The Burlington School aims to provide excellent quality English language instruction. The highest emphasis is placed on the quality of the teaching staff and the creation of an effective learning environment.
Qualified Teachers
Our teachers are selected on the basis of their qualifications, experience and personal qualities. The School aims to employ university graduates with either the Trinity College TESOL Certificate or the CELTA.
Selected Teachers
The Principal of the Burlington School places the greatest importance on the recruitment and development of a high-calibre teaching staff. The Vice Principal at the School selects suitable Burlington School teachers, and seeks to recruit those teachers with highly-developed communication skills who will take an active interest in their students’ progress.
Creative Teachers
Our teachers ensure that course work is relevant to students' interests and goals, utilising a wide range of techniques and materials to vary the pace and variety of the classes. Burlington School teachers are experienced in both the theory of effective instruction and its practical application.
Directed Teachers
Our Vice Principal provides leadership and direction to teachers at the School and is well-qualified and widely experienced both academically and professionally.
A Learning Environment Designed to Promote Successful Language Learning
Instruction at the Burlington School focuses on four key language skill areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Considerable attention is also placed on pronunciation, oral communication and the appropriate usage of language in daily situations. Homework is assigned each day in class and is corrected and returned to students promptly.
We understand that successful learning can only be achieved in an environment which is interesting and fun. Burlington School students are first encouraged to develop their self-confidence in using English language skills in practical situations. As students progress, they are exposed to a more detailed analysis of the English language in higher-level or examination classes. The Burlington School's selection of self-study materials, books and listening CD's supports students in further improving their language capabilities.
English Only, Please
We believe that the continual use of English is particularly important in achieving rapid progress. Learning is accelerated and reinforced when English is the only language used in the classroom and the School. The School's diverse mix of nationalities helps to maximise classroom discussion in English. In the School’s host family accommodation, friendly landlords and their families provide helpful discussion and assistance - but always in English!
Careful, Comprehensive Teaching Plans
Teaching plans and syllabuses at the School are carefully developed and monitored, with the objective of achieving a balance between:
a) introduction of new concepts, vocabulary and usage
b) in-class exercises and drills to strengthen students' grasp of new lesson material
c) review and integration of past learning with new lessons
Imaginative lesson plans are developed under the supervision of the School's Director of Studies and result in a deliberate variety of instructional approaches to keep the lessons interesting and entertaining, as well as informative. Lesson plans may include simulated conversations and student role plays, drama, special drills in English idioms and pronunciation exercises. The School's audio resources are also often used in lessons.
Beginner Students Welcome!
The Burlington School welcomes beginner-level students. We make a special effort to assist these students in making fast and permanent progress. We employ some of our teachers primarily because of their special abilities in teaching such students. Beginner-level classes are offered on a needs basis.