The Cambridge Centre for LanguagesCambridge, England UK

Course structure: The Cambridge Centre for Languages (CCL) is an English language school, open during the summer months, and has programmes designed for junior students.

School facilities: The summer programmes take place in St Mary’s School which is right next to the University Botanical Gardens in a Victorian building with excellent, modern classroom facilities as well as an outdoor recreation area, a computer lab and wifi spots.

Location: The school is half an hour from the city centre and just under 15 minutes from the River Cam, where the famous river punting is available. There is plenty to see and do in Cambridge and it is a very peaceful and safe place for students to spend their summer holidays. Around the school students can find cafes and a supermarket and it is only a short walk to the public library, Cambridge Arts Theatre and the closest cinema.

Accommodation: The course is designed for students between the ages of 9 and 17 years of age with two accommodation options available. Students can either stay in the residence at Mary Ward House or immerse themselves in a homestay with a local family. Mary Ward House has recently been refurbished and each room is equipped with beds, desks, wardrobes, chest of draws and a sink with ample room for students to share a space. There are plenty of showers with no end of hot water for all students to use throughout the day and a laundry facility for those who need it. All meals are provided by the school. The local families at the school’s homestays have been vetted by the school staff and there is an experienced team who meet with the students regularly to ensure that everything is running smoothly for them during their stay. The room occupancy is either single or twin and meals are provided by the family except for lunches during the week which take place at the school.

Teaching style: All the staff are all highly trained and motivated to provide their students with an educational and fun packed programme. There are 20 lessons of English per week with a combination of exercises from the latest Cambridge University Press course books and interactive group work in the form of role-plays, simulations and language games to help students learn to their full potential. The classes have teaching assistants who are local UK teenagers, there to help students of a similar age with their English.

Social programmes: Outside of the classroom there is plenty to entertain the students with 3 hours of after school activities planned each day, ranging from arts and crafts to sports and visits to local attractions. There is a weekend full day excursion normally to nearby city for students to learn more about the culture of England and teachers encourage students to use their English throughout the day with local interactions.

Certification: On course completion there is a certificate provided to the student for reference to their learning.