Ski-Language Camp 2012

Ski programme

Our ski programme is truly top class. Our fully qualified instructors work with their groups throughout the entire ski day ensuring safety, progress and lots of fun on the slopes. Our small ski groups (maximum 9 students per group) ensures lots of individual attention for everyone. We also have extra instructors on the slopes each day to help with any students who are having major problems by giving them some individual tuition. All instructors are first aid qualified and we have a rigorous and proven accident procedure with staff assigned to this task specifically every day. At the end of each week there is a slalom race for all students with medals for the top three students in each group and at the end of each students stay at Haut Lac they will receive a SNOWLIFE SNOWSPORT award stating the level of proficiency they have achieved during their time with us.

Activity Programme

Our activity programme is second to none. We offer a huge range of activities for our students. On any evening students can be presented with a choice of up to 4 different activities so there is something for everyone.

The following activities are included in our ski programme price:

Team Sports – Indoor football, basketball, volleyball, handball

Sports – Aerobics, circuit training, table tennis, fitness

Activities – Sledging, swimming, bowling, art & crafts, cookery, pool, table football, playstation games, air hockey, DVD Movies, chess, board games, pictionary, kino and thermal baths

Theme Events – Fancy dress disco’s, casino nights, crazy games, Haut Lac Star Academy talent show, karaoke nights, quiz nights

Our Language programmes

Our language programmes are designed to help address individual needs. Students can choose to study English, French or German or a combination of languages i.e. the French programme for one week and the English programme in the second week.

Our language programmes are pertinent and efficient because

an entrance test and a self assessment check-list before arrival at the Centre helps teachers to gauge the level of the students and place them in appropriate classes.

a further evaluation period on the first morning of the course to assess the difference between students’ written and spoken language makes sure that students have been placed in the appropriate level or raises doubts and necessary changes are made.

Class sizes vary from three or four to ten. The small size of the groups ensures that students feel more comfortable, get more individual attention, progress more quickly and gain confidence in all aspects of their work.

Assessment

At Haut Lac we use a continuous assessment structure to evaluate work covered by the students during their stay with us. This is complemented by a formal weekly testing period.

The certificate awarded to each child contains information on the specific programme of work that they have followed, a report from their teacher on their progress, a breakdown of their language ability across the key components - speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and pronounciation and of course,the grades achieved during the testing periods. Students also fill out a new self assessment sheet in order to reflect on progress made during their stay at Haut-Lac and set themselves goals for the next step.

Teaching staff

We consider the class teacher to be the most important element of the classroom situation. We encourage staff to give well prepared, intensive but interesting and lively lessons in order to stimulate students into taking an active part in the learning process. We encourage our staff to show the students how the language works outside of the classroom environment and to use all available mediums – video, internet, games, role play, music, theatre etc. to develop enthusiasm and participation in the lessons.

Teaching Materials

All study materials are provided, text book material, CD Roms, DVD’s, paper and files. Students need to bring only writing materials and a good bilingual dictionary.

Programme

From Monday to Friday there are 3 classes per day of 40 minutes and on Friday there is a written and oral presentation/test for at least an hour.

Our classes cover all aspects of language learning but focus intensely on oral work as this seems to be the common area of weakness for almost all students. Our language programme uses the Common European Framework and European Language Passport as the foundation for our lesson structure and teachers are encouraged to innovate and find new ways to motivate students to participate and develop a passion for the language.