General English

Who is it for?

Our Semi-Intensive and Intensive courses are ideal for students who wish to optimise their study time by selecting from our afternoon options for a full day of learning. These courses are not suitable for absolute Beginners. They are required to take private lessons in the afternoon.

When booking the Semi-Intensive or Intensive course, you need to select the Focus Group(s) you wish to attend for your first 4 weeks of study. After arrival, you can change groups with 6 days’ notice.

The Focus Groups, unlike the morning classes, are designed to mimic the world beyond the classroom where communication happens between people with a varied command of English.

Focus group classes, therefore, accommodate a mix of levels: strong Beginners mix with Elementary students in Survival English and Around and About. The other focus groups mix students from Pre-intermediate level and higher.

For German citizens only: our Intensive Course (30 lessons) is registered for Bildungsurlaub in Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Sachsen-Anhalt and Hessen.

Course options

Semi-Intensive

In the morning, you participate in the General English 20 Course (Monday to Friday). Alternatively, you can also participate in the General English 16 Course (Monday to Thursday). In the afternoon, you add two Focus Groups (5 lessons). These lessons take place either Monday and Tuesday or Wednesday and Thursday.

Intensive

In the morning, you participate in the General English 20 Course (Monday to Friday). Alternatively, you can also participate in the General English 16 Course (Monday to Thursday). In the afternoon, you add four Focus Groups (10 lessons). These lessons take place from Monday to Thursday.

The course further includes 6 lessons of self-study under supervision.

Focus groups

Survival English (Monday to Thursday)

This focus group is designed for Beginner (A1) and Elementary (A2) students. You learn to cope in everyday situations through developing simple lexical chunks and practicing them in role play activities.

Lessons are based on functions, like greetings, asking for and giving directions or requesting information. Students also go on outings to practise what they learn in the classroom. Outings for practising everyday English could include trips to the pharmacy, a restaurant or the tourist information centre.

Listen Up (Mondays)

You focus on listening and pronunciation to improve your awareness and production of the sounds and elements that make up English words and sentences. These lessons are for students who want to perform better in communicative situations. The minimum level for this group is Pre-intermediate (B1).

Write On (Tuesdays)

This course is designed for students who want to improve accuracy and fluency in written digital communication. The course explores aspects of writing that are needed to communicate through text messages, social media forums or email, to name a few. The minimum level for this group is Pre-intermediate (B1)

Let's Talk (Wednesdays)

You explore topical issues raised in the media to hone your communication skills and improve your fluency. Lessons are based on short video clips, podcasts or articles which are considered through debates, presentations or general discussions. The minimum level for this group is Pre-intermediate (B1).

South African Culture (Thursdays)

You learn about South African life and culture - like our cuisine, sport or unique history - through a variety of sources including video clips, articles and songs. Lessons include excursions to local places of interest or to cultural events taking place in the city. The minimum level for this group is Pre-intermediate (B1).