SAMPLE Berkeley Language School

SAMPLE Berkeley Language School

Company Type
School/Education
Academic Systems
American Play-based Curriculum
Location
Korea, Republic of

 

Welcome to Berkeley Language School

 

At Berkeley, I see English as a tool for exploring the world, not something to be measured by tests or ranks. We focus on fostering real communication skills that help children learn naturally. I designed our Kindergarten program without homework or exams to create a stress-free space where kids could think and live in English. Our goal is to make English a part of their everyday lives through fun, hands-on experiences. We carry this philosophy into our elementary program, ensuring children grow into confident, fluent English speakers ready for the future. See Q&A

 

 

Soon-mi Kwon,  Director of Berkeley Language School 

 

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Berkeley Language School - Learn by Speaking, Not Just Studying

 

Pioneering Educational Philosophy

Berkley Language School has provided English education in Haeundae for over 20 years, serving learners from kindergarten to adults with conversation-centered learning. 

Convergence-based Learning With a focus on convergence, our curriculum nurtures children's skills in English, Chinese, math, science, coding, and fosters creativity through music, Taekwondo, and art.

 

 CEO

 

Hak-ryeol Baek

Established Year

 

1999

School Classification

 

Independent

(2 campuses)

Operations

 

Private

Academic System

 

American Play-based

 Curriculum

Student Type

 

Kindergarten,

Elementary

No. of Teachers

 

Native: 8

Total: 32

Class Size

 

12 ~ 13

 

Student-Teacher

Ratio

 

6:1

Medium

of Instruction

 

English, Korean

Religious

Affiliation

 

None

Business

Registration No.

 

536 - 86 - 02291

 

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Our Curriculum and Programs

 

Our curriculum emphasizes speaking while developing essential skills in reading, grammar, vocabulary, listening, and writing through hands-on activities.

See our sample schedules and programs

 

Our kindergarten program follows the principles of native language acquisition, allowing children to learn English naturally through stories, songs, phonics, and reading. They also explore science through hands-on experiments, develop problem-solving skills with coding, and build confidence by performing in musicals.

  • Classes: Art, Coding, Geography, Gym, Math, Number Blocks, Ready Action, Science, Sight words, Story Book, etc.

After-school Program

  • Creative integrated programs: CREKA, Grit Genius Math, Twinkle Ballet, Co&Co Music, Thinker Toys, IQ-KEY Robotics, Early Essay Writing & P.E.

Special Class

  • Held every Friday, events like cooking classes, pajama parties, etc.

 

Teaching Structure

A native teacher will lead instruction, while a bilingual Korean teacher will help manage the classroom and care for the students. For our 5-year-old class, there is an additional Korean care teacher to supervise the students. Students are rewarded for good behavior through a sticker system. 

Lesson Planning Teachers primarily follow lesson plans and instructional materials provided in the school's Dropbox folders (scanned workbooks, PPT presentations, etc.). Teachers are required to submit weekly lesson plans one week in advance.

Our elementary program integrates core subjects like English, Korean, math, and science with extracurricular activities such as Jam coding, Taekwondo, Chinese, piano, and art, promoting holistic development.

 

Teaching Structure Native teachers will lead instruction and manage the classroom independently. Classes are managed through a point system, where students collect points, which can be used for Market Day. 
Lesson Planning

Teachers primarily follow lesson plans and instructional materials provided in the school's Dropbox folders (scanned workbooks, PPT presentations, etc.). Teachers are required to submit weekly lesson plans one week in advance.

 

Our curriculum emphasizes discussion, presentations, and debates on subjects like history, science, politics, and economics, modeled after American private high schools. Students explore current issues by watching CNN/BBC and actively participate in discussions and debates.

  • Classes: Literature, Essay Writing, Novel Studies, Test Preparation, Grammar, World Affairs and Vocabulary

Da Vinci College Entrance Program (G6-9): Designed to prepare students for the CSAT and entrance into national universities.

