London School of English http://www.londonschool.com/ News en London School of English http://www.londonschool.com/fileadmin/assets/lse/img/favicon.ico http://www.londonschool.com/ News TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Fri, 04 May 2012 17:21:00 +0100 The London School of English Centenary Photo Competition http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/the-london-school-of-english-centenary-photo-competition-198/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/the-london-school-of-english-centenary-photo-competition-198/ This year The London School of English celebrates 100 years of English language training.

THE CHALLENGE: To help us mark our centenary, we are launching a photo competition open to past and present students and other educational partners to submit photos on the theme of ‘100’.  You can be as creative as you like with the theme - for example, it doesn't have to be specifically about 100 years; it could be 100 of anything you like or what '100' means to you.  

Click here for further details.

]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 17:21:00 +0100 The London School of English is an approved Pearson PTE Academic course provider http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/the-london-school-of-english-is-an-approved-pearson-pte-academic-course-provider-196/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/the-london-school-of-english-is-an-approved-pearson-pte-academic-course-provider-196/ The London School of English is an approved Pearson PTE Academic course provider

We are pleased to announce that LSE is one of a select number of UK providers approved by Pearson to offer PTE Academic preparation courses.

PTE Academic is a new, international, entirely computer-based academic English language test. The test measures the listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of test takers who are non-native speakers of English and need to demonstrate their level of academic English proficiency.

PTE Academic delivers a real-life measure of test takers’ language ability and is recognised by over 95% of UK universities and colleges, making it a convenient alternative to the popular IELTS test, which we also offer. The test is also recognised by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for Tier 4 (student visa) applications when students are required to demonstrate English language competency at a minimum of CEF level B1 or B2.

The exam lasts for just 3 hours, is flexible in terms of exam dates and results are generally available in under 5 working days – significantly quicker than the 2 weeks quoted by IELTS.

Our first course will commence in June and the second in September - full details, including dates, entry requirements, course content, tuition and examination fees can be found at:

http://www.londonschool.com/courses/exam-preparation/pte/

If you are thinking of taking the exam, take a look at our blog for some useful hints:

http://www.londonschool.com/language-talk/blog/article/pte-academic-course-197/

 

]]> Thu, 03 May 2012 16:40:00 +0100 IALC News article: Interview with Timothy Blake http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/ialc-news-article-interview-with-timothy-blake-187/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/ialc-news-article-interview-with-timothy-blake-187/ IALC talk to our Chief Executive about our 100th anniversary.

Click here to read the article.

 

]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:03:00 +0000 New Director of Sales and Marketing at The London School of English http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/new-director-of-sales-and-marketing-at-the-london-school-of-english-184/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/new-director-of-sales-and-marketing-at-the-london-school-of-english-184/ Martin McDonald has joined The London School of English as Director of Sales & Marketing. He replaces Hauke Tallon, who has assumed the position of Managing Director following Timothy Blake’s move to a more strategic role as Chief Executive.

Martin previously spent five years in Australia, during which time he oversaw the rebrand of Global Village Australia into Lexis English. He returns to the UK at the start of The London School of English’s centenary year.

 “With the eyes of the world on London, it is an exciting time to join The London School of English,” he comments.  I am looking forward to working with Hauke and the team here as we embark on our second century of ‘Bringing language to life’”.

]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:18:00 +0000 LSE ‘exceeds expectations’ in recent ISI inspection http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/lse-exceeds-expectations-in-recent-isi-inspection-174/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/lse-exceeds-expectations-in-recent-isi-inspection-174/

In October 2011 we were inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). We are proud to announce that we achieved the highest of standards in all areas of the inspection which were: 

• The quality of the curriculum, teaching and learners achievement 

• Students’ welfare including health and safety

• The effectiveness of governance and management 

The executive summary of that inspection is as follows:

The London School of English exceeds expectations. It delivers a very high level of educational provision to its students. The school offers a wide range of high quality courses that are extremely effective in supporting students’ skills development and enabling them to progress in their future careers and further studies. The courses offered are specifically tailored to meet learners’ individual needs. Course participation is very high and most students complete their programmes successfully. The curriculum is flexible and innovative although banks of learning materials are not monitored consistently across all courses. As a result, course materials and the delivery of some new courses are sometimes variable. The quality of teaching and learning at the school exceeds expectations. Learning activities are well planned and excellent use is made of resources to support and promote learning. Students are extremely well motivated. As a result there are outstanding success rates on many of the courses. However, there is still scope for improvements in the assessment of work. 

The school provides an excellent environment for students and staff, with high quality facilities. These provide a comfortable environment which supports learning. The premises have recently received significant investment and extensive refurbishment, carried out to a very good standard and with health and safety factors taking a high profile. There is an excellent range of health and safety policies and procedures in place which are effectively implemented. Attendance is rigorously monitored and attendance and enrolment data are systematically recorded on the school’s customised database. Pastoral support is excellent and students feel they are well supported in their studies and in their progression to further study. The programmes of learning as well as the leisure programme are thoughtfully targeted to their interests, needs and aspirations. Students reported that they generally receive excellent support, both inside and outside the classroom. They praised the friendly atmosphere of the school and feel happy to approach staff if they have a problem. Inspectors agree with their views. 

