2020

Excellent just got better

an English summer

n EnglishWhy Thames Valley?For over 45 years, we’ve been helping young people from all over the world improve their English.

During this time, more than 60,000 have spent their summers with us. Many of them returning for a second or even a third season.

So, what is it about our schools and our courses that has made them among the most consistentlypopular in the country? You don’t have to look far to find the answers.

2 Thames Valley Summer Schools

First of all I want to thank all of you for the wonderful experience our kids enjoyed at your programme. They really had a blast.It was both the way that English was taught, as well as the interaction with kids from all over the world and the school staff-

everything was even better than we had hoped for! And all organisational matters were handled so efficiently! And the pick-up at Heathrow worked well. And they loved the college...

“

As parents, we were very happy to see our kids beam so much when we picked them up. ”Dirk Lammerskötter, Germany

summerBetter in every wayBETTER SCHOOLS

We work with only the most prestigiousEnglish boarding schools. Though theywere founded hundreds of years ago,they’re as up-to-date as any in thecountry.

Millions of pounds are spent on themevery year to make sure they’reconstantly being developed.

BETTER LOCATIONS

Our residential Summer Schools couldhardly be better situated. All are withineasy reach of London, Heathrow airportand some of England’s most historictowns and cities.

BETTER RESULTS

Our courses are designed for studentsaged 8 -17 and they’re among the veryfew in the country to concentrate onthe Trinity College examinations inspoken English. Last year our pass rate

was 99%, with 86% achieving Meritor Distinction. We now also offerIELTS exam courses at Rugby.

Distinction

Merit

Pass

Fail

Epsom

LeatherheadAscot

LONDON

Oxford

Cambridge

Brighton

Canterbury

WarwickStratford-upon-Avon

WindsorHEATHROW

GATWICK

STANSTED

Bournemouth

Rugby

Q

Q

Q13%

42%

44%

1%

Thames Valley Summer Schools 3

Taking good care of youFrom start to finish, we make sure your time with

Thames Valley is worry-free.

STAYING ON CAMPUS

All Young Learner centres areresidential. A typical boarding housewould have 35-50 students staying thereand you’d sleep in a single or twinroom, or in a larger room with 3-6 beds.Mixing and making friends in thesesurroundings comes very easily.

Accommodation is full board (breakfast,lunch and dinner) and there is a freelaundry service for your machine-washable clothes.

COMING AND GOING

When you arrive at the airport, you’llbe met by our staff and taken to yourchosen centre by private coach. At theend of the course, we’ll take you backto the airport and see you safelythrough check-in and passportcontrol/security. If you’d prefer yourown taxi transfer, this can be arrangedat additional cost.

SUPERVISION

Each boarding house is supervised by anexperienced Housemaster or Housemistresswho is responsible for your personal safetyand welfare. They’re on call 24 hours a dayhelping to organise every aspect of yourvisit; looking after your pocket money, flightdetails and passport; ready with supportand encouragement whenever you needit. You won’t have to worry about a thing.

On average, there’s one adult in residencefor every five students. It’s reassuring tonote too, that most of our senior staffwork in UK boarding schools throughoutthe year. Many of them come back to work with us summer after summer.

4 Thames Valley Summer Schools

I really enjoyed the good relationship Ihad with the teachers in and outside the(boarding) house and how they lookedafter me.

“

”Eulalia Marti Pallares, Spain

Checking-in at Heathrow

`` work

Striking the right balancePassing the Trinity Examination may be the main priority, but we

make sure you enjoy yourself outside the classroom too.

AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS

In the afternoons, teachers and specialiststaff will organise a whole host ofactivities for you.

If you’re keen on sport, there’s volleyball,tennis, badminton, basketball, squash,table-tennis, football, softball, swimmingand water polo. If you prefer to dosomething more creative, all our centreshave classes in ICT, arts and crafts,aerobics and Zumba. At Ascot you caneven learn to bake a cake!

