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Empowering Writing Instruction: Strategies for Success in the Language Classroom

Unlocking the power of written expression is a cornerstone of language education, yet teaching writing effectively requires thoughtful planning and strategic implementation. From defining goals to providing meaningful feedback, educators navigate various considerations to cultivate students’ writing skills. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of teaching the skill, exploring key aspects such as goal-setting, idea generation, language scaffolding, and feedback mechanisms. By illuminating the path to effective instruction, we empower educators to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that nurture students’ ability to communicate with clarity, coherence, and creativity. Let’s dive in!

IH Belfast students writing exercise

To effectively teach writing skills, educators must carefully consider several key aspects, including planning, execution, and facilitation. By addressing these critical components, educators can create conducive learning environments that nurture students’ writing proficiency. Through tailored strategies and diverse methodologies, educators empower students to excel in written expression.

1. Defining Goals:

Determining the specific skills students need to develop, such as practicing different genres (e.g., postcards, emails, reports) or enhancing awareness of register and linking words.

2. Generating Ideas and Content:

Providing students with strategies to brainstorm ideas and generate content for their writing. This could involve activities such as mind mapping, freewriting, or group discussions.

3. Language and Model Texts:

Identifying the language students need to express their ideas effectively. Offer model texts as examples to demonstrate appropriate language use and structures.

4. Purpose and Audience:

Clearly defining the purpose of the written task and the intended audience. Authentic tasks with real-world contexts, such as formal letters of complaint or job applications, can motivate students and make the writing process more meaningful.

5. Feedback Mechanisms:

Establishing feedback mechanisms for students to receive input on their work. This feedback can come from the teacher, peers, or self-assessment tools. Teachers should actively engage in providing guidance and support during the drafting process, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

6. Stimulus and Preparation:

Offering ample stimulus and preparation time before students begin their task. Engage students in brainstorming sessions, outline creation, and language scaffolding activities to support their process. This preparation stage is crucial for preventing writer’s block and fostering meaningful output.

7. Variety in Tasks:

Designing tasks that reflect real-life scenarios, including text messages, social media posts, emails, and job applications. Creative writing tasks can also be incorporated to provide students with opportunities for self-expression and enjoyment.

8. Collaborative Work:

Encouraging collaborative writing experiences where students work in pairs or groups. Assigning roles such as scribe, editor, and idea generator can facilitate teamwork and enhance writing productivity, although it may lengthen the process. This links into our next point…

9. Incorporate Technology:

Integrating technology tools like blogging platforms or collaborative writing apps can make the creative process more engaging and interactive for students. By diversifying written activities and leveraging technology, educators can create dynamic and stimulating learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs and interests of their students.

In conclusion, effective teaching of writing involves careful planning, scaffolded support, and meaningful feedback. By addressing key aspects such as goal-setting, idea generation, language scaffolding, and feedback mechanisms, educators can create engaging and impactful writing instruction. Through authentic tasks, collaborative experiences, and varied activities, students can develop their written skills with confidence and proficiency. By providing ample stimulus and preparation, educators can prevent writer’s block and facilitate meaningful writing output.

Ultimately, the goal is to empower students to become competent and expressive writers who can effectively communicate their ideas in both academic and real-world contexts. With dedication and strategic implementation of these approaches, educators can unlock the full potential of writing in the language classroom, equipping students with a valuable skillset that extends beyond language proficiency to critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression.

Check out more information and ideas here!

Unlocking Language Fluency: Expert Tips for Enhancing Speaking Skills

Speaking is often regarded as the skill that language learners most desire to improve. Achieving fluency, the ability to communicate effortlessly and effectively in a language, is a key objective for many learners. In this article, we’ll explore what fluency entails, the factors that may hinder students from speaking, and practical strategies for promoting speaking fluency in the language classroom.

Students work on fluency

Understanding Fluency

Fluency, as defined by Longman dictionary, is the ability to produce continuous speech without causing comprehension difficulties or breakdowns in communication. It involves the capacity to discuss a wide range of topics and to be understood and understand others effectively. A fluency activity, therefore, should encourage students to utilise the language freely, fostering creativity and experimentation while maintaining a structured framework.

Common Challenges in Speaking

Students may hesitate to speak for various reasons, including lack of motivation, unfamiliarity with the topic, uncertainty about the task, or feelings of embarrassment or shyness. Moreover, unclear or uninspiring tasks and insufficient language proficiency can also contribute to students’ reluctance to engage in speaking activities.

