ireland

adult english language programme guide

bray

dublin ATC...teaching English to the world for 40 years

welcome to ATC Ireland

bray two cities one language

dublin

contents About Ireland - General Information

4

About Dublin and Bray - General Information

5

About ATC

6

ATC Bray - School and Accommodation

8

ATC Dublin - School and Accommodation

10

Studying With Us

12

Timetable Overview

13

Adult English Courses

14

¢ General English

15

¢ Intensive English

15

¢ Exam Courses

15

¢ Individual Tuition

15

¢ Business English

15

¢ Teacher Training

15

Teacher Training Programmes

16

Social Programme

18

Junior Courses

20

Travelling to Ireland

22

www.atcireland.ie

3

ireland

about ireland Ireland Ireland is a beautiful island with a population of just 4.5 million people and it offers a unique and unforgettable language learning experience for students of all ages. The Irish people are very friendly and full of conversation; visitors are warmly welcomed and find it very easy to relax and talk to Irish people. Ireland’s deeply rooted historical and cultural tradition means you always have something fun and exciting to do during your stay. From Dublin in the east to the rugged Atlantic coastline in the west, Ireland has something to offer everybody. Irish theatre is among the best in the world, and many

4

of the biggest names in Hollywood, from Orson Welles to Pierce Brosnan and Colin Farrell, began their acting careers on the Irish stage. Traditional music and dance are widely enjoyed, with Ireland having produced such international names as U2 and the phenomenally successful show, Riverdance. Come to Ireland and walk in the footsteps of many literary giants including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, WB Yeats and Seamus Heaney, all of whom have influenced Ireland’s language and culture.

www.atcireland.ie

adult english language programme guide

Dublin Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, is located on the east coast of Ireland and is a vibrant, safe and inspirational city, world renowned for its warmth and hospitality. Dublin has a population of approximately 1.5 million people and is an animated and welcoming city. Dublin has produced, or been home to, some of the greatest literary names in history. It’s most famous literary son is James Joyce and Dublin is the setting for two of his greatest works: Ulysses and Dubliners. Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats, Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker are just some of the famous writers who were born or lived in Dublin. This modern city also has many theatres, cinemas and concert venues to entertain visitors. Shops and museums, art galleries and exhibitions are plentiful in this young and exciting capital city. With its indelible charm and natural camaraderie, Dublin is the kind of city where you are immediately made to feel welcome and at home!

Bray Bray, now regarded as a suburb of Dublin, is located south of Dublin at the gateway to Wicklow, ‘The Garden of Ireland’. Bray offers students the best of both worlds. You can enjoy all the splendour of Wicklow and yet you are only a 35 minute DART (train) journey away from Dublin city centre. Bray offers a wide range of shops and theatre venues, noted restaurants, and pubs with live music and entertainment happening regularly throughout the year. The town of Bray is named after the imposing rock hill which gives the town its character and a walk up the hill offers a unique view over Dublin Bay. Bray’s natural beauty has made it an attractive holiday destination since the 19th century; early holiday-makers from Britain and Dublin built splendid Victorian houses as summer homes like those typically seen on the seafront. ATC is located in four of these Victorian buildings, including the beautifully restored Dunluice House. Carefully and completely refurbished and upgraded, Dunluice House combines Victorian elegance with modern comforts. The classrooms are bright, spacious and warm, with magnificent views across the Irish Sea. Bray offers something for everyone, from its famous walks (with the popular Bray Promenade and Bray Head located beside the school) to horse riding, golf, sailing and angling. 5

ireland

about atc

bray

dublin

Since ATC was founded over 40 years ago, we have seen Ireland become one of the most prominent locations in the world for learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). During that time, thousands of students have travelled to ATC from across the world to improve their knowledge of English the natural way - in the company of charming and talkative Irish people.

excellence. Students attending our courses can choose to live with an Irish family or in residential accommodation. We at ATC are committed to providing quality English language programmes to suit your needs. We look forward to welcoming you, and we assure you of a professional, caring service throughout your stay.

