More than 670 young people from over 40 countries have taken part in Felsted School’s online international summer school, after the cancellation of the onsite programme due to Covid-19.
The two-week programme was split into two academic pathways: an English language course for overseas participants looking to improve their English; and a global studies programme which covered a diverse range of topics including global pandemics, environmental protection, human rights, foreign aid, international security and concepts of justice.
The day consisted of short and flexible online sessions to make allowances for different time zones, with participants watching a pre-recorded video, reading tailored articles relating to the subject and academic research, all before attending live discussions.
Director of global education Daniel Emmerson said: “When the summer school runs on site, we pride ourselves on our approach to building a strong community, through our range of learning pathways, creative academies and the social interaction between students; it was hard to imagine how this was going to work via our online platform.
“However, our students did a superb job in working hard and collaborating together in order to bring the course to life. They created an immersive online community, engaging with the subject material in a fashion that was truly inspirational.
“Five hundred and ninety-one students participated in our global studies course, and each one of their contributions could be felt. I remain inspired by what the students were able to achieve and I can’t wait to get to work on our next online platform.”
Felsted’s international summer school usually runs onsite for six weeks during July and August for ages 8–17.
Now considered Felsted’s fourth term, pupils have the chance to sample a British educational and boarding programme with two academic pathways, as well as numerous academies, clubs, activities and excursions.
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