English Language Teaching

Our English Language Teaching programme provides a rich, immersive learning experience designed to support students at every stage of their language journey, from beginner to fluent. Across 15 hours of lessons each week, pupils develop practical communication skills in a fully English-speaking environment. Using a dynamic mix of general English textbooks and authentic materials, our teaching approach blends language development with cultural exploration. Lessons focus on listening, reading, speaking, and writing through engaging, topic-based tasks that encourage reflection, creativity, and confidence. Students also build critical thinking skills and develop a deeper understanding of intercultural awareness as they explore the language in context.

Our Programme Aims to Develop:

• Practical language skills through immersion in an English-speaking environment
  
• Listening and reading skills using exciting, ability-appropriate authentic materials
  
• Speaking and writing skills through topic-based activities, reflective writing, conversations, and presentations
  
• Critical thinking skills through guided reflection on language use
  
• Intercultural awareness through exposure to real-life contexts and cultural content
  

Cultural Enrichment

Morning English lessons are complemented by cultural experiences that help bring the language to life. Students may explore Shakespearean drama, study the poetry of Wordsworth, or engage with the artwork of Turner or Hockney—all of which deepen their appreciation of British culture while strengthening their language skills. History lessons further enrich the programme, supporting excursions to significant British landmarks and helping pupils understand the stories behind the places they visit.

Active Afternoons

Afternoons take a more active and energetic approach, with immersion sports coaching offered across a wide range of activities at The OPS. Students can develop their skills in football, hockey, cricket, tennis, water polo, and more, benefiting from expert coaching while continuing to use English in a natural, practical setting.

Afternoon Sports May Include:

• Football
  
• Hockey
  
• Cricket
  
• Water polo
  
• Tennis
  
• Plus a wide range of additional sporting options

Food is a highlight of The OPS experience. Our school caterers serve a varied and nutritious range of meals, with enough choice to meet a wide range of dietary requirements.

Each day, pupils will enjoy a hearty breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and an evening meal, with some late-night snacks available in the boarding house.

Main Meals are taken in the beautiful dining room and adjoining Old Hall. During excursions, a packed lunch is provided.

Our bright rooms range from catering from 2 – 10 children with plenty of hanging space and areas for luggage. Rooms are allocated depending on numbers.

Pupils are supported and cared for by experienced, friendly house parents, who will be present during the evenings and overnight to ensure safety and, of course, fun. 

Bellevue Summer Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we realise that it is often a difficult time for children and parents alike to be far from each other. Our comprehensive Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy and extensive procedures ensure that we keep children safe and families comfortable. The points below are only some highlights from our safeguarding and welfare measures.

All our staff members participate in safeguarding training specifically for our summer school. They are supported by a highly trained and experienced safeguarding team. Pupils are looked after by house parents and dedicated welfare support staff, and they can also always approach any of our friendly staff members if they need help.

We follow safer recruitment processes to ensure that all staff members that work with us are suitable for working with children; this includes conducting appropriate background checks and following up on references for everyone. We also require external suppliers (eg. transfer providers) to do the same.

Making the most of the facilities available on our site, our multi- activities programme provides the perfect opportunity to experience a range of our most popular activities fully immersed with British pupils to practice the learning from the morning. This action- packed programme provides the opportunity to relax with your friends and try something new.

Typical activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Basketball
• Cookery
• Dance
• Hockey
• Team Building
• Volleyball
• Arts & Crafts
• Drama
• Football
• Rounders
• Yoga
• Tennis
• Swimming
• Touch Rugby
• Music
• Cricket
• Badminton
• Water Polo

The range of excursions at The OPS is designed to enrich and elevate the uniquely British Summer School experience. Thanks to our exceptional location, pupils have the opportunity to explore both historical and modern landmarks across the south of England. With one full-day excursion each week, students experience British culture first-hand as they visit iconic cities, world-class heritage sites and museums, the scenic Chiltern Hills, and famous attractions in London and Oxford.

Highlights of Our Excursion Programme:

• Weekly full-day excursions
  
• Visits to major British cities
  
• Tours of world-class heritage sites and museums
  
• Exploration of the Chiltern Hills
  
• Trips to renowned attractions in London and Oxford
  

Evening Activities

Our Summer School offers a full and varied programme of evening activities, ensuring students enjoy fun, friendship, and memorable experiences every night. Designed to appeal to a wide range of interests, these activities help pupils relax, socialise, and develop new skills outside the classroom.

Evening Activities May Include:

• BBQ & firepit
  
• Disco
  
• Karaoke
  
• Sports sessions
  
• Fashion shows
  
• Multi-activity evenings
  
• Movie nights
  
• Frisbee golf
  
• Team challenges
  
• Traditional games
  
• Creative arts
  
• Quiz nights
  
• Swimming
  
• Water wars
  
• Tennis
  
• Cricket
  
• Hockey
  
• Football
  
• Forest skills, including fire-making and shelter-building

*This is an example of a typical day at The Oratory Prep Summer School, but is subject to change.