English Plus
Combining General English with a variety of interesting subjects from Art to Gardening, Fashion to Drama.
About
The English ‘Plus’ Course combines our highly popular General English Course with a diverse and exciting range of cultural and educational subjects.
There’s something to suit all tastes for students aged 17 and above, and while you learn you will get to practise your English with like-minded classmates. Subjects include art, gardening, fashion, drama, screen-printing, photography, environmental studies, media, British culture and creative English.
Based on active student participation, this unique programme is designed to reinforce your appreciation of the English language at a deeper cultural level. You can choose to study as many subjects as you like, and you will receive friendly support and encouragement from our qualified teachers every step of the way.
Learning hours
You can expect to spend a minimum of 22 sessions of 45 minutes each and one 30 minute talk for your English studies. (16.5 hours of learning per week) and for your English 'Plus' module, you will be expected attend 4 teacher-led classes of 45 minutes each week. This is a total of 27 lessons/20 hours per week. You are also required to complete self study based around a project suggested by your teacher.
There are a maximum of 16 students on each English ‘Plus’ course.
All students have a test and an interview on their first day to establish their level of English. If you are unsure of your level of English, you can take our test before you enrol. Alternatively look at the Council of Europe Language Level Scale to see what level you are. Please note that some courses require a minimum level of English in order to participate.
Please note you will be required to buy course books for your English studies.
Exam Preparation & Practice
Students prepare for exams such as FCE (Cambridge First Certificate), CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam), CPE (Cambridge Proficiency Exam) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
Students will also have the opportunity of trying practice papers.
Plus Subjects
English Plus Special Subjects
In order to create their personalised Plus course students then have Special Subjects to choose from. There are a maximum of 16 students on each course in each module. Students attend 4 teacher led classes of 45 minutes each week and are also required to do a two and a half hours of self study based around a project suggested by their teacher.
Below is a brief description of the special subjects we offer:
(please click each item for more information)
Art: Photography 1
Photography does not necessarily represent reality and is a media which can be used to manipulate the viewer with more intensity and conviction than other media.
The class is based mostly on the work done by the students as well as slide shows introducing the week’s project. Students are given weekly photographic assignments, including ‘self portraiture’, ‘landscape’ and ‘creating a story’ through a series. There is a lot of discussion during the class and students are expected to participate frequently in response to the work. This allows the students to develop a better understanding of how to express their ideas visually and how to read media in different contexts. There is a final exhibition of students’ work at the end of each term.
Art: Photography 2
After having had advice on lighting, backgrounds, composition, camera angles and expression, you will be asked to photograph someone you know with the aim of showing his/her personality. You will also be asked to photo someone in black and white. Afterwards you will discuss the results with your teacher.
A demonstration of studio portraiture using electronic flash and different lighting will end the module.
Students must be prepared to pay for their own film development and photo paper. Students must bring their own camera but it does not have to be a specialised one.
Art: Screen printing
The students will learn how to print on fabric with silk screens. The course starts with a series of sketching exercises to explore pattern making to make the students aware of design principles and elements. They will then take the resulting patterns and create stencils in paper, plastic and fabric, and use them to build up layers of colour to create complex images. The students can then if they want, print imagery on clothing, creating unique items for themselves.
Students must be prepared to pay for their own materials.
Art: Sketchbooks with a difference
You will be able to go out and create a sketchbook by drawing the life and culture of Brighton. Experiment and explore possibilities for generating drawings. Learn new things and get ideas for your own work.
British History
A series of lessons providing an overview of British history from the Roman invasion to the present day. Lessons will include a general introduction to each period; individual research into particular topics such as famous people or events; class discussions; and video and film clips.
Britain and the Environment
A study of the current environmental problems affecting Great Britain. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the main environmental issues involved, together with the measures, so far introduced, to help improve the situation.
Some local study trips are envisaged and there will also be opportunities for some individual investigations.
Students must be prepared to pay for transport to certain study visits.
British Culture
Students look at British culture in a more historical context. Lessons will include work on the Victorians, Portslade, poetry, art, music and literature.
The students are expected to work towards giving a short presentation to the class in the last week.
Creative English
This is a very practical course which gives students the opportunity to develop both their writing and reading skills. We will look at different styles of writing and try some of them!
We will discuss the work of some writers and students will be encouraged to dip into ‘new’ authors. Students will also research and present the life of a writer of their choice.
Drama
The aims of this course include developing self confidence, imagination, individual expression and creativity.
Students study drama through a variety of different means including exercises, improvisation, scripts and role play. They look at various characterisations and different types of script (contemporary and traditional).
Most terms the students work towards putting on a short performance to fellow students.
Exam preparation & Practice
Students prepare for exams such as FCE (Cambridge First Certificate), CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam), CPE (Cambridge Proficiency exam) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
Students will also have the opportunity of trying practice papers.
Fashion 1
This is a practical course looking at learning different sewing techniques, the use of different types of fabric, basic fashion, design work and pattern making.
Students must be prepared to provide all relevant materials.
Fashion 2
The course is designed to follow on from Fashion 1 and consists of experimental projects in fashion textiles and fashion design, garment construction, visual research and drawing. The conclusion of the course will be a fashion show by the participants.
Students must be prepared to provide all relevant materials
Focus on Literature
A look at various important literature and its impact on society. Students will look at modern British poets, characters in important novels and gothic literature.
The students are expected to work towards giving a short presentation to the class in the last week.
Gardening
This is a practical course for those students interested in learning more about the British Garden. A look at growing vegetables and flowers. Students will learn about gardening for enjoyment in all four seasons with ideas about the use of plants, design and planting in different size gardens for different effects. Participants must be prepared to do some physical work as some of the course is work experience.
International Studies
The International Studies English Plus course explores issues such as human rights, fair trade, empires and colonisation. We will look at examples of these from history and in today’s world, including the current unrest in the Middle East and the rising power of China, India and other developing countries.
Students will get a chance to do their own research into topics of personal interest.
Practical Media 1
Students look at various techniques to create atmosphere in films and documentaries. This includes looking at lighting, use of music and camera angles. Students will look at a variety of different films and documentaries and present their own findings on different subjects.
Practical Media 2
In Practical Media students work in groups to write, shoot and edit a short video film, either on a suggested theme or on a subject of their own choosing. The emphasis is on learning through doing. The teacher provides some necessary input and is there to offer help when needed.
Singing
Students will be taken through various aspects of vocal techniques including warming up, producing a quality sound, tone production, exercises, extending range and diaphagmatic support. Tone, arrangement and song structure will all be broken down and analysed. Also a focus on dealing with nerves and anxiety on stage.
Students must be prepared to take part in evening practices and possibly to join a choir.
Dates
Winter Course Dates 2012
Students choose to join one of the subjects under each Module.
| Winter Module 1 | 9 January to 3 February |
| a) Screen Printing | b) Extra English |
| c) Practical Media 1 | d) British Culture 1 |
| Winter Module 2 | 6 February to 2 March |
| a) Fashion 1 | b) Focus on literature |
| c) Photography 1 | d) Britain and the Environment |
| e) IELTS preparation course |
(ACTIVITY WEEK - Week of 5 March)
| Winter Module 3 | 12 March to 30 March |
| a) Sketchbooks | b) International Studies |
| c) Fashion 2 | d) Drama |
| e) British Culture 2 |
EASTER - Week of 2 April
Spring Course Dates 2012
| Spring Module 4 | 10 April to 4 May |
| a) Photography 2 | b) Practical Media 2 |
| c) Extra English | d) British Culture 2 |
| e) British History | f) Focus on literature |
| g) Exam preparation course (IELTS & Cambridge exams) | |
WEEK OF 7 May
No English Plus subject this week. Instead a theme week based around food, sport OR history. There will be lessons, lectures, activities and visits around these themes. Students choose their own theme.
| Spring Module 5 | 14 May to 16 June |
| a) Extra English | b) Drama |
| c) Singing | d) Creative English |
| e) British Culture 1 | f) Screen Printing |
| g) Exam preparation course (IELTS & Cambridge exams) | |
Autumn Course Dates 2012
Students choose to join one of the subjects under each Module.
| Autumn Module 1 | 28 August to 21 September |
| a) Screen printing | b) Extra English |
| c) Practical Media 1 | d) British Culture 2 |
| e) Focus on Literature |
| Autumn Module 2 | 24 September to 19 October |
| a) Photography 1 | b) Extra English |
| c) Fashion 1 | d) Britain & the Environment |
| e) British Culture 1 | Exam preparation course (IELTS & Cambridge exams) |
(ACTIVITY PROJECT WEEK - Week of 22 October)
| Autumn Module 3 | 29 October to 23 November |
| a) Practical Media 2 | b) British History |
| c) Sketchbooks | d) Drama |
| e) Creative English | Exam preparation course (IELTS & Cambridge exams) |
| Autumn Module 4 | 26 November to 14 December |
| a) Singing | b) International Studies |
| c) Photography 2 | d) Exam Preparation (IELTS & Cambridge exams) |
English Test!
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“Brighton is a great town to study in. You make so many friends and the atmosphere at the school is really very good. The lessons and lectures have been good and it’s nice that there are other subject lessons and courses apart from just English. It gives us a bit extra education. One of my subjects was Practical Media and we’re working on a film.”
