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More information?
If you would like more information about Brasshouse English courses and Homestay accommodation,
please contact us by phone, fax or email.
Telephone: 0121 303 0114 Fax: 0121 464 5375
Email: [email protected]
We will be happy to answer your questions and advise you on the best options for you.
Brasshouse Language Centre, 50 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AJ, England.
Website: http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/brasshouse-english
For further information about Birmingham, please visit www.visitbirmingham.com
New Street
Rail Station
English Course Guide
Selfridges
Bullring
Brindleyplace
Brindleyplace
Mailbox
Birmingham, UK
In partnership with
Rotunda
Canal Side
What students say about Brasshouse Language Centre
“I would recommend
Brasshouse because
here, you will find your
international family.”
Vesela from Bulgaria
“It’s a school with so much
life! You can improve your
English while you have a
great time!”
Baldo from Spain
94% of students said that
“Our teachers are really
friendly, more professional than
anywhere else and so patient!”
Marina from Latvia
the Brasshouse English
course met their needs.
98% of students said
“If you choose Brasshouse,
you will have no regrets!
Come on!”
Minwoo from South Korea
that they were happy with
the quality of teaching at
Brasshouse.
“After only 3 months at
Brasshouse and with
the help of a superlative
teacher, I have had the
opportunity to improve my
English skills a lot.”
Farbrizio from Italy
Page one
(Source: Autumn term 2012 End of course survey)
“The teachers are full of energy!”
Maryam from Iran
“I found it very useful . The
teachers are very friendly
and helpful! I really enjoyed
my time here!”
Aziza from Saudi Arabia
St Phillip's
Come to Birmingham!
Birmingham is a modern, vibrant city in the heart of
the UK.
It is the ideal location to learn English giving you
the chance to live and study in a truly multicultural
environment with a wide range of leisure facilities.
Birmingham is the second biggest city in the UK
and while it offers services, amenities and cultural
opportunities equal to any large European city,
you will find living expenses much cheaper than
in London. There is a wide variety of museums,
theatres and music venues as well as thriving
nightlife, world-class sports events and facilities and
excellent shopping facilities.
Birmingham has unrivalled transport links with the
rest of the UK. London is 90 minutes away by
train and major tourist destinations like Stratfordupon-Avon (the birthplace of William Shakespeare)
and Warwick Castle are less that 1 hour away.
Birmingham International Airport with flights to
destinations all over Europe is a ten-minute train
journey from the city centre.
Study at Brasshouse Language
Centre!
Brasshouse Language Centre is the largest Adult
Education Centre in the UK specialising in language
courses and language services. It is situated in
the city centre in the Brindleyplace leisure and
business area. The staff and students from all
over the world bring a wealth of knowledge and
experience to the centre and create a dynamic,
truly international atmosphere. Brasshouse is an
authorised Cambridge Examinations centre offering
examinations for KET (Key English Test), PET
(Preliminary English Test), FCE (First Certificate in
English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English).
Our English classes cover a wide range of language
skills and will help you to use English more confidently
and effectively. Our highly qualified and experienced
teachers and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere
in class guarantee that you learn and have fun at
the same time. We have classes at all levels from
Beginners (CEFR A1) to Proficiency (CEFR C2). You
can study General English or prepare for international
exams like PET (Preliminary English Test), FCE (First
Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced
English) and IELTS (International English Language
Testing System).
Page two
Full-time Courses
21 hours a week
General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced)
Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)
Monday to Friday 09.30 -13.00
PLUS 2 OF THE FOLLOWING
Monday &
Wednesday
13.45 -15.15
OR
Listening &
Speaking
Tuesday &
Thursday
13.45 -15.15
OR
Reading &
Writing
Monday &
Wednesday
13.45 -15.15
OR
Tuesday &
Thursday
13.45 -15.15
OR
Wednesday
13.45 -17.00
IELTS**
Grammar
Skills
English for
Job Hunting
Students on our full-time 21 hour a week programme study General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate,
Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced), Academic English (for the IELTS exam**) or prepare for
Cambridge English Language Assessment exams at First Certificate or CAE levels in the mornings from 09.30
to 13.00. See More Information about Morning Classes on page 4.
In the afternoon, students can choose two of the following classes: Listening and Speaking, Reading and
Writing, English for Job Hunting, Grammar Skills or IELTS preparation**.
18 hours a week
General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced)
Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)
Monday to Friday 09.30 -13.00
PLUS 1 OF THE FOLLOWING
Monday &
Wednesday
13.45 -15.15
Listening &
Speaking
OR
Tuesday &
Thursday
13.45 -15.15
Reading &
Writing
OR
Monday &
Wednesday
13.45 -15.15
OR
English for
Job Hunting
Students on our full-time 18 hour a week programme
study General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate,
Intermediate, Upper Intermediate), Academic English
(for the IELTS exam**) or prepare for Cambridge
English Language Assessment exams at First
Certificate or Advanced levels in the mornings from
09.30 to 13.00. See More Information about Morning
Classes on page 4.
In the afternoon, students can choose one of the
following classes: Listening and Speaking, Reading
and Writing, English for Job Hunting, Grammar
Skills or IELTS preparation**.
* You can only join an exam preparation class if you
have the appropriate level of English.
**IELTS is only available to students at Upper
Intermediate level or above.
Page three
Bullring
Tuesday &
Thursday
13.45 -15.15
Grammar
Skills
OR
Wednesday
13.45 -17.00
IELTS**
Full-time Courses
The Ikon Gallery
15 hours a week
General English (Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced)
Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)
Monday to Friday 09.30 -13.00
Students on our full-time 15 hour a week programme study General English (Beginners, Elementary, Preintermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate), Academic English (for the IELTS exam**) or prepare for
Cambridge English Language Assessment exams at First Certificate or Advanced levels in the mornings from
09.30 to 13.00. See More Information about Morning Classes below.
*You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.
**IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.
More Information about Morning Classes
General English
In Brasshouse morning classes you will improve your everyday English and learn the language that you need
for the world of work and further education. Your experienced and highly qualified teacher(s) will evaluate
and address your individual needs and help you to identify and achieve your learning goals. You will develop
your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in fun and engaging activities as well as developing your
knowledge of English grammar and increasing your vocabulary. Participating in group and pair work will help
you to develop your fluency, improve your pronunciation and to use English more confidently.
In your morning class, you will follow a course book which you have to buy at the start of the course.
At the end of each term, your teachers will assess your progress and decide if you can move to the next level.
Most students need at least 2 terms on a full-time course before they can move up to the next level.
Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate, CAE & IELTS)
Our full-time morning Exam Preparation courses allow you to improve your speaking, listening, reading and
writing skills while focusing on the language necessary for you to pass the exam. You will learn about the format
of each part of the exam and carry out extensive practice of each section. Our Exam Preparation tutors have
considerable experience of teaching at these levels and will guide you through your studies, assessing and
advising you along the way. You will expand your grammatical skills, extend your range of vocabulary and take
part in lively and motivating activities while developing the techniques that will help you to be successful in the
exam.
In your morning class, you will follow a course book which you have to buy at the start of the course.
Page four
Part-time Courses
3 or 6 hours a week - Skills Classes
Speaking & Listening
(Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate & Advanced)
Monday & Wednesday 13.45 - 15.15
Reading & Writing
Tuesday & Thursday 13.45 - 15.15
(Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate & Advanced)
Students at Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced level can choose
to study Speaking and Listening on Mondays and Wednesdays from 13.45 to 15.15 and/or Reading and
Writing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13.45 to 15.15.
3 hours a week - Afternoon Classes
English for Job Hunting
(suitable for students at Intermediate level)
Monday and Wednesday afternoons 13.45-15.15
The course will cover all the main areas and skills you will need for the whole process of job hunting, everything
from reading adverts to applying for jobs, the interview process and even negotiating your salary when you
have been offered the job! It will also give you the confidence to find the job you deserve.
We will cover all four skills including
Reading recruitment websites and researching specific posts.
Writing cover letters and CVs after analysing authentic examples.
Listening to advice from experts and assessing sample interviews, also work on active listening.
Speaking: Role plays to practise interview skills, negotiating and networking, etc.
This course is suitable for any students at Intermediate level or above who would like to learn and practise the
language needed when you are looking for a job.
Grammar Skills
(suitable for students at Pre-intermediate and Intermediate levels)
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 13.45-15.15
English grammar is fun! In this class you will learn and practise grammar by playing games and taking part in
a variety of pair and group activities. The lively sessions will help you to develop your speaking and listening
skills and to communicate more clearly and effectively. At the end of the course, you will have a much better
understanding of how the most useful parts of English grammar work!
The course is suitable for students at Pre-intermediate and Intermediate level.
IELTS**
Wednesday 13.45 - 17.00
Students on our Wednesday afternoon 3 hour programme can prepare for the IELTS** exam.
** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.
Page five
Part-time Courses
2 hours a week
Natural Everyday English
(suitable for students at Intermediate level and above)
Tuesday 14.00 - 16.00
Do you ever wonder why the language you speak in class sometimes sounds different from the language you
hear outside the classroom? Do you wish you could sound more like a native speaker? Do you want to feel
more comfortable in English conversations?
This course will help you to
• understand what sounds ‘natural’ to a native speaker.
