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| English in Chester 9-11 Stanley Place Chester CH1 2LU |
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| Tel: | +44 (0)1244 318913 |
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| Fax: | +44 (0)1244 320091 |
| send a message » |
Frequently Asked Questions
The School
Is English in Chester a good school?
Our school was established in 1976 and since then we have had 10,000 happy students. We are accredited by the British Council and are a member of English UK and English in the North/English UK North. We are also members of IALC (The International Association of Language Centres).
Why do students come to English in Chester?
Many come because they have heard about us from a friend. Others come because of our courses, Chester itself and its location.
When does school begin and end?
On most courses lessons start at 9.30am and finish at 3.45pm with a break at 11.00-11.30am and lunch from 1.00-2.15pm.
How many people will there be in my class?
On the General English Courses for adults there is a maximum of 12 students per class. On the courses for business and professional people there is a maximum of 6.
Who will be in my class?
The nationality mix varies from course to course and season to season. We have had students from 89 different countries. Student ages vary with the course type. On our General English courses the average age is 22 but the age range is from 17 to occasionally 60. Over the year we have an equal number of male and female students.
What can I expect on my first day?
You will have an introductory talk with the Academic Principal and the Course Director, you will then do placement tests in writing and listening and be interviewed so we can assess your level in English and put you in the right class. You will have an orientation of the school and Chester city centre with one of the teachers. You will have time for lunch and to get to know some of the other new students. After lunch you will have a student welfare session and a study skills lesson. You will also choose your afternoon options with a teacher who will advise you. There will be a lot of information on the first day but don't worry if you can't remember all of it as there are many people to help you throughout your stay with us.
Are the teachers qualified?
All of our teachers are graduates with a teaching qualification and experience in teaching English as a foreign language in the UK and overseas.
How many levels are there?
We teach all levels from elementary to advanced. We only accept beginners on one to one courses.
What are the lessons like?
The first lesson is a grammar and language development lesson usually based on a course book. The second lesson is a skills lesson which focuses on the four skill areas of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. After lunch there are options. This gives you the opportunity to work on things you have difficulty with or subjects that you enjoy.
What options are there?
You will be given a full list of options available on your first day but they include subjects like; Pronunciation, Conversation Skills, British Life and Business English.
What facilities are there in the school?
In the General English School, which is English in Chester's main administration centre, there are 12 classrooms which can accommodate 120 students. There is also a language laboratory, computer room, self access centre, common room, coffee room and patio-garden. In the Language Training Centre there are 6 classrooms and a maximum of 30 students. The centre has its own lounge with coffee area, language laboratory and computer room.
Is there free Internet access?
Yes there is. There is also free WiFi Internet access throughout both buildings.
What is in the self access centre?
We have many resources available for you to use such as a video library, extra grammar and vocabulary worksheets, listening material, and reading books to suit your level of English.
Do I have to buy course books?
We provide you with a course book for the duration of your stay free of charge.
Do I have to bring any books with me?
We recommend that you have a dictionary (preferably English-English).
Can I get a student card?
Yes, you can have an English in Chester student card. You will need a passport size photograph. This card is useful to use as ID, it has your host family phone number and the emergency number on it and you can use it in places which offer student discount, for example in some museums.
How many students are there in the school?
Our student numbers vary with the season. General English Courses: between 40 students (in January) and 120 students (in the summer). Language Training Centre: between 5 and 25 executives. 50+ courses: between 10 and 30 students. Vacation Courses for Teenagers: between 20 and 80 students.
Is there any homework?
Giving homework is at the discretion of the teacher. Usually you will have a little every day, which can be some grammar or vocabulary exercises, a short piece of writing or an interview with your host family.
How long will it take me to improve?
This is a difficult question. Students progress at different rates depending on their motivation, the amount of work done and their ability to learn a language.
