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The language Web
English language classes for au pairs in London
English language classes for au pairs run at Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate, First Certificate, Advanced and Proficiency levels. On the Common European Framework for References for Languages (CEFR), these classes equate to A1 to C2. There is also a conversation class and an IELTS preparation class.
Classes and location
The schedule for au pair English language classes is a 90-minute lesson twice a week each term. The conversation and IELTS classes run once a week for 90 minutes. The group classes have a maximum of 12 au pair students in each class for General English.
The classes are suitable for au pairs living in the South West London area, Wandsworth, Clapham, Balham, Battersea, Tooting and Streatham. The classes take place in Balham and the classrooms are less than a 1 minute walk from the Underground station.
English language skills
The classes cover the four main language skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading, paying particular attention to grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation .
- CELTA qualified teachers – We all want to help you improve your English language skills
Small friendly classes – Class sizes limited to 12 au pairs
Student assessments – On-going assessments, feedback and termly tests
Student assessment
Students receive a level assessment test before registration and the senior teacher will recommend a suitable timetable. Please request the level test below. We aim to respond to all enquiries within two hours.
How to Pay
Students can pay by bank transfer, cash or cheque. Total payment for the group lessons is payable by the end of the first lesson of the term. To secure a place for next term we require a small non-refundable deposit which is deducted from the main course fee. Fees are only refundable in the highly unlikely event that classes are cancelled.
Tests, Levels, Certificates and Attendance
For a 3-month term The language Web is happy to provide a letter of attendance giving registration dates and level attainment. Every student is placed at a level determined by an entrance test on registration.
We do encourage students to cover 10 hours of English language learning a week, broken down into class time contact and homework, which is marked and recorded by the class teacher.
There is an end of term test after each 3-month course to outline any progress made and this also determines whether a student progresses into the next level for the following term.
Feedback and progress can be given at any time in the course from the teacher and sometimes there will be a 6-week progress test given at the half-term break.
Class Timetable
Autumn Term 2018
The Autumn term lasts 12 weeks, starts on Monday 17th September and finishes on Friday 14th December
Half term is 22nd October to 26th October 2018
Spring Term 2019
The Spring term lasts 12 weeks, starts on Monday 7th January and finishes on Friday 5th April 2019
Half term is 18th February to 22nd February 2019
Summer Term 2019
The Summer term lasts 10 weeks, starts on Monday 29th April and finishes on Friday 12th July 2019
Half term is 27th May to 31st May 2019
Spring Term Class Schedule
| Level | CEFR | Days | Times | Hours | Fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Intermediate | B2 | Monday & Wednesday | 09:30 to 11:00 | 36 | £360 | |
| First Certificate | B2+ | Monday & Wednesday | 11:30 to 13:00 | 36 | £360 | |
| Advanced | C1 | Tuesday & Thursday | 09:30 to 11:00 | 36 | £360 | |
| Intermediate | B1/B2* | Tuesday & Thursday | 09:30 to 11:00 | 36 | £360 | |
| Proficiency | C2 | Tuesday & Thursday | 11:30 to 13:00 | 36 | £360 | |
| Lower Advanced | C1 | Tuesday & Thursday | 11:30 to 13:00 | 36 | £360 | |
|
European mothers *NEW* |
B2-C1 | Tuesday & Thursday | 13:15 to 14:45 | 36 | £450 | |
| Elementary *NEW* | A1 | Tuesday & Thursday | 13:15 to 14:45 | 36 | £360 | |
| Elementary | A1/A2* | Wednesday & Friday | 09:30 to 11:00 | 36 | £360 | |
| Pre-Intermediate | A2/B1* | Wednesday & Friday | 11:30 to 13:00 | 36 | £360 | |
| Conversation | Friday | 09:30 to 11:00 | 18 | £180 | ||
