Activities in the Morning

Our international participants spend their mornings learning German as a Foreign Language. A test is used to assess their current level of ability and split them into two groups with a maximum of 8 pupils each. Each group is taught on a different level of the European Framework of Reference for Languages by experienced teachers of German as a Foreign Language. The primary objective of the two-week course is to provide pupils with not only a grounding in fundamental grammatical structures, but also an opportunity to enhance their communication skills with the support of playful, media-assisted learning methods. Listening and reading comprehension are practiced using special learning videos and texts, the content of which is then looked at in further detail with the aid of interactive dialogues and structured games. Pupils are also introduced to age-appropriate elements of German culture and required to make a short presentation on a specific aspect thereof, thus broadening the range of opportunities for them to speak in class. The overall aim is to use playful methods to improve the children’s language skills in a dynamic intercultural context. This in turn sensitizes participants to the necessity of a tolerant approach to people from other cultures. Lessons conclude with a final test, which is rewarded with a certificate of attendance confirming that the pupil has completed a two-week language course at the respective level. 

We ensure that our Mathematics lessons give pupils the chance to have fun with a subject that sometimes suffers from an unfairly dry reputation. Joint projects are used to not only link mathematics to everyday scenarios, but also revise content pupils may already have come across in the past. All projects are based on a hands-on approach and designed to deliver presentable results. Personalized supervision gives pupils the support and motivation they need to understand and internalize the intended learning outcomes. New mathematical applications and brain-teasing challenges requiring the use of modern media are both core elements of the teaching concept. Highly media-assisted lessons involving the use of a variety of learning software give pupils a modern perspective on a traditional subject. Skills such as mathematical reasoning, communication and modelling are taught and reinforced using a blend of both traditional and modern, tech-assisted methods.

One of the main goals of our English lessons is for pupils to take both pleasure and a keen interest in exploring the English language. Summer Camp participants can therefore look forward to not only gaining deeper insights into this world language, but also discussing unique aspects of the English-speaking world.

We approach English in a creative, outcome-oriented way and use pupil-driven methods – for example the shooting of learning videos on basic grammar, presentations profiling English-speaking countries and quiz-based vocabulary learning – to enhance pupils’ communicative abilities.

A broad variety of playful yet structured exercises assist participants in the development of their soft skills and the internalization of taught content. This learning process is supported by the incorporation of interesting authentic language materials (e.g. videos, podcasts and web-based articles) and modern communication channels (e.g. Skype). Learning platforms such as Sofatutor and Phase6 enhance the learning process and provide pupils with an opportunity to practice fundamental language skills.

Each individual topic or learning unit finishes with the presentation of the results of the pupils’ work or the recapitulation of specific learning outcomes. The creative element of this process is supported by the use of learning apps pre-installed onto the pupils’ iPads, for example Notability, Book Creator, Quizlet, Kahoot, Puppet Pals and Explain Everything.

Get ready for an enjoyable English learning experience!

Our German lessons require pupils to work productively and creatively regardless of the skill involved. The “Speaking & Listening” block focuses on oral communication, and in particular the improvement thereof with the aid of structured games, reading out loud, presentations and communication with other pupils. Lessons are highly media-assisted, with special emphasis placed on the production of learning videos or short films based on literary sources. Reading skills and the ability to analyse texts and other media are also fostered. Tasks involving the creation of scripts, screenplays and photo stories are used to improve pupils’ writing skills. Language exercises and grammar are by no means ignored, but instead integrated into taught content in a playful way and at a suitable point in the lesson.

This concept permits clear differentiation between pupils, which in turn makes it possible to support and challenge them in accordance with their individual needs and abilities. Our German lessons also provide important input on values and media-related issues.