ELC Junior Program Recap: Our first 3 weeks at ELC!

Three exciting weeks have flown by at ELC, and our junior students have already made so many memories! Each weekday begins with engaging English lessons at ELC, where students learn in a fun, international environment with qualified and experienced teachers and new friends from around the world. Following class, there are a variety of cultural, social, and sightseeing activities that continue the adventure and make it genuinely unforgettable.

Here is an overview of our recent activities:

Week 1: A Warm Welcome

We started week 1 by welcoming junior students from Turkey, Taiwan, Czech Republic, Vietnam, China, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. It was great to see students from so many different countries quickly settle in, connect, and form friendships from day one.

The week kicked off with sun, sea, and smiles at Bondi Beach, where students dipped their toes in the Pacific and snapped their first photos of Sydney’s most famous coastline. The fun continued with a friendly mini golf that made everyone laugh and gave them a little competition. Later in the week, we visited the Australian Museum to learn more about animals, fossils, and Australian history. Then we went to the top of the Sydney Tower Eye for amazing city views, followed by a peaceful walk in Hyde Park. Back at school, we had a fun karaoke afternoon where students sang their favourite songs and cheered for each other.

We wrapped up the week with a ferry ride and a Saturday trip to Manly Beach, where students soaked up more sunshine and beautiful coastal scenery.

Week 2: Exploring culture, sports and Aussie wildlife

In week 2, we got even more energy when two groups from Hong Kong and new students from Russia, Turkey, Taiwan, and France joined us. As our students came from more and more countries, they continued to connect through language and shared experiences.

We started the week with a visit to the Sydney Opera House and a lovely walk through the Botanic Gardens, right next to the harbour. The next day, we went bowling at Darling Harbour, where students had fun cheering each other on.

Midweek, we walked around Barangaroo, a modern part of the city with beautiful views. Then, students played a friendly soccer game, which was full of energy and team spirit. To close the school week, we held a fun and fast-paced trivia quiz at ELC that tested everyone’s memory and general knowledge, with plenty of laughs along the way. The highlight of the weekend was our trip to Featherdale Wildlife Park, where students had the chance to see koalas, feed kangaroos, and learn more about Australia’s unique animals up close.

Week 3: History, creativity & coastal views

Week 3 welcomed even more new faces to the group, including a new student group from France, as well as students from Turkey, Spain, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, Indonesia, and Korea. It was amazing to see our international community grow, with students becoming more confident and connected every day.

We began the week with a relaxing breakfast and sightseeing stroll through The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods, where students enjoyed pancakes and stories of the city’s early history. The next day, things got exciting at the Escape Room, where students worked in teams to solve clues, unlock doors, and escape before time ran out!

Later in the week, we visited the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, one of the most popular attractions in the city. Students walked through underwater tunnels and got a close-up look at sharks, rays, sea turtles, and many colourful fish from the Great Barrier Reef. For many, it was their first time seeing sea animals like this—and it was a truly magical experience

The following day, we stepped back in time with a visit to Hyde Park Barracks, where students discovered what life was like for convicts and early settlers in Australia. Back at ELC on Friday, students enjoyed a fun and creative boomerang painting session, decorating their own souvenirs to take home.

We ended the week with the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. With cliffs, beaches, and ocean views all along the way, it was the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air, take photos, and spend time with new friends. It was a perfect way to unwind after another full and rewarding week!