We offer a wide range of courses for students of different ages and levels of English, all of which are approved by Quality and Qualifications Ireland. Our courses, which are conducted by fully qualified teachers, have an international reputation for academic

Ugo Greevy and Ed Greevy Directors

Bray is a long established seaside town located 20km south of Dublin and easily accessible by public transport. With its beautiful sand and shingle beach and a charming promenade there are a wide range of festivals and activities throughout the year, making it an attractive and peaceful environment to study and live in.

Dublin is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations and is world famous for its hospitality, culture, arts, music and vibrant nightlife. Dublin is a relatively small and accessible city and has one of the youngest populations in Ireland, making it ideal for students wishing to improve their English and learn the culture of another country.

6

www.atcireland.ie

adult english language programme guide

Teaching Staff

ATC Quality Assurance

All our teachers are native English speakers, who have a university degree and a professional qualification in English Language Teaching. Our trainers are dedicated professionals and have many years experience in teaching English to students from all over the world. Many have lived and worked as teachers abroad and have first-hand knowledge of other cultures, customs and traditions. Our teaching staff is guided by our Director of Studies who works closely with the teaching team in monitoring the progress of our students.

At ATC Ireland the quality of service that we provide to our students is of paramount importance to us and we continually strive to deliver only the very highest level of service. We guarantee each student will receive individual attention from us to ensure that every part of their programme caters for their individual needs.

Administrative Team All the ATC office staff are fully qualified, well trained and motivated individuals. They are here to assist you during your stay and ensure that your programme meets with your expectations. Our administrative team includes a full time Accommodation Officer who will take care of the individual needs of the students. We also have a Student Welfare Officer and administrative support staff who will organise your social programme and assist you throughout your stay.

QQI - ATC is recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland for English Language Teaching. MEI (Marketing English in Ireland) - ATC is a founder member of Marketing English in Ireland. Quality English - ATC is a member of Quality English; an association of privately owned English language schools that are committed to providing high quality English courses to international students. ISOQAR - ATC, a quality assured firm, is committed to maintaining effective quality management at every level within the business, in compliance with ISO 9001: 2008 ALTO (Association of Language Travel Organisations) ATC is a member of ALTO; a platform which provides connections through networking, professional development, idea and information exchange.

www.atcireland.ie

7

ireland

school facilities

bray

ATC Bray is located on Bray seafront in four adjacent Victorian buildings. ATC Bray has 20 classrooms in Dunluice House, all of which are laid out to facilitate communicative learning and maximise students’ interaction with their teachers and with each other. The school has Wi-Fi internet access available throughout the building. The classrooms are bright, spacious and warm, and many have magnificent views across the Irish Sea. There is a student study centre available for students who wish to study independently using the materials available in our library. The students can use this room to do their homework or practise/ improve their skills in English. The student library contains a wide selection of both educational and recreational reading materials. Teachers are always available to assist students with their studies. The ATC computer room is equipped with 25 computers and is open for students from 13.30 to 17.00 Monday to Friday.

8

The school also provides a comfortable cafeteria where tea and coffee are available for students. In addition, we have a student common room and private garden and patio area, with ample seating for our students.

¢ Beautiful seaside location ¢ Multimedia rooms & 25 student computers ¢ Student canteen & common room ¢ Library & study centre ¢ Wi-Fi throughout the building ¢ 20 spacious classrooms ¢ Free afternoon classes ¢ Private garden and patio

www.atcireland.ie

adult english language programme guide

accommodation

bray

Students attending an ATC course can choose from a range of accommodation options.

Host Family Accommodation Living with a host family is the ideal way to practise English outside the classroom.

¢ Dedicated Accommodation Officer

Our Irish host families have been selected carefully and are visited regularly by our Accommodation Officer. Most are within walking distance of the school and offer students half-board during the week and full board at weekends. Junior students are provided with bed and breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal each day of their stay and live as part of the family they are allocated to.

¢ School owned apartments

Self Catering Accommodation (Year Round) ATC student apartments are located close to the school and offer students accommodation in single or twin rooms. The apartments have 2/3 bedrooms with a shared bathroom, kitchen and living room.

