english lessons

Our programme provides 15 hours of formal English lessons each week, with pupils placed onto the Junior (Ages 8-12) or Senior Course (Ages 13-16). Teaching staff are experienced, enthusiastic native speakers, dedicated to providing pupils with engaging, fun and interesting lessons. Staff use the latest pedagogical methods, multimedia tools and resources to help pupils develop their language skills and our 1:15 teacher-pupil ratio ensures pupils benefit from their teacher’s dedicated time and attention.

Formal lessons are timetabled on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings. (Thursdays and Sundays are excursion days).  Different weekly themes ensure that lessons remain fun and interesting, with formal lessons taking place both in the classroom and within our community.  Active Communication is encouraged throughout the course and language skills continue to develop as our pupils take part in a wide and varied range of excursions and activities. Speaking, listening and reading skills are continually assessed and improved alongside their general comprehension and understanding of English grammar.

During lessons, students are divided into groups by age and ability, based on their placement test results. This ensures they are placed with students of a similar age and ability. Lessons are tailored to the needs of the group, thus maximising pupil engagement, enjoyment and language development.

In 2017, 100% of parents said their child’s English language skills had improved as a result of attending Sedbergh International Summer School (surveymonkey 2019)

As small classes are maintained (maximum 15 students per class), teachers are able to monitor each student’s progress and provide individual assistance. Every student receives a full academic report and certificate at the end of the course with comments from their Teacher,  Houseparent and the Course Director.