University College Plymouth St Mark & St John

If you are interested in joining an international professional learning community on a well-resourced campus within easy reach of city, coast and countryside, why not apply to take part in one of our summer courses?

UCP Marjon is accredited by the British Council, and our courses for Teachers and Trainers are recognised by the European Union as eligible for Comenius and Grundtvig funding. Courses listed with a code in the table below appear in the Comenius/Grundtvig Catalogue.

Our trainers are experienced professionals who have taught and trained overseas and who are used to working with fellow professionals from all over the world.

Our modern teaching rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art hardware, including digital projectors, interactive whiteboards and internet access.

Course participants have unlimited access to e-mail and the Internet, plus free membership of UCP Marjon Library.

Course fees and dates for summer 2011

*Subject to validation, these courses may be taken as accredited modules leading towards a Master’s degree. Tuition fees for the accredited route – which are higher – include a formal assessment requirement and limited on-line support following completion of the taught module.  For details please contact the International Office (international@marjon.ac.uk)

Tuition fees are listed in £ sterling. You can pay course fees in Euros at the exchange rate current at the time of application.

Any of our courses can be provided for groups, minimum size 15 participants, at any time during the year. For details please contact the International Office (international@marjon.ac.uk)

Accommodation

The accommodation costs for two weeks are £180 on campus (room only) and £254 in homestay (with half-board) - depending on availability. For full details click here.

Meals and snacks are available from a variety of outlets on campus and nearby.

Social / Cultural Visit Programme

There is an optional programme of social events and excursions. Full and half day excursion prices vary from £10 to £30 depending on location and numbers. Entry fees, where required, are  included. To find out more about our social programme please click here. 

How to apply

If you are interested in joining an international professional learning community on a well-resourced campus within easy reach of city, coast and countryside, please download our application form using the following link and mail/fax it to us, together with your deposit. We will then be able to confirm your place on the programme. 

Professional Development Application Form 2011(a)

Remember to check whether you are eligible to apply for Comenius funding. Contact your local Comenius office for details, or click here to see the information available on our website.

Course Description

1. Teaching English to Young and Very Young Learners
These courses are intended for both new and practising teachers of English as a second or foreign language for younger learners, 3-11.  These may include secondary teachers of English who are starting to teach at primary level, and primary teachers of other subjects who need to teach in English.
The course can cover a variety of topics and content areas, according to the needs, interests and priorities of the participants.  These may include:
• Approaches to TEYL:  language-based learning, activity-based learning, topic-based learning
• Developing language skills and systems:  teaching reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary and grammar (appropriate to age range)
• Story as methodology:  using, selecting and adapting stories
• Using songs, music, drama and games with children
• TEYL textbook and materials review
• Testing/assessment of young learners.

2. Language Development and Methodology for Teachers of English
This course has two main aims. The first aim is to strengthen teachers’ English Language proficiency to make them more confident users of English; attention will be paid to developing all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing).  The second aim is to develop their pedagogical skills to make them more competent English teaching professionals in the classroom. The following are indicative topic areas:
• Varieties of English and changes in English
• The forms and functions of English for spoken and written communication
• The use of English in language classrooms
• Language Awareness
• Principles and Practice of methodology
• Discussion on materials supplied by you
• New ideas
• Applications to your own context: projects/presentations
• The adaptation and use of English language materials
• Evaluation and assessment for language teachers.

Participants should bring materials from their own teaching situation that may be related to the topics indicated below for discussion in class. For example teachers may have a class recording (or transcript), a sample test paper and/or they may have examples of English as an International Language from their own particular context (newspaper/magazine/public information etc).

For any queries you may have about studying at UCP Marjon International, read our 'frequently asked questions' page.

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