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT

Our excursions are an important part ofour teaching programme. We buildlanguage exercises around trips to manyof the country’s most famous landmarks.Places like Bath, Canterbury, Cambridge,Oxford, Brighton, Stratford-upon-Avonand Windsor are all on the itinerary –depending on your centre.

You’ll also enjoy excursions into London.These usually include an educationaltour of great museums (British, NaturalHistory, Science or the National Gallery)combined with the opportunity to dosome shopping in Oxford Street, CoventGarden or Regent Street.

Depending on your centre too, there’llbe some splendid sightseeing with a ride on the London Eye, a cruise on theRiver Thames or the opportunity for atour on an open top bus.

View of Big Ben from London Eye

Canterbury Cathedral

k and playOur afternoon Academy courses giveyou the chance to learn new skills fromqualified instructors (see Academies insertfor details).

In the evening, you’ll find there are allsorts of entertainments, ranging fromdiscos to karaoke, talent shows to sportscompetitions, film shows to themedbarbecues.

Thames Valley Summer Schools 5

Natural History Museum, London

6 Thames Valley Summer Schools

Getting resultsTrinity College London has been assessing abilities in listening and

speaking English for over fifty years. Its examinations are internationallyrecognised and we take great pride in our students’ annual pass rate.

THE RIGHT LEVEL

The level at which you’ll prepare forthe Trinity examination is determinedon day one, when you take an oral test.

From here on, your progress will bemonitored closely by your teachers andyour Director of Studies. They’ll dotheir best to make surethat, whatever the lengthof your course - 2, 3, or 4weeks - you’ll be ready totake the examination atthe end of it.

TAKING THE TRINITY EXAM

All our Trinity coursesprepare students forthe examination.

At our Ascot and Leatherhead centres,you study for the examination at grades1-9 (beginner to upper intermediate); atour Epsom and Rugby centres, weprepare students for grades 1-11. Gradesare aligned to levels pre A1-C1 of theCommon European Framework ofReference for Languages).

Average size of classes is 13-14 students,maximum 15.

The examination is entirely based onyour conversational ability and, from theword go, you’ll be carefully coachedtowards achieving the required level.

You’ll have 5 forty-minute lessons eachmorning, five days a week (16 hours and40 minutes’ contact time). In lessons 1-3,you’ll focus on conversational andinteractive language tasks. In lessons 4-5,the emphasis is on topics required byTrinity for their examination (subjectslike global warming, fashion, festivals,music, shopping and travel).

At all our centres, you’ll practise one-to-one interviews so that, by the timethe examination comes around, you’ll be perfectly comfortable and confident.

Distinction

Merit

Pass

FailbetterrI enjoyed talking with the teachers because, although I could be asking exam related questions,it doesn’t feel like talking to my teacher but it felt like chatting to a really good friend of mine. “

”On Kiu Anku Cheung, Hong Kong

44%

42%

13%1%

LIVING ENGLISH

We have a team of language expertswith over fifty years’ experiencebetween them. Their task is to makesure that you learn the most currentform of English. And that you learn it in the most stimulating and enjoyable way.

Computers, of course, are an essential part of the modern learning process. But over and above these, you’ll have the help of the most up-to-date textbooks.

Course material is re-written on average every four years and itincludes a Trinity Student Book that is unique to us.

A modern approachAll languages are constantly changing and English is no exception.

With this in mind, we go to great lengths to make sure our courses areconstantly being updated.

They’re all native-level English speakersand are expected to hold internationallyrecognised teaching qualifications – asrequired by the British Council. Usually,they’re in their twenties or early thirtiesand will already have had teachingexperience in language schools abroad.

Covering all sorts of up-to-the-minutetopics like film, sport, music andtechnology, it also reinforces what you’llbe seeing and doing on your excursions.

