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Contents
“ ” The quality of the curriculum, teaching and students’ achievement is excellent.
- ISI PFE Inspection report, November 2012
SCHOOL LONDON
Welcome to London Why Avalon School? Avalon Quantum English AQE Schools Worldwide How your study works I love Avalon because... I love London because... Our Students Our Staff Packages & Special Courses: Teacher Training Avalon Experience Avalon FTN Football Avalon Camp Accommodation Service Social Events FAQs
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Welcome to London
I would like to introduce you to Avalon School of English and our unique teaching system, Avalon Quantum English (AQE). There are many things that make us different from other schools but our speaking classes are what we are most famous for and why students recommend us. Students from all over the world have been coming to Avalon for more than twenty years and have left feeling confident about using their English. Foreign language students want to learn quickly and be able to speak naturally and that is why AQE is so successful. We are not only specialists in speaking, as well as AQE we have a choice of courses including grammar, skills and exam preparation. We want you to enjoy your visit and experience the best of what London has to offer and our varied social events programme has something to suit everyone, whatever your age. From barbecues on our roof terrace to football in the park, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to meet people and practise your speaking outside of the classroom. - Anna Huber, Principal
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Why Avalon School? Avalon Quantum English Avalon School is the home of Avalon Quantum English (AQE), a teaching system used in over 50 schools worldwide. AQE is a unique learning approach that practises and develops students’ speaking and listening skills. It is simple, enjoyable and effective.
“Students are very well educated and quickly develop confidence in speaking and listening to English.” - ISI PFE 2012
AQE is for all students from beginner and above who wish to speak English confidently, naturally and engage with native English-speaking cultures. If you wish to experience a new way of learning English that’s not only about knowing more but about being able to do more then AQE is for you.
“The managers have secured very high quality teachers who are experts in the teaching of English as a foreign language.” - ISI PFE 2012
Teachers Avalon teachers are at minimum CELTA qualified and hold a UK degree. They all receive special training on how to teach AQE. Regular training sessions are also held throughout the year to update their skills and keep teachers motivated to improve. All our teachers are passionate about the English language and helping students to learn; they appreciate that students have different abilities and can adapt their teaching skills to suit all learning needs. They are qualified to teach skills and exam classes as well as AQE, so you can be assured you are getting the best education during your studies. 2
Personal Attention All students are interviewed on arrival. They have regular listening and speaking tests during their course to assess their progress and students with any issues can discuss these in a tutorial with the academic manager or a senior teacher. Students benefit from small classes (maximum 12 for Avalon Quantum English and 15 for all other classes). Being away from home can be difficult at any age and we don’t want our students to feel alone during their stay. All our staff are on hand to advise students about their local area, things to do in London, programmes to watch, evening and weekend activities or just to have a chat with. Our reception staff speak other languages and many of our teachers too!
“Accurate initial assessment of students’ English skills ensures they are effectively allocated to English classes that best meet their needs.” - ISI PFE 2012
Flexible Timetable
“Teachers apply their expertise in developing language skills and the pronunciation of students is corrected effectively.” - ISI PFE 2012
The initial interview allows us to find out what students hope to achieve during their time at Avalon and ensure their classes suit their goals. We have many classes of different levels running at the same time including exam preparation, grammar and skills. All the classes at Avalon are the same price so you do not have to pay more if you change classes.
Exam Preparation Classes There are no start and end dates so you can start the course when it suits your schedule, on any Monday of the year. The teacher will guide you through each part of the exam with plenty of classroom practice, homework and mock tests. We can also book an exam date for you whenever you feel ready.
“Enthusiastic teachers plan their lessons very well.” - ISI PFE 2012
Saturday Classes Whether you want additional classes or are not able to study during the week, our Saturday classes are perfect for flexible study. These three-hour classes are a combination of AQE speaking and general skills for pre-intermediate levels and above. You do not have to attend every week and if you miss a class you can take the lesson on another Saturday. 3
Holiday Students studying classes of four weeks or more are entitled to take holiday without losing classes. Any holiday they take means their end date will be later. They can book single days which is great for students who want to enjoy weekday trips or long weekends travelling without losing classes. We will also make sure students don’t lose study time when there is a public holiday - the days will be added to the end of the course.
