EXCEEDINGLY BRITish summer schools. Jolly good fun! English Language and Activity Courses

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1 EXCEEDINGLY BRITish summer schools for Year Olds 2016 Jolly good fun! English Language and Activity Courses

2 Welcome to Varsity International Varsity International Summer Schools offer international students aged the opportunity to study English, experience English culture and enjoy a programme of exciting activities during their summer holidays. Students from around the world will benefit from qualified English teachers and professional activity staff and have the opportunity to learn English with English children, making new friends along the way! Varsity International is part of the Active Education Group, which is a specialist provider of high quality activity and learning programmes for children. With a huge amount of experience in providing educational, fun and engaging programmes for children of all ages, we will deliver outstanding English tuition and an action-packed activity programme. Students will enjoy the following benefits: normal class size of up to 12 students sessions Outstanding student care from experienced and approachable staff overall staff/student ratio at most 1:8 2 full day excursions per week including Oxford and London Fantastic and unrivalled activity programme including outdoor adventure, quad bikes, archery, horse riding, tennis, rowing, motor buggies, athletics and many more! Fun evening activity programme including movie night, toasting marshmallows round the camp fire and discos English certificate and report Free Wi-Fi access Regulated by Ofsted and accredited by BAC s Innovative and engaging English programme with experienced teachers Learn English through integration with English children during activity AccrEdited SHORT COURSE PROVIDER

3 Location and Dates Oxford Programmes run July 16th to August 20th 2016 Our Oxford Summer School provides an historic location for students, with beautiful surroundings combined with a modern school and teaching facilities. The school campus is safe and located 5 minutes from Oxford and with easy access to London an hour away, which students will visit. The school is a converted 17 th century priory and is set within a scenic and green 14 acre campus, with relaxing common rooms, sports pitch and beautiful grounds for camp fires, motor buggies and traditional English garden games. We offer residential or homestay options for students, both of which will provide a high standard of accommodation and comfort see pages 12 and 13 for more details. Our courses are available to book from 2-5 weeks in duration see our prices sheet or website for full details. On-site facilities Well-equipped classrooms Common rooms Extensive grounds Sport fields Free Wi-Fi Snack Shop Modern single, twin and triple bedrooms Motor quad and buggy track Off-site facilities nearby Multi-activity centre Swimming pool Hard tennis courts Outdoor adventure centre Horse-riding centre Rowing on the River Thames Oxford University Sports Complex 3 Thank you very much - my daughter had a good time and wants to go back next year. Mrs. T, Japan

4 English Language Programme We have developed an English language curriculum that is structured to deliver an effective and progressive learning experience for students covering reading, writing, listening and contextual vocabulary. Students are also expected to speak English at all times to further improve their conversational English. On the first morning, students are assessed and grouped according to their English ability and their progress is reviewed and evaluated during their stay. Our English teachers are all qualified and selected for their ability to deliver the curriculum in an engaging and enjoyable way learning should be fun! English Integration Students will also have the opportunity to participate in fun activities with English children who will be taking part in the same activities. This provides an ideal opportunity to accelerate their English language skills, and of course have lots of fun. English Study We provide 3 hours of English lessons for 5 days every week with qualified English teachers. See timetable on page 14. Every student receives a minimum of 15 hours of English tuition per week Normal class of 12 students Experienced and engaging English teachers English report and certificate Extra English We also offer optional extra English lessons to accelerate English language development, with an additional 5 hours of tuition per week - extra costs apply. 4

5 Activity Programme Outside of English lessons, students will enjoy an exciting programme of activities where they can learn new skills and have fun with the other students, plus the opportunity to mix with English children. With many different activities available each day, our outstanding programme has something for everyone from art and drama, to sport and adventure. Multi Activity For five afternoons each week, students will take part in a great range of exciting activities. This programme is included in the standard price. Students are expected to speak English during these activities to improve their conversational skills. Activities include: Tennis Archery Swimming Motor Buggies English Games Basketball Football Volleyball Arts and Crafts On the Sunday afternoon session, we have a unique ultimate activity experience where all students will take part in an exciting afternoon of activities including zorbing, large inflatables, fencing and many more! We also offer optional Specialist Activities see page 6. 5 Normal school is boring, but at Varsity it was just brilliant and all the teachers were just great. Mr. M, Denmark

