It is well known that the coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown restrictions, domestically and internationally, have wilted the number of Chinese students in British independent schools.

Where fears of COVID-19 infections, combined with travel restrictions, have made studying abroad both uncertain and worrisome for many families and students.

Despite this and Chinese domestic schooling, the UK has seen an increase in Chinese students at British universities, even amid the past five years of health/travel concerns.

A recent study outlines that the number of Chinese students enrolling in UK universities has increased 41% over the last five years – even through the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions. Furthermore, in 2021/2022, 27% of all non-EU students were from China.

Another study found that this undisrupted rise is due to the potential employability opportunities compared to graduates in other countries. The employability factor ultimately suggests that enthusiasm for higher education will continue to rise – far past expectations of a significant downturn.

However, the international student admission rate in independent schools has significantly dropped. Between 2019 and 2022, the ISC reported a 26% decline in the number of students from mainland China.

Bringing into question whether and when the influx of Chinese students will resume. Or will this long-term decline be offset by the rising demand from other emerging markets, such as India and Malaysia?

Our corresponding team in China suggest that this steep decline is a by-product of the COVID-19 Chinese government restrictions. But one that is temporary, with a quick rebound to match previous pre-COVID numbers.

Enthusiasm and willingness to study abroad are due to several different structural, political and cultural factors, including visa application and airline resumptions, government guidance, as well as transitions to new forms of digital pedagogy.

 

Foreign teacher declines in China.

Due to domestic education policies in China in recent years, many foreign teachers at international and bilingual schools have returned to their home countries, leaving a significant gap in the teachings of English and the western-style syllabus.

This has also caused a higher turnover rate of teachers, a factor that can dramatically impact a student’s learning experience. Therefore, teacher uncertainty in mainland China is a factor to consider when positioning the exodus of Chinese students to study abroad.

Technological changes within the education sector have also dramatically reshaped the physical classroom and pedagogy.

The increased domestic travel restrictions in China has meant that schools and teachers have had to adapt their online learning materials. Chinese schools, like UK schools, have had to rely on online lessons to minimise education disruption.

 

 

Yet, Chinese parents and students have been critical of online lessons, claiming that guidance and learning initiatives are substandard compared to face-to-face classes. In particular, the consensus is that primary and secondary school students lack the self-motivation to learn independently – where online courses are not suitable for every child and their learning style.

In addition, these changes, in effect with modifications to the curriculum, mean that many parents will consider plans for their children to study abroad in advance – potentially sending their children to study in the UK at a much younger age than in previous years.

Chinese parents and students directly mentioned these concerns and issues to the Chinese Gabbitas team when taking the UKiset test. It is worth noting that the number of UKiset students has also increased in the past twelve months.

UKiset is a highly adaptive assessment designed for entry into British curriculum schools that tests English skills, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics. The increase in UKiset applicants, therefore, signals and provides a good measure for the number of potential international applicants for British Independent Schools. Find out more about UKiset here.

 

Increase in interest in summer camps and school visits

Demand for summer camps and school visits by international students has also increased after the Chinese border resumed commencement. According to the latest notice from the Chinese Embassy in the UK, the Chinese Visa Application Centre in London has started accepting ordinary visas from January 8th, 2023.

In mainland China, international students can also begin to apply for UK visas usually, making applications, travel and bureaucracy of international education simpler. With these political and transportation restorations, it is easier to travel to the UK from China.

Aside from students and parents being able to resume visiting schools (experiencing the atmosphere, directly speaking with students, admission officers and heads), an increase in the demand for summer camps can be seen also to take charge.

With the disruption of teaching and foreign teachers in China, parents will be weary of their child’s English language skills – and this is where summer camps come in.

Summer camps can be a great addition to a student’s learning tools, improving their academic ability, improving their English language skills and enhancing their communication and social skills with others. Gabbitas has seen a significant increase in parents enquiring about information about summer schools in the UK.

 

Conclusion

Many factors point to an increase in the number of inbound international students coming from China to the UK to study. Where Gabbitas believes the increase in enquiries for British schools and summer camps points to a pre-Covid trend.

To learn more on this, summer camps, UKiset or any other enquiries on how this may impact your school or student, contact our experts at info@gabbitas.com.

Summer school is a great way to build interpersonal social practices and advance academically in various topics. In addition, getting a student out of their comfort zone in the world of education can be a great way to encourage confidence and the exploration of new subjects and areas of life that they might not have previously been exposed to. Learn more about the vast benefits of Summer Schools here.

 

What are the best tips for choosing a summer school?