• sound more natural yourself. • practise different kinds of everyday dialogues. • improve your pronunciation.
• become more confident when speaking in English.
3 hours a week - Morning Classes
General English
(Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced)
Friday 09.30 - 13.00
Exam Preparation
(First Certificate)
Friday 09.30 - 13.00
Students on our Friday 3 hour programme can study General English at Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and
Advanced level or prepare for the Cambridge English Language Assessment First Certificate exam.
3 hours a week - Evening Classes
Exam Preparation
(First Certificate, CAE or Proficiency)
Monday 17.45 - 21.00
General English
(Pre-intermediate, Intermediate & Upper Intermediate)
Tuesday 17.45 - 21.00
General English
(Elementary)
Exam Preparation
(First Certificate, CAE or IELTS**)
Thursday 17.45 - 21.00
Students on our evening courses can study General English at Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate
or Upper Intermediate level. We also have exam preparation courses for Cambridge English Language
Assessment First Certificate, CAE, Proficiency or IELTS** exams.
** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.
Page six
English Summer Programme
On our English Summer Programme, you can spend
one or two months improving your English and
making friends from all over the world. As well as 21
hours of classes per week, you can enjoy our varied
social programme.
Summer Programme Classes
Classes on the Summer Programme cover a wide
range of English language skills and will help you
to use English more confidently and effectively. Our
experienced teachers and the relaxed and friendly
atmosphere in class guarantee that you learn and
have fun at the same time.
Morning Classes
In the mornings, you will study General English or
prepare for the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE)
exam or for the IELTS exam. Morning classes
start at 09.30 and finish at 13.00 from Monday
to Friday.
Social Programme
You can also take part in the wide range of activities
and excursions on our Social Programme. This
includes weekly day trips to places of interest like
London, Oxford and Bath. We also organise trips to
museums and historical houses in Birmingham and
evenings out at local pubs and theatres.
Afternoon Classes
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (14.00 to
16.00), you will attend one of a range of afternoon
classes. You will choose your afternoon class at the
start of the course. The classes include Speaking
& Listening, Reading & Writing, Natural Everyday
English, Art & Culture, Grammar Skills and Magazine
Production.
On the Brasshouse Summer Programme, you will
enjoy learning English, make friends and get a taste
of living and studying in the UK. Outside the classes,
you will use your English skills in everyday life,
through film and television, newspapers and books,
shopping and entertainment.
General English
(Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate & Advanced)
Academic English
(IELTS**)
Exam Preparation
(First Certificate)
Monday to Friday 09.30 - 13.00
PLUS
A choice of afternoon classes
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 14.00 - 16.00
** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level and above.
Students must be over 18 years old to attend the English Summer Programme.
Brindleyplace
Aston Hall
Refund Policy
Once fees have been paid for any Brasshouse English course, your money will ONLY be refunded if you
can give us a medical certificate or an official Visa Refusal letter.
Page seven
General Information
Studying
The Custard Factory
Open Learning
Social Programme
What is Open Learning?
Our Social Programme will help you to enjoy your free
time and make friends. There are regular day trips to
places of interest like London, Oxford, Cambridge,
Oxford, Bath and Cardiff. The cost of each day trip is
between £15 and £30.
It is our Language Library and Study Centre.
What can I do there?
• Use dictionaries, grammar, vocabulary and
course books.
• Have access to exam practice materials.
• Practise listening, reading, writing and
pronunciation.
• Use computers and surf the Internet.
• Borrow films, books and CDs.
• Organise your studies.
• Find out about useful websites.
Who can help me?
• English tutors are available to give you advice
and support. You can book an appointment to
talk to them.
• Other Open Learning staff can also help you to
find the resources that you need.
How can I join?
• Fill in an application form in the Open Learning
centre.
• Pay the Open Learning fee (£10.00 per term) at
the Fees desk in reception.
• For the English Summer Programme, the fee is
£2.50 per month.
We also organise evening activities including bowling
and ice skating, afternoon trips to museums and
historical houses in Birmingham and evenings out
at local pubs. This type of activity and trip costs
between £5 and £15.
At Brasshouse, you can watch and discuss movies
at our Film Club and practise your spoken English
outside class at our regular Conversation Club
meetings. We also organise Quiz afternoons and
have End of Course parties at the end of each term.
These events at Brasshouse are free of charge.
Student Counsellor
Free counselling support is available for all students
who experience any type of difficulty in their personal
life.
Our counsellor is there to
• listen to students without criticizing
• talk through problems sympathetically
• access external support wherever necessary.
You can make an appointment to see the Student
Counsellor at Information Desk.
Page eight
General Information
Classes at Brasshouse
Cambridge English Exams
The average number of students per class is 16 and
the maximum is 20.
