Masks for drama
...more than just English
Singing, Drama and Cultural visits enrich the intensive core of this month-long English course. We make the most of our Waldorf setting and of the cultural assets of London and the South-East.
Never a dull moment!
The days begin with singing. Next follows the Main Lesson, which is EFL (English as a Foreign Language). Drama then develops the spoken word in life-affirming action. The Culture programme supplies vivid images for the visits and for writing tasks. On the days we don't have outings the afternoon is devoted to sport.
Time flies...
So much is packed in to just four weeks. The days fly by. The rhythm of the week is enlivened with two visits, usually on Tuesday and Thursday. This year we hope to visit among other places: Brighton beach and the Royal Pavilion; Canterbury Cathedral and medieval city; Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral (Magna Carta); the City of London, Westminster and Southwark; St Paul's Cathedral and the Bank of England; Tate Modern (21st century art) and the London Eye; Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and a West End Musical.
The Waldorf dimension
The course takes place in Michael Hall School, the first and largest Waldorf School in the UK. The teaching block is modern but the magnificent setting with its historic mansion and landscape enhances all that transpires on the campus. Most of the teachers have taught at Michael Hall or the Brighton Steiner School.
Boarding with a family
The students stay with families we have chosen to provide a warm and friendly welcome. We try to cater to particular dietary and other needs. Most live in or near the quiet village of Forest Row.
Speaking AND Writing
Much of what we do is based on speaking and listening, and we build up the students' oral confidence. But we also work with their writing skills, especially with writing reports of the visits we make. Each student is expected to perform to the best of his or her ability. They can bring home with them a book full of memories to be proud of.
...Singing and Dancing
On the last day the students will all sing and take part in a drama production. They will have come to know each other, their teachers and boarding families. They will have absorbed some of the nourishment that enriches our culture. The images will remain with them and stimulate their language learning on their return across the world.
