English Course Guide

Selfridges

Bullring

Brindleyplace

Brindleyplace

Mailbox

Birmingham, UK

In partnership with

Rotunda

Canal Side

What students say about Brasshouse Language Centre

I would recommend
Brasshouse because
here, you will find your
international family.
Vesela from Bulgaria

Its a school with so much

life! You can improve your
English while you have a
great time!
Baldo from Spain

92% of students said that

Our teachers are really

friendly, more professional than
anywhere else and so patient!
Marina from Latvia

the Brasshouse English

course met their needs.

98% of students said

If you choose Brasshouse,

you will have no regrets!
Come on!
Minwoo from South Korea

that they were happy with

the quality of teaching at
Brasshouse.
After only 3 months at
Brasshouse and with
the help of a superlative
teacher, I have had the
opportunity to improve my
English skills a lot.
Fabrizio from Italy

Page one

(Source: Spring term 2014 End of course survey)

The teachers are full of energy!

Maryam from Iran

I found it very useful. The

teachers are very friendly
and helpful! I really enjoyed
my time here!
Aziza from Saudi Arabia

St Phillip's

Come to Birmingham!
Birmingham is a modern, vibrant city in the heart of
the UK.
It is the ideal location to learn English giving you
the chance to live and study in a truly multicultural
environment with a wide range of leisure facilities.
Birmingham is the second biggest city in the UK
and while it offers services, venues and cultural
opportunities equal to any large European city,
you will find living expenses much cheaper than
in London. There is a wide variety of museums,
theatres and music venues as well as thriving
nightlife, world-class sports events and venues and
excellent shopping facilities.
Birmingham has unrivalled transport links with the
rest of the UK. London is 90 minutes away by
train and major tourist destinations like Stratfordupon-Avon (the birthplace of William Shakespeare)
and Warwick Castle are less than 1 hour away.
Birmingham International Airport with flights to
destinations all over Europe is a ten-minute train
journey from the city centre.

Study at Brasshouse Language

Centre!
Brasshouse Language Centre is the largest Adult
Education Centre in the UK specialising in language
courses and language services. It is situated in the
city centre in the Brindleyplace leisure and business
area. The staff and students from all over the world
bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the
centre and create a dynamic, truly international
atmosphere. Brasshouse is an authorised Cambridge
English Language Assessment Examinations centre
offering examinations for KET (Key English Test),
PET (Preliminary English Test), FCE (First Certificate
in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English).
Our English classes cover a wide range of language
skills and will help you to use English more confidently
and effectively. Our highly qualified and experienced
teachers and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere
in class guarantee that you learn and have fun
at the same time. We have classes at all levels
from Beginners (CEFR A1) to Advanced (CEFR
C1). You can study General English or prepare for
international exams like FCE (First Certificate in
English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English),
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) and IELTS
(International English Language Testing System).

Page two

Full-time Courses
21 hours a week
Monday to Friday 09.30 - 13.00
General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced)
Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)

PLUS 2 AFTERNOON OPTIONS

Students on our full-time 21 hour a week programme study General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate,
Intermediate, Upper Intermediate), Academic English (for the IELTS** exam) or prepare for Cambridge English
Language Assessment exams at First Certificate or Advanced levels in the mornings from 09.30 to 13.00.
In the afternoon, students can choose two afternoon options: Listening & Speaking, Reading & Writing, Natural
Everyday English or IELTS** preparation.

18 hours a week
Monday to Friday 09.30 - 13.00
General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate or Advanced)
Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)

PLUS 1 AFTERNOON OPTIONS

Students on our full-time 18 hour a week programme study General English (Elementary, Pre-intermediate,
Intermediate, Upper Intermediate), Academic English (for the IELTS** exam) or prepare for Cambridge English
Language Assessment exams at First Certificate or Advanced levels in the mornings from 09.30 to 13.00.
In the afternoon, students can choose one afternoon option: Listening & Speaking, Reading & Writing, Natural
Everyday English or IELTS** preparation.

