Meet Nadine Early, Academic Director at ATC Language Schools, Dublin and Bray
As part of our next series of blogs, we are pleased to introduce you to more of the teams at our accredited training centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway. In our next interview, we are pleased to introduce, Nadine Early, the Academic Director at ATC Language Schools with their fabulous centres in the centre of Dublin, and by the beautiful coast in Bray, just 30 minutes from the capital of Ireland.
ATC was founded in 1973 as a summer centre for young learners and has been offering courses year-round to both adults and young learners since 1995, in our flagship school in Bray Co. Wicklow. In 2012 we opened our second year-round school in Dublin city centre, allowing us to extend our programmes of English language education and teacher training & development.
We have been proudly hosting Erasmus students since the early days of funding for European cooperation and mobility. We hosted participants under the ‘Comenius’ programme which ran until 2013, and under the original ‘Erasmus’ programme which ran from 2014 – 2020. By the time the current Erasmus+ programme was launched in 2021, ATC had been welcoming teachers and students from across Europe for many years, offering the highest of standards in mobility activities.
What range of Erasmus+ courses and training programmes does your centre offer, and how do they meet the needs of today’s educators?
In ATC we keep a close eye on developing trends in pedagogy and ensure we offer programmes that respond to the changing needs of students and educators alike. Participants interested in improving their English language competence can join our General English or our Intensive English programmes. Both programmes are ideal for those seeking to improve their confidence in communicating through English. The Intensive English option offers some interesting combinations such as English + Conversation Skills, English + Irish Culture, or English for Education Professionals.
For those who wish to refresh their teaching or develop new skills for the classroom, we offer an array of courses, with something for everyone! Teachers interested in how AI can be harnessed to support teaching and learning can select from our two AI-focussed programmes – Teaching in the Age of AI, which looks at innovative ways for teachers to integrate AI effectively into their teaching toolkit for more engaging, differentiated and inclusive lessons or Empowering Learners in the Age of AI, which focuses on how we, as teachers, can prepare students to be confident and skilled AI users, with the AI literacy competence to use the tools critically, ethically and effectively for study, work, and life.
For teachers who love exploring different pedagogical approaches, we offer courses in CLIL, STEAM, PBL (Project-based learning) and TBL (Task-based learning). A popular course is our CLIL for Sustainable Development programme. Now, more than ever, the need for Education for Sustainable Development is critical as the world faces urgent, interconnected global challenges. This course equips teachers with the skills and confidence to create learning experiences that are not only effective for second language learning but also transformative for students – our global citizens of the future.
Another popular programme is Inclusive Practices in the Language Classroom which draws on the experience of ATC’s Inclusivity Support Teachers who strive to ensure our language classrooms are inclusive spaces where every student has the opportunity to reach their potential as a language learner. Our training programme gives teachers simple but effective tools, ideas and templates to open the language learning experience and make it more interactive and inclusive for all students.
Our Job Shadowing for Language Teachers is a great choice for teachers or school managers who are interested in gaining first-hand insight into the day-to-day running of a quality language school. This immersive programme is designed to give teachers the opportunity to observe experienced English language instructors in class, engage in structured feedback sessions with ATC teachers, and participate in professional development workshops.
Of course, we have many teachers and education professionals who choose Ireland as their destination because of a great interest in Irish culture and heritage, and all that Ireland has to offer as a unique destination. For those participants we recommend our programme in Irish Culture and English Language Development, blending content on ‘all things Irish’ with a fun, interactive approach to English language development (and a chance to learn a “cúpla focal Gaeilge” – a few words in Irish!)
What kind of support do you provide before, during, and after the course to make participants feel at home?
It’s important to us that participants on our programmes arrive on our doorstep already familiar with our school, knowing exactly what to expect. A month before students arrive, we give them access to our e-learning platform, ATC Online, where they can learn all about our school and the surrounding area, whether it’s the seaside town of Bray or Dublin city centre. They can check our social programme in advance and book activities that pique their interest. They can even access our learning resources to start studying English before they get to Ireland!
All participants take a level test before they arrive, to establish their level of English, and for those participating in teacher training and development activities, they can answer a questionnaire to let us know of their specific teaching contexts, and what it is they want to achieve during their time with us.
On day one, participants are introduced to various members of the team – the Erasmus+ Co-ordinator, the Director of Studies, and the Social Programme Coordinator. We have an open-door policy and students can meet with team members at any time. Our two centres have dedicated ‘Inclusivity Support Teachers’ on staff who are available to offer any extra learning support that might be needed. Participants also have 24/7 access to our phone helpline for emergencies.
When students are with us, we encourage them to join in on our social programme, or to take part in our weekly Conversation Club, giving them the chance to broaden their friendship groups outside of their own classrooms.
