BRASSHOUSE BROCHURE

English Course Guide2011 - 2012

for the love of language

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Contents > 01

Introduction > 02

Full-time Courses - 21 hours a week > 03



Part-time Courses - 6 hours a week - English for Academic Purposes > 06

Part-time Courses - 3 hours a week - Skills classes > 07

Part-time Courses - 3 hours a week - Wednesday afternoons > 07

Part-time Courses - 3 hours a week - Friday mornings > 07

Part-time Courses - 3 hours a week - Evenings > 08

Part-time Courses - 2 hours a week - English in Action > 08

English Summer Programme 2012 > 09

General Information > 11

How to apply for a course at Brasshouse > 12

Essential Information about English Courses at Brasshouse > 12

Homestay Accommodation > 13

Calendar 2011 - 2012 > 14

How to find us! > 15

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Come to Birmingham!

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

It is the ideal location for the global learner of 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.

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

Brasshouse English Courses

At Brasshouse, you can study for 21, 18, 15, 6 or 3 hours a week.

We recommend the full-time 21 or 18 hour a week course for students of Elementary level and above. This is the quickest way to progress and improve your English. (See pages 3 & 4).

If you are a beginner, the maximum you can study is 15 hours a week. (see page 5).

We have a part-time English for Academic Purposes course (6 hours a week) on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (see page 6).

There are also Skills classes (3 hours a week) on Monday and Wednesday afternoons for Speaking and Listening and on Tuesday and Thursday for Reading and Writing (See page 7). These classes are available to Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced students.

We also have part-time courses (3 hours a week) on Wednesday afternoons, on Friday mornings and also in the evenings (See pages 7 and 8).

Students at Intermediate level and above can also join our English in Action Drama Group on Friday afternoons (See page 8).

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Brasshouse is a specialist language centre, part of Birmingham Adult Education Service. We offer a wide variety of courses, both full and part-time, to meet your English language needs.

St Phillip's

Course Fees - 21 hours a weekEuropean Union Students Overseas Students

Enrolment Fee(Payable once every academic year)

£30 £70

Full Academic Year (3 Terms) Special Discount of approximately 10%

£2325 £3489

Autumn Term £988 £1482

Spring Term £836 £1254

Summer Term £760 £1140

Weekly Rate £76 £114

• European Union and European Economic Area and Swiss nationals are entitled to a reduced fee. For clarification, please contact the English office. • Minimum payment is for one full term.• An entry fee is payable for all external examinations.• You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.

Refund PolicyOnce fees have been paid, your money will ONLY be refunded if you can give us a medical certificate

OR an official Visa Refusal letter.

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21 hours a weekMonday to Friday

09.30 -13.00

General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, First Certificate, Advanced or IELTS*)

PLUS

Monday & Wednesday13.45 -15.15

Listening & Speaking

ANDTuesday & Thursday

13.45 -15.15

Reading & Writing

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

In the afternoon from 13.45 to 15.15, students attend Listening & Speaking classes on Monday and Wednesday and Reading & Writing classes on Tuesday and Thursday.

*IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level and above.

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£30 £70


£1990 £3000








18 hours a week

Monday to Friday

09.30 -13.00

General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, First Certificate, Advanced or IELTS*)

PLUS

Monday & Wednesday13.45 -15.15

Listening & Speaking

OR

Tuesday & Thursday

13.45 -15.15Reading & Writing

ORWednesday13.45 -17.00

IELTS*

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

In the afternoon, students choose between Listening and Speaking (on Monday and Wednesday from 13.45 to 15.15), Reading and Writing (on Tuesday and Thursday from 13.45 to 15.15), or IELTS* (on Wednesday from 13.45 to 17.00).

*IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.

The Custard Factory Gas Street Basin

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£30 £70


£1652 £2480








15 hours a weekMonday to Friday

09.30 -13.00General English (Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate,

Upper Intermediate, First Certificate, Advanced or IELTS*)

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

*IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level and above.

Victoria Square

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6 hours a week

Tuesday to Thursday13.45 - 17.00

English for Academic Purposes (suitable for students at Upper Intermediate level and above)

Who can do the course?

The course is suitable for a variety of students including;

• Students on IELTS courses who are looking for an early insight into key skills used at University• Undergraduates and post-graduates about to undertake a course of study at University• Undergraduate or postgraduate students already at University who wish to enhance their skills.

VERY IMPORTANT: To enrol on this course, your level of English must be at least Upper Intermediate level (B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference).

