BRITISH COUNCIL Career Success 2012

CAREER SUCCESS

THROUGH UK QUALIFICATIONS

UK Examinations Greece Dates and registration information

January - December 2012

SUCCESS TOMORROW STARTS TODAY INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS FROM THE UK

www.britishcouncil.gr

EXAMS

OUR PURPOSE The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide.

OUR VISION The future for the UK in this crowded, dangerous, beautiful world depends on people of all cultures living and working together on foundations of education, mutual understanding, respect and trust.

OUR VALUES Valuing people • Treating people with courtesy and respect • Listening to what people have to say and responding helpfully • Giving people the opportunity to use and develop their talents • Valuing diversity

Integrity • Being honest • Being consistent both in what we do and say • Taking responsibility for our actions and decisions

Mutuality • Wishing to learn from and share with other people • Putting effective relationships at the heart of our work • Working towards common goals

Creativity • Encouraging people to develop new ideas in an environment of trust • Being resourceful and innovative in our approach • Actively seeking and presenting the best in creativity

Professionalism • Being true to our values and keeping our promises • Listening to and valuing the ideas and opinions of others • Accepting individual and collective responsibility for delivering work to a high standard

Do you have feedback on where you feel we have or have not demonstrated our values?

values@britishcouncil.gr

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CONTENTS • Why take exams with us?

4-5

• Cambridge ESOL Exams

6-7

• IELTS

8-9

• The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

11

• School Exams

12

• Professional Exams

12

• IELTS Test Dates 2012

13

• ESOL Exams Calendar 2012

14

• Support for UK Students

15

• Support for Teachers and Learners of English

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WHY TAKE EXAMS WITH US? We help nearly a million people every year around the world achieve their life goals by obtaining a UK qualification, and we can help you, too.

Our experience in delivering an independent high quality service ensures your examination experience is positive and fair.

We pride ourselves on technical innovation. For example, we were the first to provide you with online registrations, results and infra-red headphones.

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I would also like to thank those involved in the smooth running of the centre – the supervisors and oral examiners. The exams took place in a very calm and efficient way and the students expressed their satisfaction both with the examination conditions and with the kindness of the oral examiners.

Particularly for the Young Learners, many of whom were taking an exam for the first time, this was a very positive experience.

”

Annie Xagorari, Santorini

“

Everything ran very smoothly, making the exams a stress-free event for my candidates. I’m sure the same will apply tomorrow with KET and PET. It’s good to work with an organization that maintains your high standards.

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Mark Palmer, Neo Irakleio Attica

“

I am writing to you in order to congratulate you on the impeccable organization of the examinations. It has been the first time ever since I am running the Foreign Languages Center that our students took part in the exams through the British Council and both the parents and the students as well as ourselves, were all very pleased by the organization. I would also wish for you to congratulate the supervisors and the people that were in charge of the examination centers for their willingness, kindness and service and furthermore for their comprehensible replies to our inquiries.

”

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Contstantinos Chatzopoulos, Kaisariani Athens

I am a school owner in Patras and I would like to congratulate you on your selection of oral examiners in the May session of Cambridge Exams. The examiners showed a high level of professionalism. They were pleasant and genuinely interested in what my students had to say, making the interview a very pleasant experience for them.

”

Dionysia Samara, Patras

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BRITISH COUNCIL EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND DIVERSITY POLICY The British Council is committed to equality of opportunity, to valuing and managing diversity and to taking positive action to promote these.

We focus on: ● Age ● Disability ● Race/Ethnicity ● Gender ● Religion/Belief ● Culture and Sexual Orientation

Candidates with special needs We believe exams should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their learning or physical impairments. To make special arrangements, please contact us for more information.

Feedback We do everything we can to make sure you have a positive exam experience. If you have any comments on our exams administration, please let us know. We will do everything we can to help.

Your input also helps us improve our services in the future.

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CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMS Cambridge English offers the world’s most valuable range of English examinations and qualifications for language learners and teachers. Our exams range from entry-level tests for children to high-level qualifications for academic and specific business purposes. Underpinned by extensive research and based on real-life language skills, each exam can be relied on as being accurate, fair and fit for purpose.

FCE for Schools pass rate climbs to 71% in the May 2011 examination session

FCE for Schools is the new version of Cambridge ESOL’s long-established FCE, the most popular Cambridge English examination in Greece. Through the use of familiar, school aged learneroriented topics, FCE for Schools has set new standards at the assessment of B2 level knowledge for Greek candidates as demonstrated by the 71% success rate in the May 2011 examination session.

