The teaching methodologies at Academic Summer range from from CLIL to Multiple Intelligences, ensuring a dynamic, engaging and personalised learning experience.
Our Academic Manager, Dr Giedre Balcytyte who oversees teaching methodologies at Academic Summer.
Education beyond the classroom
At Academic Summer, learning is not just about memorising facts – it’s about engagement, discovery and real-world application. Dr Giedre Balcytyte, Academic Manager at Academic Summer, believes in providing students with a holistic educational experience, using a variety of innovative teaching methodologies to meet the diverse needs of international learners.
“We don’t just teach subjects – we change students’ mindsets about learning. Education should be engaging, interactive, and stress-free,” she says. “We use different methodologies to reach every student, no matter their background, learning style or academic interests.”
So, what makes Academic Summer different? Below, we explore the key educational approaches embraced by the teaching team and how they shape the dynamic learning experience at Academic Summer.
CLIL: learning English through real subjects
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an innovative approach where students learn English through academic subjects like Science, Business, Psychology and the Arts rather than through traditional English grammar lessons.
This means that students develop their English skills naturally, in the same way native speakers do, by using the language in real-life, meaningful contexts.
“We don’t believe in teaching English through drills and repetitive grammar exercises,” says Giedre. “Instead, we teach through content so students learn English in a way that is engaging, relevant, and academic.”
Why CLIL works:
- Encourages natural language acquisition;
- Builds critical thinking skills alongside language skills;
- Prepares students for A Levels, IB, and university-level studies; and
- Helps international students become IB and Pre-A Level ready.
At Academic Summer, CLIL ensures that language is not a barrier, it’s an opportunity. Whether students are studying Medicine, Engineering, or Creative Writing, they develop subject knowledge and English fluency simultaneously.
Multiple Intelligences: reaching every type of learner
Not all students learn in the same way. Some students excel in logic and numbers, while others thrive in music, art or hands-on activities. This is where Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory comes in. Giedre strongly believes in this alternative approach to intelligence, which recognises that students may have strengths in different areas.
“Traditional education focuses mainly on logical and verbal intelligence. But what about students who are musically gifted? Or those who learn best through movement and hands-on experiences?” she asks. “Multiple Intelligences Theory allows us to see students beyond test scores, it helps us understand their true potential.” For more about
The 9 Multiple Intelligences:
- Logical-Mathematical – Strong in problem-solving, logic, and numbers
- Linguistic – Strong in reading, writing, and verbal communication
- Musical – Sensitive to sounds, rhythm, and music
- Bodily-Kinesthetic – Learns best through movement and physical activity
- Spatial-Visual – Thinks in pictures and learns through diagrams and images
- Interpersonal – Strong in social interaction and group learning
- Intrapersonal – Deep thinkers who prefer self-reflection and personal goals
- Naturalistic – Connected to nature and environmental learning
- Existential – Philosophical thinkers who love discussing deep questions
How Academic Summer applies this:
- Hands-on projects for kinesthetic learners;
- Music and rhythm activities for musical learners;
- Creative writing & storytelling for linguistic learners;
- Problem-solving tasks for logical learners; and
- Collaborative group work for interpersonal learners.
This ensures that every student can thrive, no matter what their learning preference is. CLIL and Multiple Intelligences are the main teaching methodologies at Academic Summer… supported by by the following:
Leadership development: the Be a Leader Programme
Academic success is important, but real-world skills are just as valuable. That’s why Giedre champions the Be a Leader Programme, which develops:
- Confidence and Public Speaking;
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving;
- Adaptability and Resilience; and
- Teamwork and Communication.
“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room – it’s about understanding yourself, making confident decisions and learning how to work with others,” says Gierdre. “Every student can develop leadership skills in their own way.”
Students leave Academic Summer not just with academic knowledge, but with lifelong leadership skills that prepare them for university, careers, and beyond.
Learning through music: the power of rhythm and sound
Through Giedre’s background in music and linguistics, we also have the ability to integrate the power of music in language learning. “Music and language are deeply connected. Humans were musical before they were linguistic,our ancestors communicated through melody long before structured speech existed,” she says.
Giedre has spent years researching the connection between music and language learning and how it enhances learning:
- Improves pronunciation and rhythm in English;
- Helps students memorise vocabulary and concepts;
- Enhances focus and cognitive development; and
- Makes learning more enjoyable and engaging.
At Academic Summer, this can be integrated into lessons through musical exercises, background soundscapes and rhythmic learning techniques where appropriate.
Stress-free learning: the key to academic confidence
Many students experience academic anxiety, fearing grades, tests and failure. Academic Summer is different. “We don’t judge students on their grades. We measure progress, effort and motivation,” says Gierdre. “This removes the pressure and helps students rediscover their love for learning.”
- How we create a stress-free learning environment;
- No formal exams – focus on personal growth;
- Weekly progress reports based on effort, not just achievement;
- Small class sizes for individual attention; and
- Interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
By removing the fear of failure, students feel safe to explore, take risks and truly engage with learning.
A learning experience like no other
Through CLIL, Multiple Intelligences, leadership development and stress-free learning, we ensure Academic Summer camps are a place where education is exciting, engaging and meaningful. If you want your child to experience a summer of discovery, confidence-building, and academic success, Academic Summer is the perfect choice. Find out more at academiccamp.org
The Clever Fox Journal is the online news section of Academic Summer Camps, inspired by our logo – a wise fox wearing a graduation cap. Just like our summer programmes, The Clever Fox Journal is a place of curiosity, learning and discovery, bringing you the latest updates, insights and stories from our academic camps in the UK and Canada. Stay informed, stay inspired – and think like a clever fox!
