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Week 6 Whitgift Summer School 2023: Wrapping up an Unforgettable Journey

As the sun sets on another glorious summer, we find ourselves at the end of an incredible six-week adventure at Whitgift Summer School. It's hard to believe that Week 6, the final chapter of this busy summer journey, has come to an end with all the students leaving today! To all parents (and students!) we hope that you have enjoyed this weekly blog and got a flavour of the Whitgift Summer experience. Let's take a look at the highlights of the final week...

A Week of Growth and Engagement 

Week 6 was marked by a mix of activities and classes that encapsulated the spirit of Whitgift Summer School. Each morning, our students had three hours of intensive lessons that challenged and stretched their academic abilities. Our English students were placed in class by age and English level. With small class sizes (maximum 12 in morning lessons) our teachers were able to provide an bespoke approach to the lessons.

A group of students sits in a circle for a discussion in a classroom featuring a whiteboard and a large digital screen in the background.

In class discussions are a vital part of language learning at Whitgift Summer School. Students are encouraged to put their language learning into authentic communicative contexts in every lesson. 

 

Three students sit at desks and talk in a classroom with a blue bulletin board displaying drawings in the background.

Pairwork is also encouraged as it allows students to practice their English in a discreet and comfortable way with a classmate. Peer to peer learning is also very useful for students because it means students speaking more in class!

In the afternoons, our students teamed up with their British counterparts for project work that honed their human skills. This week's project, "Whitgift Vision," was a creative spin on "Eurovision," encouraging collaboration, communication, and cultural exchange. This activity wasn't just about competition; it was about coming together to celebrate diversity and shared creativity.

Four young people stand in the foreground holding papers and microphones against a background of dark purple curtains and a projection screen.

A Week of Thrilling Adventures
The final week of Whitgift Summer School was packed with an array of exciting activities both sporting and creative. Mahler Halls were abuzz with table tennis matches, offering ample space for students to unleash their competitive spirits:

People play table tennis in a room featuring framed sports jerseys on the wall.

The popular tennis academy saw students perfecting their swings on the court under the expert guidance of Mr Simon Targett, Whitgift's Professional Coach:

A tennis player swings a racket on a blue and red court, with a green fence and trees in the background.

The Whitgift Basketball Academy students were pushed their limits under the guidance of our skilled basketball coach, Junior. He really makes sure the students are honing their skills and becoming better basketball players, demanding each student to listen carefully so that they can improve their game.

Four young men play basketball on an indoor court beneath a hoop and blue wall padding.

From a creative activity perspective, survival skills took center stage, giving our young adventurers the chance to learn how to make fires and build shelters. More importantly, they were able to cook and and eat marshmallows! 

A group of people gather around a small campfire in a wooded area, with some crouching in the foreground to tend the fire.

And for those with artistic inclinations, our talented Activity Leader Sean led captivating arts and crafts sessions, including the magical world of book making, which really engaged the students. 

Students work with paper and craft materials at a table in a bright room with shelves and supplies in the background.

On Wednesday for the half-day excursion, the students went to a outdoor activity centre called Walton Firs. Students undertook an array of activities including archery, climbing, caving, and as you can see below, rope climbing. This was the first year we have attended Walton Firs and it was a fantastic afternoon, and one which the students really enjoyed!

A group of people in safety gear stand in the foreground of an outdoor adventure course, while one person climbs a wall of tires against a backdrop of lush green trees.

Finally, yesterday the students attended the Harry Potter World Warner Bros. studios. This is always a really popular day, especially for Harry Potter fans (obviously!). The day was rounded off with the obligatory shopping trip at Westfield Shopping Centre in London. 

A young boy with a blue backpack pushes a luggage cart in front of a brick wall featuring a Hogwarts Express sign.

Farewell to an Unforgettable Summer

As the sun set on the final night of Whitgift Summer School 2023, a bittersweet atmosphere filled the air. The excitement of the week's activities was interwoven with the nostalgia of the experiences shared and the friendships formed, many for life. With suitcases packed and heartfelt goodbyes exchanged, the students bid farewell to their summer home. Today, as they embark on their journey back home, we can't help but feel a twinge of sadness. However, this ending marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with memories, newfound knowledge, and friendships that will span the globe!

A group of young people gather in the foreground, with a blue bus and an %22Open Morning%22 sign visible in the background.