English Courses
ONE-TO-ONE LESSONS
General English
Daytime courses
Distance learning courses
General English (intensive courses)
English for Professionals
Preparation courses for Cambridge Exams
Timetables and fees
Course books
Course enrolment
Professional Training
Courses abroad
English courses autumn 2010
• Small groups
• Friendly atmosphere
• Effective learning
FINNBRIT arranges open English language courses on its premises at every level. Our experienced native English-speaking teachers provide encouraging and up-to-date training on vocabulary & grammar improvement, conversation skills and Cambridge Examination training using varied teaching methods. Training takes place in the mornings, during lunch hour and in the evenings.
If you wish to study English abroad, FINNBRIT acts as an agent for select language schools in Britain and Malta and will give you advice with your applications. Please contact us!
ASSESS YOUR LEVEL
FINNBRIT is developing its teaching methods and course portfolio on an on-going basis. The course levels comply with those of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This, we hope will make personal study planning and evaluation clearer and easier. This new framework will simplify comparing courses in different European countries.
LEVELS OF THE
COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE FOR LANGUAGES
Proficient User |
C2 | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely. |
| C1 | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. |
|
Independent User |
B2 | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. |
| B1 | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. |
|
Basic User |
A2 | Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. |
| A1 | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. |
FREE LEVEL TESTING AND PERSONAL STUDY PLANNING
Free level testing Wednesday 1 September and Thursday 2 September between 11.00–16.00. Book a time by phone or email. The test includes a written and a spoken element. The evaluation and personal study planning are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The test is free of charge and takes about 40 minutes.
Please study the framework carefully and consider your own level and your aims. A personal study plan based on this will be drafted with the help of the teacher after the level testing. This will enable you to choose the correct course for your needs.
ONE-TO-ONE LESSONS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING
FINNBRIT provides personal and flexible training to meet your needs and your individual schedule at your place of work or our offices. A personal study plan (content, learning style, level and materials) will be made and you'll get continuous feedback on your progress. As a Cambridge exam centre, we have to ensure the standard of our personnel. All our teaching staff are native English speakers and hold internationally recognized TEFL certificates & a minimum of 5 years experience. Moreover, all our trainers have undergone Cambridge examiner training, which is annually reinforced.
Therefore FINNBRIT teachers are able to provide highly focused courses that allow students to maximize their potential within the internationally recognized Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Our teachers also have several specialist backgrounds such as marketing, business communications, advanced discussions and professional writing. By taking advantage of the special skills and accomplishments of our staff, combining it with our customer centered approach, we can provide useful and effective training solutions for everyone.
EVENING COURSES
GENERAL ENGLISH
English for Beginners
Target group: This beginners’ course is meant for A1–A2 (basic user) level students.
General description: Do you want to learn basic English language skills and understand straightforward texts? How about communicating in everyday situations, understanding short notices and simple directions? During the course you will learn to use the language in real life situations - shopping, hobbies, at the restaurant etc.
Content: The focus is on everyday topics; introductions, small talk, telephone conversations. The grammar points covered in the course are verb tenses, articles, adjectives, auxiliary verbs, it and there. The course will be entirely tailor-made for the students’ needs and the teacher will provide the materials.
Learning methods: Pair work activities, listening exercises, reading exercises and choral practice. Sometimes appropriate games are used to suit to the current topic. A lot of emphasis is put on the speaking activities; the most important goal in this course is to activate the spoken English language.
Teacher: Kirsi Poptani, BA (hons), TEFL. Kirsi has extensive experience of teaching English to beginners.
communicative skills at work
Target group: This course will give B1–B2 students (independent user) the confidence to deal with these very important English language skills in their work and help them compete, in work tasks, with their more advanced colleagues.
General description: This course aims to activate a broad range of work-related skills in a pleasant and stress-free class environment.
