Course description
This prestigious boarding school is nestled within the picturesque Berkshire countryside. With both a rich history and an association with academic excellence, Downe House provides an enchanting and historical environment in which to learn.
Surrounded by rolling hills and charming woodlands, Downe House is only a short journey from the historic market town of Newbury. Boasting the perfect blend of classic features and modern facilities, this location provides a truly immersive setting for young learners.
Living
Twin/Triple/Quad Standard Rooms
Rooms are located on-site at Downe House
Room furniture includes a wardrobe, desk, and chair
Rooms are cleaned weekly
Laundry is available in the residence building
Meals are served in the dining hall
Wi-Fi throughout
Bathrooms are cleaned every weekday and linen is changed weekly
Students must bring their own towel
A deposit of £30 is required upon arrival and there is a charge for replacing any lost keys
Dining & facilities
Downe House make sure that students have the right nutritional balance. Meals are served in the dining hall.
Breakfast
Continental breakfast including juice, toast, cereal, and fruit.
Lunch
A minimum of 2 options are available, including a vegetarian option.
Dinner
A minimum of 2 options are available, including a vegetarian option.
Facilities
Communal dining room and lounge
Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
Laundry facilities are available
Indoor sports centre
Outdoor playing field
Learning
Bespoke lesson materials, the Embassy lesson is designed to engage students in discussion, to develop the key life skills of collaboration and intercultural communication, and to provide extensive opportunities to practice and build on current language.
Lessons taught by teachers trained to deliver the Embassy Lessons
17 students per class and classes suitable for students of all levels.
15 hours a week
20 x 45 mins in UK, US and Canada
15 x 60 mins in Malta
All learning resources provided are age appropriate and all students receive an end of course certificate of attendance.
Programme
Arrival
Students will be welcomed upon arrival at Downe House where they will register and get their room keys so that they can check in to their rooms.
Welcome
On the first evening, there will be a welcome activity which is designed to ensure students have the opportunity to meet staff and other students and get to know more about the campus, its facilities, and useful information that will help them during their stay.
Activities
Activities are organised before and after lessons and during the evenings. These activities could be on-site or near the centre. These may include:
Sports such as football, basketball, and volleyball
Daytime activities such as scavenger hunts and drama workshops
Evening activities such as quizzes, talent shows, and team games
Course topics
Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities
Class schedule
Course duration
1-4 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday (08 Jul - 05 Aug)
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
01 Jan 2025 and 25 Dec 2025
EC Berkshire, Downe House (Junior) does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.
Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.
Class level
All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Newbury.
Student age
| Age range |
10 - 18 years old |
Certificate
A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