When choosing a Summer School, picking a subject, course age group and location are three key things to consider. Our Director of UK Operations at Gabbitas, Natallia Patsaluyonak, notes 5 key things that should be taken into account when choosing a Summer school:

 

1. Picking a subject

Decide why the student is considering Summer School; do they want to make more friends? Are they interested in exploring different countries and cultures? To learn about a specific topic or to practice their language learning skills? These questions are vital in choosing the right subject, school, and type of programme most suited to their needs. 

Other than choosing a subject or topic to study, it is also essential to consider the programme type. For example, is the student interested in broadening their academic ability overall, or are they interested in choosing a course that gives them comprehensive knowledge on a specific topic? If studying a language course, identify whether they are a beginner, conversational or fluent.  

When it comes to subjects, the list is endless: Digital Animation, Coding, Humanities, Future Medicine, Cultural Studies, International Business Law, Entrepreneurship, International Relations, Mind and Body Yoga, Intensive English, Engineering, Fine Art, and so many more. 

To the same degree, the interest of the student’s chosen subject also needs pairing with the institution and tutors’ approach/ teaching style. Compatibility between the course syllabus and the teaching style will ensure that the student is fully engaged, interested and, most importantly, has an excellent learning experience.

 

2. Course Age Groups

Summer schools can start as early as six years old and up until eighteen. There are also courses for over eighteen-year-olds, generally found at universities.  

Summer schools divide their courses based on age, similar to traditional schools, for the same reasons. Ensuring the syllabus, teaching methods and level of academic knowledge are compatible with the student’s attained academic ability will help gain the best educational experience. Age-specific group courses also help students fully immerse in the classroom, as students usually prefer to be included in a similar group in life stage and academic ability.    

 

3. Research the location

Going to summer school in a desired location, such as Oxford, Milan, or Shanghai, can be the deciding factor in choosing the right program based on the student’s desires. Yet the place might also be the most difficult decision you or the student will have to make, due to distance, and for what many students maybe their first time travelling alone. With that in mind, it is vital to research the grounds of the school where they will be staying, as this is an integral part of the course’s overall experience.  

In addition, consider the students’ use of English – does the USA or the United Kingdom suit them more? If the student wishes to study in the country in the future, Summer School will often be their first impression. Oxford is a historic city, steeped in academic excellence. London is a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis, with a vast variety of academic institutions. A company to consider that runs summer schools in well renowned institutions in these locations is Oxford Summer Courses.

 

4. Accommodation

On-site residential accommodation will help with a student’s immersion into the course, not just in terms of staying within the school grounds, but often as a way to build closer relationships and social interactions with peers. Students will typically be offered catered accommodation, included in rate, whilst older students can be given the option of self-catered. Depending on the level of independence they desire, these options are essential to consider in ensuring students have a good experience. 

 

5. Research the teaching staff

Looking up the tutor, teacher, lecturers or specialists delivering the courses should also be a factor to consider. To get the most out of Summer Schools, check for esteemed guests, academic qualifications, and the Summer School’s approach to teaching. Knowing all these might be the difference between a good and a great course. 

If you are studying a language, you must check for tutor qualifications to ensure accredited educators teach the course with recognised qualifications for language teaching. Make sure you read through all the course material on the relevant website and email ahead to ask the administration team for any further clarifications or questions. They would be happy to help.

 

A bonus tip below is:

 

6. Contact a Consultant

The decision-making process can be confusing and arduous, given the sheer number of courses and everything else that must be considered. Consultants are a great way to narrow down information and options by working specifically with the needs and desires of students – making sure they apply to the best possible schools.

If you are still unsure about Summer Schools or do not know where to start, contact one of our expert consultants with years of experience in independent education by emailing info@gabbitas.com or alternatively call +44 203 026 7443.

With the relaxing of Covid restrictions in the UK, schools across the country are thrilled to welcome students back to their summer school programmes. From late June until the end of August, there is a wide variety of summer schools designed to enrich your children’s summer holidays, provide an invaluable experience of life at a British boarding school, and improve their understanding of British culture.

 

What are the benefits of summer schools?

Summer schools provide their students with a toolkit for future success, by building upon their current interests and strengths through academic study, sport, music, and other extracurricular activities. Not only will they develop their current skill set, but they will also have the opportunity to venture into new fields and take on novel challenges. Students will gain soft skills such as collaboration, leadership, and independent thinking. These are highly sought-after qualities and will be looked on favourably by admissions teams and employers alike.