| Writing Skills Workshop (IELTS, Cambridge) *NEW* | Friday | 11:30 to 13:00 | 18 | £180 |
* Classes will progress to the target level
Course Fee does not include the one-time Registration Fee (£20) nor the course book (£25+)
Course Fee must be paid IN FULL by the first class of term
Autumn Term 2018
The Autumn term lasts 12 weeks, starts on Monday 17th September and finishes on Friday 14th December
Half term is 22nd October to 26th October 2018
Spring Term 2019
The Spring term lasts 12 weeks, starts on Monday 7th January and finishes on Friday 5th April 2019
Half term is 18th February to 22nd February 2019
Summer Term 2019
The Summer term lasts 10 weeks, starts on Monday 29th April and finishes on Friday 12th July 2019
Half term is 27th May to 31st May 2019
Spring Term Class Schedule
| Day | 12 weeks 36 hours tuition £360 |
|---|---|
| Mon & Weds 09:30 to 11:00 |
Upper Intermediate (B2) |
| Mon & Weds 11:30 to 13:00 |
FCE (Higher) |
| Tues & Thurs 09:30 to 11:00 |
Intermediate (B1/B2*) |
| Tues & Thurs 09:30 to 11:00 |
Advanced (C1) |
| Tues & Thurs 11:30 to 13:00 |
Proficiency (C2) |
| Tues & Thurs 11:30 to 13:00 |
Lower Advanced (C1) |
| Tues & Thurs 13:15 to 14:45 |
European mothers *NEW* |
| Tues & Thurs 13:15 to 14:45 |
Elementary (A1) |
| Weds & Fri 09:30 to 11:00 |
Elementary (A1/A2*) |
| Weds & Fri 11:30 to 13:00 |
Pre-Intermediate (A2/B1*) |
| Fri 09:30 to 11:00 |
Conversation |
| Fri 11:30 to 13:00 |
Writing Skills Workshop
(IELTS, Cambridge) |
* Classes will progress to the target level
Course Fee does not include a one-time Registration Fee (£20) nor the course book (£25+)
Course Fee must be paid IN FULL by the first class of term
Class Levels
Available Class Levels
External Exams
It is not compulsory to take external exams, however, should a student wish to work towards an official Cambridge exam or IELTS exam, every assistance will be given for preparing the student. The course and course books are tailored towards this requirement.
The language Web teachers have an excellent pass rate record for all the Cambridge exams along with a substantial knowledge and experience of teaching candidates for university entrance. The language Web tutors offer support and guidance for all official Cambridge and IELTS exams.
Elementary
(CEFR level A1)
For students who wish to use language in their work and daily life in basic interaction.
Make contacts and exchange basic information (personal, work, social)
Handle basic telephone conversations.
Work with numbers and dates.
Understand simple requests and instructions.
Make basic travel arrangements and appointments.
Complete forms and documents
Speak in the present tense.
Pre-Intermediate
(CEFR level A2)
Students build on the skills they have and gain confidence to speak in the Present and Past giving them more flexibility to hold a conversation and express themselves more fluently.
Give simple explanations and instructions.
Understand and write simple emails and notes.
Make simple presentations on familiar topics.
Express themselves more fully in short conversations.
Intermediate
(CEFR level B1)
Improve your fluency, increase your in-depth understanding with the option to prepare for external Cambridge English exams.
Converse more readily.
Take the initiative in a conversation.
Ask for information and understand the response.
Have a greater grammatical awareness in the present, past and future tenses.
Reading and listening comes more readily.
Vocabulary continues to expand.
.
Upper-Intermediate
(CEFR level B2)
For students whose daily life requires constant interaction in the target language. Their job requirement will demand more responsibility, which in turn demands for a stronger ability in the target language. Students are moving away from using translation and have a more natural approach to communicating in the target language.
Start writing with more grammatical structures in place
Speak more fluently without translating.
Understand information given to them.
Read longer texts and enjoy books.
Cambridge First Certificate
This target level is primarily an exam -based target. It is expanding on all of the B2 material and being able to manipulate the language more naturally. The exam pass grades are an A, (equivalent to CEF level C1), B or C.
