The CLAC English learning programme aims to give students maximum benefit during their stay by linking what is studied in the classroom with the language they need in other aspects of their course – from chatting with friends in the common room, dining room and bedroom, to playing games in the Social Programme, going on excursions, understanding the Morning Meetings, reading the noticeboards etc.etc. In this way students immediately get to practise what they have learnt, which builds both fluency and confidence, which in turn builds more friendships! Each week a student can get over 100 hours of English practice by active participation from the minute they wake up until they go to bed.

On the first Monday of the course students have a language Assessment Test to determine their level of English. From Tuesday morning they are placed in a Language Class appropriate to their level of English and are assigned a Group Teacher, whom they will see in their same class every morning for the duration of their stay. With a maximum of 14 students per class, the teacher is able to give personalised attention and lessons to address the specific language needs of their students.

Afternoon classes are special to CLAC and are called ‘Workshops’. These are interest based classes where students of different language levels, and the British students too, choose the class according to their interest. The aim is to maximise motivation and communication and make learning an enjoyable experience.

Language Lesson
A typical class Timetable begins with a 90-minute intensive English language lesson that has been carefully designed by the Group Teacher to study grammar and language skills suited to their English level. Teachers focus on improving accuracy and developing knowledge of grammar appropriate to the student’s level of English. At all levels students gain specific practice in pronunciation, speaking, listening, reading, writing and vocabulary. Language work covered in class is checked in a weekly ‘Review’ lesson and Progress Test each Saturday morning. Prizes are awarded for good work and progress!

Skills Lessons
In the second part of the morning students have two shorter 45-minute intensive English skills lessons, one at least with a different teacher. These classes focus specifically on the skills of Speaking, Writing, Listening and Understanding. Conversational skills and fluency are brought to life through fun language games, role plays, discussions on current topics interesting to teenagers and debates for the higher groups, encouraging involvement and motivation. For further writing practice, students are encouraged to keep a “My CLAC Memory” notebook throughout their course. More prizes for good work!

Workshops
Workshops are 1 hour 15 minute classes held on three afternoons each week focussing on a selection of interest-based topics from which students make a choice. Workshop topics will vary each week. These classes aim to reinforce confidence and participation through engagement and enjoyment.

At the end of the course each student goes home with a hand-written personal Report and CLAC Certificate. The report will contain comments from the student’s Group Teacher as well as from the Social Team and the Centre Manager. Even more prizes – from the Social Team for activity participation and the top award, the CLAC Star for the most outstanding boy and girl of the course. The highest CLAC Award is the Star given for “Lifetime Clacker” to any student who has attended CLAC for 4 years or more and reached their last summer at the age of 17.