They will benefit from all of this whilst thoroughly enjoying themselves. Students across the world have dealt with unprecedented times and it is important to have some time to unwind and relax. Spending time with peers and like-minded individuals with an array of facilities and activities at their disposal is the perfect way to achieve this.

 

Where are the summer schools located and how do I narrow down my options?

The variety of summer school options is very broad. If your child loves the water, they could spend part of their summer in the Lake District or the Brecon Beacons, where they could learn to canoe or paddleboard. Perhaps your child would prefer a sprawling country estate in Surrey with acres of sports facilities for them to enjoy. Or maybe they would relish the peace and quiet of a quaint cathedral town in Somerset. Whatever the preference, there is an ideal location to match every student’s wishes.

 

What will my child do at a summer school?

With a range of locations comes an abundance of possible activities. Most summer schools specialise in a particular area so you should have a clear idea of what your child would like to achieve before deciding which summer school they are going to attend. Much like when deciding which school they will attend, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Below, we have outlined the types of summer school to help you understand the available options.

 

Intensive English improvement

If your child is hoping to attend a British Boarding School, it is necessary to have a strong grasp of the English language. Many summer schools are designed to significantly improve English skills in a short period. They tend to be structured similarly to a school day, with morning and afternoon lessons before social activities with the other students in the evenings. These are available for students of all levels, for those who are complete beginners, to those who wish to complete their higher education in the UK and just need to refine their language skills. Bede’s Summer School in Sussex is an excellent example of an English-centred summer school. You can read more by clicking here.

 

Preparing for future studies

When applying to universities, it is very useful to have some background knowledge in the subject. Any relevant studies can be mentioned in personal statements and the time taken outside of regular school hours shows a genuine passion for the subject. Charterhouse summer school offers courses including “Introduction to Law” which will help with a seamless transition to studying law at university and, “Entrepreneurship” which will help develop many useful skills for business studies and related courses. Read more about their courses in their brochure.

 

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) courses

STEAM subjects are highly competitive and courses like that offered at Reddam House in Berkshire, provide students with a novel way to develop their knowledge and get ahead of their peers. Students will have the opportunity to show their innovative side through design and robotics projects, each taking home their creations at the end of the camp to remember their experience. Find out more about Reddam House Berkshire by clicking here.

 

Extra-curricular academic courses

These courses are for those who wish to develop extensive knowledge outside of the school curriculum and challenge themselves, in addition to adding an invaluable experience to their university applications. The Catalyst course at Winchester College is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students. The digital course focuses on change in the past, present, and future and is delivered by a team of experts, including a polar ecologist and a Stanford University Professor. Discover more by following this link.

 

High-level sports coaching

With options for both high-level athletes and beginners, your children could spend two weeks of their summer developing their skills with the guidance of professional coaches. Options include Golf at Bradfield College (brochure), a professional dance course with Bede’s (brochure), and football courses with Liverpool FC (brochure) and LaLiga, courtesy of Charterhouse and Bede’s respectively.

 

What measures are in place for Covid and student welfare?

Any schools recommended by us will have student welfare at the heart of their programme. The ultimate goal for students is enjoyment and to achieve this, schools will ensure all their needs are taken care of. Safeguarding leaders provide extensive training to all employees to ensure that they are best placed to look out for their students. All schools will have Covid measures in place, including double-vaccinated staff to minimize the risk of transmission. For specific details about each summer school, please send us an email and we will be happy to provide you with further information.

 

Get in touch

Our tutoring team would be delighted to help you select the best summer school for your children and to make the registration as easy as possible. Please get in touch today by emailing tutoring@gabbitas.com, alternatively call +44 203 026 7443

It’s an adventure!

The combination of activities that a summer camp can offer will take you out of your comfort zone by challenging you to try new things. Students come back from camps saying they have had the time of their lives and can’t wait to go back again next year!

Meet new friends

Being surrounded by lots of people your own age and sharing similar interests encourages instant bonds to form. Many students comment on the deep friendships they make. There is nothing like learning to sail with a stranger or doing a high ropes course to form an unbreakable connection.

Builds resilience

With so much on offer it is possible to try out lots of new things: some of them you will excel in and others you will struggle with. As you practice and get better with the support of the expert team, you will grow in confidence and realise that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Discover a new skill

There are summer camps to cater for all hobbies, and it’s also an opportunity to develop new ones. As the camp manager for Champittet Summer Leadership course says, “Students develop a variety of skills: communication, time management, goal setting, etiquette, presentation techniques, learning from industry experts.” Sometimes you will acquire a new skill from scratch, like a language, but you may also discover a hidden talent that you didn’t know existed.