What is the course about?• The course content will comprise of two modules: an assessed essay of 1,000 words, where students will choose from a list of questions, and a group project 10-15 minute power-point presentation.

• Both projects will form the main assessment method for the course and will be assessed with an estimated IELTS band score.

• Both projects will be assisted by a series of input sessions on academic micro-skills such as: analysing essay questions, essay planning, writing definitions, reading and note taking, summarising sources, presentation skills and presenting data visually.

• In addition, the course will include language awareness sessions on key structures and vocabulary useful for academic purposes e.g. the passive, relative clauses, formal verb usage etc.

• There will also be regular written assignments in addition to the final essay in order to evaluate and provide support for specific language needs.

3 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 & Advanced)

Students at Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced level can choose to study Speaking and Listening on Mondays and Wednesdays from 13.45 to 15.15 and/or Reading and Writing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13.45 to 15.15.

3 hours a week - Wednesday AfternoonWednesday 13.45 - 17.00

IELTS*

Students on our Wednesday afternoon 3 hour programme can prepare for the IELTS* exam.

* IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.

3 hours a week - Friday MorningFriday 09.30 - 13.00

General English - Intermediate

Friday 09.30 - 13.00First Certificate

Students on our Friday 3 hour programme can study General English at Intermediate level or prepare for the Cambridge ESOL First Certificate exam.

* IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.

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Course Fees - 6 hours a week English for Academic PurposesEuropean Union Students Overseas Students


£10 £30


£674 £979





• European Union and European Economic Area and Swiss nationals are entitled to a reduced fee. For clarification, please contact the English office. • Minimum payment is for one term.



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Enrolment Fee(Payable once every academic year) £10 £30

Full Academic Year (3 Terms) Special Discount of approximately 10% £400 £580





• European Union and European Economic Area and Swiss nationals are entitled to a reduced fee. For clarification, please contact the English office.• Minimum payment is for one full term.• An entry fee is payable for all external examinations.• You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.

2 hours a week - English in ActionFriday 13.45 - 15.45

A fantastic opportunity for learners at intermediate level and above to practise real life English language in a fun and welcoming environment.

This course incorporates all skill areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Grammar, vocabulary and discussions about characters from plays will also feature in this course.

Recommended for students who want a practical way of exploring English, improving their language skills, building their confidence and having fun doing it!

Course Fees - English in ActionFees per term - £80



3 hours a week - EveningsMonday 17.45 - 21.00

First Certificate, Advanced or Proficiency

Tuesday & Thursday 17.45 - 19.15General English (Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate & Upper Intermediate)

Tuesday & Thursday 19.30 - 21.00First Certificate, Advanced or IELTS*

Students on our evening courses can study General English at Pre-intermediate, Intermediate or Upper Intermediate level. We also have exam preparation courses for Cambridge ESOL First Certificate, Advanced, Proficiency or IELTS* exams.* IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.

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English Summer Programme 2012

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 21 hours 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 ESOL 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 Options

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, English in Action, Film-making, Business English and Newspaper production.

Classes

Classes on the Summer Programme cover a wide range of English language skills and will help you

to use English more confidently and effectively. Our experienced 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 wide range of activities and excursions on our Social Programme. This includes 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 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.

Free Course Books

On the Summer Programme, you will get all of the learning materials you need including the course book for your morning classes absolutely FREE!

Brindleyplace

FREE COURSE BOOKS!

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English Summer Programme 2012

Monday to Friday

09.30 - 13.00

General English (Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate,Upper Intermediate & Advanced), First Certificate or IELTS*

PLUS

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

14.00 - 16.00

A choice of afternoon skills options.

Summer Programme FeesEuropean Union Students Overseas Students

4 Weeks (July OR August) £330 £470

8 Weeks (July AND August) £660 £940


Summer Programme Dates 2012July Monday 2nd - Friday 27th July

August Monday 30th July - Friday 24th August

• Students must be over 18 years old to attend the English Summer Programme. * IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level and above.



Canal Barge - Brindleyplace

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Brasshouse students in Wales

Open Learning

Brasshouse Language Centre recognises that your studies will be enhanced by self-study. You will have homework tasks to complete or perhaps you would like to work on language prior to classroom study.

To support your studies we have a self-access centre where you can study at your own pace using a range of audio cassettes, CD Roms, DVDs, Internet, videos and printed material.

In addition you can arrange tutorial support and discuss your progress on an individual basis. There is a registration charge of £10.00 per term. For the English Summer Programme, the registration fee is £2.50 per month.

