The name says it all: Exsportise camps are all about high-level specialist coaching in sports, dance or music - with the additional option of English lessons for those who need them. Exsportise was founded in 1988 by Dutch former professional hockey player Bram van Asselt, who experienced the power of learning a language through sport whilst playing on the international hockey scene.
Camps are residential only, for a minimum of one week. Most students do either one or two weeks, but international pupils often sign up for between three and five weeks. (If you want to arrive a day earlier and leave a day later, that’s fine too - there's a small additional charge). Camps take place at three leading UK boarding schools: Oundle (ages 11 to 17), Seaford College (ages 10 to 16) and Worth School (ages 10 to 16). All have beautiful campuses and impeccable facilities.
Each day, students have two three-hour sessions. One is in the sport or skill of their choice - and if your child isn’t a native English speaker and wants to improve, they can opt to have English lessons in the second session. British children can opt for two sports sessions, either focusing on one or two sports. There’s a huge range of sports on offer (please check the location box below for details of which are available at your chosen site). English is taught both in formal classes and – more importantly – through play, communication and coaching on the sports pitches.
Students are grouped according to ability and age. They’re a happy mix of British and international: in a normal year, 90 per cent of pupils would arrive from overseas, Europe and much further afield.
Importantly, your child doesn’t have to be a county-level superstar to join in – many are just there for the love of it, and beginners are very welcome, as long as they’re up for the three-hour coaching sessions. Staff are typically sports teachers, usually from private schools, who come back year after year. Others are professional coaches or ex-pro sports players. Pastoral care is reassuringly strong: camps are small (160-180), there’s a high staff-to-student ratio (one member of staff to every four pupils), and all staff live on site. The focus is firmly on the individual child – students gain confidence and other important life skills, as well as honing their sporting prowess. We’re assured the food is excellent.
The evenings are huge fun too, with discos, casino nights, dodgeball and talent nights, all planned by the dedicated on-site entertainment manager. Students on dance and music courses put on a showcase performance on Friday evenings. Evenings are also dedicated to Exsportise’s unique ‘True Me’ programme - fun, competitive challenges to help children build confidence and self-awareness.
Most importantly, the emphasis is on fun – and we particularly love the ‘phubbing’ (phone-snubbing) policy, which ensures that the use of electronic devices is limited. What bliss to spend your summer with lots of kindred spirits who share your passion for sport, music or dance! Children have a blast and make friends for life – and international students benefit from the total immersion in the English language.