EC London English Language School

Have you seen the latest T-Mobile advert? The one with all the people dancing in Liverpool Street Station?  This was an example of a flash mob and there may be one today in Trafalgar Square at 6pm (according to a radio station this morning).

If you don’t have any other plans, why not turn up? It could be fun!

 

(This was a pillow fight flash mob in Boston)

 

A flash mob (n.count):

a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, then quickly disperse.

This week I began my project of improving our Self-Access Study Centre (a.k.a. The Study Room). I was amazed to see how many useful books, tapes and activities there are hiding there for both students and teachers.

It reminded me of a credit crunch tip I had heard on the radio the other day.

The DJ told the listeners about how she had spent her weekend cleaning out her loft. To her surprise she found a huge bag of summer clothes that she had worn before she got pregnant. Above her, hiding in her loft, was a brand new wardrobe of clothes that she loved but had simply been forgotten! And what’s more…she didn’t have to pay a penny! So her credit crunch tip was instead of spending money on new things, do a bit of cleaning and you will be surprised at the amount of things you can still use without opening your wallet.

So, that’s what I did! Although we are looking forward to getting some new books and CDs for our Self-Access Study Centre, there are lots of useful things hidden there and are sitting on the shelves waiting to be used. If you are not sure which resources are best for you then just come and ask me.

I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Amanda

Glossary

a.k.a = also known as

We use this when we want to show that two or more names may be given to something.

Credit crunch = The economic crisis the world is experiencing.

Tip = useful advise

loft = another word for attic

This is a room in your roof that is usually used for storage.

For Claude Jomini from Switzerland, coming back to study at EC London is an Easy Choice. Read the interview below to find out why he chooses EC London and his recommendations for making the most of your time in London.

• How many times have you studied at EC London?

At the moment I come back to EC School for the 14^th time. The first time was in 23^rd September 2002 when the school was called “The Cambridge School of English”, and in total there are 46 weeks or 230 days, it makes about 2 or 3 years.

• What makes you return?

Depends of the sense of the word return? When I go back home I’m sad to leave EC School, but my knowledge in English has increased! When I come back to EC School, I’m very happy to find “my family” again and to enrich my favourite language.

• What changes have you seen since you started coming here?

Firstly, the name of the school (see 1). In the beginning, after each stay, I wrote a letter to the Director of studies to give him/her my feeling about the school and to make my suggestions to improve the performance especially about the teaching level. No I have to admit that all has been put into effect. Congratulations and thanks very much!

• How would you describe the teaching approach at EC London?

The message or the image about teaching is to give to all the students from all countries the highest level in English, in the best conditions, according to each class and in an attractive and perfect school.

• What have been your favourite lessons?

My favourite lessons have been an intermediate class with the teaching team of John S and Mick in May and June 2007. All students have been gotten involved in this class. The atmosphere has been perfect because we have talked about all kinds of subjects without pressure, naturally and for the great pleasure of all. It has been really exceptional.

• What is your advice for the best way to learn a language?

Firstly, you must be motivated and have the will and the wish to learn English.

The motivations could be the job, a long trip abroad, the family or simply the pleasure (in my case!). Secondly, you must get up early, arrive on time at school and concentrate yourself all the time. Thirdly, listen, speak and read as much as possible. Fourthly, do conscientiously your homework and the exams in the workbook during, minimum, one or two hours per day.

• Do you have any advice for future students coming to EC London?

There are two cases. Firstly, you have absolutely no idea about English because you didn’t study English in your school in your country. You are automatically a beginner or a “survivor”. You have to stay a long time at EC School a minimum the year but at the end you have a good level to speak fluently English and to try to pass the first certificate. Secondly, you learned English in your country and you have an idea about grammar and vocabulary but no practice. In this case you can have one or more systematically your level in practice. The condition is to have a little bit of time but soon you’ll be like a fish in the water.

• What are your favourite London “hotspots”?

Culture: Tate Modern and the Design Museum.

Markets: Portobello Market and Brick Lane (Saturday and Sunday)

Auctions: Christies South Kensington

Walking and Architecture: Charing Cross, Embankment Pier, Thames paths on both sides.

British Empire and Navy: Greenwich and the British Museum (National Maritime Museum).

To Relax: Hyde Park and the Serpentine Gallery.

Royals: Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Dear future EC London student,

I intend to come back quickly as possible if my health will be ok. It depends on the availability of my wife who is my boss about that. If it could be in May and June, I hope minimum three weeks at school (my wife would like to stay all the time in London, but it’s not possible…unfortunately!).

Congratulations and thanks to all the (staff and teachers), for your dedication, your kindness and your professional competence. Go on doing your fascinating job following the present way and doing your best!

BRAVO ET MERCI MADAMES ET MESSIEURS!

p.s. I can strongly recommend your school of course.

Claude Jomini

I read a very interesting article today in The Times newspaper which  suggested that people from certain areas within the UK share certain personality characteristics. For example, Londoners were said to be more open and extrovert but less friendly than other parts of Britain, whereas people from the East Midlands were considered more friendly and conscientious. Up in Scotland, the study found Scots more agreable than Londoners but less open to new experiences.

This report contradicts the idea that globalisation and the Internet are reducing the differences between regions because people are more open to differences and with an Internet connection anyone could work anywhere in the world.

I think there may be some truth in the findings of this study. Certainly, I’ve noticed there are a lot of like-minded people where I live and work. However, is this  not just  another type of stereotyping, just regional rather than national?

Do you think there may be some truth in the findings of this study?

Do you think this could be applied to people from your own country?

