Academic Programme

MLI International Schools is dedicated to delivering student-centred courses in a friendly, supportive, and safe environment which motivate and encourage students to use and improve their English through a specially designed tuition programme which is inspiring, enjoyable, and linked to exciting and fun activities, and excursions.

At MLI International Schools, we use the communicative language teaching method. Emphasis is placed on improving grammar usage rather than teaching grammar- a communicative language approach. The focus being on improving students’ use and knowledge of vocabulary, colloquial phrases, idioms, expressions, and phrasal verbs to enrich their use of langua

Fluency over accuracy is a primary objective. This enables the learner to communicate effectively and appropriately in the various situations they would be likely to find themselves in. The content of  lessons are functions such as inviting, suggesting, complaining or notions such as the expression of time, quantity, location and are fully aligned to the Common European Framework of Languages (CEFR).

• Learners learn a language through using it to communicate
• Authentic and meaningful communication should be the goal of classroom activities
• Communication involves the integration of different language skills
• Learning is a process of creative construction and involves trial and error
• It focuses on fluency over accuracy

The MLI Syllabus is aligned to the CEFR and covers General English suitable for students between the ages of 10 to 17 years of age (Junior Learners). The MLI Syllabus is constantly updated to reflect feedback received from our students, educational tour operators, group leaders and academic staff to ensure the best academic content and lesson planning.

Lessons are usually 9am –12.30pm and 2pm –5.30pm in classes with a maximum of 16 students. There are 3 hours of lessons per session with a 30-minute break at 10.30am (mornings) or 3.30pm (afternoons).

MLI International Schools promotes a multi-cultural mix within the classroom. Our students are typically secondary level students who have been exposed to a grammar-focused and uncommunicative learning environment in their home schools.

Students will experience a diverse range of learning styles and educational backgrounds; therefore, teachers plan a variety of activities and use an assortment of materials to include visuals, listening, realia etc.

Student Welfare

MLI International Schools is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children participating in our programmes. The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration in all aspects of our work. MLI International Schools has been providing Summer Programmes for over 32 years in Ireland and you can trust that we can place student welfare and safety as an absolute priority.

This Child Safeguarding Statement applies to all MLI International Schools operations in Ireland and is in accordance with the requirements of the Children First Act 2015 and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017).

Our Commitment

MLI International Schools is committed to ensuring that:

• All children under our care are protected at all times
• All staff are equipped to make informed and confident responses to child protection concerns
• Management are equipped to make appropriate decisions where safeguarding concerns arise
• A safe, supportive and learner-centred environment is provided for all students

Safeguarding Measures

MLI International Schools meets its child protection responsibilities through:

• Implementation of this Safeguarding Policy and associated procedures
• Safe recruitment practices, including Garda vetting and reference checks
• Mandatory safeguarding training (Children First) for all staff
• Clear Codes of Conduct for staff, Group Leaders and third parties
• Defined supervision structures and welfare provision in all centres
• Use of vetted host families and secure residential accommodation
• Risk assessments covering all programme activities and environments

Designated Roles

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) with responsibility for child safeguarding is:

• Paula Fagan (DLP)
• Niamh McGuirk (Deputy DLP)

Each MLI centre also has Designated Safeguarding Persons (DSPs), including the Welfare Officer and Centre Manager, who are available to respond to concerns at all times.

Responding to Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may arise in several ways, including:

• A concern regarding a child’s behaviour, appearance or wellbeing
• A disclosure made by a child
• Information provided by another child or adult

All staff are required to:

• Listen carefully and take all concerns seriously
• Make accurate records using the child’s own words
• Report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) or DLP

Where there are reasonable grounds for concern, the DLP will refer the matter to Tusla and/or An Garda Síochána in line with statutory requirements.

Working in Partnership
MLI International Schools works in partnership with:

• Parents and guardians
• Educational Tour Operators (ETOs)
• Host families and accommodation providers
• Relevant statutory authorities

to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.

Availability of Full Policy
This is a summary of the MLI International Schools Child Safeguarding Policy Statement.

The full policy, including our written risk assessment, is available on request.

Contact
For any safeguarding concerns:
Designated Liaison Person: Paula Fagan
Deputy DLP: Niamh McGuirk
Email: info@mli-group.com