Burlington School of English

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Key Info
  • The Burlington School of English in London was founded in 1990 and aim to provide quality and innovative English language courses. Burlington's curriculum incorporates a communicative and holistic approach with cultural immersion in the customs and language of the United Kingdom. They are here to serve the needs of learners whose first language is not English, helping them to improve their English language abilities and to be successful in pursuit of their academic, business and personal goals.

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The Main Building

The Burlington School is situated in a three-storey detached building, a short walk from the River Thames and Parsons Green Underground station.

The school building is attractive, with pleasant classrooms, a student cafeteria and self-study facilities with access to educational materials.

The school has been operating since 1990 and courses are offered all year round in General English, Business English, and various specialist English classes. The school office is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Classrooms And Other Facilities

Classrooms are pleasant and appropriately equipped. The Burlington School also has: video facilities, computers with broadband internet access and email for students’ use, a study area and a lending facility where students may borrow books and CDs.

The Burlington Cafeteria

Hot and cold food and drinks are served in the students’ cafeteria throughout the day from Monday to Friday and at certain times at weekends. Students can choose between various dishes including starters, main courses, snacks and other sweet and savoury dishes which are freshly prepared by the school’s chef. There is always a vegetarian option and we are pleased to cater for any special dietary requirements.

Weekly meal plans are available at discounted rates, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Please see the price list for details. The cafeteria is a great place for students to relax during breaks or during one of the school’s parties or film evenings.

Computer And Wifi Facilities

The Burlington School is equipped with a small computer area where students have access to broadband internet. In addition to this, the school is also fitted with free wi-fi internet for those students who wish to use their personal computers or mobile devices.

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General English

Half Day Standard:

This English language course focuses on the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. In this class, you will practise your English a lot, interact with others and have fun.

Full Day Intensive:

This General English course is made up of two GE15 sessions totalling six 45-minute lessons a day. It starts at 9am and finishes at 4:30pm with a break between 11:30am and 2pm.

Evening English:

This course is designed for those who wish to improve their English abilities while having all-day activities such as studies or work. The syllabus is focused on improving the four language skills: speaking, reading, writing and listening.

English Language for Teachers

The course combines 15 lessons of General English to increase your language skills depending on your level, plus five lessons of one-to-one tuition, focused on improving your skills in teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Students will improve their own language skills and study different approaches and theories in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning and teaching, and practical suggestions for the classroom. The course includes a detailed needs analysis of each student and then covers topics including English phonology, grammar, improving classroom dynamics, using technology in the classroom and utilising authentic materials.

Medical English

The course combines 15 lessons of General English to increase your language skills depending on your level and five lessons of one-to-one tuition focused on improving your command of the specialist terminology used in the English-speaking medical community.

The syllabus is negotiated with the student to allow the course to be tailored to meet individual student needs. The course focuses on developing presentation skills, as well as reading medical texts and writing reports. This course is a popular option for students seeking English instruction to support their future career objectives.

English for Academic Purposes

This course is usually taken by those who wish to pursue their studies in a British university. The programme combines General English courses and modules with a focus on academic English.

You will study 15 lessons per week of General English and five lessons of specialised university preparation and you will be expected to spend considerable extra time on research and homework tasks.

The one-to-one classes are particularly intensive and are a popular option for those who are ready to work hard to support their academic objectives.

The course will allow you to learn about first-year academic programmes at British universities and develop your academic and self-directed study techniques. You will also upgrade your language skills to a level of proficiency that will enable you to participate effectively in undergraduate studies in the UK.

The course includes:

  • English language training,
  • Cross-cultural studies,
  • Learner training,
  • is made up of three 12-week modules which increase in complexity.
  • You will also spend time preparing for the IELTS exam for entry into a British university.

Cultural Studies

The course combines 15 lessons of General English to increase your language skills, depending on your level, and five lessons of one-to-one tuition focused on deepening your understanding of British history and culture while studying the language. You will develop your language skills through the study of subjects in which you have a particular interest while gaining an understanding of the social, cultural and historical context of the English language.

This English language course consists of three modules:

Life and Literature:

A study of major British authors, dramatists and poets, from Shakespeare to the modern age.

Taking Issue:

You will gain a deeper understanding of social and political issues that shape modern Britain, including the monarchy, relations with Europe and Northern Ireland.

Britain Now:

You will study works of modern British writers such as Dylan Thomas and Philip Larkin, as well as films and songwriters from the seventies to modern times. This is an exciting opportunity to examine and debate the content and themes of these works and what they reveal about British people.

General Business English

If you are planning to work in a company where English is the main language, this course is for you! The lessons focus on acquiring general business English vocabulary and language skills in an office environment.

The course combines 15 lessons of General English, to increase your language skills depending on your level, and five lessons in smaller groups or on a one-to-one basis.

These lessons focus on increasing business English capabilities by practising with your dedicated teacher how to handle different situations where business English is used, such as in interviews, meetings, presentations and phone calls.

Tourism Industry English

This is one of the fastest-growing service sectors in the world. If you are planning to work in the tourism and travel industry, then this course is for you!

The course combines 15 lessons of General English, to increase your language skills depending on your level, and five lessons in smaller groups or on a one-to-one basis. These smaller group lessons in the second part of the day allow you to focus on language relevant to the field, and to familiarise yourself with some relevant aspects of the travel industry.

You and your teacher will focus on acquiring vocabulary relevant to your field by using case studies and interacting with you on specific topics – this gives you the opportunity to practise using language in this field.

Choosing London as a location to learn Tourism Industry English is strategic if you are looking for job opportunities in a city which is often the most popular tourist destination in the world.

Marketing English

This course is for students who wish to pursue a career in marketing, an area of business that needs individuals who are effective and persuasive.

