English for School Administration and Non-Teaching Staff

Description

Concept by Gillian Cooke

Are you an administrative looking to strengthen your English language skills, whether for personal or professional reasons?

Then this is the course for you. Teachers aren’t the only ones who need help with their English!

The course is designed to meet the needs of administrative staff and other professionals working in language schools and educational establishments who wish to undertake administrative tasks in English, both orally and in written form.

The basic aim of English for Administrative Staff is to help admin staff to develop productive and receptive language skills in English, while at the same time focusing on the central need of administrative staff: to receive and to transmit information precisely and efficiently.

The course will cover topics common to typical office activities, as well as more personal areas related to office work, such as socializing or greeting visitors and making them feel comfortable, talking about office tasks and the qualities and abilities of administrative staff.

The courses will offer you the occasion to discuss topics among your interests and gain confidence in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.

You will also meet your colleagues that work in education from other countries and make lasting connections to continue practicing your English even after completing the course.

Suggested English Proficiency Level: BASIC/INTERMEDIATE

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:  

• Improve English vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversational skills;
• Undertake administrative tasks requiring the use of English more effectively and confidently;
• Develop productive and receptive skills in English in order to be able to carry out their job efficiently;
• Feel more confident in dealings with visitors, members of school/ college staff, parents and students both orally and in writing;
• Immerse in local history and culture;
• Meet colleagues that work in education from other countries in Europe and around the world;
• Acquire first-hand experience as a student to better connect with the students in your school.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Course introduction

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Identification of needs and goals for each participant and relevant populations.
• Functional language: How can I help you?
• Knowing the right thing to say to whom.

Day 2 – Stepping into English grammar and vocabulary

• English grammar and vocabulary;
• Job description: What do you do?;
• Elements of the job: describing the job and how to do it;
• Conversation practice.

Day 3 – Conversational skills

• Speaking and listening skills;
• Who’s calling? Conversation over the phone;
• Conversation practice.

Day 4 – Working with texts

• Reading and learning to learn;
• Paraphrasing and saying exactly what you mean;
• Instructions, directions and using prepositions;
• Conversation practice.

Day 5 – Interacting with the community

• Giving and understanding messages;
• Useful sources to continue your English journey;
• Conversation practice.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion.
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance.
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.