Independence

For some students it can be the first experience of being away from home. Having dreamt of living in a Hogwarts environment free of ‘interfering’ adults, they suddenly have a chance to make their own decisions and organise their own time – a great learning experience and it also makes them much more appreciative of home and Mum and Dad when they get back!

Safe environment

With the highly experienced staff that run the camps, parents can rest assured that their children will be well looked after. Professional experts will be on hand to supervise the new skills and challenges and there is often a team of young mentors who are around to encourage everyone to take part and be a friendly face.

Improve a language

This is often one of the key reasons parents enrol the children in a camp so that they can acquire or perfect another language – courses vary in the amount of hours they offer but however long is spent in the classroom there is always more time spent on other activities so you are learning the language in an immersive environment.

Cultural experience

Not only do you have an opportunity to spend some time living in another country with a different culture, right down to the language and the food, but you will also have an opportunity to visit some of the famous sights and take advantage of the galleries, museums, theatres and other excitements that are unique to that location.

Multinational environment

Students come from all over the world to be part of summer camps. This means you get to find out all about other cultures and languages when you all work together to achieve a common goal, whether that is cracking a code, learning to be spy master or taking a Law course in an Oxford College.

Confidence builder

When your child returns from a successful summer camp, they will feel like they can conquer the world. They have acquired new skills, tackled challenging tasks, made new friends and learnt some independent living skills. This newly built confidence will carry them into the new school year so they start on a high, confident in their ability to achieve.

Considering a summer camp or school for your child this summer? Gabbitas can help you find the right fit for your child.

Summer schools are a fantastic way for children and teenagers to have fun, learn new skills not covered at school, meet interesting new people and broaden their minds. The number of courses available is constantly multiplying, and the choice is now so vast that it is difficult for parents to make a choice. We spoke to Claire MacGillivray, Director of the Gordonstoun International Summer School, and asked her to share a bit more about their programme and the benefits of attending a summer school this year.

Tell us a bit about the Gordonstoun Summer Programme?

The Gordonstoun International Summer School (GISS) has been running at Gordonstoun for over forty years, and shares the same unique educational ethos as Gordonstoun. Students are encouraged to have as many experiences both inside and outside the classroom as possible.  Consequently dance, drama, creative arts, music, sailing, sport and outdoor education all sit alongside academics in the all-encompassing curriculum. The blend of academic and outward bound activities, with a week spent on the West Coast of Scotland sailing and abseiling, makes this course unique amongst summer schools.

Our aim is to provide a safe, happy, exciting and invigorating environment for students to come together to learn, have fun and make friends.  We welcome students from all over the world and are always happy when they return – which they often do – and happier still when we are able to welcome students whose parents themselves attended our summer school.

The summer camp is a wonderful introduction to boarding life, whilst having fun over a lovely summer.  We are completely confident that we can meet any expectations either parents or children might have of a wonderful summer school experience, whilst also offering an excellent programme of academic study amidst all the other excitements.

What are the benefits of your summer programme?

The benefits of attending any summer programme are plentiful for young people, at Gordonstoun we would summarise them as:

Academic improvement

Which might be English as a second language (we teach three different levels of EAL classes – beginners, intermediate and advanced) or it could be Spanish, Literature and Creative writing or Computing and Information Technology. All of which will compliment any academic work undertaken by the student at their school.

Confidence building

We help each student develop a greater sense of not only who they are, but also of what they are capable of. We have a very high ratio of 1 member of staff to 2 students, allowing each student to challenge themselves in any area, knowing they are fully supported; whether it is by taking the stage, playing a sport or jumping into the sea for the first time!

Team working & leadership skills

The very broad curriculum ensures students will have the chance to experience things they have never experienced before, enabling them to discover and develop skills they never dreamt they had.  They also consequently develop leadership skills, understanding of what it is to work in a team, to be part of a team, and to help your team mates!

International friendships & increased cultural awareness

Because it is an International Summer School, they have the opportunity to meet and make friends with children from all over the world, from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. This encourages understanding, respect, compassion and responsible cultural awareness. We are careful to ensure that the students come from as many different countries as we can, and that there is not a majority of any one nationality, in order to keep GISS as diverse as possible.

Lots of fun & create lifelong memories

It’s also, fundamentally, designed to be fun! With so many new activities to be tried – creative /sporting / adventure / sailing – there is something for everyone.  Our Gordonstoun International Summer School motto is – “where everyone smiles in the same language”.

Gordonstoun International Summer School is for students aged 8-16 years and each course last 3 ½ weeks during the summer. For more information and to book your child’s place, please visit their website.

