Student Guide 2013
Contents Studying at Frances King
Living in London
Map.................................1
Getting around...............10
FK Rules..........................1
Oyster card.....................11
People.............................2
Things to do in London..12
Places..............................3
Mobile phones...............13
Change level....................4
Bureau de Change.........14
Change class...................4
Libraries.........................14
Re-enrol...........................4
Sport centres.................14
Take a holiday..................5
Police stations...............14
Accommodation..............5
Money transfers............14
I have a problem..............6
Health............................15
I have a complaint...........6
Smoking........................18
Visas registration.............7
Shoplifting.....................18
Books for sale.................7
Tv license......................18
Working with FK..............8
Council tax....................18
Further study in the UK...8
Cycling..........................18
Studying at Frances King
WATCH YOUR
VALUABLES
Keep your phone, purse, laptop etc... with you at all times
Map
FK Rules 1. NO SMOKING INSIDE THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS OR ON THE FRONT STEPS 2. NO EATING OR DRINKING INSIDE CLASSROOMS OR STUDY CENTRES 3. PLEASE PUT YOUR MOBILE ON SILENT IN CLASS AND STUDY CENTRES 4. DON’T BLOCK THE FRONT DOOR 5. PLEASE ARRIVE AT YOUR CLASS ON TIME. If you know you will be late or miss a class please tell client services and your teacher
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Welcome to FK: People Drew Hyde
Vice Principal & Head of Client Services
Antonio Ramos
Client Services Team Leader
Marta Ruiz Dotras
Client Services Officer
Sean Leahy
Client Services Officer
Sarah ScofieldMarlowe Client
Services Officer
Elena Gardelli
Helga Dias Dos Santos
Accommodation Manager (homestay)
Pablo Abraham
Accommodation Manager (residences)
Viv Tolley
Student Experience Manager
Steve Darwen
Activity Programme Organiser
Ruth Tafla
Welfare Officer
Josephine Ijeh
Client Services Officer
Academic Manager
Amanda Dwek
Mubeen Ahmed
One-to-One Coordinator
Mary Pettit
Academic Manager
Mark Carter
Academic Manager
Course Director
Tim Hutchinson
Exam Officer
Eisuke Suzuki
Marketing Manager
and Places FOR GENERAL INFORMATION INCLUDING EXAM COURSES, BOOKING EXAMS AND
Client Services
ATTENDANCE PLEASE COME TO CLIENT SERVICES. IF YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS CHANGE WHILE YOU ARE STUDYING PLEASE TELL CLIENT SERVICES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Study Centre
A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN STUDY, AND PRACTISE YOUR ENGLISH. YOU CAN USE THE COMPUTERS AND INTERNET FOR PERSONAL PURPOSES. YOU ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO BOOKS, FILMS AND OTHER RESOURCES.
Kings Coffee
BUY A COFFEE AND MAYBE A CROIS-
Teachers Room
THIS IS ON THE SECOND FLOOR AT 77 GLOUCESTER ROAD AND IN THE BASEMENT AT WETHERBY GARDENS. COME HERE IF YOU WANT TO SPEAK TO A TEACHER.
Wi-Fi
SANT OR PANINO AT THE CAFÉ NEAR THE CLIENT SERVICES OFFICE.
USERNAME: STUDENT PASSWORD: LEARNING
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Things you may want to know...
I want to extend my course
I want to change my level
I WANT TO Talk with your teacher, tell them RE-ENROL why you want to change. They will discuss with Academic Managers and suggest the I AM FROM OUTSIDE I AM FROM THE EU best option for you! THE EU I am not happy with the class or the teacher Please come to Client Services where we will be able to help you or introduce you to someone you can speak to. I am finishing my course this week...