Practical Tips for Promoting Speaking Fluency

Before the Lesson:

Choose topics and activities that are relevant and interesting to your students. Thoroughly prepare materials and anticipate potential challenges. Consider providing pre-lesson language input or resources to support students’ speaking proficiency.

During the Lesson:

Set up activities with a clear context and purpose. Pre-teach any necessary language or vocabulary. Provide clear instructions and monitor student participation. Offer corrective feedback only when necessary to maintain communication flow. Take notes on both successful language use and areas for improvement…

Define Clear Objectives: Clearly articulate the aims of the lesson, whether it’s developing negotiation skills, enhancing conversational fluency, or expanding vocabulary. Providing a clear purpose motivates students and guides their language production.

Preparation and Language Input: Consider the language needs of your students and provide necessary language input before the speaking activity. This could involve teaching relevant vocabulary or language structures to support effective communication.

Effective Activity Setup: Create a conducive environment for speaking activities by setting up clear contexts, providing engaging prompts or topics, and delivering concise instructions. Ensure students understand the task requirements and feel confident to participate.

Encourage Authentic Communication: Create opportunities for students to engage in authentic communication by simulating real-life scenarios or discussions on relevant topics. Encourage active participation and interaction among students to foster fluency in spontaneous speech.

Utilise Technology: Incorporate technology tools such as voice recording apps, speech recognition software, or online discussion forums to provide additional speaking practice outside the classroom. These tools offer students the chance to practice speaking independently, receive instant feedback, and track their progress over time.

Provide Peer Feedback: Implement peer feedback sessions where students can listen to and critique each other’s speaking performances. Encourage constructive feedback and offer guidance on areas for improvement, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and support each other’s language development.

After the Lesson:

Reflect on student performance and feedback to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Use this information to inform future lesson planning and tailor activities to students’ needs and preferences.

Incorporating these diverse strategies into language instruction fosters a collaborative and dynamic learning environment. By embracing authentic communication, leveraging technology tools, and facilitating peer feedback, educators empower students to actively engage in their language learning journey. Through consistent practice and meaningful interaction, students not only develop fluency in speaking but also cultivate confidence and communicative competence. This holistic approach to speaking instruction equips learners with the necessary skills to navigate real-world language situations and express themselves effectively. As educators continue to implement these innovative techniques, they play a vital role in nurturing students’ language fluency and fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Communicate | Create

Mastering Mistakes: Effective Error Correction in the Classroom

Correcting students’ mistakes is an essential aspect of teaching, but it requires careful consideration and tact to ensure effective learning outcomes. Understanding why students ‘slip up’ and implementing appropriate correction strategies are crucial for creating a supportive and productive learning environment. In this article, we’ll explore the stages of student development in language learning, as well as practical tips for corrections in the classroom.

Mistakes in the classroom

Understanding the Stages of Student Development:

In language learning, students progress through various stages of development, each with its own challenges and opportunities for improvement:

  • Unawareness of Mistakes: At this stage, students may not realise they’ve made an error and are unable to correct themselves even after prompting.
  • Awareness with Prompting: Students become aware of their errors with prompting and can correct themselves when guided.
  • Awareness without Prompting: Students recognise where they have gone wrong but still need prompting to correct themselves.
  • Self-Correction: Mistakes become common but are self-corrected without the need for external prompting.
  • Selective Mistakes: Students only make mistakes when not fully concentrating but can self-correct.
  • Error-Free: Students demonstrate proficiency and rarely make mistakes.

Tips for Correcting Students’ Mistakes:

  • Create a Safe Learning Environment: Establishing a classroom atmosphere where errors are viewed as valuable learning opportunities encourages students to take risks and participate actively in their learning journey.
  • Selective Correction: Not all slip-ups require immediate correction. Focus on correcting language that is being taught (the target language) or anything that distorts the message of the speaker.
  • Timing of Correction: Consider the aim of the lesson when deciding when to correct mistakes. If the focus is on accuracy, immediate correction may be necessary. For fluency development, delayed correction allows students to maintain their flow of speech.

