What you will learn

Young Learners in a summer school are totally different to the Young Learners we have year round in our classes. Rightly, you might ask why that should be as they are the same students that are coming from the classes to the summer schools? And while that is correct, the variables are different – the environment, the teachers, the classmates, the methods, to name only a few of the differences we will take a deep dive into.

So, Welcome to the world of summer school where we will look at everything from a teacher’s point of view, establish some useful tools, hints and tricks to keep up your sleeve. We will examine the pitfalls and how to avoid them as well as maintaining our students and providing all the support they need.

Summer schools are marvelous and wonderful things that create lifelong memories and friendships, and we the teachers, are instrumental to that magic – lets get it right the first time.

About the trainer

Suzanne Brown – Teacher Trainer, Managing Director @BLISS

Suzanne Brown is an experienced International Director with a demonstrated history of working in the international education industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Training Needs Analysis, Training Delivery, Management, and Interviewing. Strong professional with a BA (Hons) focused in Marketing and communication from Glasgow Caledonian University.

Workshop Summary

The Magic of Summer School

Suzanne Brown highlights the unique and dynamic environment of summer schools, where students from diverse backgrounds gather to enhance their language skills through cultural exchange. These multilingual and multicultural classes encourage students to use English both inside and outside the classroom, promoting continuous learning through varied activities and interactions.

Embracing New Challenges

Both students and teachers face new challenges in the unfamiliar summer school setting. Teachers must quickly adapt to different students and levels without the usual familiarity. Flexibility is crucial, as teachers need to adjust lesson plans to cater to the varied abilities and needs of their students, ensuring a supportive and encouraging environment.

Innovative Approaches

The post-COVID Global Leaders program was introduced in Suazanne’s summer school to address the advanced needs of students. This program focuses on leadership, personal growth, and communication, using real-world scenarios to enhance language skills. Activities like debates and engineering challenges foster critical thinking and teamwork, making learning practical and dynamic.

Universal and Inclusive Topics

Teachers should select universal topics such as food and travel to ensure inclusivity and active participation from all students. These themes resonate with everyone, facilitating engagement and meaningful discussions, unlike more specific subjects that might not interest all students.

Building a Supportive Environment

Effective communication is vital for the smooth operation of summer schools. Teachers must adapt to changing schedules and student needs, seeking support from colleagues and senior staff. A collaborative atmosphere ensures that adjustments are made promptly, enhancing the learning experience for everyone.

Age and Level Considerations

Ensuring age and stage-appropriate classes is essential in the brief summer school period. Teachers should embrace differentiation, tailoring lessons to various levels within similar age groups. Flexibility and clear communication with senior staff are crucial to cater to the evolving needs of students, ensuring they gain the most from the program.

Teacher Experience and Support

A supportive environment for teachers leads to excellent student outcomes, and balance between structure and flexibility helps teachers deliver engaging and dynamic lessons, creating a memorable summer school experience for students and teachers alike.

In conclusion, embracing the dynamic environment, fostering independent learners, and maintaining clear communication are key to a successful summer school experience. Teachers can create an enriching and enjoyable experience, making a lasting impact on their students.

Reflective Questions

Have a quick think about the reflective questions below in order to get the most out of the workshop:

1. Have you ever considered summer school teaching?
2. What’s the difference between monolingual and multilingual classes?
3. What’s important for summer school teachers to do well
4. What do teachers need in their toolkit to become effective summer school teachers?