Meet friends, have fun as you keep speaking English

The social programme is a weekly offering of popular activities designed to introduce you to Chester, to suggest fun activities and events for you to attend, and at the same time, make new friends easily, and complement your English language lessons.

Our social programme is a very important and much appreciated part of school life. Language and culture are closely linked so our programme of activities and excursions is designed to activate your English while you learn about British life and culture. You can visit many interesting places, share new experiences with students from all over the world, get to know your teachers outside of the classroom and have lots of fun.

Our Social Activities Organiser, a full-time member of staff, organises the social programme. When you arrive at the school in Chester on your first day, we’ll introduce you to our Social Activities Organiser, explain how activities work and what you have to do to sign up (reserve a place) on the activities, trips and excursions that you’re interested in.

The weekly social programme includes a range of activities, half-day excursions and full-day excursions at weekends. We also offer weekend excursions through a local company BusyBus.

  • activities include a walking tour of Chester on your first day, conversation club, book club, cream tea. Activities typically cost between £6 and £15.
  • half-day excursions include Anfield, Liverpool. They typically cost £15 to £30.
  • full-day excursions include the Lake District, North Wales, Manchester. Excursions cost £25 to £60.

Once you’re in school, we can also help you to plan other things you might like to do independently.

Social programme

Saturday 12 October (morning) Chester Boats City Cruise

See a different side of Chester with a Half-hour City Cruise along the River Dee
Meet: The Groves Chester
Time: 10:30

£8

Sunday 13 October (full day trip) North Wales Trip

As part of the North Wales sightseeing tour you will visit charming Welsh seaside towns, an ancient castle, and an amazing National Park.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception!
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 09:30

£60

Monday 14 October (afternoon) Conversation Club

A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00

Free

Tuesday 15 October (evening) Open Mic Night

Come along to Alexander's Live, listen to local musicians and experience Chester's longest running Open Mic Night.
Meet: Alexander's Live
Time: 19:30

Free

Wednesday 16 October (afternoon) Arts & Crafts Club

Join our afternoon arts and crafts club. Exploring lots of projects, art, craft and creativity!
Meet: Coffee Room
Time: 16:00

Free

Thursday 17 October (afternoon) Houdini's Escape Rooms

One way in, only one way out. Work with your team to hunt clues, crack codes and solve puzzles to escape the room.

£13

Friday 18 October (afternoon) Sick to Death

Explore Chester's dark history with a gory story of medicine through time

£6 +

Saturday 19 October (full day trip) Lake District Trip

The Lake District sightseeing tour takes you to beautiful mountainous countryside in a National Park.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception!
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 08:30

£60

Sunday 20 October (morning) Super-Natural Chester Zoo

See the giant pumpkin animal sculptures, complete the trail challenge and collect your sweet treat!
Meet: Chester Zoo
Time: 10:00

£30

Monday 21 October (afternoon) Games Afternoon

Join us as we play a variety of board, card and dice games!
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16:00

Free

Tuesday 22 October (afternoon) Chester City Walls Walk

Join the walk along the oldest, longest and most complete city walls of Britain. The walk provides fantastic views of the city and an insight into Chester's history.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00

Free

Wednesday 23 October (afternoon) Arts & Crafts Club

Join our afternoon arts and crafts club. Exploring lots of projects, art, craft and creativity!
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16:00

Free

Thursday 24 October (afternoon) Football

A football game provides friendly competition, while having fun and staying active! Bring trainers and water.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00

£5

Friday 25 October (afternoon) Badminton

Come along to our local sports centre for a few games of Badminton. Stay active, have friendly competition and fun!
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00

£5

Sunday 27 October (full day trip) North Wales Trip

As part of the North Wales sightseeing tour you will visit charming Welsh seaside towns, an ancient castle, and an amazing National Park.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception!
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 09:30

£60

Monday 28 October (evening) Language and Culture Cafe

Meet local residents, practise your English and exchange cultures.
Meet: Storyhouse
Time: 19:00

Free

Tuesday 29 October (evening) Bowling

Enjoy two games of bowling at our local bowling alley.
Meet: Reception
Time: 17:30

£8

Wednesday 30 October (afternoon) Conversation Club

A great way to improve your communication skills, meet new students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00

Free

Thursday 31 October (afternoon) Pool

Come along and shoot some pool!
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00

£2 per game