Supreme Summer English Language Course at Canford School Campus in Wimborne Minster

Course Description: Supreme Summer English Language Course at Canford School Campus in Wimborne Minster

The English Adventures Programme is an immersive language-learning experience designed for students aged 11–16 at all levels, from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1). Set on the Canford campus, the programme focuses on building confidence, fluency, and accuracy in English through active use of the language in academic, creative, and real-world contexts.

Rather than treating English as a classroom subject alone, the programme turns language into a living, shared experience. Students practise English through discussions, role play, collaborative projects, fieldwork, and performances, allowing them to develop practical communication skills that extend well beyond grammar and vocabulary. Learning continues outside the classroom, where English is used naturally during activities, excursions, and group challenges.

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Academic Approach & Learning Style

Students receive 15 hours of structured English instruction per week, delivered through interactive, hands-on lessons led by experienced language tutors. Teaching is student-centred and highly participatory, encouraging learners to:

• Speak confidently and spontaneously in a range of situations

• Read and write for real audiences and purposes

• Adapt language to different contexts, tones, and registers

• Develop accuracy through meaningful communication

English is used consistently throughout the day, helping students internalise language naturally and build confidence using it in both academic and everyday situations.

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Core Academic Content

Communication in Action

This module focuses on spoken English and listening skills. Students develop:

• Fluency through debates, discussions, and role play

• Confidence responding to questions and expressing opinions

• Awareness of tone, pace, pronunciation, and register

• The ability to shift between informal conversation and formal discussion

Students practise speaking in both structured and spontaneous situations, gradually building confidence in using English publicly.

Language for Exploration

Students strengthen reading and writing skills through projects connected to culture, history, and current affairs. Activities include:

• Reading articles, stories, and reports

• Writing creatively and analytically for different audiences

• Expanding vocabulary through contextual use

• Understanding how written English communicates ideas and perspective

This module links language learning to real-world content and global themes.

English Beyond the Classroom

Learning extends into the campus and surrounding environment through guided fieldwork. Students:

• Conduct short interviews and surveys

• Work collaboratively on practical language tasks

• Use English in authentic, unscripted situations

These activities help students gain confidence using English naturally beyond the classroom.

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Subject Theme: The Future City

A central feature of the programme is The Future City 2050 Festival, which brings together language learning and creativity.

Students imagine a city of the future and bring it to life through language. Working across subjects, they design how the city looks, functions, and grows — from scientific breakthroughs and cultural events to entrepreneurial launches and daily life. English Adventures students play a key role as communicators, reporting, interviewing, and storytelling from within the imagined city.

The project culminates in a festival-style showcase where performances, exhibitions, and presentations create the feeling of stepping into a future city imagined collectively.

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Programme Framework: The Newsroom

The academic framework mirrors a live newsroom environment. Students work in teams to:

• Write scripts and headlines

• Prepare interviews and reports

• Rehearse and deliver broadcasts

• Adapt language for different audiences

This structure integrates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while emphasising teamwork, clarity, and audience awareness.

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Time to Shine: Public Speaking & Performance

Every student participates in Time to Shine, a structured public-speaking project designed to build confidence and presence.

Week One: Students write and perform a breaking news bulletin set in the year 2050. Working as anchors, correspondents, and interviewees, they focus on clarity, pronunciation, pacing, and teamwork while reporting events from the future city.

Week Two: Students create a live feature story exploring daily life in the imagined city. Topics may include scientific discoveries, cultural events, or new inventions. Emphasis is placed on descriptive language, storytelling, and engaging delivery.

The programme culminates in a live broadcast-style showcase where students perform before an audience, using English confidently in a public setting.

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Fieldwork & Real-World Language Use

Students practise English outside the classroom by:

• Conducting short interviews

• Taking descriptive notes around campus

• Rehearsing reports in outdoor spaces

• Collaborating on real-time language tasks

These activities reinforce spontaneous language use and help students project confidence in authentic environments.

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Academic Difficulty & Support

The programme is accessible to all English levels. No specialist knowledge is required. Activities are designed to be challenging yet achievable, with support provided through:

• Clear models and examples

• Guided drafting and rehearsal

• Continuous tutor feedback

The main challenge lies in using English publicly — a skill that becomes easier through practice and collaboration.

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Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students who:

• Want to improve English fluency and confidence

• Enjoy interactive, creative learning

• Benefit from real-world language practice

• Are preparing for academic study, international exams, or everyday communication in English

Students from a wide range of language backgrounds are welcome.

