Students on learning programmes
benefit from a modern, interactive teaching approach which focuses
on the key skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
They study with learners of many nationalities. As a result, by
the end of their stay, they leave the Island with a far greater
understanding of the English language and British culture as well
as the skills necessary to progress to either a higher level course
or into paid work.
The College offers a full range
of levels of courses from pre-intermediate to intermediate and
upper-intermediate - leading to Cambridge qualifications, if desired,
at KET, PET, FCE, CAE and IELTS level.
Many International students progress
from the EFL examination classes to a range of other courses at
the College or to other colleges and universities in the UK. The
Isle of Wight College offers an exciting range of courses and
diplomas in the following subjects: Business Studies, Health and
Social Care, Childcare Studies, Humanities and English, Art, Design
and Media, Engineering, Construction, Leisure and Tourism, Hairdressing,
Beauty and Holistic Therapy. These courses qualify students to
enter either higher education or the workplace and many students
go into careers in teaching, nursing, social work and the tourism
industry.
The College offers comprehensive
support for its International students: host family accommodation
is organised, educational and social activities are offered and
arranged, there is excellent computer and email access so students
can keep in close contact with family and friends and there is
a full-time Student Welfare Officer
to help with any pastoral issues that may arise whilst studying
at the College.
The Island offers many activities and events
throughout the year which include swimming, cycling, sailing,
horse riding, ice-skating, wind-surfing and 10 pin bowling. There
is also an 11-screen cinema. In addition, there are many cultural
sites to visit on the Island, such as Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne
House (Queen Victoria’s Home) and Quarr Abbey. London, Brighton
and Bath are easily accessible in under 2 hours and the Historic
towns of Portsmouth and Southampton are just a 20 minute boat
journey away. During the Summer there is the world-famous yachting
festival at Cowes, and a three-day music festival with top names
performing such as David Bowie, The Who and The Manic Street Preachers.