A Day in the Life Of ... a PGL Language Representative

 
Carina Rogers, Language Representative at Château du Tertre in Normandy, gives us an insight into her day ...

As a Language Rep, I am the Group Leader, Tour Leader and Instructor for a school and look after them generally whilst they are at the centre.

It is my job to make sure the children have everything that they might need with them, are at the right place at the right time and that they are given the correct information. This includes meeting them at a specific time for breakfast, taking them to the restaurant, supervising their free time, making sure they know what time to meet me for activities or off-site trips and always counting them!

I also liaise with the teachers, coach drivers, PGL staff and children to ensure that their week runs smoothly, which includes directing the coach drivers correctly to tourist attractions and off-site activities.

The role also involves planning, organising and giving short, fun French lessons whilst following the work set for different French modules. The modules include a conversation in a café, asking for help in a tourist office, using directions and asking questions on town trails.

The children also have to summarise their day by writing a daily journal in French. As I am not a teacher, I use different interesting methods to teach the children relevant vocabulary and then supervise them whilst they put this into practise in a local café or whilst talking to the locals.

I usually start my day around 8am, getting the children to breakfast and finish at 8pm when I hand the children over to the evening activity staff.  At the moment, when the children are doing on-site activities I have some free time. 

I started work with PGL after wanting to stay in France after my 'study abroad' year during my degree and also to teach French language to children. With so many British school children leaving school with no knowledge of a foreign language, I wanted to get school children enthusiastic and interested in learning another language.

I am also very keen in outdoor activities and sports; I used to beg my parents to send me to activity camps during school summer holidays, much like the ones that PGL offer. So spending my summer outdoors  teaching French and getting involved in fun activities with children (who used to be just like me!) was an offer not to be missed!

I have gained so much from working here that I don’t know where to begin. My confidence and dealing with children and large groups has definitely improved. I didn’t think I would be able to stand in front of a class of 30 to 35 children in the presence of four teachers and be able to teach in my second language. Outside the Château, on off-site trips, I’ve learnt so much about the local culture and history and have discovered some interesting local customs!