BRITISH COUNCIL Career Success 2010

CAREER SUCCESS

THROUGH UK QUALIFICATIONS

UK Examinations Greece January - December 2010

SUCCESS TOMORROW STARTS TODAY INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS FROM THE UK

www.britishcouncil.org/greece

THE BRITISH COUNCIL Connecting the UK to the world and the world to the UK, we are the United Kingdom's international cultural relations body.

OUR PURPOSE We build engagement and trust for the UK through the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people worldwide.

OUR VISION The future for the UK in this crowded, dangerous, beautiful world depends on people of all cultures living and working together on foundations of education, mutual understanding, respect and trust.

OUR VALUES Valuing people • Treating people with courtesy and respect • Listening to what people have to say and responding helpfully • Giving people the opportunity to use and develop their talents • Valuing diversity

Integrity • Being honest • Being consistent both in what we do and say • Taking responsibility for our actions and decisions

Mutuality • Wishing to learn from and share with other people • Putting effective relationships at the heart of our work • Working towards common goals

Creativity • Encouraging people to develop new ideas in an environment of trust • Being resourceful and innovative in our approach • Actively seeking and presenting the best in creativity

Professionalism • Being true to our values and keeping our promises • Listening to and valuing the ideas and opinions of others • Accepting individual and collective responsibility for delivering work to a high standard

Do you have feedback on where you feel we have or have not demonstrated our values?

values@britishcouncil.gr 2

CONTENTS • Why take exams with us?

4

• How to register

5

• The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

6

• IELTS

7

• Cambridge ESOL Exams • Trinity College London ESOL Exams

8-9 10 -11

• School Exams

12

• Professional Exams

12

• ESOL Exams Calendar, 2010

14

• Support for UK students

15

• Support for teachers and learners of English

15

WHY TAKE EXAMS WITH US?

We help nearly a million people every year around the world achieve their life goals by obtaining a UK qualification, and we can help you, too.

Our experience in delivering an independent high quality service ensures your examination experience is positive and fair.

We pride ourselves on technical innovation. For example, we were the first to provide you with on-line registrations and results, SMS communication and infra-red headphones.

“

Thanks to everyone at the British Council. In recent years the administration of the exams has been exemplary, starting from when we first contact you during the registration period and continuing all the way through the process until the results are issued.

”

Matina Momtsiou, Kozani

Candidates with special needs We believe exams should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their learning or physical impairments. To make special arrangements, please contact us for more information.

Feedback We do everything we can to make sure you have a positive exam experience. If you have any comments on our exams administration, please let us know. We will do everything we can to help.

Your input also helps us improve our services in the future.

Refunds We are able to refund 75% of your examination fee for medical reasons only. Appropriate medical evidence (from a state hospital, IKA, TEBE etc.) and your timetable must be submitted to the British Council within 1 week of the examination date.

Disclaimer The British Council and the examining boards take all reasonable steps to provide continuity of service. We believe you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control.

If examinations or their results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council’s liability will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or retesting at a later date.

4

HOW TO REGISTER 1a. Online Register for IELTS, KET for Schools, PET for Schools, KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE at www.britishcouncil.org/greece We do not currently accept online payment. Exam fees should be paid by direct deposit to our bank account after you have registered.

1b. By post Alternatively, for all Cambridge ESOL and Trinity College London ESOL exams, download an application form or block entry form from our website and send it along with your bank deposit slip to: For candidates in Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly:

For candidates in Athens and all other areas of Greece:

British Council 43 Tsimiski Street, 546 23 Thessaloniki

British Council 17 Kolonaki Square, 106 73 Athens

Please note registration for IELTS is only available online.

2. Payment By direct deposit to the British Council account at any branch of Alpha Bank, via an ATM or by web banking.

Account number: 11500 200201 8908

IBAN: GR05 0140 1150 1150 0200 2018 908

If you register online, please quote the unique reference number provided by the system in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.

For individual registrations via post, please quote the name of the candidate in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.

For Foreign Language Centre block registrations via post, please quote the name of the school in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.

“ “

Thanks for your new online registration system. Not only did I manage to enrol 5 students successfully for 3 different exams within 8 minutes but the subsequent bank transaction was also the shortest and most effortless ever. Well done for making your clients’ lives easier.

”

Stephen John Taylor, Patras

Luckily, the online registration procedure is very easy and simple! You save time, and have the advantage of instantly having a place kept for you on the test date you have chosen. A very helpful change in applications!

”

Vally Athanasopoulou, Athens

5

THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE (CEFR)

We offer a range of UK ESOL examinations at all levels of the CEFR, so you can choose the one which is best for you. You can read more about these on the following pages.

