Our Annual Event
When
July 7th – July 18th 2025
Who with
Top Lexical Lab experts:
Hugh Dellar and Andrew Walkey
What
Our flagship TEACHING LEXICALLY course – and our ADVANCED BRITISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE course
How much
£800 for a two-week face-to-face course at London Metropolitan University’s Holloway Road campus
- Teaching Lexically – A Course for Educators
- Advanced Language and British Culture – A Course for Everyone
Teaching Lexically – A Course for Educators
This course, led by the renowned authors and teacher trainers Hugh Dellar and Andrew Walkley, is a deep dive into a lexical approach to language teaching. Aimed at educators with a B2 level of English or above, Teaching Lexically offers fresh perspectives on language instruction and unpacks a raft of innovative pedagogical tricks and tools that will transform your classroom.
On this course, there’ll be a specific focus on applying a lexical approach to language to your teaching of all different levels – and you’ll be encouraged to consider (and rethink) your own principles of teaching and learning
From analysing texts for language to developing resources for learner training, this course promises to boost your teaching prowess. All participants will receive a questionnaire before the course so you can explain your teaching background and interests regarding the course. Based on this, there may be some variations to content and timetable. However, you can expect to cover the following:
- Principles of teaching and learning
- Teaching lexically at low levels
- Teaching lexically at higher levels
- A lexical view of language
- How to give better examples
- How to ask better questions about vocabulary
- Demo lessons
- Considering outcomes
- Teaching speaking
- Using student output as whole-class input
- Teaching vocabulary lexically
- Teaching grammar lexically
- Highlighting language and patterns
- Choosing which language to teach
- Analysing texts for language
- Teaching reading lexically
- Teaching listening lexically
- Teaching writing lexically
- Learner training and resources
- Tests and exams
- Recycling and revision
- Teaching one-to-one
- Developing beyond the course
Advanced Language and British Culture – A Course for Everyone
If you’re keen on delving into the cultural complexities and linguistic nuances of the UK without a specific focus on teaching, then Advanced Language and British Culture is the ideal choice. This course is perfect for individuals or educators at B2 or higher who wish to enhance their understanding of contemporary British culture and the colloquial language used in discussions around current issues.
This course concentrates on important cultural aspects to help you understand the UK better – and on the practical use of everyday language, offering up a rich tapestry of modern culture intertwined with a historical content. Participants will engage in discussions and debates, hear short lectures, watch videos, read texts and visit parts of London that are well off the beaten track, making for an immersive cultural learning experience.
There are many different topics we could cover during the two weeks and all participants will receive a questionnaire in advance so you can express preferences or make requests. We will try to incorporate these into the course where there is agreement between participants. Here are some of the topics we’ve covered before.
- Common UK cultural stereotypes
- Regions and cities
- Nostalgia and myths
- Windrush and immigration
- Crime and the law
- Sport and society
- The Royal family and their influence
- Education
- Class
- Housing and regeneration
- Family
- Literature
- Health and the NHS
- Drinking and drug culture
- Youth issues
- Food
- Religion and multiculturalism
- Gay culture and its influence
- Comedy and stand-up
- The UK economy and business trends
- Women in UK society
- The UK media and the music industry
- Politics and people
- Art and UK history
- Teaching Lexically – A Course for Educators
-
Advanced Language and British Culture –
A Course for Everyone
Teaching Lexically – A Course for Educators
This course, led by the renowned authors and teacher trainers Hugh Dellar and Andrew Walkley, is a deep dive into a lexical approach to language teaching. Aimed at educators with a B2 level of English or above, Teaching Lexically offers fresh perspectives on language instruction and unpacks a raft of innovative pedagogical tricks and tools that will transform your classroom.
On this course, there’ll be a specific focus on applying a lexical approach to language to your teaching of all different levels – and you’ll be encouraged to consider (and rethink) your own principles of teaching and learning
From analysing texts for language to developing resources for learner training, this course promises to boost your teaching prowess. All participants will receive a questionnaire before the course so you can explain your teaching background and interests regarding the course. Based on this, there may be some variations to content and timetable. However, you can expect to cover the following:
- Principles of teaching and learning
- Teaching lexically at low levels
- Teaching lexically at higher levels
- A lexical view of language
- How to give better examples
- How to ask better questions about vocabulary
- Demo lessons
- Considering outcomes
- Teaching speaking
- Using student output as whole-class input
- Teaching vocabulary lexically
- Teaching grammar lexically
- Highlighting language and patterns
- Choosing which language to teach
- Analysing texts for language
- Teaching reading lexically
- Teaching listening lexically
- Teaching writing lexically
- Learner training and resources
- Tests and exams
- Recycling and revision
- Teaching one-to-one
- Developing beyond the course
Advanced Language and British Culture –
A Course for Everyone
If you’re keen on delving into the cultural complexities and linguistic nuances of the UK without a specific focus on teaching, then Advanced Language and British Culture is the ideal choice. This course is perfect for individuals or educators at B2 or higher who wish to enhance their understanding of contemporary British culture and the colloquial language used in discussions around current issues.
This course concentrates on important cultural aspects to help you understand the UK better – and on the practical use of everyday language, offering up a rich tapestry of modern culture intertwined with a historical content. Participants will engage in discussions and debates, hear short lectures, watch videos, read texts and visit parts of London that are well off the beaten track, making for an immersive cultural learning experience.
