STUDENT GUIDE
" Your aim is to improve your English, our aim is to help you achieve just that "
Contents
1. Welcome to the British Council ________________________________ 3 2. What we offer _____________________________________________ 6 3. Our methodology/What your classes will be like ___________________
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4. Assessment/How to go up to the next level _______________________ 11 5. How to make the most of your course ___________________________ 12 6. Length of the course and registration periods ____________________ 14 7. Other important information __________________________________ 15
ÂŤIn the interests of all the users of our premises and in accordance with Spanish legislation, smoking is prohibited in the British CouncilÂť
1.
Welcome to the British Council
The British Council is the UK´s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. We operate in more than 100 countries worldwide. We bring people from different countries into contact with the educational opportunities and creative ideas on offer in the United Kingdom and build lasting relationships with the rest of the world. The British Council has been operating in Spain for 70 years and it is here that we have our largest European representation. Our aim is the development of cultural, educational and scientific relations between Spain and the United Kingdom.The Director of the British Council in Valencia is Michael O'Brien. Teaching English is possibly the British Council´s best known activity in Spain. Over 16,000 students a year attend our centres in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other cities in Spain. The British Council has been present in Valencia for 50 years, first as The British Institute, then from January 1979 as The British Council, and now since September 2002 as British Council.
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Our main centre The Emergency and Evacuation Procedure notices are placed in every classroom and other strategically important places. Fire drills are carried out periodically and your teacher will tell you how to leave the building correctly.
In August 2002 we moved to our new premises in the Avenida Catalu単a 9, (on the corner of Primado Reig). There are ten classrooms, a library and computers with direct access to information about studying in the UK. The classrooms are equipped with state of the art technology, including interactive whiteboards, for the benefit of teachers and students alike.
UPPER FLOOR
GROUND FLOOR Staff Toilets Photocopy Room
ROOM 3
Students' Toilets Staffroom
ROOM 4
ROOM 5
Internet Crescent
Storeroom and files
ROOM 6
Director Assistant Director of Studies. Senior Teacher.
IT Administrator
Administration
Administration
Storeroom and files
ROOM 7
ROOM 2
Library
ROOM 8
ROOM 10
ROOM 1
Security
Primado Reig
ENTRANCE
SYMBOLS:
E Emergency exits
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Alarm bell
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Fire extinguishers
ROOM 9
Av. Catalu単a
Map:
Our Satellite Centre On Monday to Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings we operate a satellite centre for young learners in the Colegio Alemán, Calle Jaime Roig 14. Children and young people are taught here (Primary: 6 to 10 years old / Juniors: 11 to 14 years old / Seniors: 15 to 17 years old). Seniors can also study at our centre in Avda. Cataluña on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. For more information please consult the Valencia-Young learners brochure. We also offer lunchtime classes for Young Learners on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Colegio Dominicos San Vicente Ferrer.
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2.
The British Council: What we offer
English Courses
ACADEMIC STRUCTURE Level
European level
Cambridge Exams
Elementary
1
A1
Pre-Intermediate
2
A2
Intermediate I
3
B1.1
Intermediate II
4
B1.2
Upper-Intermediate
5
B2
Pre-Advanced
6
C1.1
Advanced
7
C1.2
CAE / BEC Higher
Proficiency
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C2
CPE
PET
FCE / BEC Vantage
N.B. Each level is divided in to three terms.
courses are either semi-intensive (in general
Our main activity is the teaching of English. We offer general courses at all levels, from complete beginners to Advanced level (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English). These courses cover all aspects of the language; grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and usage, as well as the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. There is a special emphasis on speaking and listening, above all at the lower levels. The
4 class hours/week) or intensive (10 class hours/week) as in the case of the summer courses. We also offer special business English and conversation courses. Courses for institutions and other special groups are also available, subject to demand.
