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 PARENTS STUDENTS WHAT YOU SAY ... ASSESS A SCHOOL HOW WE TEACH SOFTWARE? CLASSES SOCIAL SKILLS PERSONAL SUPPORT HOMEWORK
TIMETABLE EXAMS TEACHERS HOME EDUCATION USEFUL LINKS DOWNLOADS CONTACT US | Small LIVE class tutor groups 5 - 15 students. Exam preparation up to 17yrs First College students live in the UK, in Europe or Asia.
Parents, students, Education Authority comments.
People do say some wonderful things about our work in First College UK. We'd like to share this with you. 2008 New students, most parents saying variations on "They are SO excited they can't wait to go to school!”Most parents are now showing their trust in us by paying termly or for the whole year up front. However you are still very welcome to pay monthly. 2008 Parent of student who decided to leave. "We’re so grateful for what you have done for our K. It’s due to the time spent with you that he is now able to go the the high level school we only dreamed of before. WE do hope if it doesn't work out well you can make room for him to come back." FIRST EXAM RESULTS Our system is that students take ONE exam (a real exam) as a practice. If they get a good result they can cross it off the list. If not it's just practice and they can re-sit six months later when they do their full list. May 2008 Student comment after a Philosophy & Society seminar:"I forgot to breathe too much thinking." April 2008 Our first exam students, comments. "It was exactly how you told us it would be. I felt I knew just what to do." "Frankly it was EMBARRASSING! All these other students being scared and terrified - and I wasn't! I kind of pretended I was scared too because it didn't seem kind to look like I was superior and OK. "When we had our extra tutorials on how to do exams I thought some of your advice was a bit well odd. But when I was actually doing it, I did as you said and it worked perfectly. Thank you." "It was EASY! Much easier than your lessons! You’re actually tough teachers you know though very kind with it." "So cool you went over how we'd feel afterwards. I remembered what you said and it helped a lot. It was like you were taking care of us right up to when we got home again." April 2008 Student: "I really like First college-especially the teachers, they are really kind and understanding and very patient too." March 2008.
Father of 16yrs boy who has decided to leave, against his father's wishes. I want to thank you very much for all the efforts and hard work you put in to help my son [over the last 2 years]. I am also grateful to all of your staff too.I feel very sad how things have turned out and I know this is due to no fault on your part. In fact I couldn't have asked for more from you. You accommodated [my son] and you worked really hard to help him. Unfortunately he does not want to stay... I have to let him stand on his own two feet. Thanks once again and I do hope things go well for you at First College. I do think things will go well for you as I think your resource is something that is really beneficial for pupils who aren't going to be able to cope with regular school. I don't think if I was of school age now I would want to be at a mainstream school. I would be most grateful if this doesn't work out if you would consider having my son back should he decide that he will stick at it. Feb 2008 LEA Inspection (Kent) Just to let you now we have just had our education inspectors visit, really positive. He thought your school was excellent. He has taken your details and fees etc as the scheme they are piloting in Kent costs £8000. What a difference he could not believe your fees were so reasonable for the amount of support, learning, work etc Was impressed with the report page and the feedback on marked homework. He said the standard of education XXXX is getting is more than adequate which XXXX is delighted about. He has been getting very little sleep as he has been so anxious about this visit and is over the moon now. Feb 2008 Mother of shy boy of 11. First College has been brilliant and we think that you are doing a superb job and providing a lot more than just education for children and parents in search of something a bit more special than anything else out there. XXXX's confidence has really grown, his communication skills have blossomed and he has made some nice friends.First College seems to be evolving all the time and we have noticed how much difference all the little changes make even in the short time we have been with you. All of the staff have been great, but we have to mention that we think you are wonderful Shan. We love your happy, positive, encouraging, enthusiastic, kind and caring, yet authoritative leadership. You are vital to FC. XXXX has loved [your son] Tal as a teacher who is following in your footsteps of being a life-force in FC. Jan 2008 Excerpt from letter to parents by Bucks LEA officer re girl of 15. Thank you so much for your warm welcome 17 January. I very much enjoyed meeting you and XXXX and learning about the internet education programme offered by First College.I have to say that I was impressed both by the programme itself and by XXXX's approach to it. The course organisers have obviously put a great deal of thought into providing a virtual school day that is varied and challenging, with built in personal relationships ... for each student. XXXX has responded really well and seems to be enjoying her work. ... I have no hesitation in confirming that the education you are providing for your daughter fully meets the legal requirements. Bucks LEA is not allowed to endorse or officially recommend any individual education provider. Father of high achiever daughter: Once again Shan, thank you and John for all your assistance and help extended to Y during her schooling with First College. We very much appreciate this and know that our daughter, will strive to do her best at all times, under your inspiring and caring guidance.” 2007 Mother of an anxious student who had enormous difficulties putting in homework. Just to say thanks for the feedback on XXXX's homework.He had tried very hard and it was nice to have it recognised. You have made our young man very happy. June 2007 Father of boy 14.
"He says the school is "banging" which if you knew his previous school history is a nothing short of a miracle so we can safely say he will be staying with you." May 2007 Father of teenager with a very difficult past record: “I just wanted to put down how pleased my wife and I are about how well C is doing at First College. As you are aware C has had to overcome some really painful difficulties and he really wasn't getting the help he needed in the two mainstream secondary schools he attended.We feel certain that your school has had a very positive influence on him and he has been able to make some real progress which I don't think would have been possible without your personal level of attention.” Jan 2007 Father of boy with extremely painful spinal condition which restricted his life very badly and completely prevented school attendance:
We thought our son was forgotten by the system. Now we have hope again. Parents of a bullied girl: "It's so nice to see her smiling again." Father of imaginative, creative son who had been badly bullied before coming to First College UK: I would prefer to pay for the whole year not just month by month as J is really enjoying it. Jan 2007 Mother of shy girl: I particularly like the way the children are helping one another and are being encouraged to work as a group.” Nov 2006 Father of resistant student:
"Amazing! He just actually WROTE an ESSAY!!!!" 2006 Father of a student who had HATED school … he seems to be loving it, and is only sorry (as he said today) that there aren't lessons on Fridays!!!!!! I almost had a coronary!! May 2006 Mother, about her home educated daughter: "I like seeing her free to take things further and deeper. I think she was bored before." In the first month of First College:
FATHER: "I never imagined it could be so lively and sociable."MOTHER: "“The steepest learning curve seems to be for us parents in getting to grips with this new way of learning - the students all seem to be taking to it really quickly.” STUDENT: "It's not like school. I really like school now lol! the 1st time in my life!” STUDENT: "I find this sooo cool. It’s like u dont have to go to school but do it on the computer and all kids love the computer – and they’re also learning.” Downloads on QUESTIONS TO ASK AN ONLINE SCHOOL * WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US Comments we've had from parents, students and education authorities. * FEES & BOOKINGS * TERM DATES * FREE HELP SERVICE! Details of our free help service. Also our telephone helpline service. Why is it called "First College" when it's a high school or secondary school? We train a strongly collegiate style of studying so that the student learns to take responsibility for their own work and deadlines. It means the transfer to later qualifications, University, or (self) employment is much easier as a result. First College UK is very much a family business. We created it to educate our own son, who is now a trainee online teacher in the school! (under strict supervision) CRB checks (Standard Level) on all teachers; DP registration (Notification reference: jvl530); Please do ask for any of this to be explained. |
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