 

Da Vinci Global Admission Program (G7-G9): Designed to prepare students for study abroad and international schools. 

 

KNOX Power Reading Program

  • Follows the ERDP Immersion Learning System, evaluates reading comprehension and vocabulary through regular assessments, such as Accelerated Reading (AR), Start Early Literacy, and Start Reading (SR).
  • Students can choose from our large collection of physical books as well as the myON Reader e-book Library.

 

Teaching Structure Each class will have a bilingual Korean mentor teacher who will observe the students and regularly communicate with parents about their progress.
Lesson Planning Teachers primarily follow lesson plans and instructional materials given by our staff but have the flexibility to add activities and supplementary materials. 

Curriculum Levels

  • Blueprint, Foundation, Cornerstone, Pillar, Roof, Installation, and Post-Construction.

 

Teaching Structure:

  • Each class is led by both a Native Teacher and a Bilingual Teacher.
  • Ratio of bilingual teachers may increase for upper levels.  

 

Online Reading Program

  • Renaissance Accelerated Reader (AR) & Star Reading (SR)
  • RAZ Kids  

Grading & Reporting

  • Prepare students' progress reports and evaluations, as well as correct student work. 

 

Daily Mark in-class materials as they are completed and report student progress when necessary.
Weekly Check for any missing work and mark books accordingly.

Quarterly

(3M)

Write detailed feedback and progress reports for elementary students every 2–3 months:

  • Every 2 months for special classes (5th–6th grade).

  • Every 3 months for regular conversation classes (1st–4th grade).

 

Non-teaching Duties:

  • Attend teacher meetings and training workshops

 

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Our Facilities 

 

 

Haeundae Campus

Our elementary and kindergarten programs are housed on different floors of the same building. Our campus offers lively, colorful classrooms for learning, play, and exploration, complete with a library and indoor playrooms.

 

See more of our facilities on our Berkeley Language School Haeundae Campus Tour

 

 

 

Dongnae Campus

Our new Dongnae campus, housed in its own dedicated building, features spacious classrooms, an indoor gym, and play areas. 
 


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Employment

 

 

Work Environment & Teacher Expectations

 

Our team consists of native English speakers from around the globe, including the U.S., UK, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. We foster a collaborative and supportive work environment where teachers are encouraged to be creative and fun. Our focus is on making English a comfortable and enjoyable experience for young learners, and we encourage teachers to be patient and engaging in their teaching approach.

 

 

Reasons to Work at Berkeley Language School

 

  • Work with a Diverse and Creative Team: Join a team of passionate, supportive teachers who work together to create a positive, engaging learning environment where everyone’s ideas are valued.

  • Emphasizing Growth, Not Grades: We focus on developing lifelong learners through creative, play-based education instead of simply relying on homework and exams.

  • Hands-On Learning, Real-World Skills: Our holistic curriculum blends phonics, songs, and interactive activities to ignite curiosity and creativity in students.

  • Professional Development Opportunities: Professional growth is encouraged through regular workshops, training sessions, and opportunities to advance in leadership.

 

 

Teacher Training & Workshops 

 

  • New teachers participate in in-person, mandatory training to ensure they are fully prepared for their role and the school environment.

  • Teachers participate in regular workshops organized by the Ministry of Education.

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Leadership and Members

 

Can you describe your main responsibilities?

 

I am in charge of training Native Teachers, communicating expectations and feedback, assisting in classes when needed, and providing support in and out of the workplace. See full Q&A

 

Ms. Robyn, Native Teacher Team Leader at Berkeley Language School

 

Company Type
School/Education
Founded
1999
Number of Employees
11 - 50 employees
Location

12~14F, 6 L Tower Building, 6 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

View in Google Maps

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is known for its stunning beaches, bustling port, and rich cultural scene. Highlights include Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Jagalchi Fish Market. As a major economic and cultural hub, Busan hosts events like the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) while offering a relaxed coastal vibe. With excellent transportation links, it combines urban energy with natural beauty, making it a vibrant place to live and visit.

 

Busan City Official Website