Effective Correction Techniques:

  • Self-Correction: Encourage students to correct themselves by providing hints or cues.
  • Peer Correction: Utilise peer correction, where students help each other identify and correct mistakes. This approach can be less intimidating for students and promotes collaboration.
  • Teacher Intervention: Use the 10-second rule: if a student is unable to self-correct within 10 seconds, provide guidance or correction.
  • Feedback Strategies: Provide constructive feedback that highlights both the error and the correct form, reinforcing learning objectives.

In the dynamic landscape of language learning, mistakes are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones on the path to proficiency. By understanding the nuanced stages of student development and implementing targeted correction strategies, educators can transform errors into valuable learning opportunities. Creating a safe and supportive classroom environment where errors are viewed as natural and necessary components of the learning process empowers students to take risks, experiment with language, and ultimately grow into confident and proficient speakers.

As educators, our role extends beyond mere correction; it encompasses guidance, encouragement, and empowerment. By harnessing the power of effective correction techniques such as selective correction, timely intervention, and strategic feedback, we equip students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of language learning with confidence and resilience. Whether through self-correction, peer collaboration, or teacher intervention, every mistake becomes a teachable moment, propelling students closer to their language learning goals. We should embrace mistakes as invaluable opportunities for growth and transformation, knowing that each error corrected brings us one step closer to linguistic fluency and cultural understanding.

“I never lose. I either win or learn” – Nelson Mandela

We can embrace this philosophy in our classrooms, fostering a culture where mistakes are not feared but embraced as essential catalysts for learning and progress. Together, we can cultivate a generation of lifelong learners who approach challenges with confidence, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve excellence!

For further insight, check out this British Council post.

5 Dynamic Strategies for Maximising EFL Coursebook Effectiveness

Coursebooks are essential tools for educators, offering a wide range of options suitable for various levels and subjects. With countless choices available, teachers can easily find materials tailored to their students’ needs. From beginner to advanced levels, and across different subjects, coursebooks provide a solid foundation for lesson planning and curriculum development. Their versatility makes them indispensable resources in the classroom, ensuring that teachers can effectively deliver content and meet learning objectives.

IH Belfast student and teacher using coursebook

Cultivating Effective Learning Environments with Coursebooks: Benefits and Advantages

Utilising coursebooks in the classroom offers numerous advantages that contribute to an enriching and effective learning environment. Let’s look at the perks!

  • Graded Content: Coursebooks are meticulously structured to align with students’ proficiency levels, providing a graded progression of difficulty. This ensures that learners are presented with content that is appropriate for their current stage of language development, facilitating gradual skill acquisition and comprehension.
  • Diverse Content: One of the key strengths of coursebooks lies in their ability to cover a wide range of topics, language skills, and grammatical points. From vocabulary building exercises to reading comprehension passages and grammar drills, they offer a comprehensive suite of materials that cater to various learning objectives and preferences.
  • Student Expectations: Books have become a staple resource in language learning environments, with students often expecting their use as part of the curriculum. This familiarity can create a sense of comfort and consistency for learners, helping to establish routine and structure within the classroom setting.
  • Facilitated Planning: For teachers, coursebooks serve as invaluable aids in lesson planning and curriculum design. The structured nature of these materials provides educators with a framework upon which to build their instructional strategies, offering ready-made content that can be easily adapted to suit specific teaching goals and classroom dynamics. By leveraging the inherent organisation and coherence, teachers can streamline their planning process and focus their efforts on delivering engaging and effective lessons.
  • By harnessing the benefits, educators can enhance the learning experience for their students, promote skill development across various language domains, and streamline their instructional practices for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Adapting Coursebook Content: Meeting Diverse Student Needs for Enhanced Learning

While coursebooks offer a solid foundation for learning, it’s crucial to remember they cater to a “standard” student. This means educators must adapt content to meet the diverse needs of their students effectively. By tailoring material to suit individual preferences and learning styles, teachers can ensure greater engagement and comprehension among learners. This flexibility enables educators to create a more personalised and inclusive learning experience, maximising the benefits of usage in the classroom.

Below are strategies for adjusting your material to better suit your teaching context:

  1. Begin by determining the purpose of the material. Ask yourself if it’s designed for skill development or introducing new language concepts. Once you’ve clarified this, planning your lessons becomes more straightforward.
  2. Assess whether the text’s length aligns with your lesson objectives. Consider the time available and the planned activities, deciding whether to shorten or supplement the material accordingly.
  3. Recognise that not every activity may be necessary or relevant to your students. Instead, focus on your objectives and preferred teaching framework, selecting activities that best match your instructional stages.
  4. Evaluate the topics’ relevance and suitability for your specific student demographic. Tailor the material to align with their interests, backgrounds, and learning goals.
  5. Verify the material’s currency. Ensure that the content remains up-to-date and resonates with contemporary language use and cultural contexts.