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Cambridge Exams The University of Cambridge is one of the most important examing bodies in the world. Their international exams of English as a foreign language are the most prestigious and widely recognised the world over and are accepted as proof of the level of English attained. The British Council is a University of Cambridge Examining Centre and as such deals with all the administration of the exams. At the British Council we prepare our adult students for the following exams: Preliminary English Test (PET) in level 3, First Certificate (FCE) in level 5, Cambridge Advanced (CAE) in level 7 and Profiency in level 8. There are three sessions for the Cambridge exams, in March, June and December. We offer intensive FCE, CAE and CPE preparatory courses for the December session, which begin in October. The Business English course also prepares students for the Business English Certificate Vantage Level for the May/June session. Information about Studying in the United Kingdom For information about studying in the United Kingdom you can visit our webpage at www.educationuk.org
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Library
At the library you will also have free access to the Internet, a wide range of magazines and large collection of English literature and literary criticism at your disposal. All of this creates a atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in genuine English culture.
The library is geared towards the specific needs for the learning and teaching of English of our students. All the students at the British Council, Valencia are automatically made members of the library.
Borrowing library materials
The library is a pleasant and functional study area where you can go at your own convenience, when you need to and as often as you like. The library stocks material specially adapted to our course levels:
You are allowed to borrow books, magazines, CDs and DVDs so that you can enjoy them in your own home.
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Literature, readers and language practice materials.
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Computers installed with programmes to practise your grammar, vocabulary and listening comprehension, etc.
The librarian is happy to provide help, give information and answer any questions you may have.
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DVDs, CDs.
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Dictionaries and reference books.
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3.
Our methodology / What your classes will be like
Although each teacher has his or her own teaching style and tailors the course to the specific needs of each group, there is a methodology common to all British Council teachers. The following paragraphs outline the most important areas where this similarity is evident.
Greater emphasis on speaking and listening All our general English courses, that is, normal courses from level 1 to level 8 include the study of grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary, which are taught via both written and spoken English. However, the aim of most of our students is to be able to speak and understand English, particularly for those who are already studying or have already studied grammar elsewhere such as at school or university. Because of this there is a special emphasis on speaking and listening, above all at the lower levels.
The use of English in class British Council teachers are native speakers, highly qualified and experienced. From the lowest levels and the first day they encourage all students to use English in class and make them aware that the language of communication is English. However, the teacher will not avoid resorting to Spanish, in case of necessity. After all, for many students the only native speaker they can listen to and speak with in English is their teacher.
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Working in pairs or in groups
Use of a textbook
In order to drive a car confidently you have to spend a long time driving. In order to speak English fluently you have to spend as much time as possible speaking and the only way to acheive this in class is for students to speak to each other in pairs or groups. At the same time the teacher listens and helps during all these activities. Some students feel that if they are speaking to another Spanish speaking student they are not really learning, but it is worth remembering that if you use your English at work or on holiday it is very likely that you will speak to people from Japan, Scandinavia or other foreign countries, none of whom will speak perfect English.. Listening or speaking to your partner is very similar to listening or speaking to another foreigner.
Apart from some of the conversation courses, most of the course entail the use of a textbook. Nevertheless the courses are largely based on the specific course programme for each level rather than on the textbook. This means that some units may not be studied and that the book may not be fully completed. On the other hand a lot of supplementary material such as videos, exercises from other books, the teacher´s own handouts etc., will be used, making the classes more varied and enjoyable. Queries/Solving Problems If you have any queries about your class please consult your teacher. You can also consult Anne Fairfield (ADOS) or Tom Stutter (Senior Teacher) who will be happy to help you.
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4.
Assessment/How to go up to the next level progress towards obtaining a greater grasp of the language. If you need to repeat the course it does not mean you have failed . All that it means is that you need more time to assimilate what you have learnt and it would be a advisable to repeat the course.
In order to help you progress in your studies, throughout the year your teacher will continuously assess your progress in the areas of spoken English (speaking/listening) and written English (writing/reading). This assessment will be based on both your class work and homework. Every term you will have an informal chat with your teacher (either individually or as a group), about your progress. If you are not yet ready to go up you will either need to repeat the course or do a summer course in order to revise and reinforce the contents of the previous years´ course, before going onto the next level.
For obvious reasons, apart from satisfactory progress we also insist on a minimum attendance of 65% (that is, two thirds) of the course. On completion of the course, that is, when your progress, attendance and results in the final exam have been satisfactory, you will receive a British Council certificate.
