Rugby School Thailand (RST) follows the British curriculum, meaning students culminate their education in the ‘Sixth Form’ (Years 12 & 13), taking A Level examinations, which are the gold standard for university entrance worldwide.
Here, we speak to Mrs Claire Cecil, RSTs Head of Higher Education and Careers, about how students prepare for global university entrance and successful career paths.
Rugby School talks about giving students a “bespoke journey”. What does this mean?
Each student is unique, and as such, each has their own path to success. RST starts to prepare students for university and career decisions as soon as they enter our Senior School aged 13. By supporting each student through programmes that include one-to-one sessions with expert staff, group tutorial sessions and advice from outside experts, we ensure a bespoke educational journey that best fits each individual student. It really is a case of each child becoming the best they can be.
What does a University Counsellor do?
We have many staff to support our students. For example, subject teachers guide their academic performance, Form Tutors and Heads of Year support with pastoral care and advice on academic direction, and our Sixth Form team focus on students as they enter their final two years at school (A-Level study). My role as Head of Higher Education and Careers is to ensure that each student has the tools, motivation and best advice possible to help them reach their university and career goals. Our emphasis is upon “finding the right fit”. I get to know everyone individually, and we plan a path to success together. It’s a very rewarding job!
Do students from Rugby only go to the UK?
It’s true that a lot of our students do go to Universities in the UK, but we have alumni who have studied all over the world, often at top universities; Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, USA… the list is long. However, the important thing is that we work with the student and their family to ensure they take a journey of success that best suits and works for them.
My child wants to apply for Oxbridge or to a US Ivy League college, is this possible at Rugby?
Yes, of course! These universities are suited to some students who attend Rugby School Thailand, and we can provide a path for them. It will take commitment, hard work and a high level of natural ability. We have expertise in guiding these students in preparation for applying to highly selective universities, and indeed RST students have received offers from such institutions. Academic performance is not a guaranteed pathway to success (although it is certainly essential!) Students are encouraged to be proactive and engage in their subject of interest beyond the classroom and also take advantage of the many extracurricular, leadership and other opportunities available.
What if my child’s English isn’t as fluent as it could be?
Part of the ‘bespoke journey’ we offer is that we can tailor an educational journey to match each student. Our Senior School students will need a minimum level of English to enrol. However, through a strategy that focuses on talents and ability, we have had great success with some students who joined us with limited English language skills. This is particularly true with students who join us as ‘boarders’. Having access to a 24/7 English environment really helps. Therefore, if English is a barrier, we always recommend families visit and talk with our boarding staff as accelerated English is often key, and boarding certainly helps with this.
What A Level results do RST students usually get?
Each student is different! We have had students who achieve 3 or more A* at A-Level (meeting the academic entry requirements to get into an Oxbridge or Ivy League university), who are attending top universities globally. However, we have had students who have left us with lower grades who also gained places at great universities that best suited their individual needs. It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ programme that we offer – we provide the support and structure to allow each individual student to succeed!
