Familiarisation Workshop

Preparation for pupils joining UK boarding schoolsOxford University

WelcomeEstablished in 1997, by my mother, Pippa Hughes, Pippa’s Guardians is a family-run guardianship organisation which supports the welfare of international students at some of the top boarding schools in the UK. The academic and personal development of the students during their schooling in the UK is at the heart of all we do. At Pippa’s Guardians, our team is fully committed to ensuring that the students are well cared for and supported during their education in the UK.

Ben Hughes, Managing Director

Preparing for boarding school

Students come to the UK seeking a world class education which offers excellent teaching, facilities and support. But adapting to life in the UK and fitting in to the boarding community can be a challenge for these students.

At Pippa’s Guardians, we are aware of a need to support the full integration of our students into British culture, thereby ensuring that they are able to access and maximise the full potential of a British education.

With this in mind, we are adding to our portfolio of services and will be offering a two-day Familiarisation Workshop before the start of the academic year in September. This workshop will focus on the British independent school system and how to prepare for the start of school, and will familiarise students with British culture to ensure a successful transition.

A tailored programme

This unique two-day workshop is customised to the specific individual needs of the students and designed to help them build positive relationships with their academic teachers and school staff, fellow students and host families ensuring a successful start to boarding school in the UK. It will set a firm foundation for students and help them aspire to the highest levels of achievement and future study at the best universities in the world.

Pippa’s Familiarisation Workshop

What is a Familiarisation Workshop?

A Familiarisation Workshop with Pippa’s Guardians is a series of lessons during which students will familiarise themselves with the British independent school system and how best to successfully participate in it. The aim of the workshop is to provide a solid foundation for personal and social development at school in order to maximise academic success.

Each student will already have knowledge and experience of learning and of social interaction. During the Familiarisation Workshop, this will be enhanced as the students learn new skills and strategies to help diminish the inevitable ‘culture shock’ of moving to a new country and to ensure a smooth transition into the new social and educational environment.

Who is it for?

The Familiarisation Workshop is designed for international students who will be starting at a UK boarding school in the new academic year.

Why is it necessary?

Statistics show that as many as 25% of international students do not have a sense of belonging to their school. However, a good introduction to, and familiarisation with what to expect from a British boarding school can have a significant effect on the student’s transition into school, contributing to their psychological, social and intellectual wellbeing.

By ensuring a smooth transition, students are more able to settle in school and access the academic and social opportunities available. This will help enable them to achieve academic success at school and go on to study at the top universities in the UK.

What will students learn?

• An insight into the British independent school system Students will gain an accurate and deep understanding of the UK’s independent education system and how to use the opportunity of attending to become well-rounded, confident and successful individuals.

• British culture and values Learning about the ideas, customs and principles of the UK will equip students with the knowledge and skills to better interpret educational and social settings. This in turn will enable a smoother transition into the school community.

• The benefits of extracurricular activities Students will learn about the importance of participation in activities that fall outside the normal curriculum (e.g. sport, clubs) and the positive impact they can have on social behaviour and self development.

• The pastoral care system Students will be made aware of the wider support that will be available to them both at school and from their guardian and host family.

• The impact of successful participation Students will be told about the importance of becoming fully involved at school and how it impacts on future educational study from school to university.

What is the format of the workshop?

Teaching will take place in whole group lessons, small group discussions and 1:1 sessions during which students will have the opportunity to practise the skills they are learning through role play and ‘real life’ situations.

What will students achieve?

By the end of the workshop, each student will be ready and well-equipped for their first day at school in the UK. They will have clear expectations about their new schools and will have strategies which will enable them to make a smooth transition into a new social environment. Successful integration will help students to flourish, both academically and personally.

Location of the Workshop

We are offering a Familiarisation Workshop shortly before the start of the academic year, 2017.

Familiarisation Workshop

This workshop will be hosted at Lady Margaret Hall which was founded in 1878 and served as the first Oxford College to educate women. Today, the student community consists of men and women and it is set in beautiful gardens leading down to the Cherwell river.

