British English Olympics And bring together the next generation of international leaders

Transcription

1 British English Olympics And bring together the next generation of international leaders

2 As young ambassadors, your students will represent their schools, cities and countries in the competition of a lifetime and one that they will learn from and grow as individuals. An unforgettable British experience.

3 Welcome to the British English Olympics Contents Introduction to the BEO 5 Why participate? 7 Student benefits 7 School benefits 7 History & development of the BEO 8 Program overview 10 I AcAdEmIc 10 The theme 10 The events 10 Skills developed 11 Competition structure 12 Judges 13 Awards 13 Participation and Eligibility 14 II cultural 15 Sample excursion programme 15 locations & Accommodation 10 Student Welfare Other Study Options

4 4

5 The British English Olympics the British English Olympics (BEO) is a high profile, prestigious academic and cultural event, like no other. It takes place over two weeks at Easter at some of the most famous historic British boarding schools that the uk has to offer. Participating teams of 1-16 year olds, from carefully selected international schools from around the world, travel to the uk to be put to the test and compete against one another in a series of academic challenges, alongside having the opportunity to learn about British culture and history, as they explore some of the sights. during the competition, students will be required to perform in front of a panel of judges, as they participate in debates, presentations, drama and musical performances, that all relate to a contemporary global theme. the BEO has continued to grow and develop over the last five years. 014 was a very exciting year for us. As well as opening new offices in Peru, Venezuela, costa rica, Panama, Bulgaria and russia, more students took part than ever before. We welcomed 1500 students, representing over 140 schools from 10 different countries. the overall level of academic performances was higher than ever before and was really fantastic to see. Would you like to encourage your students to develop life-long friendships with a range of international students? do your students have the potential to push themselves to their limits, both academically and culturally? Would you like to offer your students the experience of lifetime? If the answer to these questions is yes, then we really look forward to welcoming you to the next British English Olympics, which we have no doubt will be the biggest and best competition yet! We wish you the very best of luck! 5

6 6

7 Why participate in the British English Olympics? Student benefits: Students live and breathe English throughout the two week programme: during challenges, on excursion and in the friendships that they make. they explore and debate important contemporary global political and social issues. they are challenged and stretched to their maximum academic potential. Strong emphasis on public speaking & performance skills. Students develop team work and leadership skills. they significantly improve their communicative skills as they grow in confidence. Students become more worldly, mature, independent young people. through the boarding school experience and a full excursion programme to london and other historic places of interest, students will be immersed in British culture and history. Students have the opportunity to build international networks of friends, as a strong sense of camaraderie is formed between schools. School benefits: develop and enhance the English language programme in your school. raise the profile of your school s academic achievements nationally and regionally Inspire the whole student body in your school to work together as a team towards a shared goal, as you prepare for the competition. teachers are invited to join the new online BEO member platform and network with other schools. Opportunities for teachers to form international school partnerships and student exchanges. About us: the British English Olympics is run by Oxford International Education Group (formerly ISIS Education). With over 0 years experience as a leading independent education provider, we offer a wide range of study programmes for uk and foreign students. Oxford International provides first-class courses for over 100,000 international students from around the world every year. the student experience is central to everything we do and we are confident in providing a pathway to your success. We are fully accredited by the British council. 7

8 In the beginning Since the BEO began in 2009, Oxford International has welcomed over 4000 students from more than 250 schools and 15 countries. Every year we look to develop the programme and expand the international mix of countries who participate. This year we would like to invite some of the best international schools from around the world to join the competition Theme: Climate change BEO is launched at Oxford International in Greenwich. 10 students from 10 schools attend. Winners colegio Argos, from mexico city. Winning students then invited by the current mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to his state governor s residence in private awards ceremony upon their return to mexico. Became a high profile event, covered by the mexican media Theme: Sustainable Development Into its third year, BEO takes place across three campuses. this Easter 600 students from 45 schools and 7 countries participate, with the Instituto Jean Piaget del rio crowned as the winners Theme: Globalisation BEO is run for a second year. 50 students from 0 schools attend. Winning team liceo Ibeoramericano de Acapulco, mexico. Volcanic ash cloud causes flight cancellations and Oxford International successfully organise the re-location of students to temporary emergency accommodation. High profile story covered by mexican media. 8

