No, you don’t (as long as you are studying at Spinnaker College for 4 or more weeks). For each level that you study, we give you a course book - up to four course books. For example, if you stay for five months and study at pre-intermediate level, intermediate level and then upper intermediate level, we will give you three course books.
Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate. Sometimes, if there are enough high-level students, we can have an Advanced class.
When you arrive you do a placement test and have a friendly interview. When we have decided your level you will be able to join your class. While you are studying with us, the teachers are very careful to make sure that you are in the level which is best for you and where you are happy. If you are not happy then please tell us and we shall do our best to sort out the problem.
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, an academic exam which covers Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing skills. Most universities in the UK require non-native speakers to achieve an IELTS score of 5.5 or more before being accepted onto a degree course. Certain professional bodies (e.g. the General Medical Council) also require non-native speakers to achieve an IELTS score before they can practice in this country. We offer morning classes with an expert teacher, specifically for IELTS – 1.5 hours per day for five days.
In the mornings your studies will be based on a class text book, for example, English File. However, you will have many other activities. In the afternoons you will have skills lessons: reading, writing, speaking and listening. In both morning and afternoon, the teacher will also often use materials such as multimedia and also authentic materials like magazines and film reviews. The teacher will also organize enjoyable activities and communication games to help you to use the new language and gain confidence.
If you need a student visa then you have to study for at least 15 hours per week. However if you are an au pair or you do not need a visa then we can probably arrange a part time course for you. Also, you can do just afternoons - see below.
Please give us at least one week’s notice. It is a Home Office requirement that you attend your classes. For every twelve weeks that you study you are allowed to have one week’s holiday. The maximum holiday you can take is four weeks in one year. When you are on holiday, you do not have to pay any fees for study.
Spinnaker College is ideally situated in the centre of the city, very near the main square, the shops, the train station and the historic Guildhall. Within a short walk you can find: the University, a large, modern, seafront shopping-complex and an attractive park. To find out more, please click here.
Yes. We are accredited by the British Council. The British Council is an international official institution that is highly-respected. It inspects schools and colleges which teach English. They only give their accreditation to schools and colleges that are well-run and that have qualified teachers who produce lessons of a high standard.
We are also members of English UK and are recognised by the Department for Further Education and Skills. We are a recognised, professional school so students who enrol in our college can be issued visas as long as they fulfil the other requirements.
Portsmouth has a good bus service and all buses stop near the College. You can buy a discounted bus pass from the bus driver. This costs about £40 for 4 weeks.
Families eat early in England - usually between 5.30 and 7.00pm. You can then do your homework or go out to meet your friends in Southsea or Portsmouth.
It's important to tell the Host Family when you plan to get home or if you are going to miss a meal or be late for a meal.
You will have a choice for breakfast: cereal, toast, or bacon & egg if you want it, with tea, coffee and orange juice. The English eat a lot of potatoes so be prepared to enjoy mashed, roast and baked potatoes!
You should tell your host about the problem but if this is difficult you can tell us and we will talk to the host and do all in our power to sort out the problem.
Portsmouth and Southsea are surrounded by the sea. A warm current from the Gulf of Mexico makes the south coast of England warmer than the rest of Britain, especially in the winter. However the winter is quite cold so if you are coming in winter, do bring a warm jacket, plus gloves and a scarf. English weather can change quite quickly – it can rain in the morning and be sunny and warm in the afternoon.
In July/August (the warmest months), the average is around 20°C, although it can reach over 28° C.