THE VERY BEST TEACHING

We’re as selective about our teachers aswe are about our schools. We insist onthem being friendly, fun to work withand easy to relate to.

resultsThames Valley Summer Schools has been the best English course I’ve everbeen to. I would really like to come back and bring more friends with me.“

”Jorge Alonso Civantes, Spain

Thames Valley Summer Schools 7

AN ENGLISH SCHOOL FRIEND

In each class you’ll have the chance tomake friends with English boys andgirls of a similar age to yourself.

They’ll be with you throughout theday: working with you in lessons,joining you for lunch, taking part inyour afternoon activities andencouraging you to speak as muchEnglish as possible.

It’s one of the advantages we enjoyover most other summer schools andit’s a great way to develop confidencein your conversational ability.

Making English friendsDevelop your confidence with English boys and girls

throughout the day.

I like the English School Friends themost because they were helpful andnice, the English School Friend Ihanged out most with was Oscar.

“

”Drake Tsang, Hong Kong

8 Thames Valley Summer Schools o

TRINITY EXAMINATION COURSE • AGES 10 -16

Founded in 1877

St George’s School, Ascot, wasfounded in 1877 and one of its

early pupils was Britian’s famouswartime Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill.

It overlooks 12 hectares of fieldsand woods with stunning viewsacross the rolling Berkshire hillsyet is just a five-minute walk

from Ascot High Street.

Nearby Windsor Castle

A great locationAscot town centre is 5 minutes’ walk.Windsor Castle - home of the RoyalFamily - is 10km away. HistoricRunnymede, where the Magna Cartawas signed in 1215, is nearby on thebanks of the River Thames.

Fast and frequent trains take you intoCentral London (40km). Heathrow(17km) is a half-hour coach ride.

Spoilt for choiceThough the campus is safe and compact,it features every facility that you couldpossibly want.

There’s a brand new languages andlibrary centre equipped with multi-mediaand study areas. Alongside the state-of-the-art 350 seat theatre, there areseparate drama, dance and art studios.On the sports front, you’ll find a largesports hall, squash courts, extensiveplaying fields and eight tennis courts.There is also the Cookery School kitchenwhere you can learn to bake cakes.

S t G eo r g e ’s S c hoo l

A SCOT

our schoolsThames Valley Summer Schools 9

Choice of great food Multi sports in the large sports hall

Finger-licking baking session

Voted best school foodSt George’s recently won TatlerMagazine’s award for IndependentSchools (UK) best school food. Mealswere described as “spectacular” and “a real highlight of the school day!”.

AccommodationBedrooms are all bright and airy andrange in size from single and twin tolarger rooms with 3-6 beds.

Three bedded room

Aerial view of campus

Lots to doThe campus may be relatively compact,but there is no shortage of facilities.There is a large sports centre with twosports halls, squash courts and a 25 metreindoor swimming pool. You’ll also find18 tennis courts, an indoor shootingrange and extensive games fields in 32hectares of magnificent grounds.

Founded in 1853

Built on the slopes of EpsomDowns with stunning views overCentral London, the college hasbeen a popular choice with our

language students for more than 20 years.

Its original Victorian buildings are still in evidence,

blending skilfully with the outstanding newteaching facilities.

Ideally placedThe College is just 22kms from CentralLondon and 15 minutes’ walk from Epsomtown centre – a lively, small town in theprosperous commuter belt of London.

E P SOMCOL L EGE

Extensive grounds and playing fields

TRINITY EXAMINATION COURSE • AGES 13-17

Main school buildings

10 Thames Valley Summer Schools

Performing arts centreThe school is justly proud of its newstate-of-the-art studios for music,drama, film and dance. Lighting, soundand multi-media facilities here are up tothe highest professional standards.

“

”Erica Pillai, India

I loved absolutely everything andwould like to return for the 4th time.

FUTURE LEADERS COURSE • AGES 13-17

In this conference style course, designed to develop leadership skills, studentswill enjoy a series of lectures, workshops and seminars as well as collaboratingon practical projects.

