Avalon School of English

Editorial

Brochure Production: Director Anna Huber, Creative Executive Karolina Orlowska, Designer Ivan Cufino, Assistant Designer Johanna Zambrano , Photographer Carl Court

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Here at Avalon we like to do things differently. Fifteen years ago, when the school was founded, we took a fresh approach to teaching English. Gone are the boring classrooms and old-fashioned books: replaced by lively, interactive classes with teachers dedicated to getting students speaking.

All of our students have one thing in common - an impatience to learn English quickly. That’s why we developed Quantum English.

Read on to find out more about these fun, exciting courses that will get you speaking within weeks.

Avalon also offers great exam preparation classes for IELTS, FCE and CAE, as well as Business English and University Foundation Courses.

Don’t miss the opportunity of studying in one of the world’s greatest cities. We can’t wait to meet you.

Donna BoyleDirector of Studies

September 2009

9 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA+44 (0) 20 7240 9321

8 Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LS+44 (0) 20 7379 1998

Where we are

www.avalonschool.co.uk

Our Students

I Love Avalon Because

“Its central location, warm but professional atmosphere, and friendly, dedicated teachers make Avalon the best choice for a language school in London.”

Jing Han from China

“I learnt English really fast because of the direct method speaking classes and now I’m doing a University Foundation course at Avalon.”

Johanna Zambrano from Colombia

“It has a good atmosphere, and the staff and teachers are nice. Also when I started at the school they helped me settle down in London and helped me with

practical things.”

Ricardo Fernandes from Brazil

“Its courses are very flexible and the social programme gives us a great opportunity

to practise our English and explore London at the same time.”

Dongli Ma from China

“Every teacher is really friendly and all the social events create a close interaction between students and teachers. They are very effective.”

Edmundo Bang from Korea

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Avalon offers a great variety of classes for all levels

ENGLISHCOURSES

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Quantum English (dynamic speaking classes)One-to-one LessonsGrammar Express 4Advanced PronunciationWriting 4Cambridge Advanced Certificate (Exam preparation class)IELTSUniversity Foundation Culture ModuleBusiness English

Advanced

BeginnersQuantum English (dynamic speaking classes)One-to-one Lessons English for LifeVocabulary BuilderGrammar Express 1

IntermediateQuantum English (dynamic speaking classes)One-to-one LessonsPronunciation 1 & 2Discussion 2Grammar Express 2/3Writing 2Business English

Upper-intermediateQuantum English (dynamic speaking classes)One-to-one LessonsPronunciation 1 & 2 – same as intermediateDiscussion 3Grammar Express 2/3Writing 3British CultureFilm StudiesPre-IELTSFirst Certificate English (Exam preparation class)IELTS (Exam preparation class)Business English

Daily Mon - FriCourse Course content Objectives AvailabilityDuration

OurCourses

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ENGLISH FOR LIFE (EFL) 50 minutes Grammar exercises are brought alive in the classroom with speaking activities and useful writing activities. The course includes a focus on pronunciation.

By the end of the course, students have a range of vocabulary and can read and write at intermediate level.

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 12 weeks

Morn Aftn Eve√ √

An interesting, effective course for beginners designed to practise all skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

QUANTUM ENGLISH (dynamic speaking classes)

Avalon is well-known all over the world as a specialist school in spoken English. The courses are taught by enthusiastic, highly-qualified, native English-speaking teachers. Available for all levels, Beginner to Advanced, using Avalon’s own Quantum English course books.

A carefully devised speaking course which introduces new vocabulary and grammar whilst using previously studied material in revision sections.

All speaking classes are 2 x 50 minutes (with a 10 minute break between). The first class revises previously learnt words and grammar and the second hour presents new material. Teachers give full correction and there is a focus on word order and pronunciation.

2 x 50 minutes Minimum 1 week

Maximum 52 weeksdepending on level at start of course

Students quickly improve the essential skills of speaking, listening and pronunciation, to enable them to communicate successfully in English.

Morn Aftn Eve√ √ √

VOCABULARY BUILDER 1 & 2When students first begin to learn English, they are impatient to learn lots of vocabulary quickly. This course is for students who wish to build their vocabulary fast and in a natural context.

50 minutes The course covers topics such as the human body, emotions, giving directions, prepositions of place, tenses, the natural environment, the home and academic vocabulary.

To increase the vocabulary of elementary and pre-intermediate students in a fun, lively class.

