Hilderstone College. English Studies Centre. Quality courses for students and teachers of English

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1 Hilderstone College English Studies Centre Quality courses for students and teachers of English Private Further Education Hilderstone College Certification N Educational Oversight 2012 educationaloversight.co.uk/193 Hilderstone College Broadstairs Kent CT10 2JW England Tel: Fax: Web: info@hilderstone.ac.uk

2 Welcome to Hilderstone College High quality English language courses for adults and professional development courses for teachers Hilderstone College Hilderstone College is a non-profit language centre specialising in English language teaching and teacher training. Since 1970, Hilderstone has established an outstanding reputation for running top-quality courses for adult students and teachers from all over the world. We work closely with universities, companies and government agencies in the UK and worldwide. Hilderstone College is considered one of the best English language schools in Britain. Educational Agency, Brazil Quality We aim to provide you with the highest quality in all aspects of your course in the classroom, with your host family, in the College itself, and outside the College during social activities. We have a rigorous system of quality assurance, and we do everything we can to ensure that you enjoy and benefit from your time at the College. Hilderstone College is accredited by the British Council and the Independent Schools Inspectorate, and is a member of EnglishUK. We really look forward to welcoming you to Hilderstone College and helping you achieve your goals. Jon Burton, Principal

3 Welcome to Broadstairs A charming seaside town on the south-east coast of England A great place to stay Hilderstone College is located in the centre of Broadstairs, a beautiful seaside town with wonderful golden sandy beaches, on the south-east coast of England. It is attractive and friendly with excellent residential areas close to the College. There is a great choice of small shops, restaurants, coffee bars and pubs in the town centre and on the seafront, where you can sit and talk with your friends. Not far from the College is the modern Westwood Cross shopping centre, and there are cinemas, discos, swimming pools, bowling alleys and sports centres in the area. The old part of Broadstairs still retains its beauty as a picturesque fishing village. During the 19 th century Broadstairs became a popular resort for members of the royal family and many famous artists and writers. Charles Dickens wrote some of his novels here and called it his beloved Broadstairs. The town continues to be a popular destination for breaks and holidays, as well as to enjoy the many annual festivals and events which fill up its busy calendar. Easy to reach Travelling to Broadstairs is easy. It is just one hour and twenty minutes from London by direct train, and is also close to the ports of Ramsgate and Dover, as well as the international stations of Ashford and Ebbsfleet. Travelling from a London airport: Gatwick, Stansted, City or Heathrow, is simple. Either take a train straight into London and catch the direct train to Broadstairs, or we can arrange for a taxi to collect you at your airport and take you straight to your accommodation. Broadstairs is a lovely town and the people are very friendly. I liked walking on the seaside and also the shopping centre. I hope I can return again next year. Francesca, Italy

4 The Hilderstone experience High quality courses in a friendly and stimulating environment As a student on one of our courses you will: Improve your English fast and effectively We have a large, permanent team of highly qualified and experienced English teachers. They ensure that your lessons are relevant and interesting, and monitor your progress carefully. Our classes are small and we ensure that attention is given to every individual. Gain wide experience of the language At Hilderstone we offer you a complete learning experience, where your course is designed to help you use your English as widely as possible. Our carefully chosen families, the social activities and excursions and even the opportunity to join an evening Adult Education class with British people will all help you to improve your English. Enjoy your learning We believe that the happier you are, the more you will learn. Every member of our staff will do everything possible to ensure that you are happy with all aspects of your course - in your class, in the College, in your free time and with your host family. Everything was super-perfect. I enjoyed every moment of my stay and met such wonderful people. I could improve my English very much. It was a mixture of everything I needed. I m sure I ll come back. Beáta, Hungary Meet people from Britain and all over the world Hilderstone is a busy, lively place, full of activity at all times of the day. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. We are a cultural centre for the town of Broadstairs and you will have every opportunity to make contact with local people and with students from all over the world. Hilderstone is an international community where you can gain real experience of English language and life - one that you will remember long after you return to your country.