So, we can see that coursebooks offer valuable resources for classroom instruction, adaptable to various teaching approaches and student needs but teachers need to embrace the flexibility to modify and customise materials, ensuring that your lessons effectively cater to your learners.

Explore further insights and methodologies in our CELTA courses, where real-world teaching experiences are complemented by expert guidance from qualified tutors!

Conquer Pronunciation: Overcoming English Phonology Barriers in 3 Simple Steps for Fluent Communication

IH Belfast teacher utilising phonology exercise in classroom

The Importance of Phonology in Language Learning

In the dynamic world of language learning, mastering pronunciation is often a significant challenge, especially when faced with sounds that are unique to English. Understanding the intricacies of phonology (the study of speech sounds) plays a pivotal role in helping learners overcome these hurdles and achieve proficiency in English pronunciation. In this article, we delve into the importance of incorporating phonology into language lessons, exploring practical strategies, benefits, and resources for educators to effectively support students in their pronunciation journey. From empowering learners with the phonemic chart to embracing diverse accents, this guide aims to equip educators with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of English phonology and foster confident communicators.

Understanding the challenge: Sounds unique to English

There are many sounds in English that do not exist in other languages. Consequently, students may not be able to ‘hear’ the sound you are making or distinguish it from other sounds. If a sound doesn’t exist in the students’ own language, they effectively have to train their mouth to get into the position to make the sound.

Training the mouth: Overcoming pronunciation barriers

Training the mouth involves physical exercises and techniques aimed at helping students overcome pronunciation barriers by developing the muscles and coordination required to produce specific sounds accurately. Since some sounds in English may not exist in a student’s native language, they may struggle to articulate these sounds due to differences in mouth position, tongue placement, or airflow. Through targeted exercises and drills, learners can gradually train their mouths to adopt the correct positions and movements necessary for producing these sounds. By providing students with ample opportunities for oral practice and feedback, educators can effectively address pronunciation barriers and help learners achieve greater accuracy and fluency in spoken English.

Benefits of Using the Phonemic Chart in Class

When we deal with phonology in our lessons, we generally focus first on getting students to hear the sound, intonation, stress or connection between words, and once their awareness is raised, we move on to asking them to say or produce the phonological element we are focussing on. At its most basic, this means that we first model and then drill.

  • Familiarisation with the phonemic symbols means that students can become more independent language learners. They can go away and look up pronunciation in the dictionary without needing the teacher to model it for them.
  • When covering language in class, students are able to note the pronunciation for reference later (either in the lesson or at home).
  • It benefits visual learners who often like to see sounds represented visually as well as hearing them.

Practical Tips for Integrating Phonology into Lessons

Here are some helpful tips to include phonology in your lessons:

  1. Keep it simple: there’s no need to put all the phonemes on the board, just stick to one sound – this will help you and your students to feel more confident with the phonemic chart!
  2. Remember students DO LOVE phonology: we often think students find it boring, but the truth is they find it incredibly helpful! There’s nothing more frustrating than knowing you are using the correct words, but people won’t understand you because of your pronunciation.
  3. Use your own accent: English is the lingua franca of the world – everyone has an accent, and there are multiple regional variations, embrace them all!
  4. Use resources: Apps are great to help you with the phonemic chart.

Resources for Phonological Support

  • Utilising technology:
    • Apps for phonemic chart assistance are a great classroom resource! LearnEnglish Sounds Right is the British Council’s free pronunciation chart for learners and teachers of English worldwide.
  • Expert insights:
  • Integration into various aspects of lessons:
    • As a rule of thumb, a little and often, incorporated into your lessons (language focus, within feedback to oral fluency, pre-teaching vocab for listening lessons) is more effective than a 45-minute focus on five sounds.

In conclusion, incorporating phonology into language lessons is essential for helping students navigate the unique sounds of English and improve their pronunciation skills. By familiarising students with the phonemic chart and providing practical tips for implementation, educators empower learners to become more independent and confident language users. Embracing diversity in accents and utilising resources like phonemic chart apps and expert insights further enrich the learning experience. Ultimately, by integrating phonology into lessons in a simple and consistent manner, educators can effectively support students in their journey towards mastering English pronunciation and communication.