Location London is a great place to be in summer or winter. There are fantastic free museums and galleries to explore and a wide choice of live events including musicals, plays, ballet, opera and comedy. London is filled with parks and commons that are open to the public all year round. Avalon is in the middle of two very famous London areas, Covent Garden and Soho, and a short walk to Oxford Street, Leicester Square and the British Museum to name but a few sightseeing destinations.
Varied choice of accommodation We have an accommodation officer to help you with your accommodation during your stay in London. You can choose between student shared housing, residence and homestays but we are also happy to help you organise hotels or hostel stays if you prefer.
Social Events We have a monthly social calendar with both suggested ideas and organised events. There are regular free guided walks and we provide discount tickets for tourist attractions such as the London Eye, Madam Tussauds and the Tower of London, and discounted tickets to musicals and nightclubs. We can also organise excursions to historical towns and cheap weekend trips to European cities. Teachers also recommend their favourite places so you can experience the city as the locals do. 4
How our classes work... Language is a skill not a subject; it is like learning to play an instrument or a sport not like studying mathematics or history. Avalon Quantum English (AQE) is a unique learning approach that practises and develops students’ speaking and listening skills through practise and communication. AQE is different. It’s fresh and dynamic, fun and centred around you, the student.
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Students are developing speaking and listening skills very effectively.
- ISI PFE 2012
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Lessons proceed at a fast pace and provide significant challenge. Very clear explanations are provided and students make very good progress.
- ISI PFE 2012
AQE is a solution to a common problem – despite having studied English before many learners are unable to speak with fluency and confidence. AQE concentrates on speaking and listening in an innovative and exciting way that combines audio-lingual teaching with a communicative approach to learning.
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...and why they work AQE classes are for all students from beginner and above who wish to speak English confidently and naturally - for people who want to understand and be understood by native English-speaking cultures - for people who want the freedom, support and opportunity to practise and learn how to speak and comprehend natural English.
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The school’s teaching method emphasises speaking and pronunciation, with immediate feedback and correction provided by the teacher. This is successfull in creating a supportive classroom environment which quickly equips students with the confidence to speak English.
- ISI PFE Monitoring Report, October 2013
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Our teaching system is actually audiolingual + communicative; students have the opportunity to practise the vocabulary and grammar that they learn and receive regular correction. However, spontaneous interaction is the key feature of AQE. Students ask and answer questions from their teacher and other students, discuss related topics and take notes using the AQE Student’s book. Specially-trained teachers regularly correct mistakes and teach from student errors targeting grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. There are listening and speaking checks throughout the course to monitor student progress and provide students with new goals.
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Lessons are lively and highly effective in building students’ confidence.
- ISI PFE 2013
The next 2 pages show example pages from AQE and explain how the students use the books in the lesson.
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Part of Speech Box Students write the part of speech, eg. n for noun, v for verb, adj for adjective, in this box.
last
abroad
to go / be on holiday to go to bed
last
mountains
Grammar Box Any grammar being taught is shown here with examples. Colour is used to make the construction clear.
past
When did you last go to the cinema? We last went there 3 weeks ago. Theme
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2
3
Did you go anywhere nice last weekend?
Each page has a theme that describes the functionality of the language or the grammar.
When did you last go on holiday? Where did you go? Who with? What was it like?
Do you prefer going abroad on holiday? When did you last go on holiday in this / your country / abroad?
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How often do people go on holiday?
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Do you prefer a holiday at the beach or in the mountains?
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What do you like doing when you are on holiday?
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What time did you go to bed last night?
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Do you prefer having a shower in the morning or before you go to bed?
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Do you like reading before you go to bed?
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When did you last go to the cinema?
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When did you last call your family?
Grammar Highlighting New structures that are taught on the page and used in the questions are highlighted in colour. 7
going on holiday
Phoneme Box Students write the phonemes for the word here.
n holiday /holɪdeɪ/
Target Language Box This has the new words we are learning – we call this the Target Language. The teacher explains the meaning and helps the students with pronunciation and grammar.
