A4 English Course Guide

English Course Guide

Birmingham, UK

How to find us

In partnership with

Selfridges Brindleyplace

BrindleyplaceBullring Mailbox

Middleway

Broad Stre

et

Sheepcote S

treet

Canal

National

Indoor

Arena

ICCBrindley

Place

RepertoryTheatre

Centenary

SquareCentenary

Square

CouncilHouse

Novote

l

CentralLibrary

New StreetRail Station

TownHall

New Street

VictoriaSquareVictoriaSquare

To Bristol R

d A38

To A38(M) & M6 Jnct 6

A456 Hagley Rd

to M5 Motorway

Five WaysRail Station

N

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What students say about Brasshouse Language Centre

Canal SideRotunda

92% of students said that the Brasshouse English course met their needs.

98% of students said that they were happy with the quality of teaching at Brasshouse.

(Source: Spring term 2014 End of course survey)

“I would recommend Brasshouse because here, you will find your international family.”Vesela from Bulgaria

“If you choose Brasshouse, you will have no regrets! Come on!”Minwoo from South Korea

“I found it very useful. The teachers are very friendly and helpful! I really enjoyed my time here!”Aziza from Saudi Arabia

“It’s a school with so much life! You can improve your English while you have a great time!”Baldo from Spain

“The teachers are full of energy!”Maryam from Iran

“Our teachers are really friendly, more professional than anywhere else and so patient!”Marina from Latvia

“After only 3 months at Brasshouse and with the help of a superlative teacher, I have had the opportunity to improve my English skills a lot.” Fabrizio from Italy

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St Phillip's

Come to Birmingham!

Birmingham is a modern, vibrant city in the heart of the UK.

It is the ideal location to learn English giving you the chance to live and study in a truly multicultural environment with a wide range of leisure facilities.

Birmingham is the second biggest city in the UK and while it offers services, venues and cultural opportunities equal to any large European city, you will find living expenses much cheaper than in London. There is a wide variety of museums, theatres and music venues as well as thriving nightlife, world-class sports events and venues and excellent shopping facilities. Birmingham has unrivalled transport links with the rest of the UK. London is 90 minutes away by train and major tourist destinations like Stratford-upon-Avon (the birthplace of William Shakespeare) and Warwick Castle are less than 1 hour away. Birmingham International Airport with flights to destinations all over Europe is a ten-minute train journey from the city centre.

Study at Brasshouse Language Centre!

Brasshouse Language Centre is the largest Adult Education Centre in the UK specialising in language courses and language services. It is situated in the city centre in the Brindleyplace leisure and business area. The staff and students from all over the world bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the centre and create a dynamic, truly international atmosphere. Brasshouse is an authorised Cambridge English Language Assessment Examinations centre offering examinations for KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test), FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English).

Our English classes cover a wide range of language skills and will help you to use English more confidently and effectively. Our highly qualified and experienced teachers and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere in class guarantee that you learn and have fun at the same time. We have classes at all levels from Beginners (CEFR A1) to Advanced (CEFR C1). You can study General English or prepare for international exams like FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

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Full-time Courses

18 hours a weekMonday to Friday 09.30 - 13.00

General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced) Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)

PLUS 1 AFTERNOON OPTIONS

Students on our full-time 18 hour a week programme study General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate), Academic English (for the IELTS** exam) or prepare for Cambridge English Language Assessment exams at First Certificate or Advanced levels in the mornings from 09.30 to 13.00.

In the afternoon, students can choose one afternoon option: Listening & Speaking, Reading & Writing, Natural Everyday English or IELTS** preparation.

Monday & Wednesday13.45 - 15.15

Listening & Speaking

ORTuesday & Thursday

13.45 - 15.15Reading & Writing

ORTuesday

13.45 - 17.00Natural Everyday English

Wednesday13.45 - 17.00

IELTS**

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General English (Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced)

Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)


General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced) Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)

PLUS 2 AFTERNOON OPTIONS

Students on our full-time 15 hour a week programme study General English (Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate), Academic English (for the IELTS** exam) or prepare for Cambridge English Language Assessment exams at First Certificate or Advanced levels in the mornings from 09.30 to 13.00.

* You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.

Students on our full-time 21 hour a week programme study General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate), Academic English (for the IELTS** exam) or prepare for Cambridge English Language Assessment exams at First Certificate or Advanced levels in the mornings from 09.30 to 13.00.