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 8 weeks


GRAMMAR EXPRESS 1,2 & 3 50 minutes Students practise all aspects of grammar through written exercises with clear explanations provided by the teacher and additional speaking practice.

Improves students’ grammar at all levels.

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 36 weeks depending on level at start of course


Many students come to Avalon to improve their speaking, but the school also offers specialist grammar classes at all levels, which students can choose to do at any time during their course.

50 minutesDISCUSSION 2 & 3

A fun, lively discussion class for intermediate and upper-intermediate levels.

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 16 weeks

To build students’ confidence and encourage them to use their knowledge of English in free practice activities and natural conversation.


The teacher follows a syllabus of interesting topics which are introduced through a reading or listening exercise. Students learn vocabulary related to that subject and discuss in pairs, small groups and as a whole class.

Daily Mon - FriCourse Course content Objectives AvailabilityDuration

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First Certificate ExamAn upper-intermediate multi-skills class for students wishing to take the Cambridge FCE exam.

Students follow an FCE course book which includes grammar exercises, reading texts, writing tasks and listening exercises. The course includes mock tests and mock interviews in exam conditions and tutorials with the teacher.

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 8 weeks

2 x 50 minutes To prepare students for the Cambridge First Certificate Exam.

Morn Aftn Eve√ √ √

Evening classes are subject to availability. Exams are in March, June, August and December in London.

PRONUNCIATION 1 & 2This specialist pronunciation course is ideal for those who have difficulty producing particular sounds, or those who want to make their English sound more natural.

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 8 weeks

50 minutes

50 minutes

To improve students’ listening and speaking through training in key areas of pronunciation, enabling them to understand and produce natural English.


WRITING 2 & 3An intermediate and upper-intermediate level writing class that covers a wide range of useful and interesting topics.

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 12 weeks

Writing is the most difficult part of producing language for some students. These classes build students’ confidence by presenting writing tasks in short, easily-explained exercises. The teacher gives general and individual correction to the class.

To build students’ confidence and encourage them to use their knowledge of English in both controlled and free writing activities.


Students are introduced to the phonemic alphabet and learn to identify sounds and their phonemes. They also learn word and sentence stress, intonation, and the contractions that English speakers use.

Avalon recommends that students start at the beginning of a 4-week course. Contact the school for start dates.

BRITISH CULTURE

An interactive upper-intermediate level reading & discussion class that introduces students to all aspects of Britain, including its comedy, food, history and literature.

50 minutes Minimum 1 week

Maximum 4 weeks

Would you like to know more about London and British people? What kind of food do they like? How influential is the British media? What do they find funny? What is their attitude towards social problems?

To engage students in finding out more about the people behind the language.

Morn Aftn Eve √

FILM STUDIESAn upper-intermediate discussion class using film as a basis for ideas and listening exercises.


Maximum 4 weeks

Using film clips and screenplays from all genres of film including Sci-fi, Romance and Action, students answer questions and discuss the stories.

Improves students’ listening skills and motivates them to use English in a natural way and discover the richness of the language.

Morn Aftn Eve √

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Daily Mond- FriCourse Course content Objectives AvailabilityDuration

PRE-IELTSAn intermediate multi-skills class to help students improve their academic skills. It is an ideal foundation course for students wishing to take the IELTS exam.


Maximum 8 weeks

Students use a variety of IELTS-foundation grammar exercises, reading texts, writing tasks and listening exercises.

To prepare students for the IELTS preparation class.

Morn Aftn Eve √ √

An upper-intermediate multi-skills class for students wishing to take the IELTS exam.

2 x 50 minutes Minimum 1 week

Maximum 14 weeks

IELTS Preparation Course Students use an IELTS course book which includes grammar exercises, reading texts, writing tasks and listening exercises. Every six weeks, students have an internal exam and tutorial to monitor their progress.

To prepare students for the IELTS Exam.


Exams can be taken every month in London.

Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English

Business English

2 x 50 minutes

2 x 50 minutes

Students use a CAE course book which includes grammar exercises, reading texts, writing tasks and listening exercises. There are mock tests and mock interviews to simulate exam conditions.

A lively, interactive class which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities. The class explores different themes with discussions and case studies on a wide range of thought provoking business topics.

Morn Aftn Eve √

Morn Aftn Eve √

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 14 weeks

Minimum 1 week

Maximum 24 weeks

To prepare students for the CAE Exam.

To prepare students for a career in business or for those already working in business who want to expand their range of skills.

Enables students to use specialised language on a range of business topics.