5 Learning and teaching Fast, effective learning and high-quality teaching to make the most of your stay Learning At Hilderstone College, we aim to create an integrated learning environment to give you a complete experience of English. Different people learn in different ways, so our teachers use a stimulating variety of methods, materials and technology to ensure that your lessons are interesting and that you progress as quickly as possible. All our courses (except One-to-One) offer a minimum of 25 full hours study per week, including 21hours of classes and at least 4 hours supervised self-access study and/or examination practice. Courses can be from two weeks to a whole year. They all offer the Hilderstone experience: excellent teaching, an intensive programme, a lively social programme, and the chance to use your English and make friends with people from England and from all over the world. Our classes are small (average 9 students, maximum 12) and there are classes at all levels from elementary to advanced. Adult students of all ages are welcome. Our minimum age is 17 (16 for closed groups). Below is a typical timetable for one week of a course at Hilderstone College. Your own timetable may be a little different, but will certainly be as full and interesting as this. Thank you for everything, especially my tutors who helped me to improve my English. It s my pleasure to be a College student, I will highly recommend it to all my friends. Mansoor, United Arab Emirates Teaching Staff Hilderstone College has a large permanent staff of fully-qualified and experienced teachers who do most of the teaching at the College. All of these teachers are graduates and have specialist postgraduate teaching qualifications. They are also highly experienced as teachers and teacher trainers. Most have taught English in other countries as well as in the UK. Evidence of excellence In questionnaires completed by all students at the College for the last 5 years, over 95% said the teaching they received, and the College in general, were good or very good. Teaching methods Our teachers use a wide range of up-to-date materials and technology, and are constantly involved in the production of new ideas and teaching materials based on English as it is used today. We also believe that if you want to learn English fast and effectively, then you need to enjoy your learning. Variety is part of this process variety of teaching styles, variety of materials and variety of activity. Our teachers are friendly and accessible, and are always happy to help and advise or just have a chat! A typical week at Hilderstone College Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday break Morning classes: language development Lunch in College break Sport or supervised self-study Afternoon classes: language practice Self-study or half-day trip to Canterbury Full day excursion to London Family day Supervised study in Multimedia Learning Centre Dinner with host family Evenings Welcome evening or quiz Folk dancing Talk on an aspect of British culture Multimedia Learning Centre International Evening

6 Intensive English Course People who choose this course are learning for work, for study, for travel or for pleasure Our Intensive English Course is designed to improve your overall level of English, whether you are learning for your job, for travel, for your studies, or for pleasure. We offer classes at all levels from elementary to advanced, and we make every effort to ensure a good mix of nationalities. Excellent teaching, clear course objectives, a wide range of resources and facilities, and a caring, experienced teaching team all help to ensure you make maximum progress. A short Intensive English Course, for a minimum of 2 weeks, can give your English a real boost, whilst a longer stay can see your ability in English increase to a much higher level to help you achieve your professional, academic or personal goals. Morning classes In the morning classes you will develop your use and understanding of English. Grammar and vocabulary are presented in meaningful and enjoyable ways, and the teaching programme is designed to improve all four language skills: Speaking e.g. intensive fluency practice, pronunciation, intonation, idiomatic and formal English for everyday use, on the telephone and at work. Listening e.g. understanding native speakers in a wide range of situations, socially, in the media and in business. Reading e.g. understanding the English found in newspapers, general and technical texts, magazines and on the internet. Writing e.g. production of letters, s, reports, creative and academic texts. Afternoons Afternoon classes provide you with an opportunity to further develop and use your English as widely as possible. On two afternoons you will work on aspects such as: vocabulary building, pronunciation, writing skills and communication activities. Another afternoon is taken up by our Special Interest Options. This provides the opportunity to focus on an area of interest to you. There are a range of options such as: English for Business, On the Move (a chance to see the local area and meet local people), Pottery, Stories and Songs and Multimedia Learning Centre. The final two afternoons consist of activity options: guided self-study in our Multimedia Learning Centre, examination practice or sports. Monitoring your progress On your first morning at Hilderstone we will check your level of English in order to place you in the right class. Regular homework and testing help you to see your progress, as well as tutorials for longer stay students. At the end of your stay you will receive a Hilderstone College report and certificate confirming your final level and the progress you have made. I ve learned more in 4 weeks in England than in 5 years in my country concerning grammar, speaking and listening. Wolfgang, Germany

