Learning English

At English Country Schools professionally qualified teachers use effective modern techniques to create interesting, enjoyable lessons. Teachers also help with the activity programme: this helps to establish a friendly rapport with students and ensures that the learning of English continues well beyond the classroom.

Students are placed by age and ability to a maximum of 16 per group.

Classes for 7 – 10 year olds employ a practical, multi- sensory approach teaching English through arts, crafts, songs, stories, games and movement. This is combined with repetition to aid memory. The emphasis is on general language and cognitive development through fun activities.

Classes for older children consist of a careful balance of activities designed to improve grammar and vocabulary while practising reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each week a new theme is introduced, for example Myself and Others, The World Around Us, Health and Exercise, Fashion and Media. All classes use pair and group work to maximize the opportunity to speak and to build teamwork. Games, music, stories, role-play, out-of-class projects, computers, DVDs and interactive whiteboards help to keep the lessons varied and interesting.

Parents receive weekly online progress reports from their child’s teacher and a more general reports from activity staff and house parents at the end of the course.