An advanced multi-skills class for students wishing to take the Cambridge (CAE) exam.

A perfect course for students who wish to improve their communication skills and gain a certificate in Business English. There are several levels: from intermediate to advanced. Suitable as both a short-term or long-term course.

Tailored classes are also offered to suit the needs of individuals and groups. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Exams are held in March, June and December in London.

BEGINNER COURSE

+ English for Life+ Quantum English Book 1+ Vocabulary Builder / Grammar Express 1TOTAL: 4 HOURS PER DAY

INTERMEDIATE COURSE

+ Discussion 2 / Pronunciation+ Quantum English Book 2+ Writing 2 / Grammar Express 2TOTAL: 4 HOURS PER DAY

UPPER-INTERMEDIATE COURSE ADVANCED COURSE

+ Discussion 3 / Film Studies / British Culture+ Quantum English Book 3+ Writing 3 / Grammar Express 3

+ Discussion / Advanced Pronunciation+ Quantum English Book 4 / Business English+ Grammar for Writing

TOTAL: 4 HOURS PER DAY TOTAL: 4 HOURS PER DAY

Recommended

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Avalon isn’t just about the classroom; you’ll find something happening almost every day. During the week there are regular events such as football practice and film nights that give students the opportunity to spend time with their classmates and teachers and also make new friends.

Students are encouraged to experience all aspects of British culture during their time here; by visiting museums or art galleries, going on excursions to other towns in England, seeing gigs or participating in a traditional school sports day. Recent events have included a boat party cruise along the River Thames and a tour of the Houses of Parliament!Suggestions from students for future events are always welcome – if it’s something that they’d like to do, we will try to organise it.

Welcome to Avalon Social Events!

Pricelist

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2009

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Accommodation

Avalon recognises that finding accommodation in London can be difficult, especially if you can not initially speak the language. London is a big city with a wide range of accommodation on offer.

Avalon has a dedicated accommodation officer who can arrange places for students with host families or on a self-catering basis. Living with a host family is a great way to improve your English out of the classroom, learn about British culture and get to know the city.

We are also able to offer support and advice for students looking for their own accommodation in London.

Experience living in London - the city with everything on offer!

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HigherEducation

UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ADVANCED SHORT COURSES

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Higher Education courses are not accredited by the British Council. Each course has its own accreditation. Only General English courses are accredited by the British Council.

ABE

This course is for advanced students who want to study at the best universities in the UK. Students will improve their level of English and will learn the skills that they need to excel at university. Classes are taught in seminars by teachers who study and teach at top UK universities. Students on this course can go on to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and all students have a personal tutor who will help them choose and apply to university. The course includes IELTS, Advanced Grammar for Writing and Advanced Culture. The course is regulated by a team of ten academics from Oxford, Cambridge, KCL and UCL universities.

For students preparing for a career in business or those who want to improve their practical business skills, this course is for intermediate levels and above. Students can specialise in Business Management or Travel, Tourism and Hospitality. Classes are taught by qualified business professionals, and students can study on the Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma (levels 4, 5 ,6 & 7). Students can study individual units if they want to improve their skills in a specific area.

These courses are available for advanced students who:- want to improve their English and communication skills in a challenging and dynamic environment - want to improve their IELTS score with the possibility of attending university.- want to get some experience of what university is really like before they startStudents improve their writing skills in the Advanced Grammar for Writing, and improve their speaking, vocabulary, and knowledge of the world in the Advanced Culture class.

Tailored classes are also offered to suit the needs of individuals and groups. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

“It doesn’t feel like an English class. It’s so much more interesting”

Paola Roa, Colombian

“This course is the best in Avalon School” Juan Tranjan, Brazilian

“It’s a great exercise in reading, thinking and writing for anyone who’s learning a new language”

Songlee Park, Korean

“It’s a small class so you can really participate. You improve your speaking and listening whilst learning new topics and ideas”

Maria Consuelo Paez, Colombian “The teachers are passionate about the topics. I’m enjoying doing my homework all the time. The material is fantastic and I am learning more than just English”

Angela Villalobos, Colombian

“When I started this course I had no idea what I wanted to study at university. I had so much help from my tutor, and now I’m really confident about everything and am excited about the future”

Huizi Song, Chinese

Seminar Skills. Essay Structure. Note Taking. University Vocabulary. Referencing. Lecture Skills. Dictionary Skills. Library Induction. Exam Technique. Interview Language. Pronunciation. Research Skills. Introduction to Academic Texts. University Heirachy. Subject Specialist Vocabulary. Grading Language. Student Benefits. Locating Sources. Student Unions. Reading Skills. Internet For Study. Seminar Technique. Argument Structure. Commentary. Plagerism.