We are talking about...
The Study Page
The Questions The teacher asks these questions during the lesson. Many have follow-up questions that encourage a more natural communicative dialogue (eg. Q2). This question also has a writing task attached to it that can be found on the notes page.
/weədʒəwɒnəgəʊwɒnhɒlədeɪ/
/fəˈniːmɪkʧʌŋks/ Phonemic Chunks are examples of speech that use the target language and are written in the international phonetic alphabet (IPA). The chunk on this notes page says, “Where do you want to go on holiday?” The students practise saying the chunk to gain fluency. The symbols after the chunk show what the students do next: - use the chunk as a question to your partner. - change the parts of the chunk in red to make another example. - finish the chunk by adding the next part of the sentence. - use the chunk in a 3rd person example.
Picture Material Some notes pages have pictures to help the students understand the Target Language or use with the phonemic chunks.
The Notes Page
The main purpose of the Notes Page is to provide a space where students can organise their own notes from the lesson.
Notes to Remember Boxes with this symbol have information on how to use the target language. This includes common collocations, verb / noun / preposition partnerships and irregular verb forms. Writing Task Writing Tasks follow on from ideas that students have talked about in answering a question (Q2 in this example).
on holiday go... to bed to the mountains to go on holiday to be on holiday
What did you do on your last holiday? 8
AQE Schools Worldwide Use AQE in your school The Avalon International Schools Package contains everything you need to start teaching English with AQE: Student’s Books & audio content Teacher’s Books & online content Teacher training locally or in London Teacher recruitment service Branded promotional material Student exchange programmes
www.quantumenglish.co.uk To find out more about the benefits of using Avalon Quantum English and how to become a partner school, please visit our website. There you will also find more sample materials from the Teacher’s Books as well as the Student’s Books to show how AQE supports teachers in delivering high quality lessons that your students will enjoy and benefit from.
Brazil Americana Itu Indaiatuba Itajuba Florianopolis Jacarei Lorena Passos Sertãozinho
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ASSET English Centre ASSET English Centre ASSET English Centre Synergy Language Solutions Sherlock Idiomas U.K. School The House Language Centre ASAP English! Pharus Idiomas
Find your nearest school UK London
Russia
Avalon School of English
Kaliningrad
Kazakhstan
France Nantes
European Language Institute
Ust – Kamenogorsk
Ostrava Prague
Inside English
I Love Languages
Bratislava
Avalon Bratislava
Poland Czernichów Gliwice Goleniów Jelenia Góra Konin Kościerzyna Łódź Luzino Oświęcim Płońsk Radomsko Siedlce Skierniewice Stalowa Wola Szczecin Toruń Wadowice Warszawa
Excel Jazykove Centrum Sofie English
Ukraine
Slovakia
Italy Pescara
Avalon Studio
Czech Republic
Spain Zaragoza
Interlingua
Next Door Teacher KALA English School Effekt W&W Konińskie Centrum Języków Obcych Vademecum Szkoła Aktywnego Nauczania Języków Obcych Vademecum Lingua Akademia Nauki Best Way PrimE Londynek Speed Effekt Akademia Szybkiej Nauki English Academy Akademia Szybkiej Nauki
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IQ Centre IQ Center
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IQ Centre Ltd.
Chechnya Grozny
Anglomania
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How Your Study Works
When does my course start? How long do I have to study for? How many lessons will I take? Are the classes in the morning or afternoon? You decide! Continuous enrolment means you can start your course at any time and for any period - from a week to a year. There are just two courses: Quantum Plus and Quantum Standard. In Quantum Plus you can study in any class from 9:30-18:20 and this makes it easier if you want to change the time you study. Quantum Standard classes are cheaper but you can only study from 3:30-18:20, which means a maximum of 15 lessons a week; you can add more classes if you want but they will be at the Quantum Plus price. It’s easy! (see sample timetable below) Just choose the number of lessons (10 to 25) per week, how many weeks you want to study and if you need Quantum Plus, Quantum Standard or a combination of both. Your classes can be any combination of AQE, Skills, Grammar and/or Exam Preparation. 9:30 - 10:20
10:30 - 12:20
12:30 - 13:20
13:30 - 15:20
15:30 - 16:20
16:30 - 18:20
Skills
AQE
Skills
AQE
Skills
AQE
Gram.
