1. ENGLISH FOR ADULTS TEACHING CENTRE
2012
TALK TO US
BETTER ENGLISH, MORE OPPORTUNITIES
www.britishcouncil.org/srilanka

2. Why choose us?
We believe that you learn English by using it. This means that you will spend a lot of time
practising and speaking with other students in English. Our teachers will listen to you, correct
your mistakes, build your confidence and give you advice on how you can improve. They will
also show you ways to practise your English outside class so that you can progress more
quickly.
All of our classrooms are comfortable, air-conditioned and fully equipped for learning. We
use digital whiteboard technology to enhance your learning experience. Our classes have a
maximum of 20 students.
Our teachers are:
„„ highly experienced professionals who all have UK Teaching qualifications
„„ highly proficient speakers of English from different countries and ethnic backgrounds,
which reflects the status of English as an international language
„„ excellent classroom managers who create enjoyable and motivating lessons
„„ experts in assessing your progress and achievements
„„ committed to helping you learn independently

3. This means:
„„ your course has clear learning objectives which our teachers help you achieve
„„ you learn contemporary international English so that you can communicate successfully
in English wherever you are
„„ you are learning and speaking a lot of English and will become much more confident in
using the language
„„ you know what your strengths and weaknesses are and where to focus your attention
„„ you are better equipped to continue learning English on your own after your studies
with us have finished
English Learning Zone (ELZ)
We will give you free reference membership to the ELZ in the library, which has:
„„ a wide range of self-study English learning resources
„„ self-study paths for each level to guide you to the resources you need to support your
course work
„„ regular speaking clubs, study skills sessions, and computer workshops
„„ practice materials for English language exams
The ELZ is open in Colombo Tuesday to Saturday 0900 – 1800 and Sunday 0900 -1630, Kandy
Tuesday to Saturday 0900 – 1730 and Sunday 0900 – 1500, so that you can study when it suits
you.

4. Our classes are organised according to the language ability of our students, which we
determine from the placement test. There are seven language bands and each band is
divided into levels. You will complete one level on each 10-week course.
Bands Levels Spoken English UK English Exams CEF*
Beginner BG
E1
Elementary E2 A1 & A2
E3 Basic User
PI1
PI SPENG
Pre-Intermediate PI2 KET
(25 hours)
PI3
(Academic & General Training)
IELTS Express - 25 hours
I1
I SPENG
Intermediate I2 PET
(25 hours)
I3
UI1 B1 & B2
Upper Intermediate UI2 Independent User
IELTS - 50 hours
UI3
(Academic)
PA1
Pre-Advanced FCE
PA2
C1
Advanced 4 modules CAE
Proficient user
* The Common European Framework (CEF) is a scale used worldwide to describe levels of
learner proficiency.

5. On all our General English courses you will improve your speaking, reading, writing and
listening skills and develop your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Beginner (BG)
Concentrate on the alphabet, numbers and everyday vocabulary. Basic
grammar is introduced along with reading and writing skills, plus a range of
listening and speaking activities.
Elementary (E1, E2, E3)
Concentrate on the basic ability to communicate in English in a limited range of simple
everyday situations. Write and understand short, simple texts.
Pre-Intermediate (PI1, PI2, PI3)
Build confidence to communicate in a range of common situations and exchange simple
ideas. Develop the ability to understand and write a range of short, everyday texts.
Intermediate (I1, I2, I3)
Develop the ability to participate in a straightforward conversation. Build the confidence to
communicate in more demanding situations and develop the ability to understand and write
more complex texts.

6. Upper Intermediate (UI1, UI2, UI3)
Concentrate on developing the ability to communicate independently with a
degree of accuracy, appropriacy and fluency. Realistic texts can be understood
and more abstract and complex ideas expressed both in writing and speech.
Pre-Advanced (PA1, PA2)
Develop your ability to communicate independently with more confidence and fluency. Focus
on extending and developing all four skills and consolidating your grammar and vocabulary.
Advanced (4 modular courses)
Take these four modular courses in any order and broaden your knowledge of idiomatic and
colloquial language. Become more flexible and confident at communicating in work, study and
social situations.
Spoken English (SPENG PI and I)
Concentrate on developing spoken confidence and fluency at Pre-Intermediate and
Intermediate levels in a variety of realistic situations, which include discussions and giving
presentations. These are 25 hour courses.

