These are tailor-made courses for people who wish to develop a high level of business English. They can be delivered face-to-face, online or with a combination of these.

What happens first?
Before a course begins, a diagnosis of current language competence is carried out. This comprises an interview, and a written test. These identify the client’s language learning requirements and indicate the client’s level of English across a variety of language skills, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). A course programme is then agreed with the client, taking into consideration their specific needs and areas of interest.

Objectives
Objectives are set in discussion with the client. For example, whether their priority is to become more fluent in spoken English, develop work-related vocabulary or to become more proficient in report-writing. Most courses have a number of objectives. These largely determine the focus and length of the course.

The objective of the trainer is to enable students at all levels to develop their ability to communicate effectively in English, whether they are a beginner needing help with the basics of grammar and vocabulary, or an advanced, frequent user of English who wishes to develop more nuance in their spoken and written language.

English and the way it is used changes from country to country and context to context. Use of particular vocabulary, intonations and cultural nuances should be learnt for communication to be effective. It is not just what you say, but how you say it! All this can be addressed in the lesson.

Clients come from a wide range of business environments, but all find themselves, to a greater or lesser extent, working in an English language environment. They share a need for clear and effective communication with colleagues and clients.

A course of lessons provides:

• A focus on business language and terminology specific to the industry/sector in which they work.
• Development of specific skills relevant to participating in meetings, giving presentations and/or report writing.
• Attention to pronunciation and delivery of spoken language to ensure clarity and fluency of speech.
• Development of grammatical accuracy to improve confidence in all areas of language use.
• An opportunity to address any language issues experienced during the working week.

Lesson Content
Once a programme is in place, lessons are devised using English language teaching books, company literature, specialist English language texts and online and hard-copy media such as podcasts, internet sites, newspapers and business journals. Lessons are formulated to incorporate industry/sector specific terminology and to focus on any language areas agreed with the client. Lessons can also be directed towards the successful achievement of an internationally recognised English language qualification.

Lesson Delivery
Lessons are delivered on an individual or group basis, face-to-face or online. To ensure maximum benefit to the student, it is preferable for groups not to exceed six people. Each session would normally last for a minimum of 2 hours.

Cost
Course fees are inclusive of the initial assessment process, preparation, teaching materials and marking of homework tasks. A contract is drawn up between the learner and the teacher. If 24 hours’ notice is provided, the lesson can be postponed without charge. If the teacher is sick the lesson will be rearranged at a mutually convenient time. Wherever possible, the need of the client to rearrange lessons will be accommodated, if given sufficient notice.

For further information, please contact info@sarahhaynes.nl