YOUNG LEARNERS ENGLISHUK. Thames Valley Summer Schools 13 Park Street, Windsor Berkshire SL4 1LU England

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1 Park Street, Windsor Berkshire SL4 1LU England t f e english@thamesvalleysummer.co.uk ENGLISHUK member YOUNG LEARNERS ENGLISHUK

2 an Englishsummer Better in every way Why Thames Valley? During this time, more than 60,000 have spent their summers with us. Many of them returning for a second, or even a third season. So, what is it about our schools and our courses that has made them among the most consistently popular in the country? You don t have to look far to find the answers. BETTER SCHOOLS BETTER LOCATIONS BETTER RESULTS We work with only the most prestigious English boarding schools. Though they were founded hundreds of years ago, they re as up-to-date as any in the country. Our residential Summer Schools could hardly be better situated. All are within easy reach of London, Heathrow airport and some of England s most historic towns and cities. Our courses are designed for students aged 9-17 and they re the only ones in the country to concentrate exclusively on the Trinity College examinations in spoken English. Our average pass rate over the past three years is 99%, with 83% of students achieving merit or distinction. Millions of pounds are spent on them every year to make sure they re constantly being developed. Rugby Warwick Stratford Cambridge Q For over 40 years, we ve been helping youngsters from all over the world improve their English. STANSTED Oxford Q LONDON Windsor Epsom HEATHROW Q Leatherhead Sevenoaks Canterbury GATWICK Brighton Bournemouth Distinction Merit Pass Fail 2 3

3 Taking good care of you Striking the right balance From start to finish, we make sure your time with Thames Valley is worry-free. Passing the Trinity Examination may be the main priority, but we make sure you enjoy yourself outside the classroom too. COMING AND GOING STAYING ON CAMPUS AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS GETTING OUT AND ABOUT When you arrive at the airport, you ll be met by our staff and taken to your chosen centre by private coach. At the end of the course, we ll take you back to the airport and see you safely through check-in and passport control. If you d prefer your own taxi transfer, this can be arranged at additional cost. All four Young Learner centres are residential. A typical boarding house would have students staying there and you d sleep in a single or twin room, or in a larger room with 3-6 beds. Mixing and making friends in these surroundings comes very easily. In the afternoons, teachers and specialist staff will organise a whole host of activities for you. Our excursions are an important part of our teaching programme. We build language exercises around trips to many of the country s most famous landmarks. Places like Canterbury, Cambridge, Oxford, Brighton and Stratford-uponAvon are all on the itinerary depending on the centre you choose. If you re keen on sport, there s volleyball, tennis, badminton, basketball, squash, table-tennis, football, softball, swimming and water polo. And, depending on your centre, there may also be wall-climbing, rifleshooting and trampolining. Accommodation is full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and there is a free laundry service for your machinewashable clothes. SUPERVISION Barbara Alzamora, Spain 4 You ll also enjoy excursions into London. These usually include an educational tour of great museums (British, Natural History, Science or the National Gallery) combined with the opportunity to do some shopping in Oxford Street, Covent Garden or Knightsbridge. On average, there s one adult in residence for every five students. It s reassuring to note too, that most of our senior staff work in UK boarding schools throughout the year. Many of them come back to work with us summer after summer. work I loved my boarding house, my housemistress was the best, like a mum for us. The excursions and the evening activities were very good. Checking-in at Heathrow Each boarding house is supervised by an experienced Housemaster or Housemistress who is responsible for your personal safety and welfare. They re on call 24 hours a day helping to organise every aspect of your visit; looking after your pocket money, flight details and passport; ready with support and encouragement whenever you need it. You won t have to worry about a thing. View of Big Ben from London Eye Canterbury Cathedral Depending on your centre too, there ll be some splendid sightseeing with a ride on the London Eye, a cruise on the River Thames or the opportunity for a tour on an open top bus. and play If you prefer to do something more creative, all our centres have classes in ICT, art and craft, dance and aerobics. Then in the evening, you ll find there are all sorts of entertainments, ranging from discos to karaoke, talent shows to sports competitions, film shows to themed barbecues. Natural History Museum 5

