

teaching responsibilities, mr oakes is a

member of the cambridge tutors college

educational trust council, the college’s

governing body.

Meet the Tutors

“There is a real sense of community spirit amongst both staff and students.”

University and beyond Careers aDviCe anD university appLiCationsstudents are provided with a carefully

managed programme of university and

careers guidance and support. expert

advice ensures that each student makes

sound decisions about which universities

and degree courses to apply for and that

each student’s university application

is as strong as it possibly can be. the

programme includes presentations

by carefully selected visitors from

universities as well as meetings with

Personal tutors, the vice Principal and

independent careers advisors.

special provision is made for students

applying to oxford, cambridge, medical

schools and Dentistry schools, an

important part of which is interview

training.

students are guided through the

university central admissions service

(ucas) process, from course choice

and application to firm acceptance of a

university place.

Guidance is also available to students

wishing to apply to universities in the

usa and other countries outside the uK.

“I am immensely grateful to CTC. My subject tutors were constantly encouraging. The guidance that I received before and during the university application process was also critical. Support was available every step of the way. The College is really geared up to giving students the best possible chance of getting into the university and course of their choice. Nothing is left to chance.”Ranjeet Sandhu, fRom CRoydon, took a two yeaR a level CouRSe at CtC. on Completion of hiS a levelS he went on to Study eConomiCS at univeRSity College, london (uCl), wheRe he waS awaRded a fiRSt ClaSS honouRS degRee.

“It is a pleasure to see academically motivated students from different geographic and social backgrounds work together enthusiastically to achieve their potential and gain access to top universities.”

“We are very fortunate to be so close to London’s galleries and museums and I actively encourage students to get out and see as much as they can by running weekend Art trips.”


A212

A212

A232

A232

A232

A212

B274B243

B275

A236

A236Croydon

East Croydon Rail

South Croydon Rail

Lloyd Park

SandilandsLebanon Rd

Wandle Park

Reeves Corner

Location and Facilitiesbecause the college is situated just

outside central London, we offer a

secure and attractive environment that

is ideal for studying. however, because

of our proximity to central London and

because croydon benefits from excellent

transport links, the capital’s rich variety

of museums, theatres, concert halls

and other cultural attractions are easily

reached within forty minutes. heathrow

airport is an hour’s drive away and is also

easily accessible by public transport.

Gatwick airport is closer still.

the college buildings are a blend of old

and new. the majority of the classrooms

are housed in the historic main building.

science laboratories, the cafeteria and a

cyber café are also located within the main

buildings. the purpose built osborne

study centre is home to a well-stocked

library, a lecture theatre and a spacious It

centre. the college’s computer facilities

are of a high standard throughout.

Preparing students for the challenges

of university and their professional

careers is as much about their personal

development as it is about their academic

development.

outside as well as inside the classroom,

we aim to provide our students with

an environment that is as exciting and

challenging as it is safe and supportive.

a report by the Independent schools’

Inspectorate (IsI) noted, in 2011, that

“students’ personal development is

outstanding” .

aCtivities at CtCstudents are encouraged to participate

in a varied programme of extra-curricular

activities. most activities take place after

college on weekday evenings. however,

weekend expeditions and excursions are

also organised. activities offered include

football, basketball, tennis, badminton,

table tennis, fitness, chess, debating

and singing. many of the weekend

excursions are operated as part of the

widely regarded Duke of edinburgh

awards programme. an elected student

committee is instrumental in organising

a range of social and other activities,

including concerts, discos and an annual

international evening. students wishing

to practise their religion are very likely

to find suitable places of worship within

the multi-cultural local community.

a christian Fellowship group meets

weekly within the college and welcomes

students of any faith.

aCCoMMoDation a number of ctc’s local students live at

home and travel to the college on a daily

basis. other students are accommodated

with carefully selected local host families.

the college is very fortunate in having a

large number of local families, who have

been delighted to host ctc students

for many years. every effort is made to

place each student with the host family

that best suits his or her particular

preferences. Living with a local family can

be a particularly beneficial experience for

overseas students. It provides an exciting

opportunity to experience british life and

ensures that non-native english speakers

are operating within an english language

environment outside, as well as inside

the college. students may remain with

their host families during holidays, other

than the long holiday between academic

years, should they wish to do so.

stuDent WeLFare – Who to turn toIf students have academic concerns, they

would normally talk, in the first instance,

to their Personal tutor. For non-academic

support and advice, the head of student

Welfare and her team operate an open

door policy and are always willing to help.