7 Summer Intensive English Course Improve your English intensively as well as enjoying an active and interesting summer holiday Our Summer Intensive English Course is designed to improve your overall level of English, whilst also making the most of summer in a lovely seaside town with our active and interesting social programme. The Summer Course is a wonderful experience. I found it especially good to meet new people The intensive academic programme is designed to from other countries. develop your proficiency in English, with a focus Valter, Slovenia on the grammar, vocabulary and communication skills required by adult learners. Language is presented and practised through a variety of methods and using a range of resources and technology to make the learning experience interesting and effective. On our social programme you will be able to play sports such as football, volleyball and tennis, as well as enjoying a full programme of evening events including: quizzes, talks and presentations, dancing, films, barbecues and our traditional international show. Our students also enjoy other activities the town has to offer: coastal walks, surf lessons, boat trips, golf or just relaxing on the beach. active and interesting summer holiday Summer Intensive Course dates (see our website) In addition, there are events happening in the town throughout the summer including: Broadstairs Dickens Festival, the Water Gala and the famous Broadstairs Folk Week. Come along and join the fun!

8 Pre-University and IELTS Course This course is designed to help you get to your chosen university and make studying there more effective This Academic English course will help you prepare for university entrance and the IELTS examination. Our aim is to ensure that you qualify for university study and that you succeed in your university course. Hilderstone College has long-established links with universities and other colleges, and works closely with the University of Kent. Your tutors will be full-time specialists in teaching English for Academic Purposes, and several are also IELTS examiners. The course There are 3-month courses running throughout the year as well as 17-week, 11-week and 6-week courses running in the spring and summer for students aiming to start their university course in the autumn. We will gladly consider applications at other times and at short notice. You may enrol for more than one course, or enrol on an Intensive English Course first, in order to increase your general level of English before progressing to this course. IELTS preparation and practice The programme We offer a full academic programme, in a lively and stimulating atmosphere. Study skills Language development Examination skills mock exams to help you succeed at IELTS I am absolutely delighted by my teachers and all that I have learnt. They are really inspiring. Jessica, Spain

9 Combination and One-to-One Courses Personalised English language training to meet your specific needs in the shortest time possible Combination Course Our Combination Course allows you to add individual lessons to your chosen Hilderstone College course, for part or all of your stay, so that you can concentrate on the areas which are important to you. Every learner has different challenges and particular areas of difficulty which they need to focus on. These classes give you an opportunity to address these specific needs with your personal tutor. Common subjects include business English, speaking practice and pronunciation, specific examination preparation, writing skills, grammar and fluency practice. One-to-One Course The Hilderstone College One-to-One Course is perfect for you if you have specific objectives and priorities which are different from the needs of others in a group, or if you are short of time and need results fast. Whatever your individual objectives: business English for your particular profession, fluency practice, specific exam preparation, pronunciation and listening, telephone English or perhaps preparing for an important meeting or presentation, your personal tutor will create a programme focussing specifically on your priorities. This course is particularly suited to business people and executives. We can help you arrange hotel or guest house accommodation, instead of homestay, if you prefer. your individual programme. individual tuition each week to your chosen course. Excellent teachers, friendly atmosphere, very good materials in the learning centre, committed staff. My expectations are totally fulfilled I feel more confident and fluent. Frédéric, France

10 Cambridge English: First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) The perfect preparation course for reaching your full potential at these internationally-recognised examinations The Cambridge English: First (FCE) and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) examinations are two of the most widely recognised English language qualifications in the world. These special courses prepare you systematically for all sections of the exams. You will be taught in a small class by a teacher who specialises in preparing students for the Cambridge examinations. The programme Mornings: classes covering grammar and vocabulary, reading and listening comprehension, varieties of written English and speaking practice, all of which are essential for success in these examinations. Afternoons: special classes focusing on writing and exam techniques, vocabulary development and speaking skills, plus use of the Multimedia Learning Centre. Your classroom studies will be supported by carefully-guided homework and self-study throughout the course. Regular one-to-one tutorials are held to enable you to discuss your progress with your tutor. There are practice tests every week and two complete practice exams during the course. My teachers were all really GREAT! I m very, very happy that I had such wonderful teachers!! Thank you!! Lydia, Germany Courses for groups Tailor-made courses for groups of students, teachers, business people and organisations throughout the year General or specialist group courses We run tailor-made courses throughout the year for large and small groups. The course programme is specifically designed for your group needs, and can include general English or specialist language work (e.g. for business and management, examination preparation, government employees, school / university students etc.) Your group course includes, as a minimum, all tuition and teaching materials, use of the College's multimedia self-access facilities, free internet and WiFi access, a programme of social activities including a minimum of three evening activities and talks, College registration fee (normally 50 per person) and an end-of-course College certificate. You may also choose to include homestay accommodation within walking distance of the College, weekly half-day or full day excursions and airport transfers. Please contact us for a sample programme and price guide for your group. Group courses for teachers and trainers We have considerable experience in designing language and methodology courses to meet the specific requirements of particular groups of teachers of English, CLIL teachers and teacher trainers. These courses can be offered at Hilderstone College or in your own country by our team of teacher trainers, who are experienced in a wide range of specialist areas. Courses can be of any length and can be organised at any time of the year.

11 Professional Development Courses for Teachers A wide range of language development and professional development courses for teachers Since 1970, Hilderstone College has established an outstanding reputation for running top-quality teacher development courses for primary, secondary and higher education English teachers, CLIL teachers and teacher trainers from around the world. Internationally-renowned trainers, such as Seth Lindstromberg, Deborah Robson and Tessa Woodward, ensure that our professional development courses for teachers provide you with the ideal opportunity to improve your English language, develop your teaching skills and share teaching ideas. Language Development Morning classes are language intensive and are designed to help you improve your fluency and command of English in stimulating ways. We use a continuously updated range of resources and materials to provide you with the ideal opportunity to enrich your language and to experience current approaches to exploiting authentic texts, audio-visual resources, the internet and communication technology in the classroom. I have found the skills used for the course absolutely great and helpful for my future career. Lamin, Kazakhstan I ve broadened my repertoire. I ve learned new strategies and activities to use with my students. Lurdes, Spain Professional Development In the afternoons there are a range of course options allowing you to focus on areas of interest to you such as: creative methodology, CLIL, teaching young learners, contemporary British language and culture and trainer development. Please see our website for information on this year s course options.

12 Study facilities A range of study facilities designed to help you focus on your individual needs When learning English, it is important to discover your own language needs - what you re good at, as well as where you need extra practice. At Hilderstone, we offer a range of study facilities designed to help you practise on your own, at your own speed, in the language areas that are important to you. Multimedia Learning Centre Our superb, purpose-built Multimedia Learning Centre is open each day for self-access study. An ideal learning environment, the Centre is equipped with modern self-access study facilities and resources. An experienced member of staff is always available to assist you. Learning on-line You will have access to a suite of computers and a range of educational software to provide a different focus for your studies. From the moment we confirm your booking, throughout your course and once you have returned home, you will also have access to our information and learning portal: hilderstone.net What is especially good is the Learning Centre where you can practise your English. It s very good that we can choose from a large range of activities. Dóra, Hungary Listening Centre We listen in different ways for different purposes for general meaning, for specific information, for accuracy or simply for pleasure. Our touchscreen listening stations, along with their accompanying books and worksheets, are a wonderful way to develop the different techniques needed for each of these. Reading and study area A place to read and for quiet private study course books, dictionaries, examination papers, books and magazines are all on hand for study and reference. There are also selected texts and exercises to help you increase your reading speed and comprehension. Students can also take books from our library section to read at home.