In the afternoon, students can choose two afternoon options: Listening & Speaking, Reading & Writing, Natural Everyday English or IELTS** preparation.

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3 or 6 hours a week - Skills ClassesMonday & Wednesday 13.45 - 15.15

Speaking & Listening(Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate & Advanced)

Tuesday & Thursday 13.45 - 15.15Reading & Writing

(Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate & Upper Intermediate)

You can choose to study Speaking & Listening on Mondays and Wednesdays from 13.45 to 15.15 and/or Reading & Writing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13.45 to 15.15.

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Part-time Courses

The Ikon Gallery

More Information about Morning ClassesGeneral English

In Brasshouse morning classes you will improve your everyday English and learn the language that you need for the world of work and further education. Your experienced and highly qualified teacher(s) will evaluate and address your individual needs and help you to identify and achieve your learning goals. You will develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in fun and engaging activities as well as developing your knowledge of English grammar and increasing your vocabulary. Participating in group and pair work will help you to develop your fluency, improve your pronunciation and to use English more confidently.

In your morning class, you will follow a course book which you have to buy at the start of the course.

At the end of each term, your teachers will assess your progress and decide if you can move to the next level. Most students need at least 2 terms on a full-time course before they can move up to the next level.

Exam Preparation Classes (FCE*, CAE* & IELTS**)

Our full-time morning Exam Preparation courses allow you to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills while focusing on the language necessary for you to pass the exam. You will learn about the format of each part of the exam and carry out extensive practice of each section. Our Exam Preparation tutors have considerable experience of teaching at these levels and will guide you through your studies, assessing and advising you along the way. You will expand your grammatical skills, extend your range of vocabulary and take part in lively and motivating activities while developing the techniques that will help you to be successful in the exam.

In your morning class, you will follow a course book which you have to buy at the start of the course.


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Part-time Courses

3 hours a week - Academic English Classes 13.45 - 17.00Wednesday – IELTS**

3 hours a week - Friday MorningFriday 09.30 - 13.00

General English (Pre-intermediate, Intermediate & Upper Intermediate)

Students on our Friday 3 hour programme can study General English at Pre-intermediate, Intermediate and Upper Intermediate.

3 hours a week - EveningsMonday 17.45 - 21.00

Exam Preparation (First Certificate*, CAE* or Proficiency*)

Tuesday 17.45 - 21.00General English (Pre-intermediate, Intermediate & Upper Intermediate)

Thursday 17.45 - 21.00General English or Exam Preparation (Intermediate or IELTS**)

Students on our evening courses can study General English at Pre-intermediate, Intemediate or Upper Intermediate level. We also have exam preparation courses for Cambridge English Language Assessment First Certificate*, CAE*, Proficiency* or IELTS** exams.


3 hours a week - General English Classes 13.45 - 17.00 Monday – Elementary Tuesday – Pre-intermediate Wednesday – Intermediate Thursday – Upper Intermediate

In these classes, you will practise your Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing skills while studying grammar and vocabulary. You will use a course book which you will complete if you study for the full academic year.

3 hours a week - Tuesday Afternoon 13.45 - 17.00Natural Everyday English

Do you ever wonder why the language you speak in class sometimes sounds different to the language you hear outside Brasshouse? Do you wish you could sound more like a native speaker? Do you want to feel more comfortable in English conversations?

This course will help you to• understand what sounds ‘natural’ to a native speaker. • sound more natural yourself.• practise different kinds of everyday dialogues. • improve your pronunciation.• become more confident when speaking in English.

This course is suitable for students at Intermediate level and above.

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English Summer Programme

On our English Summer Programme, you can spend one or two months improving your English and making friends from all over the world. As well as 21hours of classes per week, you can enjoy our varied social programme.

Morning Classes

In the mornings, you will study General English, prepare for the Cambridge English Language Assessment First Certificate (FCE) exam or for the IELTS exam. Morning classes start at 09.30 and finish at 13.00 from Monday to Friday.

Afternoon Classes

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons you will attend one of a variety of Skills classes. The afternoon classes start at 14.00 and finish at 16.00.These Skills classes include Speaking & Listening, Reading & Writing, Art & Culture, Natural Everyday English and English for Job Hunting.

