Welcome to your BCC excursion to London. The coach will leave Bournemouth on Saturday Morning at 07.45 from the school. Please be on time as we are not allowed to park for a long time on the main road, if you miss the departure there will be no refund.
English Courses in Bournemouth - a Guide for Students
About Bournemouth
Bournemouth is not only a thriving and popular holiday resort on the south coast of England but it is also the headquarters of a number of large companies, has its own university and colleges with English courses and attractive shopping centre. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the New Forest (a national park) and is about two hours away by bus or train from the historic sights of London. The climate is moderate ranging from 2oC to 12oC in Winter and 15oC to 30oC in the summer. Believe it or not, it doesn’t always rain in this part of England!
During your stay, you will enjoy a full social programme to ensure that on your english course you learn as much as possible about British culture, history and traditions as well as other events, including social gatherings with fellow course attenders and sporting activities.
About Bournemouth City College
Bournemouth City College offers quality courses at competitive prices for international course attendee from a wide variety of nationalities and cultures.
Courses include:-
- General English Course, at all levels.
- Special English Courses, for those involved in business, professions or having an interest in British culture
- Academic English Course, for those going on to Higher Education.
- Management and IT courses, leading to recognised professional qualifications.
The college is located in the centre of Bournemouth in a modern, well-equipped building and is close to shops, cafes, banks and other facilities. Our native English speaking teachers and trainers deliver tuition in a friendly and professional way, using a wide variety of materials and teaching aids.
Visas and Enrolment
Do I require a visa to study at BCC?
EU/EEA Citizens
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you do not require a visa to study in the UK.
Visa Nationals
If you are a citizen of a 'Visa Country' (ie a 'Visa National'), you will require a visa to study in the UK. To check details, you should refer to the UK Border Agency website and refer to Appendix 1 of the Immigration Rules at Persons Who Require A Visa For The United Kingdom. Citizens of countries detailed at Appendix 1 are termed 'Visa Nationals'.
Non-Visa Nationals
A 'Non-Visa National' is a citizen of any country that is NOT detailed by the UK Border Agency at Appendix 1 of the Immigration Rules at Persons Who Require A Visa For The United Kingdom. A Non-Visa National may not require a visa to visit the UK for a period of less than 6 months; however, your eligibility should be checked with your local British Embassy/British Consulate. A Non-Visa National visiting the UK for a period of 6 months or more will require a visa.
How do I apply for a visa?
You can download official visa application forms from the UKBA website as follows:
General Student Visa: Tier4 (General) Application Form.
Student Visitor Visa: Application form VAF1D - Student visitor.
Child Visitor Visa: Application form VAF1A - General visitor.
To apply for your visa you will need the following:
- Passport
- Visa application form
- Confirmation letter from the college
- Visa fee
- Your biometric details, i.e. fingers scans and a full-face digital photo (the British Embassy/British Consulate will arrange this process).
- A recent passport-sized (45mm x 35mm) photograph in color on a white background, not framed, on normal photographic paper, full face without a hat or sunglasses.
- Proof from your bank that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees, accommodation and expenses while the UK.
Arriving in the UK and Transport to Bournemouth
Bournemouth City College Transfers
Students for English Courses at Bournemouth will probably arrive at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, or Bournemouth Airports .A representative from BCC can meet English course attendee at the airport to assist with transportation. This BCC Transfer Service must be arranged in advance.
Independent Transfers
London Heathrow Airport to Bournemouth
Coach
National Express, Service 205 F
Departs LHR bus station from 07.15 hrs and approximately
every hour and a half until 23.59.
Journey time: 2.15 hrs approx.
London Gatwick Airport to Bournemouth
Coach
Flightlink and Jetlink Services 747 and 777
Coaches leave from LGW South Terminal Coach Station.
Connections can be made at LHR central bus station and LHR Terminal 4. 1 or 2 every hour. Journey time: 3.30 hrs approx.
Central London to Bournemouth
Coach
National Express, Service 035.
Departs London Victoria Coach Station from 08.00 hrs and then at 09.30 and every hour until 20.30, then 22.00 and23.30 hrs. Journey time: 2.35 hrs approx.
Train
Monday - Sunday: Trains to Bournemouth depart from London Waterloo Station. The journey takes 1 hr 50 mins from London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
What to bring with you
Because you will need to travel from the airport to Bournemouth, we suggest that you bring only maximum luggage of one large suitcase and possibly a small back pack for your personal possessions. Please remember that there are strict rules now on the type of objects you can take with you on the aircraft (for example nail scissors and nail files are forbidden, as are pocket knives). Some airlines have other restrictions too, so we recommend that you check first to avoid have items confiscated or additional delays at departure.
