Category: Development

The Skiing Trip for Year 1 students is a traditional winter event organised by the PE Department. In the unique Krkonoše Smetánka chalet, students spend a week learning basic or advanced skiing or snowboarding skills. There are also many team building activities and students prepare performances for the final House competition evening. The Headmaster, who traditionally comes to visit students on this trip, chooses the winner.

Every ECP student experiences 8 different trips during their first 4 years at our school. Trips frame the school year – at the beginning of the school year, there are induction trips and at the end of the school year, trips are more educationally focused. But each trip is educational in some way and it helps to build healthy relationships through team-building activities.

During the first week of school, students in Years 1 – 4 set off for the induction trips to the Krkonoše mountains, to Western Bohemia, and to the Lužické and Jizerské mountains. The aim of each trip is not only to help new students adapt to a new school and make new friends, but they are also an opportunity for the whole year group to build a strong and friendly community.

Each trip has a different focus, therefore the activities are always different and sometimes challenging. This also applies to the trip for students in Year 4 who can choose, if they wish, to take a more physically demanding trip Cycling and History Adventure trip, which involves cycling and camping, or a more academic Exploring history trip where in the beautiful countryside of Czech Switzerland. On both trips, they explore the difficult history of the Sudetenland and meet witnesses of post-war times.

Year 1 September trip brochure – Welcome to ECP Trip

Year 2 September trip brochure – Culture and History Trip

Year 3 September trip brochure – Mountain Trip

Year 4 September trip brochure – Cycling and History Adventure Trip

Year 4 September trip brochure – Exploring History Trip brochure will be added by 29th August 2025

Students who are over 14 and want to try something new, see the world and get a prestigious certificate for their achievements have the opportunity to apply for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. It consists of three separate levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold, reflecting the increasing difficulty and dedication required.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an exceptional opportunity for students to gain experience and develop skills in a wide range of extra-curricular areas. It promotes and develops the skills of independence, teamwork and leadership, allowing participants to structure and take charge of their own courses. The Award requires students to undertake a skill, a sport and a service for a set period of time depending on the level. This gives students the opportunity to take up new activities, as well as gain recognition for those that they already enjoy. The highlight of the Award, however, is the expedition, which requires students to plan and carry out a self-sufficient mission in the countryside. For this, students need to be trained in all the necessary survival skills, including first aid, map-reading, campsite construction and food preparation.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award in which students pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with them for the rest of their life. Within this programme, students can develop activities they are already doing, such as taking part in sports activities or playing a musical instrument. In addition, students can start something they have always dreamed of doing but haven’t yet had a reason to start.

What’s more, students set their own goals corresponding to their age, abilities and preferences and plan their own activities so that it is fun and a challenge for them. Step by step, they reach three levels of difficulty – Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Wellbeing is extremely important in the modern world.
At ECP we feel very strongly about the wellbeing of our students and teachers so there are many activities linked to wellbeing. Our tutors and teachers priortise the wellbeing of our students. When we have concerns about a students’ wellbeing, we will address this directly with families.

Students have a steady diet of assemblies and tutorial sessions that focus on wellbeing and stress management. In the Upper School, we start the year with workshops on breathing exercises and designing optimal study spaces in the first week of school. Students are always welcome to utilise the quiet room or speak to their tutors or any other member of the Upper School Team or Senior Pastoral Team if they need extra wellbeing support. During exam time we also have a “chill-out room” available for students who desire silence and relaxation.

Starting at a new school is always an unsettling time. Children are afraid that they will not make new friends and that everything will be difficult. But all these worries disappear if you have an older friend you can turn to and who gives you advice in any school situation. At the ECP, mentors – students from Year 6 – take care of Year 1 students. They meet them regularly, once a month, and at the Graduation Ball, they officially welcome them to the ECP. In order to prepare the Mentors for their role we prepare for them Child protection Course and several insets.