9 2013 Theme: Social Media Four new countries join for 01: Armenia, Peru, Bulgaria and the ukraine. 00 students participate from 70 schools 2014 Theme: Constructive Conflict Resolution 140 schools from around the world, with over 1500 students took part. the students came from 10 different countries Brazil, mexico, russia, colombia, Venezuela, chile, costa rica, ukraine, Peru and Armenia 2012 Theme: Renewable Energy BEO expands further to open a fourth centre for 01. New nationalities participate.

10 Programme Overview The theme Every year, the BEO competition is focused on a topical theme, that provides a forum for students to explore and debate important contemporary political and social issues. Previous years have seen teams present on subjects such as globalisation, sustainable development, the digital revolution and social media. 014 s theme was constructive conflictive resolution. Competitive academic events during the BEO, all schools compete in the following events: International Forum schools are assigned a country that they should represent in a debate about a subject related to the theme for that year. Keynote Presentation selected students give a presentation on a topic assigned to them in October. they should demonstrate a good understanding of the key issues relating to the subject. World Travel Market teams are asked to imagine that they represent another country at an international travel fair with the aim to raise interest and to attract visitors to that part of the world. Local project & presentation schools give a presentation on a local school project that they have carried out over part of an academic year. Drama festival students perform a theatrical piece on a subject relating to the theme. they must write their own script. Song recital teams choose a song and write their own lyrics for it. they can choose any song or melody they like but the lyrics must be written by the team and related to this year s theme. they must then perform this song during the BEO. Mystery challenge a skilful and creative problem solving task that groups are given at the time of the event. this is the only event that schools cannot prepare for. Sample programme Day Morning Afternoon Evening 1 Arrivals Arrivals Film Night & Sports 2 EXtENdEd Full day EXcurSION to london Evening in london 3 Opening ceremony culture Work shop Welcome Party 4 Skills workshop Inter-School mystery talent Show challenge 5 World travel market mystery challenge Film Night 6 EXtENdEd Full day EXcurSION to london West End musical 7 International Forum Song recital Karaoke Show 8 Keynote Presentation Group Project Sports 9 drama Performance Sports Announcement of semi-finalists disco 10 Semi Final Semi Final talent show On site activities for On site activities for non semi-finalists non semi-finalists 11 Full day coach Walking tour and Sports excursion to Oxford christ s church college 12 Grand Final at Grand Final at christs Hospital christs Hospital Optional day Optional day 13 AWArdS ceremony IN london/ Evening in london AFtErNOON IN london 14 Full day coach Walking tour of Farewell disco excursion to Brighton city centre 15 departures departures departures 10

11 Skills that students develop One of the exceptional strengths of the BEO is that it is designed to develop a wide range of important skills, so that our BEO students become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible open-minded citizens of the world, enabling them to reach their full potential, both now and in their future lives. through participation in the BEO, students will develop the following skills: Research & analytical skills Team building Time management Problem solving Interpersonal Negotiating; persuading Leadership Independence Debating Public speaking Cultural intelligence Self-confidence 11

12 Sample Structure Eliminatory Phase (eg. 120 schools) CENTRE 1 20 SChooLS CENTRE 2 20 SChooLS CENTRE 3 20 SChooLS CENTRE 4 20 SChooLS CENTRE 5 20 SChooLS CENTRE 6 20 SChooLS All schools compete in all 7 academic events. Each centre s 0 schools are split into two groups of ten. Semi Finals 48 Schools CENTRE 1 + CENTRE 2 16 SChooLS (ToP 8 FRoM EACh) CENTRE 3 + CENTRE 4 16 SChooLS (ToP 8 FRoM EACh) CENTRE 5 + CENTRE 6 16 SChooLS (ToP 8 FRoM EACh) the top four schools from each group of ten will qualify for the semi-final. (Each centre sends 8 students to the semifinal). they will compete in two events: the mystery challenge and their best presentation (they can choose between the World travel market, the Keynote Presentation or the Project Presentation). Grand Final (12 schools) 12 SChooLS (ToP 2 FRoM EACh) the top two schools from each group will go through to the Grand Final, where they will compete in the International Forum and a mystery challenge. Winners WINNER Runner-up Third place PlEASE NOtE: Each year the tournament structure may change slightly according to the number of schools 1

