Fettes Centre for Language & Culture: Residential Summer Programme in Edinburgh

The academic programme is based on weekly themes, each named after a great work of literature with a Scottish connection. Students engage in lessons that delve into the themes of these works, enhancing their language skills and cultural understanding. Classes are divided into two groups: Young Learners (10–13 years old) and Young Students (14–17 years old), with lessons from A1 to C1 level. The programme emphasizes speaking and communication skills, aiming to build students' confidence in using English in real-life situations. Teachers prepare their own lessons based on the weekly theme, and students can see the plan for the week, helping them get ready and be more involved in their learning.

The programme includes accommodation in on-campus boarding houses, full-board meals, lessons, activities, excursions, and 24-hour pastoral care. Students stay in a mixture of traditional and modern boarding houses on the Fettes College campus, providing a secure and comfortable environment. Meals are lovingly prepared by Fettes College staff and served in the large, bright dining hall, with a good choice of hot food, fresh fruit, and salads served every day. The package also covers airport transfers, excursions, activities, and materials, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for all participants.

Students are accommodated in a mixture of traditional and modern boarding houses on the Fettes College campus. Staying on campus reduces wasted time and helps ensure students are safe and well cared for. The boarding houses provide a secure and comfortable environment, allowing students to interact with peers from around the world and experience a taste of UK boarding school life. The campus offers a range of facilities, including a theatre, music and art rooms, tennis and basketball courts, a large indoor sports hall, and playing fields for outdoor sports and activities.

Meals are lovingly prepared by Fettes College staff and served in the large, bright dining hall, with a good choice of hot food, fresh fruit, and salads served every day. The dining hall offers a variety of options to cater to different dietary preferences and needs, ensuring that all students have access to nutritious and satisfying meals throughout their stay. The meal plan is designed to provide students with the energy and nutrition needed to participate fully in both academic and extracurricular activities.

The cultural programme includes a variety of sports, afternoon and evening activities, and weekend trips out of Edinburgh. These activities are designed to complement the academic programme and provide students with opportunities to practice English in informal settings. Students participate in whole-school and small group sports and activities held on the beautiful campus, as well as excursions to various locations in and around Edinburgh. The activities are carefully planned to ensure they are engaging, educational, and enjoyable, fostering a sense of community and cultural appreciation among participants.

The Fettes College campus boasts a wide range of excellent facilities, including a theatre, music and art rooms, tennis and basketball courts, a large indoor sports hall, and playing fields for outdoor sports and activities. These facilities are available for students to use during their stay, providing ample opportunities for recreation and personal development. The campus is situated on the edge of Edinburgh's New Town, offering a perfect location for discovering the historic city and exploring Scottish culture. The secure campus environment ensures that students are safe and well cared for throughout their stay.

FCLC Edinburgh has been accredited by the British Council and has been awarded seven areas of strength in its most recent full, in-person inspection (2016) – Care of Under 18s, Quality Assurance, Care of Students, Premises & Facilities, Accommodation, Staff Management, and Leisure Opportunities. The programme is designed to ensure participants get maximum benefit from a short stay in the UK, combining rigorous language instruction with engaging cultural activities. Students are introduced to authors, explore themes of literature in lessons, and participate in activities and excursions that develop these themes, fostering a deep connection with both the language and the culture.