Clearly, it is a great opportunity for mentors to experience a new role; the Mentoring Programme helps them to become more responsible and to experience how important strong relationships are. And for year 1 students, the Mentoring programme makes a big difference in starting a new school – with joy and without fear.

My Journey of Discovery (of the World and Myself)

We live in a very busy world and very often do not have time to stop and reflect on what we have experienced, what we have learned. But the art of reflection is absolutely crucial for personal growth and for making good decisions in the future.

Reflections not only make us think about our actions, but also to develop thinking skills as we need to formulate what was good or bad, easy or challenging and why. Writing down the reflection supports our expression skills, which is equally important.

This is why every month, our students in Years 1-4 write one reflection from at least one activity they have done during that month. They record it in their Experience Book (Years 1-2), which very often becomes their personal diary, keeping what would otherwise be lost in their busy lives
Look here to see what the Experience Book looks like. See here some examples of PRE CAS BLOG (example 1, example 2, example 3, example 4, example 5).

To help students develop their whole personality is one of the main aims of our school.
The :more programme plays a crucial role in this as it offers many opportunities and challenges. The tutors play an important role in this process as they support each individual student during their time at ECP. The tutor not only advises a student regarding their academic progress, but also helps them to discover the whole potential every student has.

The tutor might advise what would be best to try, to explore, to keep on doing and through this continuous dialogue, students can find their best path for themselves. At the end of the school year, tutors write a holistic report about each student and reflect on how they have developed over the course of the year and what they have achieved both academically and personally.

The IB Programme is not only a demanding academic programme, but it also focuses on developing various skills. One of the skills that is seen as being very important is reflection. Students reflect on every area of their studies, but mainly on their CAS activities. Reflecting on the process of these activities helps students to gain as much as possible from each experience and to learn from their mistakes.

“ECP might not have taught us what I thought was needed for basic adult life, such as how to deal with banks, taxes, and rent, but it has taught us something much more valuable and that is self-reflection. Yes, we are all triggered by the word reflection, but part of the theme of evolution was to also self-reflect on how we have grown as a person.

Without self-reflection we would not have seen our mistakes in order to improve them; we would not have realised what we truly stand by – our values; and most importantly we wouldn’t have grown to be the mature selves we are today. Through self-reflection, we also learnt to challenge our prejudices and become more open-minded and respectful.“
IB Graduate quote

The Graduation Ball is a traditional Czech social event, which marks the beginning of the graduation process and always attracts a very large gathering of students, parents and friends. It is a formal event held in one of Prague’s traditional ball venues and the dress code is black tie.

Year 6 students usually start preparing for the Ball in Year 5. They are supported by the Deputy Head (Co-Curriculum), the Bursary office and the Marketing Manager. Students always decide on the theme of the Ball, which determines the design of the posters, tickets, sashes and tableau and also sets the tone of the evening’s programme. Students prepare a surprise dance, in which most of the year group is involved and it is usually the grand finale of the evening.

The organisation of the Graduation Ball is challenging and requires many skills. Students have to support each other and work together, developing a good team spirit. Students in Year 5 also help them, which is a very important experience for the organisation of their own Graduation Ball the following year.

The Graduation Ball is not only a highlight for the graduating year and their families, but also for Year 1 students and their families, as they are officially welcomed to the College.

ECP Graduation Ball 2024

ECP Graduation Ball 2024 – surprise dance

An essential aspect of encouraging students to express themselves creatively, is the opportunity for their work to be published.  The ECP Times is a monthly paper to which any student may submit articles.  It is supported by the Journalism Club and its members are encouraged to contribute on a regular basis.  Money raised from the sale of the paper goes towards a charity chosen by the student-led editorial team.   Each year, the library runs the annual COBIS poetry competition and a short story competition.  All the entries for these competitions are published in an annual Literary Journal.  In addition, students are encouraged to submit  their own artwork, poetry or creative writing throughout the year.  This provides a wonderful opportunity for students to share their creative work with one another and the wider world.  All students who contribute work to the journal receive a free copy.