Information Desk

If you require general advice and information please speak to our experienced multi-lingual staff who will be happy to help you. They can also give you specific information about, for example, how to open a UK bank account, registering with a doctor, police registration, see the Information Desk Monday - Friday between 11.00 - 11.30 and 13.00 - 13.30.

Social Programme

To help you enjoy your free time and make friends while you are studying at Brasshouse, we organise a varied social programme. Each term, there is a Welcome meeting and an End of Term party. There are regular day trips to places of interest like London, Bath, Cambridge, Oxford and Liverpool. We also organise visits to museums and historical houses as well as evenings out at local pubs and theatres.

Student Counsellor

Counselling support is available for all students who may at some time be experiencing any type of difficulty in their personal life. We feel that studies may be affected if students are very worried about something.

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

With appropriate support students are better able to cope with living abroad.

We offer this confidential service free of charge.You can make an appointment to see the Student Counsellor at Information Desk.

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: 00 44 121 303 2523Email: [email protected]: 00 44 121 464 5375 or

Paul Henderson, Deputy Head of English Tel: 00 44 121 303 1649Email: [email protected]: 00 44 121 464 5375.

General Information

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• The 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.

• All classes follow a set course book. You will be required to buy the book at the start of the course. Books cost between £15.00 and £25.00. On the English Summer Programme, course books are free.

Speak to your teacher before buying the course book and make sure you buy the right one because we cannot exchange or refund any money paid for books.

• You are required to attend AT LEAST 80% of classes for any Certificate of Attendance and to guarantee a place on future courses.

• Council Tax is a local tax payable to the British Government. Everyone in the UK must pay for local services such as police and fire service. Students are required to pay Council Tax although you may qualify for a reduced fee. Please contact INFORMATION DESK if you have any questions about this.

• Brasshouse is an ADULT Education Centre and we cannot accept students under the age of 18.

• Brasshouse is part of the Birmingham Adult Education Service and is unable to work with or pay commission to agents.

Essential Information about English Courses at Brasshouse

1) Read all the information about Brasshouse very carefully and decide whether this centre is the right one for you.

If you have any questions, you can contact our INFORMATION DESK for advice and guidance on 0121 303 1626 from inside the UK or on +44 121 303 1626 from outside the UK.

2) You will need to complete a REGISTRATION FORM.

3) Send the REGISTRATION FORM to us with the REGISTRATION FEE and a minimum of ONE TERM’S FEES.

If you are applying for a TIER 4 ADULT GENERAL STUDENT VISA, you have to register and pay for more than 6 months.

4) If you are a European Union Student, we will send you an ACCEPTANCE LETTER.

If you are applying for a STUDENT VISITOR VISA, we will send you a VISA LETTER. You will need this to make your visa application.

If you are applying for a TIER 4 ADULT GENERAL STUDENT VISA, we will send you a CAS (Certificate of Acceptance for Studies). You will need this to make your visa application.

In all cases, we will also send you information about when you will need to come to Brasshouse to do a placement test and be assigned a class.

5) Come to Brasshouse on the day and time given. First you will do a written test and then you will have an interview with a teacher. The teacher will

mark your written test, assess your spoken level and give you advice about the best class for you.

After the test and interview, you will be given your Brasshouse diary and timetable which tells you where to go on the first day of classes.

Very Important• If you do not come to Brasshouse on the date

stated on your acceptance letter, we cannot guarantee you a place on the course.

• You can only be placed in an exam preparation class (IELTS, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE) if you have the appropriate level of English.

• For IELTS courses, you will need to be Upper Intermediate level or above.

• ALL students are required to take a placement test before starting a course at Brasshouse.

• Payment of fees must be made when you register for a course. Full payment must be made before you start any course at Brasshouse.

How to apply for a course at Brasshouse

Overseas Students

For current information about Student Visas, please visit the

UK Border and Immigration website at: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

studyingintheuk

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Booking Fee Room Only Half Board Mixed Board Full Board

£100.00* £90.00 per week £120.00 per week £130.00 per week £140.00 per week

* The booking fee of £100.00 is non-refundable and is payable once during your stay.