CEFR

IELTS

Cambridge ESOL

Trinity College London ESOL

--

YLE Starters

GESE Grade 1

A1 - Breakthrough

YLE Movers

GESE Grade 2

A2 - Waystage

(Including KET for Schools, CB KET, CB KET for Schools)

YLE Flyers & KET

ISE 0 GESE Grades 3 & 4

BEC Preliminary & PET

ISE I GESE Grades 5 & 6 SEW 1

B1 - Threshold

3.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.0

B2 - Vantage

6.0

(Including PET for Schools, CB PET, CB PET for Schools)

BEC Vantage & FCE (Including CB FCE)

6.0

C1 - Effective Operational Proficiency

7.0

BEC Higher & CAE

ISE III GESE Grades 10 & 11 SEW 4

CPE

ISE IV GESE Grade 12

7.0 C2 - Mastery

8.0 8.0 - 9.0

Source: Ofqual / QCA 2009 (www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk)

IELTS and ΑΣΕΠ ΑΣΕΠ Levels

6

IELTS Scores

Μέτρια Γνώση (B1)

3-4

Καλή Γνώση (B2)

4.5 - 5.5

Πολύ Καλή Γλώση (Γ1 / C1)

6-7

Άριστη Γνώση (Γ2 / C2)

7.5+

Source: ΦΕΚ Α.Σ.Ε.Π 226 / 2007 (www.asep.gr)

ISE II GESE Grades 7 & 9 SEW 2 & 3

IELTS

Recognised IELTS is the world’s proven English test. Over 1.2 million candidates take the test each year to start their journeys into international education and employment. IELTS is recognised by more than 6000 institutions, including ΑΣΕΠ, across 120 countries. http://bandscore.ielts.org tells you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the module and scores they require.

Convenient You can take IELTS twice a month in Greece. Results are issued in 13 days. Results are also available

by SMS and on-line. The IELTS test has four parts - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Speaking module is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.

Achievable There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance, using scores from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert User) for each part of the test. The results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score. Candidates from Greece performed well above the global average in 2008, putting them in sixth position in the global tables.

Supported We offer candidates free access to ‘The Road to IELTS’ online practice materials to support your preparation. Start your journey to international study or employment with an IELTS score.

Fees, Dates and Locations Exam

IELTS

Fees (€)

Location

190

All test dates are available in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Tests are also available in Ioannina, Irakleio, Komotini, Larisa, Mytilini and Patra on 19 June 2010.

We may offer additional test dates and locations.

Check https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/ for live information on test place availability.

Test dates for 2010 are available inside the back cover. www.britishcouncil.org/greece-exams 7

CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMS Cambridge ESOL offers the world’s leading range of examinations for learners and teachers of English - taken by over 3 million people in 130 countries. They help you gain entrance to university or college, improve job prospects or measure progress in English.

A certificate from Cambridge ESOL tells people a great deal about you and what you can do.

Employers and other organisations choose Cambridge ESOL exams because they know these are reliable evidence of the skills they need.

New exam developments Now there are two ways to offer Cambridge exams: Paper-based and Computer-based. Computerbased tests follow the same test format as the Paper-based versions, leading to the same certificate.

KET for Schools-PET for Schools: context meets educational value in two new exams for pupils.

Same format and level of question papers as with “standard” KET and PET with content and treatment of topics particularly targeted at the interests and experience of younger students.

Exams

Fees (€)

YLE

67

KET, CB KET*, KET for Schools, CB KET for Schools*

85

PET, CB PET*, PET for Schools, CB PET for Schools*

90

FCE, CB FCE*

165

CAE

180

CPE

185

BEC Preliminary

120

BEC Vantage

181

BEC Higher

195

ILEC

260

TKT (per module)

50

Location (subject to minimum requirements)

Ag. Nikolaos, Agrinio, Alexandroupoli, Amfissa, Arta, Athens, Chania, Chios, Drama, Edessa, Florina, Greneva, Halkida, Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Irakleio, Kalamata, Kalymnos, Karditsa, Karpenisi, Kastoria, Katerini, Kavala, Kefalonia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Komotini, Korinthos, Kos, Kozani, Lamia, Larisa, Lefkada, Leros, Livadia, Mesolongi, Mitilini, Mykonos, Nafplio, Paros, Patra, Polygyros, Preveza, Ptolemaida, Pyrgos, Rethymno, Rhodes, Samos, Serres, Sparti, Syros, Thessalonki, Trikala, Veroia, Volos, Xanthi.

* For locations for all computer-based exams please contact the British Council.