I NEED TO CHECK THAT MY VISA IS STILL VALID FOR STUDY
GO TO CLIENT SERVICES
YOU HAVE A 10% RE-ENROLMENT DISCOUNT*
We will give you a Student Feedback Form to complete GET PLACED IN and give in to reception the CLASS AND HAVE Thursday before you leave. You YOUR STUDENT CARD UPDATED can choose if you want your certificate. You will receive your certificate in your class on your YOU CAN GO TO last day. CLASS. ENJOY! If you are leaving early and need your certificate please go to Client Services. *Please see Frances King Terms and Conditions. Does not include One-to-One lessons.
I want to take a holiday while Iam studying
CAN I TAKE A HOLIDAY WHILE I AM STUDYING? I AM STUDYING FOR MORE THAN 12 WEEKS I STUDY GENERAL ENGLISH
I AM STUDYING FOR LESS THAN 12 WEEKS I STUDY IN AN EXAM CLASS
YES! PLEASE TELL US THE WEEK BEFORE YOU WANT TO GO ON HOLIDAY
YOU CANNOT TAKE ANY HOLIDAY. IF THIS IS A PROBLEM PLEASE GO TO CLIENT SERVICES
GO TO CLIENT SERVICES TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH HOLIDAY YOU HAVE AND TO ORGANISE YOUR HOLIDAY DATES. (MONDAY TO FRIDAY ONLY)
12 WEEKS STUDY = 2 WEEKS HOLIDAY 24 WEEKS STUDY = 4 WEEKS HOLIDAY 30 WEEKS STUDY = 6 WEEKS HOLIDAY 36 WEEKS STUDY = 6 WEEKS HOLIDAY 40 WEEKS STUDY = 8 WEEKS HOLIDAY
If we confirm that you can extend, you need to pay everything in advance. For accommodation enquiries, Cancellations: If you want to extensions and problems please cancel your accommodation, you speak to Client Services who will must tell us giving enough time put you in touch with the Accom- (notice period) depending on your modation Office. accommodation type (i.e. homestay Extensions: If you would like to – 1 week). Please speak to an extend your stay at your current accommodation adviser as soon as accommodation, you will need to possible for more information on tell the school so the Accommoda- how to proceed with your cancellation Department can check if it is tion. 5 possible.
Accommodation information
I have a problem GO TO CLIENT SERVICES WHO WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU IS YOUR PROBLEM... ABOUT YOUR CLASS
PERSONAL OR MEDICAL
ACADEMIC MANAGERS
WELFARE OFFICER
RESIDENCES
HOMESTAYS
RUTH TAFLA
PABLO ABRHAM
HELGA DIAS ABOO DOS SANTOS ABOOBAKER
MARY PETIT
1TO1 AND CLUB 8
MARK JOSEPHINE CARTER IJEH
EXAM COURSES
ABOUT YOUR ACCOMMODATION
I have a complaint
Go to Client Services where we may be able to resolve the problem, or we can make and appointment with someone who can help. If you are not AMANDA MUBEEN DWEK AHMED satisfied, you may ask for an appointment with the Academic Manager, Head of Client Services or the Accommodation Manager. If you are still not satisfied, you may ask for an appointment with the Vice Principal. If you are still not satisfied, we will help you to write down the complaint and we will give it to the Principal or you can contact him directly by phone (0207 870 6521) or email garth.younghusband@francesking.co.uk. Frances King is a member of English UK, the Association of Accredited English Language Services. If you are not satisfied with a decision of the school you may write to the association for advice.
Visas and police registration Registering with the police: On your visa it may say that you need to go to the police within a number of days of arrival in the UK. You need to bring your passport or travel document, any Home Office letters or forms and a work permit if you have one. If this is so please go to: The Overseas Record Office Brandon House 180 Borough High Street London SE1 1LH 020 7230 1208
Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00—16.00 Closed on Weekends
Books for sale Essential Grammar in Use (+ CD-ROM and Answer key) For levels B-C
£20.00
English Grammar in Use (+ CD-ROM and Answer key) For levels D-E
£20.00
Longman Advanced Learner’s Grammar ( + Answer Key) For levels E-F
£20.00
English Vocabulary (+ CD-ROM and Answer key) For levels D-E
£20.00
Longman Active Study Dictionary (+ CD-ROM) For levels B-D
£18.00
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (+ CD-ROM and mobile phone download) For levels D-F
£26.00
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Working with Frances King
Further Study in the UK
At Frances King we have opportunities for students get work experience as Client Services Student Assistants or in other departments.