For our English course attendee from hot climates, it is well to remember that England’s weather can be very changeable and it does rain quite a lot. Therefore you should bring some warmer clothes with you including a pullover or two and a waterproof jacket.
When you get to the Bournemouth City College
On the first day of your English course you need to report to the college reception at 9.00am. Your first day will be a Monday unless there is a holiday on the Monday, in which case your first day will be Tuesday.
Your course will begin with an all-day introduction that will include:
• A welcome talk by the Principal or Director of Studies
• A Placement Test to determine the level of the course you require
• Information about your classes
• Information about the college and area
• An overview of college activities and excursions
• A tour of the college and Bournemouth town centre including a visit to the beach and guidance on local facilities, including banks, shops and places of entertainment
• Completion of forms and collection of any outstanding payments.
You will also receive information about your English course class schedule, English course classroom number, English course study level, elective course, and the hours you are to attend English course class. We will put you in the most suitable class for your level of English. Please bring your BCC documents (confirmation letter, invoice etc.), your passport, and a pen and paper for note-taking purposes.
General Information
Here are some simple rules to follow:-
- All English course candidates must attend English lessons and courses according to the Timetable
- On your first day of course, we will show you the Safety and Fire procedures.
- Students must behave with respect towards each other and their teachers. The college does not tolerate spoken or physical aggression (“bullying”) and anyone who acts like this will be told to leave the school. There will be no refund.
- Smoking is not allowed in Bournemouth City College or in the Residence.
- The college is not responsible for your personal possessions while you are here. Please take good care of them.
- No food or drink (except water) may be taken into the English course classroom.
- All mobile phones should be “off” during lessons.
- We will not reveal English course attendees personal data to anyone except the appropriate authorities.
- If you are here with a visa, you must attend classes each day, on time and study a minimum of 15 hours per week. If you do not do this, we have to tell the UK Border Agency (Home Office) and you may have to leave the country.
Student Discipline Policy
BCC policies aim to create a safe, friendly and enjoyable environment for every one. BCC believes all its staff and English course attendees should build positive relationships based on respecting cultural differences. BCC Student Discipline Policy aims to make sure English course attendees understand the consequence of misbehavior and disturbances at the college, both in the class and office areas. Student misbehavior in a classroom or in another part of the BCC premises disrupts the educational process and badly affects the wellbeing of other English course attendees. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal or physical threats to other English course attendees or BCC staff .Every English course attendee is required to refrain from this type of behavior.
Teacher's Response to Disruptive Behavior
When disruptive behavior occurs:
The teacher will warn the English course attendee. The warning will consist of orally notifying the student that his/her behavior is disruptive and that it must cease immediately or the English course attendees will face removal from the class.
If the course attendee fails to comply with the teacher’s warning, the teacher may require the disruptive English course attendees to immediately leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. If the English course attendees refuses to leave, the teacher may request the Director of Studies to remove the student.
Director of Studies' Response to Disruptive Behavior
If the Director of Studies believes the disruptive behavior poses an immediate threat to the safety of the teacher, the English course attendee, or any other students or persons, the Director of Studies may summon the police to remove the student, regardless of whether a warning has been issued. This action should be immediately reported by the Director of Studies to the Managing Director for review with respect to whether the English course candidate’s behavior poses an imminent threat to self or others such that s/he should be removed from the college, pending disciplinary proceedings.
If the Director of Studies chooses to allow the English course attendees to return to the class and continue with the course, the process is resolved.
Managing Director's Response to Disruptive Behavior
Except for extenuating circumstances, the Managing Director will:
1. Notify the English course attendee in writing, via e-mail and Mail, within 1 day of receiving the Director of Studies' notice that the matter has been submitted to the Managing Director for a decision on whether the English course attendee should be removed from the course, and that s/he may not return to the class until the issue is resolved. This notice shall include a written description of the disruptive behavior. The student will also be informed that if s/he wishes to respond to the complaint, s/he must submit a written statement to the Managing Director and meet with the Managing Director within 3 working days from the date of the written notice.
2. Make her/himself available to meet with the student as soon as possible within 3 working days after written notice to the English course attendee.