Centre EpsomMax class size 20Minimum English level B1Duration 2 weeksLessons 25 x 40 minutes

per weekExcursions One half-day

and one full-dayper week

Recreation activities 5 afternoons perweek

Social activities 7 evenings perweek

This course:• Integrates the four STEM strands

(Science, Technology, Engineering andMaths).

• Draws inspiration from TED(Technology, Entertainment, Design)talks and guest speakers.

• Improves English skills, fluency andconfidence.

For the leaders of the future, this course is for 13-17 year olds who want to develop the skillsneeded to become a confident, effective leader in whatever career they choose.

Future Leaders NEW!

AccommodationMost bedrooms on campus are twin orsingle. There are also some 2-4 bedrooms available.

Forest boarding house 4 bed room

new for 2020!Thames Valley Summer Schools 11

Students on this course will enhancetheir future leadership potential,whether their career is in business,economics, politics or any other field.

Whilst developing their skills,students on this course will alsobecome more informed about andengaged with some of the mostpressing issues of our time such as climate change, environmental issues,economicglobalisation, conflict and gender equality.

A typical day may include:• Lesson 1 - TED talk / Guest speaker.• Lesson 2 - Analysis / learning point.• Lesson 3 - Preparation.• Lesson 4 - Practical work / practice.• Lesson 5 - Debate / presentation /

project development.

Through this multi-disciplinaryapproach students will:• Broaden their understanding of the

role of a leader.• Develop practical skills for effective

leadership such as critical thinking,problem solving and decision making.

• Network with students from aroundthe world.

• Enhance teamworking skills.• Refine their skills in presenting,

debating and public speaking.• Appreciate the importance of multi-

strand approaches and solutions.• Develop their effective

communication skills in English.

We commit to carbon off-setting the flights taken bystudents who attendour Future Leaderscourse at Epsom.

Founded in 1851

Like nearby Epsom College, St John’s is a splendid mixture of

the old and the new. Its maincloistered buildings date back to1851 and sit happily alongside

others that are distinctly 21st century.

The whole school forms aquadrangle around beautifully

manicured lawns – a feature thatgives it the feel of a traditional

Oxbridge college.

S t J o h n ’s S c h o o l

L E ATH E RH EAD

One of the three computer suites

A creative, friendly environment

TRINITY EXAMINATION COURSE • AGES 8 -13 & 13 - 16

School Quad and main buildings

12 Thames Valley Summer Schools

Close to LondonBased in the bustling town ofLeatherhead, St. John’s is handily placedfor your weekly, half-day excursions intoLondon. A 5-minute walk takes you tothe station. A 45-minute journey takesyou to the heart of the capital. A trip tothe coast is no more than an hour by road.

A cosy campusInviting and friendly are the terms usuallyused to describe St. John’s. This makes itparticularly appealing to the youngerage group studying for the Trinity Exam.

State-of-the-art classroomsOur courses are held in the new, multi-million pound teaching complex. Asadvanced as any in the country, it has 19 classrooms, superbly equippedcomputer suites housing 68 workstationsand purpose-designed art studios.

I enjoyed everything, especially thefun classes, activities, and excursions.I also think that the staff are veryfriendly and welcoming.

“

”Nino Bakradze, Georgia

25 metre heated swimming pool

Central dining hall

English School Friends encourage you to speak English as much as possible

Food for everyone’s taste in the magnificent dining hall

Drama and dancing afternoon activity Multiple room in boarding house

Thames Valley Summer Schools 13

25 hectares of campusAll your needs are met at St John’s. Ithas outdoor playing fields, a 25 metreindoor swimming pool and a sports hallfor basketball, volleyball and 5-asidefootball. English School Friends (seepage 8) are on hand throughout theday too, helping with yourconversational English.

AccommodationAccommodation is first class withsingle, twin or 3-6 bedded rooms.

The teachers are friendly and always ready to help you. The classes helpedme to improve my spoken language skills, I've learned many new words. Ifound here a lot of new friends, who I will miss a lot. I've also met EnglishSchool Friends, who are very smiley and interesting to talk with.

