1) Orientation Week

The first week of the course will be an introduction to London, the school, the course and the teachers. This is called ‘orientation week' because if you are orientated you know where you are! You will have received this handbook during this week.

2) General English

Semester ONE:

• A comprehensive review and consolidation of key grammar elements.
• Structures and practice for functional communication in both social and academic contexts.
• Skills work in Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, to increase ability and confidence.
• Summarising, paraphrasing, cohesion, synonyms and style.

3) Academic English

Semester TWO:

• Grammar and structures for academic study.
• Familiarisation with academic reading and listening texts.
• Conversation and discussion in the academic context.
• Essay writing – principles and practice.
• Focused vocabulary work.

4) Cultural Studies

• Introduction to British culture and society: Education, history, social issues, the media, sport, popular culture, and people and places of interest and importance.
• One thousand word essay to be completed over the Christmas break.

STUDY SKILLS

IT HAS BEEN SHOWN BY RESEARCH THAT STUDENTS WHO HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF STUDY SKILLS PERFORM BETTER AT UNIVERSITY.

• How to be an efficient student: why lazy people work the hardest.
• Keeping work files.
• Research – how to find information: library systems, indexes, skim reading.
• Note taking and writing up.
• Listening in class – ‘dictagloss'.
• Learning styles – how to learn effectively - Keeping a Learner Diary.
• Essays and assignments – brainstorming – structure - planning – writing.
• What will your university tutor require of you?
• How to give a seminar/presentation.
• Exam techniques.
• How to answer an essay question.
• What is an assignment? – How to start work.
• Assistance with completion of assignment.
• Bibliographies and references.

5) Information Technology

• Using ‘Word' to write up an assignment or project.
• Use of the Internet for e-mails and research.
• Bibliographies, references, tables, figures and other useful things.
• You WILL be given work, which you will have to show to your tutor.

6) English for Business Studies Option

• Key concepts and vocabulary to prepare you for taking Business Studies or related subjects at University.
• Listening and Reading with student and authentic texts.
• Practice with discussion and writing on Business topics

7) English for General Studies Option

• Vocabulary and concepts within your study area.
• Vocabulary and concepts of topics including Psychology, Sociology, Art, Philosophy, Ethics and Literature.
• Listening and Reading with student and authentic texts.
• Practice with discussion and writing.

8) Examination English: Preparing You for The IELTS Exam

• Complete familiarisation with the format of the exam.
• Practice and past papers.
• Exam techniques.
• Word order, sentence construction and essay analysis

9) Tutorial Support

• You will be given a personal tutor at the beginning of the course.
• Tutorials will be held every three or four weeks. Take responsibility and organise a suitable time with your tutor. Don't just wait for your tutor to suggest a time.
• You will be able to discuss your assignment in Semester Two – your tutor will check that you are reading and thinking about it.

Course Length

This nine-month course is divided into two semesters and three terms. Each semester contains eighteen weeks of academic tuition. Semester One is broken by two weeks' holiday over Christmas, and is followed by a Reading Week between the semesters. Semester Two is broken by one week's holiday at Easter.

NOTE:

• I.T. means Information Technology.
• You will be given your I.T. timetable.
• You may practice on the school computers.
• These classes are important as you are required to type your assignment and you will need computer skills when you are at University.