Puer Iesus College

Are You a School?

No, we are not a school, we assist parents in home education. We have a letter from the Department of Education confirming they believe we are not a school.

Can I Choose What Days,  or Times To Participate In The College?

We believe strongly in trying to build a Christian community, we are not attempting to be a Co-Op. The only allowed days or sessions that students could miss would be due to illness or some other one-off unplanned important circumstance. Children are expected to be on time at the start of the day for morning prayer, and leave only after evening prayer time has finished. Persistent lateness would involve an interview with parents to diagnose and advise on underlying problems. If regular lateness continued, a family would be asked to leave the college. Students may take no more than one weeks' holiday during term time and must catch up with missed work during some other holiday period.

How Many GCSEs and A Levels Will My Children Take?

The number of GCSEs and A Levels that students undertake closely correlates with the school year they join us. Students who enrol in Year 4 typically opt for 7 to 10 GCSEs and 2 to 4 A Levels or AS Levels. Those facing academic challenges, or start with us in Year 5 or 6 typically pursue 4 to 8 GCSEs. 

Students do not study more than 4 GCSEs over any two-year period with us. We do not offer GCSE or A Level courses to be completed within a single academic year. This approach allows ample room for other crucial aspects of life-learning and spiritual activities that teenagers require for a comprehensive education.

Can I Choose What GCSEs and A Levels My Child Will Take? 

Decisions about what GCSEs and A Levels your children take are made by parents and learning support mentors together. Whether it's ICT, Polish, or Economics, a variety of GCSE options are available. We recommend a well-rounded selection that includes languages, Maths/Sciences, and Humanities. Through discussions with parents and students, we explore potential post-GCSE options, ensuring that the chosen GCSEs align with the students' aspirations for their academic journey beyond this stage.

Please note that, currently, we are unable to offer vocational GCSEs or those involving machinery, such as Design and Technology or Food Technology.

I have a Child Who Has Special Educational Needs - Can They Join?

We strive to accommodate the majority, if not all, students with Special Educational Needs, with the collaboration of parents. If your child is not yet capable of independent study, we require that parents arrange for one of them or someone else to act as a personal learning support assistant to help your child/children during their time at the college until such times as they are capable of independent study.

How Many Hours a Week Do Children Have With a Particular Subject Tutor?

These vary by the nature of the tutorial: weekly for small groups of students, down to bi-weekly or weekly one-to-one hour tutorials. The bulk of student GCSE and A Level work is undertaken by independent study through a course adapted by the college. One-to-one music lessons are once per week for 30 minutes.

I Am Worried My Children Might Be Taught Material Not In Conformity With The Catholic Church

 All our learning support mentors and assistants are practising Catholics. Learning support mentors and assistants are employed by us and are trained not to teach or present as fact information that is contrary to the teachings of the Church. Furthermore, staff are not to promote disobedience to existing Church regulations or criticise current Church officials, especially the Holy Father and the governing Bishop. Many of our tutors are Catholic, but not all. Our subject-specific tutors are self-employed individuals with whom we have entered in a contractual arrangement, which requires them to keep anti-Catholic material and controversial topics out of their tutorials. All tutorials are recorded for safeguarding reasons and can be used as evidence to protect both children and tutors. When it comes to subject tutors, we are looking for the best in their field, not necessarily Catholic tutors.

To equip students for contemporary life, in conjunction with parents, we gradually introduce students to the realities of the world at age-appropriate stages. Our educational approach emphasises respect for others regardless of background, identity or beliefs. To present Christian apologetics effectively, it is essential to engage with diverse perspectives. This practice enhances students' understanding of the Catholic position and enables them to articulate it clearly to others.

What Musical Instrument Exam Boards Do You Use?

We utilise available exam boards for your child's chosen instrument, for which we can find a suitable tutor. Typically, this involves ABRSM for traditional music exams or Rock School for contemporary music exams.