Content and methods:
E-MAILING - A comprehensive look at how to improve your skills in this very important form of day-to- day written business communication. Emphasis on tone, formality, important phrases, diplomacy, beginnings and endings and polished sentence construction to make you more self-confident in this vital and under-rated skill.
PRESENTATIONS - Giving a presentation in a foreign language is a big challenge.
The lessons will show you how to make a professional and interesting presentation in English in an enjoyable and stress free way.
MEETINGS AND NEGOTIATIONS - How to make yourself relevant, confident, assertive and diplomatic in these important fields. The lessons will show you how to get your opinions across in a self-confident and professional style.
SOCIALISING IN THE BUSINESS WORLD - These lessons will encourage you to develop your social skills with other people and business clients, to make you able to social network with more confidence, to be able to make your clients and yourself feel more at ease in every day business socializing.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES - Emphasis on avoiding cultural misunderstandings when dealing in the English language.
BUSINESS LETTERS - Some training on good business writing.
Teacher: Malcolm Fay, TEFL. Malcolm has been teaching English in Finland for 15 years and has been developing this course over the last 10 years.
IMPROVE your grammar & vocabulary courses
Target group: This course is for students who have a B1–B2 level (independent user) but are unable to communicate more fluently because of difficulties with grammatical structure and lack of vocabulary. This course is also available at C1 level for more advanced students.
General description: The course will concentrate on speaking tasks to improve proper tense construction, other vital grammatical structures, and more advanced vocabulary to improve your communication range in English.
Content:
*The use of tenses - phrasal verbs - the differences between gerunds and infinitives
* Building important vocabulary, nouns, verbs, adjectives and using them in speech
* Avoiding common mistakes that Finns make in grammatical structures.
* Learning how to use prepositions and articles correctly.
Teachers: B1–B2 level Malcolm Fay, TEFL. Malcolm has been teaching English in Finland for 15 years and has been teaching this course for several years.
C1 level Neil Mac Laverty BA (hons.) Post Graduate Diploma International Marketing AERSOL T.E.F.L. cert.
ACTIVATE YOUR CONVERSATION and build your vocabulary
Target group: This course is for people who want to improve their speaking skills, or re-activate their social conversation skills. This course is available at two different levels: B1–B2 (independent user) and C1 (proficient user).
General description: The emphasis is on activating your desire to improve your spoken communication skills in English. This course will give a valuable boost for your self-confidence.
Content: lessons will involve discussions around a range of topics, 'small talk' conversation skills, and some revision of associated grammar and vocabulary relating to spoken English.
Learning methods: small group exercises, pair-work, role-plays, continuous feedback. Lessons are informal and often fun, so prepare to get involved!
Teacher: Malcolm Fay, TEFL. Malcolm has been teaching English in Finland for 15 years and has many years of experience in training conversation skills.
Intensive Topics – conversation course (mornings or evenings)
Target group: C1–C2 (proficient user). Available as a morning course (Tuesdays 9:30–11:15) or
evening course (Thursdays 18:45–20:15).
General description: Would you like to expand your vocabulary and use of colloquial English within a given topic? Then these intensive courses are for you!
Learning Methods: Some vocabulary and expressions will be introduced as homework in advance of the course, others during the course. Through pairwork and group discussions you will have the chance to start to incorporate these into your active language bank.
Content:
Weekly topics
07/09 September: Thinking and Learning
14/16 September: Change and Technology
21/23 September: Time and Work
05/07 October: Communication and the Media
12/14 October: Chance and Nature
19/21 October: Reactions and Health
26/28 October: Power and Social Issues
02/04 November: Quality and the Arts
09/11 November Preference and Leisure Activities
Teacher: Kathleen Oldham BSc, TEFLKathleen has been teaching English (one-to-one and groups) in Helsinki for 16 years and has experience of learners at all levels. Her aim is to make the lessons enjoyable for all.