Brasshouse is an authorised Cambridge English
Language Assessment exams centre. The following
exams are held at regular intervals during the year:
KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test),
FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate
in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of
Proficiency in English). Exam fees range from £50 to
£130 according to the exam.
The minimum class size is 8. If the number falls
below this, we may need to close your class and offer
you an alternative.
Term Dates
September to June
From September to June, Brasshouse courses
are divided into terms. The Autumn term is from
September to December, the Spring term is from
January to April and the Summer term from April to
June. Between the Autumn and Spring terms, there
is a break which covers the Christmas and New Year
period. Between the Spring and Summer terms there
is a break of approximately two weeks. In line with
other UK educational establishments there are also
week-long breaks in the middle of each term (these
are called half term).
The first Monday in May is a national holiday in the
UK. There are no classes on this day.
July and August
In July and August, there are two courses of 4 weeks
each. There is a week long break at the end of
August.
For more information about prices and exam dates,
please see http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/
brasshouse-english/cambridge-examinations/ or go
to our Information Desk.
IELTS Exam
The IELTS exam can be taken at Aston
University. For more information, please visit
http://www1.aston.ac.uk/ielts/
Council Tax
Council tax is a local tax payable to the British
Government. Students are currently required to pay
Council Tax unless they study full-time for more than
6 months. For more information about this, contact
our Information Desk.
Adults Only
Please see the attached Course Calendar for the
exact term and holiday dates for this year.
Brasshouse is an ADULT Education Centre and we
cannot accept students under the age of 18.
Course Books
Comments, Compliments and
Complaints
Most classes follow a set course book. You will be
required to buy the book at the start of the course.
Books cost between £20 and £35.
Speak to your teacher before buying the course book
and make sure that you buy the right one.
We cannot exchange books or refund any money
paid for books.
Certificates
At the end of each course, you will receive a
certificate of attendance.
You are required to attend AT LEAST 80% of classes
to obtain the certificate.
Page nine
We welcome feedback from learners before,
during and after your course. For any comments,
compliments or complaints, please contact
Pauline Desch, Head of English
Tel: 0121 303 2523
Email: [email protected]
Paul Henderson, Deputy Head of English
Tel: 0121 303 1649
Email: [email protected]
If you prefer, there is a more formal procedure for
complaints. To make a formal complaint, please
collect the leaflet 'Your views are good news' from
Information Desk.
Homestay Accommodation
Your accommodation is one of the most important
aspects of your stay in the UK. Homestay
accommodation combines quality, friendliness and
value for money. It is suitable for those who want
a lot of contact with their Homestay provider and
those who prefer to be independent. Homestay
accommodation provides you with a first-hand
experience of English life and is also the place
where you can learn the most English outside the
classroom.
All Homestay accommodation is carefully selected
and most hosts have worked with Brasshouse for
many years. The Accommodation Officer works
closely with our Homestay providers to arrange
appropriate placements and to ensure that they meet
the quality and safety guidelines set by English UK
and the British Council.
Not all Homestay accommodation consists of 2
parents with children. We have many experienced
and friendly Homestay providers who have different
living arrangements – some are couples with no
children, some are single parents with children and
some are single adults. Our Homestay providers are
accustomed to having visitors stay in their home.
“When I needed help, the
family was always ready to
help me.
Marzia from Italy
“Home from home.”
Mohamed from Saudi Arabia
“It was a positive
experience because I came
to study English and when
you live with an English
family it helps you to
improve your English.”
Pavel from Russia
They will want to make sure that you are happy and
comfortable in their home.
All Homestay providers live within a travelling distance
of approximately 60 minutes from Brasshouse.
We offer 4 types of Homestay Accommodation
• Room Only
• Half-board (breakfast and evening meal)
• Mixed (Monday to Friday: breakfast and evening and Saturday and Sunday: breakfast, lunch and
evening meal)
• Full-board (breakfast, lunch and evening meal)
All accommodation includes transport from
Birmingham International Airport, Digbeth Coach
Station or New Street Station.
To book Homestay accommodation, please complete
the Homestay Application Form with as many details
as possible. This will help us to find you suitable
accommodation and ensure that you are happy
during your stay.
Accommodation cannot be arranged without
payment. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
“They are like my family and I
don’t feel lonely I would like to
recommend this homestay to
other students.”
Ga Yeon from South Korea
What students
say about
Homestay
Accommodation
“They made me feel part of
the family and introduced
me to their friends.”
Fatimata from France
“It is one of the most positive
experiences that I have had.
The family is great and they
are always helping me.”
Victor from Spain
“I absolutely love my host family!”
Marina, Ukraine
Page ten