Monday & Wednesday

13.45 - 15.15
Listening & Speaking

OR

Tuesday & Thursday

13.45 - 15.15
Reading & Writing

OR

Tuesday
13.45 - 17.00
Natural Everyday English

Wednesday
13.45 - 17.00
IELTS**

15 hours a week
Monday to Friday 09.30 - 13.00
General English (Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate
or Advanced)
Academic English (IELTS**) or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or CAE*)
Students on our full-time 15 hour a week programme study General English (Beginners, Elementary, Preintermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate), Academic English (for the IELTS** exam) or prepare for
Cambridge English Language Assessment exams at First Certificate or Advanced levels in the mornings from
09.30 to 13.00.
* You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.
** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.
Page three

The Ikon Gallery

More Information about Morning Classes

General English
In Brasshouse morning classes you will improve your everyday English and learn the language that you need
for the world of work and further education. Your experienced and highly qualified teacher(s) will evaluate
and address your individual needs and help you to identify and achieve your learning goals. You will develop
your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in fun and engaging activities as well as developing your
knowledge of English grammar and increasing your vocabulary. Participating in group and pair work will help
you to develop your fluency, improve your pronunciation and to use English more confidently.
In your morning class, you will follow a course book which you have to buy at the start of the course.
At the end of each term, your teachers will assess your progress and decide if you can move to the next level.
Most students need at least 2 terms on a full-time course before they can move up to the next level.

Exam Preparation Classes (FCE*, CAE* & IELTS**)

Our full-time morning Exam Preparation courses allow you to improve your speaking, listening, reading and
writing skills while focusing on the language necessary for you to pass the exam. You will learn about the format
of each part of the exam and carry out extensive practice of each section. Our Exam Preparation tutors have
considerable experience of teaching at these levels and will guide you through your studies, assessing and
advising you along the way. You will expand your grammatical skills, extend your range of vocabulary and take
part in lively and motivating activities while developing the techniques that will help you to be successful in the
exam.
In your morning class, you will follow a course book which you have to buy at the start of the course.

Part-time Courses
3 or 6 hours a week - Skills Classes
Monday & Wednesday 13.45 - 15.15
Speaking & Listening
(Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate & Advanced)
Tuesday & Thursday 13.45 - 15.15
Reading & Writing
(Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate & Upper Intermediate)
You can choose to study Speaking & Listening on Mondays and Wednesdays from 13.45 to 15.15 and/or
Reading & Writing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 13.45 to 15.15.
* You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.
** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.
Page four

Part-time Courses
3 hours a week - General English Classes 13.45 - 17.00

Monday
Elementary
Tuesday Pre-intermediate
Wednesday Intermediate
Thursday Upper Intermediate

In these classes, you will practise your Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing skills while studying grammar
and vocabulary. You will use a course book which you will complete if you study for the full academic year.

3 hours a week - Tuesday Afternoon 13.45 - 17.00

Natural Everyday English
Do you ever wonder why the language you speak in class sometimes sounds different to the language you
hear outside Brasshouse? Do you wish you could sound more like a native speaker? Do you want to feel more
comfortable in English conversations?
This course will help you to
understand what sounds natural to a native speaker.
practise different kinds of everyday dialogues.
become more confident when speaking in English.

sound more natural yourself.

improve your pronunciation.

This course is suitable for students at Intermediate level and above.

3 hours a week - Academic English Classes 13.45 - 17.00

Wednesday IELTS**

3 hours a week - Friday Morning

Friday 09.30 - 13.00
General English (Pre-intermediate, Intermediate & Upper Intermediate)
Students on our Friday 3 hour programme can study General English at Pre-intermediate, Intermediate and
Upper Intermediate.

3 hours a week - Evenings

Monday 17.45 - 21.00
Exam Preparation (First Certificate*, CAE* or Proficiency*)
Tuesday 17.45 - 21.00
General English (Pre-intermediate, Intermediate & Upper Intermediate)
Thursday 17.45 - 21.00
General English or Exam Preparation (Intermediate or IELTS**)
Students on our evening courses can study General English at Pre-intermediate, Intemediate or Upper
Intermediate level. We also have exam preparation courses for Cambridge English Language Assessment First
Certificate*, CAE*, Proficiency* or IELTS** exams.
* You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.
** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level or above.
Page five

English Summer Programme

On our English Summer Programme, you can spend
one or two months improving your English and
making friends from all over the world. As well as 21
hours of classes per week, you can enjoy our varied
social programme.

Summer Programme Classes

Classes on the Summer Programme cover a wide
range of English language skills and will help you
to use English more confidently and effectively. Our
experienced teachers and the relaxed and friendly
atmosphere in class guarantee that you learn and
have fun at the same time.

Morning Classes
In the mornings, you will study General English,
prepare for the Cambridge English Language
Assessment First Certificate (FCE) exam or for the
IELTS exam. Morning classes start at 09.30 and
finish at 13.00 from Monday to Friday.

Social Programme
You can also take part in the range of activities
and excursions on our Social Programme. This
includes weekly day trips to places of interest like
London, Oxford and Bath. We also organise trips to
museums and historical houses in Birmingham and
evenings out at local pubs and theatres.