13 Judging and Prizes The judging panel teams perform each of the events within a given time limit in front of a panel of BEO judges. After each performance, the judges will confer and agree upon an overall mark from their judging criteria. this is based on their notes and observations that they have made. When teams are presented with their final scores, they are also given useful feedback. Awards ceremony and prizes the climax of the annual British English Olympics is, of course, the glittering closing awards ceremony, which takes place at a world-famous london venue, attended by special VIP guests: ambassadors and diplomats from participating countries. last year s event was hosted at the dominion theatre in london s West End. the awards ceremony celebrates the achievement and efforts of all participating teams, as well as the runners up and the long -awaited announcement of the BEO champions. Each school will be awarded a plaque of participation. Individual students will receive a BEO medal and certificate. the Fairplay cup will be given to one team in each centre, that has demonstrated the best team spirit the second and third place runners up will be presented with a spectacular BEO trophy, whilst the winning team will receive a larger version. 1

14 Participation and eligibility One of our academic team will visit your school to assess your suitability for the competition and present the programme to your students. Select 10-0 of your most gifted students to form your school team. Students must be between 1-16 years of age. choose a dedicated member of the teaching staff, who has a very high level of English. complete the registration form and return to Wendy maitland at beo@oxfordinternational.education. In October you will receive a registration pack from Oxford International, including the theme for the BEO and a detailed copy of the competition guidelines. this pack will provide you and your school with all the information you need on how to prepare for the individual academic events, which your students will perform in the uk during the competition. October Easter: school teams prepare for the events, as part of their extra-curricular programme at school. Oxford International academic support staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have during preparation. 14

15 Cultural Programme Alongside the academic events of the Olympiad, students will also go on exciting cultural and historic excursions during their two week stay in the uk. Included in the programme are three full day excursions to london, one full day in Oxford and one to Brighton. Before going on the organised excursions, students will attend our BEO culture Workshops, that will not only prepare them for the trips and the important places of interest that they will see, but will also introduce them to the most important aspects of British culture and history. Sample excursion programme London, day 1 London, day 2 London, day 3 oxford Brighton Walking tour of central london taking in the main political and royal attractions, with time to spend picking up souvenirs in some of london s most exciting shopping districts. Visit one of london s many high quality, varied museums or galleries, and then spend time soaking up the unique atmosphere of london s West End: the city s most vibrant areas for shopping, shows, culture and history as well as food and drink. Explore another world-famous museum and then visit some of london s more exclusive areas, where you can spot the rich and famous! Walking tour of central Oxford and the university, including the film location for Harry Potter. Afterwards spend time exploring the main attractions and shopping district. Guided walking tour of Brighton s main sites, including the Pavillion and Brighton Pier. Free time to enjoy Brighton beach and its varied and vibrant shopping streets. 15

16 Locations At the British English Olympics, we are partners with some of the very best private boarding schools in the south of England, set in stunning locations in the beautiful English countryside. All of our partner schools are situated within one hour of london, with easy access to international airports. Additional boarding schools of the same standard may be added, subject to numbers of participating schools. 16