Summer Programme ClassesClasses on the Summer Programme cover a wide range of English language skills and will help you to use English more confidently and effectively. Ourexperienced teachers and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere in class guarantee that you learn and have fun at the same time.

Social Programme

You can also take part in the range of activities and excursions on our Social Programme. This includes weekly day trips to places of interest like London, Oxford and Bath. We also organise trips to museums and historical houses in Birmingham and evenings out at local pubs and theatres.

On the Brasshouse Summer Programme, you will enjoy learning English, make friends and get a taste of living and studying in the UK. Outside the classes, you will use your English skills in everyday life, through film and television, newspapers and books, shopping and entertainment.

Monday to Friday 09.30 - 13.00General English (Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate

or Advanced) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or IELTS**)

PLUS

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 14.00 - 16.00A choice of afternoon classes

* You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level and above.

Brindleyplace Aston Hall

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Homestay Accommodation

Your accommodation is one of the most important aspects of your stay in the UK. Homestay accommodation combines quality, friendliness and value for money. It is suitable for those who want a lot of contact with their Homestay provider and those who prefer to be independent. Homestay accommodation provides you with a first-hand experience of English life and is also the place where you can learn the most English outside the classroom.

All Homestay accommodation is carefully selected and most hosts have worked with Brasshouse for many years. The Accommodation Officer works closely with our Homestay providers to arrange appropriate placements and to ensure that they meet the quality and safety guidelines set by English UK and the British Council.

Not all Homestay accommodation consists of two parents with children. We have many experienced and friendly Homestay providers who have different living arrangements – some are couples with no children, some are single parents with children and some are single adults. Our Homestay providers are accustomed to having visitors stay in their home. They will want to make sure that you are happy and comfortable in their home.

All our accommodation is close to either a railway station or bus route to make your daily journey to and from the school as easy as possible. We also try to provide accommodation that is no more than 60 minutes travel from Brasshouse.

If you are studying at Brasshouse Language Centre and need accommodation we have a variety of options for our full-time students.

• Room Only• Half-Board (breakfast & evening meal)• Mixed Board (Monday - Friday, break & evening meal) and Saturday & Sunday (breakfast, lunch & evening meal)• Full-Board (breakfast, lunch & evening meal)

All accommodation includes transport from Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham Coach Station or New Street Railway Station.

To book Homestay accommodation, please complete the Homestay Application Form with as many details as possible. This will help us to find you suitable accommodation and ensure that you are happy during your stay.

Accommodation cannot be arranged without payment. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Please visit our website for Homestay Accommodation Terms and Conditions: http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/brasshouse-english/homestay-accommodation/

The Bull Ring Gas Street Basin

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Homestay Accommodation

What students say about Homestay

Accommodation

“When I needed help, the family was always ready to help me.”Marzia from Italy

“They made me feel part of the family and introduced me to their friends.”Fatimata from France

“It was a positive experience because I came to study English and when you live with an English family it helps you to improve your English.”Pavel from Russia

“They are like my family and I don’t feel lonely I would like to recommend this homestay to other students.”Ga Yeon from South Korea

“Home from home.”Mohamed from Saudi Arabia

“It is one of the most positive experiences that I have had. The family is great and they are always helping me.”

Victor from Spain“I absolutely love my host family!”Marina, Ukraine

Victoria Square

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General Information

Open LearningWhat is Open Learning?

It is our FREE Language Library and Study Centre.

What can I do there?

• Use dictionaries, grammar, vocabulary and course books.

• Have access to exam practice materials.• Practise listening, reading, writing and pronunciation. • Use computers and surf the Internet.• Organise your studies.• Find out about useful websites.

Who can help me?

• English tutors are available to give you advice and support. You can book an appointment to talk to them.

Social ProgrammeOur Social Programme will help you to enjoy your free time and make friends. There are regular day trips to places of interest like London, Oxford, Cambridge, Oxford, Bath and Cardiff. The cost of each day trip is between £20 and £30.

We also organise evening activities including bowling and boat parties, afternoon trips to museums and historical houses in Birmingham and evenings out at local pubs. This type of activity and trip costs between £5 and £15.

Student CounsellorFree counselling support is available for all students who experience any type of difficulty in their personal life.

Our counsellor is there to • listen to students without criticising• talk through problems sympathetically• access external support wherever necessary.

