Director of Studies
Every student at MPW has a senior member of staff who guides them during their time at MPW, these are known as Director of Studies (DoS) and they are assigned to you during induction or on your first day of school. They will be your first point of contact on all matters and the person who will help you with your university application. They will also be in close contact with your parents, through your guardian, regarding your progress and attendance.
Preparation for University
Preparation is key in this to ensure you make the right choices for your future, which are realistic and aspirational. You will
need to research the universities, what your chosen course involves and what grades you require for each university. Your English language level will also be a key factor of your application. While it is important to have an idea of where you wish to study, it is also necessary to be open minded, and listen to advice given by your DoS who will help you with this process. You should attend as many open days as possible for the universities you are thinking of applying to.
Independence
The environment at MPW is likely to be very different from your previous school experience. We expect students to be proactive in their approach to their learning, seeking out help when necessary through the surgery system. You need to work outside of lessons to complete homework and do extra reading around your subjects. We expect you to continuously work on your level of English, manage your own finances and organise your free time making the most of your experience in the UK.
Guardians
All international students are required by MPW to have an educational guardian for the duration of their time at the college. Guardians must be resident in the UK, adults and speak English. Please ensure you name an educational guardian as soon as possible if you haven’t already done so. Your Director of Studies will liaise with your guardian regarding progress and attendance as well as highlighting your successes and any matters of concern. Your guardian will communicate these messages to your parents.
Exams
Students at MPW are regularly tested on work they have completed in class. This may be through monthly revision tests
and/or weekly timed assessments, the purpose of which is to prepare students for their exams by showing them as many past paper questions as possible. At the end of each academic year there will either be internal final exams or public examinations.
Class Sizes
At MPW there are a maximum of 9 students in a class (14 on the International Foundation Programme), with an average class size of 6 depending on the subject. These small class sizes make it possible to ask questions easily so that the tutor can give individual attention where necessary. It also means that students must be fully attentive in all lessons. Students will be encouraged to use their English language in these small, interactive lessons.
When You Arrive
You’ll be introduced to your DoS during your induction, whether in-person or online, and the rules and expectations of life at the college. Setting up bank accounts, doctor’s registration and other administrative tasks will be undertaken with the help of your guardian or the college. For KSS residents, the house parents will help you. You will also meet teaching staff to discuss the content of the subjects you are studying. There will be an assessment of your level of English, and you may visit nearby prestigious universities.
We hope this will motivate you to achieve your potential during your time here. For those starting at different times of the year, your induction will involve meeting with your DoS either prior to, or on the day of your first lesson. They will explain your timetable, give a brief outline of how MPW runs, go through paperwork and book a more extensive individual meeting with you during your first week.