Here’s a link the the article – have a read and let me know your comments!

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/the_way_we_live/article6122339.ece

IELTS FOCUS: Writing Part 1

In Part 1 of the Writing Paper, you are asked to summarise some visual information. In order to make your answer organised and easy to follow, you’ll need to use linking devices such as those highlighted in bold. These words act like signposts to the reader – if you don’t use them, your reader will get lost!

Although your teacher can help you to improve your English, to really get the best out of your lessons, you need to help yourself too.

But how?

Study skills. By developing an organised approach to your learning, you can really make a difference to how you learn and use English. Here are a few tips:

1. Keep a vocabulary book – only record vocabulary here, and organise the pages by topic (for example, food and drink, sport, phrasal verbs, etc.)

2. Buy an English-English dictionary – tick off the words you look up; 3 ticks = a word worth remembering

3. Buy a ring-binder folder – this will help to organise all the photocopies your teacher gives you

Ok, so I’ve got you started. Now it’s up to you.

For Academic Year students, there’s an extra bit of help for you – the new ‘My Language Portfolio’, which contains all sorts of advice for getting organised with your study. Just find Dan in the teacher’s room to get yours!

Dan.

You may have heard of our Multi-Destination Programme which enables EC students to spend 12 weeks in 2 or more of our EC schools, for example, 12 weeks in London and 12 weeks in Malta. It’s a great way to experience different English-speaking countries and different varieties of English, with the advantage of the familiarity of an EC school. But it’s not just our students who are Multi-destinational…our teachers sometimes work in different centres too. For example, here at EC London, we have a teacher who has taught at EC Cape Town, three who have taught at EC Malta and one who has taught at EC Brighton. Some of our non-teaching staff that work in Reception have also worked in other centres around the world.

So,  if you’d like to know more about life and study in another EC location, why not ask one of our Multi-destination teachers or staff? They’d love to tell you about the culture and the best places to visit!

Grammar spot:

Many students find it difficult to use the words in bold above.

What kind of words are they and why do we use them?

Q. What is IRS?

a. A government tax department?

b. A political organisation?

c. An opportunity to improve your English skills outside the classroom?

If you answered c., you are correct. IRS stands for ‘Independent Research Skills’, and is an ideal opportunity for AY30 students to develop their English language skills in an academic, work or social context.

All you need to do is go to the study room and pick up an IRS card, then carry out the task! A teacher will be on hand in the study room or computer room to help you. The table below tells you when you can try IRS…

WHICH CLASS ARE YOU IN?	TUE	WED
Beginner – Pre-intermediate morning classes	3:00-4:00	-
Beginner – Pre-intermediate afternoon classes	11:00-12:00	-
Intermediate – Advanced morning classes	-	3:00-4:00
Intermediate – Advanced afternoon classes	-	11:00-12:00

So now you can take control of your own studies!

Dan.

Hi, Dan here, your friendly Academic Year Coordinator…

So, what exactly is this Academic Year business? Well, it’s simple really.

If you’re a student at an EC school for 24 weeks or more, you’re officially an Academic Year student. 

Ok, but what does that mean? Good question. It means that you are able to take part in a number of actvities that are all designed to help you improve your English language skills. Here’s a quick overview:

AY20 OVERVIEW

Ø      20 lessons per week Ø      Regular tutorials with class teacher Ø      Regular assessment (homework/progress tests/level          tests) Ø      Academic support from AY coordinator (Dan) Ø      My Language Portfolio Ø      Possibility to sit internationally recognised exams Ø      Coursebooks and workbooks at each level Ø      Reading chart at each level Ø      EC Certificate of Merit (graded)

AY30 OVERVIEW

Ø      30 lessons per week Ø      Regular tutorials with class teacher Ø      Regular assessment (homework/progress tests/level          tests) Ø      Academic support from AY coordinator (Dan) Ø      My Language Portfolio Ø      Possibility to sit internationally recognised exams Ø      Coursebooks and workbooks at each level Ø      Reading chart at each level Ø      Choice of electives Ø      Reading Club Ø      Lecture (every month) Ø      Independent research skills Ø      EC Diploma (graded)

So, now you know! 

Happy Easter!

Dan.

Hi Guys, here’s another pub in Camden. It’s quite a unique place, and you can meet lots of very, very interesting people here. Check it out and let me know what you think:

The Devonshire Arms

33 Kentish Town Rd.

The Devonshire Arms is the perfect pub to meet Goth/Cyberpunk types of people. The sign on the door says ‘strict dress code only’ and they mean it – any colour you like so long as it’s black! Do not wear a suit in here unless it’s part of your ‘dark’ look. It’s a great place to meet up with your friends and get down to some serious drinking before heading off to The Electric Ballroom (next week’s post). I don’t think this is the type of place you would bring your mother to, unless you’re in the Addams family.

I found this pub years ago when my friend, Julio and I were wandering around Camden. It looked like an interesting place. In fact, it looked so interesting that when we were refused entry, we returned home, changed into dark clothes and came back. To be honest, it was one of the best ‘spontaneous’ nights of my life.

Julio and I were introduced to a red-coloured beer that night. I don’t remember the name of it, or how it’s made, and I’m too scared to ask for it again. If you ever have to chance to visit the place, just ask the barman for it and let me know.

If you are attending a Cambridge exam prep course for the June session and would like to buy a workbook for further practice, pop into Reception and pick up a map for our local bookshop.

For further exam practice, visit www.flo-joe.co.uk.

Do you know any other useful sites for preparing for the FCE, CAE or CPE?