If you are looking to go to university in the UK SIUK will give you all the help you need. SIUK is a university preparation service which offers professional University application support to students. The service, FREE OF CHARGE ONLY FOR NON UE STUDENTS and in 10 different languages, offers:
To apply for a Student Assistant role you need: To be a Frances King student; To have a minimum upper intermediate level of English; To be staying in the UK for a minimum of 12 weeks; To be a Non GSV, SVV or VV holder; A knowledge of other Languages (as a bonus). 3 hours work in exchange for 3 free hours of study per day. Please bring your CV (in English) to Marta at the Client Services Office.
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Counselling on how to apply for and study at UK universities Help with university selection University application support: writing of personal statements and CVs Practice IELTS and PTE tests at their offices Liaison with over 90 UK universities Visa support For more information and to make an appointment go to Client Services.
Living in London
Getting around Tube: Gloucester Road, Earls Court and South Kensington are the nearest tube stations. In every station you can buy tickets or top up your Oyster Card. You will have a tube map in your Welcome Pack. Bus: A cheaper way to travel around London, but also slower. To find out which buses leave from the Gloucester road area go to the nearest bus stop and look at the map. Barclays Bikes: These are bikes provided by London for anyone to use for a small fee. You can pay by credit card or online. Go to the TFL website for more information. Coach travel: This is a slow but cheap way to travel. For information on timetables and fares go to coach.nationalexpress.com/ or visit Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9TP. Sightseeing buses: You can also take a bus tour of the City for around ÂŁ22-25 from just outside Gloucester Road Tube Station.
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Taxis: Take Black Cabs or phone Addison Lee on 0207 387 88 88 or 0844 800 6677. There are also taxis which look like normal cars called Minicabs. Only get these from a taxi rank and if you have booked one make sure the driver says your name to confirm the booking before you get in the car. Rail travel: For information on times and fares go to www.nationalrail.co.uk This is an expensive way to travel but it is quick. Booking in advance can save you money. Coach travel: This is a slow but cheap way to travel. For information on timetables and fares go to coach.nationalexpress.com/ or visit Victoria Coach Station, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9TP. Walking: Victoria station is about 30 minutes walk from Gloucester Road; High Street Kensington 15 minutes; South Kensington is about 8 minutes; Knightsbridge 20 minutes; Notting Hill 25 minutes; Southbank 50 minutes; Piccadilly Circus 40 minutes.
Getting an Oyster Card What is an Oyster Card? An Oyster Card is a travel card which makes travelling around London easier. You can use it on most forms of public transport in London. If you want to take a train outside of London (e.g. to Brighton) you will need to buy a separate ticket.
CAN I GET A STUDENT OYSTER CARD? I AM STUDYING AT FRANCES KING FOR MORE THAN 14 WEEKS
I AM STUDYING AT FRANCES KING FOR LESS THAN 14 WEEKS
YES!
YOU CANNOT GET A STUDENT OYSTER CARD. BUT YOU CAN GET A NORMAL OYSTER CARD
HERE IS HOW:
1. go to www.tfl.gov.uk 2. press ‘tickets’from the main menu at the top 3.under the oyster online menu press ‘get a photocard’ 4. under get a photocard men press ‘18+ student’ 5. press view list of all establishments’ 6. select Frances King School of English (Gloucester Road or Wetherby Gardens) 7. press ‘apply now’ and follow the instructions 8. you will need to pay
TOP UP YOUR CARD AT ANY TUBE STATION, OYSTER CARD SHOP OR ONLINE. YOU CAN BUY A DAY/WEEK/ MONTH/YEAR TRAVELCARD PAY AS YOU GO
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Things to do in London Here are some recommendations from us and previous students at Frances King: Museums/Art Galleries: There are over 100 museums in London and all of them are free including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A. You should also visit some of the others: try the Whitechapel Art Gallery, or for more contemporary art, the Design Museum and Dulwich Picture House. Parks: 30% of London is green space for you to enjoy. Visit a park local to you and or for more information on the Royal Parks see www.royalparks.org.uk. Markets: The most famous markets are Camden Market (every day 10am-6pm) Tube: Camden Town, Petticoat Lane (Sunday to Friday 10am -2pm) Tube: Liverpool Street, Aldgate or Aldgate East, and Portobello Market (Saturday 8am-6.30pm) Tube: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove. For good quality fresh food try a farmers’ market early on a Saturday or Sunday morning (See www.lfm.org.uk to find one).
