Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do courses start?

Bournemouth One to One can arrange courses to start at any time you wish, apart from exam courses which have their fixed start times.

However we do prefer to be given 2 weeks' prior notice so that we can arrange for the best teachers and accommodation for you..

2. What happens on the first day of a One to One Course?

A detailed Needs Analysis is carried out by your morning teacher.  This is recorded so that pronunciation work can be done later on in the course.

The final details of the course are then agreed between you and your teacher so that they meet your language needs, based on information from your other tests and the Needs Analysis.

3. How long should I stay?

We recommend a minimum of 2 weeks for maximum benefit.  Exam courses have their fixed start times and finish times.

We can advise you on how long you should stay once when you have completed your pre-tests. Please refer to our course index page for details.

4. What does a "total immersion course" mean?

This means that you are totally surrounded by an English speaking environment, at the school, with your host family and in your leisure time.  You will be given the maximum opportunity to practise and use your English for the whole of your stay.

At Bournemouth One to One you have the opportunity to be the only guest in the host family, your breaks and lunches are spent with members of staff and when you are on a One to One course you can choose to be the only person from your country in the school.

5. What does "a tailor-made course" mean?

This means that the language course is designed especially for you.  The teachers will agree with you exactly what you need to learn or improve on. The content of every course is designed according to the needs of the client.

6. Why are exam courses shorter at Bournemouth One to One?

This is because the group is so much smaller than in most other language schools.  The small class size enables our staff to teach much more intensively and monitor each client's problems in the group more closely.  This, in turn, ensures maximum progress in the language and better examination results.

7. Can I receive information about my teachers before my course begins?

Yes, of course.  Contact admin@bournemouth121.com and the information will be forwarded to you.

8. Can I be the only one from my country in the school?

 Yes, we will advise you if there are other people from your country and agree a new start date with you, if you prefer.  (Normally this applies to One to One courses).

9. What happens on the Sunday before my course begins on the Monday?

Clients are collected from their host families or their hotels and taken to lunch by the Director prior to the Sunday test. They are then brought to the school where they do an Oxford Placement Test, which consists of a listening test and a grammar test.  They have refreshments with the director and some of the members of staff who will be teaching them before being returned to their host families for the evening meal.

The clients are given feedback on the test and a list of their mistakes with advice on how to correct them at the beginning of  their course

10. What exactly is Bournemouth One to One's 3 stage testing system?

Our testing system consists of 3 parts; the Pre-Test which is sent to clients before they arrive in the UK; the Placement Test which is on the Sunday prior to the start of their course and the Needs Analysis which is either on the Sunday or on the first day of their course.

In addition, If it is convenient for clients, the director will do a telephone interview with them before their arrival.  All of these interviews and tests enable us to identify you language needs, the best teacher for you and the most suitable host family.

11. If I choose host family accommodation how do I know it's suitable for me?

Based on information from your Pre-Test and your reservation form, the school will be able to choose a host family that matches your requirements.  You will then be sent information about the family so that you have some knowledge of them before you meet them.

They too will be given information about you and your interests so that your first meeting will be more comfortable.  All of our Host Families are especially chosen to make your stay in Bournemouth as pleasant as possible.

12. What other choice of accommodation is there apart from a host family?

Hotel accommodation can be arranged by the school.  A list of hotels and their websites can be sent to you.  The client is responsible for paying his hotel costs.

Luxury self-catering apartments are also available.  Residential accommodation at the school is also available.

13. Are clients on their own for coffee breaks and lunches?

No, coffee breaks and lunches are always taken with members of staff.  This gives clients maximum opportunity to practise their English.

14. What is the likely number of clients at the school when I am there?

There are 3 clients on One to One Courses in the school at any one time.  There are normally between 3 and 8 clients in the school at any one time.

15. Does the school offer a social programme?

Yes.  Visits to the theatre, cinema and to concerts and a weekend half day excursion including lunch with the Director are included in the price.

16. What does a "Combination Course" mean?

This means that you are taught in a small group in the morning lessons (normally 4 clients) and have One to One lessons (1 teacher for 1 client) in the afternoon.

17. Can you teach English for Lawyers?

Yes.  In addition we can also organise visits to the Bournemouth Law Courts.  Normally you visit the Law Courts with your teacher as part of your course so that your teacher will be able to give you feedback after the visit if there is a problem with the language .  The school also has access to a number of guest speakers including lawyers who can give you information about the legal system in the UK.