Reading longer texts in a short space of time and answering comprehension questions on the passage.
Understanding text cohesion and content.
A 40-minute listening task divided into 4 different tasks.
Use of English testing vocabulary and grammar.
Writing tasks – reports, reviews, essays, articles, emails using the appropriate formal / informal written registers.
Speaking using coherent, correct speech, which communicates well to the listener.
Advanced
(CEFR level C1)
This target level is advanced and as such the student will mainly need to expand their knowledge and use of vocabulary for different scenarios and topics. Grammatically it is more a question of style in writing and register along with the correct use of expressions and subtleties. Understanding of texts at this level is also a great step up from the FCE exam.
The exam format is similar to the First Certificate but using a higher range of language and skills.
The pass grades awarded are A (equivalent to level CEF C2), B, C.
Proficiency
(CEFR level C2)
This target level is the highest award in the target language. Idioms, expressions and style likened to a native speaker are required with a full extensive knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical precision.
Text appreciation contrasting and comparing 2 texts in the written paper.
Extensive expression needed for written tasks at a longer more in depth length expressing critical awareness and opinion in an appropriate tone.
Correct use of idiomatic structures and the capability of showing an appropriate linguistic register through grammar and lexis.
Pass grades awarded are A, B, C
Conversation
Build your confidence and fluency in this class which enables you to speak for 90 minutes in a small group likened to a coffee morning club. Vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar will be covered as it comes up in conversation. The tutor continually monitors the conversation.
IELTS Preparation
If you are aiming for IELTS for University entrance in the UK, we can help with the preparation for the IELTS exam. Speaking and listening exam preparation will be focused on in class with reading and writing tasks set for homework and marked by the tutor.
NUMBER of STUDENTS
WEEKLY CLASSES
EXAM SUCCESS-RATE
CELTA QUALIFIED TUTORS
STUDENT FEEDBACK
Where Are We
Meet our Tutors
Our aim is to make learning interesting and enjoyable, to build your confidence and to provide you with the language skills you require to express yourself naturally. Our Tutors are vastly experienced and CELTA qualified in all aspects of English language tuition.
Chalk and Cheese…
We use this expression to show a complete opposite in personality between two people. Example: Joan: Have you met Linda and Brian yet? Mary: Yes, I have. I thought they were a lovely couple. Joan: Yes, I agree but they are totally different, Linda is a delightful happy young lady and Brian is a bit miserable, just like chalk and cheese, but people do say that opposites are attracted to each other!
Autumn term 2018 – Social evening
A lovely social evening for the au pairs and teachers to meetup and chat before the lessons begin next week.
The language Web Library
The language Web Book Library The language Web Library has a wide selection of English language books from the Macmillan Reader series. There are books suitable for all The language Web tutor group levels.
What the students say
I’ve been in London as an au pair for 5 months now. I started my English courses when I arrived here in January and I did courses twice a week during 3 months. I can say that I enjoyed this so much! Hazel is an amazing person, and a great teacher. She’s very smart and so thoughtful. She helped me a lot when I needed some advice, and I definitely improved my English with her help. We were just 4 students in my class so we could practice a lot our spoken English. Hazel is open-minded and we had pleasant conversation with her.
I sincerely recommend Hazel to learn a good English quickly. Thank you again!
When I came to London my English was less than elementary, I could just say ‘yet’ or ‘not’. Even if I knew the grammar it was like I had any word in my mind but I couldn’t speak up. Hazel was able to pull them out and she made me talk. I felt like a child when he finally can tell everyone what he’s thinking without doubt. I found the job I’ve always wished for. It was amazing having Hazel as my teacher, she became my friend. The most important thing she gave me a method and now I can keep studying by myself, but if I need I know she will be there.
