Brownlee schools

The English language program has been specifically designed to meet the needs of our learners. Through using a blended learning method, our qualified native speaker teachers ensure that students who come and study with BLISS learn, have fun and leave having had a great summer experience.

The classroom is a great environment where students can improve their English, and when they twin that with the practical application of the vocabulary and grammar in the football team, in the stables, at the cinema or visiting a castle they can really start to benefit from the English they have learned.

By using their language in such a way they can begin to communicate in a confident and easy manner.   

English speaking skills, communication skills and integration skills, in and out of class, are a key aim for us,  as well as having a lot of fun.

Students are divided into classes by age group (ages 7-12 and 13-17) and by level (elementary to advanced). To maximise the experience of every student, it is recommended that students are involved for a minimum of two weeks.

However, we do tailor courses to meet the individual requirements of the parents and their children, based on our 15 hour English specific programme that also offers Menu specific options from Music/Sport /Multi sport for the afternoon activities. 

The Program

Every day you are with us at BLISS, we are all working towards the same common goal – speaking better English! All of us, all of the time, will speak to you in English, as will other students. The classrooms are full of interactive, happy discussion in English and the afternoon activities have all the rules and instructions given in English. All staff members speak in English, even though most of them can speak a second language.

In the mornings, you will have your lessons in a classroom setting, where you will benefit from an interactive style of teaching and learning. You will work towards completion of a weekly project at your own level and you will be able to ask your teacher and peers for support.

Out of the classroom, whether in the common rooms, rugby pitches or sports halls, students will be communicating in English (the common language) with other students from the UK, as well as with students from many different nations. Because Staff only speak English to them, students have to speak to us in English in order to have a meaningful conversation.

The lessons

Our course is based on the Theory of Natural Acquisition, pioneered by Stephen Krashen.

We want the language to stick in the minds of our students and we want them to view learning English as a pleasure. With this in mind, we have designed our course to have formal elements, as well as informal ones. When you learn your first language, you do so through listening, repetition and then understanding – this is Natural Acquisition. That is our aim for our learners. While you might arrive unfamiliar with certain vocabulary, grammar or accent, you will certainly understand these aspects of English much better when you leave. Students will experience full-immersion English while they are with us. Through working with the daily routine, following instructions and interacting with each other, they will start to absorb and use English they didn’t have before.

All teachers follow the same syllabus, which means that all students are learning the same topics, but at different levels for different age groups. In this way, all students can converse about their lessons in the morning, no matter what class they are in. Classes have a maximum of 16 students and as diverse a range of nationalities as possible. 

Afternoon Electives

We have 11 different options for you to choose from for your afternoons with us. From Yoga to Rugby, make your choice to suit your skills and enjoy making memories every afternoon at BLISS.

NEW for 2023- Rock School!
We are always looking for ways to improve. We listened to you, and through your feedback, we have added 3 popular additions. 

​HOCKEY
A fast paced game of dexterity and aptitude, hockey is an exciting afternoon option of skill, training and development. Teaming up with HPC Scotland, BLISS are delighted to offer one week of hockey training lead by our double Olympian (Team GB) coach. You will be able to tap into their many years’ wealth of experience, up-to-date knowledge, expertise and coaching techniques that will push you onto the next level of your game. Everyone is welcome from beginners to advanced. This afternoon course will take advantage of Kilgraston's hockey pitch. This well-subscribed afternoon option is heavily populated with UK players.
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Mixed Summer Sports (half day or full day options available) 
We have purpose-built courts here for racket sports, both indoor and outdoor. The tennis courts must surely inspire any young player, as they will be practising in the home country of Andy Murray, at our school in Scotland! Our instructors are well qualified and experienced in working with students of all ages.  Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, all the instruction you receive will be in English; a perfect opportunity to learn through playing sport. Perhaps you can’t decide which is your favourite sport? Is it football, hockey or basketball? No problem – Mixed Sports is for you! This afternoon option gives students the opportunity to try a wide range of indoor and outdoor games, from basketball to rounders; from cricket to badminton. There will even be time for a dip in the pool, should you feel like a swim! Students will have the opportunity to request a sport. If we can run it for you, then we will! Mixed Sports is offered to international and UK students.

Golf 
Working with a Golf Pro, you will be able to tee off in a nearby golf course, the envy of all as Scotland is the home of golf!

Outdoor Adventures
Paddle boarding, archery, kayaking, aqua zorbing and outdoor skills are all part of this afternoon elective. We can use the Outdoor Classroom that is home to parachutes suspended in the tree tops of the forest. We can learn bushcraft, den building, build a camp fire and round off by toasting marshmallows. We will go off to the River Tay with experts to show us how to enjoy the Scottish outdoors at its best!

Horse riding 
In our onsite stables, you will spend your afternoons learning how to care for your horse (or pony!), stable management as well as practising your riding skills. Our expert staff are able to assist your learning no matter your level, from no experience up to very experienced. 

Art
Led by our resident artist, in the art rooms overlooking stunning Scotland, we offer Arts and Crafts to students who want afternoons that give them time and space to draw, paint, make models, mood-boards or whatever takes their fancy! It is a more relaxed activity, where students can work on projects either individually or in a group. It is an ideal opportunity if you are already a budding artist or just looking to learn some techniques. This option is open to international and UK students.

Drama
How about a week spending your afternoons writing a play, editing the script, directing and deciding on the music to accompany it? This afternoon activity gives creative students the opportunity to work together in a group to create a short play. They can then act out their play on Friday afternoon, to the rest of the camp, in our theatre. With professional lighting and dramatic sound effects, this is guaranteed to take the camp by storm! We are delighted to offer this option to international and UK students.

Sightseeing in Scotland
This afternoon option gives students the opportunity to visit places of Scottish cultural significance. How about a trip to the castle where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in Stirling? Are you wondering what the tall spire is in the distance? If so, you can visit the Wallace Monument and find out about William Wallace – hero of Scotland! Every day you will go somewhere different and every day you will have a fact-sheet and gain valuable information about Scotland and its rich history. Afterwards, you can share your new knowledge with other students who weren’t on this trip – in English of course! Click here for more information

1-2-1 Extra English 
If you are looking to make a dramatic improvement in your English, this afternoon activity is for you! Games, presentations, speeches, debates, marketing, business and advertising are all topics that are covered. This option is for learners of English working at an intermediate level or above.​ There is an extra fee for this option as we tailor the programme to your specific needs. . 

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