MORE INFORMATION ON ENGLISH CLASSES
UIC is a privately owned language school in Central London.
We run our English classes directly and these are managed under the quality assurances of the British Council and English UK We offer a great balance of price, location and quality, with the facilities to make learning effective.
Our experience of teaching is that students learn best in an environment where they are relaxed and comfortable but stimulated by the teacher and the class. The lessons are planned carefully to offer this and to give an appropriate balance of skills and knowledge.
The main focus of the General English classes is on communication, and in the main on oral communication – speaking and listening. We do also teach skills in reading and writing throughout the courses but you will certainly find that you are more confident in speaking after your course.
We have a Student Charter which we follow seriously and which will give you a clear idea of the principles behind the school.
STUDENT CHARTER
We at UIC aim to deliver the highest standards of language teaching and provide an excellent learning environment for our students.
At UIC you can expect that the school staff will:
- Always treat you in a respectful and pleasant manner
- Welcome you and provide you with written information on arrival and a Leaving certificate on departure (with 90% attendance)
- Test and interview you on arrival and place you in the most appropriate class for your needs.
- Ensure there are no more than 14 students in any class and that they are of a similar level of ability.
- Monitor your progress with regular testing and personal tutorials.
- Resolve any class difficulties as soon as possible if they arise.
- Monitor your stay in any accommodation arranged by the school and resolve any difficulties you may have as soon as possible.
- Give you time if needed to talk to any staff if you have a difficulty to resolve.
- Advise you on how to study independently
- Ensure you are aware of the social programme organised by the school so that you can participate as often as you like
- Ensure all teachers employed by UIC have a recognised qualification
In return the staff of UIC expect from you
- You will be punctual and attend regularly (90% minimum)
- Have the relevant course materials
- Participate in class and make a joint effort with staff to improve their English
Some of the questions we are most commonly asked about studying English are:
What happens on the first day?
Do I have to buy a book?
Which books do you use?
Are there tests?
Do I get a certificate?
Do I have to attend regularly?
What happens in the classes?
Do the teachers change a lot?
How can I study better?
What happens on the first day?
On the first morning of your course you will have a test and be placed in a class at the right level. This test is in 3 parts – a grammar test, a spoken test and an interview. We want to try to asses all these areas, in most cases the abilities are fairly equal but there are some occasions when student might be much better at speaking that writing for example. We take all this into account and then place you into a class. We aim to have all new students into classes by the middle of the first morning.
During the first day you will have a ‘Welcome meeting’ and be given important information on the school – where the rooms are, information on attendance, social programme, e-learning and health and safety.
We also collect all up to date information from you so we can get in contact if we need to
Do I have to buy a book?
Yes you do have to buy a book, we expect all of our students to have a book for the class. In most cases this is added onto your invoice so we will give you the right book once we have rested you and allocated you to a class
Which books do you use?
We use a variety of books – including Cutting Edge and The English File. We also use specialised books for exam courses.
Are there tests?
There are regular tests every 4 weeks
Do I have to attend regularly?
You are expected to attend all of your booked classes – 100%. If you need to be excused from class you have to tell the main office or we will mark you absent. If you cannot come to class you must telephone. If you are absent for 3 days we will try to contact you to see if you are OK, if you continue to be absent then we will always report this non attendance to the Home Office (in cases where you have a student visa. We are now required to do this by law.
Do I get a certificate?
Only if your attendance is 90% or more. If it is not then you will not get a certificate.
What happens in the classes?
The focus in the classes is on oral communication – speaking and listening. We do cover all the skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening but the emphasis will be on speaking. We also cover grammar and vocabulary development and study skills
Do the teachers change a lot?
We plan to change teachers every 4 weeks to give you a variety and exposure to different accents and different people.
How can I study better?
We can give you many ideas and your teachers can also always help. You will have a lot of information on this given to you at the Welcome meeting on your first day. You will also have access to our e-learning facilities which offer a free and very useful opportunity to improve your English. We can also give you recommendations of useful websites you may find helpful.
How can I get a visa extension?
Come to the office/reception and speak to the Student Officer who will be able to help you. We cannot give you advice but can give you the forms you'll need if you have top apply for a new visa.
Can I get cheap travel in London?
If you are over 18 and a full time student for more than 14 weeks you can apply for a reduced charge travel card which saves about 30% - £69.10 instead of £99.10 a month in zones 1 and 2
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