The leadership and management of the school exceed expectations. The senior leadership team is closely involved in the running of the school and there is a caring approach to staff and students which permeates throughout the school from the top. There is an effective management structure which ensures that courses run effectively. Day-to-day responsibility of the curriculum is usefully shared between two course managers. Staff are well qualified and experienced and are supported by a strong focus on continuing personal development. Quality assurance is prioritised. There is a good range of effective mechanisms to monitor quality including a high level of very positive feedback from students at all stages of their school experience. However, the arrangements for carrying out pre-appointment checks on staff have not always been applied as rigorously as they should as sometimes staff have started work before the checks have been finalised. 

<media 1527>Click here to read the full inspection report</media>. 

]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:58:00 +0000 LSE undertakes research into cross-cultural, language and communication skills training http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/lse-undertakes-research-into-cross-cultural-language-and-communication-skills-training-164/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/lse-undertakes-research-into-cross-cultural-language-and-communication-skills-training-164/ Business people may appear to be speaking the same language but do they really understand one another? How important is cultural understanding? And should native English speakers adapt their language when communicating with non-English speakers?

We celebrate our centenary in 2012 and this research forms part of a series of projects designed to highlight the importance of language and communications training in the UK.

The research questioned 100 HR directors on their attitudes towards language and communication skills and their approach to training. The questions were designed to cover the increasing number of professional non-native English speakers working in the UK as well as native English speakers.

“These centenary research results show a shocking lacking of regard for our international, non-native English speaking business partners,” says Timothy Blake, Chief Executive of the London School of English. “The Brits may be reluctant to learn other languages, but this research suggests that we are not prepared to invest in the training required to adapt our own language, accents and behaviour to help non-native English speakers understand us.”

Key findings:

  • 78% HR Directors questioned did not consider it necessary to train native English speakers to moderate their vocabulary when negotiating with non-native English speakers.
  • 98% believed their non-native English speakers could communicate effectively in English.
  • Although 67% of those questioned believed that it was “very important” for business people to have a good cultural understanding of their trading partners; only 23% would offer training.
  • Only 4% believed the “Basil Fawlty” approach of speaking “more loudly” would be effective in communicating with non-native English speakers.

“A failure to communicate effectively with overseas business partners is a classic British mistake and it’s disappointing to see that this is still not being addressed,” says Timothy Blake.

“In the current economic climate we need to ensure the UK remains a player in the world economy. If we aren’t prepared to reach out and communicate with business people from all cultures, countries and backgrounds, we are in danger of dropping further and further down the global business league.”

Please email us for more information about our findings.

]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:16:00 +0100 Points of excellence from the British Council http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/points-of-excellence-from-the-british-council-158/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/points-of-excellence-from-the-british-council-158/ After our most recent inspection the British Council summarized their report as follows:

The British Council inspected and accredited the London School of English in June 2011. The Accreditation Scheme assesses the standards of management, resources and premises, teaching and welfare and accredits organisations which meet the overall standard in each area inspected (see www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation for details).

This private language school offers courses in general, academic and professional English for adults.

Points of excellence were noted in general management, premises, academic resources, teachers' qualifications, academic management, teaching, pastoral care and accommodation.

The inspection report stated that the organisation met the standards of the Scheme.

Read more about our accreditations.

]]> Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:44:00 +0100 LSE Article on Cross Cultural Communication http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/lse-article-on-cross-cultural-communication-157/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/lse-article-on-cross-cultural-communication-157/ Cross Cultural Communication - speaking the same language is not enough.

]]> Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:49:00 +0100 Recruitment at The London School of English http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/recruitment-at-the-london-school-of-english-154/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/recruitment-at-the-london-school-of-english-154/ Read more about recruitment opportunities.

]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:11:00 +0100 Special offer at the K West Hotel and Spa http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/special-offer-at-the-k-west-hotel-and-spa-144/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/special-offer-at-the-k-west-hotel-and-spa-144/ During this period a single occupancy room will be £118.80 per night and will include a continental breakfast, free wifi and 20% off all food.  The offer only applies where there is availability.

Click here to read more about the K West Hotel and Spa.

]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:02:00 +0100 Westcroft Square refurbishment http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/westcroft-square-refurbishment-138/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/westcroft-square-refurbishment-138/ Click here to read more and see photographs.

]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:47:00 +0100 Check availability for courses and accommodation over the summer http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/check-availability-for-courses-and-accommodation-over-the-summer-136/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/check-availability-for-courses-and-accommodation-over-the-summer-136/ Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:50:00 +0100 2012 dates and fees now available http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/2012-dates-and-fees-now-available-135/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/2012-dates-and-fees-now-available-135/ Click here for a fees summary and details of our special offer (valid until 31st August 2011).

]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:42:00 +0100 We are recruiting for an Academic Director in Riyadh http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/we-are-recruiting-for-an-academic-director-in-riyadh-123/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/we-are-recruiting-for-an-academic-director-in-riyadh-123/ More details

]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 15:47:00 +0100 More special offers on serviced apartments http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/more-special-offers-on-serviced-apartments-117/ http://www.londonschool.com/news/article/more-special-offers-on-serviced-apartments-117/ Special offer at Inverness Terrace.

Special offer at Queensborough Terrace.

]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:21:00 +0100