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.