FCE for Schools is a B2 level exam, but Cambridge ESOL’s new extended certification means that it has additional benefits for candidates at the top of the ability range, who are awarded an FCE certificate showing that they have achieved level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference. At the same time, students who do not achieve a grade C pass will receive a certificate showing that they have demonstrated ability at level B1.

Locations**

Exams YLE

Serres

KET for Schools, CB* KET for Schools PET for Schools, CB* PET for Schools FCE for Schools, CB* FCE for Schools FCE, CB* FCE CAE, CB* CAE CPE BEC Preliminary BEC Vantage BEC Higher ILEC

Drama Xanthi

Thessaloniki Kozani Ioannina Corfu

Larisa Karditsa Volos Lamia Agrinio Chalkida

Zakynthos Patras Pyrgos Kalamata

Chios

Athens Mykonos

Nafplio Syros

Kos Rhodes

Rethymno Chania Irakleio

TKT

* Computer-based test, for more information please visit www.britishcouncil.gr ** Cambridge ESOL paper-based exams and subject to minimum number requirements. Please note that we are happy to accept registrations for the exams from candidates throughout Greece. Please choose your preferred centre from the locations above.

Your collaboration with the British Council guarantees the highest standard of examination management: ● Experience ● Innovation ● Equal Opportunities ● Know-How

Test dates and registration information for 2012 are available inside the back cover 6

“The IELTS test opened the door for me”

Recognised IELTS is the world’s proven English test. Over 1.5 million candidates take the test each year to start their journeys into international education and employment. IELTS is recognised by more than 6000 institutions in over 135 countries. IELTS scores are recognised by ΑΣΕΠ. For information about recognition visit: www.takeielts.org

Convenient IELTS is available twice a month in Greece. Results are issued in 13 days. Results are also available

by SMS and online. The IELTS test has four parts - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes plus 15 minutes for the interview. The Speaking module is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.

Achievable There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance, using scores from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert User) for each part of the test. The results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score. 1.5 million candidates around the world chose to take an IELTS test in 2010 to prove their English language ability. Candidates from Greece achieved an average overall score of 6.8 putting them in second position in the global tables in 2010.

Supported To support candidate preparation, we offer 30 hours free access to "Road to IELTS Online", a selfstudy IELTS preparation course. A user name and password are supplied to candidates upon receipt of their application. If you prepare candidates for IELTS, our teacher training course can help you improve your teaching strategies and techniques. For more information visit www.britishcouncil.gr

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Exam

IELTS

Fee (â‚Ź)

Location

190

Tests are available in Athens and Thessaloniki twice per month. Tests are also available in Ioannina, Irakleio, Patra, Larisa and Xanthi on specified dates.

We may offer additional test dates and locations.

Check www.britishcouncil.gr for live information on test place availability.

Test dates for 2012 are available inside the back cover

www.takeielts.org

SUCCESS TOMORROW STARTS TODAY

THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE (CEFR)

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. It was put together by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project "Language Learning for European Citizenship" between 1989 and 1996. Its main aim is to provide a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe. The CEFR has become a key reference document and valuable tool for educational and professional mobility. It also enables employers and educational institutions to easily compare qualifications and see how they relate to exams.

We offer a range of UK ESOL examinations at all levels of the CEFR, so you can choose the one which is best for you.

CEFR C2 - Mastery C1 - Effective Operational Proficiency

IELTS 8+ 8 7.5 7

Cambridge ESOL CPE

BEC Higher, CAE, CB CAE

6,5 B2 - Vantage

B1 - Threshold

6 5,5 5 4,5 4.0 5.0 4

BEC Vantage, FCE, FCE for Schools, CB FCE BEC Preliminary, PET for Schools, CB PET for Schools

A2 - Waystage

YLE Flyers, KET for Schools, CB KET for Schools

A1 - Breakthrough

YLE Movers

--

YLE Starters

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SCHOOL EXAMS If you are studying for a UK school leaving exam, you can take your exam with us in Athens or Thessaloniki. We offer: • IGCSE/GCE O Level (usually studied from age 14-16 in the UK) • GCE/A Level (usually studied from age 16-18 in the UK) You can choose between two of the UK’s largest providers of international school assessments, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel. For more information about these boards, their exams and dates visit the following websites www.cie.org.uk www.edexcel.com

PROFESSIONAL EXAMS Are you looking for a UK professional qualification? Many UK professional bodies offer their exams overseas through us. Below are some of the most popular in Greece.

The Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) ACCA aims to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. www.acca.org.uk The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) The ACA is regarded globally as one of the leading business and finance qualifications, and is recognised and valued in practice, industry, commerce and the public sector. www.icaew.com The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) RAD promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. It seeks to accomplish its mission through promoting dance, educating and training students and teachers and providing examinations to reward achievement. www.rad.org.uk Contact us or visit www.britishcouncil.gr for information about registration and fees for all the above exams, as well as information about the complete range of professional exams we offer.

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SUPPORT FOR POTENTIAL, CURRENT OR PAST UK STUDENTS I want to study in the UK

As well as IELTS, we offer a range of services for you. Whether you want to take a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree, or study English in the UK, our experienced education counsellors can help you identify and apply for the right course.

You may need to have Greek documents translated into English for submission to UK institutions.

We can take care of that for you too.

I am studying at a UK university If you are following a distance learning course e.g. through the University of London External Programme or a course in any UK university, you can take all of your exams through us.

Similarly, if you are studying at a UK university but need to be in Greece during your exams, you can ask the university if you can take your exams in Greece with us.

While studying in the UK, you may need to have documents verified and translated for the Greek authorities. We can do that for you.

I have finished my UK studies When you return to Greece, we can translate, verify and provide certified copies of your UK education certificates for employers or other institutions that need this from you.

You can also find details of UK university alumni associations through us.

For more information on these services see www.britishcouncil.org/greece-education

SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND LEARNERS OF ENGLISH www.learnenglish.org.uk

A one stop shop for all learners of English - games, stories, listening activities, grammar exercises and video content. There is a new grammar section and new IELTS exam practice materials.

www.teachingenglish.org.uk The award-winning global home for English teaching which brings together everything busy teachers need, from classroom materials to ideas for development.

Talking English A newsletter for English language teachers to keep up to date with global ELT news and local events organised by the British Council. Find links to useful websites and articles, online teaching resources, and details of events and training opportunities in Greece. Registration is free. Subscribe at www.britishcouncil.org/greece-newsletter-subscribe

Teacher training If you teach IELTS at your school we can help you hone the teaching strategies and techniques of your teachers with our new IELTS teacher training course.

Our online teacher training and development courses provide a unique opportunity for teachers who want to upgrade their teaching skills without attending a face to face course.

Visit www.britishcouncil.gr

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2012 IELTS examinations in Athens and Thessaloniki Month

Examination date

Registration deadline

Module

January

Saturday 07 Saturday 21

03 Dec 2011 17 Dec 2011

A / GT A / GT

February

Saturday 04 Saturday 18

31 Dec 2011 14 Jan 2012

A A / GT

March

Saturday 10 Saturday 31

04 Feb 2012 25 Feb 2012

A / GT A / GT

April

Saturday 21 Saturday 28

17 Mar 2012 24 Mar 2012

A / GT A

May

Saturday 12 Saturday 26

07 Apr 2012 21 Apr 2012

A / GT A / GT

June

Saturday 09 Saturday 16

05 May 2012 12 May 2012

A / GT A

July

Thursday12 Saturday 21

07 Jun 2012 16 Jun 2012

A / GT A / GT

August

Saturday 04 Saturday 11 Saturday 25

30 Jun 2012 07 Jul 2012 21 Jul 2012

A / GT A A / GT

September

Saturday 01 Saturday 15

28 Jul 2012 11 Aug 2012

A / GT A

October

Saturday 13 Saturday 20

08 Sep 2012 15 Sep 2012

A / GT A

November

Thursday 08 Saturday 24

04 Oct 2012 20 Oct 2012

A / GT A

December

Saturday 01 Saturday 08

27 Oct 2012 03 Nov 2012

A / GT A / GT

Ioannina, Irakleio, Patras, Larisa, Xanthi June

Saturday 30

26 May 2012

A / GT

A: Academic module GT: General Training module

Please note registration for IELTS is only available online.

We recommend that you register 5 weeks before your chosen test date, but places may be available after this date.

Check www.britishcouncil.gr for live information on test place availability.