Exam Prep.
Gram.
Exam Prep.
Gram.
Exam Prep.
Quantum Plus (9:30 - 18:20)
Quantum Standard (15:30 - 18:20)
How is my class chosen? Before starting your course you will have a level test with a teacher who will choose the best classes for your level. I need to take an exam, can I change class? Yes, changing classes is simple. If you are at the required level, just ask to change at reception. Can I study more lessons? Many students choose to add extra classes after starting their course. So, if you’re studying 15 lessons but need more grammar, you can add another class. + Get 30% off public transport! Enrol for 14 weeks or more at 15 lessons a week and you can apply for a Student Oyster card that gives you 30% off all London tube, trains and buses. 11
Student’s First Day
We know that this is a time which can be both exciting and stressful. Often students feel nervous because they are not sure where they are going or what to expect. We want you to enjoy every minute you are here so relax and remember that our staff are here to help you. What happens? - We will send you a welcome letter when you enrol. This has a map and directions to the school and will tell you what time to arrive. - Come to reception and tell us your name and that it’s your first day. We will be expecting you! - We will ask you for your passport/I.D. card. We will make a copy of this and your visa if you have one. - We will ask you to complete a form giving us your personal details and contact information, including the name of a person we can contact in case of emergency. - If you are staying in Avalon accommodation, we will ask you for feedback. Please be honest and tell us what you think.
- We will give you a short grammar and writing test. It’s multiple choice, so if you don’t know an answer don’t worry, you don’t need to write anything. - You will speak to a teacher who will check your level by asking you questions. Don’t be scared, just try to speak as much as possible. - The teacher will decide which classes are best for you and give you your schedule. - You are ready to start studying!
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I love Avalon because...
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The teachers in Avalon teach very well; they especially try to correct our pronunciation and accent. I think that’s very important to improve English. So it was a good choice to come to Avalon. - Choi Min Ki, South Korea
There are good, friendly teachers and students. I love the atmosphere and I can improve my English in Avalon. I feel that my English is getting better day by day. - Daichi Kaneko, Japan
I love Avalon’s method, its competent, friendly and committed teachers, and also its nice atmosphere. - Jair Rodriguez, Brazil
I enjoy AQE because you can learn English step by step building the new language. You are always involved in a conversation and that could be really interesting and funny. You have to push yourself repeating the right pronunciation of the word and the right structure of the sentence. - Clementina Albanese, Italy
Now I have more courage to speak English to English speakers. I’m not nervous anymore. I like all the teachers who teach me. They are friendly and help me a lot. They correct my pronunciation and spelling. - Boyang Wu, China
AQE is great. The classes are quite fast and direct, the pace is excellent and the teachers give lots of attention to details of our speaking. In the end I learn a lot not only about English but about culture because the teachers are intelligent, experienced and have taught students from all around the globe. - Rodrigo Quinan, Brazil
The lessons are interactive. You always have to participate – the teacher asks each student and corrects them as soon as they make a mistake. You mainly use speaking, which is very helpful. To finish, the teachers are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. - Maud Poudre, France
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I love London because...