I met Hazel at a private school some years ago where I studied Business English with her. She was such a brilliant teacher that I asked her to give me one- to- one classes. If you are looking for someone who is passionate, professional and dedicated to her work – It’s Hazel. She has tailored my lessons to my needs by using a variety of methods and techniques. Having come here with little English, I am now working in a management role. I was lucky to meet her, as she is not only a great teacher but also a good friend.
I have known Hazel as my teacher at a language school for pre-intermediate class and later on due to her skills I chose her as my private teacher to help me prepare for the FCE exam which I successfully passed. Hazel is very friendly and hard-working person always well prepared for a lesson with many years of experience in teaching. I found her techniques very helpful and well-focused in areas I needed a help to improve the most.
I would definitely recommend Hazel to starters and also professionals who are looking for well-balanced lessons with a professional attitude and skilled person keen on helping you to improve in English language.
In lessons you will learn different skills, which are important for the english language, e.g. the difference and the use of all times, different forms of words and how you can change and use them, writing essays, reviews, reports etc. You will be also specialised in “Writing, Listening, Speaking”. It is important that every student has the possibility to share their opinion with their class about the topics, you are discussing about in this moment.
I wasn´t thinking about doing the cambridge exam, but after a few months of hard working, training and a great preparation for the special exercises you have to do in the exam. I passed like the most of Hazel students.
Nuria, from Spain passed FCE and went on to Lower Advanced level
“I highly recommend this English school because it helped me to achieve my aim to pass my FCE. Moreover I consider that the prices are affordable.”
When I came in London I was terrified!, I thought “how can learn and improve my English?”
My host mum found Hazel and her English school in the website “Nappyvalleynet” and I’m grateful to her because she CAN’T find a better school!
My teacher Caroline has been patient, kind, she is brilliant and she help me a lot to improve my English with grammar, listening, speaking and writing lessons and she was always ready to give you an help!
I can’t say thank you enough for all of that, but I’m sure I could recommend “The language web” as a best English school!
English for European parents
This group is suitable for local European parents who wish to improve their daily-life English communication skills.
The course content will be tailor-made to student’s requirements and will cover a range of language functions dealing with typical daily situations such as:
Social gatherings
Business functions
School parent/teacher meetings
Interacting with local contractors
So, why not find out more…
A relaxed, sociable environment
A teaching style suitable for adults, not too intensive
Come along as a group of friends or to make some new friends
Widen your international social circle through your English
Put some time aside for yourself out of your hectic schedule
Contact The language Web
Get in touch
The language Web is based in Balham. Our classrooms are based in Saint Mary and Saint John The Divine church. The classrooms are spacious, well-heated and well-equipped. The church is on Balham High Road, conveniently located on numerous bus routes and is a less than two minute walk from the Underground tube station.
Please get in touch by email or mobile. We like meeting in person at the church but this must be done by appointment.
We’d love to hear from you!
The language Web would like to answer any questions from host parents or au pairs.
The timetable and class levels do change so please get in touch even if the published information might not meet your immediate requirements.
All fields marked as (*) are mandatory
How to travel to The language Web
Coming from Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Hammersmith and beyond
The language Web is based in Balham on Balham High Road. Our classrooms are based in Saint Mary and Saint John The Divine church, postcode SW12 9BS.
We have many students who travel from outside Wandsworth – for example from the London boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth and even north of the river from Fulham and Hammersmith. We welcome au pairs who live in Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Streatham, Fulham and beyond.
As we are so close to Balham Overground and tube station it’s not as far as it may appear. Our class timetable is designed to accommodate au pairs travelling from outside Wandsworth.
Useful travel links
Transport for London tfl.gov.co.uk and National Rail websites give uptodate information.
Regular train and bus services run from North Dulwich, East Dulwich, West Norwood, Herne Hill, Tulse Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham Hill, Crystal Palace and Sydenham Hill.
North Dulwich To Balham : 21 mins
West Norwood to Balham : 9 mins
Crystal Palace to Balham : 14 mins
Bus routes no. 37, no. 315
Bus routes no. P13, no. D4