Providing Opportunities and Building Bridges

In 2011, four ECP students decided, after finishing their IB exams, to raise enough money to provide an education at the English College for a young person from a less fortunate background, who would benefit significantly from the same opportunity that they themselves had had. Thanks to a very successful auction, they were able to raise a large amount of money, which laid the foundation for the Václav Havel Scholarship. Václav Havel, our Czech Founder Patron, allowed his name to be used for the Scholarship.

It was agreed that the Scholarship would support primarily Roma students, as ECP recognizes how important it is to build bridges between Czechs and the Roma people, who historically have been at the margins of Czech society. ECP staff and students believe that education can help to solve problematic issues but also, that by learning about the Roma community, its culture and its challenges, we can change the stereotypical views many have about Roma people. At ECP there are many students from different nationalities and all are welcome, as each individual enriches the school community with their unique culture.

In 2012, thanks to the Václav Havel Scholarship and support from ECP, a young Roma, Marek, became an ECP student. He successfully graduated with the IB Diploma in 2018 and studied Ancient History, History and Culture of Islamic Lands at Charles University. Thanks to him, many students have changed their opinions, which had often been based solely on prejudice. 

Then in 2016, a team consisting of ECP scholars followed up on the project started by their four former classmates. Their aim was to provide the same opportunity for another Roma boy or girl, that Marek had had. Their efforts came to a successful aim and in 2021 a new Roma student Adam started his journey at ECP and he became a very active member of the team. 

Every year the team of scholars organizes a benefit concert, and a Roma/Diversity week.  During the lockdown students also started to organise the art competition for children in the Czech Republic. The competition helps them to spread information about the Václav Havel Scholarship and raise awareness about the Roma community in the Czech Republic.

See the Václav Havel Scholarship website (English and Czech pages).

Václav Havel Scholarship Concert 2024

ECP’s Asian Festival is an annual celebration of Asian culture organised by our Asian students. Delicious food representing many different Asian cuisines, togetjer with music and dance performances, make the afternoon very special and very popular with students, staff, parents and the wider Asian community.

Thanks to the Festival’s very good reputation and professional organisation, students are supported by several ASEAN embassies, which send their representatives to support the Festival’s programme. The money raised at the event is donated to a charity chosen by the students. At the moment students are supporting the education of two children  in India through the programme ADOPCE na dálku. (Caritas Prague)

Open Mic is organised mainly by students, supported by the Head of Music. It provides an opportunity for any student or teacher to perform in an informal environment. The evening has a very special atmosphere thanks to the variety of the individual and group performances. The great atmosphere is created by the music – the best language in the world – along with the students’ and teachers’ enthusiasm and creativity.

ECP Open Mic 2024

ECP Open Mic 2023

Caritas  Programme, Pre CAS projects and IB charity projects

Let us help everyone believe that they are not alone in any troubles they may have in their lives.

A very important part of the school life is the Charity work, which is established in the school programme in a number of areas and it’s at the very heart of our school ethos. 

Caritas Programme – Helping nature and the environment, Helping children and young people, Helping elderly people, helping ill or disabled people,Helping people facing difficult life situations, Helping the places where we live

Caritas  Programme offers many charity opportunities in different areas to any student interested.  The Latin word Caritas stands for the Greek expression AGAPE, which was, according to the Ancient Greeks, the highest form of Love – the love that forgets about oneself in order to help someone else. By helping those who are less fortunate, students realise how important solidarity is and also acknowledge the value of making sacrifices to benefit other people. They also appreciate what values are important and how communication and good relationships are both meaningful and can change life for the better. Thus the Caritas programme gives students a unique opportunity to play an active role in making this world a better place.

