General English – Plus two modules

Course overview

The core English course  is based on the four language skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

Emphasis is placed on encouraging your fluency and confidence in the language. Your teachers will employ the most efficient techniques to ensure you develop accurate grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
You will be in a multi-national class, placed with other students of the same level with the same high motivation. The aim is to ensure you learn the maximum possible.

Some of your lessons will be in the computer room, where you can use computers with interactive software and broadband connection.

All courses include unlimited access to 'beet on-line', course books, student file and paper, map of Bournemouth, Student Guide, student identity card and a full social programme including 2 evening lectures per week.

Teaching Materials

Our partner school uses the latest course books and materials. The school Principal has written many leading titles and even received an award from the Duke of Edinburgh for one of his books. This commitment to excellence in materials continues to this day - we use the latest course books and provide them free as part of your main course.

A Varied Programme

Normally, you have two to four teachers each day, depending on which course you have chosen. This gives you the chance to experience a variety of approaches to the language. This variation is further expanded through use of audio, audiovisual equipment and computers.

You will learn real English, as it is used in the world outside the classroom. The aim is to bring you as near to native competence as possible.

There are regular tests to monitor your progress in grammar, vocabulary and the four main skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Options Programme

Select two subjects from the following list of options. 

Language and linguistics

Speaking & Pronunciation Practice

This course is available all year from elementary to advanced levels and provides additional speaking practice on a wide range of themes. The most popular component of this programme is concentrated work on the improvement and refinement of students' pronunciation. There is additionally a range of speaking activities designed to encourage fluency, naturalness and appropriateness. Discussions and simulations play a substantial role.

Reading, Writing & Listening Skills

This programme is available all year from elementary to advanced level students. It is based on weekly thematic modules, in which reading, writing and listening skills are given equal emphasis, along with their important sub-skills. At all levels every effort is made to provide stimulating subject matter and real-world tasks. There is a cultural slant towards British life and institutions.

Exams

Cambridge FCE, CAE, CPE and PET*

FCE and CAE courses are available most of the year, January to December; CPE courses are available March to June and September to December.
These option lessons provide extra examination preparation for the Cambridge First Certificate, Advanced English or Proficiency in English. For full-time courses leading to these examinations please see our full list of Cambridge Examination courses.

* The PET is placed about two-thirds of the way between beginner and Cambridge First Certificate level. There are three papers: Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking. The preparation course gives practice in all of them, including one full mock examination.

IELTS Preparation

This course is available all year for Lower Intermediate to Advanced level students and provides thorough preparation for all parts of the IELTS exam.

IELTS is now the standard requirement for entry into a British university. The result of the examination is determined by a points scheme. You should confirm with your chosen university how many points they require. If you wish the school will consult the university for you.

Options programme

Business

Business English Certificates

This course is available from March to May and October to December for the following levels: Lower-Intermediate (BEC Preliminary), Upper Intermediate (BEC Vantage) and Advanced (BEC Higher).

These examinations concentrate on practical business English. Subjects include marketing, production, financial services and general office work. The English studied covers a wide range of business requirements, and is intended for people who have some experience of business or are interested in entering this field. Candidates will be equipped with all the techniques required by the examinations and will be set one full mock exam, with feedback.

English for Business

This course is available all year for Lower Intermediate to Advanced level students.This is an intensive programme that covers practical business communication skills as well as exploring key topic in the business world.

Students will learn how to write letters, emails and memos, as well as make presentations, take part in discussions and make business phone calls. The course uses published Business English materials in addition to items from the Internet, television, radio and newspapers. Topics covered range from International marketing to raising finance to crisis management.

Special Interests

English for Media and Culture

This course is always available during July and August. At other times of the year it is available subject to demand. English for media and culture is suitable for good intermediate to advanced level students.

This course combines English for the media with a wide-ranging look at life and culture in Britain. You will learn about British media and also explore media around the world. We will look at television, radio, advertising, films, publishing (newspapers, magazines and books) and

Internet-based media. We will also explore British culture through the eyes of the media, in order for you to better understand the institutions, attitudes and lifestyles of its people. The course will develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and involve project work and student presentations.

English for Travel and Tourism

This course is available during July and August, however only available subject to demand at other times of the year. It is suitable for Intermediate to Advanced level students.

On this course you will learn practical communication skills needed in the world of Tourism, Hotels and Hospitality, and study trends in tourism. There is a regular 'Country Focus,' where students make a short presentation on an aspect of their country's culture or tourist attractions.

Pre-Masters

This course is available all year for Upper-Intermediate to Advanced level students. The course divides into two main areas:

Academic Writing, which focuses on the vocabulary, grammar and writing skills needed to express ideas clearly in an appropriate academic style.

Study Skills, which looks at making presentations, taking notes, seminar skills, research, analytical thinking and writing assignments and dissertations.