Studying foreign languages would not be effective without exploring cultures and countries, where the languages being studied are spoken. Young people naturally love meeting their peers despite the language barriers, which is a good basis for an exchange programme.

For many years we have been organising a French Exchange and we have established a strong relationship with the Lycée Notre Dame de Rezé in Nantes. We have recently established a Spanish exchange with Rivas-Luna Centro de Enseñanza in L’Eliana, Valencia which we hope will become a successful exchange too. Every year our students spend a week with the Spanish/French families and at a different time in the year the Spanish/French students come to Prague and enjoy the hospitality of our students’ families. Spanish/French and Czech students also sample the education that the other school provides as they attend some classes during their stay. Both the Spanish/French school and the ECP prepare interesting cultural programmes so that the exchange is a very enriching experience for all those involved.

At the end of each academic year, the school community decides on the theme that will be explored throughout the following school year. The theme is reflected in many activities and school events. It appears in the teaching of all subjects, which enables students to observe its complexity. Exploring a particular theme also gives teachers the opportunity to explore cross-curricular connections. 

Departments organise different activities including competitions. Literary festival and the very popular Culture olympiad have their main focus on the Theme of the year, which is always a creative challenge for all students. There are also lectures connected with the theme and the annual debate is usually the highlight of the year’s theme-related activities. 

Amongst the themes we have explored in previous years are Czech and British Connections, Internationalism, the Natural World, Technology, Time, Roots and The Star.

The Festival of the Arts is our way of exposing students to the creative industries whilst building new skills in the visual and performing arts. Running annually, students in Years 1 and 2 take part in various workshops led mainly by external specialists – in drama, music, art and dance – for two days. It is an excellent opportunity for students to connect with other like-minded individuals, and forge new friendships. We advise students to opt for workshops which introduce them to new skills, thus providing a creative and enriching experience.  

At the end of the second day, there is a showcase of each of the workshops alongside an exhibition of Festival artwork.

You can enjoy here the video from the last time we run Festival of The Arts

During the school year, we explore a range of different themes through our tutor time programme and assemblies. Students have the opportunity to express their opinions and also to learn about various topics, perspectives and ideas through a variety of activities. 

This is the list of awareness week topics: 

• Leadership
• Mental Health and Mindfulness
• The History of the ECP
• Democracy and Human Rights
• Families and Healthy Relationships
• Safeguarding and Internet Safety
• Technology
• Diversity and Equality
• International Environment
• LGBTQI+ History
• Nature and the Environment

The English College Foundation, the charity that set up and still supports the English College, for many years arranged a programme of work experience in London in the autumn term for about 10 final-year students at the College. This involved finding placements in organisations working in areas of interest to the students, who stayed for the week with volunteer host families. The programme was halted by the Covid crisis but the ECF continues to support with career information and advice where required.

The English College Foundation, the charity that set up and still supports the English College, for many years arranged a programme of work experience in London in the autumn term for about 10 final-year students at the College. This involved finding placements in organisations working in areas of interest to the students, who stayed for the week with volunteer host families. The programme was halted by the Covid crisis but the ECF continues to support with career information and advice where required.