Nottingham

Nottingham

In selecting centres to work with, Elac always look for certain qualities: a good amount and quality of residential accommodation, smart and appropriate teaching facilities, a pleasant environment, access to places of interest, adequate sports facilities, good food, and nice people to do business with. Each centre, however, has its own particular charms. In Nottingham, one of the great strengths without doubt is the quality of the residential accommodation and the attractiveness of the environment. It makes working at this centre – despite the whirlwind nature of summer schools – a relatively peaceful experience!

Nottingham – steeped in history

The city of Nottingham has a rich history stretching back to Medieval times, and is, of course, closely associated with the legend of Robin Hood. The remains of Nottingham Castle and the Robin Hood Exhibition are in the heart of the city and the compact nature of the city centre itself makes all the excellent shopping, entertainment and cultural attractions easy to find and reach. The city has undergone a great deal of urban development over recent years, and as a result has very pleasant city centre, with large areas of pedestrianisation.

Nottingham University

Our Course is based at the Jubilee Campus, just on the edge of the city and only 10 minutes by bus from the Market Square. The campus won awards for its innovative environmental design in 1999. It is bordered by a series of lakes that provide a home to wildlife including ducks and swans, and also provides water cooling for the buildings. The roofs of the buildings have a carpet of low-growing alpine plants that provide a much better insulation solution than traditional materials, and the wood used throughout many of the buildings gives it a warm and welcoming feel.

Classrooms are well equipped and many of them large enough for elaborate activities. There is a well-equipped indoor sports centre and good outdoor facilities.

Accommodation and Facilities

Some staff at the centre will be offered accommodation on campus or in the new Unite building a 5-minute walk from the campus. All rooms, either on campus or off-site are single en-suite rooms. All meals for staff are taken in the campus dining room.

Facilities on campus are good with a café and a small shop for everyday needs. There is also a cash machine.

There are two pubs within walking distance and Nottingham city centre has the usual range of retail outlets, bars, cafés and other facilities.

Elac Excursions

All staff will be involved at some point in accompanying students on excursions. There are three full day excursions included in the typical programme in Nottingham:

Manchester (including Old Trafford)

Say Manchester to anybody, anywhere in the world, and you can be sure that they will think of Manchester United Football Club. This excursion will give our students the opportunity to visit the home of one of the most famous club sides in the world, the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, Old Trafford.

What they might not think of so quickly is the Trafford Centre, one of the top shopping attractions in the UK, or Salford Quays with the renowned Lowry Museum and Imperial War Museum. There is in fact a lot more to Manchester than a football club, and for those who are not interested in football there will be plenty else to do.

York

York, famous for its Minster, for the Viking heritage, and much else besides, has a lot to offer the day visitor. The city is about two hours' travel from Nottingham and we will spend at least six hours in the town, with plenty of time to visit the museums and the Minster with time left over for shopping.

Chatsworth and Buxton

Our third full day excursion is to the village of Buxton and the famous stately home, Chatsworth House. First the coach will take students to the Peak District to have an hour to browse in the village of Buxton for souvenirs and to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then we will return and stop at Chatsworth, where, after a packed lunch, the students will have the opportunity to spend time wandering the gardens and house.

In addition to the excursions included in the programme there are a number of other trips which groups elect to do on their free day. These include: Cambridge, Stratford, Warwick Castle, Lincoln and even London.

If you enjoy taking students on excursions, or you just want to ‘work more — earn more’, then let the Activity Co-ordinator know that you are keen to get involved.