Avenor Summer School is a comprehensive non-formal education programme in English, focusing on providing children with enriching experiences. Designed each year with great creativity and passion by dedicated teams of teachers, the programme aims to offer children aged 2 to 14 real options for spending the first weeks of summer holiday in an educational and fun way, alongside friends.

This year, Avenor offers three distinct summer programmes, each tailored to specific age groups (2-6 years, 6-10 years, and 10-14 years), with unique approaches and content. Details about each programme can be found on the Avenor Summer School webpage.

In a series of three interviews, we aim to learn from the educational coordinators of the summer programmes about the new features of this year’s edition. We invite you to read the first interview with Andreea Dumitrescu, Educational Coordinator of the Summer School for primary school.

 

THE MOST ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES 

Andreea, what are the most anticipated activities included in this year’s programme? 

Primary school children are always very excited about the summer programme because it gives them the opportunity to engage in a variety of fun activities with their friends or other children of the same age. During the summer, school is no longer just school, and what happens on campus resembles more of an adventure camp. And this is a very important aspect because in the first weeks of holiday, you really want to enjoy summer.

This year, the traditional Water Fun Day remains at the top of the children’s preferences, closely followed by the Pyjama Party that we intend to organise for all participants. Trips to Destiny Park and Cernica will surely also be on the list of favourite activities.

 

THE PROGRAMME’S PHILOSOPHY

How was the summer programme designed?

Each year, when we begin planning the Summer School, we have the following objectives in mind. 

On one hand, we aim to provide children with a memorable and engaging experience. On the other hand, we want them to spend two weeks where fun activities are combined with educational ones.

Last year, for example, our projects were related to nature and allowed children to discover new cultures and amazing things from around the world. Combined with hands-on activities, an escape room, a lot of interaction, and many games, learning tasks were perceived as fun activities.

This year, we aim to continue this approach and to integrate project-based learning in a playful manner with artistic activities such as music, dance, drama, painting, and sculpture – nature remaining the central theme of the programme.

OUR PRIORITIES

Thinking about the programme as a whole, what are the most important aspects for you as an educational coordinator?

There are three aspects that I prioritise when it comes to Summer School.

First and foremost is the child’s experience, which I aim to be a positive one, providing a good balance between education and fun, and ultimately leaving them with precious memories that will last for years.

Secondly, I think about the team of teachers behind the programme. Somehow, every year I am amazed by their dedication and creativity, by their careful planning of every detail, and especially by their desire to innovate, to propose new and relevant activities for the children. I highly appreciate the entire team, as without their support, the project wouldn’t be what it is today.

And last but not least, I think about the parents of the participating children. Maintaining open and prompt communication with parents is a priority for me, and when I receive feedback like the one below, I know that the programme has achieved its objectives.

WHAT PARENTS SAY

“We enrolled Ana in the Summer School to familiarise her with the school, two months before starting grade Pregătitoare.

On the first day, I left her crying, and all day I wondered if I should have been more patient. She didn’t know anyone, neither the children nor the teachers, and the place was completely new to her. When I picked her up, she was very well and told me she really liked it! 

She made friends easily, and she liked all the teachers she interacted with.  In the following days  she took care not to be late so as not to miss anything from the programme. 

At the end of each day, she enthusiastically told me about the activities she did (and there were indeed many and varied, music, drawing, sports, English, or water games) or what she saw on trips. 

In the end, we, the parents, were invited to an exhibition with the children’s works during Summer School and we were very impressed by what they achieved in two weeks. 

On the last day, it ended again with tears, this time of sadness, because the Summer School lasted only two weeks… For us, it was very important that we picked up Ana happy at the end of each day. And I think the best thing for her is that she can’t wait to start school again, to go back to Avenor.”