¢ Host family or residential accommodation

¢ All accommodation within walking distance ¢ Single or twin rooms

ATC STUDENT RESIDENCE (year round) The ATC residence is located only 700 metres from the school on the seafront and offers accommodation in single and twin ensuite rooms with shared kitchen and living rooms.

Self-catering Accommodation (summer) During the peak season ATC reserves additional accommodation for our students in apartments and houses within walking distance of Dunluice House in Bray. These houses generally accommodate 5 or 6 students in twin and single room accommodation.

www.atcireland.ie

9

ireland

school facilities

dublin

ATC Dublin is located on 34-35 South William Street, in a modern building that has been completely refurbished and upgraded. ATC Dublin has 16 bright, modern and spacious classrooms. Each classroom is equipped with modern audio and audio-visual technologies, including interactive whiteboards, that enable our teachers to use the latest technology to enhance your learning experience. We use the internet regularly in our classes giving you practical examples of how to use your language in the 21st Century. All our classrooms have new and versatile fittings which allow us to design rooms specifically for a variety of functions, including testing and examination. A variety of classroom layouts with both tables and lecture chairs, create a perfect environment for helping you to learn English.

10

¢ City centre location ¢ Modern refurbished building ¢ 170 metres from Grafton Street ¢ Wi-Fi throughout building + 17 computers ¢ Stunning 4th floor student lounge ¢ Teaching Training courses ¢ Free afternoon classes ¢ Interactive whiteboards

www.atcireland.ie

adult english language programme guide

accommodation

dublin

Students attending an ATC course can choose from a range of accommodation options.

Host Family Accommodation Students attending our Dublin city centre school can stay with Irish host families, located in nice, leafy suburbs, close to good public transport. Students travel to and from school by bus, DART (train), or LUAS (tram). Host families for adult students offer single or twin rooms with half-board during the week and full board at weekends. Junior students are provided with bed and breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal each day of their stay. All students live as part of the family they are allocated to.

Self Catering Accommodation (Year Round) Located within walking distance of the school, the ATC student apartments offer accommodation in single or twin rooms on a self-catering basis. The apartments have between 3 and 6 bedrooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms, kitchen and living room.

¢ Dedicated Accommodation Officer ¢ Host family or residential accommodation ¢ Modern apartment accommodation ¢ School managed apartments within walking distance ¢ Single or twin rooms

Residential Summer Accommodation UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN (UCD) ATC offers single ensuite accommodation on campus in UCD. These modern apartments are offered on self catering basis with a shared kitchen and living room. UCD is perfectly located only 4km from Dublin city centre, and with a bus terminus on campus the school on South William Street can be reached in only 15 minutes.

www.atcireland.ie

11

ireland

studying with us Course Curriculum Our curriculum is based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), and focuses very much on student-centred learning. Our teachers use methodologies such as CLT (Communicative Language Teaching), TBL (Task-Based Learning), and CLL (Co-operative Language Learning).

Testing On the first day of school, students are given a placement test which includes a written and oral needs analysis. They are then placed in a class appropriate to their ability and needs.

Class Placement Each lesson is 60 minutes. Classes are available at all levels year round. ATC classes hold a maximum of

12

bray

dublin

15 students, but you can expect an average of 8 to 12 students in class at most times of the year.

Progress Progress tests are done in class on a regular basis and in negotiation with teachers and the Director of Studies. ATC aims to see students improving at a rate of one level per 80-120 hours, although learners may differ in this; it may take one student 4 weeks, another student 8 weeks to improve.

Certification All students receive a certificate of attendance on completion of the course, which includes a short didactic report. All ATC reports include the number of hours studied, which may be used for credits on return to educational establishments at home.

www.atcireland.ie

adult english language programme guide

TIMETABLE Lesson 1 Day

09.00 - 11.00

Monday

English Language

Lesson 2

Development

Tuesday

Fluency Practice

14.15 - 17.15 • Free Workshop • One-to-one Tuition

Fluency Practice

• Exam Preparation • One-to-one Tuition

English Language

Break

Fluency Practice

Break

Fluency Practice

• Business Workshop • One-to-one Tuition

• Intensive Lessons

English Language Development

Friday

Break

Break

Development

Thursday

11.30 - 13.30

• Intensive Lessons

English Language Development

Wednesday

11.00 - 11.30

• Exam Preparation • One-to-one Tuition

English Language

Break

Development

Fluency Practice

• Free Workshop • One-to-one Tuition

FREE AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS Monday -

The aim of these free workshops is to offer students an additional opportunity to improve their

Irish Culture

English language skills while exploring aspects of Irish culture and customs in a relaxed

& Heritage

and informal setting.