Mental Health Wellbeing and Language Learning

In today’s fast-paced world it’s easy to overlook the significance of mental health wellbeing, especially in the context of language learning. Here at IH Belfast we believe that fostering mental wellbeing can support effective language learning – so much so, we have staff working towards qualifications in Awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing!

Understanding Mental Health Wellbeing in Language Learning

Mental health wellbeing is not just about our emotional state; it profoundly impacts our ability to learn and communicate effectively in a foreign language. Our mindset, self-confidence, and emotional resilience play pivotal roles in our language learning journey, influencing our motivation, concentration, and overall performance.

The Impact of Mental Health on Language Learning

Research has demonstrated that mental health and language learning are closely linked. Neglecting our mental well-being can affect our learning process, leading to increased anxiety, self-doubt, and difficulty retaining new information. Equally, prioritizing our mental health can enhance our language learning outcomes, fostering a positive attitude, improved concentration, and greater language proficiency.

Practical Strategies for Promoting Mental Health Wellbeing in Language Learning

1. Embrace Self-Care: Make self-care a cornerstone of your language learning routine. Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as mindfulness meditation, creative pursuits, or leisurely walks in nature. Taking time to recharge and rejuvenate is essential for maintaining mental resilience and motivation, which is why our social programme features a range of social activities designed to support student wellness. We even have a ‘Reflection Room’ where students can take a moment to themselves in a quiet environment.

2. Cultivate Healthy Habits: Adopt healthy lifestyle habits that support mental wellness and language learning. Regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep can enhance cognitive function, boost mood, and increase language retention. Incorporate physical activity and healthy habits into your daily routine to optimize your language learning potential.

3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support and guidance when facing challenges in your language learning journey. Whether it’s discussing language difficulties with a teacher, seeking encouragement from fellow learners or speaking to one of the student support staff around reception, reaching out for support can provide valuable insights, motivation, and practical solutions.

4. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your mental health and well-being during language learning. Avoid overcommitting yourself to study schedules or language goals that cause undue stress or overwhelm. Set realistic expectations and prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy balance between language learning and other aspects of your life.

5. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude towards your language learning journey. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and acknowledge the effort you’re putting into mastering a new language. Keeping a gratitude journal or reflecting on your language achievements can boost motivation and foster a positive mindset. Attending tutorials with your teachers can really help you to track your progress.

6. Stay Connected: Maintain meaningful connections with fellow language learners and native speakers to support your mental health and language learning goals. Participate fully in class, take part in the social activities, engage in language exchange opportunities around the city, join online language communities, or participate in language meetups to connect with like-minded individuals and share experiences – some examples are below!

Find Language Exchange Events & Groups in Belfast, R3 (meetup.com)

Globe International Café- Belfast | Meetup

(1) Belfast Friendship Club | Facebook

Wellness and mental health workshop at IH Belfast

Prioritising mental health wellbeing is not just essential for leading a balanced and fulfilling life; it’s also crucial for mastering a new language effectively. By adopting practical strategies to support our mental and emotional well-being on our language learning journey, we can enhance our resilience, motivation, and overall language proficiency. Remember, mental wellness and language learning are intrinsically linked, and investing in both is key to achieving success and satisfaction in your language learning.

 

8 Reasons to study English in Belfast

    Belfast – small but mighty! The lively and energetic capital of Northern Ireland, it has always been a great place to come from… now, it’s a great place to go to!  In recent years, the city has flourished as a new hub of European tourism. With beautiful cobbled streets, charming pubs, wonderful local people, fascinating history and captivating culture, it’s easy to see why Belfast is now a top destination for students from all over the world. From shopping centres to art galleries and parks to sports facilities, this really is the city that offers something for everyone. Here are 8 reasons why English language learners should consider studying in Belfast: 

    1. Friendly Atmosphere: A relatively new English language learning destination, tourists to the city can be sure they will be able to mix with locals! Visitors often comment on the warmth and friendliness of the people. Locals are known for their hospitality and willingness to help visitors feel welcome and at home in the city. There’s always some ‘craic’ to be found!