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Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• Greater confidence communicating in English

• Improved speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills

• Experience presenting ideas publicly and persuasively

• Enhanced cultural awareness and adaptability

• The confidence to use English in academic and international settings

Canford Summer School 🌿�*

Canford Summer School takes place at the prestigious Canford School, located near Bournemouth and set within 250 acres of beautiful parkland. This award-winning campus provides a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

Designed for students aged 11–16, the programme combines structured learning with high-energy activities, outdoor adventure, and creative experiences — all within a welcoming boarding school community.

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Accommodation & Meals 🛏️�*

Students live in purpose-built boarding houses, with boys and girls accommodated separately. The boarding houses are modern, comfortable, and well maintained, creating a warm and welcoming home-from-home environment.

Accommodation Features

• Single, twin, or small dorm rooms

• Shared bathroom facilities

• Spacious common rooms for relaxation and socialising

• Desks and wardrobes in all bedrooms

• Dedicated House Parents and residential staff on site

Living in boarding houses helps students build strong friendships and feel part of a close-knit community that often lasts well beyond the summer.

Meals are served in the dining hall, offering a varied menu of British and international cuisine. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergies, etc.) can be accommodated when requested in advance.

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Campus Facilities 🏀🎭🏊‍♂️

Students enjoy access to excellent facilities across the Canford campus, including:

• Classrooms and lecture spaces

• Modern and traditional dining halls 🍽️

• Sports hall, gym, and all-weather pitch ⚽

• Swimming pool and tennis courts 🎾

• Art studio and theatre 🎨🎭

• Student common rooms and outdoor spaces

• Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi

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Our Academic Approach 📚✨

Learning at Canford Summer School is active, engaging, and hands-on. Students learn by doing — through projects, challenges, games, and collaboration — rather than traditional note-taking.

Key skills developed include:

• Critical thinking

• Communication

• Leadership

• Teamwork

• Confidence and independence

Students are encouraged to take initiative, ask questions, and solve problems together, all with the guidance and support of experienced teachers.

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Time to Shine 🌟🗣️

Each week, students take part in Time to Shine, a group presentation where they share what they’ve learned with their peers.

This highlights:

• Public speaking skills

• Team collaboration

• Confidence building

• Working towards a shared goal

Time to Shine is often a highlight of the week and gives students a real sense of achievement.

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Excursions & Experiences 🚌🌊�*

Over two weeks, students enjoy a variety of cultural, coastal, and recreational excursions, all fully supervised by staff and carefully planned to maximise enjoyment.

Sample Excursions

• London 🇬�* – Iconic landmarks, museums, shopping, and sightseeing

• Adventures Day �* – Outdoor challenges focused on teamwork and confidence

• Splashdown Water Park �* – A fun day of water slides and attractions

Canford’s south-coast location also allows for beach outings and coastal exploration, adding variety and excitement to the programme.

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Sports Academies (Optional Extras) ⚽🎾🏄‍♂️

Students can choose to add a Sports Academy, offering additional coaching from experienced instructors. Each academy runs over two days per week, with three-hour sessions.

Available Academies

• Land & Wave Academy 🌊 Outdoor water and coastal activities £250 per week

• Tennis Academy 🎾 Technique, match play, and fitness £295 per week

• Football Academy ⚽ Skills, tactics, and confidence building £195 per week

• Horse Riding Academy 🐎 Riding skills, balance, and horse care £395 per week

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*� A Day in the Life at Canford Summer School

Every day at Canford is carefully structured to balance learning, activities, and unforgettable experiences — including excursions, beach trips, and adventure days.

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*� On-Campus Day at Canford

*� Morning Routine & Breakfast (07:15–09:00)

07:15 – Wake-up ⏰ Students get ready in their boarding houses with support from House Parents.

08:20–09:00 – Breakfast 🍳 A healthy breakfast in the dining hall with friends and housemates.

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*� Morning Learning & Projects (09:00–12:30)

09:00–10:30 – Interactive Lesson ✏️ Project-based learning focused on communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

10:30–11:00 – Morning Break ☕

11:00–12:30 – Time to Shine Project Work 🌟 Group collaboration, creative thinking, and presentation preparation.

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*�️ Lunch (12:30–13:30)

12:30–13:30 – Lunch 🥗 Students refuel and relax before the afternoon programme.

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*� Afternoon Activities (13:30–17:00)

Sports, Creative & Enrichment Activities ⚽🎭 Including swimming, tennis, arts, team games, STEM challenges, and optional Sports Academies.

