FOUNDATION STUDY COURSE

Online English Language Course

For students who need to improve their English level to study in a native English speaking country

http://www.frobisherenglish.com

Are you a student who wants to study at a university or college in an English speaking country? (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc)

Do you need to improve your English before joining a course?

Are you worried about understanding you teachers, other students and being able to understand the academic information about your subject?

The Foundation Study Course will support you by focussing on the English language you need for your course, and help you enjoy your time studying and living in a native English speaking country.

FAQs

  1. Who is this course for?

International Students who need to improve their English level before studying at a university or college in a native English speaking country.

  1. How will this course help me?

The Foundation Study Course will help you improve your English in these main areas:

General English

  • Listening skills – listening to and understanding fast, native level English
  • Developing and expanding vocabulary – including idiomatic language and slang
  • Grammar accuracy for speaking and writing
  • Pronunciation – improving how you sound in English
  • Speaking skills – improving your confidence and fluency

Academic English

  • Vocabulary – understanding the key words and expressions specific to your subject / course From science to arts, engineering to law, the course will focus on the language you need for your course
  • Reading skills – Understanding subject specific texts and articles. The course will help you understand vocabulary in context and being able to follow the general meaning in texts. It will also help you read more quickly, summarise and identify the important ideas you need to learn.
  • Writing – Academic writing – The course will help you improve your writing. It will focus on note taking, presenting arguments and critical analysis, essay writing and preparing presentations/seminars
  • Speaking and presenting skills – the course will help you speak more confidently and fluently in your classes, group work and seminars . It will also help you become a better presenter in English.

3. What age do I need to be to join the course?

The course is aimed at students of university / college age who need to improve their English before starting their academic course. The usual age will be between 16-20 (and possibly a little older).

  1. What level do I need to join the course?

If you are going to study at a university or college in a native English speaking country, you must have a high enough level of English.
For this course, you need to be a minimum B1 level (CEFR Framework) or ‘intermediate.’

  • CEFR B1 is an intermediate level of English language proficiency as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

What can someone at a CEFR B1 level do?

  • Understand the main points of clear speech or writing on familiar topics
  • Have conversations about work, school, and leisure
  • Deal with most situations while travelling in English-speaking locations
  • Write simple, connected texts about familiar topics
  • Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions
  • Give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans
  • Write personal letters describing experiences and impressions
  1. How do I know if my level is B1 or good enough to join the course?

Every student will have the chance to have a free, 20 minute online call with Tony Frobisher on Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
During the call, Tony will ask a number of questions designed to help understand your English level.
Tony will provide an honest assessment of your level. If he feels your level is not yet high enough, he will explain how you can improve (e.g. in a different personal 1:1 class)
There is no obligation to sign up for the course after the call.

You can also do a free online test, for example https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/test-your-english/general-english/

  1. When does the course take place?

The course will take place twice a week for 10 weeks (total 20 hours) – the time and days will be agreed by the teacher and students before the first lesson.

Frobisher English working hours – Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 7pm*
*Depending on demand, classes may be run on Saturday or Sunday morning

  1. What type of course is it?

The course is intensive and will cover many areas students need to improve while on a university / college foundation course or starting a degree course. There will be a lot of important information to study and learn.

Important
Every lesson will be a relaxed, informal and fun learning experience. When students feel relaxed and confident to speak, are supported and encouraged by the teacher and other students, they are more enthusiastic, happy to contribute and learn more quickly.

  1. What support will I receive from the teacher?

Each student will have access to the teacher via email / WhatsApp for support. The teacher will be happy to give advice and explain any language questions.

  1. Will there be additional course work / homework?

Each week, there will be a homework exercise to complete. This could be a reading comprehension exercise, vocabulary building, writing an essay etc. Homework is optional. Any homework submitted will be marked and feedback given to each student by email.

  1. Do I need any course books or additional materials?

No. All online classes use materials and resources created by Tony Frobisher or materials and resources sourced from a wide range of English Language text and course books. All you need to do is be online and ready to learn!

Any materials or resources used in the lessons will be sent by email after the class for students to use and reference for future learning.

  1. Will the lessons be recorded and available to watch again?

Depending on each student, the lessons can be recorded and a link provided after the class.

  1. How will I remember the new words and expressions?

In each lesson, new vocabulary will be included in the materials and resources shared on screen. In addition new vocabulary will be communicated via the chat facility.

After each lesson, the teacher will send an email which also lists the new words and expressions met in the lesson.

  1. Who is my teacher?

Tony Frobisher is the owner of frobisherenglish.com
He is a very experienced teacher, having taught English as a Foreign Language for the last 28 years. He holds a BA(Hons.) Degree in Geography, as well as the DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults), equivalent to a Master’s degree.

Tony has taught all levels, ages, and thousands of students from all over the world. He has taught in Indonesia, Malaysia and the UK. He set up frobisherenglish.com in 2018.

  1. How much does the course cost?

10 week course, 20 x 1 hour lessons (1 hour online teaching time)

• 1:1 Individual course – one student, one teacher = £500
• Group class – 2 – 4 students = £450 per student
• Group class – 5 – 8 students = £400 per student

15. Which video platforms will be used?
The course will be taught on either Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

16. How can I contact the teacher?
Tony can be contacted via email on frobisherenglish@gmail.com or via WhatsApp (number provided after registration on the course).