4 Getting results Trinity College London has been assessing abilities in listening and speaking English for over fifty years. Its examinations are internationally recognised and we take great pride in our students annual pass rate. A modern approach All languages are constantly changing and English is no exception. With this in mind, we go to great lengths to make sure our courses are constantly being updated. TAKING THE TRINITY EXAM All our courses prepare students for the examination. At our Epsom and Leatherhead centres, you study for the examination at grades 1-9 (beginner to upper intermediate); at Sevenoaks, grades 1-11 (beginner to advanced). Grades are aligned to levels pre A1- C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Average size of classes is students, maximum 15. The examination is entirely based on your conversational ability and, from the word go, you ll be carefully coached towards achieving the required level. You ll have 5 forty-minute lessons each morning, five days a week (16 hours and 40 minutes contact time). In lessons 1-3, you ll focus on conversational and interactive language tasks. In lessons 4-5, the emphasis is on topics required by Trinity for their examination (subjects like global warming, fashion, festivals, music, shopping and travel). 6 A MORE INTENSIVE COURSE At Rugby, the course is designed to speed up improvement in the accuracy and fluency of your English so that you can take the Trinity examination at a higher and more challenging level. (We prepare for grades 1-11, aligned to pre A1-C1 of the CEFR.) In addition to morning classes, you ll have lessons on two afternoons a week (total contact time 20 hours). Classes will be smaller with an average of 9 students, maximum 10. You ll also have the use of additional language aids such as DVDs and ICT. THE RIGHT LEVEL The level at which you ll prepare for the Trinity examination is determined on day one, when you take an oral test. From here on, your progress will be monitored closely by your teachers and your Director of Studies. They ll do their best to make sure that, whatever the length of your course - 2, 3, or 4 weeks - you ll be ready to take the examination at the end of it. THE VERY BEST TEACHING We re as selective about our teachers as we are about our schools. We insist on them being friendly, fun to work with and easy to relate to. They re all native English speakers and are expected to hold internationally recognised teaching qualifications as required by the British Council. Usually, they re in their twenties or early thirties and will already have had teaching experience in language schools abroad. LIVING ENGLISH Whichever teaching programme you choose, you ll practise one-to-one interviews so that, by the time the examination comes around, you ll be perfectly comfortable and confident. Distinction better results! Merit Pass Fail Classes with Mike were amazing. I think he is one of the best teachers I ve ever had so I can Pair work with my classmates, preparing (Trinity exam) only say thank you to him. Hope to come topics using computers was best. back again next year. Lara Oberdank, Italy Alejandro Gutierrez Ramos, Spain We have a team of language experts with over fifty years experience between them. Their task is to make sure that you learn the most current form of English. And that you learn it in the most stimulating and enjoyable way. Computers, of course, are an essential part of the modern learning process. But over and above these, you ll have the help of the most up-to-date textbooks. Course material is rewritten on average every four years and it includes a Trinity Student Book that is unique to us. Covering all sorts of up-to-the-minute topics like film, sport, music and technology, it also reinforces what you ll be seeing and doing on your excursions.

5 Making English friends TRINITY EXAMINATION COURSE AGES Develop your confidence with English boys and girls throughout the day. EPSOM COLLEGE AN ENGLISH SCHOOL FRIEND In each class at Epsom, Leatherhead and Rugby, you ll have the chance to make friends with English boys and girls of a similar age to yourself. Founded in 1853 A cosy campus Lots to do Inviting and friendly are the terms usually used to describe Epsom. This makes it particularly appealing to the younger age group studying for the Trinity exam. Most bedrooms on campus are twin or single. There are also some 3-4 bed rooms available. The campus may be relatively compact, but there is no shortage of facilities. There is a large sports centre with two sports halls, squash courts and a 25 metre indoor swimming pool. You ll also find 18 tennis courts, an indoor shooting range and extensive games fields in 32 hectares of magnificent grounds. Built on the slopes of the beautiful Epsom Downs, the college is just 22km from central London and 15 minutes walk from Epsom town centre. They ll be with you throughout the day: working with you in lessons, joining you for lunch, taking part in your afternoon activities and encouraging you to speak as much English as possible. Performing arts centre The school is justly proud of its new state-of-the-art studios for music, drama, film and dance. Lighting, sound and multi-media facilities here are up to the highest professional standards. Its handsome Victorian buildings are still in evidence, blending skilfully with the new outstanding teaching facilities. It s one of the advantages we enjoy over most other summer schools and it s a great way to develop confidence in your conversational ability. In my opinion the best thing about Epsom was the people, especially the staff. All were friendly and I had a very good time with them. School Quad enjoyed making some Iamazing friends and Forest boarding house twin bedded room Gabriel Benitez, Spain Dining room window table our schools participating in the activities. I had a phenomenal time thank you so much. Amy Schumacher - English School Friend, St John s School, Leatherhead Main school buildings 8 Indoor 25 metre swimming pool 9

