General English

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Course Information | Course Outline | Frequently Asked Questions |

Course Information:

General English courses are for students who want to improve their overall English language skills. In General English you will study 25 hours a week with a first-rate teacher; and class sizes are always kept small. General English students can also take advantage of the 'English Club', 'Friday Options', and 'Saturday Explorers Club', which are outlined later in this page. General English classes provide the best possible opportunities for students looking to make rapid progress in their English studies.

Levels
There are five levels in the General English department. Each level has its own carefully designed syllabus and text books. Your teachers will select the best level in which to improve your English, and carefully monitor your progress to ensure you remain the most appropriate class.

Enrollment
You can join General English classes every Monday morning. The induction procedures for new students begin at 9:00am. The teachers and staff will always make you feel welcome and will soon have you settled into your new class. Make sure you bring your passport, pens and a notebook on the first day.

Placement Test
On your first day at Greenwich, you will have a Placement Test and Placement Interview with a senior teacher. You will then be placed in the most suitable class. Your progress will be closely monitored by your teachers and there are weekly Progress Checks to assist. Rates of progress vary from person to person, but most students improve rapidly and move up a level after a studying a few months.

Course Outline:

Students will learn:
General English classes focus on the communicative skills of listening and speaking, combined with study designed to improve student's vocabulary, idioms, grammar, structure, reading and writing.

Daily Time Table:
General English classes begin at 9:00 and finish at 3:00 pm. Each General English class has 25 hours study a week, 5 hours each day. Each class has two teachers; a morning teacher and an afternoon teacher.

..*These classes are conducted on an occasional basis - according to consumer and
.. scheduling demands.

English Club
English Club is an extra service provided by Greenwich College. Lessons are provided by trainee-teachers, and it is free to join. English Club gives General English students the chance to obtain extra English lessons, and provides trainee-teachers with the opportunity to work with real students. All English Club meetings are under the control of qualified teacher. English club operates from Monday to Thursday most weeks of the year. When demand for the English Club is high, students may be asked to pay a refundable deposit to reserve their place in a class.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) Why should I study General English?
Because we have 25 hours study with a teacher, Small class sizes (max 12), Friday Options classes, English Club, Saturday Explorers Club, Progress checks weekly, TOEIC & TOEFL options, First-rate teachers, Quality programs, Central city location and Fun & friendly - serious study.

2) How many hours will I study each week?
25 hours - and all our classes are with a teacher - there are no 'self-study' sessions. You will study 5 hours each day with a fully qualified teacher.

3) How many students in each class?
Classes are always small, but the exact number may vary from week to week. Your class will usually contain less than 12 students.

4) How will I know I am improving?
We have 'Progress Tests' every Thursday. These brief tests help you, and your teachers, monitor and improve your English.

5) What are 'Friday Options' classes?
Every Friday you can choose to study in a different class. You can choose serious-study classes (like 'Test Preparation' or 'Grammar & Conversation") or join light-study classes (like 'Movies & Music' or 'Excursions').

6) What is the 'English Club'?
'English Club' is a series of free English lessons given by trainee teachers. English Club runs Monday to Thursday from 3:15pm to 4:15pm. It's a great chance to get extra English practice.

7) What is the 'Saturday Explorers Club'?
The Saturday Explorers Club arranges tours, special events and sports days twice a month. If you want a fun weekend then join the Explorers Club.

8) Can I study IELTS, TOEIC or TOEFL?
Yes. Greenwich has full time IELTS classes, and you can study TOEIC and TOEFL as your Friday Options class.

9) What are the teachers like?
All our teachers are fully qualified native-speakers with a flair for teaching. We believe students learn faster when they have experienced and interesting teachers.

10) What will we study in General English?
You will study speaking, listening reading and writing. You will also study vocabulary, idioms and useful structures. All teachers from a carefully planned syllabus and they use both textbooks and original material.

11) What is the atmosphere like at Greenwich?
We offer serious study with a fun, friendly atmosphere, and we keep it this way with small classes, great teachers and an interesting mix of students and activities.

12) What's the location like?
Greenwich College is located in the centre of Sydney's CBD. It is a 2 minute walk from Town Hall train station and the Hyde Park bus stops. There are many cafes, shops and food courts nearby. You can easily walk to the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, parks, theatres and restaurants.

13) Does each class have a text book?
Yes. Each class has its own textbook and work book. Teachers also add a wide range of other study materials, but you will always have the advantage and security of using a set textbook.

14) How many teachers will I have?
Each class has a Morning Teacher and an Afternoon Teacher, so you will usually have two teachers a week. This allows students to build a close rapport with two different teachers, while keeping your classes fresh and interesting.

15) How will I know my English level?
You will take a 'Placement Test & Interview' when you join. There are also Progress Tests every Thursday, to help teachers chart your progress.

16) How quickly will my English improve?
Every student is different, but most students move into a higher level after 6 to 12 weeks study. Greenwich maximises your progress by providing the best study conditions: 25 hours of lessons, small class sizes, great teachers, English Club, Friday Options and the Saturday Explorers Club.

17) What time do classes start?
Classes start at 9:00am and finish at 3:00pm. There is a 40 minute lunch break and two 10 minute mini breaks. We study five days a week (Monday to Friday), and you can take extra classes in the English Club and have extra fun in the Saturday Explorers Club.

18) When can I join?
You can join General English classes every Monday morning. Contact our staff (or your agent) for details on how to join.