Here you can find a range of short activities to use in your secondary classroom with students at beginner level. All of our activities are designed around themes engaging and relevant to secondary learners and can be used to complement your school curriculum, giving students an opportunity to develop their English language and skills in motivating and enjoyable ways. Written by young learner experts from around the world, our activities are easy to use and aim to give your students the skills and confidence they need to enjoy learning English.

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Word Family Framework

The Word Family Framework (WFF) places 22,000 words on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Getting the whole class talking

The following activities are designed to get everyone talking. They can be used with all levels because the language required to communicate is determined by the students.

CLIL Art and Design - drawing equipment

At the start of a CLIL art and design course pupils will need to know the English words for the equipment they will be using in class. This activity uses a simple matching task to teach this vocabulary.

Activities for first lessons 1

The activities that you use in your first lessons are very important and are likely to set the tone for the rest of your classes.

Vocabulary activities

Have you tried these practical activities to help students with vocabulary learning? There's something for all ages and levels.

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight