Student Guide by British Council Madrid

MADRID ADULTS

STUDENT GUIDE

www.britishcouncil.org

LEARN ENGLISH

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Welcome to the British Council Madrid Adults Teaching Centre Equal opportunities and diversity

Learning English at this centre

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Academic Structure Teachers Courses Books Working together in English Please remember Homework Your progress Attendance Continuous assessment Level equivalences

Effective learning

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Successful language learners Library/Multimedia Centre Library opening times Counselling service Students’ Programme E–Resources Student Portal Social media Other relevant sites Your opinions

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While you are studying here… …what if you think you are in the wrong level? …what if you want to move to a class at a different time? …what if you miss a class? …what if your teacher is absent? …what if you are not happy in class? …what if you cannot continue with your course? …what if you lose something? Cafeteria Re-registration Registration office opening times

Courses available at this centre General English Intensive courses Exam preparation courses Speaking Skills Proficiency Consolidation Business English Services for corporate clients

Procedimiento a seguir en caso de incendio

Welcome to the British Council Welcome to the British Council Madrid Adults teaching centre. We have prepared this guide to help you get the most out of our courses and to answer your questions about how the classes are organised. If you need any more information, please ask your teacher. We hope you enjoy studying with us and wish you success in your learning.

Madrid Adults Teaching Centre The Madrid Adults teaching centre is part of the British Council, which is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We are also recognised worldwide as one of the leading experts in the field of English language teaching. We have 14 centres across Spain and have used our expertise to support the learning and teaching of English since 1940.

Equal opportunities and diversity The British Council operates an equal opportunities policy across its global network. We work with, and value contributions from, people from a wide cross-section of society wherever we work. We treat our customers and colleagues with respect and we expect the same in return. We will not tolerate sexist, ageist, racist or any other discriminatory behaviour in class or elsewhere in our work. Where we can, we accommodate learners with special needs e.g. people with impaired vision or motor skills. Where possible, we adapt our furniture and learning materials accordingly. However, this has to be balanced with the overall needs of the class as a whole. We choose our teaching materials carefully to ensure that they reflect contemporary society as far as possible and do not depict stereotypes that conflict with our diversity policy.

Teachers

Please remember

We understand that each learner has their own learning needs and preferences, so our teachers plan their lessons drawing on a wide range of methodologies and resources.

Mobile phones disrupt lessons. Out of consideration for other students, we insist that you turn off your phone in class.

Your teacher will be happy to answer any questions you have about the classes or the centre and they will speak to you individually about your learning needs and goals.

Learning English at this centre

Courses

There is a clear academic progression. If you successfully complete your course, you move to the next level (e.g. from 2A to 2B). There is a maximum of fourteen students per class (twelve for Speaking Skills).

Courses from October to June are 50 teaching hours during the week and 40 teaching hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Special courses (e.g. Speaking Skills and Proficiency Consolidation) are 30 teaching hours. Specialised courses (e.g. CVs and Job Interviews) are 15 teaching hours. Both run from October to June. All courses in the summer are 50 teaching hours.

Books

LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL 1 2 3 4 CAMBRIDGE EXAMS

FCE

CAE

Cambridge Examinations: FCE: First Certificate in English CAE: Certificate in Advanced English CPE: Certificate of Proficiency in English

You can buy your textbook at a discount in the Library/Multimedia Centre at the start of the course. You can also buy your books at “Booksellers” at Fernández de la Hoz, 40 (there is a discount if you show your student card). If you register for the next course during the preferential registration period for current students (plazo preferente) and you need new books because you have changed level or course, the books are free.

Working together in English

CPE

Common European Framework (CEF) A1

CPE PREPARATION COURSE

We use a textbook for most courses, although teachers will use the book selectively and supplement it with extra materials to help you learn.

PROFICIENCY

PRE-PROFICIENCY

UPPER-INTERMEDIATE

CAE PREPARATION COURSE

INTERMEDIATE

ADVANCED

PRE-INTERMEDIATE

FCE PREPARATION COURSE

ELEMENTARY

Academic Structure

You will often work together in pairs or small groups with other students in the class. This is in order to maximise your opportunities to practise English. Although it may seem strange at first to speak English with other students, it is extremely important that you get into the habit of doing so as soon as possible, starting from the very first lesson. Remember your participation in all class activities is essential so your teacher can evaluate your speaking and help you improve.

students are ready to go on to the next level, but in some cases students will need to repeat the same level before progressing further through the academic structure.

Homework

Please note that you do not have to wait until the end of the course for final results before you can register for the next level. You can re-register at any time and avoid last minute queues. Ask your teacher if you have any questions.

We set homework regularly, because we believe it is important you work on your own, practising English or preparing for your classes.

Level equivalences

For the same reason, we remind you that it is important to be punctual for lessons.

Your teacher will ask you to do a number of written assignments, the marks for which count towards your final evaluation.

Study guides There is a study guide for each level of English, from 1A to AVD. The study guide is a structured programme of self-study that will help you to complete the course aims, and as a minimum we expect you to study on your own for an hour for every two course-hours.

Your progress Your teacher will speak to you about your progress halfway through the course and again at the end of the course, when you will receive final confirmation of which level is best for you next. Your teacher will consider the following when deciding on your next level:

This table shows the relationship between the Madrid Adults level system, Cambridge ESOL exams, the IELTS exam and the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). Please note that it is very dif ficult to give exact comparisons due to the dif ferent design, purpose and format of the examinations.

Madrid Adults Centre

Cambridge ESOL Exams

As a rule we require a minimum of 80% attendance. Please talk to your teacher if you know you will have to miss classes.

CEF

1B 1C

3.0

2A 2B

3.5

4.0

4.5

Attendance

IELTS

3C 4A 4B

5.0 FCE

5.5

6.0

FCE AVA

Continuous assessment Your teacher will assess your skills and language knowledge continuously throughout the course. They will evaluate your acquisition of grammar, structure and vocabulary and will monitor your performance in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.Your teacher will take these areas into consideration when deciding which level is best for you. Most

AVB AVC

CAE

AVD

6.5 7.0

CAE PPA PPB PFA

CPE

7.5

PFB CPE

Self-awareness • take responsibility for their own learning and understand that the teacher is there to help them • have clear objectives and are realistic in their expectations; they know that there is no easy route to success

Effective learning Like any other skill, learning a foreign language requires time and effort. In this section of the guide we look at what you can do to be successful and explain the resources on offer to help you learn as effectively as possible. Our teachers came up with these ideas to help you think carefully about how you learn English.

Successful language learners... Personal performance • have enough time for study and do a lot of practice outside class • attend all classes and are punctual • organise their time well, e.g. by having a well-structured study plan

Attitudes • are motivated and generally enjoy learning English • have an open mind, are inquisitive, and have a sense of humour • are autonomous and not over-dependent on their teacher • have a ‘can do’ attitude and are not afraid to make mistakes

• are aware that learning is a constant, cyclical process and that a useful maxim for language-learning is ‘little yet often’ • are not obsessive; they are able to balance learning English with other things

Exposure to English outside class • read outside class e.g. borrow ‘graded readers’ from the library • watch films in English with English subtitles, e.g. borrow DVDs from the library • listen to English regularly, e.g. British radio or podcasts • use English actively outside class, e.g. use it at work, visit English-speaking countries, have English-speaking friends or visit language exchange groups. • have experience of learning a non-native language other than English

Library/Multimedia Centre

Counselling service

As a current student, you are also a member of the Library/Multimedia Centre (MMC). Please remember, you need your student card to use the facilities.

The counselling service is open to all our current students. It consists of fifteen minutes’ extra English practice for two students with one of our teachers. You can practise speaking to improve your fluency, ask the teacher about grammar, or practise the oral paper for a Cambridge exam.

You can borrow books and films from the Library, and there are computers for you to practise your English using specially designed software and links to useful internet sites. There are televisions where you can watch films and the BBC, and there is also a space for quiet study with a selection of newspapers and magazines to read. You have access to reference books and listening materials. There are study guides, supplementary materials menus and writing menus for your level available from the Library. The materials are organised by level, and marked with different colours to make them easy to find. Your teacher will show you round and explain how the borrowing system and the computers work, and how to get the best out of the Library. If you need any help, please ask at the desk.

Library opening times October - June

July & September August

Monday to Friday 08:30 -21:00 Saturday 09:00-20:30 Monday to Thursday 08:30-20:00

The on-line counselling booking service is available on the Student Portal (http:// spainportal.britishcouncil.org). You can sign up for up to five times during any course, but never more than once a week. There is a maximum of two students per session, and they should be the same level. If you cannot find the teacher giving the session, please tell the person on duty in the Library. If you have problems booking a session, speak to your teacher and they will help you. Please be punctual.

Students’ Programme The Students’ Programme refers to a series of workshops and presentations, each concentrating on some aspect of English grammar, usage and pronunciation as well as offering advice and demonstrating techniques for improving students’ English in the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Friday 08:30-19:00 Monday to Friday 08:30-14:30

Language-learning skills and strategies • have suitable strategies for learning, e.g. they observe how to improve listening in class and then apply that in their own time • put an emphasis on learning vocabulary, particularly through the use of a wellstructured vocabulary notebook • are aware of course learning aims, i.e. short-term objectives, and monitor their own progress in achieving them

Please remember that the last time to borrow or return material is fifteen minutes before closing time. For October to June courses you can use the Library from the date you register for your course until the end of your course. For the summer courses (July, August and September), you can use it from the date you register for your course until the end of September; or in the case of September students, until the end of October.

• are keen to exploit the learning resources available (which are detailed in the sections below)

• are keen to talk about a topic in depth

E–Resources Student Portal

Cafeteria

If you wish to speak to a manager, please make an appointment in the customer service office on the ground floor. But remember that your teacher is normally the first person you should speak to if you have any questions.

There is a cafeteria in the semi-basement where you can get something to eat and drink.

http://spainportal.britishcouncil.org As a Madrid Adults Student you can access our Student Portal from outside the centre, where you can find familiar English language learning software, visit recommended websites, sign up to use the Counselling Service, and find out what is going on in the centre. Your teacher will show you how to make the most of this resource. If you have not already received your user name and password by e-mail, please go to the customer service office.

Re-registration

We will respond to your comments and suggestions and if we cannot make immediate changes, we keep them in mind when considering future developments.

...what if you miss a class? If you cannot attend a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed in that class. You should ask your teacher what you need to study so that you do not fall behind with the course.

Social media

...what if your teacher is absent? Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter to maximise your learning outside of class!

If your teacher is absent, another teacher will take your class. If for any reason your teacher has not arrived ten minutes after the class is due to start, please go to the customer service office on the ground floor and tell a member of staff.

Other relevant sites www.britishcouncil.es (information about all our activities)

www.educationuk.org (study in the UK)

www.ielts.org (information and support for exam candidates)

While you are studying here…

We are interested in knowing your opinions about our courses and services, so we may use questionnaires to find out how satisfied you are. Alternatively you may be invited to a focus group, where student representatives report on the opinions their class have about our services and make suggestions about possible improvements.

Remember you can register for the next course before you have your final results – and in certain months e.g. September we strongly recommend you do. If you fail the course and do not want to repeat the level, you will receive a full refund.

If this happens for any reason, please speak to your teacher and explain to them why you are not happy. Your teacher is the first person you should speak to, because they are most likely to be able to help you with any questions or problems. However, if your teacher is not able to help you, you can make an appointment in the customer service office on the ground floor to discuss the issue with a manager.

Registration office opening times Monday to Friday 09:00-20:00 October - June

Saturday 09:00-14:00 15:00-17:00

July & September

Monday to Friday 09:00 -20:00

August

Monday to Friday 09:00-14:30

...what if you cannot continue with your course? ...what if you think you are in the wrong level?

Your opinions

We recommend registering during the preferential registration period for current students (plazo preferente). If you need a new book because you have changed level or course, and you re-register during the plazo preferente, you get it free.

...what if you are not happy in class?

www.learnenglish.org.uk (learning English)

www.candidates.cambridgeesol.org/cs/ (University of Cambridge exams)

Information about term dates, registration periods and prices can be found in our brochures, which are available from the customer service office on the ground floor. The relevant information will also be displayed on the noticeboards at the appropriate time.

You should speak to your teacher as soon as possible. Your teacher will observe your performance in class and will normally ask to see some written work in order to decide which level you should be in. ...what if you want to move to a class at a different time? You can move to a class at a different time, provided that the level is correct and the class is not full. To do this you need to ask in the customer service office on the ground floor.

There is an information sheet about cancellations available from the customer service office on the ground floor, and on the website. ...what if you lose something? Please be careful to look after your belongings and take everything with you when you leave the classroom, as the British Council cannot be held responsible for things that go missing. All lost property is taken to the Miguel Angel entrance, so please ask there if you lose something. If you see anything left in a classroom that should not be there, please tell your teacher or a member of staff in the customer service office on the ground floor.

