General English Language Courses

BBSI is a highly-accredited UK English language school. We offer international students the opportunity to study English in the UK, and provide the education facilities for students to acquire important general English and business English qualifications.

BBSI delivers its General English courses in different formats to suit the personal requirements of students. The courses are modular in format so that students can join a course at any time throughout the year, and they enable students to acquire effective language and communication skills. There are 4 study options that vary in intensity as follows:

GE 20. Twenty lessons (15 hours) weekly. Elementary-Advanced level, ie CEFR A2-C2.

GE 24. Twenty Four (18 hours) weekly. Elementary-Advanced level, ie CEFR A2-C2.

GE 30. Thirty lessons (22.5 hours) weekly. Elementary-Advanced level, ie CEFR A2-C2.

GE 40. Forty lessons (30 hours) weekly. Intermediate-Advanced level, ie CEFR B2-C2.

Additional Qualifications. Students studying the GE30 and GE40 study programmes will also have the opportunity to prepare for one of 3 different University of Cambridge ESOL qualifications: the First Certificate in English (FCE)

, the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

, or the Business English Certificate (BEC)

. Students preparing to take one of these examinations are recommended to study for a full 12 weeks prior to the examination, to maximise their chances of success. Alternatively, participants can opt to join our ongoing weekly English Language Workshop (ELW)

at a language level to suit their needs.

GE40. Students with a minimum Intermediate level of English, ie CEFR B2 or above, have the opportunity to select the intensive 40 lesson weekly study option (GE40). This study programme is the most intensive of the General English courses, and enables students to maximise their time in England and accelerate their learning. The course combines a balanced programme of grammar, vocabulary, and language skills development with a study of current affairs and topical events related to life in the UK. The range of the topics is broad, and will provide students with exposure to authentic media sources, and lively discussion on matters including history, literature, government, the Royal Family, politics, health, education, the media, and many others.

Students are tested and interviewed on arrival at BBSI and then placed in international classes at the appropriate language level. All General English study options can be joined on any Monday during the year, with the exception of UK public holidays when courses will commence on the following day. The courses can be studied for periods of between one and 48 weeks.

Course Objectives. The course objectives are to:

      *  develop a sound knowledge of English grammar
      * acquire a broad range of relevant English vocabulary
      * develop effective listening & reading skills
      * build fluency & confidence in speaking & pronunciation
      *  integrate students into living in the UK
      * maximise the learning experience in the UK
      * prepare for Cambridge ESOL examinations (GE 30 & GE 40 only)
      * gain insights into the language & culture of the UK (GE 40 only)

General English Language Course Details

Minimum Age. 16 years.

Course Duration. 1-48 weeks.

Award.   Academic achievement is ascertained by means of continuous assessment.

      BBSI Certificate in General English

Optional External Examinations+. Additional examination fees apply.

      University of Cambridge FCE (examination dates)
      University of Cambridge CAE (examination dates)
      University of Cambridge BEC (examination dates)

Entry Dates. The course is conducted year-round, and can be joined on most Mondays throughout
the year.

Course Structure & Content. Students can study for 20 lessons (15 hours), 24 lessons (18 hours), 30 lessons (22.5 hours) or 40 lessons (30 hours) weekly. Course breakdown is as follows:

20 lessons weekly of English language study to include:

            10 lessons in grammar & functions
              2 lessons in vocabulary development
              4 lessons in reading & writing skills
              4 lessons in speaking, listening & pronunciation skills

4 lessons weekly in additional speaking, reading, listening & writing skills (GE 24 only)

10 lessons weekly (selected from one of the following) (GE 30 and GE 40 only)

             * preparation for the University of Cambridge FCE
              * preparation for the University of Cambridge CAE
              * preparation for the University of Cambridge BEC
             * English Language Workshop (ELW)

10 lessons weekly in additional speaking skills, conversation practice & debate on current affairs,
cultural topics & themes from British life (GE 40 only)

BBSI English-language courses are designed and structured at different language levels to enable international students to develop all 4 English language skills simultaneously, as well as their knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary. Our system of learning also enables students at an Intermediate Level of English and above to progress to developing their communication skills in academic, vocational or professional context.