What brought you to the field of education?
A passion for helping students find the perfect school to achieve the best foundation for their academic careers. My parents were both educators & I have seen first hand how a good educator can change a young person’s life for the better.
How long have you worked in this establishment and how would you describe your experience in this position?
I joined Inspired Education in 2020 & I have learnt so much about International education & the possibilities for a top-class education in a wide variety of countries. The progressive nature of Inspired Education allows us to provide incredible options for every student looking for a high-quality education. It is a pleasure to be able to meet the needs of such a wide variety of students.
What was the most rewarding experience this job gave you?
Seeing students thrive & go on to achieve great success. Receiving heartfelt appreciation from international students & families when you have helped guide them to enrol in a school that has bought them development, success & happiness.
What advice would you give to other colleagues in your field?
Love what you do! Education changes lives & we have the power to positively influence future generations of leaders. A passion for people & education will drive you to achieve within this sector.
At what age do foreign students usually enter European schools?
For a student looking to join a boarding school, generally age 11 years plus is the optimum age. Joining at age 11-13 years allows the student to build a solid academic foundation, before they enter any key examination year groups. However, the most popular age over the past years has become age 14 to 15.
Do all schools offer ESL language support for international students?
How important is it? All international schools will offer some level of ESL/EAL support. Depending on the needs of the individual student they may need a school highly specialised in EAL to ensure they can access the curriculum. All Inspired Education Boarding schools are designed to fully support the needs of their diverse international communities. English language support can be crucial to the success of a student – if they cannot understand the lesson delivery, it will hinder their academic development significantly.
What expenses await parents during the year, apart from accommodation and tuition fees?
This can depend on the student! Boarding schools will offer a range of additional trips, excursions & activities students can choose to participate in, or not. Parents will also have to consider any visa costs, travel expenses & any additional uniform/sports kits expenses. We recommend looking at what the ‘school fees’ include & asking for full disclosure of any essential additional costs. Within the UK Guardianship costs will also need to be considered.
What details do parents consider first when choosing a school, apart from academic success?
The level of pastoral care provided is key – who will look after my child’s physical & mental wellbeing. The location of the school – safety & accessibility for travel & visits. The exeat policy – how often does my child need to come home because the school closes & is a guardian required.
What advice would you give to future applicants before applying to EU schools and why?
Do your research – you know your child & their needs. Utilise the knowledge of your educational consultant to guide you on finding the perfect school for your child. An in-person visit is always very helpful when finalising your decision; alternatively we can offer extensive online tours that can be a good alternative if travelling to the school is not an option.
Can your graduates apply for universities in other countries? What support do students receive?
All Inspired Boarding schools offer university guidance counselling for our students. The schools will host university fairs & the students have access to guidance on both selection & application process. We encourage students to explore university options globally – not just within the country where they are currently studying. One major benefit of studying the IB Diploma or the A Level, is the number of universities attracted to students graduating with these qualifications.
What is the camp's philosophy or mission, and how does it guide the program's activities?
Our camp's mission is to provide a fun, educational, and culturally enriching experience for campers. We prioritize personal growth, teamwork, and global awareness through a variety of engaging activities and excursions.
What is the camper-to-staff ratio, and how do you ensure adequate supervision and support?
We maintain a low camper-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention and supervision. Our trained staff members are available 24/7 to support campers and oversee activities.
What types of activities and excursions are offered, and how are they structured to cater to different interests and age groups?
We offer a diverse range of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and educational workshops. Activities are tailored to suit various age groups and interests, ensuring that every camper finds something they enjoy.
How are dietary restrictions and food preferences accommodated?
We provide nutritious and balanced meals, and our kitchen staff can accommodate various dietary restrictions and food preferences. Parents can inform us of any specific dietary needs during the registration process.
What safety measures are in place during activities and excursions?
The safety of our campers is our top priority. We conduct thorough risk assessments for all activities and excursions, and our staff members are trained in first aid and emergency procedures. We also adhere to local safety regulations and guidelines.
How are communication and updates provided to parents during the camp session?
We provide regular updates to parents via email, phone calls, or a designated online portal. Parents can expect to receive information about their child's activities, progress, and any important announcements or changes to the schedule.
What is the protocol for handling medical emergencies, and are there medical professionals on-site?
We have a designated medical team and facilities to handle emergencies. All staff members are trained in basic first aid, and we have protocols in place for contacting medical professionals and parents in case of an emergency.
How are homesickness and emotional well-being addressed among campers?
Our staff members are trained to provide emotional support and create a supportive environment for campers. We have procedures in place to address homesickness and offer activities to help campers feel connected and engaged.
What is the refund or cancellation policy in case of unforeseen circumstances?
We have a flexible refund and cancellation policy that takes into account unforeseen circumstances such as illness, travel restrictions, or emergencies. We understand that plans may need to change, and we work with parents to accommodate their needs whenever possible.
What measures are in place regarding COVID-19 safety and health protocols?
We adhere to local health guidelines and have implemented strict COVID-19 safety protocols, including regular testing, enhanced sanitation practices, social distancing measures, and mask mandates to ensure the well-being of campers and staff.