Although participants might be with us for only one or two weeks, we still ensure they are given feedback on their progress by their course tutors. Those studying English are given weekly language skills assessments with feedback, while those on teacher training & development programmes are given the opportunity to develop a project of their work, or design and deliver a teaching & learning activity, receiving feedback from colleagues and their course tutor. Everyone receives an ATC Course Certificate at the end of their programme.
Once students return home, they have three months’ access to ATC Online where they can continue their learning and develop their English language skills with a bank of self-study resources. Those studying with us on Erasmus+ programmes are also given access to ATC Erasmus+ Hub, an Erasmus community forum where participants can connect with people from all over the EU.
What makes your training centre special as an Erasmus+ destination?
ATC Language Schools has a long tradition of excellence, which is recognised by our quality accreditations. ATC is accredited by Eaquals, Quality English, and ACELS (a service of Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) for English language teaching). Indeed, we are currently working towards the new QQI accreditation, TrustEd, which will be a strong focus as we continue to achieve the highest possible standards in every aspect of what we do. In the many testimonials from current and former students, a consistent theme throughout is the high standard of provision, not only in the classroom but across the school as a whole. The warmth and friendliness of our staff, and the friendships people make during their stay with us, always resonates.
But I think what makes our training centres extra special is their location. We are very lucky to have two fantastic locations for our two centres. Our flagship school is located in the beautiful seaside town of Bray, Co, Wicklow. The school is located on the seafront, with amazing views out over the sea, and the Wicklow Mountains on our doorstep. Wicklow is known as the ‘Garden County of Ireland’ thanks to its stunning natural heritage, making our Bray school an ideal location for those who love the great outdoors. For those more interested in the hustle and bustle of city life, we have a centre located right in the very heart of Dublin, in the cultural quarter of our wonderful city. Surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, museums and galleries, our Dublin school is the place to be, to experience this young and vibrant city.
Why do you think Ireland is such a powerful place for Erasmus+ professional development?
Apart from being the English-speaking ‘Gateway to Europe’ (and regularly listed in the top 3 of the friendliest countries in Europe!), Ireland is renowned for high-quality education across all sectors – whether that’s in our State schools at Primary and Post-primary (Secondary), in our world-renowned universities, or in our range of quality-assured English language schools. We place great value on quality education provision and I think we can see this in the fact that Ireland has among the highest levels of educational attainment in the EU. But this aside, I think people want to travel to Ireland to experience its unique culture and the legendary warmth of its people. Ireland has much to offer in terms of its historical and natural attractions. Its cities of Dublin, Cork and Galway blend the historical and the contemporary and are all small and accessible. And the surrounding countryside is magnificent!
What cultural or social activities can participants enjoy during their stay with you?
We offer a vibrant social activity programme designed to enrich learning through culture, creativity, and community. The programme includes a wide range of activities that cater to different student interests and help them experience Irish culture and practise English beyond the classroom. Our weekly activities include visits to popular tourist attractions such as museums, castles, cathedrals, and other landmarks. Students can also enjoy local experiences like whiskey tasting, Irish dancing workshops, and visits to nearby pubs.
Every Monday, we offer a free walking tour of Dublin and, for those who enjoy nature, we organise weekly hikes and scenic walks. This summer we ran a very successful hiking club!
At weekends, students can explore Ireland on day trips to places such as Galway & the Cliffs of Moher, Kilkenny, or Belfast & the Titanic Museum.
How would you describe the cultural vibe of your city, and what activities or traditions should participants not miss?
Dublin is a very young, energetic city which attracts people from all over the world to come and work, study, or simply to visit for a city break. We have a very lively cultural scene with terrific pubs and live music. I’d advise any visitor to our city to experience a live traditional Irish music session in a Dublin pub!
Our Dublin school is a stone’s throw away from the historical Trinity College Dublin, where you can step back in time and visit the ancient Long Room Library (which has been likened to Hogwarts!), and view the magnificent 1,200 year-old manuscript, The Book of Kells. Unmissable. A wander around the small cobbled streets of Temple Bar is also something worth doing. Small boutiques and cultural venues to visit by day, lots of lively bars and clubs to visit at night.
In what ways does your centre encourage Erasmus+ participants from across Europe to connect and collaborate with each other?
I’ve already mentioned ATC Erasmus+ Hub. This is an ATC-managed community forum which enables Erasmus+ participants from across our programmes (current and former) to connect. Here participants can reach out to others to look for inspiration for future projects, to develop partnerships across Member States, or simply to share ideas and resources.
Our team of trainers keep in contact with all previous participants here too, sharing relevant resources, and providing free follow-up webinars on specific areas of training and development that people can share with their colleagues. Communicating, connecting, and collaborating are at the heart of what we do.