1st Class Curriculum

The Common European Framework of References for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (usually referred to as the CEF) is a guideline created by the Council of Europe which grades language proficiency in any language. It is the official means of describing learner achievements in schools, universities and language institutes across Europe.

Perhaps most famously, it is used by Cambridge University's ESOL Department as the means of benchmarking its suite of exams for English learners (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, etc).BROWNS English Language School Curricula are based on the CEF.

The CEF provides six reference levels from A1 to C2, breaking down language ability in terms of reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level.

The Association of Language Testers in Europe, otherwise known as ALTE, took the CEF even further, creating a simplified set of 400+ descriptors for language examinations which relate to the Common Reference Levels. These descriptors are in the form of "can-do statements", each saying more simply what a learner can do at every level. There are four sections: general, social/ tourist, work and study. For example, at A1 level, ALTE says a learner CAN understand simple notices and information (for example, in airports, on store guides and on menus), whilst at C2 level, a learner CAN understand a tenancy agreement in detail (for example, example, when looking for accommodation).These descriptors form the core of BROWNS Intensive General English syllabus.

To be a fluent user of English, we believe that a student needs to be exposed to, and practice extensively, the 4 skills and 4 systems that make up English.

Therefore, in our CORE classes, we use a course-booked based syllabus which integrates the 8 skills and systems. We ensure that the student receives a balanced learning diet. Each week, we also provide a revision test that checks student understanding across the systems and skills so that students can have a more accurate measure of their progress as well. This helps to maintain motivation, and allows students to see where they are succeeding and where they might require further work.

In our CORE classes, students will learn the language in context, through topics such as relationships, life events, holidays, travel, work and culture.Classes are designed to be motivating and hands-on. We believe the more active you are in the class, the more likely you are to improve, so your lessons at BROWNS are interactive, relaxed and fun whilst remaining focused with clear learning outcomes for you to achieve.

In our Active8 classes, we focus on each language skill or system individually to provide further opportunity for students to improve. We assess the students level for each skill and system and place them in each class accordingly. As a student's skills may not be at the same proficiency level across all 8 systems and skills, this system allows us to pinpoint student weaknesses and strengths and ensure they are working at the right challenge level for each system and skill.

In our Accelerate Further Learning Programme, we take this one step further, by providing individual tailored advice on areas for improvement for each student, based on his/her class-work. By targeting student's individual needs and gaps in their language learning, we help them achieve more rapid progress and empower them to take control of their learning.Each week, a student's CORE teacher will provide new written recommendations for each student's further study, using the BROWNS Passport system. Students are then asked to use the BROWNS rich resource library to act on this advice. The library is categorised by level and Active8 skill or system.

Gustavo's entry testing showed a high degree of communicative fluency in the Listening & Speaking skills, but an underdeveloped understanding of grammar systems. His timetable has been customized to allow him to work on his area of weakness whilst providing a higher level of challenge in Listening & Speaking class, ensuring he is motivated to achieve his learning goals.

So Hee's entry testing suggested that her vocabulary, reading and grammar skills were a strength. As she had little chance to practise the productive skills of speaking and writing back in Korea, she was placed in a class best suited to guiding her to improvement in these areas, whilst accelerating her proficiency in the other skills that tested at B1 level.

Whilst Clement proved comfortable at communicating across a range of topics, entry testing found that he was guessing and translating many of his vocabulary, grammar and writing structures from French, causing inaccuracies that didn't impede understanding but highlighted his non-native speaker status. His placement in different skills and systems classes to focus on these inaccuracies and gaps in learning will ultimately help him to achieve an advanced level of English.

New English File was chosen as the CORE course book for BROWNS Intensive General English core class curriculum because of its compatibility with the CEF. It uses the CEF to guide its syllabus, and provides a clear summary at the end of every module, asking learners to check off what they CAN do, using the descriptors created by ALTE for this purpose.The workbook is the perfect accompaniment, allowing students to practise what they learn in class and providing an opportunity for extension on these tasks through the additional activities on the accompanying complimentary multi-rom.

BROWNS bespoke passport was designed as a portable, durable, personal learning record for BROWNS students. A living document that is updated weekly by the CORE teacher, it allows the students to see at a glance which areas for improvement they should focus on each week in order to accelerate their progress. Students often ask "how can I improve my English outside of class". Through BROWNS Accelerate Further Learning Programme and unique passport system, students are empowered with the answers to their further study plans.

It is important that students take responsibility for their learning because experimentation, practice and extension of in-class tasks are the key to rapid progress. The BROWNS Passport has been designed to help students become more conscious of their language learning and understand their profiles as language learners. BROWNS Passports are the property of the students. In Accelerate, students are encouraged to study areas that their teachers have identified are important for their progress whilst being supported by the Accelerate teachers who are there to help and answer questions as they arise.

At the back of the passport is the student's personalized study pathway plan, drawn up in consultation with the Director of Studies at the commencement of their studies and updated at each consultation to reflect any developments in the student's learning. It is a valuable record marking each student's learning stage and development.

At BROWNS, we are so confident in the Active8-Accelerate Teaching System that we guarantee free additional study weeks to any student who does not advance to the next level on completion of a 10 week module. This offer is available to those students who have maintained 100% class attendance, achieved 3 Accelerate passport stamps per week of study and who are able to provide evidence of completion of all homework.