“

”Valeriia Kim, Russia

14 Thames Valley Summer Schools

You’ll find state-of-the art classrooms,all equipped with the latest teachingaids. There are two ICT suites with atotal of 36 computers.

The nearby sports hall offers five-a-sidefootball, basketball, badminton,aerobics and dodge ball. You’ll alsohave access to the school’s 25 metre, 6lane swimming pool; soccer, rugby androunders pitches; squash courts and all-weather floodlit tennis courts; a DesignCentre for art/craft and a Social Centrefor discos and other social events.

Accommodation is mostly in singlerooms, with some twins available. Foryounger students, there are a fewlarger rooms with 3-6 beds. Meals inthe central dining room are self-service.

Founded in 1567

Rugby is one of the oldest andmost famous schools in England. Itwas founded during the reign of

Elizabeth I and its splendid historyis reflected in its stately buildings,

classrooms and courtyards.

Here in 1823, one of the students,William Webb Ellis, picked up a

soccer ball and ran with it. In theprocess, he created rugby – a

game that has since been takenup around the world. Games arestill played on the original pitchand visiting students are more

than welcome to take part.

RUGBYSCHOOL

Main school buildings and original rugby pitch

A choice of coursesHaving led the way in preparing studentsfor the Trinity College exam, we now alsooffer a course dedicated to preparing forand taking the IELTS exam (see oppositepage).

The very best facilitiesClasses are held in one of the mostrecent additions to the school, the multi-million pound purpose-built ModernLanguages Building, opened in 2012.

TRINITY EXAMINATION COURSES • AGES 12-17

Indoor 25 metre swimming pool

Modern Languages Building

Twin bedded room

ICT suite

...offe School cloisters

IELTS EXAMINATION COURSES • AGES 12-17

Minimum level of English required: B1 (Intermediate)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world’s most popular English language proficiency tests. It isdesigned to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language ofcommunication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK and other countries and has a strong international reputation.Students on this course will take IELTS Academic which is aimed at people planning to study in higher education.

Centre RugbyAges 12-17Lessons/week 25Class size Maximum 15

IELTS examination

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC OPTION

We take great pride in our students’ success rate in examinations. At Rugby we now offer the IELTS examination course. The course runs parallel to the Trinity course so that you’ll have

the opportunity to join in the afternoon and evening recreation programme.

A great locationThe school takes its name from thehistoric market town of Rugby and isbased in an area known as the Heart ofEngland. Many historic landmarks arewithin easy reach. A short coach ridetakes you to Stratford-Upon-Avon –Shakespeare’s birthplace; to WarwickCastle, the finest medieval castle in thecountry; or to the famous universitytown of Oxford.

A 50-minute train trip takes you intocentral London, where you can goshopping in Oxford Street or CoventGarden, enjoy a river cruise or take in avisit to the London Eye/British Museum.

This course is designed to:• Increase your chances of exam

success.• Expand your range of grammar

and vocabulary.• Develop your speaking, listening,

reading and writing skills• Give you a thorough

understanding of exam format.• Show you how to avoid common

exam mistakes.• Prepare you to take your exam at

the end of the course.

Exam date: Saturday 25 July 2020

ering you more!

Dining hall

I loved people of differentnationalities, it was cool being withthem.The teachers were amazing andtheir method of teaching is the best Iever experienced in my life. I will goback to my country and suggest tothe Principal these cool methods ofteaching.

“

”Naazneen Sandhu, India

Thames Valley Summer Schools 15

Thames Valley Summer Schools is the trading name of Thames Valley Cultural Centres Limited.

Thames Valley Summer Schools 13 Park Street, Windsor Berkshire SL4 1LUEngland

t +44 1753 852001 f +44 1753 831165 e english@thamesvalleysummer.co.uk www.thamesvalleysummer.co.uk

Correct at time of printing. For full details go to our website: www.thamesvalleysummer.co.uk