Devon School of English

Frequently Asked Questions

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10 most frequently asked questions

1. What is the focus in adult lessons?
2. How long can I study at the Devon School?
3. When do the adult courses start?
4. What can I do after school?
5. Where do adult students stay?
6. How do I get to the school?
7. How much do Courses For Adults cost?
8. What do teenage stduents learn?
9. When do Courses For Teenagers start at the Devon School?
10. What can teenage students do after school?

• What is the focus in adult lessons?

  The emphasis during lessons is on increasing fluency, accuracy and confidence when speaking and on improving and developing your listening skills. You will acquire the vocabulary, expressions and strategies needed to cope effectively in the most important everyday situations. At higher levels, taking part in discussions and debates will enable you to more fully understand British culture and society. Reading skills are developed using a wide range of authentic texts. The writing syllabus, based on classroom activities, provides the basis for homework and important consolidation.

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• How long can I study at the Devon School?

  The minimum length of stay is 1 week. You can study 15 hours (mornings only) or 23 hours (5 mornings and 4 afternoons) each week. Morning lessons run from 09:00 to 12:30 and afternoon lessons from 13:30 to 15:30. There is also the possibility of additional 1-to-1 lessons at the end of the school day, typically from 15:45 to 17:00 – see   1-to-1 lessons  for details.

  If you want to study for more than 12 weeks, you can choose the Long Stay General English Course. If you'd like to study for more than 30 weeks, then you may select the Academic Year Course.

   

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• When do the adult courses start?

  Courses start on any Monday throughout the year. Please look at the school calendar for details.

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• What can I do after school?

  The school organizes an optional activity programme all year round for all its students. These trips and sports activities are a great way for you to meet other students and practise your English. All of the trips are accompanied by knowledgeable guides who can help you get the most out of your visit.

  The adult activity programme changes each week. You can go on trips to local places of interest such as the grand houses and gardens of Greenway (home of Agatha Christie) and Coleton Fishacre; the historic cities of Exeter, Plymouth and Bath; the wild countryside of Dartmoor, the green hills and red earth of the South Hams and the dramatic coastal walks of the South Devon coast. In the neighbouring county of Cornwall, there are trips to King Arthur’s castle at Tintagel, the favourite seaside town of English artists, St Ives, as well as the Eden Project and St Michael’s Mount. In the evening, country pub tours, summer barbecues and trips to the theatre are popular.

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• Where do adult students stay?

  Most students prefer to stay in a house with an English host family. Houses are as close as possible to the school - a maximum of 20 minutes’ walk. Staying with an English family gives you lots of chances to use your English and learn more about English life. Adults always have a single room unless they ask to share with a partner or friend. If you prefer, you can stay in a hotel or Bed & Breakfast Guest House.

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• How do I get to the school?

  Getting to Paignton is easy with fast and frequent coach and train services from the major London airports. We offer a complete travel advisory service that will help you organize your journey. We can book your bus or train tickets, provide timetables or arrange to have representative meet you on arrival at the airport. For a full list of transfer options go to the Getting To Us page.

  All students will be met by a member of their host family or a member of staff when they arrive in Paignton.

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• How much do Courses For Adults cost?

  Enter your preferences into the course calculator to see detailed prices.

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• What do teenage stduents learn?

  You will learn how English is used in the modern world with teachers who know how to make practice in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation meaningful, memorable and enjoyable. You will improve your use of English, practising speaking, listening, reading and writing

   At the beginning of each week, your teacher will preview what you will study in the week and ask you if there are any areas you would like to study. The teacher will add all of the suggestions to the lesson menu in your classroom. The suggestions could be about a grammar point, a vocabulary area, or practice for a particular situation (e.g. visiting a doctor, giving a presentation in English, etc).

   At the end of each week, you will usually have a short test to review the use of words and phrases you have studied. This will be a simple, informal test to help you assess your own progress and how much you have remembered.

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• When do Courses For Teenagers start at the Devon School?

  Courses start on any Monday throughout the summer. Please look at the school calendar for details.

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• What can teenage students do after school?

  The teenage activity programme changes each week. You can go on trips to local places of interest such as Kents Cavern and Paignton Zoo or the cities of Exeter and Plymouth and the wild countryside of Dartmoor. Popular activities include wildlife boat trips, fishing, surfing, climbing, bowling and raft building.  

  Recreational activities are closely supervised by our Activity Leaders. Students must take part in the full activity programme and are not permitted to go off on their own during activities. On two evenings a week, juniors will go out to a school activity (for example to a cinema, disco or barbecue). On other evenings, younger students usually stay with their host family in the evening unless they have written permission from their parents or guardian stating what time they must come home.

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