You should bear in mind that the main aim is to make the most of the course and make real
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5.
How to make the most of your course
If you want to learn English well your teacher and your textbook are very important factors but the most important factor is you. The following tips will help you make the most of your course.
Always speak English in class In order to develop your oral fluency you need to pratise constantly, and the best place to practise is in class. Try to speak English all the time you are in class. Not only when you are doing group or pair work, but also when you ask your teacher for help or when you compare answers to an exercise with a partner. That is, try to use English all the time. And remember, you won´t learn unless you take the plunge, so don´t be afraid to make mistakes.
Attend classes The best way to help yourself is not to miss classes. If for any reason you cannot come to a class try to find out what you have missed by phoning a classmate or asking in the next class, and go over the lesson at home. Do the homework Most homework is written work. Some exercises such as essays or compositions take up a lot of class time so your teacher will often prefer to set them as homework. It is also important to go over the lesson at home, especially if you have missed a class. If you want to improve your written level and keep your vocabulary up to date it is essential to do the homework regularly.
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Use the library
Make the most of any opportunities to speak, read or listen to English outside the classroom
Don´t forget that the library is at your disposal for you to carry on practising and studying English outside the classroom. In the library you can concentrate on practising particular skills in order to improve them or you can simply `immerse´ yourself in English by reading and listening at the same time as you enjoy yourself.
The more English you listen to, speak or read outside the classroom, the more your level will improve. There are a lot of films in the cinema or on the television which can be seen in the original English version. You can also buy newspapers and magazines in English, some of which are specifically directed at students of English. And if the occasion arises for you to practise your English either at work, at university or on holiday, don´t be shy and seize the opportunity to improve your fluency. Finally, it is very important to be methodical in your studies: organise your notes, revise them regularly, revise your vocabulary lists daily, etc.
Use dictionaries, grammar or vocabulary books, etc. Apart from the books you can find in the library it is also very useful to have your own dictionary (English-Spanish or English-English, depending on your level). In some cases your teacher may also recommend that you buy a grammar or vocabulary book.
Visit our Portal We have created a portal exclusively for our students. When you log on there, you can listen to songs, do reading and listening exercises based on recent news events, do grammar and vocabulary exercises which have been written by our teachers, improve your pronunciation and access a large number of specially selected websites which you will find very useful for learning English. https://spainportal.britishcouncil.org
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6.
Length of the course and registration periods Length of your class/course
Discounts
The class hour is 50 minutes. Classes which last for two or more hours are programmed to include a short break.Each term consists of 10 weeks. There are 20, 40 or 50 class hours per term, depending on the course.
We have a wide range of discounts. Discounts are available for registering 2 or more members of the same family or for registering in more than 1 group. There is also a special discount on a summer course after completing one academic year. These discounts only apply to courses in Valencia. We also have agreements with various institutions and professional bodies.
How to register for the following term The last few days of each term are set aside for current students to register for the next term. Please remember that payment must be made on registering, either by credit card or by cheque payable to British Council. If you pay by credit card you can pay by phone and avoid queues. Please consult your bookmark for registration dates.
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7.
Other important information Textbooks
Complaints
You can buy your textbook(s) in the British Council building within the first few days of the course.
If you want to make a complaint you can go to any of our staff at the information and registration counter. A member of the management staff will then be called to attend to you. If no member of management is available at that time we will make a note of your name and telephone number and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Suggestions If you would like to make a suggestion you can place it in the suggestions box which is kept at the registrations counter. We will reply immediately but don´t forget to include your name and telephone number.
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Metro: Facultats (línea 3), Vicente Zaragozá (línea 4) Bus: líneas 9, 10, 12, 21, 29, 30, 31, 41, 79, 80, 81 y 90
VALENCIA - ADULTOS Avenida de Cataluña, 9 46020 Valencia
T 96 339 29 80 F 96 369 13 89 E valencia@britishcouncil.es W britishcouncil.es
The British Council is the United Kingdom s international organisation for educational and cultural relations. Registered in England as a charity.