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There are many people from other countries in London which is very interesting for me. I also love football and here I can play and watch a lot of football. - Daichi Kaneko, Japan
This is a really nice and exciting city. - Jair Rodriguez, Brazil
There are plenty of things to do so there’s no time to get bored. - Dayun Kim, South Korea
There are lots of parks and wild areas in the middle of the city. London is an exciting city with the markets, a lot of events and free museums. - Sandra Balaguer, France
I think this city is the best to learn English and meet people from around the world. - Joao Gabriel Frateschi Leite, Brazil
It’s a beautiful city. There are a lot of musicals and museums. The transportation is convenient, I can go anywhere easily. - Hsueh - Ying Chen, Taiwan
It is a good city to live, it’s very safe and there are a lot of things to do. - Gabriela Cogine de Lima, Brazil
People are very kind and I like a comfortable – looking town. London is safe. I can eat various countries food. - Nana Kaji, Japan
It is a vibrant and lively city with a lot of things to do, a lot of places to discover and because of its multiculturalism you always meet new people! It is culturally really enriching. - Maud Poudre, France
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Our Students Jae Hee Chung – South Korea The main reason why I chose Avalon was that Avalon is ‘speaking’ school. It was important for me to improve speaking skill, I can practise speaking English again and again in speaking class. And I can learn not only speaking but also writing, grammar and reading skills in a skills class. Another reason is the location of school is nice. I can get many tourist attractions on foot after school with other classmates. Teachers are very friendly and encourage me to study hard so that I can achieve my goals. I’m so happy to learn new things here in Avalon!
Mustafa Reaha Bicer – Turkey When I came to London I was looking for an English course. I made research about courses in London. I finally decided to enrol with Avalon, moreover my friend from Turkey recommended me here. The location of school is very nice, that’s why you can go wherever you want easily. Also the school is like a miniature world, you can see people from all nationalities. Teachers and Avalon staff are always smiling and friendly to you. Making friends is quite easy in the school. Avalon has different methods for teaching, it includes almost all methods from other schools. That’s why I’m here.
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Marilia Zabot – Brazil I’m really happy to be having this great opportunity to study at Avalon. There are several English schools in London but Avalon is the most famous. By the way, it’s the best and we Brazilians know that before coming here. At Avalon the teachers are friendly and each has a unique way of teaching that makes everything easier, fun and effective. Moreover, they create opportunities of contact between students extra class, which promotes more talking time, learning and new friendships. I advise everyone who wants to improve their English to go to Avalon School and to have an experience as good as mine.
Malko Decostaz-Merad – France I chose Avalon because I was looking for an English School in London with football training. I researched on the internet, and I found this school. In France, we always learn vocabulary, grammar and writing, but no speaking. I like Avalon’s method because there are not a lot of students in a class and we have to speak in English. The teachers’ smile makes me happy when I open the door of the school. The different cultures of the classmates make the atmosphere attractive and sociable. Personally, Avalon is not a school but a social place where I can improve my English.
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Our Staff Sarah Burkitt - Academic Manager (DELTA) As Academic Manager I aim to ensure that all students get the most out of their stay with us. It’s always a pleasure seeing Avalon students grow in confidence not only in their English language skills but also as individuals who will take this invaluable life experience back to their countries with them. I remember when I started working at Avalon being impressed at the rapid progress students make in their spoken English. The Quantum English lessons empower students to quickly transfer what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations. Avalon School provides a supportive and fun environment for both students and teachers alike. Avalon teachers not only show concern for students’ academic needs but also help students relax into London life through social events and sharing local cultural knowledge. I look forward to welcoming you here in the future!
Niall Ă“ Siadhail - Teacher I have been an IELTS and Quantum English teacher at Avalon for six years. Teaching the IELTS exam preparation is rewarding, seeing the students help themselves to acquire the skills and experience necessary to achieve their ambitions, whether by going on to university or in the workplace. IELTS is a challenging exam with lots of formal and advanced language, so getting a good result gives students the confidence to deal with any English language situation. In the Quantum classes students make quick progress in their speaking skills. The strong focus on phonology in the classes means they are encouraged to speak naturally like native speakers.
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Lee Prescott - Senior Teacher (DELTA)
Since joining Avalon in 2008 I’ve taken advantage of its engaging atmosphere and unique approach to teaching to enhance my skills, knowledge and enthusiasm further. I’m always impressed by how quickly the students improve and this is all due to the encouraging teachers, small class sizes with students from all over the world, and focus on speaking. So many students come here who have been taught grammar and word-lists before but have never had the chance to practice or build confidence using the language. This is what we do at Avalon and that is why we get results.