Pubs and Pub Culture: When you arrive in a pub first go to the bar to order your drink. Take your drinks to a table or stand and drink. It is quite impolite to remain in the pub without a drink so either order another one or move somewhere else. Tipping culture: In restaurants if a ‘service charge’ has been added to the bill you don’t have to leave a tip. If service is not included it is normal to leave a tip of 10-15%. Do not tip in Pubs. For taxi drivers give up to £1 more or tell them to ‘keep the change’. Eating out: Best value are often Indian or Chinese. Some do
other local cinemas. The cinema has some themed evenings and sing along.
‘all-you-can-eat’ deals. To try English food, go to a Pub and try some traditional English meals like Shepherd’s Pie. Theatres and Musicals: Buy half price tickets for shows on the same day from the ticket office in Leicester Square. Queue at the theatre for returned tickets a few hours before the performance. You can buy tickets at any box office around Piccadilly Circus. Cinemas: Cinemas in central London tend to be expensive so find one in Zone 2 if you can. the Prince Charles Cinema near Leicester Square shows unusual older films and is cheaper than
Shopping: Westfield (White City and Stratford) are the biggest shopping centres in London. The best department stores are John Lewis (Oxford Circus) and Peter Jones (Sloane Square). Marks and Spencer is good for food and clothes. House of Fraser and Debenhams are cheaper department stores. Selfridges (Marble Arch/Oxford Street), Liberty (near Regent Street), Harvey Nichols and Harrods (Knightsbridge) are the most popular high end stores. For cheap clothes visit shops like Primark, Topshop and H&M (Oxford Street).For electrical items there is a hardware store at 101 Gloucester Road next door to Pret A Manger. Supermarkets: There is a wide range of supermarkets in the UK. Waitrose (opposite 77 Gloucester Road) is expensive but good quality. Also Wholefoods on Kensington High Street sells very good quality organic food. Sainsbury, Tesco and the Co-operative are cheaper but also have good quality products. Asda is the cheapest supermarket and has the most offers.
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Services Mobile phones: To get a sim card to use in the UK you need to go to a mobile phone store. Lots of companies do ‘sim only’ deals. Look in Tesco and O2 stores for more details. Post Offices: Letters in the UK are priced by both size AND weight so check before you post. The nearest post office is on the corner of Gloucester Road and Cromwell Road diagonally opposite to 77 Gloucester Road. Bureau de Change: The nearest is located in the Gloucester Arcade opposite 77 Gloucester road. The Post Office also does exchange but wherever you go, check the rates before you buy. Libraries: The nearest library to the school are: Kensington Central Library Phillimore Walk W8 7RX Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs 9.30-20.00; Wed, Fri, Sat 9.30 – 17.00 Tube: Kensington High Street
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Sports Centres: The best public Gym near to the school is: Queen Mother Sports Centre 233 Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1V 1EL Police Stations: The nearest police station to the school is: Kensington Police Station, 72 Earls Court Road, London, W8 6EQ Tel: 020 7376 1212 Metropolitan Police Station, 2 Lucan Place, London SW3 2PB Tel: 020 7376 1212 If you are a victim of any crime or are charged with any crime, please tell Client Services who will offer you assistance. The Frances King Emergency Telephone number is 07768 325391. You can also find this on the back of your Student Card. Money Transfers: Western Union offer a worldwide money transfer service – you can receive money without a bank account. For more information on location of offices and charges see www.westernunion.co.uk.