3. Decide on the appropriate outcome and send notice of the decision, with an explanation of the basis for the decision, to the English course attendee. The decision may consist of:
§ allowing the English course attendee to return to course or courses, with or without conditions;
§ Allowing or requiring the student to transfer to another course section or sections; or Withdrawing the English course attendee from the involved course or courses.
Notify the English course attendee via e-mail and mail of his/her decision within 3 working days of receiving the student’s response. If the Managing Director decides that the student should be removed from the involved course or courses, s/he will sign the Disruptive Student Withdrawal Form and submit it to the Office Manager. A copy of the Withdrawal Form will be mailed to the English course attendee by e-mail and mail .The office manager will also notify the Home Office and Student's sponsor of student’s withdrawal from the college .BCC will not refund any course or accommodation fees.
Withdrawal Procedure
Students withdrawn for disruptive behavior from a course will receive a grade of A or B, according to BCC policy. If the charge of disruptive behavior is upheld, regardless of whether the English course attendee is allowed to return to the course, the English course attendee is responsible for any loss of course fees. In the event a decision is made at any point in this process that the student was removed without sufficient cause, then the student will be allowed to immediately return to the course without penalty and the Director of Studies will work with the English course attendee to facilitate the completion of any work missed.
The Director of Studies and the Office Manager will maintain a record of any disciplinary action and may initiate additional disciplinary processes at his/her discretion. If the Director of Studies decides that withdrawing the English course attendee from the course is necessary, s/he shall, within one (1) working day of the disruptive incident, provide the Managing Director with both a written report of the disruptive incident(s) and a completed Disruptive Student Withdrawal form (available in the reception )
Punctuality
At Bournemouth City College being on time for your classes is considered to be very important. It shows that you are serious about learning English and that you respect both your teachers and your fellow students. Punctuality is an important cultural part of the English speaking world. Learning about and respecting this and other aspects of this culture is very important in your understanding of the English language and, eventually, your mastery of it.
Because all of our staff and teachers at BCC are dedicated to creating the best English learning environment possible for you, we feel it is necessary to provide strict punctuality guidelines for you.
These are as follows:
- Please try to be punctual. This retains continuity in the learning environment. You are permitted to enter the class up to 10 minutes after the beginning of the 1st class in the morning. (09:10 am) You will be marked late if you enter the class after 9:00. After the 10 minutes you will not be allowed to join the class and will be marked absent. This 10 minute grace period is to allow for traffic or bus problems which cannot be controlled by individuals and should only be taken advantage of occasionally. If you live at the residence you do not need this time and have no excuse for being late.
- You will not be allowed late into your English course classroom after the morning break at 11:00 nor after the lunch break at 13:30.
- You should remember that you need to maintain an 80% attendance rate to be allowed to stay in the UK on a English course attendee visa. If you do not do this, you risk being sent home. Please do not try to enter the class and disrupt it after it has begun. Medical Insurance/Medical conditions
- Students with any health problems must tell the college on enrolment.
- We strongly advise students to take medical and travel insurance before they arrive at the college.
- The college will not be liable for any damage, illness or injury to students or their property, except where this is implied by law.
Registration with a doctor
If you are here for a long period, it is advisable to register with a local doctor on a temporary basis. The college can advise English course students living in the residence which medical practices to apply to and host families can provide help to secure registration with their own, local doctors’ surgery.
How to register with NHS
English course attendee must take a passport and confirmation letter from BCC to a GP The Doctors receptionist will handle the application.
Cancellation
- To cancel or change the times of any Englissh course, the English course attendee must give at least 48 hours notice.
- Under no circumstances will the college refund, either partly or fully, any course fees if the English course attendee has started the course.
Absence
All students must attend courses on time. Absence without a good reason is not allowed. Only absence due to sickness (certified by a doctor) or urgent family problems are acceptable. All absence is recorded, noted on the final certificate and is also available to any sponsors. All the students' attendance must be at least 80% even if the English course attendee is from EU country.
If you have a visa to study in the UK, you must attend at least 15 hours lessons each week. If you do not attend class regularly, we will ask you to correct this. If you continue to attend badly, we will give you one warning letter only. If your attendance is still bad after this, we will ask you to leave the school and will inform the UK Border Agency (Home Office) who may arrange for your deportation. Also there are no refunds in such cases.