6 Optional Specialist Activities For students wanting to further develop their active and sports skills, we offer a range of Specialist Activities where students will receive a high level of qualified instruction and coaching. These are offered at an extra cost and run for two afternoons (minimum of 2 hours) a week instead of the multi activity programme. Specialist activities are available every week for all ages, except Rowing and Athletics which run on specific weeks. Horse Riding Students will be able to see rural England on horseback and can ride through the beautiful countryside around Oxford on our horse riding course. Led by qualified instructors who are experienced in teaching riders from beginner to advanced level. Outdoor Adventure Go wild on our action-packed Outdoor Adventure programme where students will have the chance to go do a high ropes course, abseiling, zip wire take part in team challenges and learn survival skills including fire lighting and wild cooking! 6

7 Rowing (16-22 July OR July) An amazing opportunity to experience rowing in a range of boats on the River Thames, with instruction from some of the country s leading coaches. For beginners to advanced level. Athletics (23-29 july OR 6-12 Aug) Experience athletics coaching from some of the UK s best former and rising stars of track and field. Takes place at the renowned Oxford University, Roger Bannister athletics stadium. tennis Tennis coaching from experienced instructors, ideal for students of all abilities. The lessons, which include instruction in all areas of the game and will take place on hard courts offsite. 7 What an exciting summer school - the best time they had during their summer holiday. Mr. C, Switzerland

8 Evening Activities The fun doesn t stop once the afternoon activities are over! There s a great range of organised evening activities for students to relax, have fun and get to know each other. One evening each week will also include a trip into town for ten pin bowling, the cinema or other fun activities. Evening activities include: Arts and crafts room Movie night Team challenges Disco and themed parties International night Camp fire and BBQ Fun quiz night Trip into town e.g. bowling 8

9 Excursions Students will enjoy the best that England has to offer with visits to cultural sights and attractions at no extra cost. During a 2 week course, students will go on 3 full day exciting excursions to London, Oxford and other locations. To get the most out of the excursions, students are expected to use the experience to enhance their verbal and written English through discussions with each other and written projects based on aspects of what they have seen. GREAT DAYS OUT Full day to London (see page 10 for details) Full day to Oxford (see page 11 for details) Full day to either: Thorpe Park extreme fun and attractions at this large amusement park Harry Potter World step into the scenes from the legendary films Blenheim Palace visit the grand home and grounds of Winston Churchill s birth place Windsor Castle the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and home to Queen Elizabeth II 9 It is probably the best camp she has had (with good food), where she improved her English. Mr.P, France

10 Excursions London Day Trip Experience the culture, energy and shopping of one of the world s greatest cities with an exciting day trip to London! London sights include*: Buckingham Palace London Eye Harrods Covent Garden Science and Natural Houses of Parliament History Museums Oxford Street shopping Tower of London * Not all sights will be visited but varied according to conditions and demand 10

11 Ox f o rd Day T rip Visit the original University City, where Tolkien wrote Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter was filmed, and explore the historic streets in the footsteps of the world s greatest minds. There will also be the opportunity to shop and have a go at punting! Oxford sights include*: Oxford University college tours Pitt Rivers Museum Visit the Covered Market Punting Shopping Film locations and treasure hunt * Not all sights will be visited but varied according to conditions and demand 11 I know that they are going to do better at English this year in class. Mrs. B, France

12 Staff and Welfare 12 Our Staff Selecting the best staff is paramount to giving students the most fulfilling Summer school experience possible, and our staff are selected for their experience, enthusiasm and friendliness. With a high ratio of staff to students, we are able to ensure appropriate levels of attention and supervision to students individual needs. English teachers are all fullyqualified and chosen for their ability to engage students of all levels and ages. Activity leaders are highly-trained to ensure students have fun, are safe and get to try new experiences as well as making sure English is the only language spoken! Student Welfare Varsity International provides a safe and secure environment for students to thrive in, and all our staff are completely dedicated to their welfare and happiness. Resident staff are available 24 hours a day to resolve student issues or questions, and to provide support outside of tuition and organised activities. All activities, whether on or off site, are closely supervised by staff to ensure student safety, well-being and enjoyment. First Aid qualified staff are on site at all times, and a 24 hour telephone number is provided to parents in case of emergency. We look after students money through our on-site bank where money is locked in a secure safe, carefully accounted for and it can be accessed for shopping trips and excursions. Residential accommodation and Food Students will enjoy high standards of accommodation, in single, double or triple rooms. Girls and boys always sleep in separate areas, and nationalities are mixed to ensure everyone gets to meet new friends from different countries with English as the shared language. There are communal areas where students can socialise, relax and access free Wi-Fi at specific times of the day. Students are provided with three meals every day, and include a choice of healthy and nutritious foods, from classic English to popular international. Vegetarian options are always available and Halal upon request. There are snacks available to buy at specific times of the day from our Snack Shop.

