Programme Overview

As the morning light of summer bathes the tree-lined paths of the UNNC campus, a journey of growth and exploration quietly begins. From 20^th July to 1^st August 2025, the two-week UNNC international curriculum research learning class concluded successfully, marked by the warmth of summer and steady steps toward growth.

This summer programme was meticulously planned by the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, targeting young students from the high school affiliated to the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNCAHS), who are transitioning into the high school stage. With the core objective of enhancing language proficiency and subject-specific literacy, the programme integrates academic English courses, learning skills training, foundational subject bridging instruction, and diverse extracurricular activities, creating a comprehensive growth experience that balances language and knowledge, as well as critical thinking and practical application. This summer, students from UNNCAHS embarked on a unique international study tour at UNNC, writing a new chapter in their youth.

Opening Ceremony: Embarking on a New Journey at Summer School

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Dougal from the UNNC Centre for English Language Education delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the teaching team, outlining the design philosophy and goals of the course. Mr. Zhang Hong, Deputy Principal of UNNCAHS, addressed the students with a warm encouragement, urging them to broaden their horizons and pursue knowledge confidently within an international environment. The brief yet heartfelt opening set a positive and resolute tone for the international curriculum research learning class.

Course Structure: International Teaching Experience

To help students achieve comprehensive improvement in both language and subject knowledge, the course structure was carefully planned into two modules. The course modules were designed to progress gradually, striving to achieve a balanced transition between language and subject matter.

In the first week, the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course was taught entirely in English by the teaching team from the UNNC Centre for English Language Education (CELE). The course focused on systematic training in communication skills in academic settings. The curriculum covered multiple dimensions, including vocabulary learning strategies, IELTS speaking and reading techniques, and listening comprehension training, with the aim of helping students improve their expression and comprehension skills in real-life contexts. The teaching adopted a small-class mode, ensuring highly interactive and personalised guidance to provide each student with targeted feedback. In the fully English-immersion classroom, students gradually adapted to an international learning environment, laying a solid foundation for future English learning and academic expression.

In the second week, the courses were taught mainly in Chinese by the UNNCAHS teaching team, with an emphasis on consolidating fundamentals and establishing subject knowledge. The content covered multiple subjects, including English, mathematics, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, and Japanese. This structured approach improved students’ subject adaptation skills and helped them discover areas of interest, preparing them well for high school study.

Extracurricular Activities: A Vibrant Campus Life

Beyond academics, this programme also featured a variety of fun and collaborative extracurricular activities designed to help students build rapport and enhance communication in a relaxed atmosphere.

-Sports Night -

Sports Night provided students with a space to freely choose their preferred activities. They stepped out of the classroom to sweat it out, releasing energy and building rapport through sports: on the basketball court, teams competed in group matches, emphasising both skill and teamwork; in the table tennis area, players showcased their techniques and quick reflexes, embodying the vitality of youth.

- Team-building activities –

Team-building activities were designed with a focus on both fun and collaboration, offering a unique and memorable experience. Students worked in groups of ten, forming a circle to pass a ball or build with blocks, testing their communication and coordination skills. The second phase, a live-action Monopoly challenge, took the atmosphere to a new high. Amid laughter and encouragement, students deepened their understanding of one another, refined their collaboration, and developed teamwork and adaptability through diverse interactive activities. This also instilled greater trust and cohesion for future learning.

Closing Ceremony

At the closing ceremony, Robert, Head of Centre for English Language Education, Simon, Deputy Principal of UNNCAHS, and Shen Ji, Director of the International Department of UNNCAHS, delivered speeches reviewing the exciting course progress of the summer school and fully affirming the students' growth in academic ability and international perspective. Subsequently, student representatives took the stage to share their learning experiences, using sincere language to describe the gains and emotions of this fulfilling journey. Finally, all participants were awarded graduation certificates and commemorative gifts. Amid the sounds of camera shutters, the smiling faces of the participants brought this summer school to a perfect conclusion.

Conclusion

The two-week study tour has come to an end. Through a curriculum that balances language learning and subject exploration, students gradually adapted to the pace of full-English classes, strengthened their academic foundations, and enhanced their teamwork and critical thinking skills through diverse experiential activities.

Here, language is not merely a tool but a bridge to a broader world; beyond the classroom, every interaction and collaboration represents a small step toward the future. This summer school experience, which seamlessly integrates language training, subject-specific preparation, and campus culture, has become a crucial starting point for students as they embark on a new phase of their journey, equipping them with greater confidence and possibilities for their future academic and personal development.