How Summer School Can Help Your Child Grow in Confidence (Instagram Live Highlights)

Buckswood Overseas Summer School
6 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Welcome to Our Instagram Live Highlights

Our first Instagram Live at Buckswood Overseas Summer School (BOSS) was all about something important — helping children grow in confidence.

Confidence is something every parent wants for their child. At BOSS, we see students arrive feeling shy, unsure, or even nervous. But by the end of their stay, they leave with smiles, new friends, and most of all — confidence.

🎥 Watch the full session below to hear how BOSS helps students become more confident, inside and out. 👇

Four students chat in a room with flags in the background. One wears a "STAFF" jacket, another smiles, creating a friendly mood.

Confidence Is More Than Speaking English

Many parents tell us: “I want my child to come to summer school to learn English.” That’s a great reason! But we always say — there’s so much more.

At BOSS, we help students become more confident in every part of life — not just in speaking English.

Confidence is:

Asking a roommate, “What’s your name?”
Asking the chef, “Can I have more pasta?”
Trying a new activity like football, drama, or art
Saying “hello” even when you feel nervous

It’s about small wins. Every small step helps students believe, “I can do this.”

Seven people enjoy a sunny outdoor meal at a wooden table, smiling and shielding eyes. Vibrant green plants are visible in the foreground.

How BOSS Helps Build Confidence

Before Students Even Arrive

We start building confidence before students travel. How?

Pre-arrival meetings: Help students to meet staff and feel ready for the airport and their first day
Clear information: So they know what to expect
Friendly faces: We connect with them early to reduce nervous feelings

A Warm and Supportive Environment

When students arrive at BOSS, they enter a safe, happy, and friendly space.

Nobody knows them yet — so they can be their true self
No judgment, no pressure — just support and encouragement
30+ staff live on-site — we are always here for every student

Our team watches for students who are quiet or nervous. We gently help them:

Answer questions in class
Join fun activities
Make their first friend

These small moments are the start of big confidence.

A Global Family = A Global Confidence Boost

At BOSS, students come from 30 to 40 different countries. This is a beautiful opportunity to:

Meet people from around the world
Share your culture and learn about others
Practice English naturally, through conversation

Even students who feel shy or don’t speak much English learn that they are not alone — and they grow quickly.

Large group of diverse people posing outdoors on grass with flags in the background, smiling. Some wear colorful shirts, creating a cheerful scene.

Leadership Through the Young Leader Award

Confidence also comes through achievement. Every BOSS student takes part in:

🟢 The Young Leader Award (by the Leadership Skills Foundation)

Students learn how to:

Lead a group
Speak in front of others
Teach something they love (like dancing, Rubik’s cubes, or cooking)

This is done in a small group with support. For many students, this is the first time they stand up and speak — and they feel so proud afterward.

Group of boys on stage with a boy in white holding a microphone. Colourful lights and fog create a lively mood. Text reads "TAKES A VILLAGE."

What If My Child Is Shy?

That’s okay! Many students are shy at first — this is normal. Why?

They may be tired from travel
They may not feel confident with English
They may be in a new country for the first time

But at BOSS:

We live together like a family
We support each other 24/7
Our team helps students feel safe and included

By the end, you will see the change. A student who arrived quietly might leave smiling, speaking, and ready to return next summer.

BOSS Is Always Here for You

When your child joins BOSS, they don’t just become a student — they become part of the BOSS Family.

Whether it’s your first summer or your fourth, if you need to talk to someone after you have left, we’re always just an email or phone call away. We love seeing students grow, and we’re proud to stay connected even after the summer ends.

Five young people smiling and holding certificates in a hall with colorful international flags. One makes a peace sign. Joyful mood.

Join Our Weekly Instagram Lives

We now go live every Monday at 3 PM UK time on Instagram!

🗓️ Next Instagram Live: Monday, 2nd February at 3 PM UK time

🎓Topic: How we help children settle in and feel safe

➡️ Don’t miss it — follow us to join the conversation, Stay updated, see student stories, and connect with the BOSS community.

Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Confidence

Summer school at BOSS is about more than lessons — it’s about growing as a person. Whether your child is shy or outgoing, they will leave with:

New skills
New friends
New confidence

We hope to welcome your child this summer — and help them shine.

FAQs

How does summer school build confidence?

By helping students try new things, make friends, and succeed in small daily challenges.

What if my child doesn’t speak much English?

No problem! Our staff supports all levels, and students learn through fun and real communication.

Is the Young Leader Award part of every summer at BOSS?

Yes! All students complete the Young Leader Award to develop leadership and public speaking.

Buckswood Overseas Summer School (BOSS) is based on the beautiful Buckswood campus in Guestling, near Hastings, East Sussex, England. Since 2011, we have welcomed students aged 8 to 17 from around the world to learn English, build confidence, and experience life in the UK countryside. Our accredited courses combine English language learning, leadership training, and cultural experiences, creating a safe and friendly environment where every student can learn, grow, and belong. Our motto, One School, One Family, captures the heart of who we are.

For any questions or to find out more, contact us or visit our website.