Junior English & Riding/Surfing

Welcome to Donegal English Language Schools English & Riding/Surfing programme which offers 15 hours of English, 5 riding/surf sessions, evening activities and a cultural programme each week to students from all over the world

English Classes

Set in our Georgian building overlooking the Atlantic ocean.  The English classes run for 3 hours every morning/afternoon depending on the level of the students.  We use Project Based Learning with our junior students.  The students work on a project that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question while aimed at their level in English. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience.  As a result, students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills.  On average, there are 12 students per class with a maximum of 15.

Surfing Programme

We offer quality coaching with experienced, qualified, local surfers. Our aim is to ensure your surfing skills progress in a fun and safe environment. We believe we can help you achieve your surfing goals by keeping groups small and providing personal attention to each student. Regular feedback is always given to students to ensure progression. We have a range of different boards for you to try, so you can progress.

Considerations

• all sizes of boards from 6 foot up to 9 foot
• 5/3mm wetsuits and 3mm boots provided
• Hardboards are not provided
• 4 surf spots within a short driving distance
• male and female surf shop with 10% discount exclusive to Donegal English Language School students. (does not include Surf Co, own brand t-shirts and hoodies).

Surf lessons are broken into two categories

Beginners: This is an introduction course to surfing. We work on the correct techniques to position on the board, paddle, getting through the waves and stand up. At this level our goal is to get you surfing the white water on your own, with a basic knowledge of currents, etiquette and technique. Ratio of students to instructor 1:8 max. We use a range of beginner soft boards from 7 foot to 9 foot.

Intermediate: Students focus on surfing techniques such as effective paddling, wave knowledge and selection, take off and bottom turning, trimming and duck diving. The courses also focus on surfing etiquette. Ratio of students to instructor 1:8 max. We use a range of Torq intermediate soft top boards from 5’11 to 7’6.

Advanced:.  An advanced student is welcome to join the English and Surf programme,  however tuition received is up to intermediate level only.

Riding Programme

Horse riding activities include beach and sand dune rides, lessons and jumping and is suitable for experienced riders (competent at canter)

Students ride around 1.5 hours per day with other time being spent on horse care.

Consideration

While jumping and cross country are one of the riding activities provided. We do not offer training courses in jumping, dressage or eventing.

The horses provided are leisure horses & ponies, flexible and appropriate for activities offered.

Goals of a student’s riding week is to have fun on horseback, discover Ireland and improve English speaking.

Affiliate Riding Centre The Equestrian Centre

AIRE approved facilities include:

• Some of the best riding terrain in the whole of Ireland including, a 10 km beach and 1000 sq acres of rolling sand dunes on our doorstep, mountain, lake and forest trails all within a short distance of the yard
• Indoor and outdoor arenas
• Over 25 horses and ponies to suit everyone’s needs
• Cross country schooling course
• Friendly and professional staff

Junior Accommodation

We provides premium accommodation through our Junior residential sites and a selection of Homestays. Further details here

Junior Social & Cultural Activities

Evening Activities

Our evening activities include water sports, onsite discos, bowling, treasure hunts, cinema, art and music workshops, talent shows, silly olympics, outdoor sports, team building etc.

Cultural Excursion

We also provide a cultural excursion along with an opportunity for the students to shop every Saturday. Some of the destinations include:

• Omagh Folk Park and Omagh Town
• Go Kart Racing and Derry City
• Slieve League and Donegal Town
• Parkes Castle and Sligo Town
• Lough Key National Park and Carrick on Shannon

Check out our Location and our latest COVID policy