Eliane Zarpelon - Sales Manager
I have been living in London for 10 years now, I came as a student after finishing my degree in Brazil. I studied in three different language schools but was bored in the classes and still had difficulty communicating in different daily situations. Then a friend recommended Avalon, the atmosphere was so special and as soon as I started I liked the way they teach English. I have now been working here for six years. I like to make sure students feel comfortable and know that the Avalon team is here to look after them when they arrive. Avalon is a small, friendly school so you will feel at home very quickly here, just as I did.
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Liisa Johvik Finance Officer
Karen Merivot Receptionist
Stephen Murphy Teacher
Telford Wallace Teacher
Monika Zywot Overseas Business Manager
Sabrina Polydoro Administrator & Accommodation Officer
Cassie Moss Teacher
Erin Vickerman Teacher
Phil Harris Teacher
Alex Tustain Avalon Quantum English Manager
Yan Cui Sales Adviser
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Stephen Davy Teacher
SPECIAL COURSES Are you a special interest group? Do you want a package to include excursions? At Avalon we can offer tailor-made special interest courses and packages to suit all levels and budgets. We have previously organised: British Culture courses for a Brazilian university department Trinity GESE courses for Italian PON groups - 100% pass rate One-to-one medical English lessons Packages to include guided tours to Paris and Edinburgh
Our team can assist in planning all aspects of your trip. Contact us if you have an idea for something a bit different. We want you to hear from you at info@avalonschool.co.uk
CAMP
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Teacher Training
As a non-native teacher, how can I improve my students’ speaking?
Teacher Development Course The teaching at Avalon is different. Our years of experience working with AQE means that our staff are confident, dynamic and among the best at helping students to speak English. Over the years visitors to the school have often commented, “I wish we had something like this in my town” or, “I’d love to get my students speaking more.” With this in mind, our DELTA-qualified teacher trainers have designed a practical development course for non-native teachers of English. Course Structure INPUT
OBSERVATION
PRACTICE
FEEDBACK
Course Aims To raise awareness of participant’s knowledge of key debates and approaches within English Language Teaching (ELT). To improve participants’ own phonological awareness and to enable them to develop new teaching techniques and activities to improve their students’ pronunciation, fluency, and listening comprehension. To give participants the opportunity to meet professionals in their field and to work collaboratively with them in sharing best practice. 23
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Really interesting. We just had two weeks on the course and we could learn more techniques than in our four years in college.
Thank you for ideas! I was afraid of teaching chunks and giving grammatical tasks, now I know how to do it in not an annoying way.
- Ane Parente, July 2014
- Irina Vizer, August 2014
The teacher was great and the chosen discussion topics were wonderful.
The best teacher trainer! I’ve been to some others but being with native trainers and teachers makes all the difference!
- Mariana Braga, July 2014
- Marcelo Monti, August 2014
2 - week course 20 hours per week 9 am – 1pm, Monday to Friday Several dates throughout the year Group and individual bookings are welcome
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AVALON EXPERIENCE
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4-week course, 15 lessons a week 3 lessons a day Quantum speaking classes with fast results Central London location Fantastic social events programme
Avalon Quantum English Course Book The Avalon Quantum English text book that you use is included There are 6 books from beginner to upper-intermediate
4 Weeks Accommodation Student shared house in Zone 3 Self-catering accommodation Twin Room (two students sharing)
Trip on the London Eye Take a trip on the London Eye and enjoy spectacular views of the London skyline
Weekend in Paris* The trip includes: Return to Paris, Gare du Nord on the famous Eurostar and all transfers Guided sightseeing tour of Paris
Visit Madame Tussauds Join the world’s hottest celebrities on the red carpet for a star-studded day out at London’s Madame Tussauds
Go to a West End Musical
Enjoy a night out at a fantastic West End musical
FREE registration and accommodation fees *Paris trips have pre-set dates that cannot be changed - please check before booking For more information please contact an accredited agent or email info@avalonschool.co.uk 26
Avalon FTN Football Progressive Football Coaching (PFC) Ltd. is an ambitious and forward-thinking football coaching company whose objective is to facilitate and manage structured football courses, specifically designed for students attending courses at Avalon.
