Background
There is a strong demand in Ireland for English Summer programmes for EU teenagers, especially those from Italy and Spain. Hello Ireland has provide such programmes for the past four years (see Hello Ireland Teenagers Programme – code HI 006). This has been very successful.
Normally the general teenagers programmes comprise morning classes in English and a range of sporting activities and outings in the afternoon and evenings. The average age of students is around 14 years (ranging from 11 to 19).
The Hello Ireland Board has observed that there is a cohort of older teenagers who have attended such programmes in Waterford or in other places for two or more years and are starting to find their content repetitive.
We carried out a market survey with this group of teenagers in Summer 2011 and the results showed there would be a strong interest in a different type of programme, focusing on particular themes or activities. The activity may be related to the student’s future studies in university.
In discussions with students who have completed Hello Ireland general English and activities Summer programmes, we have identified strong demand for the following themes of interest.
- English, Environment and Biodiversity
- English and Media (TV and Radio)
- English Literature and Drama
- Soccer camp through English
- English and Outdoor Pursuits.
A growing body of research supports the experiential learning of languages which utilises the whole brain. The benefits include:
- Provision of “real” contexts for language learning
- Opportunities to listen to specialists using English in context
- Opportunities to practice language and take risks with new vocabulary and idiom in an enjoyable and non-threatening situation
- Opportunities to become fluent in a theme which interests the student and build confidence.
It has been a serious criticism of Summer language programmes that visiting students do not have the opportunity to meet Irish students. For the themed programmes listed above, we plan to include Irish students in the themed activities.
Overview of the English and Media Programme (Code HI 008)
As the title suggests the focus of the language and activities will be on the theme of production and presentation of TV and Radio programmes and films..
There will be around 7 class contact hours per day and the average day will comprise:-
- A 2 hour English Class focusing on language and idiom relating to practical media work..
- A one hour presentation by a professional on an aspect of TV or Radio work .
- In the afternoons the students will work with professional TV and radio producers to prepare a short film and a short radio programme.
- Some of this work will take place in professional studios e.g. Nemeton TV Film Co., and Waterford Local Radio. This will provide exposure to professional cameras, recording and editing equipment
- The outcome of the student’s work will either be broadcast or displayed on line.
An important aspect of the programme is that we plan to include Irish students in the expert class and the practical programme making sessions.
Here are some examples of the what’s included in the practical sessions:-
- Overview of the steps involved in preparing sound and TV programmes
- Script writing and story boarding
- Each student has the opportunity to shoot film, record sound, interview on screen, in a studio
- Work on location
- .Carry out editing and inishing work.
- Bringing the outcome of the students work to an audience (either through broadcasts or on-line)
Admission Criteria
- Age 16-19 years years.
- Should have completed at least three years of English in School.
- At least Intermediate level competence in English.
- A strong interest in the practical aspects of making radio and television programmes.
English Programme and Themed Instruction
This is provided by Waterford Academy of Education, which is recognised by the Irish Department of Education for the teaching of English as a Foreign Language.
All English teachers in WAE are graduates, hold a TEFL Certificate and have experience of working with young people.
Local Media Experts will provide classes on the practical programme making sessions.
Students will have access to good studio, recording and editing facilities.
Group Size : 15 to 20 students.
Activities Programme.
Most of the activities relating to the theme are built into the programme and keep the students busy all day.
In the evenings and at weekends., the students join other Hello Ireland students.
Please refer to the Activities section of our website for details
Accommodation and Full Board
This is provided in Manor Village. For full details of this excellent facility, please visit the accommodation section of our web site.
Starting Date.
Most Hello Ireland programmes start on Wednesdays so that students can avail of lower airfares and less busy airports and transfers. It also allows students two full weekends to enjoy their stay in Ireland.
This themed programme will start on Wednesday July 18th,
Duration 2 weeks,.
