INTRODUCTION

If you are a young German student, possibly aged around 16, wanting to spend sometime in the UK to improve your standard of English and learn more about our way of life, then attendance at a Sixth Form in a state school has much to offer you. Of course, standards of schools vary throughout the UK but it has to be said that some of our finest schools are to be found in the state system.

I have been helping young Germans come to the UK since 1975 and consequently established contacts with some of the best state schools in the country. All of those on my register are very happy to welcome young Germans. Many pupils have told me that compared with their own schools in Germany, they find our Sixth Form classes to be much smaller. Complimentary comments are also made about the friendly and supportive attitude of the teachers.

Encouragement is always given to pupils to prepare for our "A" level examination in a number of subjects which if passed at an acceptable grade, are frequently recognised by German universities. As it is a two-year course it means that a pupil can be ready to proceed to university one year earlier than with the German system where the "Abitur" takes three years. However, it is important to stress that if a student is hoping to enter a German university with "A" levels, parents should contact the target university as soon as possible to confirm that they will definitely accept the qualification and that the programme of subjects is acceptable. It is worth mentioning that with effect from September 2000, the British government introduced a new "A" level examination where it is taken in two parts. The initial examination is taken at the end of the first year and is known as "AS1". To a young German who stays for three terms - September to July - it means that at the end of the stay it is possible to return to Germany possessing evidence of academic success.

HOST FAMILIES

I often hear German parents say that they worry about the idea of their son/daughter staying with a family whom they do not know. This is often the case where perhaps they have met a youngster who has told some "horror" story about his/her experience, perhaps when they attended a short summer language course and stayed with a local family. Unfortunately there are some organisations that do not take great care when selecting families, but my wife and I who have been placing students with families since 1975, have so much experience that we know what we are looking for and therefore will only use families that measure up to our high standards. Moreover, some of the families on our registers have been with us for many years and we know that we may confidently place a student with them. We keep a constant check on our families. In areas that are rather far from our own base in Somerset we employ a representative to assist families and their students. Also students know that as well as contacting us at anytime, they may also approach the representative.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Certainly the State School package consisting of placement at a day school, living with a host family plus our Guardianship service is extremely good value for money especially if the cost is compared with that of attending a private boarding school. Three terms (Academic Year) at a private boarding school costs in the region of £20,000+ to which must usually be added the cost of a guardianship service and also additional accommodation charges for half-term breaks plus possibly a couple of free weekends each term when the school closes. With a state school placement, the fee of £6750 covers accommodation and food for the same three term period including the half-term holidays. Additionally it also includes Guardianship. Of course stays shorter than one year are possible.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much pocket money will I need?

This is a difficult one to be precise about since students vary in their demands. Our view is that all students need to have a basic allowance best calculated by reference to their spending pattern in Germany. In addition to the basic sum, it is advisable for students to have a reserve sum in case of a special need. We recommend that all students should open a bank account with one of the major UK banks so that money can be deposited by their parents and then access to that money can be gained by using a provided card in one of many "hole-in-the-wall" machines.

What happens if I am ill?

As a visitor to this country you are entitled to free treatment from the NHS. It is a good idea to register with the host family's doctor. Students attending full-time education should not have to pay for any prescribed medicines.

What can be done if I am unhappy with my host family?

Talk to us or our representative about the problem. Our Guardianship service will ensure that if there are any problems, every effort will be made to solve them. If a pupil is still unhappy with the family for what we consider to be justifiable reasons, consideration will be given to making a change. However, we would mention that it is extremely rare for any students to need to move since most problems can be solved by discussion. Moreover, many of those on our register are experienced in looking after students and problems do not arise.

How do I choose my course?

On arrival at the school, a member of staff will discuss your academic needs and then help to build a suitable timetable of lessons. If after the course has been selected you feel you have made a mistake in choosing a certain subject, you may request a change during your first few weeks.

Do I have to take examinations?

No. However, if you are staying for a full academic year (three terms) you would normally be expected to prepare for the first stage of the "A" level examinations known as AS1. Success in these examinations would be a good indication to your school in Germany and to future employers, that you had reached a commendable level of achievement in the English language. Even if you are attending only for a short period you will still have the opportunity to commence an examination course so that if you decide to extend your stay, you will be able to take the examinations. Are there any facilities for continuing with music tuition? Virtually all schools have visiting teachers for stringed, woodwind and brass instruments. Piano is not usually taught at school but there are many private teachers available. Most schools have an orchestra. It is usually possible to take music as an "A" level subject.

Can I go horseriding, play tennis or golf? What about swimming facilities?

Facilities for such sports are available in most areas.

Is it possible to visit the host family before arriving?

Most certainly. In fact we recommend that where it is possible, the student and parents should visit the host family in order to get to know them before the course commences since such a visit does much to dispel any worries that parents and the pupil may have. It also means that you can get some idea of the area that is going to be your home for a few months.

May I visit the school before the start of the course?

Providing you are able to come when the school is in session the Head of the Sixth Form will be pleased to meet you and arrange for you to look around the school and meet other students.

Does it matter that I am a vegetarian?

Not at all but you must make this point very clear to us before we allocate you to a family.

When can I learn to drive?

In the UK people may learn to drive as soon as they reach the age of 17. Young Germans tell us that it is much cheaper to learn in the UK since you do not have to have a stipulated number of lessons. You may go to a driving school, start lessons and as soon as your Instructor feels you are ready, you may apply to take the test.

If I have passed a driving test in the UK do I need to take another one in Germany?

You will need to check the matter in Germany but we believe the current regulations are that if you have lived in the UK for a minimum of six months, a driving licence obtained in the UK may be converted to a German licence.

Do I need insurance of any sort?

We do not provide any form of insurance. As a minimum, we recommend that all students should purchase an insurance policy that covers loss of property. Whilst all pupils are entitled to treatment (including hospital), under the terms of our National Health Insurance, it is a good to explore the idea of a private health insurance policy since it offers the advantage of early attention in non-urgent situations and also covers the cost of an air-ambulance if it was felt necessary for the pupil to return to Germany.

Does it matter that I consider my standard of English is rather low?

Not at all. Although at first you may experience some difficulties you will be pleasantly surprised by just how quickly you improve. When students are living with an English family and surrounded by many British pupils at school, they usually find that they make a rapid improvement. You should not expect this to happen within a few weeks. In my experience it takes around three months for a student to begin to feel more confident.

If you think that you would like to know more about specific state schools, do contact me, Peter Barnes, when I shall be pleased to provide all the information you require.