Level of English

The recommended minimum English Level is CEFR B1 / IELTS 4.0. We are able to give more support to students who are not used to studying in English, but the course is not suitable for complete beginners.

Class size

The maximum class size is 16, but we aim at an average class size of 10 to 12 students for the Junior Academic Course.

Lessons

Our lessons are 90 minutes each. Teachers will give students a short break during the middle of each lesson. All students take a fixed timetable, which consists of the following subjects:

Sample Timetable

English and Drama

Students will have one 90-minute English class every day. The teaching will include academic English, social English for everyday use, grammar revision and pronunciation. Students will study the background for their trips and write about their experiences. Students have access to our large Extensive Reading library and are expected to read at least one book a week. Outside of class, all students can spend time practising chatting in English with our team of trained Student Hosts, who are on site at least 50 hours a week.

All students have two 90-minute Drama lessons every week, and take part in a fun Drama Show. Over the years, we have found that Drama really helps many students to overcome their fear of speaking in English. It increases confidence in using language, helps with pronunciation and develops a strong sense of team-working.

Academic subjects

Students will have two 90-minute Maths classes, and one 90-minute class in each of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography and Art. All of our subjects are taught by subject specialists who focus on teaching the technical vocabulary needed to study each subject. Our science teachers understand the importance of laboratory work so you will spend a lot of time doing practical, hands-on experiments. All staff will encourage students to ask questions and discuss what they are learning.

Life Skills

Teachers have the opportunity to focus on activity learning, and this is why we bring Life Skills lessons into the timetable.  Life Skills, ranging from First Aid to basic cooking, are designed to help students prepare for their future education.

Boarding Preparation

All students will have one 90-minute class a week on this subject. Staff and Student Hosts will discuss topics such as the importance of integration; understanding the history and traditions of British boarding schools; extra-curricular opportunities and how to build your CV.

Prep (Homework)

Students will receive around three hours of homework a week. This will be done in supervised homework time led by our friendly Student Hosts who will encourage students to practise talking about their work in one-to-one conversations.

Student Hosts

After students finish their lessons every day, they will be able to practise speaking English with lots of Student Hosts. (The ratio is around 1:7 students.) They work every day after classes, and all day when there are no classes.  Students can spend over 50 hours a week chatting in English with our Student Hosts.  Our Student Hosts are kind and friendly.  They are native English speakers and help to explain British culture and some are usually very good students at top universities themselves.  Every day they will play sport, have dinner, and help with homework in the evenings.  They arrange many of our Social Activities and Sunday Clubs, and also go on all the trips.

Sports

Students have a one-hour sports lesson each teaching day.  This gives students a taste of some popular British sports including football, netball, rugby, hockey, rounders, basketball, tennis and cricket.  The sports sessions are led by Student Hosts who have often played the sports to a high standard themselves.  Students will learn the basic rules of each of the sports on offer and will learn some of the key vocabulary so that they are able to participate actively in their favourite sports in their new schools. There is also time for optional sport in the evenings and on Sundays.

Social Activities

We have two big social evenings each week which may include activities such as the Fashion Show, the Business Game, ‘Save Our Village!’ (an environmental game), Speed Chatting and many more.  These evenings develop creativity and give students a chance to practise their leadership and teamworking skills.  We also hold one or more Formal Dinners, which give students the chance to learn how to behave at formal events, and give them an opportunity to dress up smartly and have fun with their friends.  There is a three-course meal and both staff and students are invited to give speeches.

Sunday Clubs

On Sunday mornings students can choose to join one of many different clubs such as these:

• Dog-walking
• Art for fun
• Craft Club
• Church Visit
• Jazz Dance
• Singing
• Zumba Exercise
• Cooking
• Orienteering
• Yoga
• Board Games
• Photography

The aim of the clubs is to introduce students to a new skill or new experience every week.

Thursday Trips

Every Thursday there is a full-day trip for students to learn more about the history and culture of Britain.  The destinations may include Longleat Safari Park, Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Dartmoor, Oxford and more.  While on these trips, students will visit many famous sites and attractions.

Tuesday Afternoon Trips

On the Junior Academic Course there is also a half day trip on a Tuesday.  The half day trips may include mountain biking, visiting a wildlife park, exploring beaches and learning to climb.  We employ training specialist staff to supervise students safely where appropriate.

Supervision of students

Students are supervised almost all of the time but they have some freedom to move around when they are on campus.  Students aged 14 years and under are always supervised on trips.