Week 2 was a week of excitement and learning here on the Gold Coast in the Junior Holiday Program (JHP). From exploring Australian culture and history to participating in fun-filled adventures on campus and around the city, students had the opportunity to practice their English skills while making lifelong friendships from around the world. Each day focused on enhancing language learning through interactive lessons and real-world experiences. Here’s a recap of the week:
Monday, 20th January 2025:
Today’s topic focused on free time and routines. Students participated in various activities related to the theme. Students worked together to brainstorm as many hobbies as possible they could think of. They then created a list of likes and dislikes and compared their list with other classmates. Students shared the different things they like to do in their free time in their country and in Australia.
In the afternoon, we played various board games at school. Students were excited to share and teach each other different games from their country. It was a fulfilling afternoon learning new games and practicing English.
Tuesday, 21st January 2025:
At the beginning of Tuesday’s lesson, students used inquiry-based learning to explore a picture of Australia’s famous Lifesavers. Then we read an article about our iconic Bondi Beach and discussed what problems can happen to people at the beach. Students investigated the safety advice from Surf Lifesaving Australia and created posters to demonstrate their understanding.
In the afternoon we visited Skypoint and students were able to experience the Gold Coast from the tallest building in Australia. Our excitement and anticipation rose with each of the 77 floor-elevator-journey. When we arrived at the top we had a 360-degree perspective of the Coast and students took in the breathtaking views and used the opportunity to seek out some the landmarks and areas they knew, such as Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise Beach and Southport. Students also expressed their intention to return to Observation Deck to do the Skypoint Climb.
Wednesday, 22nd January 2025:
This morning the class talked about movies and the vocabulary used to discuss them; such as genre, characters/actors, setting, actors, plot and reviews. Next students read and analysed movie reviews, before giving their opinions on movies and other media topics.
For the afternoon activity students watched The Super Mario Brothers movie; while thinking about the parts we had discussed earlier. To finish, students wrote a movie review identifying the aspects practiced earlier in the day and expressing their opinion on the movie.
Thursday, 23rd January 2025:
Today’s topic was describing weekends. The class learned about grammar: prepositions and adverbs of frequency. Students used these to talk about weekend activities and read about their peer’s weekends. Then students planned their own weekend paragraph, including the grammar, to describe what they do on weekends.
The class went into Surfers Paradise to play arcade games at Archie Brothers. Students played a variety of games, including puck it, car simulation and claw. All students earned points to enable them win a prize at the end. Some lucky students also got souvenirs using the claw, including one student who caught ten rubber ducks.
Friday, 24th January 2025:
Friday’s topic focused on Australia Day. We started off the morning learning about the history of Australia Day, then we discussed the different celebrations students might celebrate in their own country that highlight the culture. Students then reviewed Australian slang and added some new Aussie words to their vocabulary!
In the afternoon students got the opportunity to try some typical Australian cuisine. Some favourites were Vegemite and Lamingtons. Students then joined the High School Preparation classes, competing as teams for Australia Day Trivia. There was lots of laughter and unforgettable memories to end the week.
Saturday, 25th January 2025:
We had a blast at Warner Bros. Movie World on Saturday. Everything went as planned and smoothly, and the students did wonderfully together speaking English and having fun!
Our favourite rides and shows were The Wizard of Oz, Superman Escape and DC Rivals HyperCoaster (The Joker) rollercoasters.
It was an exciting way to finish this week and celebrate the new friendships made.
Week 2 was filled with valuable learning experiences related to hobbies and a deeper understanding of Australia and each other’s cultures. Students were able to connect on a deeper level sharing the different interests they each have both at home and here in Australia. Stay tuned next week to hear more about JHP week 3.
Since 2003, BROWNS English Language School has delivered world-class English Language training to international students from around the world. More than 35,000 students from 102 nationalities have completed a BROWNS program, making BROWNS one of the leading private ELICOS providers in Australia for adults and young learners.
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BROWNS English Language School Pty Ltd trading as BROWNS English Language School and BROWNS Professional | CRICOS Provider Number: 02663M | ABN: 31 111 453 831 | RTO Code: 31998 | Primary Holiday Program in Australia | Junior Holiday Program | English in Australia | Interactive Lessons | English for kids | Study English in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne