LOCATION
Newbury is an affluent and historic market town about an hour from London and also within easy reach of Oxford, Winchester and Bath. Dating from the 11th century, the town has a population of around 30,000 and boasts a beautiful town centre with picturesque canal and superb facilities including a wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants. In addition there is a modern local cinema, excellent theatres and a whole host of sporting opportunities.
Historically the town's wealth was based on the cloth trade of the 16th century and, uniquely, it was the site of two major battles in the English Civil War in 1643 and 1644.
Nowadays, Newbury has a fresh, rural atmosphere with a thriving twice weekly market and the surrounding countryside is classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
COURSE - THE EXTENDED SUMMER SCHOOL CURRICULUM
An Extended summer curriculum in a choice of summer schools across England. The Extended curriculum goes beyond language knowledge, confidence and fluency and explores a wide range of academic subjects such as History, Geography, Natural Sciences and Literature. Students explore areas of interpersonal skills and inter-cultural awareness as well as developing a learning autonomy.
THE PROGRAMME
The Extended curriculum goes beyond the traditional summer curriculum; as well as improving their English, students can expect to widen their subject knowledge in areas such History, Geography, Law and Science.
English Language lesson
These lessons cover the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing and include controlled practice in language structures and lexis development to achieve a good command of grammar structures and vocabulary.
Life Skills and Learning Strategies Each lesson is linked thematically to the English lesson which precedes it. The lessons cover areas such as study skills, time-management and being self confident.
Project lesson
The projects encourage autonomous learning, teamwork and completion of a task (such as a presentation, a video, a newspaper) and cover areas such as journalism, theatre skills and debates.
Subject lesson
Students study a subject such as Geography, Natural Science, Politics, Cultural Awareness, British History.
Measuring progress
Each student keeps a Learner Portfolio to encourage learning skills, self-assessment and reflection. Individual coaching sessions allow students to monitor and improve their performance.
Exam preparation
FCE and CAE Students wishing to prepare for the FCE or CAE exam study exam techniques and strategies and receive regular individualised feedback on progress and target specific areas in speaking, reading, writing, listening and grammar for improvement. The timetable includes real-time practice examinations and coaching in language and examination skills.
The full day of learning continues after lessons. Residential students have organised cultural and recreational activities during the evening at the school. Homestay students return to their host family where they have the opportunity to participate in family life.
START DATES:
Continuous enrolment between 03 June – 01 September
ARRIVALS
Airport and Eurostar transfers are included in the course fees on arrival and departure. Newbury is a 50 minute drive from Heathrow Airport and a 55 minute direct train from Paddington Station, London.
Young Learners are greeted by members of the OISE courier team at London airports or the Eurostar terminal within standard hours as part of the package and escorted to their onward transportation direct to the school. During the summer, students are usually accompanied to the Welcome Lounge, a facility with food and refreshments as well as activities to keep students occupied until they are taken onward to the school.
ACCOMMODATION:
This purpose-built residence offers a number of clean, smart, single bedrooms with a private shower, W.C., broadband and study area. The residence is overseen by our Housemaster, who is trained and experienced in dealing with all day-to-day matters from homesickness to a sore throat.
MEALS
All meals are served in The Forum and cooked in-house by a professional team, working with top quality fresh ingredients, delivering a well-balanced and varied menu of international dishes. A choice of continental and cooked breakfasts are available each day, as well as a hot lunch and dinner 7 days per week. In addition, a late-night snack is always available in the Forum and fresh fruit is accessible throughout the day.
CULTURAL PROGRAMME
We use the term PLACES to include all of the different activities, events and experiences that we offer our students outside the academic day.
PLACES are an integral part of Newbury Hall life and are a means of developing knowledge, positive attitudes, sportsmanship, and effective social skills. While these activities require as much time, careful planning, and supervision as academic subjects, the purpose is to enhance and extend student learning and experiences beyond the academic courses offered in the school.
There are a range of after school clubs including photography, cookery, gardening, singing, drumming, fashion and ceramics. Sports include football, basketball, badminton, table-tennis, swimming, gym, kickboxing and keep-fit.
