We believe it is important to build a support network around our international pupils. They are provided with an extra layer of designated pastoral support from our International Pupils’ Coordinator, Jamie MacKenzie, who as Head of English as a Second Language, is well-qualified in this role.
Part of the Framlingham College experience for overseas boarders is being placed in a House and integrating with other pupils with a range of backgrounds, and Jamie supports this by holding regular meetings with individual pupils to ensure they feel at home.
There is also an International Pupil Rep in each House to provide peer support around wellbeing and a dedicated International Pupil Prefect who is responsible for ideas about integrating and embracing the cultures of our international students into daily life at Framlingham.
Exeat Weekends
Throughout the year we have a number of Exeat weekends, where pupils leave school on Friday afternoon to stay with their guardian or friends and return Sunday evening or Monday morning. International pupils are welcome to remain in school during these Exeats, where there will be fun activities on offer through their House.
Life at Framlingham College has been a very enjoyable experience that will always have a special place in my heart. Aside from the charm of the surroundings (the town and Framlingham Castle), every pupil can feel the kindness of the fellow students and staff. Our Housemaster is a good friend, and all my housemates are very supportive; we never feel homesick.”
George Ghetiu, Lower Sixth, international pupil from Moldova
Pupil Testimonial, Lottie Rowland (Year 12)
Some of my best friends have been international students, who are such a key component at Framlingham College and help make our school what it is. There is the option to stay short-term, like a year or more and that allows us to see different cultures leave their legacy within our school. Even though they may not stay for long, we still make firm and everlasting friendships that survive the distance, with them always coming back to visit us or us them.
– Lottie Rowland, Year 12
Pupil Testimonial, Mane Grigoryan (Year 13)
Framlingham College was the place for me where I found new friends and new opportunities. It has a warm and very hosting community where every member of it is friendly and ready to help. I am very lucky to study at this school and have the best teachers who are always ready to assist in studies.
Framlingham has changed my life; it is busier and more challenging than usual and I can honestly say I like it. There is always an activity or event to take part in after lessons, but despite the busy school day, there is always time to spend with friends – go to the castle, walk in the town, play chess, do swimming, have small parties, and do movie nights. One of my favourite activities is CCF. I have had the chance to go on field weekends and at that time I thought that it was very hard, and not for me, but now when I look back, it was one of the most memorable moments I have had here. It was so much fun to spend time with friends, run, shoot, do a search in the forest and live like cadets.
I love this small town too, where everything is much more different than at home, but I like the type of architecture it has and as a future architect, I enjoy being in different environments and studying them. I love the castle and the paths to it, so I usually go there with my friends, walk around, get some berries, and enjoy the peace.
I think my day is different compared to other full boarders as I am from a foreign country. I have learnt new things every day: become familiar with British cuisine, have started drinking tea with milk, travelled to several places such as Norwich, London, Ipswich, Cambridge, etc. It was all new to me, and I have loved every moment and opportunity that Framlingham has given me. It was also new for me to board in houses and have House competitions. During the time at Moreau House, every member did their best to make me feel at home. I loved having movie nights, amazing parties and in general enjoyed every single day there with all that fun-loving people and our fabulous Housemistress.
I could not be more thankful for the support and encouragement I have been given, as I would not have been able to achieve what I have now without my teachers’ and school’s support.
– Mane Grigoryan – Upper Sixth, Armenian International Pupil, Joined in Lower Sixth