 

When it comes to choosing a summer school, Gabbitas consultants will do the hard work for you. We discover exactly what it is you are looking for and offer you a choice of courses that best suit your needs from amongst the thousands on the market. From English language lessons to adventure holidays – and everything in between – we can find the perfect course for your child. Get in touch today to find out more!

As parents, we want the best for our children when it comes to their education. We want them to attend quality schools and universities, get a good degree, and have as many opportunities open to them as possible. With today’s increasingly rapid changes in technology and the job market, schools are recognising more and more the importance of developing students’ social and personal success over and above the academic.

The development of the whole child, including social-emotional learning and leadership skills, helps to fully prepare them for the world of tomorrow, whatever it will bring. But what can we do to help them achieve that? Tunji David Lees, Head of Student Development at Swiss Leadership Camp & Academy shares steps you can take at home, events in Dubai, summer camps in Switzerland and school programmes that every child can benefit from.

The benefits of a well-rounded education

When searching for schools, look beyond just their academic strengths. Ask yourself whether the school offers students a truly rounded education.

For example, the IB curriculum includes Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) as a core component of their diploma programme, whereby students should have two CAS activities for each category in which they participate on a weekly basis. Around 80% of IB students say that as a result of participating in CAS they have developed better interpersonal skills, self-awareness, empathy, planning skills, and have learned to persevere and take on new challenges. These so-called “soft skills” are all important elements of leadership development.

Many top school have innovative initiatives, such as Nord Anglia’s Global Campus which helps inspire innovation, collaboration and leadership in their students.

There are similar components of non-formal learning in the British curricula, with many schools placing an increasing emphasis on learning beyond the classroom through extra-curricular activities and industry related experiences.

Student leadership programmes at school

It is also important to be fully informed about the student leadership programmes your child’s school might have. This could mean being a student leader, part of the school’s student council, participating in the Model United Nations, a SILC Student Leadership conference or other similar school programmes.

Some students might not feel confident in joining such a scheme, feeling that they don’t have the right skill sets. However, part of being a good leader is being aware of what you don’t know and being willing to learn. Admitting what you don’t know and having a growth mindset can open many doors. The best leaders after all, acknowledge that learning is a lifelong endeavour.

Read more about the upcoming SILC Student Leadership conference in Dubai this March here.

Extra-curricular activities

Music or dance lessons, football or volleyball clubs, boy or girl scouts are but a few among the huge variety of after-school activities available to students these days. Getting involved in an extra-curricular activity is great way to help young people boost their self-esteem and self-confidence while learning and improving important life skills such as goal setting, time management, decision making, teamwork and conflict resolution; all important leadership skills.

Time allowing, it is beneficial for children to be involved in several extra-curricular activities.

Giving responsibility at home

In order to become good leaders, we must first learn to take responsibility for ourselves. Giving your child the opportunity to be responsible and take decisions can be a valuable learning experience. This can be getting them to plan and manage their own free time constructively, or getting them more involved in household chores that relate to them.

Things such as having your teenager take care of their own laundry, or cooking once or twice a week for the family can be great way for young people to learn independence and responsibility. Before delegating tasks however, it’s important to involve your child in the decision making process to minimise any resentment from their side. Sit down together as a family and see if you can come up with ideas together.

Your child might not be too happy about having extra chores around the house, but in the long run they will realise the value of it.

Student leadership training

Everyone is different, some people are born leaders, others are less confident or experienced. Something everyone can benefit from however, is leadership training focused on tapping into their individual potential and strengths. Through these sort of programmes students face challenges, improve teamwork, build on interpersonal relationships and learn to step up and take responsibility for themselves, preparing them for success in the challenging and interconnected world of the 21st century.

Here are some examples of such programmes from the SILC Swiss Leadership Camp and Academy, which are open to all students age 11 to 17:

• SILC Student Leadership Conference – 23 March 2019 at the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach Dubai
• Champittet Summer Leadership Course – a summer camp in Switzerland with a focus on leadership training. Three sessions starting 1^st July, 15^th July & 29^th July 2019, each for 2 weeks.

Swiss International Leadership Camp & Academy

We are a premier Student Leadership organisation with more than 10 years of experience in the education industry. Based in Switzerland, we work with students from the world’s most prestigious schools around the world and unlock their potential with our school workshops, school camps as well as two week summer camps and one day conferences open for all students. Our programmes are specially designed using our SILC curricular framework to combine outdoor activities and fun games alongside training sessions and personal evaluations, and has proven to be a powerful tool for developing student learning and leadership skills.