Abbey College Cambridge

Abbey College Cambridge
Abbey College Cambridge is a part of Abbey DLD Group of Colleges,  a group of independent sixth form (years 12-13) colleges based in the United Kingdom, and this one is located in Cambridge, a university city with population of 145 thousand people. It opened in 1994 under Alpha Plus Group, an independent education company, as an international college. Now there are 400 students from over 40 countries with 100 members of staff.

Programs 

Abbey College Cambridge specializes in a range of academic subjects, including GCSE, A Level and International Foundation Program, for students who seek admission to the United Kingdom’s most prestigious universities. Academic English lessons are compulsory for all students of Abbey College Cambridge who speak English as second language, or who have an English level less than IELTS 7.5, and it is not charged additionally. The course provides a better understanding of terminology, as it may differ from the previous place of education, and improves the understanding of lesson contents. It is designed to achieve the level of English needed for the university of your choice. Abbey College Cambridge suggests a special program to hone your English to proceed with GCSE, A-Level and IFP. It is called Pre-Sessional Program and it offers strengthening of your English skills, helping to adapt to British classroom environment. It lasts from 1 to 3 terms and mostly consists of pair work, project work, independent reading, discussion work and team building, as well as PE and PHSE classes. All the extra-curricular activities of Abbey College Cambridge are open to participants of this program. The course also includes educational and recreational residential and non-residential trip for students of similar ages. For GSCE program, there is a choice between 1 year, 18 months and 2 years, with one- and two-year courses starting in September and 18-month one in January. It should be mentioned, that 1-year program offers 5 mandatory subjects, such as Chemistry, Economics, English, Mathematics, Physics, and 1 elective. 18-month and 2-year programs add Biology, Business Studies and  1 more elective to that. What is important to notice is that at Abbey College Cambridge Mathematics includes the studies of number, algebra, geometry, measures, statistics, probability, and Business Study focuses on human resources, accounting and finance, marketing and production. As electives, Abbey College Cambridge suggests History; Art and Design, building a portfolio; Further Mathematics, a bespoke course for students with a good knowledge of math; and Sport Science, which is equivalent to GCSE and provides an extensive view on reducing the risk of injuries, principles of training, anatomy and physiology, sports nutrition. 

Regarding the requirements, for 1 year it is age of 15-16 on entry, 5 passes at year 10 level, minimum of IELTS 5.0, with full year fee of £33,200 (for international students). For 18 months it is age of 13-15 on entry, 5 passes at year 9 level, minimum of IELTS 5.0, with full course fee of £28,850 (6 months) and one full year fee. For 2 years it is age of 13-15 on entry, 5 passes at year 9 level, minimum of IELTS 4.5, with two full year fees. A Levels, the most widely recognized qualification for entry to UK universities, are courses for levels 12-13. At Abbey College Cambridge, the program is taught either for 18 month or 2 years, similar to GSCE program. A-Level students take 4 subjects in their first year and 3-4 subjects in their second year, plus 3-4 electives.

This course has all the subjects and electives from GSCE course, but adds Accounting, Computer Science, English Literature, Geography, Government and Politics and Psychology. A-Level Accounting follows the most recent AQA Accounting Specifications, and covers two units: financial accounting and accounting for analysis and decision-making. Computer Science, also following AQA specifications, studies the development of computer-based solutions, the main principles of systems analysis and design, different methods of problem formulation, planning of solutions, systematic methods of solution implementation, testing and documentation. English Literature at Abbey College Cambridge combines the comprehensive study of both classic writers and contemporary ones. Geography follows CIE specifications and includes hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, atmosphere and weather, rocks and weathering, population, migration and settlement dynamics. If we speak about Politics, it is mostly about the UK and the USA, touching on such topics as nature of democracy, elections and electoral systems, pressure groups and lobbying, as well as functioning of politicians and political parties. The course in Psychology gives an opportunity to gain hands on experience of a range of different research methods and an appreciation of how psychological knowledge and understanding develops.