Over the years we have established good relationships with different organisations representing the main areas where help is essential – such as the Military Hospital, Vila Vallila, Woods of Prague, Zajíček na koni and the retirement home in Vysočany For more information about these organisations see the Caritas section in the :more booklet. 

Pre – CAS projects

Students are led to acknowledge the importance of Charity work from  year 1 through the Pre CAS programme. In order to help students to develop the skills needed for running a purposeful charity project, we have incorporated into Tutor and PSME time, various activities focusing on different aspects of charity work. Students learn how to identify areas of need and how to find the best solution for effective action. They gradually develop their skills and in Year 4 they are encouraged to run their first independent Charity project.  The best projects are awarded by Pre – CAS Award at the Founders’ Day. 

Pre – CAS programme – building skills needed for running a charity project.

Student IB service projects

IB students have to organise an independent project for their IB diploma. Many of them choose Charity projects. Here are some examples of successful ones:

• Raising money and community awareness of the Ukrainian refugee crisis 
• Supporting Ukrainian students by helping them to integrate into the Czech school system.
• Visiting the Elderly house Domov seniorů kardinála Berana in Mukařov or in Domov pro seniory Vysočanská, where the students talk to and play games with the residents.
•  Holiday events for children in the village of Dřevčice    – Here the students created games and other activities for the kids there.  Christmas decorations and Easter egg hunts were two of the main activities which occurred.

Poetry Day

For many years our students have been working with the organisation Zajíček na koni, which supports children and young people with a learning disability and their families. Zajíček na koni runs the cafe Ad Astra, which is an ideal place for organising poetry evenings. Students usually choose the theme of the evening, such as the work of Mácha, Karel Čapek or Jiří Orten and prepare a programme consisting of readings of the texts of various writers and also readings of poetry written by students and teachers. Musical performances always accompany the readings to create a very special atmosphere at these intimate literary events.  

At the English College in Prague, we work with our students to develop leadership at all levels. We believe that students can show positive leadership in a variety of different ways, so we have built a structure which gives students the opportunity to take on leadership roles and develop their skills. Our House system has a range of opportunities for students to take on roles in sport, culture and mentoring. As well as giving our students responsibility, we also provide training opportunities so that they can develop and refine their leadership skills. We think that people can lead in different ways and with different styles. We encourage our students to lead with integrity in an inclusive and supportive manner. 

Student Council Mission and Events

The Student Council is an important student body which cooperates with the management of the school on improving the student experience and  plays an important role in school life. It represents students’ views and supports the student community. It consists of Year group and Houses representatives and is led by the President, who is elected by the whole student community in September. The President and Vice President regularly meet the Headmaster and discuss Student Council proposals for improving school life or any issues that may occur from time to time.  The Student Council also organises many events and chooses the charity supported by students during the academic year. 

Student Council Presidential Campaign

Like any team, the Student Council also needs a good leader, therefore In September a new Student Council President is elected. The Student Council President not only leads the Student Council, but also carries out many responsibilities and represents the student body on formal occasions such as Founders’ Day or meetings with the Governors. It is therefore very important to choose the right person. All the candidates present their programmes at year group assemblies, this is usually followed by many discussions among students, and each candidate has to convince others that they are able to undertake this prestigious role. 

Roles in Student Council

House Captain

The role of the House Captains is:

To decide vision for the house

To lead the house leadership team

To chair a house leadership team meeting once a half-term

To communicate to house members in registrations and assemblies.

To attend all scheduled house captains meetings. 

To attend all house events.

Culture Captain 

The role of the Culture Captain is:

To be a visible ambassadors for the Arts within ECP

To work closely with the Arts Faculty and Senior Tutors

To lead on the Cultural Olympiad event organisation

To maintain active links with tutor groups to promote the Olympiad and inspire participation

To occasionally speak at assemblies in their role/ capacity as Culture Captain 

To attend all scheduled meetings and take an active role in planning 

Sports Captain 

The role of the Sports Captains is:

To promote the interhouse sports events in their house

To promote participation in interhouse sports competitions among all year groups

To organise the teams to represent the house at each competition

To be a visible ambassador and participant for the house at each sports competition

To assist the PE Department with the organisation of each competition

To attend all scheduled sports captain meetings

Student Council Events

Christmas Fair

The annual Christmas Fair is an informal occasion. Each tutor group takes part, encouraged and supported by the  Tutor. Money raised at the Fair is donated to a charity chosen by students at the beginning of the school year. 

