COURSES

Course Guide - Standard English - Examination Preparation - Business English - Wessex Academic Year
Long Term - Groups - Classification of Level & Examinations

 

COURSE GUIDE

CLICK ON A COURSE TITLE FOR MORE INFORMATION
STANDARD ENGLISH COURSES
General English - 20 Lessons per week
Intensive English - 30 Lessons per week
Summer - 20 Lessons per week
Summer Intensive - 30 Lessons per week
EXAMINATION PREPARATION
CAMBRIDGE FCE/CAE/IELTS PET-KET -TOEFL & TOEIC ARE AVAILABLE				2
ENGLISH FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES
BUSINESS ENGLISH BEC - PRELIMINARY - VANTAGE -HIGHER				3
WESSEX ACADEMIC YEAR COURSES
6 MONTHS (2 Semesters)
9 MONTHS (3 Semesters)
LONG TERM COURSES
24 WEEKS GENERAL ENGLISH
36 WEEKS GENERAL ENGLISH
44 WEEKS GENERAL ENGLISH
ENGLISH & COMPUTING
GENERAL ENGLISH				3
COMPUTING & IT				3
JUNIOR VACATION COURSES
PISCES SUMMER COURSE (12-17)
GROUP & TAILOR-MADE COURSES

 

1. The First Course is for Beginners only. Please contact the school for availability.
2. Cambridge FCE & CASE are Upper Intermediate & Advanced Levels examinations.
3. Business English & English & Computing courses are for Intermediate levels and higher.

 

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STANDARD ENGLISH COURSES

GENERAL ENGLISH	20 LESSONS PER WEEK
INTENSIVE	30 LESSONS PER WEEK
FIRST FOR BEGINNERS	30 LESSONS PER WEEK

 

Our STANDARD ENGLISH courses suit levels from Beginner to Advanced. We understand that different students have different needs and have designed the courses to be flexible and comprehensive. The courses will develop all of the four main skill areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

 

On all our ENGLISH COURSES there is a significant element of conversational English, which is the main requirement of today's Modern English speaker.

 

These courses can be joined on most Mondays throughout the year.

 

A typical General course includes:

 

•  Improvement of Spoken English - to make you more confident and speak more clearly

•  Enhancement of Listening & Comprehension skills

•  The review and development of Grammar structures

•  Reading and Listening practise

•  Modern English usage - language used in everyday situations

 

INTENSIVE lessons concentrate on conversation, pronunciation and writing skills. This can include report, and letter writing, interviews and discussions or concentration on specific areas of interest.

 

FIRST FOR BEGINNERS is an Intensive course designed for students who can be considered as Beginners. The number of students per class is no greater than 8. This course is run at specific times please contact the school for dates. The maximum length of course is 10 weeks.

 

All our courses use the most up to-date course books in addition to video, audio recording and a variety of authentic materials including use of the Internet.

 

Students can also take an examination or switch to one of the examination courses if they are at the appropriate level.

COURSE INFORMATION

Name of Course:	General and Intensive English
Number of lessons per week:	20 or 30 Lessons
Length of lessons:	45 Minutes
Study Time:	9.00 to 12.15 or 13.15 to 16.30
Language Ability:	Elementary to Advanced
Class Size:	Average 9 to a class (Max. 12)
Age:	Minimum 16, Average 24
Duration:	2-44 weeks
Start:	Any Monday excluding Public Holidays

COURSE DATA

Intake test on arrival		Directed Study/Library
Induction & Welcome Pack		Computer & Internet Access
Multinational Classes		Accomodation & Welfare services
Books & Learning Materials		Student ID Card
Homework		24 Hour Emergency Number
Regular appraisal		Social Programme
One to one tutorial		Report (7 weeks +)
Listening Centre		Certificate of completion

 

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EXAMINATION COURSES

EXAMINATION	20 LESSONS PER WEEK
EXAMINATION INTENSIVE	30 LESSONS PER WEEK

 

The Examination and Examination Intensive Course are for the students who wish to take an Internationally recognised English examination for their future career or for further academic study.

 

Students have access to the most recent examination textbooks, past papers and receive a detailed examination preparation. The Intensive course provides 10 additional lessons a week and concentrates on examination technique, previous papers and continual assessment. It also combines aspects from each of the major examinations, developing a more comprehensive knowledge of the examination papers and a more thorough understanding of the techniques involved.

 

Students that wish to take the Cambridge KET and PET examinations are recommended to take a General English or Intensive English Course for a minimum of 8 weeks before the date of the examination.

 

All students are required to pass a pre-examination test before they can enrol on the FCE/CAE Examination course. Students must pay Examinations Fees at the school reception.