6 TRINITY EXAMINATION COURSE AGES S t J o h n s S c h o o l L E AT H E R H E A D Founded in 1851 Like nearby Epsom College, St John s is a splendid mixture of the old and the new. Its main cloistered buildings date back to 1851 and sit happily alongside others that are distinctly 21st century. Close to London 25 hectares of campus Based in the friendly, bustling town of Leatherhead, St John s is handily placed for your weekly half-day excursions into London. A 5-minute walk takes you to the station. A 45-minute journey takes you to the heart of the capital. A trip to the coast is just as easy - no more than an hour by road. Heathrow Airport is 40 km away and Gatwick is 33 km. All your needs are met at St John s. It has outdoor playing fields, a 25 metre indoor swimming pool and a sports hall for basketball, volleyball and 5-aside football. English School Friends (see page 8) are on hand throughout the day too, helping with your conversational English. A creative environment The whole school forms a quadrangle around beautifully manicured lawns a feature that gives it the feel of a traditional Oxbridge college. Judges scoring the talent show I really liked the staff and all the new people I met. Johanna Schnitzler, Germany 25 metre heated swimming pool State-of-the-art classrooms Accommodation Our courses are held in the new, multimillion pound teaching complex. As advanced as any in the country, it has 19 classrooms, superbly equipped computer suites housing 68 workstations and purpose-designed art studios. Accommodation is first class with single, twin or 3-6 bedded rooms. There is also a number of en suite single rooms. The Old Chapel I enjoyed each day and every moment of the course. It was just fantastic and I would love to come again. Ridhima Rampal, India School Quad and main buildings 10 View from state-of-the-art classroom building One of the three computer suites Muliple room in West House 11

7 TRINITY EXAMINATION COURSE AGES NEW FOR 2016! S E V E N O A K S S C H O O L Founded in 1432 Beautiful landscaped gardens, an Elizabethan deer park and rolling Kent countryside provide the setting for this fine old school. Here, you ll see England at its most colourful and picturesque. Thames Valley is proud to have organised its Summer Schools at Sevenoaks for over 20 years - attracting language students from all over the world. Dining hall Ideally placed The school is just a short walk from the centre of Sevenoaks a lively small town in the prosperous commuter belt of London. Central London is just 30 minutes away by train. The South Coast is reached in under an hour. First of all I improved my English. I made new friends. The teachers were very friendly, the activities were interesting too. I liked the excursions, which were greatly planned. I liked all the staff who were looking after me. Mariami Robakadze, Georgia One of the manicured lawns and gardens on campus The old and the new Though the school is one of the oldest in the country, it has, in recent years, pioneered some of the most exciting educational ventures - including the International Baccalaureate. Its facilities clearly reflect this progressive outlook. Indoor 25 metre swimming pool Sports centre climbing wall Multi-purpose sports hall Modern dance class Work and play At the heart of the school is a multimillion pound dining hall and classroom complex. An 8 million sports centre, opened in 2005, gives you access to an eight-court multi-purpose sports hall, a 25 metre indoor swimming pool, three squash courts and a climbing wall. Nearby, you ll find soccer fields, Astroturf training pitches, tennis courts and a six-lane running track. Welcome disco The Space Aptly named, this is the school s vast new performing arts centre. It houses one of the finest concert halls in the south of England, along with a recital room, a music school, drama and recording studios, and reflects the school s determination to invest in the future. Accommodation Residential accommodation is mostly in single and twin bed rooms. Some larger rooms with 3-6 beds are also available. In addition to our multi-activity programme, our new Academy gives you the option to learn new skills and enjoy personalised tuition from qualified instructors. The Sevenoaks Academy Each course consists of 3 afternoons per week of 3 hours per afternoon (total 9 hours). Each too, is externally validated. Tech Create Choice of two courses led by instructors from FireTech the UK s premier technology education provider. Both are designed to help you create and innovate computer technology. a)robotics Learn to design, build and program your own robot! Develop its movements, hone its skills and enter it for challenges and tournaments. b) Mobile Apps Using the Appshed platform, build a content-based app to share games, quizzes, homework and Minecraft with friends and family. LTA tennis A course run by a fully qualified coach at Sevenoaks own Lawn Tennis Association accredited Performance Centre. With a technical clinic and video analysis, it ll help you improve every aspect of your game. Football FA qualified coaches will assess and work on all your core skills. You ll take part too, in organised games and a mini tournament. Trinity Performance Arts Taught by professionally qualified instructors, you ll work as a group to create a full song and dance routine. An individual Trinity exam certificate will confirm your pass level. Scuba diving Under the expert guidance of a fully qualified PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) professional, you ll learn all the basic skills in the school pool and local lake. By the end of the course you ll have earned your PADI licence. Horse riding Association of British Riding Schools The three sessions take you through from the basics of mounting and dismounting to rising trot, canter, and jumping according to ability. You ll then be assessed for Riding Rosette qualifications or the Equitation Tests from the Association of British Riding Schools