Avalon School and Progressive Football Coaching have joined together to offer English language courses and professional football coaching. With morning coaching sessions and afternoon English lessons, students maximise their time in London by improving both football and language skills. Plus, they also get to make new friends and practise their English! All PFC sessions are conducted by UEFA-qualified coaches who encourage personal and social development in a supportive and welcoming environment. PFC is the only coaching company to offer international students the opportunity to play at English FA national ‘Step 6’ and county level.
What’s included?
36 x 2-hour Coaching Sessions Training kit: full tracksuit, drill top, training shorts and socks 2 stadium tours (Arsenal & Chelsea) Tickets to 2 professional matches Minimum 1 competitive match per week End of term awards ceremony Comprehensive Sports Insurance Cover 15 English lessons per week AQE course book and materials Level test & registration fee End of course certificate Avalon student card 27
Training at West Ham United FC training facility in Beckton or Memorial Park (West Ham): Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 - 12.30 All technical ability levels are welcome All sessions are managed by experienced and qualified coaches (minimum UEFA B) Club scouting network (levels 1 to 9 of the English National Pyramid League)
When can I start?
Booking Deadline
Football course dates 12 weeks
(first coaching session - last match)
English course dates 14 weeks
Spring term 2015
Mon. 19th January
Tues. 10th February - Sat. 2nd May
Mon. 9th February - Weds. 3rd June
Summer term 2015
Mon. 11th May
Tues. 2nd June - Sat. 22nd August
Mon. 1st June - Mon. 21st September
Autumn term 2015
Mon. 6th July
Tues. 28th July - Sat. 17th October
Mon. 27th July - Mon. 16th November
Winter term 2015/16
Mon. 28th September
Tues. 20th October - Sat. 9th January
Mon. 19th October - Fri. 19th February
(including all holiday)
Students studying 14 weeks or more can apply for the student Oyster card giving 30% off London Transport 28
Avalon Camp
CAMP
The Avalon Camp programme now allows students of (almost!) all ages to study with us and improve their English whilst enjoying the trip of a lifetime. Who is it for? Groups of students aged 12-17 of all English levels. Dates and schedule Our main programme runs July-September with courses starting any Monday. We can also run courses on demand throughout the year.
Location The Chalfont Campus is ideally located in the Buckinghamshire countryside just a short transfer from airports and excursion destinations. Heathrow airport is 30 minutes away and London and Oxford are about an hour.
What’s included?
English Language Course
2 weeks, 3 lessons per day Focussed on speaking and pronunciation Qualified, experienced native teachers Maximum 12 students per class Fun, dynamic lessons
Accommodation Choice of single or twin rooms en suites available Staff member in each block All staff police checked 24-hour security
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Activities and Sports On-site facilities for almost every sport Dedicated activities leader Drama preparation Arts & Crafts Quizzes and games Disco night 3-course lunch, 2-course dinner Wide choice available Special dietary requirements catered for a balanced diet Extra servings for big appetites!
All Meals Provided
Excursions All excursions are by private coach or Eurostar to Paris London 2 trips to the capital Big Ben & Westminster Buckingham Palace London Eye tickets Science Museum British Museum Shopping and more!
Paris
Bath & Stonehenge
Oxford & Cambridge England’s famous university cities Walking tours with official guides Entry to Colleges Punting on the River Cam Transfers
Group transfer by coach or minibus from any London airport or St. Pancras International for Eurostar 30
Accommodation Service At Avalon we know that finding accommodation in London can be difficult, especially if you don’t speak the language. Avalon has an accommodation officer who can arrange accommodation for students with host families or on a self-catering basis. Student Shared Houses Student shared houses offer the opportunity to meet interesting people from all over the world who are learning English. This type of accommodation allows you to live freely and independently while experiencing life in London.
Student shared houses are suitable for both long and short-term stays. This accommodation is ideal for students who want to share their accommodation with just a few students rather than many people at a student residence.