You can make an appointment to see the Student Counsellor at the Welcome Desk.

Classes at BrasshouseThe average number of students per class is 16 with a maximum of 20 in some groups.

The minimum class size is 8. If the number falls below this, we may need to close your class and offer you an alternative.

Term DatesSeptember to JuneFrom September to June, Brasshouse courses are divided into terms. The Autumn term is from September to December, the Spring term is from January to April and the Summer term from April to June. Between the Autumn and Spring terms, there is a break which covers the Christmas and New Year period. Between the Spring and Summer terms there is a break of approximately two weeks. In line with other UK educational establishments there are also week-long breaks in the middle of each term (these are called half term).

The first Monday in May is a national holiday in the UK. There are no classes on this day.

July and AugustIn July and August, there are two courses of 4 weeks each. There is a week long break at the end of August.

Please see the Course Calendar for the exact term and holiday dates for this year.

Course Books

Most classes follow a set course book. You will be required to buy the book at the start of the course. Books cost between £20 and £35.

The Custard FactoryStudying

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Comments, Compliments and Complaints

We welcome feedback from learners before, during and after your course. For any comments, compliments or complaints, please contact

Pauline Desch, Head of EnglishTel: 0121 303 2523Email: [email protected]

Paul Henderson, Deputy Head of English Tel: 0121 303 1649Email: [email protected]

If you prefer, there is a more formal procedure for complaints. To make a formal complaint, please collect the leaflet 'Your views are good news' from reception.

Refund PolicyIf you change your mind within ten working days of registering for the course, we will refund your fee minus the non-refundable registration fee.

Once the course has started, fees are non-refundable.

Learners who fail to attend any part of their course due to illness or any other reason, whether within or outside the student's control, will not be entitled to a refund of fees (nor attend any classes in place of those missed) unless a medical certificate (in English) or visa refusal notice is provided. A refund of fees must be requested within 2 years of registration. Refunds are payable to the person who originally paid the fees.

Learners who fail to complete the course, for any reason, will not be entitled to a refund.

Please visit http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/terms-conditions/

Terms and ConditionsPlease visit http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/terms-conditions/

General Information

Speak to your teacher before buying the course book and make sure that you buy the right one.

We cannot exchange books or refund any money paid for books.

CertificatesAt the end of each course, you will receive a certificate of attendance.

You are required to attend AT LEAST 80% of classes to obtain the certificate.

Cambridge English ExamsBrasshouse is an authorised Cambridge English Language Assessment exams centre. The following exams are held at regular intervals during the year: KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test), FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English). The exam fee is £140.

We can also offer BEC (Business English-Preliminary, Vantage & Higher), TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test), ILEC (Legal) and ICFE (Financial) on demand.

For more information about exam dates, please visit http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/brasshouse-english/cambridge-examinations/

IELTS ExamThe IELTS exam can be taken at QA Ltd. For more information, please visit http://www.ihlondon.com/exam-centre/ielts.test.birmingham and http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/terms-conditions

Council TaxCouncil tax is a local tax payable to the British Government. Students are currently required to pay Council Tax unless they study full-time for more than 6 months. Please ask for a letter to confirm that you qualify for exemption.

VisasFor detailed information about visas, please go to the UK Immigration and Visas website: www.gov.uk/study-visit-visa

English Course Guide

More information?

If you would like more information about Brasshouse English courses and/or Homestay accommodation, please contact us by phone, fax or email.

Telephone: 0121 303 0114 Fax: 0121 464 5375

Email: [email protected]

We will be happy to answer your questions and advise you on the best options for you.

For further information about Birmingham, please visit www.visitbirmingham.com

Brasshouse Language Centre, 50 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AJ, England.Website: http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk

How to find us

Selfridges

Bullring

Birmingham City CentreMiddleway

Broad Stre

et

Sheepcote S

treet

Canal

National

Indoor

Arena

ICCBrindley

Place

RepertoryTheatre

Centenary

SquareCentenary

Square

CouncilHouse

Novote

l

CentralLibrary

New StreetRail Station

TownHall

New Street

VictoriaSquareVictoriaSquare

To Bristol R

d A38

To A38(M) & M6 Jnct 6

A456 Hagley Rd

to M5 Motorway

Five WaysRail Station

N

Birmingham

Documents

A4 English Course Guide