The school is kept deliberately small, creating a strong sense of community within a unique home from home environment. Cosy boarding Houses are run by Housemasters and Housemistresses who are also teachers at the school, ensuring pupils thrive in a stable environment.
Entrance Testing
Before a pupil is offered a place at Llandovery College, they will sit an Entrance Exam in English and Mathematics and have an interview with the Warden, either in person or by Video Call. A Registration Form must be completed, which should be submitted with the Registration Fee and, once an offer is made, the Acceptance Form will need to be returned together with a deposit in order to secure the place.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) Provision
Every year Llandovery College welcomes pupils from across the globe and, for most of these pupils, English is not their native language. The EAL Department helps these pupils acquire the necessary skills to study subjects through the medium of English. We also work closely with Housemasters and Housemistresses to support pupils’ social integration into College life and offer any pastoral support needed.
The Department is proud of its positive and supportive relationships with its pupils. The small size of the Department allows staff to get to know individual pupils well and provide an additional level of pastoral, as well as academic, support.
EAL lessons are taught either on a one-to-one basis, in pairs or in small groups. They are active and communicative, focusing on activities such as role-plays, listening and speaking, games and discussions which will relax pupils and build confidence. Pupils learn language which is useful for both real life situations and academic study, and lessons are planned to best respond to individual needs and rates of progress.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 to 9, pupils undertake lots of speaking and listening tasks that will build confidence and help them to cope and be successful in an English speaking environment. All pupils follow a scheme of work, which is based on a textbook, but which is very flexible, to allow time for help with homework.
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11, the Department focuses more on supporting GCSE Level academic work and a structured course is followed to prepare them for the IGCSE English as a Second Language Examination.
Key Stage 5
In Years 12 and 13 pupils focus almost exclusively on preparing for the IELTS exam. Extensive practice provides them with the techniques required to take the test successfully. Pupils may re-sit elements of the IELTS exam if needed during the Sixth Form in order to improve their grade. If pupils joining the College in the Sixth Form have not yet achieved IGCSE English as a Second language, they are also put in for this exam alongside IELTS.
Beyond the Classroom
There is extra co-curricular support for overseas pupils where a member of staff is available to support pupils individually in their studies with specific language issues, give homework support, advice on university applications, help book train tickets or any other support needed.
We also take pleasure in celebrating the diversity of nationalities amongst the pupil body and cultural events such as Chinese New Year are celebrated as well as other informal opportunities that deepen international awareness and understanding, between both British and international pupils and between the different nationalities who attend the College.
Entry Requirements
Our entry requirement for Year 12 is 5.0 or above in IELTS. All other pupils sit our College entry test.
Transport
Llandovery College has a dedicated Overseas Welfare Officer who arranges transfers to and from the airport at the beginning of each term and half terms. The College organises transportation to Heathrow Airport and Port Talbot Train Station. All flights should be booked to fit in with the Overseas Transport Schedule.