Write Now! – a distance learning course
Target group: Learners who wish to practise their writing skills without the constraints of regular classroom attendance. The course is also suitable for IELTS candidates wishing to prepare for their test (both academic and general papers).
General description: The writing assignments will cover a range of styles and genres. The students will improve and refine their writing skills through regular practice and continuous feedback.
Content and methods: The weekly assignments are reviewed by an experienced tutor and detailed individual feedback will be given on each task. In addition, each student will have two telephone tutorials with the tutor to discuss his or her progress. At the end of the course the students receive a course report that summarises their strengths and weaknesses and gives recommendations for further study.
Course requirements:
• A good intermediate level of English or above.
• A computer with a word processing application (e.g. MS word).
• An email account.
• Phone-in tutorials (or Skype) are at student's charge.
Teacher: A native English-speaking teacher
Assess your level
The Book Club – a discussion course
Target group: levels B2 (independent user) to C2 (proficient user)
Course description: The Book Club is an English-language, discussion-based course for upper- intermediate to advanced learners. The group will choose together a contemporary English-language novel or nonfiction book from a list of suggestions provided by the instructor. Participants will take turns preparing discussion questions and leading the discussion on their chosen section of the book. The course may also include related videos and articles depending on the book chosen. Active participation and a willingness to express opinions and ask questions are essential in the Book Club. The goal of the course is to improve fluency, boost confidence, and enlarge vocabulary by sharing in the challenge and in the pleasure of reading an entire book in English. Each participant will also have
to purchase a copy of the book which will probably cost between five and 20 euros.
Content:
• Reading an entire book in English
• Discussion
• Expressing opinions and impressions
Methods:
• Small-group discussion
• Preparing and writing discussion questions
Instructor: Pete Balding, MA (TESOL) is a native of Steinbeck Country (the agricultural belt of Northern California) who has spent nearly a third of his life in Finland. His role in the Book Club is to facilitate and encourage discussion and to answer any language-related questions. He will also suggest possible books and help with the preparation and organization of the discussions.
Sounds good!
Target group: Level B2+ (independent to proficient user)
Course Description: The course is an introduction to some of the subtleties of English pronunciation. What is it that makes a Brit sound British? If you are self-conscious when speaking in public then this course will help you to gain confidence and give you plenty of hints on how to practise and improve your pronunciation.
Content: The course starts with an introduction to the 44 sounds of the English language and each student receives a personal diagnostic of their pronunciation of these phonemes. The course moves on to look at how we join sounds to make words and how we stress syllables within words. We then discover what happens when we join words together to make longer utterances. The last part of the course looks at stress-timing in connected speech, chunking and intonation.
Learning Methods: The teacher supplies all the materials but a list of recommended books and web- based resources will be given to students who wish to practise independently. We will record our voices in the classroom and personalised feedback will be given to students to help them identify where to focus their efforts.
Teacher: Penelope Roux, a native English speaker from the south of England (standard English pronunciation). BA (hons) in Business and French, BICTEFL from the British Institute in Paris. After working for 20 years in finance, I started teaching ten years ago, first in France and now in Finland.
Let's go for Britain & Ireland!
Get to know Britain and Ireland through literature, music and art! This course looks at England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with brief introductions to their history, geography and politics.
The course focuses primarily on the cultural contributions of these different areas in the diverse cultural tapestry that comprises contemporary Britain and Ireland.
Teachers: A team of teachers from Britain and Ireland
ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONALS
Professional Writing Course
Target group: C1 (proficient user)
General description: The rationale behind the course is to train participants to package and present information for a native English audience. This course is suitable for IELTS preparation.
Content:
• Change and development
• Trends and statistics
• Formal letter writing
• Reports and proposals
• Writing style improvement
Teacher: Neil Mac Laverty BA (hons.) Post Graduate Diploma International Marketing AERSOL T.E.F.L. cert.
Neil is the Cambridge Oral Examiner Team Leader for Finland, a corporate language trainer and university teacher, with over 10 years experience in Helsinki.