Gender. Identity. Sex, Drugs, Rock ‘n’ Roll. Science. Music. Theology. History. Geography. International Relations. Politics. War. Literature. Translation. Law. Film. Sociology. Accents. Media. Ancient History. Climate Science. Medieval Studies. Art. Economics. Europe. Sport. Philosophy. Britain. Popular Culture. America. Colonialism. Critical Theories. Darwin. Unexplained Science. Comedy. Societal Trends. Brands. Advertising. Technology. Immigration. Nature and the Environment.

Reporting. Passives. Subject-Verb Agreement. Gerunds. Infinitives. Pleonastics. Embedded Clauses. Adjectival Ordering. Reading. Inversion and Focus. How- Clauses. Exceptions. Adding Information. Collocations. Subject Questions and Case. Relative Clauses. Prepositions After Nouns. Sentence Connectors. Participle Clauses. Academic Grammar. Academic Vocabulary. Tone. Graded Language. Quoting Text. Emphasising Points. Semiotics. Etymology.

Academic Skills Advanced Culture Grammar for Writing

Advanced Courses Include...

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Dates and Prices

Short Courses

Length: 36 weeksHours per week: 20Start Date: any MondayLevel of English: Advanced. IELTS 5.5 or above, or equivalent.Cost: £6,000

Length: between 1 week and 24 weeksHours per week: 20Start Date: any MondayLevel of English: Advanced. IELTS 5.5 or above, or equivalentCost: 1 week = £280, 4 weeks = £880, 6 weeks = £1130, 8 weeks = £1320, 12 weeks = £1740

University Foundation Programme

Advanced Culture Advanced Grammar for Writing

Getting Into University

*Pathway OptionsHumanities

Travel and Tourism

Business Management

This course is unique in London. It covers all aspects of what makes Britain British and gives students invaluable experience in speaking on a wide range of subjects. The aim of this course is to give students the confidence and knowledge to speak in seminars when they get to university. Subjects covered include: literature, science, history, film, religion, economics, identity, gender, sex, drugs, sport, music, colonialism, war, immigration and more. Students give regular presentations and are given regular assignments. The teachers on this course study and teach at top universities.

This course has been specially written for Avalon by linguists and academic specialists. The aim of this course is to make sure that students are able to write advanced academic English. The course includes tuition in grammar, writing and reading, and introduces the student to a wide range of English texts. Students are required to produce a piece of writing every week as they build up their grammar portfolio. The teachers on this course are specialists in ELT and EAP.

For students who want to study all aspects of humanities including; Literature, Translation, Sociology, Political Sciences, History, Languages, Law, Media, Advertising, Art, Drama and Public Relations.

For students who want to study Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, Nursing, Service, Hotel Management, Tourism Management and other areas of hospitality.

For students who want to study Management, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Law, Business Communications and many more subjects related to business management.

Every student has a personal tutor who helps them choose a university and course. The school works with the BEO, who help students with the application process. The BEO have a 99% success rating with getting students a place in the university of their choice. At Avalon we specialise in training students to study at the best universities in the UK. These universities require students to attend an interview in order to get a place. Students will receive special training in preparation for their interview. We provide special training for students who want to apply to Oxford or Cambridge.

There are regular trips to important and interesting places, and students are invited to attend real lectures at universities. There are also trips to universities to meet the professors and see the departments, and guest lecturers come into the school to give specialist talks. The Higher Education department runs lots of extra curricular activities, such as a reading group and a science group.

Extra Activities

You don’t have to study for 36 weeks on the Foundation course. Students who are in London for a shorter time and want to improve their English, communication or knowledge, or who want extra preparation before starting a univeristy course, can study on the Foundation course for as many weeks as they choose and benefit from the advanced grammar and culture courses that are unique to Avalon.

Short Courses

University Foundation

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What is ABE?

Business Management Certificate Level 4

The Association of Business Executives (ABE) is a business examination and regulatory body. ABE courses teach students practical business skills, including accounting and management skills. Students take external exams in order to gain their qualificaton. ABE qualifications are recognised by employers and universities around the world. An ABE qualification guarantees progression onto courses at over 20 universities in the UK, or students can study each level in school. Our ABE courses are taught by professional businessmen and women.

This level provides a general introduction to business and introduces key skills.