The course combines 15 lessons of general English, to increase your language skills depending on your level, and five lessons in smaller groups or on a one-to-one basis with an experienced teacher, who will be focused on your improvement and achievements throughout the course. These smaller group lessons in the second part of the day allow you to focus on the language relevant to the field.

General office English

On this course, you will acquire English language skills as used in a typical English-speaking office environment.

The course combines 15 lessons of General English, to increase your language skills depending on your level, and five lessons in smaller groups or on a one-to-one basis. During these smaller group lessons a particular focus is placed on everyday interactions in multinational office settings where English is the primary language of business.

The teacher simulates office environments and the most effective methods for communication in written and oral form in a variety of situations.

Import/Export English

This course covers typical communication challenges facing trading companies who deal with western companies, suppliers and trading partners in English.

The course combines 15 lessons of General English, to increase your language skills depending on your level, and five lessons in smaller groups or on a one-to-one basis. During these smaller group lessons a particular focus is placed on every-day interactions.

You will learn a lot of vocabulary and phrases related to your field and practise your English in order to enhance your language skills in this particular field.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardised test of English language proficiency recognised by most institutions in English-speaking countries and many employers. Also, those who would like to go to Canada and New Zealand need an IELTS qualification.

Therefore, taking the test will allow you to open new perspectives, whether you wish to pursue your studies in an English-speaking country or work and live in these countries. IELTS also offers you recognition of your English language skills if you need this in your home country.

At the end of the test, a Test Report Form is issued to all candidates with a score from “band 1″ (“non-user”) to “band 9″ (“expert user”) and each institution sets a different threshold. There is also a “band 0″ score for those who did not attempt the test.

Preparation Course:

The Burlington School offer two types of IELTS preparation courses depending on your level:

IELTS Intermediate:

This is an introduction to the IELTS exam. You will have a lot of exam practice, and a chance to improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. To join this course, you need to be at Upper-Intermediate level or above (B2 level of CEFR in English).
IELTS Advanced.

This is an extension of the IELTS Intermediate course and is designed for those who have advanced level English or above (C1 level of CEFR in English). It is a more in-depth look at the necessary skills for the exam than the introductory IELTS course.

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

The demand for high-level English language skills is increasing all around the world. Passing the Cambridge English: Advanced exam (CAE) shows that you are a high achiever.

This exam is set at Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The exam consists of 5 equally-weighted papers:

  • Paper 1 – Reading
  • Paper 2 – Writing
  • Paper 3 – Use of English (Grammar & Vocabulary)
  • Paper 4 – Listening
  • Paper 5 – Speaking

Advantages of studying for the CAE include the fact that it:

  • Is accepted globally as proof of high achievement
    More than 3,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) as proof of high-level achievement.
  • is a certificate with many opportunities
  • It helps you develop the language skills you need for success, and can be used for your university and student visa applications in the UK and Australia.
  • provides high-level English skills for academic and professional success

Preparing for the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) helps learners develop the skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English speaking countries.

  • Is a level of English for demanding study and work environments

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) shows that a student has the language ability to carry out complex research, communicate effectively at a professional level – and stand out from the crowd.

  • Proves your real-life English language skills

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) offers proof of the English skills that educational institutions and employers seek for high-achieving study and work situations.

Cambridge English: First (FCE)

The Cambridge English: First (FCE) exam is an upper-intermediate level qualification. It proves you can use every day written and spoken English for work or study purposes.

Every year, thousands of people who want to use English to improve their work and study prospects take the FCE exam and they can use it to help them study in English at foundation or pathway level. The exam uses real-life situations that are specially designed to help you communicate more effectively and learn the language skills you need to take the next step to success.

This exam is accepted as a qualification in upper-intermediate English by many leading businesses and educational institutions around the world. The FCE exam is set at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Reaching this level means you can understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing, keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, express opinions and present arguments and produce clear, detailed writing, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

The Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) is the most advanced General English exam provided by Cambridge University. It proves that the level of those who passed the CPE is similar to educated native speakers of English, graded at C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The exam is designed for those who want to study or work and live abroad in an English-speaking country or in an environment that requires high proficiency in the English language.

The exam includes four parts:

  • Reading & Use of English (1 hour and 30 minutes),
  • Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes);
  • Listening (approx. 40 minutes);
  • Speaking (approx. 16 minutes).

 

Advantages of taking the Cambridge English Proficiency:

  • Gain exceptional English language skills during your preparation for the exam;
  • Prove your proficiency in the English language;
  • The test is recognised by many international organisations, especially businesses.

TOEFL & TOEIC

Both the TOEFL and the TOEIC measure your English language proficiency. The difference between the two is not their level of difficulty but their purpose. While the TOEFL covers academic issues, the TOEIC includes business related topics.

About TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures your ability to use the English language in university and college settings. This examination is designed for those who wish to prove their English language abilities to institutions, especially students who would like to study at university level in English-speaking countries.

Many government agencies, licensing bodies and universities outside the UK require a certain TOEFL score. More than 8,500 colleges, agencies and other institutions in 130 countries accept TOEFL scores.

The test takes four hours in total and covers the four basic language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking, while some exercises require integrating multiple skills. All tasks focus on the English language used in an academic environment.

About TOEIC

The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is an English language test designed specifically to measure the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment.

This exam is used by employers worldwide to determine who – among non-native English speakers – can communicate effectively in English. Over 10,000 organisations in 120 countries use this examination to decide which candidate has the appropriate English language skills to succeed in the global work place.

There are two types of TOEIC tests: a listening and reading test and a speaking and writing test. Each examination takes two hours and assesses the four language skills in an international business environment.

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