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 understand and speak at least a little Italian.
Reception children are very welcome. At St Alban’s they may join from Term 2, 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, 3:45–5:45pm
✅ Optional 1-hour format with pickup at 4:45pm
👨👩👧 For St Alban’s pupils, a volunteer parent supervises from school dismissal at 3:15 until my arrival around 3:35, and we then walk together to the classroom. Children from other schools should be dropped off directly at the venue shortly before 3:45.
2
Where
📍 OLEM Parish Hall – right next to St Alban’s Catholic Primary School
👣 St Alban’s pupils are accompanied on foot by volunteers and/or staff. Children from other schools should be brought directly to the hall by parents or carers.
3
Cost & Booking
💷 £14 for 2 hours
💷 £9 for 1 hour
📆 Discount for half-term bookings
👨👩👧👦 Sibling discount for each additional child
🔽 See table just below
📌 Please note: bookings are only available up to half-term. A new booking and payment will be required before the second half of term begins.
What a Typical Session Looks Like
Structured and Varied
📚 A Balanced Routine
Each Wednesday starts with group time, followed by two activity blocks.
We mix games, stories, crafts, and quizzes — always in Italian — with a short fresh fruit break in between (no nuts are provided).
While the focus is on fun and communication, we also weave in some light grammar — in playful, age-appropriate ways — to help children build confidence and structure without even realising they’re learning it!
Children stay engaged and immersed from start to finish.
Reception and KS1
(Year 1 and Year 2)
🎨 For Younger Learners
Storytelling, role-play, songs with movement, drawing, and themed activities (e.g., animals, family, seasons).
Activities are age-appropriate and designed to build vocabulary and confidence naturally.
We also gently introduce elements of grammar — for example, noticing if a word is masculine or feminine, or matching colours to nouns with the right endings — always in a playful, engaging way.
Children earn stickers and small rewards along the way for effort and jobs well done.
KS2 (Year 3 to Year 6)
🧠 For Older Learners
Each week, children work in teams on fun quiz challenges covering Italian language, culture, geography, and more. Roles rotate weekly — including team captain — and there’s a prize for the winning team each half-term.
We also explore grammar through playful tasks, touching on slightly more complex topics than KS1. Spelling games (like spelling bees) and light writing activities help strengthen key skills that many bilingual teens find tricky when preparing for exams like the GCSE.
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 occasional sessions or the full half term (with discount).