Workshop

Students enjoy engaging, interactive and informative lessons prepared around various areas of Irish culture including music and dance, sport, history, folklore, literature and much more.

Wednesday -

ATC Ireland runs a free business workshop every week which concentrates on practical business

Business

skills which will benefit the students in their careers. Subjects covered include: writing business

Workshop

letters; preparing reports; presentations; writing CVs and cover letters. This free workshop is the perfect opportunity for students to improve the four key skills, and to prepare themselves for the world of work that faces them once they have completed their studies.

Friday -

The aim of these free workshops is to extend our students’ knowledge of Irish culture by introducing

Irish Film

them to popular, classic and critically acclaimed Irish films in a relaxing, informal environment.

Workshop

Their attention will also be drawn to Irish idioms, phrases, sociolect and dialect that feature in the films, as well as new and interesting language points. This workshop ensures that students can expand their English language comprehension and practise their spoken interaction while enjoying the best that the Irish film industry has to offer!

www.atcireland.ie

13

ireland

english courses ¢ General English ¢ Intensive English ¢ Exam Courses ¢ Individual Tuition ¢ Business English ¢ Teacher Training Programme

14

www.atcireland.ie

bray

dublin

adult english language programme guide

General English

Intensive English

The General English course syllabus consists of 20 hours per week and is designed to improve the students’ understanding of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

This course consists of 20 hours of General English and and a further 6 hours of English per week focusing on discourse structures and conversation. It is designed to improve the students’ fluency and accuracy in spoken English.

EXAM COURSES

Individual Tuition

Students can study and prepare for a range of internationally recognised English language exams including: IELTS, TOEIC, TIE, TOEFL, Trinity and Cambridge.

The course is a ‘tailor made’ programme designed specifically to meet the needs of the particular student. This ideal for a student wishing to concentrate on a particular aspect of work.

Business English

Teacher Training

This course includes 6 hours of Business English in your chosen area of work to complement the General English 20 hour course. The focus of this course is on business needs such as: negotiation skills, meetings, presentations, report writing and business conferences.

We offer courses for primary school teachers, secondary school teachers and teachers of adults. The programme includes English language skills development, new methods in language training and practical techniques in teaching.

www.atcireland.ie

15

ireland

teacher training Teacher Development This programme offers in-service teacher development for teachers of English who do not have English as a first language. We offer one course for teachers of young learners, one course for secondary school teachers and one for teachers of adults. Teachers may receive EU funding to participate in these courses. Our programme for Teachers of English for Adults is listed on the Comenius/Grundtvig Training Database (http://ec.europa.eu/education/trainingdatabase). Visit www.atcireland.ie for current Grundtvig number. Each week of this two-week programme consists of over 25 hours in the classroom + 5 hours of cultural excursions. Our aim is to offer participants a balance between developing their own English language skills and exploring current teaching methodologies and techniques. Our language trainers will develop English language lessons in response to participants’ particular language needs, focusing on the development of language awareness and language skills. A minimum B1 level in English is recommended to participate in the course.

dublin

¢ 50 hour 2 week programmes ¢ Courses for Junior and Secondary school teachers ¢ Programme for teachers of adults ¢ Cultural excursions ¢ Teacher Training workshops (2 or 3 afternoons per week)

Programme content ¢ The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ¢ Task-based Teaching and Learning ¢ Teaching and Learning Vocabulary The Lexical Approach ¢ Pronunciation and the English Sound System ¢ Developing Reading and Listening Lessons Using Authentic Texts ¢ A Process Approach to Writing ¢ Practical Ideas for Promoting Fluency

Our training sessions on teaching methodologies and techniques are delivered through a mixture of seminars and practical workshops, with input from our team of experienced trainers. During these seminars and workshops participants are encouraged to engage in discussion in order to share ideas and experiences and are given the opportunity to collaborate on tasks in order to create their own resources and put theory into practice.

