![Week 1 of the best summer school in the UK: complete!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752513964/whitgiftcouk/dlkdw0vkw7rmvpzpitpz/AcademiesActivities12.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752513964/whitgiftcouk/dlkdw0vkw7rmvpzpitpz/AcademiesActivities12.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752513964/whitgiftcouk/dlkdw0vkw7rmvpzpitpz/AcademiesActivities12.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752513964/whitgiftcouk/dlkdw0vkw7rmvpzpitpz/AcademiesActivities12.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752513964/whitgiftcouk/dlkdw0vkw7rmvpzpitpz/AcademiesActivities12.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752513964/whitgiftcouk/dlkdw0vkw7rmvpzpitpz/AcademiesActivities12.jpg","width":2200}])
Week 1 of the summer school is now complete, and I have been really impressed with the students and their ‘can do’ attitude in everything that they have done so far.
The first week of the summer school is always the busiest week for any student. They have to learn so many new things: get used to their new environment, meet so many new people, remember new routines, get over jet lag and all in English. It is the week where everything is new, the beginning of an exciting and new journey. It is for this reason that getting into a good routine sets the foundation for a successful time in the UK.
Team building exercises between our international students and British Student Ambassadors from Whitgift and Croydon High School are so important in developing camaraderie.
The theme the students have ‘created’ this week has been R&R – no, not rest and relaxation (this is summer school!) but routine and resilience. Here at Whitgift Summer School, we get the students into a good routine from the moment they arrive. This helps them become familiar with their surroundings and what to expect each day of the week. By doing this, we help the students to become the best version of themselves.
Rock Climbing was one of our exciting activities during week 1 of the summer school.
However, routine is only one part of the equation. The other key ingredient is resilience. Summer school students take an active role in their time here, even if they have doubts or difficult moments. Those students have played their part in making this week a success by making the most all the opportunities available to them. From trying new activities, to being active participants in class and making friends in the boarding house, they have really excelled in their new environment.
Students taking part in the Progressive Skills in Action event on Friday 11th July,
Mornings have been filled with learning, something that can be daunting when you are not used to the intense communicative nature of courses such as ours at Whitgift. Learning to speak lots in class does take courage: putting your hand up in the air and taking a risk in answering a question when you are unsure and speaking in pairs or groups in order to share your ideas takes a certain amount of courage – well done to all those students who went out of their comfort zone.
Students get to grips with lessons during week 1!
Parents and students choose summer schools so that they can develop their (English) skills, learn new things, meet new people and discover something they maybe didn’t know about themselves. Witnessing students who did not know each other a week ago becoming the best of friends is truly heart warming and showcases the importance of soft skills and communication. Developing these communicative skills is incredibly valuable for our summer school students, particularly in the digital world which we are yet to fully understand. They will be entering a world in which interpersonal and communicative skills will be just as important as knowing how to successfully use AI in the workplace.
Art Academy is always popular for our students!
In conclusion, it has been a fantastic week observing the students simply talking to one another, inside and outside the classroom, and without their smartphones. It has highlighted the best of what it means to be a global citizen and reminded me that the world is far smaller than we think.
As we look ahead to Week 2, I’m excited to see how these young global citizens continue to grow, connect, and thrive.
Mr Chisholm - Course Director