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Intensive Courses General English Sample Programme

A Very English Experience

What Makes MLS Unique? Sample One Week Programme Explained

Day Period Activity
Sunday    
    Arrivals Manchester Airport
    Transfer to home stay accommodation

We make sure the client feels  secure and welcome, and part of the 'MLS family' from the outset.  Hosts are carefully selected and usually live within walking distance of  the school. Host accommodation extends speaking practice in a variety of social settings.

Monday    
  9.30 – 11.30 Welcome and language assessment.

The client’s learning needs and styles are addressed at this point by informal discussion and evaluation. To help the client feel comfortable and in control, formal testing is usually avoided unless specially requested.

    Coffee break
  11.45 - 12.45 English language lesson: Introduction to Manchester

Every client learns some key facts about Manchester and its main features. Maps and a time chart are used to help put the city into the European context.

  1.00 Manchester orientation. Lunch followed by an accompanied walk around Manchester City Centre (Town Hall, Royal Exchange, cathedral and the historic Castlefield area).

The client visits the centre, normally with Bill Godfrey. The afternoon combines sightseeing, informal language practice and familiarisation.  There is plenty of visual stimulation to aid conversation which helps build confidence and speaking from Day 1.

  9.30 'Last orders' at the Royal Oak pub.
Tuesday    
  9.30-11.15 English language lesson
    Coffee break
  11.30-12.45 English language lesson
  1.00 Lunch
  2.30

Tour of Visit to Manchester United, Old Trafford The Theatre of Dreams including the museum and players’ changing rooms. Lowry Centre, Salford Quays.

  Evening Free

Some clients manage a substantial amount of homework during their stay. This can often be targeted on their specific needs/problems/misapprehensions regarding English, or simply be a review of the morning’s work. Consolidation of grammar and vocabulary 'on the spot' can be very valuable, as can speaking practice assignments such as getting into conversation with a native English speaker about his home town, job, house etc.  We encourage clients to maximise the opportunities offered by home stay.

Wednesday    
  9.30-11.15 English language lesson
    Coffee break
  11.30-12.45 English language lesson
  1.00 Lunch
  Afternoon Free
  7.30 Theatre visit

Popular entertainment, whether live or at the cinema, is the perfect opportunity for Active Listening. Students are encouraged to listen out for use of grammar structures or basic vocabulary studied in the classroom in the context of a play or film. These evenings, always accompanied by a member of our staff and often with other native speakers, are also enjoyable and relaxing for participants.

Thursday
  9.30-11.15 English language lesson
    Coffee break
  11.30-12.45 English language lesson
  1.00 Lunch and tour of Quarry Bank Mill one of the world's first factories (1784.  The mill presents an interesting history of the Industrial Revolution that changed the world at the end of the 18th Century.

During this excursion there is the chance to understand at first hand the Industrial Revolution and Manchester's contribution to world history. The costumed demonstrators and guides in the mill welcome questions from visitors.

  Evening Sport: Golf tuition.

Golf Driving Range (winter) or Golf course (summer)
There are always several opportunities for physical activity during the course. We tend to offer low-key 'sports' which can be enjoyed by all, such as the golf driving range and walking in the Lake District and Peak District National Parks.

Friday    
  9.30-11.15 English language lesson
    Coffee break
  11.30-12.45 English language lesson
  Afternoon Free
  Evening

Dinner at Moor Cottage with host family.

This is the final opportunity to consolidate new friendships and reflect on the experiences of the week.

Saturday    
  10.00 Excursion to Chatsworth and the Peak District National Park.  Chatsworth is a 17th c palace with a rich collection of art and antique furniture. The gardens at Chatsworth are 'pleasure grounds' on a vast scale with fountains and avenues, arboreta, a maze, a baroque cascade and sculpture.

Excursions are chosen to match clients' interests.  They are carefully prepared in class and allow clients to explore different aspects of British culture as well as the beautiful landscapes that surround Manchester. 

Sunday    
    Depart for Manchester Airport / Free day