Police Registration and Identification
If your passport says you must register with the police, please tell us immediately and we will tell you what to do. The required documents for Police registration are:
- Passport
- 2 photos
- Confirmation letter from the college
- Fees (£34 in cash per person)
You will be given a Police Registration Certificate, which you must carry with you at all times. You should also make a photocopy of your certificate and keep it in a safe place. Every time you change address, you must inform your local Police station so that they can update your certificate.
Carry the college Student Card or your National Identify Card with you at all times. You may be asked for your Identity Card in shops as you are not allowed to buy alcohol unless you are 18 years old or more.
Counselling/Student Welfare Services
Should you have any concerns or problems about anything that you need to discuss with somebody whilst you are studying at BCC you can contact Lucia in the office and if she cannot assist you she will organize for you to get the appropriate help.
Complaints
Bournemouth City College encourage their students to express themselves and talk to members of BCC staff if they experience a problem or are not satisfied with services provide by the college. If you have any problem or wish to make a complaint, please see the Welfare Manager immediately in Reception. If you are not happy with your host family, Please see the Accommodation Manager, if you have a problem at the BCC residence, please contact the BCC Residence Manager in Reception.
If you have problems with your lessons, please talk to your teachers first. If you are still not happy, please contact the Director of Studies. If you would like to make a formal complain, please use Student complain form at the reception.
Health and Safety
Please read the information concerning fire procedures and the advice relating to your personal security very carefully.
Fire Alarm
If the Fire Alarm bell sounds everyone must leave the college immediately. We will show you the signs and ways out of the building on your first day.
Assembly
When you have left the building, meet on the other side of the road in the park (Horseshoe Common)
Fire
If you see a fire, please do the following:-
- Shout “Fire” as loudly as possible several times to make sure you are heard by others.
- Walk towards the Fire Escape routes.
- Under no circumstances use the elevator
- When outside, inform the Fire Brigade by calling 999.
- Go to the other side of the road and into the park (Horseshoe Common).
- Find your teacher and classmates.
- Stay there until told what to do.
Accommodation
College Residence Building
BCC main residence (144 Old Christchurch roads) contains 9 block-flats. There are 27 rooms, five kitchens 9 shower rooms and two nice communal living rooms. Students share the facilities. The residence also has washing machines and wireless internet is provided. Every room is furnished with a single bed, pillow, duvet, cover and bed sheet. It also has a chair and study desk. There is a large flat screen TV in the shared living room. The building is locked at all times for security reasons. BCC reminds students that all residents are personally for their own safety and advises them to not carry large amounts of money while walking in the street. In case of losing a key the English course attendee has to pay £20.
BCC residence is available all year round, however students are advised to book in advance, especially for summer time. Check in is every Sunday and check out is every Saturday. However, if the students are arriving on Saturday an extra charge will be applied (£15 per night without food).
Accommodation rules:
- Please be tidy, clean and hygienic in all rooms of the residence, especially in the kitchens, bathrooms and toilets.
- Smoking is not allowed in any part of the residence, including out of the windows.
- Smoking is only allowed outside the building.
Homestay (Host Families)
- If you go away at any time (perhaps on a trip to London or somewhere else) please let your host family know when you will return.
- If you do not want to have dinner on any evening, please let your host family know in plenty of time.
- Make sure your room is clean and tidy.
- Be careful with any keys to the house.
- Dinner is normally between 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm
- Please note that English families often have animals in the house, including dogs and cats.
- If you have any problems please talk to the Accommodation Manager.
Noise
Please do not make any unnecessary noise. This includes Television, Music and Radio. Also, no noise after 10.30 pm allowed. Please think about your host family or other students who may be sleeping.
Security
- All residents are personally responsible for their own safety and security
- Get advice from the college about keeping your valuable items safe.
- Do not carry large amounts of money or keep cash in your room.
- The college is not responsible for any loss of students’ personal property such as cameras, mobile phones, CD/DVD players etc.
Sickness
- Students can register as temporary patients with a local doctor. Host families can advise you
- At the end of this guide, there is an emergency telephone number of a member of the college staff which is operated 24 hours each day.
- If you are ill, please contact the college Welfare Manager or your temporary doctor.
Your Safety
Bournemouth is no more dangerous than other big towns, but to be safe, we suggest you do the following:-
- It is not necessary to carry personal identity documents in England. We suggest you carry your college Student Card and our emergency telephone number. Leave your passport in a safe place.
- If you are away on a journey, make sure you know what to do if you miss your train or bus connection. Your tour guide will advise you.
We will give you a map of Bournemouth and a train and bus timetable.
