Intensive course for ages 17-20
We have high academic standards at ECHO and we believe that our Senior Course offers the best balance of social and academic programmes for most students. Some students may however wish to do extra academic work, for example in order to prepare either for their school exams or for an international English language exam like TOEFL or IELTS. For these students we offer a limited number of places on our 'Intensive Course' of afternoon classes and extended homework projects.
This course is only for higher-level students, those considered 'advanced' by ECHO standards. You should be prepared for a hard-working, academically focussed visit to the school. To apply you must be entering your final year's preparation for a school-leaving exam such as the Baccalaureate or Abitur. We can also offer preparation for TOEFL or IELTS, both of which can be taken locally.
Unlike most English language schools, at ECHO our students are obliged to speak English all day, inside and outside classes. In this way, they not only practice towards their exam but also increase their social English and meet friends from other countries.
Classes
Each week day there are four classes in total, typically three in the morning and one in the afternoon. There are usually 5 or 6 students in each group, a maximum of 8. All our teachers are qualified professionals, chosen for their special abilities with advanced students.
Writing and analysis skills are the main focus of the intensive programme. Students work on critical appraisal of texts, improve their vocabulary and structure and test their skills on pieces of extended commentary. Those studying for IELTS or TOEFL also have individual test-focus work.
Social programmes
There is still room for an enjoyable work/ social mix at ECHO. Alongside the Senior Students, those on the Intensive Course can join in the evening programmes on offer. These typically include billiard-hall visits and the cinema.
There is a weekly 'project' to encourage everyone to work with students from different classes, usually either designing a poster- presentation or making a film.
On Saturday there is an excursion, alternating between London and another famous city, for example Canterbury or Portsmouth.
Living at ECHO
Life at ECHO is like being part of one big family and we encourage students to enjoy all our facilities here at the school, including two large TV rooms with over 500 films, XBox 360 and Wii sessions, modern internet computer room, extensive book library and sports equipment. Free tea, coffee and snacks are available outside lessons, and there is a free laundry service for those staying over two weeks.
All ECHO students eat together, either in the house or in the heated patio-garden. They have three excellent meals per day. During the meals they continue to speak English with students and staff from the whole school.
Intensive Course Students have some independence but ECHO staff always know where they are. Normally two students share a room, and all rooms are within five minutes of the school's main building. When enrolling, a parent guardian must consent to some activities for 17 year olds and under.
A typical intensive student day
| 8 | Fruit, Muesli and toast with the whole school |
|---|---|
| 9 | First lesson: Structuring sentences and paragraphs |
| 10 | Second lesson: Textual analysis: excerpts from Brave New World |
| 11 | Free hour: review of writing skills, debate with friends |
| 12 | Third lesson: Preparing a written commentary |
| 1 | Lunch with student friends: Spaghetti Carbonara and salad |
| 2.30 | Fourth lesson: Writing: Developing structure and style |
| 3.30-5 | Writing project: comprehension and commentary |
| 5.30 | Talk with friends, read books, walk on sea front, play games |
| 7 | Dinner: chicken, ratatouille, sautee potatoes, chocolate cake |
| 8-10.30 | Free Optional Evening Programmes for Seniors, excluding projects |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECHO in-house Casino Night |
Billiard-Hall Trip | Cinema Trip | School Quiz | 'Oscars' Film Night |
All students under 18 must return to their host-family bedrooms at 11pm.