    International students mixing with locals

    2. Accessibility: Belfast is relatively compact and easy to navigate, making it convenient for visitors to explore its attractions on foot or by public transport. The city also serves as a gateway to other parts of Northern Ireland, including the stunning countryside and coastal areas.

    3. Scenic Beauty: Northern Ireland is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes which have featured in many blockbuster hits like Game of Thrones. From the rugged coastline of the Causeway Coastal Route, the serenity of the mountains of Mourne to the sea as well as the serene beauty of parks and gardens within the city itself, Belfast offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature.

    A group of 8 students standing on the path with the stones and sea behind them at Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

    4. Cultural Attractions: Belfast boasts a thriving cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, theatres, and music venues. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, art exhibitions, theatre productions, and festivals throughout the year. Traditional Irish music and dancing can be found in the city’s many pubs almost every night of the week, so visitors should be prepared to join in!

    5. Rich History: The city has a complex and interesting history, particularly concerning its industrial past and more recent conflicts. Many visitors are drawn here to explore its historical landmarks, such as the award-winning Titanic Museum, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast City Hall, and the murals that depict the Troubles.

    People walking outside the Titanic Museum, Belfast.

    6. Food and Drink: Belfast has a flourishing food and drink scene, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars offering diverse culinary experiences. From traditional Irish cuisine to international street food, there’s something to suit every palate.

    7. Shopping and Entertainment: The city boasts an array of shopping districts, from high-end boutiques to quirky independent shops. Additionally, Belfast offers a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues catering to all tastes.

    Crowd at Belfast pub

    8. Affordability: Northern Ireland’s got the goods when it comes to affordable living, making it a top pick for international students. Unlike some pricier UK cities, Belfast won’t drain your wallet. You’ll find cosy accommodation at pocket-friendly prices and plenty of cheap eats to keep hunger at bay. Plus, there’s no shortage of fun stuff to do on a budget, whether it’s hitting up cool spots around town or catching live gigs without breaking the bank. 

    With its friendly vibes and affordable lifestyle, Belfast is the place to be for students looking to stretch their pennies while still living it up. Make sure to check out Visit Belfast for all of the latest information and events coming up in the city and beyond.

    Drop us an email if you need more information about our courses and living and studying in Belfast

    Thrilled to announce our membership in IALC: Elevating Language Education Together

    We are thrilled to announce that International House Belfast has officially become a proud member of the International Association of Language Centres (IALC). This milestone marks a significant achievement for our institution and represents our unwavering commitment to excellence in language education. Read on to find out more about joining the affiliation and the incredible opportunities it brings for our language school and our students.

    Embracing Excellence with IALC:

    Joining IALC is more than just a membership – it’s a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional language education. As a globally recognised association renowned for promoting excellence in language learning, they sets the standard for quality assurance and best practices in the industry. By affiliation, we align ourselves with a community of like-minded professionals who share our passion for empowering students and fostering linguistic and cultural fluency.

    The Benefits of IALC Membership:

    Global Recognition: Our membership enhances our global reputation as a leading language school committed to excellence in education. Students and partners can trust that our institution meets or exceeds their rigorous standards for quality and professionalism.

    Networking Opportunities: As an IALC member, we gain access to a vast network of language schools, educators, and industry experts from around the world. This invaluable network provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

    Quality Assurance: IALC accreditation signifies our adherence to the highest standards of educational quality and integrity. Through the accreditation process, we demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in language education.

    We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join IALC and excited about the possibilities it presents for our language school and our students. This membership reinforces our dedication to providing the highest quality language education and opens doors to new partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities for growth.

    Joining IALC is a momentous occasion for International House Belfast, and we couldn’t be happier to be part of this esteemed association. As we embark on this new chapter, we look forward to collaborating with fellow members, sharing best practices, and contributing to the advancement of language education worldwide. Together, we will continue to elevate language education and empower students to succeed in a globalised world.

    Curious to learn more about our IALC membership and how it benefits our language school? Stay tuned for updates and exciting news as we embark on this journey together. Here’s to a bright future ahead!

    Belfast Memory Walk 2023

    Here at International House Belfast, we are very committed to our Corporate Social Responsibility policy which includes partnering with charitable associations to promote integration, education and supporting people in difficulty.

    As part of our commitment to taking part in local/national initiatives promoting humanitarian values, some of our staff took to the pavements on Saturday 23rd September to join the Alzheimer’s Society‘s Memory Walk.

