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

Thursday 15 May (afternoon) Magic Mini Golf

Come along to The Hole in Wand, mini golf with a magical twist!
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00

£9

Friday 16 May (afternoon) Cream Tea

Enjoy a traditional English cream tea and chat with fellow students.
Meet: Reception
Time: 14:00

£6

Saturday 17 May (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 19 May (afternoon) Games Afternoon

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

Free

Tuesday 20 May (afternoon) Bowling

Can you get a strike?
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00

£8

Wednesday 21 May (afternoon) Conversation Club

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

Free

Thursday 22 May (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

Friday 23 May (afternoon) Badminton & Padel

Enjoy a game of badminton and padel at our local sports centre.
Meet: Northgate Arena
Time: 14:45

£3

Sunday 25 May (full day trip) Lake District

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

Monday 26 May (evening) The Telford's Quiz

Answer questions across various topics like general knowledge, sports, history, music, and more. It's a fun way for you to test your knowledge with friends, while enjoying food and drinks. 18+
Meet: Telford's Warehouse
Time: 20:00
Suggested Activity

£1

Tuesday 27 May (evening) Open Mic Night

Come along to Alexander's Live, listen to local musicians and experience Chester's longest running Open Mic Night.
Location: Alexander's Live CH1 2JW
Time: 19:30
Suggested Activity

Free Entry

Wednesday 28 May (afternoon) Conversation Club

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

Free

Thursday 29 May (evening) Write Here, Write Now

A welcoming community for writers of all levels who are passionate about writing, whether it's epic fantasy, captivating novels, or compelling short stories. Join us to share your work and connect with fellow creatives.
Meet: Storyhouse
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Suggested Activity

Free

Friday 30 May (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: 15:00

£9

Saturday 31 May (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