17 Christ s Hospital School the christ s Hospital campus is nothing short of monumental. From the moment you arrive you ll see that it is indeed a very special place. Sweeping sports fields, architecturally beautiful buildings, designed in part by Sir christopher Wren, architect of St Pauls cathedral, and the spectacular Quad are immediately visible. Originally founded just before Shakespeare s birth, by the son of Henry VIII, to house all the poor and destitute children that the dissolution of the monasteries left behind, today it still educates a proportion of its students free or at a reduced price, something that is unique for a British boarding school. christ s has been a BEO centre for four years. Accommodation: Students will stay in doubles or quadruple rooms in the recently refurbished boarding houses. meals: Facilities: Internet: Airports: laundry: Official website: three meals are included. Packed lunches on excursion days Outstanding historic dining hall which is often referred to as similar to Hogwarts! Purpose built replica of Shakespeare s globe theatre, where many of the performances take place. Student common areas within accommodation with satellite tv and dvd access. Sports facilities include over 100 acres of sporting areas including tennis courts, football pitches and swimming pool. Purpose built classrooms with SmArt boards. computer suites with internet access lhr: 1 hr, lgw: 0 mins, StN: hours laundry facilities in every boarding house 17

18 Ardingly College A BEO centre for the last four years, Ardingly occupies a 40 acre (1.7 km²) site situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. the college is located in the village of Ardingly near Haywards Heath, West Sussex against the idyllic backdrop of a large lake and rolling countryside. Ardingly is an independent co-educational boarding and day school, founded in 1858 and is included in the tatler list of top public schools. It is an hour from london on the train. Accommodation: Single sex boarding houses, close to the classrooms and the dining hall. meals: Facilities: Internet: Airports: laundry: Official website: three meals are included. Packed lunches on excursion days Beautiful main hall and performance spaces Well-equipped sports and leisure facilities, including a swimming pool and large gymnasium computer suites with internet access lhr: hrs, lgw: 1 hr, StN: 1 hr, 40 mins laundry service provided on a weekly basis 18

19 Box Hill School Box Hill School is a co-educational boarding and day school for students aged in over forty acres of rolling Surrey countryside, the setting is beautiful. located the building was built in 188 during the Victorian era but its architecture is both mock tudor and Gothic in style. the site became a school in 15 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 00 with a visit from the duke of Edinburgh. Box Hill is close to major road, rail and air links and only 40 minutes from central london. 014 was the BEO s first year at Box Hill. Accommodation: Single sex boarding houses in double or quadruple rooms located very near the main school meals: Facilities: Internet: Airports: laundry: Official website: three meals are included. Packed lunches on excursion days large, modern auditorium. Student common areas within accommodation with satellite tv and dvd access. Sports facilities include tennis courts, an outdoor heated swimming pool, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts and 0 acres of playing fields. Purpose built classrooms with SmArt boards computer suites with internet access lhr: 0mins, lgw: 0 mins, StN: hours coin operated washing and drying machines on college premises 1

20 Bradfield School Bradfield School dates from the 1th century and the school occupies its own village in the Berkshire countryside, including a beautiful Anglican church where Kate middleton was baptized. the school has a well established reputation for its academic excellence and a well-rounded education. Stunning architecture, superb catering and beautiful scenery, this has been a popular BEO campus for the past three years. Accommodation: Single sex boarding houses on campus meals: Facilities: Internet: Airports: laundry: Official website: three meals are included. Packed lunches on excursion days Purpose built theatre and performance space. Sports facilities include swimming pool and astro-turf sports pitches Stunning Anglican church on campus Beautiful outdoor Greek amphitheatre on campus recently built music school daily internet access lhr: 0mins, lgw: hrs, StN: hours laundry service provided on a weekly basis 0

21 St Mary s School St mary's School Ascot is a roman catholic independent day and boarding school for girls in Ascot, just outside of royal Windsor. Set in 55 acres of beautiful grounds in the heart of Berkshire, the school combines the traditional in the architecture of its buildings with the modern in its educational facilities. Past pupils have included members of the British royal family. the campus is an hour from london by train. St marys has hosted the BEO for three years. Accommodation: Single, twin and multi-bedded rooms on campus meals: Facilities: Internet: Airports: laundry: Official website: three meals are included. Packed lunches on excursion days Impressive sports facilities, including sports hall, swimming pool and indoor tennis courts. theatre and lecture theatre act as ideal performance spaces. modern purpose built classrooms with SmArt boards computer suites with internet access lhr: 0mins, lgw: 0 mins, StN: hours Weekly laundry service 1