13 Accommodation Feel at home, experience English life and practise using your English in everyday situations Most of our students choose to stay with one of our excellent host families. Living with a family is an important part of the Hilderstone College experience. It will give you an opportunity to find out about the English way of life and to practise the English you learn. Many students remain life-long friends with their English families and visit them whenever they return to England. A warm welcome We select our host families very carefully. Our Accommodation Officer knows each family and, from the information you give on your enrolment form, will choose a family where you will be happy. You will stay with a friendly family in a pleasant house, within walking distance of the College. You have your own room and are provided with breakfast and a main evening meal on weekdays, and all meals at weekends. No other student in the house will speak the same language as you. We can also help you arrange other accommodation on request (e.g. hotel or self-catering). At busy times of the year, a few students may be accommodated in private homes with more than four students. My host family are friendly, good-hearted and welcoming people. Living with them allowed me to learn more and experience the British culture. We had a lot of fun, they are very humorous people who have hearts of gold. Kerstin, Germany Enjoy your free time Everyone needs time to relax. At the end of the day, after your studies, you can look forward to a pleasant meal and a chat. Sometimes you will have the opportunity to go out with your family in the evenings or at weekends, and you will also be able to invite them to some of the social activities at the College. We want you to feel at home, happy and comfortable during your stay. Natalie Moule, Accommodation and Welfare Officer Help and advice The Accommodation & Welfare Officer, or another member of staff, is always available to help and advise you on such questions as: How do I extend my visa? How can I open a bank account? Is my driving licence valid? etc. We can also advise you about obtaining medical treatment and insurance.

14 Social and cultural programme Enjoy yourself, make friends, practise your English and discover more about the British way of life Make friends, use your English and have fun! Our social and cultural programme is designed to offer something for everyone and help you make the most of your time at Hilderstone College. Evening activities We organise a range of exciting and interesting evening activities, including quizzes, live music, film evenings, parties, folk dancing and ballroom dancing, international shows, falconry and medieval evenings. Hilderstone is also home to a theatre group who frequently put on shows at the weekend. Talks and presentations Your course is also an opportunity to discover more about the British way of life, our culture and our traditions. Each week, there is an evening talk given on an aspect of British life, giving you a chance to get a greater understanding of the country and its people. Sports We use the facilities of the local community and schools to provide a range of sports including: tennis, football, volleyball, pool/snooker, badminton, table tennis and swimming. There is also a wide selection of sports facilities and clubs in Broadstairs and the local area, including gymnasiums, tennis, golf, martial arts, sailing, and a surf school. Costs Most of the afternoon sports and evening activities, as well as the evening talks, are free. The social activities are very varied and I enjoyed to do them. The evening talks are excellent. They really allow you to improve your language and your cultural knowledge. Valérie, France

15 Visit Britain as part of your stay Make the most of your time in England and see the sights whilst you re here Weekly excursion programme Broadstairs is in the beautiful county of Kent, known as the Garden of England. We want to give you the opportunity to see as much of Kent and England as possible during your stay. We organise half-day excursions every Friday afternoon, and full-day excursions every Saturday. Before an excursion we give you full information about the place you are going to visit and members of staff always accompany our excursions to give help and advice. Half-day excursion destinations include: Canterbury, Sandwich, Walmer Castle and Dover Castle. Full-day excursion destinations include: London, Cambridge, Oxford, Windsor Castle, Greenwich, Brighton and Leeds Castle. Whilst most of the sports and evening activities are free, there is a small charge for excursions and optional visits. Please see our website for the current social programme. Weekend trips to visit Britain and Europe With a partner organisation we can help you organise a weekend trip to visit other areas of Britain and Europe during your stay. Destinations on offer include: the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, Scotland, Dublin, Paris and Amsterdam. If you require a visa to enter the United Kingdom, please check with us first on visa requirements for European destinations. It was a great opportunity to visit London and Cambridge during my stay. I ve learnt English and seen England! Kayo, Japan

16 Photo courtesy of Visit Thanet Contact us Hilderstone College Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2JW, England Tel: Web: The next step For further information regarding course dates and fees, how to enrol, information on visas, insurance, how to pay, as well as travel information, please visit our website: or contact us and we ll be delighted to help you and send you the information you require. Stansted Airport Heathrow Airport London St Pancras International and Victoria Stations Gatwick Airport Ebbsfleet International Station Ashford International Station Broadstairs Ramsgate Canterbury Dover Calais Portsmouth Brighton France Boulogne-sur-Mer The information in this brochure is correct at time of printing but may be subject to revision. With special thanks to all students and staff who have contributed to this brochure, and to Will Venning for some of the photography.