English Plus+ Course for Young Learners at Benenden School

Course Description: English Plus+ Course for Young Learners at Benenden School

Set within 250 acres of beautiful parkland in Kent, Benenden School offers younger learners a safe, nurturing, and inspiring introduction to English language learning in a traditional British boarding school setting. Just an hour from London and close to Gatwick Airport, the campus combines outstanding facilities, excellent supervision, and a warm community atmosphere—perfect for students taking their first independent steps abroad.

Designed especially for ages 8–12, this English Plus+ programme blends structured English lessons with creative workshops, fun activities, and exciting excursions. With small class sizes, English Student Hosts, and very close supervision, children build confidence, make friends from around the world, and enjoy English in a natural, playful way.

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📚 Academic Programme

Students receive 20 hours of English tuition per week, combining skills-based learning with imaginative workshops.

English levels: A1–C1 (Beginner to Advanced)

Maximum class size: 12 international students

Programme includes:

• English Skills – Grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking

• English Workshops – Creative, age-appropriate projects such as:

• App Design

• British Musicals

• Design & Technology

• Nature Explorers

• Magic Performance

• Songwriting

• NASA Space Travellers

• End-of-week presentations to build confidence and communication

• Optional Trinity Graded Exam in Spoken English (extra cost)

All students receive a course certificate on completion.

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🕘 Sample Weekly Timetable (Overview)

Morning

• Breakfast & morning meeting

• English Skills lessons

• English Workshops

  (Monday–Friday)

Midday

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon

• Multi-Activities such as:

• Arts & crafts

• Football, basketball, tennis, swimming

• Dance, drama, music, singing

• Fun team games

• Optional Special Sports Options (extra cost):

• Horse Riding

• Tennis

• Trampoline

Excursions

• Two excursions per week, for example:

• Hever Castle & shopping at Bluewater

• Thorpe Park theme park

• London or Leeds Castle

Evening

• Relaxed, age-appropriate evening activities including:

• Welcome Games

• Wacky Races

• BBQ & garden games

• Pool Party

• Karaoke

• House Night

• Awards & Disco

Daily Routine

• Breakfast: 08:00–09:00

• Lessons & workshops: 09:15–12:50

• Lunch: 13:00

• Activities & excursions: 14:00–17:30

• Dinner & free time: 17:30–19:15

• Evening activities: 19:30–21:15

• House meeting & bedtime: 21:15–22:00

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🏡 Accommodation & Supervision

Students live in traditional boarding houses close to the main campus.

• Shared rooms (2–6 beds)

• Shared bathrooms

• Resident house parents on site

• Staff-to-student ratio of at least 1:4

• Very close supervision at all times

• Restricted mobile phone access

• English Student Hosts supporting international students

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🍽️ Meals & Catering

Students enjoy three healthy meals per day, plus snacks.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on campus

• Nutritious, child-friendly menus

• All dietary requirements catered for

• Meals enjoyed together to encourage routine and community

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🎯 Activities & Social Life

A lively but carefully supervised programme ensures every day is fun and balanced:

• Indoor and outdoor sports

• Swimming sessions

• Arts, crafts, music, and drama

• Team challenges and themed evenings

• Special on-site events and celebrations

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✈️ Transfers & Practical Info

• Free airport transfers from London Heathrow or Gatwick

  (on published arrival/departure days between 09:00–16:00)

• Teens programme (ages 13–16) also available at Benenden, ideal for siblings

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🌍 Why Families Choose This Programme

• Beautiful, traditional British boarding school campus

• Very high level of care and supervision for younger learners

• Small classes and personalised support

• Creative, confidence-building English learning

• Safe introduction to independent travel and study abroad

• A joyful, reassuring first summer school experience