English for General Purposes
Elementary to advanced (no complete beginners)
Objectives: The main focus of these courses is the development of listening and speaking skills through communicative activities. This does not mean that grammar is neglected however and the timetable will include specific lessons focusing area of grammatical relevance. Other aspects to be covered are vocabulary development, as well as some reading and writing. More advanced classes will also focus on idiomatic usage, appropriacy and register.
Who are these courses for?
The English for General Purposes courses are suitable for adults from low-intermediate to advanced level. Courses are not normally suitable for people under the age of 18.
The courses
Every morning there are two 90 minute lessons. One lesson will concentrate on grammar, vocabulary development and appropriate practice activities. The other will provide an opportunity to put new language to communicative use and to provide an integrated approach towards developing listening, speaking, reading, writing and pronunciation skills.
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons there is a lesson of 2 hours designed to further skills development and increase fluency. The lessons are organised so that students are encouraged to put grammatical structures and vocabulary to practical use. Lessons are dedicated to activities such as letter writing, communicating by telephone, the media and other aspects of everyday language use. These lessons are tailored, as far as possible, to meet the interests and needs of the class.
General information
Class hours
Classes will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 to 12:45 with a short break and then from 2:00pm until 4:15pm, again with a short break.
Social Activities
Excursions are arranged for Wednesdays and Saturdays. These can be to the main Scottish cities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Glasgow, or to places of interest such as castles and monuments or whisky distilleries. A ceilidh (Scottish dancing) evening with live music from a local band is usually held every two or three weeks of the course. Other evening events, such as theatre trips, discos or barbecues can be organised by in response to students' suggestions. Such events are not included in the course fee.