COURSE INFORMATION

Name of Course:	Examination (20), Examination Intensive (30)
Number of lessons per week:	20 or 30
Study Time: 20 Lessons	9.00 to 12.15 or 13.15 to 16.30
Study Time: 30 Lessons	9.00 to 14.45 or 10.45 to 16.30
Language Ability:	Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size:	Average 8 to a class (Max. 12)
Age:	24 +
Duration:	12 weeks course
Start:	Cambridge - January, March, September IELTS & TOEFL - Contact School

COURSE DATA

Intake test on arrival		One to one tutorial & regular appraisal
Induction & Welcome Pack		Certificate of completion & report
Multinational Classes		Listening Centre
Examination Course Book		Directed Study/Library
Examination Homework		Computer & Internet Access
Dedicated Exam Teachers		Accomodation & Welfare services
Comprehensive Use of Past Papers		Student ID Card
Full Listening & Writing Practice		24 Hour Emergency Number
Examination		Social Programme

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ENGLISH FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES

BUSINESS ENGLISH

30 LESSONS PER WEEK

 

Our BUSINESS ENGLISH courses suit levels from Intermediate and above. It is a course designed for people starting their business careers, or people with some experience of working in business. The course emphasises communications skills and combines 20 lessons per week from the General English course plus 10 lessons per week specifically designed for modern communicative English use.

 

This is a course designed for those who wish to improve their English for work or future career potential.

 

If students wish to enrol for one of the BEC examinations they should contact the school for availability and are required to pass a pre-examination test. Students must pay Examinations Fees at the school reception.

 

The course content is decided by the interests, aims and needs of the students in the group. The course includes vocabulary, discussions, case studies, role-plays in business situations, video work and authentic material.

The following topics are usually covered:

 

	•  Job interviews and CV's
	•  Letters, faxes, memos, emails
	•  Marketing and advertising
	•  Meetings and negotiations
	•  Presentations and sales
	•  Social situations
	•  Telephone techniques

 

 

Students must pay Examinations Fees at the school reception

COURSE INFORMATION

Name of Course:	BUSINESS ENGLISH
Number of lessons per week:	30 Lessons
Length of lessons:	45 minutes
Study Time *:	9.00 to 12.15 or 13.15 to 16.30
Language Ability:	Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size:	Average 8 to a class (Max. 10)
Age:	Minimum 18, Average 24
Duration **:	2 – 12 weeks
Start:	Any Monday excluding Public Holidays

 

*Student study times are dependent on ability

**Students considering courses 12 weeks or greater should consider one of the Long term courses

COURSE DATA

Intake test on arrival		Directed Study & Library
Induction & Welcome Pack		Computer & Internet Access
Multinational Classes		Accommodation & Welfare services
Books & Learning Materials		Student ID Card
Homework		24 Hour Emergency Number
Regular appraisal		Social Programme
One to one tutorial		Report (7 weeks +)
Listening Centre		Certificate of completion

 

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WESSEX ACADEMIC YEAR COURSES

6 Month Course	Semester 1	30 Lessons Per Week
	Semester 2	20 Lessons Per Week
9 Month Course	Semester 1	30 Lessons Per Week
	Semester 2	20 Lessons Per Week
	Semester 3	20 Lessons Per Week

 

 

The Wessex Academic Year is for students who wish to progress quickly toward further education, in the UK (e.g., University). If you plan to study English for a minimum of 6 months or more it is an inexpensive course which is flexible and attractively priced.

 

It benefits from:

 

•  A structured programme of long-term General English:

•  Entry dates 4 times per year in January, March, July and September

•  30 lessons Intensive General or Examination per week for semester 1

•  20 lessons per week for semesters 2 & 3

•  Specially reduced tuition and accommodation rates

•  Preparation for examinations such as Cambridge

•  Reduced Accommodation Fees through Summer period

 

The course has been designed around the examination dates for FCE/CAE and CPE hence the Semesters can be 10 and 12 weeks in length. The Semesters beginning in January and July are usually 10 weeks long and those beginning in March and September are usually 12.

 

Between each semester is a 2-week holiday period giving students the opportunity to relax and take the chance to see some of Europe 's most famous locations.

COURSE INFORMATION

Name of Course:	WESSEX ACADEMIC YEAR
Number of lessons per week:
•  6 MONTH Semester 1, Semester 2	30 Lessons, 20 Lessons
•  9 MONTH Semester 1, Semester 2, Semester 3	30 Lessons, 20 Lessons, 20 Lessons
Length of lessons:	45 minutes
Study Time *:	9.00 to 12.15 or 13.15 to 16.30
Language Ability:	Elementary to Advanced
Class Size:	Average 10 to a class (Max. 12)
Age:	Minimum 18, Average 24
Duration **:	24 - 36 weeks
Start:	Any Monday excluding Public Holidays

 

*Student study times are dependent on ability

**Students considering courses 12 weeks or greater should consider one of the Long term courses

COURSE DATA

Intake test on arrival		Directed Study & Library
Induction & Welcome Pack		Computer & Internet Access
Multinational Classes		Accommodation & Welfare services
Books & Learning Materials		Student ID Card
Homework		24 Hour Emergency Number
Regular appraisal		Social Programme
One to one tutorial		Report (7 weeks +)
Listening Centre		Certificate of completion

 

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LONG TERM COURSES

24 WEEKS - LONG TERM COURSE	20 LESSONS PER WEEK
36 WEEKS - LONG TERM COURSE
44 WEEKS - LONG TERM COURSE

 

These courses are designed for students who require an economic long-term alternative.

