Basil Paterson
66 Queen Street Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland EH2 4NA, UK
Basil Paterson
Many employers and universities now require evidence of your English level. Cambridge Assessment English exams offer an important qualification for life; perfect for developing your confidence and enhancing your CV.
Cambridge Assessment English exam courses include a place on the next available exam, guidance on exam skills and strategies, essential language development, individual feedback, weekly individual coaching sessions and timed exam practice.
Course overview
Students train to gain experience and acquire the skills necessary to achieve a passing grade in their B2 First (FCE) exam.
Teachers coach students to achieve to the maximum of their potential, and set milestones and goals for each student, with constant evaluation. This sets the pace for each learner to surpass their academic expectations and achieve more than they thought possible.
Students sit rehearsal tests under exam conditions. These are repeated as required to build confidence and familiarity with the exam.
Small class sizes also allow for a large amount of individual coaching, which provides students with the security of the knowledge that they are as prepared as possible for their exam, and with confidence and familiarity in the exam format.
All students who successfully complete this course are eligible for a Course Certificate.
Homework tasks are set daily to allow learners to reflect on and consolidate what they have learned in the day, as well as prepare for the next day.
The course comprises a mixture of lessons and workshops, and these combine to help students develop and practise the skills and abilities that are necessary not only for success in their exam, but also in order to operate effectively in English, communicating with both native and non-native speakers of English in a variety of contexts. The morning lessons and workshops focus on building the linguistic and life skills required to do this. Key skills covered include, spoken performance, critical reading, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary building.
In the afternoon, the emphasis shifts to how students can best apply these skills to exam tasks in order to fully show their abilities as a B2 level user of English, to achieve high marks in each of the papers of the exam. The strategies that students are coached in will help them to navigate exam tasks with ease, allowing them to approach the test with confidence in their abilities.
Homework assignments and mock exams are used to monitor students’ progress, and to highlight any areas that may need more intensive work.
Course content
The fundamentals of flexibility: for Use of English
In order to pass the B2 First (FCE) exam, students need to demonstrate flexibility in their use of grammatical structures and vocabulary. This module focuses on lexical areas such as wordbuilding, to help students understand the fundamental building blocks of the English language. Grammatical structures such as relative clauses and reported speech are commonly tested at B2 level, and students will work to develop flexibility and accuracy in their use.
Articulate with confidence: for the spoken test
In this module, students focus on the main areas which are assessed in the spoken paper. They are coached in pronunciation, and areas of discourse management such as signposting and turn-taking. Tutors will also focus on interactive communication skills, and the accurate use of grammar and vocabulary appropriate for the exam. Confidence building techniques are also taught, which will help students approach the exam with a positive mindset.
Reading for success: for the reading paper
Students are introduced to a variety of text types including magazine articles, fiction, and non-fiction prose. Tutors work with students to develop their ability to comprehend these extended passages while under time pressure. Skills developed include: working out the meaning of unknown words, following an extended narrative, and discerning a writer’s opinion. Students are equipped with strategies to help them deal with the types of questions used in the Cambridge: First exam.
Fundamental listening skills: for the listening paper
Text types used in the B2 First (FCE) exam include radio interviews, everyday interactions, and presentations. In this module, students are familiarised with the relevant text types, and given strategies and practice to help them achieve success in this paper. They develop the skills to allow them to follow and understand spoken texts in a range of contexts, such as understanding the gist of a text, working out meaning from context, and listening for discourse markers.
Expressing oneself through writing: for the written paper
In this module, students are introduced to, and practise producing the types of texts that are required in the exam. These include essays, reviews, articles, and letters. Tutors highlight what makes a good piece of writing for each of the required genres, and students are given detailed and specific feedback in order to help them produce better texts. There is a focus on brainstorming, planning, organisation, and effective use of grammar and vocabulary. Timed writing practices also help students to maximise their performance in the written exam.
Expected outcomes
By the end of this course, the student is expected to be able to
Express themselves clearly in both spoken and written English
Demonstrate flexibility in their use of language
Follow and comprehend a variety of written and spoken text types
Structure a piece of long form writing in a number of styles
Speak confidently with others in both one-to-one and two-to-one situations
Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Grammar
Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.
Maximum | 8 students |
Age range | 16 years old and older |
Average | 27 years old |
Basil Paterson has a long tradition of academic excellence and with over fifty years of experience in English language teaching we remain dedicated to empowering each student in their future English communication.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic New Town, Basil Paterson provides a unique academic environment, where you study alongside native speakers studying for UK examinations or taking the Cambridge CELTA course.
Experienced and qualified teaching staff work hard to ensure that you receive a high level of academic support, encouraging your progression.
The focus is on learning both inside and outside the classroom and classwork is complemented by our varied social and cultural programme.
As the largest open exam centre in Scotland for IELTS and Cambridge English, we are best placed to guide you through your exam preparation courses. Studying at Basil Paterson means you have classes and take your exam in the same building. We also offer a guaranteed place on the next available exam.
Our Academic Approach
Our aim at Basil Paterson College is to provide a learning environment which helps all students to reach their full potential. Whether your objective is to improve your English skills for work, university or life in an English-speaking country, you will find that studying with us provides the focus and drive that you need. Tailored support from qualified teachers and individual coaching sessions helps our learners to achieve their aims.
What can learners achieve with a course at Basil Paterson College?
Improved confidence when communicating in English for work, study and travel
Ownership over the language learning process and development of independent study skills
The knowledge, skills and strategies needed for success in English language exams
Greater intercultural competence through working in multinational classes
Increased motivation through intensive courses which challenge and inspire learners
Learning outcomes of our programmes
No matter which course you choose to study and what goals you have it is our belief that all students achieve certain outcomes throughout their period of study with us.
Students are able to express themselves clearly and with more variety in both social and academic and business situations
They increase their fluency and accuracy in English
They have more confidence in reading and listening and will be better equipped to participate in discussions and communication
As well as spoken production being improved we will also see a better use of non-verbal skills such as body language and appropriate gestures to enhance verbal communication.
Pre-course test
We ask every student to complete a placement test before arrival and a short speaking assessment on the first day. This gives us essential information about your English language level and which class would be most suitable for you. Progress depends on motivation, self-study habits, learning strategies and language immersion. We expect students to work hard and focus on their goals.
Homework
Our courses are designed to be intensive and learners should expect homework every day and over the weekend.
Certification
At the end of your course, you are given a certificate showing your course dates, attendance and assessment of your level of spoken production, spoken interaction, reading, listening and writing skills. The levels are based on your teachers’ evaluation of your level with reference to the Common European Framework for Languages.
The nationality and age mix at Basil Paterson varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 27. In the summer, the average age is 27.
In the centre of Edinburgh's historic New Town just a stone's throw away from all of the cities shops, restaurants and attractions. Ten minutes from the two main train stations and half an hour from the airport.
Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English in Edinburgh. These homes are often between 15 - 50 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about homestay housing
We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.
If you are studying in the UK for over 11 months, you will receive a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you need to submit to the UK embassy along with your General Student Visa application. Students who have successfully booked a language course and have paid their fees will receive a CAS from BP. Please note that UK law states that a CAS can only be issued to students who intend to pursue English language studies for over 11 months.
If you are studying in the UK for 11 months or less, you have to apply for a special visitor visa called a Student Visitor Visa. As a student visitor, you will not be able to work part-time while studying. If you plan to study in the UK for 11 months or less, a letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Edinburgh based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.
Have questions? Get answers from Basil Paterson staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
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