Afternoon Classes
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons
you will attend one of a variety of Skills classes. The
afternoon classes start at 14.00 and finish at 16.00.
These Skills classes include Speaking & Listening,
Reading & Writing, Art & Culture, Natural Everyday
English and English for Job Hunting.

On the Brasshouse Summer Programme, you will

enjoy learning English, make friends and get a taste
of living and studying in the UK. Outside the classes,
you will use your English skills in everyday life,
through film and television, newspapers and books,
shopping and entertainment.

Monday to Friday 09.30 - 13.00

General English (Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate
or Advanced)
or Exam Preparation Classes (First Certificate* or IELTS**)

PLUS
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 14.00 - 16.00
A choice of afternoon classes

Brindleyplace

Aston Hall

* You can only join an exam preparation class if you have the appropriate level of English.
** IELTS is only available to students at Upper Intermediate level and above.
Page six

Homestay Accommodation

The Bull Ring

Your accommodation is one of the most important

aspects of your stay in the UK. Homestay
accommodation combines quality, friendliness and
value for money. It is suitable for those who want
a lot of contact with their Homestay provider and
those who prefer to be independent. Homestay
accommodation provides you with a first-hand
experience of English life and is also the place
where you can learn the most English outside the
classroom.
All Homestay accommodation is carefully selected
and most hosts have worked with Brasshouse for
many years. The Accommodation Officer works
closely with our Homestay providers to arrange
appropriate placements and to ensure that they meet
the quality and safety guidelines set by English UK
and the British Council.
Not all Homestay accommodation consists of two
parents with children. We have many experienced
and friendly Homestay providers who have different
living arrangements some are couples with no
children, some are single parents with children and
some are single adults. Our Homestay providers are
accustomed to having visitors stay in their home.
They will want to make sure that you are happy and
comfortable in their home.

Gas Street Basin

All our accommodation is close to either a railway

station or bus route to make your daily journey to
and from the school as easy as possible. We also
try to provide accommodation that is no more than
60 minutes travel from Brasshouse.
If you are studying at Brasshouse Language Centre
and need accommodation we have a variety of
options for our full-time students.
Room Only
Half-Board (breakfast & evening meal)
Mixed Board (Monday - Friday, break & evening
meal) and Saturday & Sunday (breakfast, lunch
& evening meal)
Full-Board (breakfast, lunch & evening meal)
All accommodation includes transport from
Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham Coach
Station or New Street Railway Station.
To book Homestay accommodation, please complete
the Homestay Application Form with as many details
as possible. This will help us to find you suitable
accommodation and ensure that you are happy
during your stay.
Accommodation cannot be arranged without
payment. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Please visit our website for Homestay Accommodation Terms and Conditions:
http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/brasshouse-english/homestay-accommodation/

Page seven

Homestay Accommodation

Victoria Square

When I needed help, the

family was always ready to
help me.
Marzia from Italy

Home from home.

Mohamed from Saudi Arabia

It was a positive
experience because I came
to study English and when
you live with an English
family it helps you to
improve your English.
Pavel from Russia

They are like my family and I

dont feel lonely I would like to
recommend this homestay to
other students.
Ga Yeon from South Korea

What students
say about
Homestay
Accommodation

They made me feel part of

the family and introduced
me to their friends.
Fatimata from France

It is one of the most positive

experiences that I have had.
The family is great and they
are always helping me.
Victor from Spain
I absolutely love my host family!
Marina, Ukraine

Page eight

General Information

Studying

Open Learning
What is Open Learning?

The Custard Factory

You can make an appointment to see the Student

Counsellor at the Welcome Desk.

It is our FREE Language Library and Study Centre.

Classes at Brasshouse

What can I do there?

The average number of students per class is 16 with

a maximum of 20 in some groups.

Use dictionaries, grammar, vocabulary and

course books.
Have access to exam practice materials.
Practise listening, reading, writing and pronunciation.
Use computers and surf the Internet.
Organise your studies.
Find out about useful websites.
Who can help me?
English tutors are available to give you advice
and support. You can book an appointment to
talk to them.

Social Programme
Our Social Programme will help you to enjoy your free
time and make friends. There are regular day trips to
places of interest like London, Oxford, Cambridge,
Oxford, Bath and Cardiff. The cost of each day trip is
between 20 and 30.
We also organise evening activities including bowling
and boat parties, afternoon trips to museums and
historical houses in Birmingham and evenings out
at local pubs. This type of activity and trip costs
between 5 and 15.

