Creative English + Sports / Arts / Culture Summer School in Mary Hare UK.

Course Description: Creative English + Sports / Arts / Culture Summer School in Mary Hare UK.

A Classic English Boarding Experience in the Berkshire Countryside

Study English on a traditional British boarding campus set among formal gardens and woodland near Newbury, in the scenic Berkshire Downs. Located approximately 70 km west of London, 45 km south of Oxford, and just 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport, Mary Hare School offers a safe, peaceful, and inspiring learning environment.

The campus has been used for summer courses since 1982 and features excellent facilities, including extensive playing fields, tennis courts, a gymnasium, and a large indoor swimming pool rebuilt in 2017.

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⭐ Key Facts at a Glance

• Location: Mary Hare School, Newbury (fully residential campus)

• Lesson Schedule:

• Morning lessons: 09:00–12:50 (breaks included)

• Approx. 15 taught hours per week*

• Class Size: Maximum 14 students

• Digest Study Period: Teacher-led study and feedback session after lunch (daily)

• Masterclass: Free, optional advanced tutorials (small groups)

• Exam Option: Trinity GESE (Spoken English) – optional, at extra cost

• Task-Based Learning (2026): Film-making project (script → film → edit → upload)

• Activities: Daily sports & social programme

• Excursions: Optional, charged separately

* Some afternoon theatre or excursion days may slightly reduce weekly taught hours.

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📚 Teaching & Academic Experience

• Daily morning English lessons (except Sundays and full-day excursion days)

• Focus on communication, fluency, accuracy, and confidence

• Digest sessions after lunch allow students to consolidate learning, receive feedback, and work with teachers

• Board Meetings:

• Formal class meetings with the Director in the boardroom during the first three weeks

• Final week transitions into a Public Speaking Event

🎬 Task-Based Learning: Film Project (2026)

Students work collaboratively to:

• Write an original script

• Use the script for focused language study

• Act, film, and edit the project

• Upload the final film to Vimeo to share with family and friends

This project builds creativity, teamwork, confidence, and real-world English skills.

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🎓 Masterclass Programme (Advanced – Optional)

• Free, optional 40-minute tutorials

• Offered 3 times per week during Digest

• Small-group sessions for high-level learners

• Topics vary and may include:

• Literature (e.g. Macbeth)

• Advanced vocabulary

• Pronunciation & speech

• Poetry or modern texts (including rap lyrics in past years)

Placement is at staff discretion.

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🏅 Trinity GESE Examination (Optional)

Students may choose to take the Trinity GESE (Graded Examination in Spoken English):

• Internationally recognised speaking qualification

• Assesses real spoken communication

• Provisional exam date: Wednesday 5 August 2026

• Available at an additional cost

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🏃 Sports Programme

Students are placed into four Houses, encouraging teamwork and friendships.

• Participation is encouraged but not compulsory

• Non-sport alternatives available

• Activities include:

• Football, basketball, volleyball, baseball

• Tennis, table tennis, swimming (heated indoor pool)

• Dance choreography, music, singing

The programme concludes with a celebratory Sports Day, featuring competitions and performances.

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🎭 Evening Social Programme

Every evening features a different themed event. Past favourites include:

• UV Disco ✨

• Soap Slope

• Orienteering

• Garden Fête

• Campfire Night 🔥

• Fashion Show

• Pool Party 🏊

• “So You Think You Can Dance”

• Crazy Games Night

One Sunday per month may be swapped with a weekday to allow an optional excursion.

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🛌 Accommodation & Welfare

• Fully residential, on-campus accommodation

• Bedrooms shared to promote English speaking

• Girls and boys housed in separate buildings or floors

• Room types include:

• 4-bed, 3-bed, twin (some en-suite)

• Limited single rooms (shared en-suite)

• Mixed nationalities and similar ages per dorm

• Bedtime: 22:30 (may extend to 22:45)

Laundry & Linen

• Bed linen washed weekly

• Clothes washed twice weekly

• Students bring their own towels

🕒 A Day in the Life at Summer School

Curious what a typical day looks like? Here’s how students spend a full, balanced day combining learning, activity, and fun.

