Dr Giedre Balcytyte of Academic Summer shares how students can prepare for A Levels, can be ready for the IB Diploma.
At Academic Summer, students don’t just learn – they discover, explore, and grow. Whether preparing for A Levels, the IB Diploma or simply expanding their horizons, this unique summer school experience helps students develop confidence, independence and a love for learning.
To gain a deeper insight, we spoke with Dr Balcytyte who is an educationalist, researcher and Academic Manager at Academic Summer. With a background in language, music and international education, she shares her journey, passion for innovative teaching methods, and why parents and students should choose Academic Summer for a transformational educational experience.
Academic Summer School Class of 2024 with Course Director, Giedre Balcytyte, Principal, Vincent Smidowicz and David Game, founder of the College.
A journey from music to education
Raised in a musical family in Lithuania, Giedre’s love for music and language shaped her unique approach to education. Her father, a renowned professor of music, developed a musical system still used in Lithuania today. Although she was expected to follow the same path, an encounter with British visitors changed everything.
“I realised I had a natural ear for English, just as I did for music,” she recalls. “Instead of pursuing music full-time, I studied English philology, then combined the two in my PhD – exploring how language and music are deeply connected.”
This groundbreaking research led her to academic roles, publications and international conferences, all focused on helping students learn English through music and rhythm.
Her multidisciplinary approach perfectly aligns with Academic Summer’s Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) methodology, which teaches English through engaging subjects rather than traditional grammar drills.
From teacher to academic manager: a personal connection
Giedre’s journey with Academic Summer began as a parent – an experience that gives her a unique perspective on what makes the programme so special.
“I first joined as a teacher when my daughter was 13 and wanted to attend an international summer, so I applied to work at Academic Summer, enabling her to join me. She loved it, and so did I!”
What started as a short-term experience became a long-term passion. Over the years, Giedre moved from teacher to Director of Studies, then Course Director, helping to shape Academic Summer’s academic programme at David Game College. Throughout the year she acts as Academic Manager.
“Today, I can speak from all perspectives – as a parent, a teacher, and course director. I know, first-hand, that this experience can be life-changing for students.”
From left to right: David Game, founder of the College, one of our students and Giedre Balcytyte who is our Academic Manager and Course Director at David Game College.
Why Choose Academic Summer?
Many summer schools focus solely on English, but Academic Summer goes beyond that. The programme is designed to prepare students for success in any academic setting, whether boarding school, A Levels, or the IB Diploma.
“We don’t just teach subjects – we change students’ mindsets about learning,” Giedre explains. She highlights three key reasons why Academic Summer is unique:
- A stress-free approach to learning – Many students arrive with academic anxiety, but leave motivated, confident, and inspired. “We don’t care about grades—we care about progress. Our reports focus on motivation and effort, not just academic excellence. This helps students see learning as a journey, not a competition.”
- International experience & cultural diversity – Last year, students from 59 different nationalities attended Academic Summer, creating a truly global learning environment. “It’s more than academics. Students connect, collaborate and build lifelong friendships with peers from all over the world. It’s a powerful experience that broadens their perspectives.”
- Engaging, hands-on lessons – Traditional education often separates arts, sciences, and humanities, but Academic Summer integrates everything. Students are encouraged to explore new subjects outside their comfort zones. “I always tell students: Choose a subject you dislike at home—we’ll change your mind! Many students discover a passion for maths, psychology, or creative writing simply because we teach them in a new, engaging way.”
Be a Leader: developing life skills beyond the classroom
One of the standout features of Academic Summer is the “Be a Leader” programme, which Giedre developed and helped get accredited by Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
“Leadership isn’t just about business—it’s about being a strong, independent person in all aspects of life.”
Every morning, students attend interactive leadership sessions, covering:
- Vision and goal-setting
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Resilience and adaptability
- Negotiation and decision-making
They also participate in team-building activities, meet guest speakers, and receive a CPD-accredited certificate, which is a valuable addition to university applications.
“When students apply to university, they can include their ‘Be a Leader’ certification in their CVs and motivation letters. It’s a practical way to stand out in competitive applications.”
Encouraging every student to reach their potential
Academic Summer doesn’t push students into predefined roles. Instead, it nurtures their individual talents and strengths.
“Some students are naturally confident, others are quiet and introverted. We never force anyone to speak up or ‘be more outgoing’—instead, we create a space where they feel safe to grow at their own pace.”
Even shy students gradually gain confidence, often through one-on-one interactions with teachers and mentors.
“We respect each student’s personality and cultural background. Some students open up in class, others during casual conversations on a walk or at dinner. We build trust first—then we help them flourish.”
A passionate, international teaching team
Academic Summer’s success isn’t just about the curriculum – it’s about the people. Giedre praises the dedicated and diverse team of teachers and staff, handpicked by CEO Helen Lami.
“Helen has built an exceptional team – a mix of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This diversity makes our teaching stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive.”
A message to parents and students
When asked what she would say to parents considering Academic Summer, Giedre’s answer is simple:
“Give your child the opportunity to think wider. This experience isn’t just about academic preparation – it’s about personal growth. Your child will return home more motivated, more confident, and more open to the world.”
For students, she offers this advice: “Be open-minded, take risks, and explore new subjects. You might just discover a talent or passion you never knew you had!”
With its academic excellence, diverse community and innovative learning approach, Academic Summer is more than just a camp – it’s a gateway to a brighter future. Join us this summer and take the first step towards unlocking your full potential! 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!
