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English teaching in secondary schools often focuses on the linguistic aspects—grammar, vocabulary, and communication. However, true understanding of the language is only possible when students also become familiar with the cultural and social contexts behind the language. "Teaching about the realities of the English-speaking world does not mean getting stuck in hackneyed textbook texts about Buckingham Palace, Sherlock Holmes, the Statue of Liberty, or Thanksgiving, but rather uncovering current events in those countries. And not to turn a blind eye to the problems facing English-speaking societies, which are also reflected in contemporary music, literature, film, and even comics and video games," explained summer school coordinator Alice Tihelková.

These exact topics were the focus of the Summer School of British and American Culture at the Faculty of Arts, University of West Bohemia, held at the turn of June and July. Under the title Pop Culture, Language, and Culture, it was organized by the Department of Philological Studies with the support of the Pilsen Region. The week-long intensive course, taught by a team of five members of the department's English section, including native speakers, offered young participants a unique opportunity not only to expand their knowledge of the English language, but also to learn about contemporary life in English-speaking countries. "Shakespeare does not have to be just untouchable cultural capital, but also a source of entertainment and education tailored to high school students," said teacher Ivona, describing the idea behind the summer school.

The Summer School was attended by 14 students and was designed as a combination of lectures, workshops, and interactive activities that motivated participants to actively engage and think critically. „I really appreciate the inclusion of native speakers in the program. We were introduced to both British and American culture. We approached each topic in a very topical way, whether it was exercises or just debates, and we always had space for our own views or solutions. The week flew by, and I can definitely say that we spent it actively and left with a lot of knowledge that would otherwise have been difficult or very time-consuming to acquire.“, said one of the participants, Šimon Mudroch, a student of the Waldorf Lyceum Dobromysl.

The summer school also provided an opportunity for students from different parts of the Pilsen Region to meet and make new friends. At the end, there was a short musical performance with themed songs and a ceremonial presentation of certificates. "It is important for us that students were able to get acquainted with the academic environment of the University of West Bohemia, which may motivate many of them to continue their education at our university," said one of the teachers, Tomáš Hostýnek.