Minimum number of entries required for test locations: • FCE: 25 candidates (CAE: 10 candidates, CPE: 10 candidates - subject to FCE 25 candidates) • KET for Schools/PET for Schools: 20 candidates (FCE: 10 candidates, CAE: 10 candidates, CPE: 10 candidates - subject to KET for Schools / PET for Schools 20 candidates) • KET/PET: 30 candidates • YLE: 30 candidates We may open centres in locations not mentioned above if they meet the minimum number of entries.

Test dates for 2010 are available inside the back cover. www.britishcouncil.org/greece-exams 8

KET for Schools PET for Schools

Context meets educational value in two new exams for pupils Following their launch in 2009, KET for Schools and PET for Schools exams were administred in over sixty countries, including Greece.

Advantages √ Content and treatment of topics particularly targeted at the interests and experience of younger students. √ Specially tailored to increase their motivation and inspire enthusiasm to learn English. √ They give students the confidence to actively use all four skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking because they are based on familiar topics. √ They are recognised by colleges, universities, employers and governments around the world.

Support

Cambridge ESOL offers an extensive professional support package for these exams, which includes: • Teacher training seminars and workshops • Exam specific presentations • Supplementary teaching materials for the classroom • Handbooks and sample test papers • New Teaching resources microsites: English for Schools and Teacher Support • Marketing Material

Find out more by following the links: www.cambridgeesol.gr www.schools.cambridgeesol.org www.teachers.cambridgeesol.org

TRINITY COLLEGE LONDON ESOL EXAMS Trinity College London is a well established and experienced international examinations board.

It conducts 500,000 assessments worldwide each year and celebrated 70 years of language assessment in 2008. There are three main suites of examinations: • Integrated Skills in English (ISE) • Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) • Spoken English for Work (SEW)

Why take TCL’s ISE exams?

• ISE exams are recognised by ΑΣΕΠ and are an international standard for professional and academic advancement • TCL exams are ideal for students needing to prove they can communicate effectively in spoken English • There are three parts to each examination: Controlled Written Exam (30%), Portfolio (20%), Interview (50%) The portfolio consists of three tasks chosen from a published list and is prepared before the interview, with use of reference material etc. and with permitted, limited feedback from the student’s teacher.

In the interview candidates present a topic of their choice, discuss their portfolio work and have a general conversation on a range of subjects as described in the syllabus. At levels III and IV there is also a separate listening task in the interview.

The exams are available monthly, allowing you to choose the best time for you and your students.

Examination

Fees (€)

ISE 0

83

ISE I

100

ISE II

157

ISE III

177

ISE IV

188

SEW 1

89

SEW 2

125

SEW 3

140

SEW 4

151

GESE 1

36

GESE 2

42

GESE 3

48

GESE 4,5,6

69

GESE 7,8,9

92

GESE 10,11,12

138

Location

For details of TCL's exam locations please contact the British Council.

Test dates for 2010 are available inside the back cover. www.britishcouncil.org/greece-exams 10

SCHOOL EXAMS If you are studying for a UK school leaving exam, you can take your exam with us in Athens or Thessaloniki. We offer.

• IGCSE/GCE O Level (usually studied in the UK from age 14-16) • GCE/A Level (usually studied in the UK from age 16-18) You can choose between two of the UK’s largest providers of international school assessments, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel. For more information about these boards, their exams and dates go to www.cie.org.uk www.edexcel.com

PROFESSIONAL EXAMS Are you looking for a UK professional qualification? Many UK professional bodies offer their exams overseas through us. Below are some of the most popular in Greece.

The Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) ACCA aims to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. www.acca.org.uk The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) The ACA is regarded globally as one of the leading business and finance qualifications, and is recognised and valued in practice, industry, commerce and the public sector. www.icaew.com The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) RAD promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. It seeks to accomplish its mission through promoting dance, educating and training students and teachers and providing examinations to reward achievement. www.rad.org.uk Contact us or see our website for information about registration and fees for all the above exams.

12

SUPPORT FOR POTENTIAL, CURRENT OR PAST UK STUDENTS I want to study in the UK As well as IELTS, we offer a range of services for you. Whether you want to take a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree, or study English in the UK, our experienced education counsellors can help you identify and apply for the right course.

You may need to have Greek documents translated into English for submission to UK institutions.

We can take care of that for you too.

I am studying at a UK university If you are following a distance learning course e.g. through the University of London External Programme or a course in any UK university, you can take all of your exams through us.

Similarly, if you are studying at a UK university but need to be in Greece during your exams, you can ask the university if you can take your exams in Greece with us.

While studying in the UK, you may need to have documents verified and translated for the Greek authorities. We can do that for you.

I have finished my UK studies When you return to Greece, we can translate, verify and provide certified copies of your UK education certificates for employers or other institutions that need this from you.

You can also find details of UK university alumni associations through us.