7. How can you join us?
„„ Book and pay for a placement test appointment well in advance as our courses are very
popular.
„„ On the day of the test, it may take up to two hours to take the test and complete your
registration.
„„ You will take a one hour written test and have a short speaking test with a teacher.
„„ We will give you a level and a choice of class days and times depending on availability.
„„ Register for the class, paying the fee by cash, cheque or debit/credit card.
„„ You will receive a British Council folder and course information.
„„ We will also give you your ELZ reference membership, which you can start using
immediately.
„„ You will need to buy the coursebook for the General English and IELTS 50 hour course
before your first class.

8. British Council, Colombo British Council, Kandy
49 Alfred House Gardens 88/3 Kotugodella Veediya
Colombo 00300 Kandy
T (011) 452 1521 T (081) 722 2410
info.lk@britishcouncil.org info.lk@britishcouncil.org

9. Term Dates and Fees 2012
Placement test (non refundable, non transferable) Rs. 800
General English Spoken English
(50 hours) (25 hours)
Term 1 : 19 January – 28 March Rs. 31,700 Rs. 18,900
Term 2 : 20 April – 3 July Rs. 31,700 Rs. 18,900
Term 3 : 20 July – 27 September Rs. 32,400 Rs. 19,300
Term 4 : 11 October – 19 December Rs. 32,400 Rs. 19,300
< Fees are subject to change.
< Fees increase with inflation, spread evenly across the terms.
< Refunds are only possible before your first class. An administration fee will be deducted.
Fees include:
< Student folder
< ELZ membership
< British Council course certificate
< Students booklets for Spoken English and IELTS Express courses
Additional costs:
< Course books
< Your personal stationery

10. Class Days and Times
Colombo
Tues and Thurs Wed and Fri Sun
2.5 hours x 2 2.5 hours x 2 5 hours x 1
0800-1030 0800-1030 0800-1300
1100-1330 1345-1845
1730-2000 1730-2000
Kandy
Wed and Thurs Thurs and Fri Sun
Wed and Fri 2.5 hours x 2 2.5 hours x 1
2.5 hours x 2 0900-1130
1500-1730
0900-1130 0900-1130
1200-1430 1200-1430 Sun
Thurs
5 hours x 1
0900-1430
1200-1730
< It may be possible to change your class days and times after registration if places are
available.

11. What else does the British Council do?
„„ www.learnenglish.org.uk: high quality cutting edge resources for adults, children, professionals
and teachers
„„ Young Learners: English courses for children aged 6-15, that build confidence and communication
skills, at all levels
„„ Professional Training Centre: customised business communication skills courses and soft skills
workshops for corporate clients
„„ UK Education: free student advice, guidance, and application information on UK schools, further
and higher education, student recruitments, workshops and seminars on study in the UK, UCAS,
academic and vocational guidance and specific subject areas, pre-departure events and exhibitions
„„ UK Exams: IELTS partner and test centre. Information and registration for UK school, English,
academic and professional exams held in Sri Lanka
„„ Library: over 40,000 books, DVDs, and periodicals, online resources, free internet access and
workshops for adults and children
„„ Arts and Creative industries: communities, networks, partnerships and events covering
performing arts, fashion, visual arts and literature
„„ Project English: teacher training workshops and courses, UK teacher training qualifications,
resources for learners and teachers, on line resources and courses and communities for teachers
of English
„„ Development Projects: connecting schools in the UK with schools in Sri Lanka to share best
practices and to learn from each other, forum theatre for social change, and other societal
activities providing space and engaging communities to dialogue and debate about change for the
better
„„ Skills for Employability: developing skills for the workplace