Health
CAN I REGISTER WITH A DOCTOR? I AM STUDYING IN THE UK FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS
I AM STUDYING IN THE UK FOR LESS THAN 6 MONTHS
REGISTERING GUIDLINES: 1.FIND A DOCTOR IN YOUR LOCAL AREA
IF YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR PLEASE GO TO ONE OF THE WALK-IN MEDICENTRES (more information on the next page)
www.nhs.uk/england/doctors/ nearestsearch.asp
2. CONTACT THE PRACTICE AND ASK TO REGISTER WITH THEM. YOU WILL NEED: YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS, DATE OF BIRTH, ID CARD, PASPORT AND PROOF OF ADDRESS
3. ONCE REGISTERED, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN NHS CARD. KEEP IT SAFE AND TAKE IT WITH YOU WHEN YOU GO TO THE DOCTOR, DENTIST OR HOSPITAL.
If you are not entitled to free medical treatment you must buy medical insurance if you have not done so already. Private medical treatment is expensive.
Is NHS NHS free? free? Is NHS treatment is free if one of these is true for you: You are from the European Economic Area (EEA). You are studying on a course in the UK for 6 months or more Your country has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK: www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/NonEEAcountries/Pages/Non-EEAcountries. aspx You need to go to ‘Accident and Emergency’ for treatment. See also: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/
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I need to see a Doctor NB: Please read the information on entitlement to Free health treatment in the UK.
In an emergency call 999 Call 111, when it’s less urgent than 999 If you need medical help quickly, but it isn’t a 999 emergency, you can call NHS 111. NHS 111 will asses you, provide advice
NHS Walk-in Centres:
Nearest tube: Parsons Green
To get free immediate treatment by nurses for simple problems quickly and without an appointment. 5-7 Parsons Green London SW6 4UL 020 8846 6758 Open weekdays 8.00-20.00 and weekends 9.00–13.30
Accident and Emergency (A&E):
Open 24hrs for SERIOUS illnesses or injuries ONLY. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Fulham Road London SW10 9NH 020 8746 8000 Nearest tube: Fulham Brodway
and direct you straight away to the local service that can help you best. It is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and calls are free, including from mobiles. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/111
Emergencies and Hospitals Minor Injuries Units: Come to these to reduce your waiting time if your injury is not life threatening: Nearest to the school:
Guy’s Hospital Minor Injuries Un. Ground Floor Tabard Annexe Great Maze Pond London SE1 9RT 020 7188 3879
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Urgent Care Centre
Charing Cross Hospital St Dunsan’s Road London W6 8RF 020 3311 1234
Nearest Tube: Hammersmith or Barons Court
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Important information The Law in the UK: Smoking: Smoking is banned in all public buildings in Britain including bars, restaurants, shops, stations, cinemas and on all public transport. You can smoke on the street. Drugs: Britain has strict laws against the use of illegal drugs and punishments can be very heavy. You are strongly advised not to use illegal drugs during your stay. Shoplifting: People who are caught stealing from shops will probably have to go to court. TV Licences: Every house/flat that has a TV must have a TV licence. If you rent a room or are in a flat share, find out who is responsible for getting the TV licence.
Council Tax: This is a local tax that his charged on each property. It varies in different boroughs (districts) in London and each has its own rules for discounts for students. Weapons: it is illegal to carry any weapon for defence including gas and sprays. You will be arrested if the police stop you and you have a knife. Cycling: you cannot ride a bike on a pavement and you must have lights if you cycle at night. A helmet is not obligatory but is strongly recommended. Legal problems: For free legal advice you can go to the Citizens Advice Bureau (Chelsea Old Town Hall, Kings Road, London, SW3 5EE 0844 8269708 or 020 7351 2114)
For more information come and see us at reception or visit our website www.francesking.co.uk