“The test for study, work and life�

www.takeielts.org

CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMINATIONS

January to December 2012 Examination session

Examination date

Registration period

Oral exams

YLE*

20 May

12 - 16 Mar

20 May

10 Jun

02 - 06 Apr

10 Jun

09 Dec

01 - 06 Oct

09 Dec

10 Mar

23 - 27 Jan

02 - 12 Mar

12 May

20 Feb - 2 Mar

04 - 14 May

16 Jun

20 Feb - 2 Mar

08 - 18 Jun

24 Nov

17 - 28 Sep

16 - 26 Nov

FCE (May session)**

19 May

20 Feb - 2 Mar

27 Apr - 27 May

FCEfs (May session)

12 May

20 Feb - 2 Mar

27 Apr - 27 May

CAE/CPE (May session)

13 May

20 Feb - 2 Mar

27 Apr - 20 May

FCEfs (Dec session)

01 Dec

17 - 28 Sep

09 Nov - 09 Dec

CAE/CPE (Dec session)

02 Dec

17 - 28 Sep

09 Nov - 09 Dec

TKT

18 Mar

09 - 13 Jan

N/A

20 May

12 - 16 Mar

N/A

17 Jun

02 - 06 Apr

N/A

18 Nov

17 - 21 Sep

N/A

P: 06 Jun / V: 07 Jun / H: 05 Jun

16 - 20 Apr

01 - 11 Jun

P: 24 Nov / V: 01 Dec / H: 17 Nov

17 - 28 Sep

09 - 19 Nov

08 Jun

23 - 26 Apr

01 - 11 Jun

KETfs / PETfs

BEC

ILEC

* YLE tests are also available on demand, minimum number of 30 candidates (with a minimum of ten candidates per level). ** Exams will be held in Athens and Thessaloniki only.

N.B. The above examination dates concern the paper-based versions only.

For information about the computer-based versions of KETfs, PETfs, FCEfs, FCE and CAE please visit www.britishcouncil.gr

Cambridge ESOL examination fees 2012 Young Learners English Tests (YLE) Key English Test for Schools (KETfS) Preliminary English Test for Schools (PETfS) First Certificate in English (FCE) First Certificate in English for Schools (FCEfS) Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

€ 67 € 85 € 90 € 165 € 165 € 180

Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) (per module) ILEC BEC Preliminary BEC Vantage BEC Higher

€ 185 € 50 € 260 € 120 € 181 € 195

HOW TO REGISTER 1a. Online Register for IELTS, KET for Schools, PET for Schools, FCE for Schools, FCE, CAE and CPE at www.britishcouncil.gr We do not currently accept online payment. Exam fees should be paid by direct deposit to our bank account after you have registered.

1b. By post Alternatively, for all Cambridge ESOL (both paper-based and computer-based versions), download an application form or block entry form from our website and send it along with your bank deposit slip to: For candidates in Athens and all other areas of Greece:

For candidates in Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly:

British Council 17 Kolonaki Square, 106 73 Athens

British Council PO Box 12004 541 01 Thessaloniki

Please note registration for IELTS is only available online and for YLE, only by post.

2. Payment By direct deposit to the British Council account at any branch of Alpha Bank, via an ATM or by web banking.

Account number: 11500 200201 8908

IBAN: GR05 0140 1150 1150 0200 2018 908

If you register online, please quote the unique reference number provided by the system in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.

For individual registrations via post, please quote the name of the candidate in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.

For Foreign Language School block registrations via post, please quote the name of the school in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.

Refunds We are able to refund 75% of your examination fee for medical reasons only. Appropriate medical evidence (from a state hospital, IKA, etc.) and your timetable must be submitted to the British Council within 1 week of the examination date.

Disclaimer The British Council and the examining boards take all reasonable steps to provide continuity of service.

We believe you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control. If examinations or their results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council’s liability will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or retesting at a later date.

LONDON 2012 ENGLISH FOR THE GAMES The British Council is developing a range of English Language materials to satisfy the huge global interest in the English Language inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games. These materials are aimed at teachers and learners of English worldwide, as well as those visiting the UK for the Games. www.teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-resources/english-for-2012

Contact us 801 500 3692 or 210 369 2333 (Monday-Friday 0800-1700) customerservices@britishcouncil.gr We aim to answer all calls within 30 seconds and emails within one working day.

Find us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/BritishCouncilGreece

If you need a copy of the information in this brochure in large print, we will be happy to provide one for you.

Aν θέλετε να σας αποστείλουμε τις πληροφορίες αυτές και στα Ελληνικά, παρακαλώ επικοινωνήστε μαζί μας.

In our effort to reduce our environmental impact as part of the British Council’s global commitment, we have printed this leaflet on recycled paper.

© British Council 2012 The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

www.britishcouncil.gr