13 Home Stay accommodation For students aged years, we also offer a home stay accommodation option. Staying with a host family is a fantastic way for students to experience British life and culture, while improving their language skills and making life-long British friends. We find friendly host families which are located near to the school and we quality check them to ensure students have high standards of accommodation and care. Travel and Transfers Students will be provided with breakfast, dinner and a friendly welcome! Students staying with host families will enjoy the same daytime lessons, activities, lunch and excursions programme as residential students, plus 3 evening activities each week. Flights and transfers are not included in the programme fees and these should be arranged by parents. We offer a transfer service from Heathrow or Gatwick airport where a member of our staff will meet students as they come out of customs and transfer them to the school. A transfer from the school to Heathrow airport is also offered with a member of our staff accompanying students right through to helping with check-in procedures. Both services are offered for an extra fee. Transfer to/from Heathrow, the closest airport to Oxford, takes around one hour depending on traffic. Outside of Sunday arrivals and departures, or other airports, we can arrange a taxi collection (at extra cost) or advise on other travel arrangements. Parents are also welcome to drop off and collect students at the school site. 13 I have been pleased with the support and information from your staff to parents. Mr. V, Russia

14 Timetable Below is an example timetable for residential students. Students staying with our home stay accommodation will enjoy the same programme, except that they only take part in 3 of the evening activities, with other evenings spent with the host family sat sun MON TUE WED THU FRI Breakfast English English English English English Classes Classes Classes Classes Classes Arrival / Departures or Full Day Excursion Ultimate Activity Afternoon Social Time Lunch Multi-Activity or Specialist Activity Multi-Activity, Traditional English Games Full Day Excursion Multi-Activity Social Time Lunch Multi-Activity or Specialist Activity Welcome Party / Film Night Team Challenges Social Time or Additional English Lesson Evening Activity in Town e.g Bowling Dinner Pizza and Quiz Night Free Time - Hot Drink, Shower, Bed Lights Out BBQ and Campfire Social Time or Additional English Lesson International Night Disco and Leavers Party Booking Once you have decided dates and programme options, a deposit of 400 is needed to secure a booking, with the remaining balance being paid by 13th May. Bookings made after 13th May must be paid in full. To make a booking, we request that you complete our enquiry form online. One of our advisors will then contact you to confirm availability on the dates you have requested, and ask you to complete a more detailed booking form. If you still have some questions about our courses, please do not hesitate to contact us - see back page for details. You can also find further information on our website. 14

15 We Also Offer activity Day Camps summer 2016 Learn English with English children on our exciting activity day camps for 4-14 year olds. For international children coming on holiday to the UK with their parents*, we offer the opportunity for children to join our day camps from Monday to Friday where international children are put in groups with English children. Over 40 activities a new experience every day! One or two hours of English tuition every day Outstanding locations and facilities Over 25 years experience and Ofsted registered One of the best ways to learn English is by mixing and integrating with English children on our exciting and varied activity programme. The children are split into different age groups to ensure the level is suitable for their needs. For international children with limited understanding of the English language, we offer 1 or 2 hours of English language tuition every day from Monday to Friday. We offer effective English language lessons in groups of up to 12 children which will maximise children s ability to improve their speaking level both in and outside of the classroom. Locations Our activity day camps are run at some of the UK s best schools which offer outstanding facilities that are ideal for running summer activity camps. All facilities are Ofsted registered LOCATIONS London Kingston (Holy Cross Prep School) and Sutton (Sutton High School) Oxford Headington School Oxford St. Helen and St. Katharine s Ascot LVS Ascot Newbury St Gabriel s School Winchester St Swithun s School *All children must be in the UK accompanied by a parent or guardian who will be responsible for bringing and collecting the child from camp every day. CAMP Dates Monday 11th July - Friday 26th August Mon to Fri, 08:00 to 18:00 15 info@varsityinternational.co.uk

16 An Awesome Experience Varsity International Summer Schools Compass House 1 Farmoor Court Farmoor Oxford OX2 9LU +44 (0) info@varsityinternational.co.uk Varsity International is part of Active Education Group Limited