For more information on all these services see www.britishcouncil.org/greece-education

SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND LEARNERS OF ENGLISH www.learnenglish.org.uk A portal that links to all of our websites for teachers and learners of English - just one web address to remember. It provides activities for kids, parents, teenagers and adult learners to practise English in an enjoyable way. Have you tried our new podcasts?

www.teachingenglish.org.uk The award-winning global home for English teaching which brings together everything busy teachers need, from classroom materials to ideas for development.

Talking English

is a newsletter for English language teachers to keep up to date with global ELT news and local events organised by the British Council. Find links to useful websites and articles, online teaching resources, and details of events and training opportunities in Greece. Registration is free. Subscribe at www.britishcouncil.org/greece-newsletter-subscribe

15

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

Month

A/GT*

23

11

10

09

08

06

05

30-31

29

28

23

22

16

15

13-14

12

08

22

17

15-16

14

10

21

20

11-12

A/GT*

A*

A/GT*

A/GT*

A/GT*

A/GT*

A/GT*

06

10

A/GT*

20

11-12

10

06

A*

A/GT*

09

24 - 25

Exam

Exam Dates

Oral Exam

IELTS** Registration

07/05-17/05 07/05-17/05 07/05-17/05 24/04-30/05 24/04-30/05 24/04-30/05 14/05-24/05 14/05-24/05 N/A 24/05-30/05 24/05-30/05

KETfS PETfS ILEC FCE CAE CPE KET PET TKT CB KET CB PET

BEC V

BEC P

BEC H

04/06-14/06

04/06-14/06

04/06-14/06

N/A

15/03-19/03

19/04-25/04

CB FCE

TKT

01/02-12/02 01/02-12/02

N/A

12/04-16/04

12/04-16/04

12/04-16/04

22/03-26/03

10/05-13/05 10/05-13/05

01/02-12/02 01/02-12/02

01/02-12/02 01/02-12/02 22/03-29/03 01/02-12/02

01/04-07/04

11/01-15/01

12/03-22/03

25/01-29/01

Registration

TKT

Oral Exam

KET/PET

Exam

Cambridge ESOL

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – IV)

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – IV)

Exam

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

(GESE & SEW exams & ISE interviews)

Oral Exam Registration

Trinity College London ESOL

Closes 6 weeks

We recommend candidates register 5 weeks before their chosen test date but places may be avai

Usually within 1 we

ESOL EXAMS CALENDAR 2010

A/GT*

A/GT*

05

A*

A/GT*

09

YLE

11

11/12

12/11-29/11

BEC Vantage

06

A/GT*

19/11-12/12 19/11-12/12

04 CAE CPE

12/11-29/11

05

BEC Priliminary

20/09-01/10

13/09-17/09

20/09-01/10 20/09-01/10

20/09-01/10 20/09-01/10 20/09-01/10

13/09-17/09

08/11-11/11

13/09-17/09

N/A 22/11-28/11

TKT CB KET CB PET

01/11-04/11 20/09-01/10 20/09-01/10 13/09-17/09

12/11-22/11 12/11-22/11 12/11-29/11

KET PET BEC Higher

20/09-01/10

04/10-08/10

31/05-08/06

01/02-12/02

15/11-21/11

05/11-15/11

18/10-24/10

21/06-27/06

12/06

CB FCE

ILEC

CB KETfS CB PETfS

CB KETfS CB PETfS

YLE

26/11-06/12 26/11-06/12 19/11-12/12

A/GT*

eek of the written exam KETfS PETfS FCE

02-03

01

27

26

21

20

19

13

11-12

A/GT*

A*

06

10

A*

23

14-15

13

A/GT*

25

23-24

22

A/GT*

21

04

12-13

11

A/GT*

31

A/GT*

17

8-9

7

26

24

A*

lable after this date. Check https://ielts.britishcouncil.org/ for live information on test place availability.

* A for Academic module, GT for general training module ** All IELTS exam dates are for Athens & Thessaloniki apart from 19 June 2010 which is only for Ioannina, Irakleio Crete, Komotini, Larisa, Mytilini, Patra

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

12

19

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – IV)

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – III)

ISE (0 – III)

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

GESE, SEW & ISE orals

before the test date

Contact us 801 500 3692 or 210 369 2333 (Monday-Friday 0800-1700) customerservices@britishcouncil.gr We aim to answer all calls within 30 seconds and emails within one working day.

If you need a copy of the information in this brochure in large print, we will be happy to provide one for you.

Aν θέλετε να σας αποστείλουμε τις πληροφορίες αυτές και στα Ελληνικά,παρακαλώ επικοινωνήστε μαζί μας.

© British Council 2010 The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

www.britishcouncil.org/greece