"I looked at a lot of different summer schools and one of the main reasons I applied to Bell was that the pay was really good, very competitive." – Tom Lowe, EFL Teacher

"We have all our meals provided for us and we all live rent free that’s all included in the job, that’s two big perks of the job." – Stephen Theobald, Activity Leader

The Bell Young Learner courses are held in 6 picturesque centres in the south of England (for more information on the locations click here).

Generally, staff members will have a single bedroom with shared bathroom facilities in single gender areas.* As well as a laundry, each site has a communal staff area in which to relax when off duty, with drinks facilities provided. This is a great space to get to know your colleagues or just unwind.

"You always have your own room inside the house so you get to know the people around you well, the rooms are nice, and they’re clean". – Claire Warren, Activity Leader

"All the rooms and accommodation are really nice and it’s a bonus not to have to pay cost of living – a definite perk" – Sian Davies, Course Assistant

"I’ve really liked the food here, it’s brilliant and in plentiful supply!" – William Fischer, EFL Teacher

Dining is an important part of the summer school experience, giving staff and students a chance to boost their energy levels whilst socialising with both their colleagues and the students. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily, with a choice of hot and cold food, vegetarian options, fruit and dessert, you’ll never go hungry**!

"The food is great, there’s always a wide selection of food, and you get to sit and socialise with everybody during all your mealtimes, I really like it." – Claire Warren, Activity Leader

*On occasion staff may be asked to share a twin room with another member of staff of the same gender.

**Special dietary requirements are also catered for.

Teaching Resources

Resource Library:

"Resources are vast, in the teachers room there are a lot of books they give you project ideas, there are the resources in school to use, as well as lots of outside areas. If there is a project you want to do, the management will support and help you find resources if you need them for your project. You’re not limited in any way." – Natalie Bosomworth, EFL Teacher

Each location has a resource library where teachers can find a vast range of books including sets of text books, methodology books and books related to specific skills such as listening and reading, audio materials and games, for every ability and age. In addition to this, computers, printers and photocopiers are available to all staff. This is a great area for teachers to discuss and share ideas, plan lessons and find new resources.

In addition, each site has a well-stocked Activity Office with a wide range of sports and art equipment and nearly everything that is needed for successful evening events programme.

Intranet:

"We have access to the internet as well the Bell Intranet which has got quite a lot of material that you can use if you want or just look at for ideas. There is also a fantastic resource library which has got all sorts of books from elementary all the way up to advanced which you can dip into." – William Fischer, EFL Teacher

All staff have access to the intranet which provides a variety of teaching resources for both English lessons and activities.

EFL teachers can find resources based on a number of different areas including:

• Project ideas and sample lessons
• Literature
• Language Work
• First and Last Lessons
• Exam Preparation
• Activities based on study tours (excursions)

Activity Leaders and Houseparents can find resources related to areas including:

• Afternoon activities (sport/non-sport)
• Evening activities (on/offsite)
• Daily timetables
• Announcements, signs and posters

Classrooms:

"There is every resource I could possibly have dreamt of, we’ve got interactive whiteboards, and every single classroom has a projector. We have speakers, video cameras, still cameras colour printing and a photocopier and an entire library of books so there is never a problem with resources." – EFL Teacher, Bloxham

With projectors, interactive whiteboards, laptops and much more available in the majority of classrooms, teachers are able to make their lessons as dynamic and active as they like.

Activity Facilities

Sports and activities are a fundamental part of course life, with each course having a dedicated activity programme, that either encourages students to try new sports and activities or focus on improving skills in one particular sport and activity all whilst using their newly acquired language skills. This importance is reflected in the variety of sporting and creative facilities on offer at every site (for more information on specific sites, please click here.

The facilities are not limited to student use, and in their free time, staff are encouraged to take advantage of everything the grounds have to offer.

"There are always others around so you can arrange to go and play sport or take time out and do the things you find important to relax”. – Gayle White, Houseparent

"I would definitely recommend working on a Bell course because it’s such good fun, although it’s hard work, the more you put in the more you get out, it’s an experience for yourself as well as one you pass on to others." – Marie Heathcock, Activity Leader

Bell understands that the key to happy students is a team of happy staff; consequently we take every opportunity to make sure our employees have an unforgettable experience, and the chance to further their careers.

Promotion

"I applied to Bell after looking at the website; I thought ‘this is a company that could offer me promotion in the future’ seeing it as a long-term opportunity to work with a good and professional company." – Stephen Theobald, Activity Leader

As well as the summer course, Bell also runs many courses throughout the year both in the UK and abroad and we welcome summer staff to return*.

We are keen to offer support and advice in order for you to achieve your potential and are always looking to promote dedicated and enthusiastic employees to senior management positions.

"I’ve been promoted the senior management team this year, if you’re keen and prepared to give the job everything it’s recognised by the employer and you’re supported in your own personal development." – Elliott Heward, Student Services Director

*Please be aware previous performance and feedback from Centre Managers will be taken into consideration when assessing employees’ suitability for future employment.

Training

Bell is committed to the continuous professional development of all staff both permanent and temporary.

At the beginning of each summer course, you will have two or three days' induction where you will have the opportunity to learn about Bell, our courses and our systems and procedures.* At least one in–service training session (INSET) per course will be held for all staff groups. We also provide child protection training to all young learner staff.

In addition to the above, Bell has various opportunities for staff to apply for training at other times of the year. This could include attendance at a conference or sponsorship for courses, e.g. First Aid, Lifeguard or CELTA. You will learn more about these opportunities whilst working with us.

*Please be aware that attendance at induction is compulsory.

"I like the opportunities the company can bring, to better yourself, learn new things and have the chance to do things you might not have done before. You might be trained up on a certain activities, gain qualifications, go to the theatre, bowling or the cinema with the children, opportunities on offer are amazing.” – Claire Warren, Activity Leader

Study Tours

With at least one full or half day excursion scheduled every week, study tours are an essential part of every young learner course and provide the students with a great opportunity to use their newly acquired language skills and learn about British culture. Regardless of their role, all staff will be involved in accompanying and supervising students on these tours and will, therefore, have the opportunity to visit a number of different locations whilst working.

Depending on the location of the site, destinations include: London, Brighton, Canterbury, Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, Bath, Warwick and many more.

"The studies tours have been great! I’ve been to the Natural History Museum, Leicester Space Centre, Birmingham Think Tank, punting in Oxford; I’ve been to galleries, museums… all over the country." – Tom Lowe, EFL Teacher

References

We are always happy to provide employees with a reference based on your end of course performance review.

Still not sure if this is the right job for you? Here is some advice from previous young learner staff

"Come with an open mind, be prepared to be in a sharing environment, think about some projects that you’d like to do, ways of making the class fun for the kids, bearing in mind it’s a summer camp environment not strictly school." – William Fischer, EFL Teacher

"Go for it! There are so many different aspects to working in a residential centre that you probably do have some skills that fit in. Whichever role you are considering, there is such a vast range of skills required that as long you’re enthusiastic and willing to be available and flexible then you’ve got something to offer." – Gayle White, Houseparent

"Be prepared to listen to others and share ideas, no matter how you feel about your experience, I think I’ve helped others and they’ve really helped me. Be open minded, willing to share and be receptive to new ideas." – Tom Lowe, EFL Teacher