Gabbitas hosted their inaugural Language and Business Summer School in July and August 2011 to an international array of students from all over the world. Children aged from 13-17 arrived from all over the globe, including the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Ukraine and Russia, to take part in the three-week long course, which was hosted at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. The Summer School was co-designed and endorsed by the Association of Business Executives, to give international young scholars with an interest in business a taste of life at a UK independent school, while also honing their skills and English language. The students enjoyed a thorough few weeks, which saw them not only learn in the classroom, but visit vital business establishments in London and the rest of the UK. Here’s a lowdown of what happened:
Week 1 – 17 July to 24 July 2011
When the students arrived from their international flights, they were all transferred to the famous Stowe School, which is surrounded by lush, rural countryside before formal introductions 
were made. After being shown to their accommodation, a game of basketball followed. Monday saw the students familiarise themselves with the campus before going swimming. The first real challenge came on Tuesday when a business terminology test was held to establish levels of knowledge. As the week progressed, the students learned about enterprise skills and business basics, international business, marketing, teamwork and leadership. Day trips included visits to the Milton Keynes City Design Workshop and Stratford-Upon-Avon to see the famous houses of Shakespeare.
“I learnt things I consider very useful and practical. I’ve been to amazing places and I’ve met incredible people” Dafne, aged 17
Week 2 – 25 July to 31 July 2011
The second week of the Language and Business Summer School intensified and started with a guided walk around the City of London. Some of the students had never seen this part of the capital before so this was an eye-opening experience for them. This week, they also went on visits to see the Coca-Cola factory in North London, Oxford University, Woburn Safari Park and Cadbury World near Birmingham. Meanwhile, in the classroom, the youngsters learned about career profiling, public speaking and had to prepare a pitch in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ activity. Additionally, an introduction to Higher Education in the UK was held on the Wednesday.
“It was a beautiful experience. The group was like a family. I love the place and the people there. I want to come back next year and repeat the fantastic activities.” Elena, aged 14
Week 3 – 1 August to 7 August
The final week got harder while studying at Stowe School: the students learned more about communication skills, CV development, interview practices, general study skills and team-building exercises using all the skills they had built up over the three weeks. Away from class, they went back down to London for a bus tour and boat cruise while also enjoying various sports and taking Polaroid photos around the lush Stowe School grounds. A formal dinner, presentations and awards ceremony ended a busy few weeks on a high before they all departed home on the Sunday.
“I would recommend the Language and Business Summer School to my friends because it’s a very good place to study business and learn about enterprise, and an interesting way to improve our English.” Daniil, aged 13
Gabbitas will be running a similar Language and Business Summer School in 2012, dates will be confirmed in due course.
To register your interest for the 2012 Language and Business Summer School, or to request more information, please click here summer school enquiries or call Bethan Buchanan on +44 (0)20 7734 0161.