    Memory Walk is a series of sponsored walks held in September and October across the UK aimed at raising vital funds to campaign for change and providing day-to-day support for those affected by dementia. Someone develops dementia every three minutes in the UK and currently there is no cure – it’s the biggest health and social care challenge of our time.

    Our staff were among a 1000-strong crowd who took to Belfast’s beautiful Ormeau Park to walk in solidarity with many affected by dementia. We were blessed with a lovely sunny morning as we warmed up with Zumba, shared coffee and chat and completed the walk.

    We were delighted to raise almost £1800 to support the charity, who aim to work towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. They help those currently living with the condition while providing hope for the future by funding new treatments that could improve people’s quality of life and are the loudest voice campaigning for a better life for people living with dementia.

    For more information or to donate yourself, check out their website!

    Our Environmental Promise

    The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get
    everybody involved.”
    – Richard Rogers


    At IH Belfast, we are determined in our promise to act as environmentally responsible as possible AND to
    provide a sustainable travel destination that students can be confident in. Working with our students, employees, host families and suppliers, we hope improve our impact on the environment and even start giving back.

    During our 2022 ‘Green Standards Schools’ accreditation, we identified the below actions which we already do and which we can improve on, to achieve a lesser footprint on the world.

    Carbon Footprint and Woodlands

    At IH Belfast, we donate to the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland. This not only helps with our carbon footprint, but also maintains historic woodland, plants more trees that are indigenous and improves biodiversity in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland ranks badly as one of the least wooded regions in Europe, with just 8.7% woodland cover compared with the European average of 37%. In addition, almost 60% of our woodland is in the form of recent conifer plantations.

    Energy consumption

    Since 2017 we have significantly reduced the power used (by 55%) and constantly work to maintain and improve upon this reduction. IH Belfast does not use any fossil fuels in heating the school. We use exclusively electricity, of which 53.4% is renewably sourced. We have also started the process of replacing all traditional light fittings with LED alternatives.


    Recycling

    We recycle all suitable materials at the school. We have recycling bins throughout the school and we have a weekly recycling collection. We are limited to one bin (240 litres) of recycling per week, as per our collection agreement with the council. We work hard not to exceed this limit and rarely do. Our recycling
    collection includes plastics, glass, paper and aluminium.


    Single Use Plastic

    IH Belfast has banned single use plastics in our day-to-day operations:

    • We have a fully stocked kitchen full of plates and crockery that can be washed and reused repeatedly.
    • We supply ceramic cups with our coffee machine that we wash each day.
    • Drinking water is available from the taps in the kitchen and glasses are readily available.
    • In the instances when plastic containers are used, we have recycling bins placed throughout the school.
    • Our whiteboard markers are made from 90% recycled plastic.


    Paper Usage

    After switching to using exclusively recycled paper in 2020, this year we have set ourselves the challenge of reducing our paper usage by 50%. After looking at the numbers we are confident that we can. We are introducing this limit hand-in-hand with workshops to encourage and train teachers to use Google Classrooms and we hope to be in a position to reduce figures further next year. As a student, you can help us by letting teachers know which hand-outs were useful and which ones you’d rather have an electronic version of… the only way forward is to get everybody involved! Some of the measures we used to get to where are are as follows:

    • IH Belfast is proud to be one of the first schools in the world to introduce a paperless CELTA course!
    • Limiting colour photocopies
    • Admin staff now capture and record information electronically. For example:
      • all medical and feedback forms are captured online;
      • admin files are stored only in electronic format;
      • brochures are only available in PDF formats;
      • social programme sign-up sheets are reusable

    Environmental Education

    Our Young Learners summer camp at Share Activity Village has environmental education at the heart of it, in particular the principals of ‘Leave No Trace’ and looking after nature, both of which recur throughout the programme. In our adult school, lessons are frequently geared around environmental themes such as recycling; climate change; ecosystems and population; greenhouse gases; forestation; travel and pollution and renewable/nuclear energy.


    Our supply chain

    We use companies who are environmentally aware, have recycling options and provide sustainable products. For example:

    • We use recycled paper products that we order from ‘Viking Direct’ who have a Wood
      Fibre Procurement Policy.
    • Our photocopier supplier is a local business that recycles all printer cartridges for us.
    • We use ‘Lyreco’ to provide and recycle our coffee pods, who have an award winning environmental policy themselves.

    “The Earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry.