Who is this course for?
Young learners who want to combine English language study, activities and cultural visits.
Course outcomes
Your child will develop:
Designed around 4 weekly project themes, students learn through project-based lessons, study tours and a choice of academic, active and creative electives. It is suitable for all levels.
- Course type
- Young Learners
- Age of student
- 11-17
- Language level
- Beginner (A1) - Proficient (C2)
- Staff/student ratio
- 1:6
- Course dates
- 01 - 28 April 2018
- Course Length
- 1-4 weeks
- Price
- £865 per week
- Location
- Bell St Albans
- Core English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking)
- More vocabulary and better pronunciation
- A portfolio of work
- Essential life skills (teamwork, independence and communication)
- Increased confidence
- An international network of friends
This is my second time at Bell St Albans. I came on the Spring Explorer course last year and I had so much fun that I wanted to come back this year. I want to come back for a third time!
#mybellstory
Paul
Germany
Course description
Project-based English lessons
30 hours per two week course
Learning through projects is particularly motivating for young learners and helps them remember the language that they learn. Working in groups, students use English to produce something tangible like a short film, a presentation, a magazine or a short story.
Project work guarantees students study something new every time. Each project is based on a theme. Spring Explorer is designed around 4 weekly project themes.
Week 1: Spring Forward
Spring marks the beginning of a new a cycle in our lives and a time of new beginnings. Students will explore this subject by investigating change and progress to the environment, nature and humans.
Topics may include:
- Saving the planet
- Human progress and endeavour
- The natural world
Example learning outcomes:
- Students improve their persuasive language skills as they take part in discussions and debates
- Students develop their thinking skills as they attempt to come up with solutions to real-world issues
- Students learn how effective planning and goal setting can increase the chance of success.
Study tours: London (including a trip to Kew Gardens) and Oxford.
Week 2: They Changed the World
Students research the people and moments in history that have shaped the world we live in.
Topics may include:
- Celebrities and their influence
- Famous people from history and inspiring role models
- Historical events
Example learning outcomes:
- Students develop their reading and research skills whilst learning about the contributions of influential historical figures
- Students improve their public speaking and presentation skills
- Students learn key language structures in order to confidently express their opinions.
Study tours: London (including a trip to the British Museum) and Bristol.
Week 3: Brainwave
Students learn about the impact of science on their own lives and the thought processes which encourage their creativity.
Topics may include:
- Language learning
- How the brain works
- Great discoveries and developments
Example learning outcomes:
- Students improve their creative and collaborative skills as they develop a new product
- Students develop their use of English as they investigate how the brain works
- Students gain new study skills and grow as independent learners as they explore a variety of scientific themes.
Study tours: London (including the Science Museum) and Cambridge.
Week 4: The World's a Stage
Based on William Shakespeare’s famous quote, this theme looks at all things creative and artistic. From writing to performing, students will widen their abilities to think collaboratively and creatively.
Topics may include:
- English Literature
- Actors and celebrities
- Drama and self-expression
Example learning outcomes:
- Students gain a better knowledge of language structures, vocabulary, style and genre, and how all of these are used in different literary contexts
- Students develop their collaborative skills as they work together to create a theatrical performance
- Students improve their writing skills for different genres and purposes.
Study tours: London (including a trip to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre).
Electives
18 hours per two week course (3 electives, 6 hours each)
Elective sessions are taught by experienced activity leaders and develop students' skills in their chosen activities in English. Students practice their English, while focused on an activity, which leads to a natural and fluent use of the language.
A mix of active, academic and creative options are available.
Active electives
Sample active electives:
- Archery
- British school games
- Football
- Health and fitness
Academic electives
Sample academic electives:
- British literature
- Creative writing
- Journalism
- Presentations and debates
Creative electives
Sample creative electives:
- Art and Design
- Dance
- Drama
- Photography and film-making
of 2015 students said their English had improved
Study tours
3 full day study tours per two week course
Students learn about British life and culture through study tours to historic UK destinations such as London, Cambridge and Brighton.
Study tours are learning opportunities outside the classroom and are part of the academic programme. Students are prepared for the study tour in class, given a task to do on the trip and have a feedback lesson afterwards. Young learners are carefully supervised on all study tours.
Activities
27 hours per two week course
After lessons, electives, and a delicious dinner, students have an evening activity – more chance for your child to learn and practise English. Examples of evening activities include team-building challenges, treasure hunts and film nights.
Spring Explorer sample timetable
Course includes:
- Accommodation at Bell St Albans
- All meals, snacks and drinks
- All social activities and study tours
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure with Bell staff
- Free internet access
- Free laundry service
- Comprehensive insurance