Cake Sales

Each term there are cake sales during morning break, organised by the Student Council, individual tutor or charity groups. 

Valentine Roses

Students organise the sale of roses for those who would like to give a rose for Valentine’s Day. “Spreading the Love”, as it is sometimes called, makes the day very special. 

Halloween event

Students organise stalls with food and activities connected with Halloween. 

Barbecue for Year 6 and ‘Last Bell’ Celebrations

The Student Council organises a barbecue for the whole school farewell to Year 6 students. 

Library positions

The role of Student Librarians is:

To be responsible for a small section of the library

To help process new books

To be an active reader – recommending and promoting titles

To write AR quizzes for new books

To create displays for special events

To assist with the training of new student librarians

ECP’s best sportsmen and women of ECP have the opportunity to represent the school in competitions with other Czech and international schools. 

POPRASK is a Prague sports competition, in various sports disciplines, organised by DDM hl.města Prahy (The Prague House for Children and Young People). 

The International Schools Sport Association Prague (ISSAP) tournaments are organised by different international schools in Prague and again, involve many disciplines -football, basketball, volleyball, floorball, skiing, swimming, tennis, track and field.

Every school year students can use their specific artistic and creative talent, and helping their House to participate in the Cultural Olympiad. Cultural Captains, supported by their Senior Tutors, lead their teams and act as ambassadors and role models for creative participation. The event attracts around 100 performers, as well as over 100 entries for the Visual Arts categories.  The Arts Faculty organise the event, which is an afternoon extravaganza of entertainment, competition, and community spirit, with external judges invited to attend and rank each of our categories. The Cultural Olympiad takes place in Prague’s larger theatres, and this year the event is planned for the iconic Divadlo na Fidlovačce 

The winning House receives the Cultural Olympiad Cup and important points towards the whole-year House competition.

Performance Categories: Dance, Music, Drama, and Film

Visual Categories: Art and Photography (Winners are Photographer of the year and Artist of the Year). 

2024 Cultural Olympiad video

During the academic year, the Houses compete in different sports disciplines such as floorball, volleyball, basketball, football and table tennis. Sports Captains are in charge of creating and leading their teams. The competitions usually take place after school, but two of them have become whole school events taking place during the school day. These are therefore a good opportunity for all students and teachers to see top sports performances and to support their House teams. The atmosphere is always great – full of enthusiasm, joy and a determination to win!

Sports Day is a traditional event and marks the end of the school year. House Captains and Senior Tutors, together with the PE Department, prepare the programme, which involves a variety of sports disciplines. It is a great opportunity for students to take part in various sports competitions and to help their House win the Sports Day Cup. The highlight of Sports Day is the House Run in which teachers also take part and run for their House.

ECP Olympic Festival 2024

ECP Sports Day 2023

At ECP we are keen to develop a true love for reading in our students.  To support this, the top readers each term receive a celebratory certificate and gift token.  In addition, students are encouraged to participate in the ECP Reading Award. The ECP Reading Award is a prestigious prize that encourages students to read a diverse range of books including classics, poetry, contemporary and history fiction as well as non-fiction focused on topics such as philosophy, science or psychology.  To achieve the Bronze Award students need to complete 8 tasks ranging from shadowing a book award, attending a book group or exploring a controversial issue of modern life that has global consequences.  The Silver award requires students to complete 12 reading tasks and the Gold 16 Tasks. Winners of the Gold Award are presented each year on Founders’ Day.