BUSINESS Presentations and Negotiations
Target group: C1 (proficient user)
General description: Taking part in active meetings where you are actively involved with other English speakers involves both presentation and negotiation skills. This course gives extensive practice in debating and discussing, with topics from daily life as well as work-related themes.
Content:
• Planning effective presentations and negotiations
• Extensive practise and expansion of experience
• Fulfilling audience expectations
Methods:
• Small group exercises
• Regular change of roles
• Developing question techniques
• Preparing and making a presentation before the group
• Continuous feedback
Teacher: Pete Balding, MA (TESOL) Pete has many years’ experience of corporate training in Finland both in the private and public sector teaching presentation skills to hundreds of participants who must attend international meetings and make presentations in English in the EU or with other international partners.
LEGAL ENGLISH
Target group: Legal professionals. Level B2 (independent user) – C1 (proficient user).
General description: The training has two aims: -to act as a refresher course in respect of the key areas of legal English usage -to provide tools for participants to increase their effectiveness in legal drafting and legal communication.
Content: The training will cover both written and oral skills. The focus of the written skills element of the training will be on legal writing, with particular emphasis on contract drafting and legal terminology. The oral element will be orientated towards conducting negotiations and making presentations.
• Principles of legal writing style
• The key differences between British and American English
• Contract overview: principles, structure, content, language
• Correspondence: letters and emails
• Oral presentations
• Negotiation and drafting
Learning methods: Each participant will be provided with a comprehensive coursebook in paper format during the training (it can also be provided in electronic format if requested). In addition to exercises to be carried out during the training, it contains notes on the areas covered. The training includes an element of non-compulsory participation, in the form of practical exercises aimed at testing skills in each area discussed. These include spoken and written pair exercises, group discussions and individual exercises.
Teacher: Rupert Haigh holds an MA (Master of Arts) (1996) in English from Cambridge University and an LLM (Master of Laws) (2001) from Helsinki University. He completed the Common Professional Examination in Law at Bournemouth University and obtained the Diploma of Legal Practice at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. Rupert has three years’ experience as a practicing solicitor in England. He holds a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate and has been training legal professionals both in Finland and in other European countries since 2002.
Professional writing course
Target group: C1 (proficient user)
General description: The rationale behind the course is to train participants to package and present information for a native English audience. This course is suitable for IELTS preparation.
Content:
• Change and development
• Trends and statistics
• Formal letter writing
• Reports and proposals
• Writing style improvement
Teacher: Neil Mac Laverty BA (hons.) Post Graduate Diploma International Marketing AERSOL T.E.F.L. cert.
Neil is the Cambridge Oral Examiner Team Leader for Finland, a corporate language trainer and university teacher, with over 10 years experience in Helsinki.
DAYTIME COURSES
Intensive Topics – conversation course (mornings or evenings)
Target group: C1–C2 (proficient user). Available as a morning course (Tuesdays 9:30–11:15) or
evening course (Thursdays 18:45–20:15).
General description: Would you like to expand your vocabulary and use of colloquial English within a given topic? Then these intensive courses are for you!
Learning Methods: Some vocabulary and expressions will be introduced as homework in advance of the course, others during the course. Through pairwork and group discussions you will have the chance to start to incorporate these into your active language bank.
Content:
Weekly topics
07/09 September: Thinking and Learning
14/16 September: Change and Technology
21/23 September: Time and Work
05/07 October: Communication and the Media
12/14 October: Chance and Nature
19/21 October: Reactions and Health
26/28 October: Power and Social Issues
02/04 November: Quality and the Arts
09/11 November Preference and Leisure Activities
Teacher: Kathleen Oldham BSc, TEFLKathleen has been teaching English (one-to-one and groups) in Helsinki for 16 years and has experience of learners at all levels. Her aim is to make the lessons enjoyable for all.
