Baltic Outlook January 2019 | Page 108

PROMO / January Publicity photos Our students’ success 10/10 of the top 10 universities in the UK* have accepted King’s College students 89 pupils from King’s College schools study at the top 10  universities in the UK* Following the premise that the best quality education should be accessible on an international scale, King’s College schools have been providing children with a rigorous British education – both within the United Kingdom and abroad – since 1969. KING’S COLLEGE The British School of Latvia Sir Roger Fry, Founder and Chairman of the educational institution King’s Group Rūpnieku iela 8, Piņķi Tel.: +371 67 630 563 (calls from Latvia only) Tel.: +371 257 59 043 (accepts local and international incoming calls) latvia@kingscollegeschools.org kingscollege.lv 106 / airBaltic.com British university education has long been ac- cepted as being among the best in the world. The building blocks of true British schooling start on the first day of school, when university may still seem a long way off. British schools are based on solid academic principles governed by tradition, yet they also consistently evolve as new and improved pedagogical methods are developed. Sir Roger Fry, Founder and Chairman of the educational institution King’s Group, remem- bers that when he first started King’s College in 1969, he could not foresee, far less expect, that the institution would grow and develop into an international educational group. ‘I saw the need to bring quality British education to a country that clamoured for it [Spain], and I seized the opportunity; I firmly believed, and continue to do so, in the virtues, values and benefits of the British educational system. Fifty years later, and with a roll of almost 8,000 students, over 650 teaching- and 600 support-staff (spread across five countries, two continents, ten British international schools and seven academy schools in the UK), and with activities in sum- mer programmes, logistical services and adult training, our Group has grown exponentially.’ King’s College is recognised nationally and internationally by students, parents, alumni, educators and partners alike as a provider of high-quality education. Sir Roger Fry is proud to point towards the Group’s recent recognition as Private Education Group of the Year – in addition to excellent marks from recent inspec- tions in Riga, Elche and Murcia – as proof that the Group seeks to provide and deliver the best possible education. All of the Group’s schools are accredited by the British Government. Former King’s College pupils have successful- ly continued their studies at some of the most prestigious universities in North America and Europe, and have assumed interesting careers all over the world. A British education ensures much more than the professional development of young people – the values and social skills acquired also aid in the attainment of a happy and fulfilling personal life. Sir Roger Fry emphasises: ‘Over these 50 years, our methodology has proven effec- tive – all of our students finish school with a sense of self-confidence and a clear idea of how they can contribute to society. Most of them continue their studies in the best universities in the world. Statistically, an average of 40% of our students go on to attend one of the top 200 uni- versities in the world. Over the past three years, 48 pupils have gone on to study at six of the top 10 universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, 97% is the pass rate for our A-level students (A*-E) 99% of all our pupils go on to university *Times Higher Education Rankings 2018 Stanford and Harvard. King’s College covers all educational phases: from 18 months of age up to preparation for entrance to university at 18 years.’ A few years ago, King’s College opened their first branch in the Baltics – the British School of Latvia, located in the Riga suburb of Piņķi. While Latvian schools provide a sufficiently high level of secondary education, parents’ demands regarding opportuni- ties for their children are also growing, and many want to provide their children with the best educa- tion available. British schooling is very ‘hands-on’. Facts and figures are obviously taught and textbooks are used, but the main emphasis is on doing things, not merely learning about them. Children who acquire a British education are encouraged, for ex- ample, to visit science laboratories from a very early age, play musical instruments, perform in plays, model with clay, and paint. The pupils’ interest in learning is fuelled by various practical activities which, to the untrained eye, may appear to be mere recreational games, yet are actually goal-oriented activities that give children tasks to fulfil and which impart them with supplementary knowledge. The education is dynamic and interactive, providing pupils who have been through the British school system a wealth of experience that will serve them well as they enter university. This means that King’s College graduates will be able to take IGCSE and A Level exams at the school before going on to univer- sity anywhere in the world. Regarding the moral principles of King’s College, Sir Roger Fry says: ‘Honesty, Faith and Courage are the key values that feature on the King’s College crest. We teach the British Curriculum, and that means we offer effective and innovative teaching that is based on the values of Anglo-Saxon culture, as well as on the latest trends in British educational practice; this allows our students to achieve their academic goals and enhance their future prospects. We emphasise the importance of a comprehensive education in all areas of development: intellectual, physical, emotional, and social. Likewise, our native English-speaking teachers set us apart from most other international schools. We promote excellence in our schools by employ- ing teaching professionals who are passionate, knowledgeable, and highly skilled in their field. We also invest in our staff through effective professional development, training, career planning, and talent management, with both internal and external train- ing programmes.’ Societal trends indicate that parents are looking for a unique educational experience that will best support their children’s future success and allow them to become global citizens. Parents know that while a diploma from a top local secondary school will not hinder many from fulfilling their dreams, a diploma from a globally recognised British school is likely to open many more doors. ‘The parents of our students see their children’s education as an invest- ment for the future. The drop-out rate among our students is nil, and most of them manage to lead a life that is fulfilling on both a personal and profes- sional level. Educating and training a student is a complex and demanding task – we take our duty very seriously! And we continue to work, day after day, to innovate and keep moving forward. I believe that our efforts have been rewarded with both a position of leadership and a reputation that is well deserved,’ asserts Sir Roger Fry. Baltic Outlook / 2019 / 107