Regarding the entry requirements of A-Levels at Abbey College Cambridge, minimum IELTS is 5.5, or students can sit an online English test administered by the college, age is 16-19 years on entry, 5 GCSE passes and fee is the same as for 18-month and 2-year GCSE programs. The International Foundation Program is a full-time, 1-year program to study an undergraduate degree at Abbey College Cambridge. There are 5 modules to choose from: Business Management & Economics, Humanities, Engineering, Medicine, Science. Each term has its own specific curriculum, depending on the chosen module. Business management & economics include business, economics, accounting, mathematics & business. Humanities - history, politics, geography, and economics. Engineering - physics, chemistry, mechanics and mathematics. Medicine pathway is available only after completing level 3 Biology, presents Biology, Biomedicine, Chemistry, Mathematics for Medicine as its core subjects. For Science it is Biology, Biomedicine, Chemistry and Mathematics, that allows gaining practical and theoretical biomedicine skills.

Regarding the entry requirements, minimum IELTS is 5.0 (and 6.5 for Medicine Pathway), age is 17+, 5 GCSE passes and fee is one full year (£33,200 for international students). Of course, these are not all of the perks. While standard courses alone are already highly beneficial for further education, Abbey College Cambridge strives for perfection. So to achieve that “Trinity of Excellence” was created: outstanding academic results, mastery of the English language, and the industry-leading Elite University Preparation program. Bespoke university application preparation is the core of it, with the ultimate goal of securing a place at a top-ranked university. It is taken by all Abbey College Cambridge A-Level and IFP students. During this program, Abbey Inspires lectures on above-syllabus level are held, personal tutors conduct meetings regarding the future of students, and then start building a defined path in Pre-Degree Diploma Program, refining their university application and personal statement, and preparing to sit any admissions tests or interviews. Fees are as follows: £9,450 for 1 term, £18,900 for 2 terms, £28,350 for 3 terms.

College Life 

College life at Abbey College Cambridge is represented by a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs and activities, with outstanding pastoral support. College presents a choice of 7 houses, all named after Greek or Roman gods, that gather students of all walks of life and unites them to win the House Cap. Building a strong community and close support system is vital for students in the middle of exploring the world, entering a new era of their lives. But if you think the houses are “too much” for you, there is always something else at Abbey College Cambridge. Assemblies, for example, let you sing, play instruments, act and much more: drama club perform pieces, and students can participate in certain activities individually. But what is college life without events? Abbey College Cambridge gets it, and so Traditional Cambridge May Ball, Christmas Ball, Charity Fair, Speak English Week, trips to and out of Europe are just some of the most memorable traditions there.

At Abbey College Cambridge there are more than 60 exciting clubs, which are part of unique “ABC” Extra-curricular Program. “ABC” means Action, Belonging and Creativity - the foundation of healthy balance to your studies, which still contributes to your university application. Action aims at improving well-being and health of Abbey College Cambridge students by physical activity, belonging is all about contributing to the lives of others, and creativity broadens your horizons, brings new ideas.

Future Prospects

Abbey College Cambridge is one of the very best independent sixth form colleges in the United Kingdom, which is proved by the results - students’ results after graduation. GCSE results are always at least 3 or 4 times higher than national average. Year on year, the success rate to Russell Group institutions improves for foundation program students. International students can stay in the UK for work or further their studies at one of the universities, partnered with Abbey College Cambridge.  the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (known as UCAS) administers entry to UK universities. It converts grades into points, so the higher the grades, the more points a student will be awarded. Depending on the course, a university may also require a student to have studied a certain combination of subjects, or/and achieve specific grades in certain subjects to be eligible for entry. As, for example, A-Levels recognized all over the world, pursuing higher education outside the UK with the level of knowledge of Abbey College Cambridge is a piece of cake.

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