A Good Read
Target group: B2 (independent user) – C1 (proficient user)
General description: Reading and discussing excerpts from a wide range of authors (British, American, Indian, Australian) you will extend your vocabulary and hopefully be stimulated to read more by the same or other authors. Active participation is essential for the success of such a course.
Content: Short stories and excerpts from novels by authors such as Alan Bennett, Laurie Lee, Ruth Prawar Jhabvala, Bruno Shulz
Learning Methods: Reading, group and pair discussions, some grammar and vocabulary.
Teacher: Kathleen Oldham BSc, TEFLKathleen has been teaching English (one-to-one and groups) in Helsinki for 16 years and has experience of learners at all levels. Her aim is to make the lessons enjoyable for all.
TRAINING FOR IELTS EXAMINATIONS
FINNBRIT TRAINING FOR IELTS EXAMINATION
1. IELTS PREPARATION SESSIONS
Tips for candidates: how to prepare for the IELTS exam.
Experienced native English speaking teachers will cover:
• Overview of each section
• Recommendations on exam technique
• A brief explanation of the assessment criteria
Dates: 18.8. , 8.9., 6.10. and 17.11. at FINNBRIT, Fredrikinkatu 20 A9, 00120 Helsinki.
Time: 17.00 - 20.00
Fee : 75€ to be paid at the office in cash before the session.
2. FINNBRIT- IELTS ONLINE PREPARATION PACKAGE
Do you need revision advice and support for your forthcoming IELTS exam ?FINNBRIT now offers a basic online preparation package for both the writing and speaking modules. You will receive an overview of the module, revision tasks for submission to one of our language trainers, followed by detailed feedback tailored to your needs.
3. ONE-TO-ONE IELTS TUITION
Our experienced examiner teachers can provide personal preparation help you based on your needs and wishes.
DO YOU WISH TO BOOK ONE OF OUR PREPARATION PACKAGES?
Please register by email to finnbrit(at)finnbrit.fi, phone 09-68770230 or contact Tuija Peussa by email tuija.peussa(at)finnbrit.fi
INTENSIVE COURSES
INTENSIVE COURSES – available on request
For more information please contact Tuija Peussa at FINNBRIT, 09-68770230 or e-mail finnbrit@finnbrit.fi
Develop your Writing in English
The rationale behind the course is to train participants to package and present information for a native English audience.
Ask for a quote
Improve your Conversation Skills and Self-Confidence
This intensive day will focus on building your self-confidence when speaking in English, and also concentrates on expanding your vocabulary.
Brush up your Grammar and Vocabulary
A one-day’s course covering some of the tricky features of English grammar – especially verb tenses and prepositions. Also some lighter spoken activites to extend you vocabulary, especially concerning work activites.
New strategies for communication – a workshop
For levels B2 (independent user) – C1 (proficient user)
Develop your presentation and negotiation skills and get more out of your international meetings, seminars and conferences.
-Practise and gain confidence
-Fulfill audience expectations
-Plan effective negotiations
Ask for a quote
Intensive Advanced Writing Course
Target group: C1–C2 (proficient user)
General description: To produce well-structured formal texts that convey intended meaning is critical to professional and academic success; particularly if writing in a second or other language. Therefore, this Intensive Writing Course offers practical guidelines and resources to facilitate this aim.
Content: The objective of the Intensive Writing Course is to provide participants with a structure for a written report, practical writing techniques, as well as advice on improving one’s individual way of writing in English.
Key Topics:
• Trends and graphs
• Formal correspondence
• Reports
• Summaries
• On-line resources and support
Learning methods: Cooperative learning with in-class and home-based assignments, supported by model answers, language exercises and personal feedback.
PREPARATION FOR INTERNATIONALLY VALID CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATIONS
Are you the kind of person who wants to act spontaneously to real-life language situations and at the same time gain an internationally recognized language qualification? Or do you just wish to develop your English language skills covering all the aspects of language use?