8 INTENSIVE TRINITY COURSE AGES YOUNG LEARNERS INTENSIVE TRINITY COURSE R U G B Y S C H O O L Founded in 1567 Rugby is one of the oldest and most famous schools in England. It was founded during the reign of Elizabeth I and its splendid history is reflected in its stately buildings, classrooms and courtyards. Here in 1823, one of the students, William Webb Ellis, picked up a soccer ball and ran with it. In the process, he created rugby a game that has since been taken up around the world. Games are still played on the original pitch and visiting students are more than welcome to take part. A choice of courses All students have Trinity examination classes in the morning. In the afternoons, you have the option of taking either the Trinity Intensive Course (see page 6) or the Introduction to British Boarding School Life (see opposite page). The very best facilities Classes are held in the most recent addition to the school the multi-million pound Collingwood Centre, opened in It has the very best in educational, sports and dining facilities. You ll find state-of-the art classrooms, all equipped with the latest teaching aids. There s an ICT suite complete with 24 computers. The sports hall offers five-aside football, basketball, badminton, aerobics and dodge ball. The contemporary dining room seats 180. You ll also have access to the school s 25-metre, 6-lane swimming pool; soccer, rugby and rounders pitches; squash courts and all-weather floodlit tennis courts; a Design Centre for art/craft and pottery and a Social Centre for discos, karaoke and social events. Accommodation is mostly in single rooms, with some twins available. For younger students, there are larger rooms with 3-6 beds. Meals in the dining room are self-service, with a three-course lunch and dinner menu. Each week, there is an outdoor barbeque on campus. Twin bedded room Dining room in the Collingwood Centre A great location The school takes its name from the historic market town of Rugby and is based in an area known as the Heart of England. Many historic landmarks are within easy reach. A short coach ride takes you to Stratford-Upon-Avon Shakespeare s birthplace; to Warwick Castle, the finest medieval castle in the country; or to the famous university town of Oxford. A 50-minute train trip takes you into central London, where you can go shopping in Oxford Street or Covent Garden, enjoy a river cruise or take in a visit to the London Eye/British Museum. Introduction to British Boarding School Life IN COLLABORATION WITH RUGBY SCHOOL Whether you re planning to study full-time in the UK or you ve already been accepted by a school, our twoweek course will give you a valuable insight into the British boarding school system. We ll help you understand how to select and apply to the boarding school that s right for you and we ll give you an understanding of what life at a boarding school will be like. You ll have classes in English in key subjects such as maths and science, so you ll know what it will be like to be taught in a British classroom. We ll also give you guidance on subject choices, explain the examinations you ll have to take and help you appreciate the importance of a UK guardian. Competition for places at British boarding schools is becoming increasingly fierce. So, even from the initial application stage, it s crucial that you are properly prepared. How the course works The two-week course option is made up of twenty 40-minute lessons. Each morning, you follow the full Trinity examination course (25 lessons per week). Then, over four afternoons a week, you ll have 10 lessons that touch on every aspect of boarding school life. All lessons are taught in English and the minimum level of English required for the course is Intermediate B1 on the CEFR. I really enjoyed my teachers and my time here. Some of the excursions were very exciting. Unfortunately, it is my last time here as a student. Fedor Danilov, Russia Four years with Collingwood Centre Rugby on the original pitch Main school buildings and original rugby pitch Indoor 25 metre swimming pool Dining room at a Rugby School boarding house 14 15

9 Park Street, Windsor Berkshire SL4 1LU England t f e english@thamesvalleysummer.co.uk ENGLISHUK member YOUNG LEARNERS ENGLISHUK