There are many different topics we could cover during the two weeks and all participants will receive a questionnaire in advance so you can express preferences or make requests. We will try to incorporate these into the course where there is agreement between participants. Here are some of the topics we’ve covered before.
- Common UK cultural stereotypes
- Regions and cities
- Nostalgia and myths
- Windrush and immigration
- Crime and the law
- Sport and society
- The Royal family and their influence
- Education
- Class
- Housing and regeneration
- Family
- Literature
- Health and the NHS
- Drinking and drug culture
- Youth issues
- Food
- Religion and multiculturalism
- Gay culture and its influence
- Comedy and stand-up
- The UK economy and business trends
- Women in UK society
- The UK media and the music industry
- Politics and people
- Art and UK history
which course to choose?
The answer is simple. Teaching Lexically is designed for teachers. If you’re looking to develop as an educator, share the challenges you face with your peers, find workable solutions, and learn how to better implement the lexical approach, then this is the choice for you. Your teaching will never be the same again after the insights shared by the authors of the Outcomes series.
Advanced Language and British Culture is aimed at a more general audience and there’s no emphasis on teaching English. Instead, you will learn about contemporary British culture and explore different aspects of real English whilst discussing a wide range of interesting and relevant cultural topics.
A unique
A Unique london experience
Choose Your Adventure
Before you even start your courses with us, we want you to tell us what tickles your fancy. Fill in a questionnaire and let us know what you most want to focus on.
You’re in the driver’s seat and this isn’t about following a pre-set map. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to chart your own route, and explore topics that feed your curiosity and passion.
Modern Culture & History
Our cultural and social programmer takes you inside contemporary British culture whilst also offering you historical insights. We don’t take you round the usual tourist spots. We take you under the skin of the city.
We also offer evenings out where learning continues informally and you get to network with peers, meet locals, and enjoy London’s vibrant scene.
London Unlocked
After lectures and discussions, we will use the city as a classroom. London’s our playground, from its historic courts to the vibrant streets of Brixton.
Our trips out are your ticket to a London that tourists don’t see. We’re talking deep dives into the culture that shapes the city, from its iconic landmarks to the hidden gems.
Live the Language
Transform your understanding of English through direct engagement with London itself. Historic Greenwich or the buzz of modern Camden Market are now your textbooks.
You’ll live English every minute that you’re here with us, through each and every conversation you have – while every street corner in London has the potential to become a learning opportunity
Engage & Explore
Each day is a blend of insightful sessions and adventurous activities. Imagine discussing the diverse cultures of the UK over coffee, and then experiencing them first hand on the streets of London.
From day trips to Oxford to side-splitting evenings out at comedy clubs, our programme promises a perfect balance of immersion, learning, and enjoyment.
Guided by locals, guided by experts
You will be guided by the masterminds behind Lexical Lab, Hugh and Andrew. These are not your ordinary English teachers; they are the innovative creators of the Outcomes series.
With the latest edition now on the shelves, their educational expertise is deeper than ever. At the same time, they both live in – and love – London and can’t wait to share their passion with you.
Our students’
feedback
Informative, personal and enjoyable! We have been ever so well taken care of, and have had the opportunity to see interesting places off the beaten track that really has helped us understand England and London a bit better!
The course was perfect and it exceeded my expectations, though I participated in a few courses in the UK before. Our tutors took us to the places we wouldn’t find ourselves. Their language and cultural competence is outstanding!!
As regards the social programme, I really liked the chance to see London from a perspective different from those massively presented in guidebooks, to have a look behind the scenes and to make an impression of what a real life is like there.
“Teaching Lexically” was extremely informative and practical, and the trainers were brilliant. I was really very pleased with the quality of the teacher training, and on top of that, our cultural visits were I learned a lot about the city and its life.
A well-balanced course with the benefit of having two professional trainers always ready to give useful advice and great input, not forgetting the element of fun!
Book your place now
Check out the location to arrange your accommodation in London
Both our Lexical Lab summer courses take place at London Metropolitan University, Holloway Road campus. It’s a two-minute walk from Holloway Road tube station, which is on the Piccadilly Line. From here, you can get to Holborn in central London in eight minutes. The venue is also a ten-minute walk from Highbury and Islington station, which is on the Victoria line and has a range of overground services. We suggest you check citymapper.com for journey times and routes.
FAQ
Both courses will suit students who feel they are at Upper-Intermediate (B2) level or above.
We are a BAC accredited centre and so can issue official invitation letters to help with any visa applications you may have to make.
If you would like any further information, contact hugh@lexicallab.com
The summer school will be held at London Metropolitan University’s Holloway Road campus – just 10 minutes by tube from Covent Garden and the heart of London.
We are not currently organising accommodation. Previously, we have used Optivo student accommodation at Wood Green Hall. You may try them here. However, they are currently undergoing a refurbishment programme, so it is uncertain whether there will be availability. You may also try London Homestays. In the past, we have found they had very limited availability for one- and two-week stays and generally offered student residences. Otherwise, you may try websites such as homestay.com, Airbnb and student.com. Our advice would be always to book accommodation with a free cancellation policy up to a late date before the course starts – or take out insurance.
All participants can receive a Lexical Lab certificate of attendance featuring the title of course and the number of hours studied.
If you are more interested in teaching, pick the Teaching Lexically course. If you’re more interested in understanding modern British culture and developing your English, choose the Advanced Language and Culture course.