Students study: Business, Business Communication, Accounting and Quantitative Methods

This 36 week course can also be taken in individual units of 9 weeks.

This level builds on the skills learned in level 4, and introduces new topics.

Students study: Organisational Behaviour, Economic Principles, Financial Accounting, Quantitative Methods, Human Resource Management, Marketing Policy, Business Law, Managerial Accounting and Management in Action

Business Management Diploma Level 5

This level provides a general introduction to the subject and introduces key skills.

Students study: Business, Business Communication, Accounting, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism.

Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Certificate Level 4

This level builds on the skills learned in level 4, and introduces new topics.

Students study: Organisational Behaviour, Economic Principles, Financial Accounting, Travel, Tourism and Hospitality, Human Resource Management, Marketing Policy, Business Law, Customer Service Skills, and Operations Management.

Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Diploma Level 5

Length: 36 weeks Hours per week: 15Start Date: the first Monday of every MonthLevel of English: Upper Intermediate. IELTS level 4.5 or above, or equivalent

ABE Details

Length: 40 weeksHours per week: 15Start Date: the first Monday of every MonthLevel of English: Upper Intermediate. IELTS level 5.0 or above, or equivalent

Length: 9 weeksHours per week: 15Start Date: please email [email protected] for more informationLevel of English: Upper Intermediate. IELTS level 4.5 or above, or equivalent

Individual Units Level 4

Diploma Level 5

Certificate Level 4


Individual Units Level 5

ABE Business Courses


Advanced Diploma Level 6


Postgraduate Diploma Level 7

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How can I enrol?Enrolment is easy. We have multi-lingual advisors who can help you. Please contact [email protected]. Alternatively, if you are using the services of an overseas agent, they will be happy to provide up-to-date information and advice. I am a beginner. Can I study at Avalon?Yes you can. We have many classes for beginners including speaking, grammar and vocabulary builder.

How many days in advance do I have to book my course?It is advisable to book at least 2 weeks in advance. However, we can enrol students within one day if necessary.

How long and how many hours a week must I study to get a student visa?You must be a full time student studying at least 15 hours a week to get a student visa.

I want to go to university in England. What exam do I need to take?If you want to study in an English speaking country you will need to take the IELTS exam. This is an academic skills course for students that are upper intermediate to advanced.

Can someone meet me at the airport/station when I arrive?We are able to arrange transfers from the airport if booked in advance.

Can Avalon arrange accommodation?Yes, Avalon can arrange homestay accommodation and airport transfers. Please contact [email protected]

What facilities does Avalon have?

What is the maximum number of students per class?Avalon Quantum English (speaking) classes have no more than 12 students per class.Skills classes have no more than 15 students per class.

Are the teachers fully qualified with a TEFL certificate? Yes, all teachers have a university degree and a TEFL certificate.

At what times are the classes? Until January 2010, classes start at 09.30 and finish at 20.20. Avalon School reserves the right to change class times at short notice.

Do courses run all year round?Some classes are offered according to availability and demand. Avalon Quantum English is available all year round.

How much is the registration fee? The registration fee is 50 pounds and includes the first Quantum book and CD.

Do I need to buy a course book?Students studying in exam preparation and skills classes, such as Grammar Express and Pre-IELTS will need to buy a book. Your teacher will give you details on the first day. For Quantum English speaking classes, the first book is included with the registration fee.

Are there tests during the course? Yes, there are regular tests for speaking and exam classes.

How long is each class?Most classes are fifty minutes. There is a 10-minute break between classes. For more detailed information about the current timetable, please contact the Director of Studies, [email protected].

What will happen on my first day at Avalon?You will have a short interview to check your level. Every Monday there is a welcome presentation for new students where we give useful information about studying and living in London. What social events can I attend?Avalon has a fantastic social programme. See our website for this month’s events. All Avalon students are welcome and there is something of interest for everyone.

Can Avalon help me to open a bank account?We have a friendly international team on reception who speak more than eight languages. They are able to help you with everything from opening a bank account to getting your monthly travel card for public transport.

Higher Education courses are not accredited by the British Council. Only General English courses are accredited by the British Council.

FOR FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS please visit www.avalonschool.co.uk and click the link on the home page.

ASKEDFREQUENTLY

QUESTIONS

Enrolments and Enquiries - [email protected]

Sales and Marketing - [email protected]

Internet facilities, café, free wi fi, roof terrace, chill zone (student lounge), library.

Avalon School of English

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