☀️ Morning: Learning & Focus

08:00 – Breakfast �*

Students start the day with a nutritious breakfast in the dining hall, preparing for a full morning of learning.

09:00 – First Class �*

Interactive English lessons using task-based learning, encouraging communication, creativity, and confidence.

09:45 – Morning Break ☕

A short break to recharge, socialise, and refocus.

09:55 – Second Class ✏️

Continued language development through group work, discussion, and practical activities.

10:40 – Break �*

Time to stretch, relax, and prepare for the next session.

11:10 – Third Class �*

Deeper language practice with personalised teacher feedback.

11:55 – Short Break �*

12:05 – Fourth Class �*

Project-based learning or creative tasks (such as filming, scripting, or presentations).

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🍽️ Midday: Rest & Reflection

12:50 – Lunch 🍽️

A hot, balanced meal served in the dining hall, with plenty of choice for all dietary needs.

13:45 – Digest / Masterclass �*

A teacher-led study session for consolidation and feedback.

Optional advanced Masterclasses are available for high-level learners.

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⚽ Afternoon: Activity & Energy

14:30 – Break 🕶️

15:00 – Organised Sports & Games 🏀⚽

Team sports, swimming, games, or creative alternatives — designed to encourage teamwork, confidence, and fun.

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🌙 Evening: Community & Celebration

18:00 – Evening Meal �*

Dinner together, sometimes themed (such as English High Tea or BBQ).

19:00 – Special Evening Event �*

Each night features something different: quizzes, talent shows, themed parties, performances, or social games.

21:00 – Hot Chocolate & Biscuits ☕�*

A cosy end-of-day tradition.

21:30 – Club / Social Time �*

Relaxed social activities to unwind with friends.

22:30 – Bedtime �*

Lights out, ready for another exciting day.

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✨ Every day blends academic progress, creativity, physical activity, and international friendships — creating a safe, structured, and unforgettable summer experience.

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🍽️ Catering & Food Philosophy

Food is a central part of the course. The programme follows a strict policy of serving only food parents would feel safe serving at home.

• Prepared by professional caterers to a high standard

• Always includes vegetarian & vegan options

• Special diets (e.g. gluten-free) fully accommodated

Typical Daily Meals

Breakfast:

Cereals, breads, meats, cheeses, fruit, spreads, tea, coffee, milk, hot chocolate, fresh orange juice

Lunch & Dinner:

• Choice of three hot dishes (including vegetarian)

• Cold dish option

• Salad bar with 10+ items

• Desserts and fresh fruit

• Drinks available at no charge

Evening:

Hot chocolate & biscuits before bedtime ☕🍪

Special themed meals include:

• Barbecues 🍔

• English High Tea

• Christmas Dinner 🎄

• National meals suggested by students

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🌍 Trips & Excursions (Optional, Extra)

All excursions are optional and charged at cost price. Examples for 2026 include:

• London Day Trips

• Inside Parliament

• Oxford Day Out

• West End Theatre (Wicked, Paddington – The Musical)

• Harry Potter™ Studio Tour

• Local shopping in Newbury

Dates and prices are shared on site, with sign-up available during the course.

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✈️ Arrivals, Departures & Transfers

• 2026 course dates:

• Arrival: Sunday 12 July 2026

• Departure: Saturday 8 August 2026

Free Heathrow Transfers

• Available for arrivals 12:00–16:00

• Departures 11:00–14:00

• Free if advised before 6 June 2026

• Staff meet students at all Heathrow terminals

Other arrival times or airports can be arranged at cost (£40–£120).

Children aged:

• 10–13: Must travel with an adult unless using airline UM/UYP service

• 14+: May travel independently

Staff provide full supervision and safeguarding throughout.

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🎓 Certificate & Recognition

All students who complete the course receive a Certificate of Participation.

Students who demonstrate outstanding effort, progress, or leadership may also receive special commendations or teacher recommendations.