22 Student Welfare during the British English Olympics, the safety, security and wellbeing of all students is extremely important to us at Oxford International. From the careful selection of our partner campuses and recruitment of our staff to the academic and cultural programme design and delivery, student welfare is our number one priority. We want our students to get as much out of the BEO as they can, both academically and culturally and although this is an intensive, challenging competition, it is still crucial that the students have a fun and memorable time with us, whilst giving parents the peace of mind that they are happy and being well looked after. Our experienced staff are on site and available 4 hours a day. It is their role to ensure that students settle in, make friends and use English throughout their stay in the uk. they also accompany and look after students on excursion and meet them at the airport when they arrive. Each campus has its own dedicated Welfare Officer and Student Advice Bureau, which students can visit at any time for support and information or if they have any problems. We also have at least one trained first-aider and doctor on call at each centre. Parents should notify us of any medical conditions in advance of arrival. upon arrival, students will receive a compulsory induction during which they will receive information about emergency procedures and code of conduct expected of them while they are here. We follow British council and English uk guidelines very carefully. We are also founder members of Young learners English uk ( a special interest group run by English uk, committed to maintaining high standards for junior courses, with a strong focus on student welfare.

23 Other options with Oxford International The BEO is just one of a variety of study programmes that we organise for our Juniors throughout the year. For information on any of the following courses, please visit oxfordinternational.education Description of course Where When Programme includes Description of course Where When Programme includes The Masters - residential - for students aged with min B2 - mini MBA/ entrepreneurship competition - students must participate as a group of 5+ students The WEE - academic competition - residential - for students aged lower level of English than BEO (B1 or below) - students compete as a school group Two boarding schools in the London area 5-6 campuses throughout the south of England Two weeks at Easter/ two weeks in the summer Two Weeks at Easter Business lectures in the morning. Afternoons: Product development Sessions, including writing a business plan and preparation for a final pitch. Evenings: bespoke talks by Entrepreneurs 5 full day excursion Visit to company - 30 hours of English language and cultural tuition - four competitive experiences - Trinity Exam preparation - Four full day excursions - Full evening activity programme Bucksmore - high end, exclusive specialized English language summer school - Oxford and Cambridge Colleges year olds Individuals ISIS Explore - Tour group, that organises bespoke cultural tours for groups of both UK students and non UK students Cambridge & Oxford University colleges Past tours have included Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Prague June-August All year round June- August - Between hours a week of specialised tuition - Small tutorial groups - Full afternoon and evening Social/excursion programme - Trinity spoken English exam included - Courses include Young Leaders and World University preparation Tours are tailor-made according to school group s needs and brief. Junior Summer Programmes - residential (for students aged 9-17 years) students attend as individuals or groups ISIS Schools - year-round schools for adult individuals and Junior groups - language/ cultural programmes for your school group,from standard General English courses to specific bespoke English courses 18 centres across the UK 6 centres In the UK & Canada (Oxford, Brighton, Greenwich Central London, Vancouver, Toronto.) June-August All year round 15 contact hours General English tuition a week and full exciting activity and excursion programme in afternoons and evenings 15 hours of English language tuition in either AM or PM classes Twin-share homestay accommodation (Full board with a packed lunch 2.5 full day excursions per week Teacher Training Methodology Courses - For English language Teachers - Professional development workshops on teaching Methodology - General language tuition Greenwich, Central London, Oxford or Brighton All year round Workshops include: - training and support for teachers of English in teaching methodology through communicativemetho dology and current EFL Teaching methods - provision of resources - General English tuition if required - UK primary/secondary school visits 23

24 Contact us Oxford International Education Group 259 Greenwich High Road London SE10 8NB Telephone: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0) Web: