SCHOOL OF ENGLISH
liverpool the living city Few cities can compete with the international reputation of Liverpool. The city is famous for its history, architecture, music and sport. In fact Liverpool has more museums, art galleries and listed buildings than any other UK city outside London. In addition, its magnificent waterfront is now an International World Heritage Site
In 2008 Liverpool was European Capital of Culture which was a great success and led millions of visitors from all over the world to visit the city. Liverpool today is alive with culture, energy and creativity as many of the projects and cultural events that started in 2008 will continue in future years.
The Livepool School of English : For latest information and promotions please see our website: www.lse.uk.net
With three Universities, many colleges and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, over 60,000 students choose to study in Liverpool each year, making the city a great study destination. This includes a large number of students from overseas and the city has a dynamic and international atmosphere.
contents Welcome to The Liverpool School of English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Learning Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The School and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 General English Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 IELTS and Cambridge Preparation Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Specialist Courses and Work Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Teacher Training Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Host Family Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Year Round Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Summer School Residential Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Social Programme and Excursions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 / 13 Summer School Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Travelling to Liverpool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Livepool School of English 1
WELCOME
The Liverpool School of English is a British Council Accredited Centre dedicated to providing a professional and personal approach to language learning.
2 The Livepool School of English
Established in 1999, our success in teaching English to hundreds of students from all over the world is due to both our warm and caring atmosphere and our stimulating learning environment.
year round long term study. We offer a wide choice of specialist courses including: IELTS, Cambridge Examination Preparation courses, English with work experience courses and teacher training courses.
Liverpool is an excellent study destination, and was voted friendliest city in the UK last year. The school offers high quality English language training in the UK. We offer English language courses for students of all ability levels, at any time of the year, including short courses, mini-stays and
Our aim is that each student staying with us, whether for one week or one year, gains as much as possible from their time spent studying in our school and our city. As the longest established British Council accredited school in the city, The Liverpool School of English is an excellent choice.
learning environment Our Teachers Our teachers are qualified, skilled and responsible individuals, who all have degrees or further specialist qualifications in English language teaching. Most have worked abroad teaching English for a number of years and are very aware of student needs while studying in a new country and environment. Our teachers work hard to ensure students achieve the most from their course. Our Staff Our Academic staff are all well qualified and experienced, with backgrounds in teaching, teacher training and school management both in the UK and abroad. Our office, accommodation and student welfare staff are all fully experienced and motivated individuals. They are available to help students get the most from their stay in the UK and assist with any requests or help they may need. The Livepool School of English 3
the school and facilities
The school is housed in a beautiful Georgian grade II listed building which has many of its original features. The school has 15 classrooms including two media classrooms with computers and Interactive whiteboard. There is a quiet study area and 2 common rooms where students can relax, chat and have a hot drink. There is WiFi available in the building and the school also offers a weekly social program, 4 The Livepool School of English
Job club and free conversation and study classes. Our Location The school is based in the City Centre, in the University district. We are less than five minutes walk to all train and bus stations and the area has lots of student friendly cafes, bars and restaurants. We are also 10 minutes walk from many of the tourist sites, including museums, galleries and both cathedrals.
general english courses The school runs both standard (15 hours per week) and intensive (21 hours) General English courses. The standard course has 3 hour sessions every day, Monday to Friday, either in the morning or the afternoon. The Intensive course has two workshops per week, focusing on specific skills, often chosen by students. Our curriculum for the Standard course is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning, using methods that suit learners best. We focus on student-centred learning and methodologies which provide communication and practical language usage such as CLT (Communicative Language Teaching), TBL (Task-Based Learning), Functional and Lexical Theories. LSE Syllabus Our syllabus for all courses is based on course materials from established publishers (OUP, CUP, Macmillan and Longman amongst others) as well as authentic materials. The syllabus includes: language functions
AGE 16+
and vocabulary, integrated communication skills, interaction, pronunciation and fluency practice. Testing On arrival students are given a placement test which includes grammatical and written sections. They are then placed in a class appropriate to their ability and needs. The grammar test can be taken prior to arrival on request, by email. Progress Progress tests are taken in class on a regular basis every four weeks, and students can progress at any time to their next level of learning (students will require a new book for each level). Certificate of Attendance All students’ tests and reports are collected in a progress folder. This is provided, along with a certificate of progress and attendance, when students complete their course.
Information About Course Each 3 hour session has a 15 minute break The 21 hour course is suitable for the Tier 4 Student Visa The 15 hour course is suitable for the Student Visitor Visa Average class size 12 students Maximum class size 15 students The Livepool School of English 5
examination preparation courses IELTS, CAMBRIDGE FCE AND CAE - AGE 16+
A combination of General English and Examination Specific classes In addition to lessons focusing on examination skills and tasks, students have the chance to improve their overall english language skills and knowledge in General English classes. Cambridge examination test English ability, not just examination techniques. By combining general English study with examination specific classes, students can broaden their English knowledge and study at a level suited to them, either at Intermediate (studying for FCE) Upper Intermediate (FCE or CAE) or Advanced (CAE). With the IELTS examination students have the chance to go on to University in the UK and we have helped many students over the last three years into Pre-Sessional, Undergraduate and Post-Graduate courses in the UK. The examination preparation classes are scheduled in the late afternoon, 4pm-6pm so that students can study any combination of General English courses and still partake in the examination classes. 6 The Livepool School of English
have many years experience teaching exam course and are also DELTA/TESOL qualified. Our staff are passionate about teaching and will provide full support and encouragement to students on the examination course. Information About Course Each 3 hour session has a 15 minute break Each 2 hour session has a 5 minute break Experienced and dedicated teachers. We realise that the examination courses for both IELTS and Cambridge suite can be very challenging and demanding for students. Our tutors have the knowledge, experience and care to help you achieve your study goals. Senior IELTS course tutor, Chris Keenan, has taught IELTS and Cambridge courses for over 10 years and is DELTA qualified. Teachers on the FCE and CAE courses are supported by the academic management staff who all
All exam courses are suitable for the Tier 4 Visa Average class size 10 students Maximum class size 15 students IELTS/ 12 students Cambridge Exam classes are 6 hours per week IELTS and 8 hours per week Cambridge IELTS exam fees are ÂŁ108 (not included) Cambridge Exam fees are ÂŁ100 (not included) We use external exam centres in Liverpool and Manchester
specialist english courses Individual Tuition Individual tuition is available to supplement the General English courses. The syllabus is set by the student, in negotiation with the teacher, who will design a course to match the particular needs of each individual student. The focus is on communicative ability in the student’s area of work or study, for example, banking and finance, education and examination requirements, etc. The amount of individual hours in addition to the General English course depends on individual student needs. English and Work Placement This course includes a General English language course with an arranged interview for an unpaid work placement. The minimum length of the course is three weeks with a one week General English course and two weeks of Work Placement. The course can be arranged to meet with student group
requirements and the maximum work placement is for 12 weeks. This program is subject to certain restrictions: The programme applies to EU nationals only Students must be over 18 years The programme is not available in July and August Students must have an intermediate level of English or above A job interview will be arranged during the first week and work placement will commence following a successful interview. Students are expected to accept a job once they have been offered a placement Participants must attend an interview when it has been arranged and participants must commit themselves to a minimum of 2 weeks work with the company
AGE 18+
Supplementing the courses L.S.E. encourages learner autonomy by asking students to continue to speak English outside the classroom, to take an active interest in where they are and to participate in the environment around them. Students are required to speak English in the recreational areas, and the student study centre. By taking responsibility for their own learning outside the classroom, we find that students progress quickly. School staff have a role in encouraging this at all times. Information About Course Each 3 hour session has a 15 minute break Each 2 hour session has a 5 minute break Average class 12 students Maximum class size 15 students The Livepool School of English 7
teacher training programmes This programme is offered as an in-service teacher development programme for non-native teachers of English. Teachers may receive EU funding to participate in these courses. Funding is available under the Grundtvig, Lingua, Socrates and Comenius programmes. This course runs several times a year subject to minimum numbers taking part, or can be arrangedon demand for a group of 10 participants or more. Contact the school for dates. The syllabus includes advanced language awareness and practical teaching techniques for pronunciation and fluency, as well as current methods of learning and teaching. The programmes are two weeks long and 50 hours in duration, with educational and cultural excursions included. All materials and didactic resources are included. There will be a pre-arrival preparation programme on confirmation of the booking, and a post-course reflection and evaluation element. By the end of this course, 8 The Livepool School of English
AGE 18+
teachers will have reflected on their own didactic methods and re-evaluated their teaching techniques, having the tools and skills to further develop their professional careers. Teachers will take the University of Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) which will give a recognised international teaching certificate in three modules. This will take the form of 3 written exams marked by the Cambridge ESOL exam board. SAMPLE 2 WEEK PROGRAMME: 50 hours lessons – - Language and background to Language Learning - Lesson planning and use of resources - Managing the teaching and Learning progress. - Methodology and Techniques Social programme – - 2 days of afternoon activities – cultural and educational - 1 day cultural excursion Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Exam
host families All of our host families live around 30 minutes from the school on public transport. The main bus station and the metro station are less than five minutes walk from the school. If you are looking for some home comforts you may choose to stay with one of our individually selected host families while totally immersing yourself in British culture. We have welcoming, friendly and helpful host families. A large number of hosts have been with us for many years and they will welcome you into their warm and comfortable homes. Our student liaison team take a lot of time and pay a lot of attention in matching students to the best host family to meet their needs, taking into account the student’s age, nationality and preferences. Homestay is provided on a half-board basis
(full-board can be arranged for groups and Junior Study programs). While students should appreciate that staying with each individual host family will be different, the school makes sure that all host families provide the opportunity for students to practise their English in a natural setting. We have a wide range of host families ranging from full families, to older couples or single people. Our school is situated in the city centre therefore we do not have any host families within walking to distance of the school.
A weekly bus or metro pass will cost around ÂŁ15. This is valid for seven days. Our welfare team are always available to deal with your queries or help with any problems that you may have. They can help you open a bank account or arrange for you to visit a Doctor or a Dentist. If you have a personal problem they are here for you to listen and help. In any way that they can help you they will. We have a 24-hour emergency support telephone number to ensure that you have total support throughout your stay. The Livepool School of English 9
year round accommodation
Cathedral Campus is quite unique as a student residence, situated in the grounds of one of the finest and largest Anglican Cathedrals in the world. The houses are surrounded by green spaces and students can make friends and socialise easily on the campus. Cathedral Campus is located less than 10 minutes walk from The Liverpool School of English and the Liverpool John Moores University summer campus.
The campus has 87 individual apartments with a choice of 4 or 5 bedrooms and a kitchen/lounge area. The Liverpool School of English reserve rooms in the residence all year round. Each apartment has a bathroom with shower/ bath and two seperate toilets. Bedding and cooking equipment is provided (included in residence booking fee). Each bedroom has a lockable door, a single bed, study desk, wardrobe and wash basin. Students will be sharing with other international students from The Liverpool
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School of English or with students from the Universities. There is 24 hour security on site. This residence is available all year round on a self catering basis and catering can be arranged for groups during summer. Our welfare team are always available to deal with your queries or help with any problems that you may have. They can help you open a bank account or arrange for you to visit a Doctor or a Dentist. If you have a personal problem they are here for you to listen and help. In any way that they can help you, they will.
summer residential accommodation
Accommodation for summer school programmes will be provided at Agnes Jones House. This is a beautiful Georgian building, less than 500 metres from the Liverpool John Moores University summer school building and around 10 minutes walk to The Liverpool School of English. There are cafes and shops less than 5 minutes walk from the residence. The building is completely self contained and has security card access. There are green open spaces behind the building, with picnic benches and tables.
Apartments have either 5 or 7 bedrooms and a Kitchen/Lounge area Each apartment has two bathrooms (with shower and toilet) Each bedroom has a lockable door, a single bed, study desk, wardrobe and washbasin. Bedding and cooking equipment is provided
This residence is available on a self catering basis, or we can arrange for groups to be catered for. Internet is available in each room at an additional cost. Welfare Support Our welfare team is available to students who stay in residence, to deal with any problems that you may have. They can arrange for a visit to a doctor or dentist. They can listen and advise with any personal or practical problems during your stay.
This residence is available from 1st July to 31st August only The Livepool School of English 11
social programme & excursions
The social programme is organised on a weekly basis all year round. This is an optional programme and is not included in the course price. Students can pay individually for these organised activities in our school, or they can speak to our full time Student Welfare Officer who will help them in organising alternative activities or tours.
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During the summer we usually organise activities every day, during the winter we arrange 3 or 4 activities per week. At LSE we believe that the friends that students make during their stay in Liverpool are as important as the lessons they learn. Social events allow all students to practice their English in a natural environment both with other students and with native speakers.
EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES (FREE) • Liverpool World Museum and Planetarium • Liverpool Cathedrals • Walker Art Gallery • Maritime Museum, • Football in the park • Tate Gallery • Pub Quiz LOW COST (£3-££8) • Visit to the Beatles Museum
• Visit to Liverpool Football Club • and tour Williamson Tunnels • Ferry trip across the Mersey EXAMPLE OF EVEnInG ACTIVITIES Bowling (£5), Cinema (£10) Irish Pub (£10), Salsa (£5), Football Match (£40), Karaoke (£2) These prices are for guidance and may be subject to change
WEEKEnd ACTIVITIES Full day excursions by coach or train to a wide variety of destinations. Trips are subject to demand, and usually held during the summer season. We can arrange short breaks, car hire and accommodation throughout the country on request.
FULL dAy EXCURSIOnS: • Chester (£5-£10), • Lake District (£20) • York (£30) • Wales (£30) • Edinburgh (£35) • London (£50) These prices are for guidance and may be subject to change
The Livepool School of English 13
The Liverpool School of English uses both it’s main site and additional classrooms during the summer period. We run a busy school over the summer and use all of our teaching space, 15 classrooms, including two media suites equipped with computers and an interactive whiteboard. The beautiful garden at the school offers the perfect place for students to relax and socialise during the summer. We also use the excellent facilities of Liverpool John Moores University. The John Foster building is less than 4 minutes walk from the main school and has large, well equipped classrooms, with computer access, interactive whiteboards and projectors. The building has large gardens with seating areas for students to mix and socialise, and is close enough to the main school for students to use the facilities there.
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summer school facilities
frequently asked questions WHICH COUNTRIES DO YOUR STUDENTS COME FROM? Last year students from over 22 different countries studied at our school, The largest five groups were from Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia,. HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHICH CLASS IS RIGHT FOR ME? On your first day at school, you will take a test. You will then be placed in a class that is most suitable for your level of ability. You can also take this test via email. WHAT EXTRAS DOES THE SCHOOL CHARGE? FOR SUMMER SCHOOL: The only extra costs you will incur are for optional day or weekend excursions and activities, individual airport transfers and of course any personal expenditure. Everything else is included in your course fees. FOR ALL OTHER COURSES: There will be an additional cost for your accommodation, airport transfers, optional excursions and activities, exam fees, book fees and of course any personal expenditure. WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE YOU ACCEpT STUDENTS? From age 16, although students under 18 will need parental consent. WHAT ARE CLASS SIzES? Typical class size is around 12 students. Maximum class size is 15 students. DO I NEED TO bUY A bOOK? Yes, you will need to buy a coursebook, either when you reserve the course or when you start class. The price is £20.
ARE EXAM FEES INCLUDED IN COURSE pRICES? No, IELTS and FCE/CAE exam fees are £108 and £100 (subject to change) CAN I USE A 15 HOUR (STANDARD) COURSE TO GET A TIER 4 vISA (GSv)? No, you should book the 21 hour intensive course to be eligible for a Tier 4 visa. WILL I GET ENOUGH ENGLISH CONvERSATION pRACTICE? YES! In the classroom, with friends, with your host family, during excursions and days out, you will have plenty of opportunities to practise English.
WILL I HAvE HOMEWORK AND TESTS? Yes, your teacher will set homework. We have review sessions every week and progress tests every four weeks. WHAT HAppENS IF I’M NOT HAppY? We do everything we can to make sure you have a happy and productive stay in Britain. If however there is anything you feel unhappy about during your course, then your teacher, the Director of Studies and the Student Liaison Officer are all here to help you. For serious complaints you have a right of complaint via the British Council. WHAT HAppENS WHEN I FINISH MY COURSE? You will receive a signed Liverpool School of English Certificate of Attendance. WILL I RECEIvE INFORMATION AbOUT bEING A STUDENT IN LIvERpOOL? Yes. All students receive a helpful International Students’ Handbook which contains a lot of useful information about travelling to, and living in, Liverpool. DO I NEED TRAvEL INSURANCE? YES! All students must have Insurance to cover themselves in case of accident, personal liability, medical emergencies or the cost of cancelling a course at short notice. WHAT IS YOUR REFUND pOLICY? We can only refund a course that is cancelled due to Visa refusal or a medical emergency. CAN I AppLY ONLINE? Yes, just email us, we will send you all the information you need. CONTACT: www.lse.uk.net EMAIL: info@lse.uk.net The Livepool School of English 15
travelling to liverpool
FLIGHTS There are direct flights to Liverpool John Lennon Airport from all the major European Cities. There are direct flights to Manchester airport from most countries. Manchester airport is 45 minutes from Liverpool by train and one hour by coach. TRAIn The school is just over two hours from London by train, 4 hours by road. The School is only 5 minutes walk from the main train station.
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COACH The major bus station is ten minutes from the school. Buses run to all national destinations.
non-EU countries may need a visa to enter the country and should check with their nearest British Embassy before travelling.
InSURAnCE Before travelling to Liverpool, all students participating in L.S.E. programmes must arrange their own travel insurance against all expenses that might arise due to accident, illness or loss of personal effects and money.
AIRPORT TRAnSFERS An airport transfer can be arranged only when flight information is received in writing by L.S.E. at least 10 days prior to arrival.
VISA Students attending L.S.E. Language and Travel courses from EU countries do not need a visa to enter Great Britain. Students from
SCHOOL HOLIdAyS The school is open all year, except for two weeks at Christmas and national public holidays, e.g. Easter, Spring Bank Holiday, etc.
our location
LIVE
SCOTLAND 4 hours
SCHOO
50-54 Liverpoo Emai Web Tel: +44 Fax: +44
LAKE DISTRICT 1.5 hours
IRELAND 1 hour SCOTLAND 4 hours
LAKE DISTRICT 1.5 hours
YORK 2 hours
LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER 45 minutes WALES 1 hour
YORK 2 hours
LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER 45 minutes WALES 1 hour
FURTHER AFIELd A short ferry ride across the Mersey will take you to the more rural surroundings of the Wirral. Nearby is the Roman City of Chester and LONDON mountains of North Wales. If you are looking for a well-deserved 2 hours 10 minutes
THE
LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ENGLISH
50-54 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5SD, England Email: info@lse.uk.net Web: www.lse.uk.net Tel: +44 (0)151 706 0730 Fax: +44 (0)151 706 0731
LONDON 2 hours 10 minutes
FURTHER AFIELD A short ferry ride across the Mersey will take you to the more rural surroundings of the Wirral. Nearby is the Roman City of Chester and mountains of North break from your studies, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is nowWales. If you are looking forsa connected to a host of European Cities, to complement Liverpool’ well-deserved break from traditional sea links with Ireland and the your Isle ofstudies, Man. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is now connected to a host of The Livepool School of English 17 European Cities, to complement Liverpool’s traditional sea links with
FUR A short Mersey more ru the W Roman mounta If you well-de your stu Lenn conn Eur comp traditi Ireland
A SCHOOL WITH A VISION
THE LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ENGLISH 50-54 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5SD England • Email: info@lse.uk.net Tel: +44 (0)151 706 0730 • Fax: +44 (0)151 706 0731
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Web: www.lse.uk.net