 

It is good for students who are looking for further education but provides them with the flexibility of time if they need to work part time to help them with their studies.

 

The course consists of 20 lessons per week. Over a significant period this will consolidate all the main language skills which will be required for further academic study.

It benefits from:

 

•  A structured programme of long-term General English:

•  Entry dates any Monday during the year

•  Specially reduced tuition and accommodation rates

•  Preparation for examinations such as Cambridge

•  Reduced Accommodation Fees through Summer period

 

When the development of the listening, writing, reading and speaking skills has reached a proficient level, students are entered for either a Cambridge examination which may include IELTS or TOEFL or one of the Higher Business examinations.

 

The preparation for the examinations would normally include the following:

• approaches to studying effectively

• academic reading skills including the vocabulary of textbooks and examinations

• note-taking (from audio and written material)

• critical thinking and critical analysis

• using appropriate language for presentations and discussions

• academic writing skills and readers' expectations

 

In this way, the students are thoroughly prepared to gain admission to universities and to derive the maximum benefit from their studies while they are there.

COURSE INFORMATION

Name of Course:	LONG TERM 24, 36 & 44 weeks
Number of lessons per week:	20 Lessons
Length of lessons:	45 Minutes
Study Time:	9.00 to 12.15 or 13.15 to 16.30
Language Ability:	Elementary to Advanced
Class Size:	Average 10 to a class (Max. 12)
Age:	Minimum 18, Average 24
Duration:	24 - 44 weeks
Start:	Any Monday excluding Public Holidays

COURSE DATA

Intake test on arrival		Directed Study/Library
Induction & Welcome Pack		Computer & Internet Access
Multinational Classes		Accomodation & Welfare services
Books & Learning Materials		Student ID Card
Homework		24 Hour Emergency Number
Regular appraisal		Social Programme
One to one tutorial		Report (7 weeks +)
Listening Centre		Certificate of completion

 

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GROUP & TAILOR-MADE COURSES

The Wessex Academy provides specially tailored course packages for groups with the tuition content and social programme structured to their specific requirements. Courses can be for a minimum of one week and the above typical programme can be changed to suit the group's requirements. Package prices are available

 

GROUP PACKAGES

Tailored made courses throughout the year for groups and schools with tuition, homestay accommodation, excursions and a varied social programme are available.

 

An example package would include the following:

 

•  20 morning lessons per week (Multi or monolingual as requested)

•  Full use of school academic facilities

•  Home-stay accommodation with Full board (Monday and Friday with lunch taken at school and with the family at the weekend)

•  Return Airport transfer

•  Town Tour (Min 3 hours)

•  Half day excursion per week ( Winchester , Christchurch , Corfe Castle Dorset Coast , New Forest )

•  Full day excursion per week (e.g. London , Oxford , Bath , Dorset Coast )

•  3 Evening socials per week

•  4 Afternoon activities per week

 

Use of all School facilities:

 

•  Internet, Language Laboratory, Library

•  All books and teaching materials

•  End of course Certificate of Studies

•  End of course progress report

•  Map of Poole & Bournemouth

•  Induction & Welcome pack

 

Courses can be for a minimum of one week and the above typical programme can be changed to suit the group's requirements. Prices are available on request

 

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CLASSIFICATION OF LEVEL AND EXAMINATIONS

STUDENT LEVEL & COUNCIL OF EUROPE CLASSIFICATION		CAMBRIDGE EXAMS	BUSINESS ENGLISH BEC	ACADEMIC ENGLISH
PROFICIENCY	C2	CPE	HIGHER	IELTS/TOEFL
ADVANCED	C1	CAE
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE	B2	FCE	VANTAGE
INTERMEDIATE	B1	PET	PRELIMINARY
PRE-INTERMEDIATE	A2	KET
BEGINNER/ELEMENTARY	A1

KET - Level A2

 An elementary level exam, testing your ability to deal with basic written and spoken communications.

PET - Level B1

 An intermediate level exam, testing your ability to cope with everyday written and spoken communications.

FCE - Level B2

FCE is an intermediate level exam, at level B2 of the Council of Europe 's Common European Framework. It is adequate for many practical everyday purposes, including business and study. Students are required to have a wide grasp of vocabulary, and be able to construct an argument and use appropriate communication styles for a variety of situations.

CAE- Level C1

 CAE is the second highest level Cambridge ESOL exam, at level C2. CAE students reach a standard of English that is adequate for most purposes, including social and professional situations, and in higher education. CAE recognises the ability to communicate with confidence in English and deal with most aspects of everyday life.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System is an internationally recognised English language assessment of the highest quality. IELTS is primarily taken by those seeking international education or professional recognition. UK Universities use IELTS to quantify student's English ability.

BEC - Business English Certificate

A suite of three Cambridge examinations

•  Preliminary

•  Vantage

•  Higher

Designed to test English language ability used in the context of business. Students must be Intermediate level or higher.