Student Counsellor
Free counselling support is available for all students who
experience any type of difficulty in their personal life.
Our counsellor is there to
listen to students without criticising
talk through problems sympathetically
access external support wherever necessary.
Page nine

The minimum class size is 8. If the number falls

below this, we may need to close your class and offer
you an alternative.

Term Dates
September to June
From September to June, Brasshouse courses
are divided into terms. The Autumn term is from
September to December, the Spring term is from
January to April and the Summer term from April to
June. Between the Autumn and Spring terms, there
is a break which covers the Christmas and New Year
period. Between the Spring and Summer terms there
is a break of approximately two weeks. In line with
other UK educational establishments there are also
week-long breaks in the middle of each term (these
are called half term).
The first Monday in May is a national holiday in the
UK. There are no classes on this day.
July and August
In July and August, there are two courses of 4 weeks
each. There is a week long break at the end of August.
Please see the Course Calendar for the exact term
and holiday dates for this year.

Course Books
Most classes follow a set course book. You will be
required to buy the book at the start of the course.
Books cost between 20 and 35.

General Information
Speak to your teacher before buying the course book
and make sure that you buy the right one.
We cannot exchange books or refund any money
paid for books.

Certificates
At the end of each course, you will receive a
certificate of attendance.
You are required to attend AT LEAST 80% of classes
to obtain the certificate.

Cambridge English Exams

Brasshouse is an authorised Cambridge English
Language Assessment exams centre. The following
exams are held at regular intervals during the year:
KET (Key English Test), PET (Preliminary English Test),
FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in
Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency
in English). The exam fee is 140.
We can also offer BEC (Business English-Preliminary,
Vantage & Higher), TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test),
ILEC (Legal) and ICFE (Financial) on demand.
For more information about exam dates, please visit
http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/brasshouseenglish/cambridge-examinations/

IELTS Exam
The IELTS exam can be taken at QA Ltd.
For
more
information,
please
visit
http://www.ihlondon.com/exam-centre/ielts.test.
birmingham and http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.
uk/terms-conditions

Council Tax
Council tax is a local tax payable to the British
Government. Students are currently required to pay
Council Tax unless they study full-time for more than
6 months. Please ask for a letter to confirm that you
qualify for exemption.

Comments, Compliments and

Complaints
We welcome feedback from learners before,
during and after your course. For any comments,
compliments or complaints, please contact
Pauline Desch, Head of English
Tel: 0121 303 2523
Email: Pauline_Desch@birmingham.gov.uk
Paul Henderson, Deputy Head of English
Tel: 0121 303 1649
Email: Paul_J_Henderson@birmingham.gov.uk
If you prefer, there is a more formal procedure for
complaints. To make a formal complaint, please
collect the leaflet 'Your views are good news' from
reception.

Refund Policy
If you change your mind within ten working days of
registering for the course, we will refund your fee
minus the non-refundable registration fee.
Once the course has started, fees are non-refundable.
Learners who fail to attend any part of their course
due to illness or any other reason, whether within
or outside the student's control, will not be entitled
to a refund of fees (nor attend any classes in place
of those missed) unless a medical certificate (in
English) or visa refusal notice is provided. A refund of
fees must be requested within 2 years of registration.
Refunds are payable to the person who originally
paid the fees.
Learners who fail to complete the course, for any
reason, will not be entitled to a refund.
Please visit http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/
terms-conditions/

Terms and Conditions

Please visit http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk/
terms-conditions/

Visas
For detailed information about visas, please go to
the UK Immigration and Visas website: www.gov.uk/
study-visit-visa

Page ten

How to find us

treet
Sheepcote S

l
ona
Nati oor
Ind na
Are

l
Cana

ICC

Brindley
Place

New

et

Selfr

A38

ay

Stre

l Rd

Mi
dd
lew

Victoria
Square

risto

N
ley Rd
A456 Hag orway
ot
to M5 M

Central
Library

Town
Hall

To B

d
oa
Br

(M

Council
House

nary
Cente re
Squa

et
re
St

M
)&

38

A
To

te

vo

No

t6

nc

6J

Repertory
Theatre

Birmingham
City Centre

New Street
Rail Station

Birmingham
Five Ways
Rail Station

Bullr

More information?
If you would like more information about Brasshouse English courses and/or Homestay accommodation,
please contact us by phone, fax or email.
Telephone: 0121 303 0114 Fax: 0121 464 5375
Email: brasshouse@birmingham.gov.uk
We will be happy to answer your questions and advise you on the best options for you.
For further information about Birmingham, please visit www.visitbirmingham.com

Brasshouse Language Centre, 50 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AJ, England.

Website: http://brasshouse.birmingham.gov.uk