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‘How attending TS Summer School started my Taunton School journey’: Meet Year 10 student Aimee from Germany

Posted: 13th May 2021

TS Aimee

After attending Taunton School International Summer School, Year 10 Aimee from Germany is now a full-time student at Taunton School. Find out more about her Taunton School story and how international students can flourish at a school in the UK.

Attending a Summer School can open many doors for young students: it’s a chance to improve your English language skills, make connections with students from all over the world and have a bit of fun as well!

When current Taunton School Year 10 student Aimee wanted to gain some independence and challenge herself to learn English, her family chose Taunton School International Summer School’s three-week Junior Academic course.

A piece of art from Aimee’s time on the Junior Academic course

“For me, it was the best way to become an independent person and learn a bit more about living alone without my parents. It is also the best opportunity to learn English quicker and more efficiently than in Germany.

The Junior Academic course, which is especially designed to engage young learners, offers a range of challenging and stimulating learning experiences in English (3 hours per day) and other academic subjects (2 hours per day) alongside a busy activities schedule including sports, games, activities and trips. Learn more about the course here.

 

A photo of a beach trip during the course

 “Coming to England made my English so much better in every way.”

After enjoying the Junior Academic course, Aimee also attended the Senior Academic course the following summer. The Senior Academic course is a two-week intensive course that follows four academic themes; Scientific Enquiry, Application of Mathematics, Creativity and the Arts, and People and Place. Within each theme students are taught how to research, organise, evaluate, synthesise and apply knowledge to different situations. It is an ideal course for students who want to develop their study and critical thinking skills and to become confident, independent learners. Learn more about the Senior Academic course here.

“I loved it. Especially the Senior Summer School. I met so many nice people and we laughed a lot!”

Aimee loved the Summer School at Taunton so much that she explored the possibility of studying at Taunton School full-time. She spoke to the teachers about the admissions process and what would be required, and was delighted to be offered a place at Taunton School International Middle School for the 2020 Summer Term.

To get ready for Senior School life, Aimee also attended the school’s popular Pre-Sessional course. This is a 10-day intensive course which is designed to provide that all important boost for international students before joining a GCSE, A Level, IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma or Foundation programme in the UK. The pre-sessional courses are divided into two age groups; GCSE (ages 14-15) and A-Level, IB Diploma and Foundation (ages 16-17) to make the content relevant and age appropriate. Learn more about the Pre-Sessional Courses here.

Three years after her Taunton School journey began, Aimee is now studying over ten subjects as part of her GCSEs, including three sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Maths, English language/English literature, PRE (Philosophy, Religion & Ethics), Art, Geography, PE and key skills. She also enjoys a busy after school activity programme, which involves games, PE, and CCF, and sports such as swimming, athletics and tennis.

“Aimee has settled in very well and her kind and generous disposition are a great asset to the school.” Ed Burnett, Senior Deputy Head

Attending a summer school at an independent school in the UK is the perfect way to get a taste of British boarding school life. Aimee’s story is a great example of how international students can discover their potential in a safe yet challenging environment.

Are you interested in learning more about attending Taunton School International Summer School? Find out more and apply here.

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