Term dates Room Only Half Board Mixed Board Full BoardAutumn Term 2011 (14 weeks) Including Booking Fee

£1,260.00£1,360.00

£1,680.00£1,780.00

£1,820.00£1,920.00

£1,960.00£2,060.00

Spring Term 2012 (13 weeks)Including Booking Fee

£1,170.00£1,270.00

£1,560.00£1,660.00

£1,690.00£1,790.00

£1,820.00£1,920.00

Summer Term 2012 (11 weeks) Including Booking Fee

£990.00£1090.00

£1,320.00£1,420.00

£1,430.00£1,530.00

£1,540.00£1,640.00

July 2012 (4 weeks)Including Booking Fee

£360.00£460.00

£480.00£580.00

£520.00£620.00

£580.00£660.00

August 2012 (4 weeks) Including Booking Fee

£360.00£460.00

£480.00£580.00

£520.00£620.00

£580.00£660.00

Homestay AccommodationYour 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 will learn the most English, outside of 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 2 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.

Finding homestay accommodation is not easy - good hosts are always limited. We can only find somewhere right for you if we know what you want, so please make sure that you complete the accommodation application form accurately when you book your course.

The Bull RingCanal Barge - Brindleyplace

• Room Only• Half-board (breakfast and evening meal)• Mixed (breakfast and evening meal) Monday to Friday and (breakfast, lunch and evening meal), Saturday and Sunday• Full-board (breakfast, lunch and evening meal)

We can organise various types of accommodation:All accommodation includes collection from Birmingham International Airport, Digbeth Coach Station or New Street Station.

Accommodation cannot be arranged unless payment is made prior to the start of the course. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

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Calendar 2011-2012

Autumn Term 2011

Enrolment Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th September09.30 - 12.00 & 13.30 - 15.00

Evening Enrolment Monday 5th September 17.00 - 18.30

Autumn term classes begin Wednesday 7th September

Half term* Monday 24th – Friday 28th October

End of term Friday 9th December

Spring Term 2012

Enrolment Wednesday 4th & Thursday 5th January09.30 - 12.00 & 13.30 - 15.00

Evening Enrolment Wednesday 4th January 17.00 - 18.30

Spring term classes begin Friday 6th January

Half term* Monday 13th – Friday 17th February

End of term Friday 30th March

Summer Term 2012

Enrolment Monday 16th & Tuesday 17th April09.30 - 12.00 & 13.30 - 15.00

Evening Enrolment Monday 16th April 17.00 - 18.30

Summer term classes begin Wednesday 18th April

Half term* Monday 4th – Friday 8th June

End of term Wednesday 27th June

Summer Programme 2012

JULY Monday 2nd – Friday 27th July

AUGUST Monday 30th July – Friday 24th August

* Schools and colleges in the United Kingdom have a break in the middle of each term. This is called half term and is normally for 5 days.

• Bank holidays are national holidays when all public buildings are closed, for example May Day. There are no classes on these days.

By RoadFollow the signs for the City Centre or for the International Convention Centre (ICC) and the National Indoor Arena (NIA). The main road A456 (Broad Street) runs adjacent to Brasshouse.

From the M6 exit at junction 6, follow the A38 (M) to the City Centre, follow signs for the A456 which takes you into Broad Street, turn right at the traffic lights in front of the Novotel hotel.

From the M5, exit onto the A456, follow signs for Birmingham City Centre. This will take you to Broad Street where you should turn left at the traffic lights in front of the Novotel hotel.

By BusThe National Coach Station is at Digbeth. There are numerous local buses: 1, 9, 10, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 109, 120, 126, 128, 129, 139, 140, 140A, 258 and 626. Ask for Broad Street and look for the Novotel Hotel as your landmark for your stop. The number 8A (inner circle) bus stop at Five Ways is just a five minute walk away at the top of Broad Street.

By TrainNew Street Station is on the Inter City West Coast Mainline. From the station Brasshouse is a five minute taxi ride or a fifteen minute walk (see map below). Alternatively, the closest suburban railway station is Five Ways.

WalkingBrasshouse is about 15 minutes walk from New Street Station. Follow the route on the map below.

From the AirportThere is a train and bus service (900) to the City Centre from the Airport. From the City Centre take a taxi (five minutes), there are also local buses

ParkingUnfortunately there are only parking facilities for staff at Brasshouse but there are several multi storey car parks close by: One opposite Brasshouse in Brindleyplace (2 mins walk) and another further down Sheepcote Street in the National Indoor Arena (5 mins walk). There is also the UGC Cinema Euro Car Park in Bishopsgate off Broad Street (3 mins walk). In the vicinity there is limited street parking.

50 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AJ Tel: 0121-303 0114 Fax: 0121-464 5375

Website: www.birmingham.gov.uk/brasshouse Email: [email protected]

How to find us!

50 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AJ Tel: 0121-303 0114 Fax: 0121-464 5375

Website: www.birmingham.gov.uk/brasshouse Email: [email protected]

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BRASSHOUSE BROCHURE