Englischcamp in der Schweiz
Our English Language Camps
English Camp for Kids and Teenagers 10-17 by Filolo - The first day of classes:
Our first day of class is all about getting to know each other - their names, where they're from, how old they are... We do this with fun ice breaker games such as name-chains or get-to-know you bingos. The kids also share their interests - this is important for the teacher to know what they are passionate about in order to tailor the future lessons to their hobbies. The rest of the lesson remains light and flexible as the teacher is getting to know their group and each individual child's abilities and interests, and so students can become comfortable with their new learning environment. The teacher will tailor the rest of the week according to this and will add their own personal flair to the lessons.
Learning English with Filolo
Lessons take place in small groups, with a ratio of six students to one teacher. This enables our teachers to offer a high level of individual focus, that gives everyone plenty of opportunities to speak, listen and be heard.
The language course takes place Monday - Friday from 9:15 am to 12:45 pm. This is different in our ski and surf camps, where the language lessons take place in the afternoon.
9.15 - 10.15 a.m: Alive and Kicking!
We like to use the first hour of the day to wake everyone up while learning, by getting active. If the weather permits this will take place outside and will involve repetition to create learner confidence.
10.15 - 10.30 a.m: 1st Break
With tea, water and fresh fruit provided.
10.30am - 11.30am: Listening, understanding & speaking
Listening, understanding and speaking, combined with dynamic and innovative learning strategies that promise theoretical learning without the boredom!
11.30 a.m. - 11.45 a.m: 2nd Break
With tea, water and fresh fruit provided.
11.45 a.m. - 12.45 p.m: Weekly Project
In the first lesson of the week you’ll combine your collective interests in order to come up with a weekly project. You’ll then work on the project and create it in your target language through the week in time for the presentation on Friday! The project could be anything from a short film, to a small enterprise or a play - but don’t worry, everyone’s shy at first.
A selected choice of past projects:
- Short films, a Camp News Network TV or newspaper.
- Election campaign / debate: Students are split into different groups to discuss the pros and cons of a proposed topic. It could be anything from “should energy drinks be allowed at school?” or “Is Messi still the GOAT?” to a highly controversial political debate.
- Music projects or enterprises including a billboard and advertising campaign.
- Create your own product and make a plan to bring it to market - you can even let the rest of the camp try it out!
Teaching Team
Alen
What formal education or teaching qualifications do you have?
I completed a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) post-graduate certification course in the United States. Subsequently, I have also attained the Master of Science in TESOL from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland (the UK).
How many years of experience do you have teaching children or teenagers?
Altogether, I have about a five years of classroom instruction spread between the age groups, including children and teenagers.
How would you describe your teaching style in three words?
A demonstrative (coach like), a facilitative (action method, activity), and blended styles of teaching.
What is especially important to you when teaching children?
To convey to the education and in my field (English language) its importance as a lingua franca across the whole world. I see it as a considerable responsibility to in providing them with a range of knowledge, skills and tasks surrounding language.
Also, as a free thinker with a varied experience, my goal is to introduce them to new perspectives. Their own views to understand the world, including being able to show both empathy yet also competence in key language concepts.
What makes teaching at Filolo special for you?
It may seem like a cliche, but I experienced as a big family. It avoids formalisms of different kinds and there is a genuine attempt to use every opportunity in making children entrusted to us to experience something memorable, be it in classes, fields, or trip.
Share a short fun fact about yourself.
I have lived in 11 different countries, mostly due to my teaching profession and love of experiencing new countries and cultures.
Personality
We rank personality very highly here at Filolo. We don’t only want our teachers to be trained and qualified - we also look for dynamic, interesting and engaging characters that the kids can really get on board with. Just like the students, our teachers are here to share in the fun and laughter that the Filolo learning experience brings!
Language levels
Language levels & classification
We create our classes at the start of the week using the Common European Framework of Reference as a rough guide:
A1 - Beginner
A2 - Basic knowledge
B1 - Intermediate
B2 - Advanced.
Oral and written skills are assessed on the day of a arrival and the groups are created taking age and interest into account, as well as the language level.
Intensive Course
17.00 p.m. – 18.30 p.m.: If you want to maximise your learning potential even more, you have the option to join the Filolo intensive courses on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons.
- 2x 90 minutes (total 3h)
- in even smaller classes
- 3h additional language course for 200 CHF extra
Structured lesson planning with a communicative goal:
Our lessons can also follow a more structured and measured approach, always with one central goal:
meaningful communication in a fun and motivating learning environment.
This lesson structure ensures that all key aspects of language learning are covered — without ever feeling dry or overwhelming. In a single lesson, children actively work on vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, comprehension and production, both written and oral.
Vocabulary & Pronunciation
We begin by introducing essential vocabulary through playful memory games and interactive activities.
Children learn to connect the written and spoken form of each word while practising correct pronunciation.
This part of the lesson is light, dynamic and enjoyable — the perfect warm-up that builds confidence and prepares students for the next steps.
Comprehension
Once the vocabulary is familiar, we introduce the main learning material.
We work with authentic, real-life content such as video clips, songs, articles or advertisements to make learning relevant and relatable.
To ensure balanced skill development, we alternate between oral and written materials on different days.
Students then complete guided activities to check understanding and are encouraged to think critically and discuss the topics openly.
Grammar in Action
Grammar is introduced only when it supports better understanding and expression.
After presenting the rule with clear examples, children practise it through engaging games and movement-based activities.
Whenever possible, we take grammar outside the classroom, working in teams to strengthen cooperation, team spirit and a healthy sense of competition.
Creative Production
In the final phase, children create their own version of what they have learned — a dialogue, a short text, a role play or a creative project.
We prioritise group work to foster social bonds, collaboration and creativity.
Each lesson ends with a short presentation, allowing students to share their work with classmates and the teacher — a great way to build confidence and communication skills.
English Language Camp - Project-based lessons
Alongside the main lesson structure, teachers regularly set aside time for creative weekly projects. Children might work together on making a short movie, designing posters, or building models with craft materials - always connected to a chosen topic.
These project-based activities turn language learning into a real experience, not just a classroom exercise. As the week progresses, students collaborate, share ideas and solve challenges together. This naturally builds motivation, confidence and team spirit, while the final project gives them a strong sense of pride and achievement.
Throughout the week, teachers stay flexible and attentive, adapting activities to the children’s interests, energy levels and curiosity. Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door — whenever possible, lessons are enriched by using the surrounding outdoor spaces, making the experience even more vivid and memorable.
All of this comes together to create a learning environment that feels alive, playful and inspiring - an experience where children learn naturally, make new friends and take home memories that last far beyond the classroom.