“I was welcomed so well by my flatmates. They helped me solve problems about food and money on my first day.” - Alvaro Henrique Felizardo dos Santos Homestay Living with a host family is a great way to improve your English outside the classroom, learn about British culture and get to know the city. In a homestay you can experience life with a British family and practise your English with your hosts in a natural setting. Your host are often working families or retired people. You stay in a friendly London home and choose the meal plan that suits you (half board or self catering) but you are still independent and you are not expected to take part in family life.
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Student Residence Many students who prefer a more independent approach choose to stay at a purpose-built student residence.
There is a good range of all-year and summer only residences available, all of which are within easy reach of the school.
Depending on the residence you may choose either a single room or, if you are coming with a friend, a twin room. Some of the residences offer breakfast and evening meal and others are self-catering.
“The accommodation is very comfortable and clean. I like it.” - Sofia Costa Almeida
“I’m very happy at this moment. The accommodation is very very good!” - Luis Fernando Barichello
“I really loved the Taylor family. They were always kind to me. I think the next student will be lucky if they choose them. Thank you for everything!” - Goksu Ozen
www.avalonschool.co.uk/student-accommodation-in-london
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Social Events There is so much to do in London and Avalon is right in the centre so you can walk to many of the places that people come to London just to visit. Local to the school are Soho, Covent Garden, Chinatown and Oxford Street. Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square and the River Thames are all just a short walk away - take a look at the map at the back of this brochure to see just how close everything is to the school; you couldn’t be any more central!
There are regular free walking tours and trips to museums, markets and historical places. You can join your classmates and teachers at pub nights, international food parties or visit one of London’s many famous clubs.
If you want a day trip or weekend away we can organise trips to places outside of London like Oxford, Stonehenge and Cambridge, and trips to European cities such as Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
We have a variety of events every month which you can see on the social events calendar on our website, in the school and on Facebook: Avalon London. Join us now to see what’s happening at Avalon! 33
FAQs What’s the difference between Quantum Plus and Quantum Standard? Quantum Plus classes are between 9.30 and 6.20 and Quantum Standard classes are between 3.30 and 6.20. The Quantum Standard classes are cheaper but you are allowed less holiday during your course and cannot change the time you study. You can only study 10 or 15 lessons on Quantum Standard but you may add another class at the Quantum Plus price.
What are skills classes? Skills classes are single, 50-minute general English classes of reading, writing and grammar that students usually study with AQE classes.
How long are AQE and exam preparation classes? Both AQE and exam preparation classes are two 50-minute lessons.
Are all teachers native English speakers? Yes, all Avalon teachers are native English speakers with certificate (CELTA) level qualifications and 1st degrees.
How many students are there in a class? The maximum is 12 students in an AQE class and 15 in general skills and exam preparation classes.
How many lessons can I study? You can study for as many lessons as you choose, between 5 and 25 a week. If you require a Tier 4 visa you must study a minimum of 20 lessons per week.
How long are the courses? All the classes run continuously so you can start anytime and study for as many weeks as you choose. To apply for a student Oyster card for discounted travel you must study a minimum of 14 weeks, 15 lessons a week.
Do I have tests during my course? You have an initial level test on you first day and you have a listening test after every unit of the AQE course book and a speaking test (called a Q check) after every two units of the course book.
How much is the registration fee and course book? Registration fee is £65.00 and includes the first AQE course book. The AQE course books cost £20.00 and you may sometimes need to buy a skills or exam preparation course book that usually cost between £15.00 and £30.00 depending on the course.
Can I change my classes? If you want to study an exam preparation class you will need to take an entrance test. If you are studying a Quantum Plus course you can change your time of study if a class at your level is available. You can only change the level of your class with your teacher’s permission.
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Hank’s Guitars Denmark Street - page 15
Soho Square - pages 4 & 15
Denmark Street from Charing Cross Road - page 2 SCHOOL
Shop on Greek Street, Soho - page 15
Palace Theatre - page 15
Chinatown - pages 15 & 33
St. Giles Church & Renzo Piano Buildings - contents & page 15
Seven Dials, Covent Garden - page 3
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Learn ENGLISH T: +44 (0)20 3656 0050
E: info@avalonschool.co.uk
W: avalonschool.co.uk