Tailored Group Partnership Case Study

Nacka Gymnasium have worked with Canterbury College for a number of years to develop a partnership which offers their 16-17 year old students studying Social Sciences and Natural Sciences the opportunity to gain international experience for a period of 13 weeks.

Each September a group of 32 Social Science students arrive in Canterbury to follow a timetable of English, History and either art or drama in accordance with the Swedish National Curriculum. Each January a second group arrives, this time studying Natural Sciences. These students study Maths as part of their programme instead of history. The courses are all delivered in the English language and have been developed through close collaboration of academic staff at both institutions to ensure that the students learning falls in line with the requirements of the Swedish Education board. Students work is assessed through assignments and Swedish national tests and at the end of their stay, grades are given that fall contribute to the student’s overall high school qualification.

The programme includes accommodation within local host families to enhance the student’s communication and to immerse them in to British culture and way of life. In addition, a full programme of enrichment activities is included which has been devised to combine cultural benefits with curriculum relevance. Each term a selection of students are recognised for their achievement in integration and adaptation to UK life.

The aim of the programme is to provide the students with an international experience, help them improve their English and provide a stepping stone between school study and university study. Experience has shown that they grow in confidence and many employability skills are developed, such as problem solving, interaction with a diverse range of people, research and study skills and of course a vastly improved command of the English language.

This programme has been developed through a strong partnership over a number of years, and has evolved from 8 students joining A Level classes into a programme tailored to suit the needs of Nacka Gymnasium. The programme attracts students to join Nacka Gymnasium specifically for the opportunity to take part in this exciting and enriching educational experience.

For more information about this partnership or to discuss ideas for your own establishment’s short course programmes at Canterbury College, please contact:
Arabella Nairne, International Manager
international@canterburycollege.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1227 811220