The elegant reception area and panelled hall make this traditional venue an impressive space for conference and dining.

Workshop – Schedule

August

30th Students arrive at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford for a Welcome Reception at 6.30pm

31st First full day of focused sessions.Formal Dinner for students and families at 7pm

September

1st Second full day of focused sessions.Final Afternoon Tea for students and families at 4.30pm

Parental involvement

We warmly invite parents and students to take advantage of the quintessential ’fine dining’ experience of the formal dinner in an Oxford College, Lady Margaret Hall. Come and enjoy exquisite food and the ambience of beautiful settings, in the company of family and new-found friends. Parents are welcome to attend the Welcome Reception, the formal dinner and the Farewell Tea. Whilst we can be of assistance regarding airport transfers and local hotel bookings, should you wish for further travel advice, we can introduce you to a reliable travel agency who can help coordinate your trip.

Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University

Workshop Overview

Day 1 – Registration and Welcome Reception

Students will register at the venue and attend a Welcome Reception where they will meet staff, students and parents. They will introduce themselves and mix with the other students and learn about the exciting and intensive sessions they will embark upon the following day.

Day 2 – Expectations and Educational Opportunities and Formal dinner

The focus for Day 2 will be on the knowledge and skills that the students already possess prior to starting at boarding school. Students will examine the expectations from a personal, family, cultural and school perspective. Furthermore, it will ensure that students understand the importance of this educational opportunity and value the chance to grow both personally and academically. At the formal dinner students will be able to enjoy a new cultural experience and put their learning into action.

Day 3 – Skills for a Successful Transition and Farewell Afternoon Tea

The focus for Day 3 will be on equipping students with the skills and strategies required for a successful transition to ensure that they are able to maximise the academic and social opportunities offered by their new schools. The culmination of their hard work and new-found skills will be celebrated in the Farewell Afternoon Tea.

Workshop LeaderThe Workshop Leader is Ceri Thomson M.Ed., B.Ed (Hons) and she will deliver the content of the Familiarisation Workshop. Ceri has 28 years of experience in education and has enjoyed a varied teaching career; firstly as a Head of Music in the state sector and then in the independent sector as a Prep School teacher, Director of Studies, Deputy Head and Headmistress in London. Her teaching experience and comprehensive leadership background enables her to instruct with authority in this field and she looks forward to supporting, tutoring and mentoring the students as they embark on this exciting stage of their academic career.

Fees £1250*

*plus VAT of 20%

Pippa’s Familiarisation Workshop

Fees do not include• Transport

• Accommodation

Further InformationPlease contact Ben Hughes on ben@pippasguardians.co.uk or wechat ID ben_hughes

The Familiarisation Workshops include• 2 full days teaching at the venue

• Material/Handouts to take away

• Welcome Reception

• Formal Dinner

• Final Afternoon Tea

• Morning and afternoon refreshments

Est. 1997 • AEGIS Accredited

Office: +44 (0)1684 252757 Emergency: +44 (0)7721 372865 info@pippasguardians.co.uk www.pippasguardians.co.uk

5 Grosvenor House, 127 Church St, Malvern, Worcestershire, United Kingdom WR14 2BA

Pippa’s Guardians Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 08434636

For more information about how to book a place on our Familiarisation Workshop, please contact Ben at ben@pippasguardians.co.uk or WeChat ID ben_hughes

“With over 20 years of experience working

with overseas families, we are aware of a

need to support the familiarisation of our

students with British culture. Our workshop

will prepare students for their new schools

and equip them with the skills necessary

to ensure a successful transition.”

Ben Hughes, Managing Director

Oxford University

Est. 1997 • AEGIS Accredited

Office: +44 (0)1684 252757 Emergency: +44 (0)7721 372865 info@pippasguardians.co.uk www.pippasguardians.co.uk

5 Grosvenor House, 127 Church St, Malvern, Worcestershire, United Kingdom WR14 2BA

Pippa’s Guardians Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 08434636

London