¢ Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

Upon request we can create a training course tailored to a group’s specific needs. Participants can choose from an extensive list of training modules to create their own programme. The following list outlines some of the training modules currently on offer:

¢ Developing Speaking Skills in Young Learners

¢ English for Specific Purposes (ESP) ¢ English for Academic Purposes (EAP) ¢ EFL Examinations ¢ Approaches to Teaching Young Learners: Vocabulary ¢ Grammar for Young Learners ¢ Songs & Rhymes: Teaching Pronunciation to Young Learners ¢ Listening Skills and Listening Activities for Young Learners ¢ Reading and Writing for Young Learners ¢ Stories in the Classroom ¢ Assessment of Young Learners

16

www.atcireland.ie

adult english language programme guide

Teachers may receive EU funding to participate in these courses.

Teacher Training Timetable 09.00-11.00

English Language Development. Through the English Language Development Programme, you can improve your personal, social, and business English; learn to read, write, and speak English effectively; and express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas, using a natural style and a modern vocabulary.

11.30-13.30

14.30-17.00

Teacher Training: Current approaches and methodologies in teaching & learning

Teacher Training Workshops (two or three afternoons per week) Cultural Excursions (two afternoons per week)

www.atcireland.ie

17

SOCIAL programme

ireland

A comprehensive social and cultural programme, including afternoon and evening activities as well as full day and weekend excursions, is available to all students.

Activities Include: ¢ Afternoon tour of Dublin ¢ Guinness Storehouse ¢ Book of Kells ¢ St. Patrick’s Cathedral ¢ National Museum of Ireland ¢ Trip to Howth

Full day and weekend trips include: ¢ Glendalough & Wicklow ¢ Cliffs of Moher & Galway City ¢ Giants Causway & Belfast City ¢ Connemara

Evening activities include: ¢ Bowling – Cinema – Irish pub visit ¢ Trip to the theatre ¢ Conversation night ¢ Greyhound racing ATC can also offer a wide range of sports activities such as horse riding, hill-walking, golf, kayaking and sailing to name but a few. Like our facebook page to see this week’s Social Programme

18

www.atcireland.ie

adult english language programme guide

www.atcireland.ie

19

ireland

junior courses

bray

dublin

At ATC we provide an extensive range of Junior summer courses as well as year round short stay programmes for groups. The Junior Curriculum is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and aims to develop students’ communicative ability in English and to broaden their understanding of Irish Culture. ATC Year Round Junior Programmes This programme is available to groups year round from September to June. It is a tailor-made programme designed to meet the specific needs of each individual group and offers both residential and host family accommodation options. Tuition generally takes place in the mornings and can be 15-20 hours per week depending on the group’s needs. The syllabus emphasises culture and conversation through project work and language work which focuses on oral and aural skills.

¢ Choice of host family, residential or hotel ¢ Highly qualified native speaking teachers ¢ Study in Dublin city centre or Bray ¢ Tailor made courses ¢ Programmes of 1-4 weeks ¢ 15-20 hours tuition per week ¢ Half day and full day cultural excursions ¢ Evening activity programme ¢ End of course certificate and progress report

20

www.atcireland.ie

adult english language programme guide

junior courses

Summer

ATC is one of Ireland’s leading providers of English language teaching for juniors, with 8 summer centres in Dublin and around Ireland, all of which have been selected for their excellent facilities and safe environments. The syllabus has been carefully designed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Junior Summer Courses ATC offers summer school students the option of residential or host family accommodation. Many of our summer school centres provide students with single room ensuite accommodation. At ATC we believe that learning English should be fun; all our courses therefore are designed to combine effective language learning with a busy activities programme in a fun environment. Students from 10-17 can study English for 2, 3, or 4 weeks in centres in 8 locations around Ireland. Classes are held for 15 hours a week, with a maximum of 15 students in each class. All our teachers are native speakers, are qualified to university level, hold a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification and are highly experienced. The timetable is organised to allow each student to gain the maximum benefit from their course. In addition to the classes, a full range of sports, recreational and cultural activities is provided.

