How Our After-School Club Works
Who it's for
👧👦 For children aged 4 to 11
We welcome children in Reception, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, divided into two separate groups. Activities are designed for kids who already have a good understanding of the language.
Reception children are very welcome. At St Alban’s they may join from the second half of Term 1, unless they already have a sibling in the club, in which case they can start immediately. Reception children from other schools can join straight away, provided parents are confident they are ready.
A fully Italian environment
🇮🇹 All in Italian
The club is conducted entirely in Italian, creating a full immersion environment where children are gently encouraged to engage with the language from the start. Teachers do not translate into English unless it’s essential for safety or emotional wellbeing. Instead, children learn naturally through gesture, repetition, routine, and context — just like they would in a bilingual family. The aim is to help children develop confidence and understanding through participation, not perfection.
Learning through playing
🎲 Fun, engaging activities
Each session offers a rich mix of songs, movement games, creative challenges, and storytelling tailored to the children’s age group. Activities are carefully designed to make learning feel like play, encouraging spontaneous language use and active listening. Children work in teams, take turns, and express themselves through role-play and hands-on tasks — all while having fun and building their Italian skills in a warm and lively environment.
Dates, Location & Cost
1
When
🕒 Every Wednesday, 3:15–5:15pm
👨👩👧 For St. Alban’s pupils, one or more teachers walk the children from St. Alban's to the Parish Centre. Children from other schools should be dropped off directly at the venue shortly before 3:45, when structure language activities start.
2
Where
📍 OLEM Parish Hall – right next to St Alban’s Catholic Primary School
👣 St Alban’s pupils are accompanied on foot by staff. Children from other schools should be brought directly to the hall by parents or carers.
3
Cost & Booking
💷 £22.5 per lesson, discounted to £20 for half-term and full-term booking
👨👩👧👦 10% sibling discount for each additional child
What a Typical Session Looks Like
Structured and Varied
📚 A Balanced Routine
Children are collected from school at 3:15 and start with time to settle in, socialise and eat the snack they bring from home (please, no nuts).
From 3:45 to 5:00, the focus shifts to structured Italian learning. Activities combine speaking, reading and writing with games, creative tasks and projects, depending on the children’s age and level.
The aim is to make every session enjoyable while ensuring that children are actively learning and developing their Italian.
Reception and KS1
(Year 1 and Year 2)
👥 Small Learning Groups
Children work in smaller groups according to a combination of their age and current level of Italian, allowing activities to be adapted to what they need most.
Groups are flexible rather than fixed. Teachers may move children between groups or bring groups together for particular activities when they believe children will benefit.
This allows us to support children who are still developing their Italian while continuing to challenge more confident speakers.
KS2 (Year 3 to Year 6)
🎯 Building Language Skills
Each group follows activities suited to its starting point, with teachers adapting the programme as children progress.
Depending on their needs, children work on vocabulary, comprehension, pronunciation, speaking, grammar, reading, writing and spelling.
For bilingual children growing up in the UK, we also focus on using Italian more naturally and accurately, helping them move beyond everyday communication and develop a richer, more confident command of the language.
How to Register
Ready to join?
Registering is simple! Just read the Terms and Conditions and the Date Retention Policy, fill out our Registration Form and
submit payment to secure your child’s place.
Spaces are limited
Bookings are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis
Advance Payment
Payment is required in advance to reserve your place.
Flexible Booking Options
You can choose half-term or full-term booking