Cultural Heritage, Language Learning
English in Nature – Beginner Level (A1/A2)
6 days
This course offers an immersive and practical approach to learning English for beginners. Combining indoor lessons, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration, participants build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills from a foundation of confidence rather than anxiety.
The course uses innovative PIC XXI methodologies, including experiential learning, outdoor language games, collaborative projects, and journaling — allowing participants to learn English in natural and real-life contexts while exploring Madeira's landscapes and cultural heritage.
Learning Outcomes
Participants to the course will learn to:
Communicate basic personal information in English and greet others confidently
Understand simple instructions, messages, and descriptions in everyday and outdoor contexts
Ask and answer questions related to travel, culture, leisure, and nature
Describe surroundings and daily experiences using basic vocabulary and present tense structures
Apply creative and experiential learning methods to teaching English at beginner level
Develop confidence and independence in using English for practical communication
Programme
English in Nature – Beginner Level (A1/A2)
Monday
Welcome to English — Foundations and Confidence
Welcome session and course overview. Ice-breaking: names, countries, greetings in English.
Beginner English foundations: alphabet, numbers, basic vocabulary and survival phrases.
Outdoor vocabulary walk: labelling the environment in English.
Introduction to journaling: draw and write three things you see, hear and feel.
Tuesday
English in the Valley — Describing People, Places and Nature
Vocabulary: nature, landscape, colours, weather, animals.
Outdoor language games: describe what you see in English.
Grammar: present simple — "I see / I like / There is / There are."
Group activity: create a simple illustrated English nature guide.
Wednesday
English on the Levada — Movement, Direction and Storytelling
Vocabulary: directions, movement, feelings, outdoor activities.
Grammar: present continuous — "I am walking / It is raining."
Levada walk: guided English commentary and observation exercises.
Group storytelling: each participant adds a sentence to a shared story.
Thursday
English by the Sea — Travel, Culture and Real Conversation
Vocabulary: travel, tourism, food, cultural visits.
Speaking practice: asking for directions, ordering food, introducing yourself.
Role-play activities: at the market, at the museum, at the café.
Writing practice: a postcard home from Madeira in English.
Friday
Language in Action — Sea or City
Plan A 🌊: Catamaran whale-watching adventure. English conversation challenge: describe wildlife, weather and emotions in real time. Partner storytelling and creative writing inspired by the Atlantic.
Plan B 🏫: Indoor language workshop. Creative writing, grammar consolidation and portfolio preparation. Reflective journal: language learning highlights of the week.
Saturday
Certificate Ceremony & Closing
Participants present a short spoken piece in English: a story, reflection or creative work from the week.
Group reflection: language learning journey and personal highlights.
Certificate presentation ceremony.
Group photograph and informal closing celebration.
Course package: field trips, guided excursions, catamaran whale-watching (Plan A) or indoor workshop (Plan B) are included. Accommodation, meals and flights are not included.
Materials, digital tools & other learning resources
Course participants will receive training and engage in exercises designed to develop their skills as trainers. The provision of additional materials or resources will be determined based on the course structure and the instructor’s approach to meeting the learning objectives
Course package content:
Services and activities included in the course package are those described above. Please note that accommodation, transport, and meals are not provided.
Cancellation & changes:
Common sense prevails when it comes to cancellations, which are analyzed on a case-by-case basis.