Beyond the Classroom

“It is very important to both students and their parents that they are settled and happy in their accommodation to ensure that they get the best results from their course.”mRS BeveRley oakeS, aCCommodation offiCeR. mRS oakeS joined the CtC Staff in 1997.

MeaLs our host families provide students

with breakfast and dinner on a daily

basis, and with lunches on weekends

and holidays. other than on holidays,

the college’s cafeteria serves a wide

range of international dishes, with

halal and vegetarian options, healthy

salads and snacks available from the

start of the college day until

mid-afternoon.

Day stuDents at CtCLocal students, who attend ctc as day

students, are fully integrated into

college life. they are encouraged to

participate in the college’s extracurricular

programme and benefit from an

extraordinary opportunity to form

friendships with students from a wide

range of countries as well as to develop a

deeper understanding of other countries

and cultures.

the stuDent CoMMitteean elected student committee

contributes greatly to enriching the life

of the students outside their academic

studies. the committee meets weekly

to create, plan and organise social and

charitable fund raising events.

“The Welfare team is here to help with anything from accommodation arrangements and opening a bank account to medical treatment and visa applications.” mRS patRiCia BRown, head of Student welfaRe. mRS BRown joined the CtC Staff in 1986


the appLiCation proCessapplications may be submitted on paper

or online. a paper application form is

enclosed with this prospectus. Whether

submitting an application on paper or

online, the procedure is as follows:

step 1 complete the form in full

and send it, with accompanying

documentation, to the college.

step 2 We will reply, sending you an

offer of a place, if appropriate, which

may be conditional on your obtaining

satisfactory examination results.

step 3 your parent/guardian signs the

acceptance and returns it to us, together

with your registration fee plus deposit.

Step 4 on receipt, we send a letter

confirming our offer. your place is now

booked.

entry requireMentsstudents need to have an academic

background and a level of proficiency

in the use of english appropriate to the

course they wish to follow.

For a level applicants who are applying

from within the uK system, a minimum of

5 Gcses at grade b or above is required.

applicants for our Gcse course should

have completed 9-11 years of full-time

education and will have achieved a

suitable academic standard.

all students are required to provide a

copy of their most recent end of year

school report and transcript.

applicants are required to demonstrate a

level of proficiency in the use of english,

appropriate to their chosen course. For

september entry, those levels are:

IeLts 6.0 for an a level course, if not

all subjects chosen are mathematics or

sciences

IeLts 5.5 for an a level course, if all

subjects chosen are mathematics or

sciences

IeLts 5.0 for a Gcse course

IeLts 6.0, or the equivalent, is required

for all students commencing an a level

course in January.

Admissions, scholarships and bursariesIf an applicant does not have an

IeLts or equivalent qualification,

the college may allow him or her to

demonstrate the required level of

english language proficiency, through

sitting ctc’s own entrance tests and

being interviewed.

the college may require applicants to sit

entrance tests in maths or other subjects

which are relevant to their chosen course.

sChoLarships anD bursariesacademic scholarships are awarded each

year to exceptionally able students and

applications should be made, in the first

instance, to the Principal.

bursaries are allocated in cases of

financial need. the trustees of cambridge

tutors college are committed to

broadening access to ctc by offering to

eligible parents/guardians means-tested

financial support with the payment of

tuition fees. such support is known as

a bursary and this may be awarded in

the form of a reduction of up to 100%

of tuition fees payable, depending on

the financial, compassionate or other

pertinent circumstances of applicants.

the awards will also contribute to the

public benefit requirement of cambridge

tutors educational trust. For further

information, please contact the college.

scholarship and bursary awards are

normally awarded for the duration of a

student’s course but are subject to the

student maintaining a high standard of

attendance, behaviour and academic

endeavour, which is reviewed each year.

cambridge tutors college, Water tower hill, croydon, surrey cr0 5sX

telephone: +44 (0)20 8688 5284 | fax: +44 (0)20 8686 9220 | email: [email protected]

Documents

CTC Prospectus