If the answer is yes – Cambridge examination courses are for you!
General English Examination Courses
There are three levels of Cambridge examination courses ranging from Independent User to Proficient User. At each level, the exam tests your language competence in these five areas: reading, writing, listening, use of English grammar and vocabulary, and speaking - providing effective and comprehensive English training.
First Certificate in English (FCE)
Target group: B2 (independent user)
General description: This course is for those of you who wish to develop your English language skills and are prepared to do weekly assignments. The primary target of this course will be the FCE examination.
Content: Prescribed book, with regular listening, speaking, reading and writing practice. Learning methods: Cooperative learning with plenty of practice of speaking skills. Weekly assignments.
Teacher: Anthony Shaw, BA Hons, CTESP. Anthony is also a Cambridge Oral Examiner and has 20 years' experience with FINNBRIT.
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Target group: The course is aimed at people who want to demonstrate that they can work and study in English. Level C1 (proficient user).
General description: The CAE Course is based on practical real-world tasks, applicable to everyday situations. The aim of the course to give people the confidence to activate their passive knowledge of English, to the point where they are sufficiently confident to deal with unfamiliar topics and situations.
Content: Course book plus supplementary materials on a wide variety of subjects
Learning Methods:
• Active face-to-face group sessions (speaking and listening exercises)
• Self- study exercises (reading and grammar exercises)
• Feedback on written assignments (wide range of text styles)
Teacher: Neil Mac Laverty BA (hons.) Post Graduate Diploma International Marketing AERSOL T.E.F.L. cert.
Neil is the Cambridge Oral Examiner Team Leader for Finland, a corporate language trainer and university teacher, with over 10 years experience in Helsinki.
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Target group: The course is aimed at people who want to demonstrate that they can work, study or
teach in English to the same level as in their native language.
General description: The CPE Course is based on practical real-world tasks, applicable to everyday situations. The aim of the course to give people the confidence to activate their passive knowledge of English, to the point where they are fully able to deal with unfamiliar topics and situations with spontaneity and flexibility.
Content: Course book plus supplementary materials on a wide variety of subjects.
Learning Methods:
• Active face- to-face group sessions (speaking and listening exercises)
• Self- study exercises (reading and grammar exercises)
• Feedback on written assignments (wide range of text styles)
Teacher: Neil Mac Laverty BA (hons.) Post Graduate Diploma International Marketing AERSOL T.E.F.L. cert. Neil is the Cambridge Oral Examiner Team Leader for Finland, a corporate language trainer and university teacher, with over 10 years experience in Helsinki.
Business and Legal English Examination Courses
Business English Certificates (BEC HIGHER)
Proficient user C1
If you are a business professional who needs English in your everyday work, or
who attends international conferences, or someone who needs to show that you can handle any business English situation, BEC is the course for you. Cambridge offers the Business English Certificates (BEC) for those who want to demonstrate their competence in international business English. A pass at BEC Higher is recognised as the English language entry standard to study business at British tertiary level institutions. BEC Preliminary and Vantage are stepping stones to achieving this standard. BEC is not designed to test students’ business competence. Its sole aim is to improve language skills.
Teacher: The teacher is a native speaker of English and experienced Cambridge examiner.
Training available on request. Further details from the office.
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ENGLISH CERTIFICATE (ILEC)
Proficient user C1
English is an essential tool for any lawyer working with international matters. It is the lingua franca of the legal profession, of business and international affairs. Employers need to know that the legal staff they appoint have a sufficient level of English to be able to communicate with clients and professionals in other countries, and to handle information written in English. At the same time, law students and newly-qualified lawyers need to be able to show employers that they have these skills.
The new Cambridge ILEC - International Legal English Certificate - was created to meet these needs.
- High-level language qualification for lawyers
- Internationally recognised
Teacher: The teacher is a native speaker of English with legal qualifications and teaching experience. Training available on request.
Further details from the office.