School of languages

Welcome to the School of Languages. Please press on subject to gain access to course information. Details of English courses are listed below French and Spanish.

FRENCH

Course Information: English Studies

It is said that 80 per cent of the World communicate in English. However, many of us for whatever the reason, may need to acquire both written and verbal skills in English; usually because of employment, holidays to the UK, or simply out of interest. Mastering English requires time. It is not just a simple exercise.

We at Central Birmingham College understand all of the above and take the view that to be taught English requires time and patience. We also acknowledge that a students whose first language is not english, requires support, help and encouragement. Our workshop programmes are specifically designed with this in mind and to this end has proved invaluable. These workshops enable the lecturer to determine and assess your strengths and weaknesses and then to develop your knowledge and understanding of English Grammar.

WORKSHOP 1

Level 1 (12-24 weeks duration)

This workshop is usually for the beginner with little or no knowledge of English. In many cases the student can perhaps exhibit or have knowledge of a few phrases etc.

Course Plan: To equip the students with the very basic of simple everyday language both written and spoken English.

Course Structure: Social development; cultural and linguistic interaction; listening, speaking, writing, video & films etc.

Course Outcome: Student will have been taught simple daily expressions. This may mean the development of basic communication as in saying 'hello' and 'good morning', both in oral and written communication etc. This will help, understandably, to increase the student's oral and written presentation on the basis of social communication.

WORKSHOP 2

Level 2: 12, 24 & 36 Weeks

This workshop is for the student who has an average understanding of English and whose usage and understanding is not altogether clear. The emphasis of this course is upon written and oral grammar. Most of the students attending this workshop have average knowledge and could demonstrate an average degree of both oral and written English. However, many of the students tend to misuse words and in some cases have difficulty in grammar, e.g. punctuation, syntax etc. Some also have problems in structuring sentences etc.

Course Plan: The course is principally aimed at improving the students general standard of English whether in a work, study or social setting. The Programme is unique in that we undertake to put our students through tasks many Colleges would not undertake. The workshop may indulge in current affairs matters, whether legal or social and require the student to undertake research and present his or her findings to the class. Further, a strict programme of grammar is undertaken to develop the students existing skills in which the emphasis is on aspects of language structure, syntax (grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation etc).

Course Structure: The course is aimed at generally building the students effective use of English grammar. Further it enables the student to develop confidence in his or her own powers of communication whether oral or written. Moreover, the student is encouraged to develop additional skills as in writing, reading, listening and oral skills. On the whole, the course is aimed at students who main aim is to attend a course of higher education, e.g. a University Degree Programme or for those whose employment takes them to English speaking countries. In short the course is a must for those seeking further career development whether at work or on a further study basis.

Course Outcome: Upon completion of this course. The student is expected to undertake the ESOL, IELTS, TOEFL, or GCSE exam in English Language, for the purposes of further and higher educational studies.

Test of English as a Foreign Language ESOL/ TOEFL/ IELTS

We run a number of intensive course of (4/6/8/12 weeks duration) in order to prepare you for ESOL/ IELTS/TOEFL exam. The fee varies according to the length of the course.

The TOEFL is an exam based system whereby foreign students wishing to study in the USA/UK are tested. There are other such exam systems, but TOEFL is the most widely recognized. TOEFL is graded on a points scheme, and the entrance requirement for each university varies. Recognized Universities usually require among other things 550 (or higher) points before allowing admission to a course.

It is possible to take the TOEFL test either on paper or using a computer. In essence, both forms of exam test a student's use and understanding of the English language.Similarly, students can undertake the ESOL/ IELTS Examination. For further information, please contact the Admissions Department.

ESOL/BRITISH CITIZENSHIP PROGRAMME (Community Based)

Central Birmingham College is pleased to announce the starting of the 'General English Course' aimed at Communities whose first language is not English. The Course duration is ran over an academic year and is aimed at those wanting to undertake ESOL, the test for BRITISH CITIZENSHIP, or to Generally improve there English. Timetables are flexible, which means attendance is down to as little as 10 hours weekly.

Classes are small which means greater student support. Why not come along to our Community based ESOL/ Test for British Citizenship Programme held at Central Library, West Bromwich. All welcomed.

Central Library

High Street

West Bromwich

B70 BDZ

Tel: 0121 569 4911

• A number of public car parks are within walking distance.
• The library has a wheelchair entrance at the rear of the building.
• A hearing loop is available at the library counter.

Every Thursday: 10.00am - 16.00pm

For more details for ESOL and Numeracy and the Test for British Citizenship courses, please return to the College index page and 'Click' on ESOL and the Citizenship programmes for more information.

English for Overseas Business Personnel

Why not enrol on our short intensive course to develop your English vocabulary for the purposes of Business. Contact the College for further details.

We run a number of English Language courses. If you do not see the course you wish to undertake listed on this page please contact us to discuss the same further.

All courses on offer have flexible start dates commencing in: September, January, March and June of each year. Please contact College Admissions for further details.

COURSE START DATE(S) FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE PROGRAMMES:

8th September 2008

Enrolment Commences: 1st August - 5th September 2008

Admissions Department