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*� Free Time & House Time (17:00–18:30)

Supervised downtime in boarding houses — time to rest, shower, chat, or play games.

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*�️ Dinner & Evening Programme (18:30–21:00)

Dinner followed by evening social activities such as talent shows, themed events, discos, or outdoor games 🎉

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*� Excursion Day at Canford

Excursion days replace the usual afternoon programme and offer full-day off-campus experiences, fully supervised by staff.

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*� Morning & Departure

07:15 – Wake-up ⏰ 08:00 – Breakfast 🍳 09:00 – Coach Departure 🚌

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*� Full-Day Excursion Experiences

Students enjoy one of the programme’s signature excursions, such as:

• London 🏙️ Iconic landmarks, museums, sightseeing, and cultural exploration

• Adventure Day 🌿 Outdoor challenges and team-building activities

• Splashdown Water Park 💦 A fun-filled day of water slides and summer excitement

• Beach Trips 🏖️ Coastal activities, beach games, and relaxation

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*�️ Evening Return & Dinner

17:30–18:30 – Return to Campus 18:30 – Dinner 🍽️

Evening activities continue as normal, allowing students to relax after an exciting day out.

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*� Wind-Down & Lights Out

21:00 – House Time & Snacks 🧃 22:00 – Lights Out 😴

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✨ What Makes Canford Special

• A blend of academics, activities, and excursions

• Fully supervised off-campus trips

• Confidence-building experiences every day

• A safe, supportive boarding environment

• Friendships that last beyond the summer

What’s Included ✔️

The programme fee includes:

• 15 hours of tuition per week

• Maximum class size of 15 students

• Accommodation and all meals 🍽️

• Full social programme and excursions

• End-of-course report and certificate 📄

• Comprehensive travel insurance

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English Language Levels 🌍🗣️

Classes are available for students at all English levels, from beginners up to B2 and above. Some subject-specific courses may require a minimum level.

Before the programme:

• Students complete an online English assessment

• Results help confirm suitability and placement

• If needed, an academic consultation is arranged to advise next steps

Support & Student Welfare 🛡️

Student safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. All staff, volunteers, and visitors follow strict Safeguarding and Child Protection policies, and every team member receives comprehensive training before the programme begins.

Students live in secure boarding houses, each overseen by:

• A dedicated House Parent

• A team of residential staff available 24/7

This structure ensures students feel supported, respected, and cared for at all times, giving families complete peace of mind.

Transfers & Arrival Information ✈️

Supervised transfer services are available from Heathrow Airport and St Pancras International Station.

Arrival & Departure Windows:

• Arrival (Flights): 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Departure (Flights): 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Arrival (Train): 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

• Departure (Train): 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Students are transported using:

• Staffed private coach

• Staffed minibus

• Staffed taxi

The transport method is determined by group size and arrival times.

Upon arrival, a staff member will greet students, provide refreshments, and escort them to the school.

Transfer booking deadline: 28 days before the course start date

Do You Need a Visa to Attend?

Checking whether you need a visa to attend one of our summer courses is quick and straightforward. We recommend using the UK Government’s official visa checker to confirm the requirements for your nationality.

From 2025, most visitors travelling to the UK for short-term study will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

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Standard Visitor Visa

If you do require a visa, the appropriate option for attending our courses is the Standard Visitor Visa.

This visa allows students to take part in short-term educational programmes in the UK.

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EU, EEA & Swiss Nationals

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can continue to travel to the UK for holidays or short visits without applying for a visa. This policy remains unchanged following Brexit.

However, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may still be required (see below).

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Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you do not need a visa for a short stay in the UK, you may be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead.

Key ETA Dates

• From 8 January 2025 Eligible non-European visitors will need an ETA to enter the UK.

• From 5 March 2025 Eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an ETA.

• From 2 April 2025 Eligible Europeans will need an ETA to travel to the UK.

• From April 2025 All visitors who do not need a visa and do not already hold UK immigration status will require an ETA.

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ETA Cost & Processing Time

• Cost: £10 (expected to rise to £16 in the coming months)

• Processing time: Typically up to 3 days, though some applications may take longer

We strongly recommend applying well in advance of travel.

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Digital eVisa

Some travellers may be eligible for a digital eVisa instead of a physical visa. Eligibility and application details can be checked on the UK Government website.

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Where to Apply & Get More Information

• Check if you need a visa or ETA using the UK Government visa checker

• Learn more about ETAs and eligibility on the UK Government website

• Apply for an ETA via the official UK Government application page