Our School
Language School
Our school in Plymouth is situated within the academic and cultural centre that hosts over 30,000 students resident in Plymouth at any given time. Started in 1988 the school offers full and part-time courses in General English at all levels, exam preparation and Business English. Beyond this we offer a range of social and cultural activities and work experience programmes. Courses are available the year round, except two weeks over Christmas and public holidays when the school is closed. Applicants can enroll at any time and start as agreed between the school and the applicant. Our flexible timetable allows study at times preferred by the applicant i.e. morning, afternoon, evening, or even a combination of all three.
Teaching Methods
Our methods and approach to teaching English enable applicants to communicate effectively in English. The lessons are based on topics that incorporate the fundamental language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Our teachers use the most up-to-date course books and audio-visual materials while every effort is made to create a varied and exciting learning experience. As student-centered teaching is recognised as the most effective way to learn languages, all the teachers aim to focus on each individual student's language needs. We use interesting classroom activities undertaken in pairs and or group work to encourage interaction and to motivate applicants. As well as all this, our friendly staff make every effort to maintain good relationships with the students outside their curricular activities, thus creating the optimum environment for learning.
Assessment
There is continuous assessment for all students, and long-stay students get a regular progress report. A Certificate of Studies is given to each participant at the end of their course, as well as a report from the teachers outlining important aspects of the course and containing recommendations for the student's further studies.
Social Activities
The students can join the social and leisure activities programme organised by the school (see Social Programme), which includes excursions, sports activities, theatre visits, cinemas, live music, discos etc. All our applicants get guidance and support from us from the moment they make their first enquiry about the courses until the completion of their studies.
Work Experience Procedures and Programme Management including Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus.
Tellus provides vocational training programmes in partnership with companies in the following sectors: Accounting, Administration, Advertising, Construction, Catering, Coach Works, Electronics, Engineering, Economics, Finance, Hospitality, Horticulture, Hotel, Human Resources, Industrial, Insurance, International Trade, Information Technology (IT), Landscaping, Law, Marketing, Media & Communication, Medicine & related areas, PR, Reception, Restaurant (Waiters/Waitress), Retail, Sales, Science, Secretarial, Social Work, Software Programming, Theatre & Music, Teaching, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Web Development, Wood Working etc.
The focus of Tellus Group is on being a part of a team. It is important for Promoters, Agents, Participants, the European Commission and the work placement companies and us that programmes are run efficiently.
Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus
For Leonardo da Vinci or Erasmus promoters Tellus Group prepare an end of programme report, which will help them to complete their final report for their National Agency.
Partners and agents
Partners and agents are given a named Project Coordinator employed within Tellus Group, who will provide whatever assistance or information is needed during the participant's stay.
Work Experience Evaluations
Our evaluations to date have shown a high level of satisfaction from our participants and partners alike.
Social Programme
We run an adhock programme of social events designed to encourage all participants to mix with those from other countries.
Cultural Programme
Our cultural programme offers a range of activities including visits to historical places and museums, trips to other towns and cities, sport and social activities.
Work Experience Certificate of Attendance
Work Experience participants are issued with a certificate stating their work placement tasks and sector. They also receive a final evaluation from their work place supervisor, and references on request. If you require any further information, please, email us on enquiries@tellusgroup.co.uk.
Work Experience Placement Procedure
Before the participants arrive in the UK, Tellus Group review their CVs and Registration Forms. It is from this information that the Tellus Group team of Work Placement Officers find the best possible work placement. We need Participant details a minimum of six weeks before they arrive in the UK, and will inform them about their work place, accommodation and language training (where required) before their arrival. As an integral part of our service, members of our staff meet Participants on arrival and take them to their accommodation. All participants attend a welcome meeting where they obtain a welcome pack with information related to their stay in Plymouth, timetable, itinerary, maps, travel details etc. The welcome meeting lasts most of the day and includes such issues as what to expect from the work place and the host family and how to deal with problems and includes an orientation of the City centre and historical places of interest.
Work Experience Monitoring & Evaluation
Every programme is rigorously monitored, initially at the end of the first week, mid-way through their programme and again one week before the Participant goes home. Copies of these evaluations can be sent to promoters and agents if required. Dependent on the length of stay Participants receive at least one visit from a Work Placement Officer to their place of employment during their stay. Every Tuesday evening participants are required to attend what we call our student evening sometime between 17:30 and 20:00 hrs. At this meeting they hand in their weekly timesheets, which have been countersigned by their work place supervisor, and their weekly and/or monthly reports as required. Each Participant is given sufficient time with a member of staff who checks their timesheets and the other reports. Participants are asked what they are doing in their work placement, how they find their accommodation and about their general welfare. We find this meeting beneficial as it enables us to identify potential problems before they arise.
