General English Courses

Academic year courses (36+ weeks)

(Maximum number of students per class = 8 – or 10 during Summer period)

These courses are suitable for students who have a relatively low level of language competence but need to improve their all-round skills in English in order to reach the level required for a good score / pass in one of the internationally recognised English language examinations such as Cambridge PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, or IELTS. Good results in these exams may be necessary for those wishing to attend university courses in this country, and will also often lead to better employment opportunities in the future.

Term courses (12 to 13 weeks)
(with exam preparation if appropriate)

(Maximum number of students per class = 8)

For students who have less time available, but who still need to make substantial progress with their English and maybe take an examination such as those mentioned above.

We recommend a full term’s preparation for the Cambridge examinations or IELTS. However, for students unable to attend for a whole term we now offer short (2 to 4-week) Exam Booster Courses with flexible starting dates for the Cambridge First Certificate / Cambridge Advanced examinations. Please contact the school for details.

Part-term courses

(Maximum number of students per class = 8)

It is possible to study for shorter periods of 2 to 10 weeks within a term course. This will suit those who have even less time to study, but who wish to gain maximum benefit from the short time available through intensive exposure to all aspects of the English language. Students who choose this type of course will be integrated into classes with longer-stay students, but our teachers are experienced in ensuring a smooth transition.

Short Summer courses (July, August and September)

(Maximum number of students per class = 10)

These are 4-week courses which offer intensive exposure to, and practice in, a wide range of language, with particular emphasis on speaking skills. Although these courses take place during the traditional holiday months in Britain, they are not lightweight holiday courses but offer the same degree of intensity in the academic programme as for other General English courses at the school. No specific exam preparation is offered in class during short summer courses. However, a wide range of exam practice material is available for guided self-study.

It is possible to enrol for more than one course.

Course Structure and Content

The main aim of our General English courses is to teach students to speak English fluently and to understand English as it is spoken by native speakers. We provide a balanced programme of skills development (Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing and Grammar). There is also a full social and recreational programme to give a balance between work and play!

All General English courses include:

• 23 hours per week (maximum 8 students per class or 10 during short summer courses)
• The study and use of grammar
• Exam Preparation (where relevant) e.g. Cambridge CPE, CAE, FCE, PET, BEC, IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL (except short summer courses – see above)
• Practice and use of English through discussion, interactive tasks and role-play
• Pronunciation and fluency practice in a modern language laboratory
• Access to all the school’s self-study facilities every evening and during weekends
• A varied programme of afternoon options once a week, e.g. guided self-study, news & current affairs discussion, sports, and visits in the school minibus to local places of cultural / historical interest
• A free coursebook which the student will keep
• Free one-year subscription to a major internet language learning site
• A one-to-one tutorial with a teacher every week
• Use of a wide variety of supplementary texts, recorded material (audio & video) and computer assisted learning
• Regular homework and project assignments suited to individual students’ needs
• A Certificate of Attendance and a Teacher’s Report when the student leaves
• Advice on post-course follow-up

Extra private tuition

Students with specialist needs can supplement their basic course with extra one-to-one tuition. (Arranged on request)

Course Content

Sample timetable (General English).

Day	09.30 – 11.00	11.30 – 13.00	Lunch	14.15 – 16.15
Mon	Course book Structures	Listening comprehension		Reading comprehension Study and survival skills or Examination preparation
Tues	Course book Text work	Language Lab / Multi-media centre		Colloquial English / fluency practice / or Examination preparation
Weds	Course book Structures	Use of English Language functions		OPTIONS: e.g. - Local excursion by minibus - News & current affairs (discussion) - Guided self-study (also for exam preparation)
Thurs	Course book Revision	Writing skills / Vocabulary development		Listening & speaking / Prepared talks / presentations
Fri	Progress test	Fluency practice / discussion / project		FREE