New Hope Summer School’s academic program provides a challenging and stimulating learning environment where students have the opportunity to improve their academic skills. With an average class size of five students and individual attention from teachers, students achieve success in areas they never thought possible.
The 5:1 student to teacher ratio ensures that attention is focused and productivity is maximised. Teachers use multi-sensory strategies and methods to teach students with different learning styles. Classes such as English Language, Creative Writing, Arithmetic, Study Skills, Forward to Literacy, Recreational Program, etc. enable students to develop and enhance their skills.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE
The English Language program is offered for Beginners, Lower Intermediate and Upper Intermediate levels. Daily five-hour classes are devoted to:
-Reading
-Spelling
-Handwriting skills
-Written expression
-Comprehension
-Prior to the start of the program screening tests are administered to all students to verify their ability and ensure that they are taught at the appropriate level.
COMPUTERS
Computers are an important tool for the students who have spelling and expressive writing difficulties. New Hope recognises this and provides a computer lab as well as a pc in each class, all of which are internet enabled. Students use the computers for a variety of reasons during their selected course including:
–To learn keyboard skills (taught in the language tutorials and writing classes)
-To use appropriate speech-to-text technology to assist them with reading and expressive writing
-To encourage students to use the internet in researching projects in different classes
-For other problem solving endeavour
-To compose, edit, and revise a creative story
LiFLexiA (Light Flow Lexical Approach)
As a part of the English language course students are offered sessions on the LiFlexiA methodology, – pioneered by Dr. Eleni Rossides at New Hope- to improve their spelling, reading and writing skills.
This innovative multi-sensory method attempts to match teaching to learning style and increase the individual’s performance skills.
It is an important tool for students with reading and spelling difficulties. LiFLexiA is included in students’ daily program to improve their skills along with their eye-hand coordination, visual and short term memory, auditory discrimination and phonological awareness.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
To ensure a well-rounded curriculum that includes not only academics but also physical activity, New Hope Summer School balances the academic effort with a variety of sports activities including swimming, athletics and basketball.
Special activities to address Dyslexia and Dyspraxia (DCD) are included each day to develop co-ordination, body awareness and relaxation.
These activities are helpful in sharpening focus, fine motor skills, reading, listening, writing or whole body movement. The gym techniques are incorporated into daily program during physical education classes.