These courses are designed to improve your skills for the exam. (50 hours during the week; 40 hours Friday and Saturday) The cost of the exam is extra to the cost of the course. All current students can register for the exams at this centre. Please ask in the customer services office for exact dates and prices.

Courses available at this centre Please refer to our brochure for information on timetables. It is available from the customer service office on the ground floor, or you can find it on our website www.britishcouncil.es. The information about course length in this section refers to October – June. Summer courses (July, August, and September) are all 50 teaching hours.

Whatever your level, our General English courses will help you to improve your accuracy in grammar and pronunciation, expand your vocabulary and develop your skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. (50 hours during the week; 40 hours Friday and Saturday)

Intensive courses If you need to make rapid progress in your English, intensive courses may be the solution for you. There are two each term, levels Preintermediate to Advanced. (50 hours in 4 weeks)

Exam preparation courses We offer exam preparation classes for the following University of Cambridge ESOL exams: First Certificate in English (FCE), Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

Si descubre un incendio, accione el pulsador de alarma más cercano y avise directamente a seguridad o un profesor.

Speaking Skills

Semisótano (cafetería, MMC, aseos)

These courses are aimed at students who specifically want to improve their speaking and listening skills. They cover a wide range of topics and students will expand their vocabulary, and work on correcting their most important errors. The maximum number of students for these classes is twelve. There are two levels, UISS for upperintermediate students at levels 4A–AVA and ASS for Advanced students at levels AVB–PPB. (30 hours)

• salga por la salida de c/ Miguel Ángel

Proficiency Consolidation Through the use of a variety of texts, this course is intended to broaden students’ language skills and to increase their awareness of nuances of meaning in advanced level vocabulary and idiom. For levels PPA–PFB. (30 hours)

Business English General English

Procedimiento a seguir en caso de incendio

• vaya directamente al punto de reunión (mire el plano) • no deberá volver a entrar en el edificio hasta que no se lo indique Seguridad • NO UTILIZAR ASCENSORES

Plantas 0 - 6 • siga las instrucciones de su profesor. Salga del edificio por la salida de Alfonso X • vaya directamente al punto de reunión (mire el plano) • no abandone el punto de encuentro • no deberá volver a entrar en el edificio hasta que no se lo indique Seguridad • NO UTILIZAR LOS ASCENSORES

The course provides training in the key business communication skills for levels AVA-AVD. It consists of three modules: BUS A, BUS B and BUS C, which can be done in any order. (40 hours on Saturday)

Specialised courses Courses which focus on a particular topic e.g. CVs and Job Interviews. (15 hours)

Services for corporate clients We offer a wide range of services to corporate clients (companies and government bodies), including business skills (e.g. presentations and negotiations), language testing and auditing, and consultancy services. We work with clients to find solutions to their language needs. These solutions are developed locally with support from our network of teaching centres. Solutions can be local, national or international.

Our Centres in Spain Alcal谩 de Henares

91 885 51 56

alcala@britishcouncil.es

Alcobendas

91 659 28 79

alcobendas@britishcouncil.es

Barcelona Amig贸

93 241 99 77

regisbcn@britishcouncil.es

Barcelona Bonanova

93 253 19 00

infoylc@britishcouncil.es

Barcelona Sant Cugat

93 676 21 06

cursos.santcugat@britishcouncil.es

Bilbao

94 476 36 50

bilbao@britishcouncil.es

Las Rozas

91 636 18 64

lasrozas@britishcouncil.es

Madrid Adults

91 337 35 01

madrid.adults@britishcouncil.es

Madrid Young Learners

91 337 35 93

madrid.younglearners@britishcouncil.es

Palma de Mallorca

97 117 25 50

palma@britishcouncil.es

Segovia

92 143 48 13

segovia@britishcouncil.es

Somosaguas

91 337 36 36

somosaguas@britishcouncil.es

Valencia

96 339 29 80

valencia@britishcouncil.es

Villaviciosa

91 616 13 46

villaviciosa@britishcouncil.es

For more details visit: www.britishcouncil.es

https://www.facebook.com/BritishCouncilMadridAdults

www.britishcouncil.org

https://spainportal.britishcouncil.org/login.php

http://www.britishcouncil.org/spain/en/madrid-adults