¢ 8 centres in Dublin and around Ireland ¢ Courses for juniors from 10-17 years ¢ Choice of host family or residential accommodation ¢ Highly qualified native speaking teachers ¢ 15 hours tuition per week ¢ Multinational classes ¢ 2 half day excursions per week ¢ Full evening activity programme ¢ 1 full day trip per week ¢ Organised sports & recreational activities daily ¢ End of course certificate and progress report

www.atcireland.ie

21

travelling to ireland

bray

ireland

dublin

summer

Flights Direct flights to Dublin from all major hubs including: Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Lisbon, London, Moscow, Madrid, Rome, Vienna and Zurich.

Insurance Before travelling to Ireland, all students participating in ATC Language & Travel programmes must arrange their own insurance against all expenses that might arise due to accident, illness, or loss of personal effects and money.

Visa

Dublin

Blackrock UCD Maynooth Rathdown Carysfort Griffith College

Bray

Students attending ATC Language & Travel courses from EU countries do not need a visa to enter Ireland. Students from non-EU countries may need a visa to enter the country and should check with their nearest Irish embassy before travelling.

Airport Transfers Limerick

Kilkenny

An airport transfer can be arranged only when flight information is received in writing by ATC Language & Travel at least 10 days prior to arrival.

School Holidays Both Bray and Dublin schools are open all year. 22

www.atcireland.ie

M1

M3 M50

DART Line

Howth

MAYNOOTH ORMAND

WER

QUAY LO

M4

dublin DUBLIN

UAY

ON Q

INGT

WELL

GRIFFITH COLLEGE EN E GRE OLLEG

C

Wic

SAU

EET

ET

CARYSFORT RATHDOWN DART Line

N11 EET N STR

ARE

STR

EET

DAWSO

GRAF TON

BLACKROCK

UCD

STR

STRE

nS do ren

GREAT GE O

ow

M50 KILD

LUAS Stre

et

ORMAND

Temple Bar

et

d

St. Stephen’s Green KEVIN ST LOWER

Se

www.atcireland.ie

CUFFE STREET

EET

EET STR ARE KILD

Stre

nR

nto

Bray Head

t

es acr

STR

EET

LUAS York

SAU

ON S TR GRAF T

ow

NAS

St

N’S

mo

t

am R

Trinity College

ST. STE PHE

Sid

ET

Seacres

Chath

GREAT GE

od

RE

Wo

d

dR an

ST

d th R Mea

IN

i

Ave

Str

nt

nve

ouc

Av

V

d

MA

R on ont

ria

o ict

Co

San

REET

e

d

m Sid

d nd R

Sid

ve

Dru ry S tree Wil t liam Stre et S Cla out h ren do nS tre et

Stra

mo

ara A

Windgates

n nto th R Mea

MA

klow

Ave

ORGE ST

Ave Nov

Wic

e

Albert Av

SOUTH

ET RE ST

d Rd

Rd

IN

n Stra

laide

am Rd

Novara

Ade

Wyndh

Florence Rd

EEN

GE GR

COLLE

DAME STREET

EET

Rd

rough Rd

Quinsbo

DUBLIN

UAY

ON Q

INGT

WELL

N STR

Bray Station (DART line)

d d R

Rd

WER

QUAY LO

GRAFTON STREET

n Stra

Seymour

Seapoint

bray

N11

GR EE N

BRAY

CUFFE STREET

DAWSO

St. Stephen’s Green KEVIN ST LOWER

ST. STE PHE N

’S

GR EE N

SOUTH

NAS

St

tre

Stre am R

York

Trinity College

et

et S

klow

Cla

RGE STRE

ET

Wil

liam

Dru

ry S

tree

out

t

h

DAME STREET

GRAFTON STREET

Temple Bar

Chath

Dublin Bay

23

ireland HEAD OFFICE & BRAY SCHOOL Dunluice House, Strand Road Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland DUBLIN SCHOOL 34-35 South William Street, Dublin 2, Ireland T: +353 1 284 5512 F: +353 1 280 7525 E: [email protected]

www.atcireland.ie