Supervision Concept
Our supervision concept for juniors is based on a compulsory activity programme with options for you to choose from. The cornerstone of our supervision is TTT (Time to Talk) that takes place at least once per day. You will be part of a TTT group in which one particular supervisor is responsible for you and makes sure that you know what to do, and and have all the information you need. There is a strong link between the supervisor and his/her TTT group. The TTT groups are organised on a weekly basis.
Our staff members are always available for you. They live in the same residence as you and they look after you during your stay. In our centres, you can always find staff members in the IP Ocean Lounge and every day after lessons you will have an assembly to provide you with all the information you need for your stay and for the daily programme. There is an extensive activity programme in the afternoons, usually consisting of several workshops for sports, arts and crafts, culture and lifestyle. You can choose your favourite activity each day. There are fewer options during the evenings because many evening events are on a larger scale.
Age-appropriate supervision
On our junior courses the degree of supervision and support depends on your age. Your safety and welfare are very important to us. Our staff ratio on and off campus for the age group 10-12 years is 1:10, for 13-15 years is 1:15 and for 16-17 years is 1:20.
10 to 12 year olds:
Our youngest students are supervised more thoroughly by specially trained staff. The staff ratio for this age group is 1:10. The activity programme is compulsory and your supervisors will ensure that you take part in the offered activities. You are not allowed to leave the campus without supervision, but we will offer town walks most days. It is not possible for your parents to give you permission to leave the campus without supervision.
You will be in a TTT group with students from the same age group. During that time, your supervisor will make sure you are signed up for one of our exciting activities in our App so that later on we make sure you have attended. Daily checks include: wake-up, breakfast, class check, lunch, TTT, activities, dinner, night-check.
We do not normally accept students aged 12 and below in homestays. We may make exceptions to this if your agency is sending a closed group and there are special circumstances. In these exceptional circumstances, you will need to book an accompanied transfer from the homestay to the campus and back again in time for dinner and evening activities - if they want to join.
13 to 15 year olds:
The staff ratio for this age group is 1:15. You participate in a compulsory programme with a wide range of activities, including town visits. You are not allowed to leave the campus without a staff member - even if your parents give you permission to do so. During town walks our staff will accompany you into town. You will then have the opportunity to explore the city centre with your friends in pairs or bigger groups (never alone) for a period of up to two hours. From a meeting point in the city centre, your supervisors will take you back to the campus. During excursions you will also have the chance to explore and have some free time in pairs or groups with a staff member waiting for you at the meeting point.
You will be part of a TTT group of up to 25 students. In the TTT, your supervisor will make sure you are signed up for one of our exciting activities in our App so that later on we can make sure you have attended.
Daily checks include: wake-up, breakfast, class check, lunch, TTT, activities, dinner, night-check.
Homestay students only have one TTT around lunchtime, when they need to inform their supervisor about their plans for the following day. In the evenings the students can either take part in the activity programme or stay in their homestay for a maximum of 2 evenings/week, if the homestay host is at home and has given permission.
Please note students will not be accompanied to and from their homestays.
16 to 17 year olds:
Students aged 16 and 17 are free to explore with their friends in pairs (or bigger groups) on and off the campus. Participation in the afternoon programme is voluntary for students over the age of 16.
In the afternoons, you can choose between taking part in the offered activity programme or signing out at reception on the campus and exploring the town with international friends. Please bear in mind that when you sign out to go to town, you are required to stay in pairs or larger groups at all times. We normally have a supervisor based in the town centre in case you need them or have any questions. If you do not want to take part in the activity programme, or go to the city centre – you can always stay on campus and relax in our specially designated chill-out zone equipped with cosy bean bags, table tennis tables, football tables, board games and books.
In the evenings, you will not be allowed to leave the campus without supervision, but there will be age-appropriate activities available for 16+ students. The supervision ratio for this age group is 1:20. Homestay students can only stay in their homestay for a maximum of 2 evenings/week, if the homestay host is at home and has given permission. Our staff will check with your host if this is possible to organise.
You will be a part of a TTT (Time To Talk) group of up to 25 students. Your supervisor will make sure you are signed up for one of our exciting activities in our App so that later on we can make sure you have attended.
Please note, students will not be accompanied to and from their homestays.
How do we train our staff?
Since we are a specialist tour operator for junior language courses, your safety and supervision are of major importance to us. This is why we spend a lot of time and money on the selection and training of our staff. The applicants go through several stages during our recruitment process and are assessed for their general suitability, their experience in working with children and teenagers, as well as their commitment.
As part of our recruitment process, our applicants take part in a specially designed training programme where they have to demonstrate their abilities as a supervisor or management team member. The training programme takes place over a number of months and is specific to each position.
What does a typical day look like?
| 07:30 | Wake up |
| 08:00 | Breakfast in the residence/ homestay |
| 09:00 | Students begin morning lessons |
| 10:30 | Mid-morning break - 30 minutes |
| 11:00 | Back to lessons |
| 11:45 | General Course lessons are finished! ‘The IP Ocean Lounge’ is open for drinks, music and information. |
| 12:30 | Intensive Course Lessons finish!!! ASSEMBLIES for all students – What's new? What's happening today? What's the programme for today? |
| 12:40 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Start of afternoon activities |
| 17:00 | Afternoon activities finish; time to relax before dinner. |
| 18:00 | Dinner time in the residence or in homestay accommodation |
| 19:00 | TTT – Time to Talk |
| 20:00 | Evening Programme starts |
| 21:45 | Evening Activities end; students go to their accommodation |
| 22:30 | Night check |
FAQ
Who are the supervisors?
Our staff members are young people, often students (in education, tourism, languages…), who like to travel and work in an international environment.
Is there a curfew?
Yes. Depending on their age, students have various levels of freedom. The strictest rules apply to students under the age of 13, 13 to 15 year-olds have a bit more freedom and 16/17 year-olds experience even more freedom within our supervision framework. Our supervisors may restrict the level of freedom if necessary.
What about alcohol and cigarettes?
Our staff members ensure that youth protection laws are followed. It is against the law for under 18s to buy or to consume alcohol. It is also against the law for under 18s to buy cigarettes or vapes. For all under 18s it is against the law to smoke. In our IP Centres we have a strict ‘No Alcohol’ and ‘No Smoking’ policy on campus.
How much pocket money should I bring?
That depends on what you would like to do during your stay. We recommend having a budget for treats, such as ice cream or soft drinks but also note that some activities have an additional fee. If you want to go shopping, you should bring along some extra money. Surveys indicate that our guests usually take around £150.00 for a two week stay.
Quick overview
- Trained, international staff in the course centre
- Language in the course centre: English
- Age-appropriate supervision for students aged 10-12, students under the age of 16 and students 16/17 year-olds
- Learn more than a language: our staff create activities and space for unique experiences that help you to develop your intercultural skills
- You can experience a lot in our centres: sports, workshops, excursions, evening events and more
- In our centres you can choose from several activities during afternoons and evenings
- Our staff members are always available for you if you have any questions