- If you get lost in Bournemouth, telephone the college emergency number or ask a police officer for help.
At the beach
Bournemouth has a wonderful beach and during the summer, there are many tourists in the town. If you visit the beach, we suggest you:-
- Use sun cream before and after swimming
- For your personal safety, do not go alone. Go with a group of students.
- If someone is in difficulty in the sea, telephone 999 and ask for the Coastguard
- Do not go swimming at night or if there is a red flag displayed on the beach.
Course Progress
Our teachers and the Director of Studies will monitor your progress throughout your course. This process begins after your first week at the college and occurs at regular intervals thereafter. If you are unhappy with your level or class, please report this immediately to your teacher or the Director of Studies and we will do our best to ensure that your concerns are addressed to your satisfaction.
Social Events
We have an active social programme, which is organised by BCC social and sport organizer. Please look at the notice board in the main entrance for details. Many of these are free. Some, for example trips to other places, may cost money. You will see details clearly on the notice board.
Opening a bank account
If you are studying in the UK for longer than 6 months, you should be able to open a bank account. If you are in the UK for less than 6 months then you need to plan how to access your funds. Opening a bank account can sometimes be done on the same day or might take up to a week. The required documents to open bank account are:
- Passport
- Confirmation letter from the college
The social organizer at BCC will help you to open your bank account
You should make sure that you bring enough money to cover your expenses for the first few weeks in the UK. Please do not carry large amounts of cash with you or keep large sums in your room.
Working in Bournemouth (Finding a part-time job)
If you are an EEA or Swiss national you are free to take a job in the UK without having to obtain permission. Most other international English course attendees (as long as you are on a course of more than 6 months) will be able to work part time (maximum 20 hours per week during term-time). Your visa or a stamp on your passport will give more information. There is a variety of part-time work available .Most students work in bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets if they need to earn extra money and practise their English. It should be noted that work must not interfere with your attendance at the college on a regular and punctual basis. Your employer’s work schedules are no excuse for poor or late attendance in classes.
Cost of living
The cost of living varies and it is very much depends on the lifestyle you lead. We recommend that you need about £5000 per year for accommodation and living expenses on top of your tuition fees. Some average examples are given below:
| One day bus ticket | £3.70 |
| Bread (packet) | 75 pence |
| Milk 0.5 litre | 75 pence |
| Sugar 500g | 80 pence |
| Tea (cup) | £1:00 |
| Coffee (cup) | £1:80 |
| Pizza | £6:00 |
| Hamburger | £3:00 |
| Cinema ticket | £6.00 |
| Bed and break fast (single room) | £25 per night |
Also, if you are a smoker or drinker, you should allow more personal spending money, as cigarettes are very expensive (from £5.00 for 20) and large glass of beer or medium glass of wine (from £2.50 -£3.50)!
BCC Bank Holiday dates 2009-2011
The college will be closed for a break on the following dates:
| England and Wales | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Good Friday | 10 April | 2 April | 22 April |
| Easter Monday | 13 April | 5 April | 25 April |
| Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May | 3 May | 2 May |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May | 31 May | 30 May |
| Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August | 30 August | 29 August |
| Christmas and New Year | 19 December 2008-05 January2009 | 18 December 2009 - 04 January 2010 |
17 December 2010 - 03 January 2011 |
Useful contacts
Religion
Church of England (Protestant) St Peter’s Church, Hinton Road, Bournemouth
Tel: 01202 675412
Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Church, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth
Tel: 01202 551013
Islam Islamic Centre and Central Mosque, 4 St Stephen’s Road, Bournemouth
Judaism Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation, the Synagogue, Wooton Gardens, Bournemouth Tel: 01202 557443
Libraries
Bournemouth Central Library, 22 The Triangle, Bournemouth Tel: 01202 454848
Poole Central Library, Dolphin Centre, Poole Tel: 01202 262421
Transport
- National Express (Coaches) national express.com, 08717 81 81 81
- Southwest trains (Railway) http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk
Immigration, visas and work permits
www.ukvisas.gov.uk or www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.ukRoyal Bournemouth Hospital
Castle Lane East
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH7 7DW
Switchboard 01202 303626
Accident Centre (24 hour) 01202 704167
Day Surgery 01202 704658
http://www.rbch.nhs.uk/
BCC Contacts
Our Emergency Telephone number is:+44 (0)7879 466983
College teachers and managers will be happy to hear from you during and after you studies with us.
Please write to us and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
136 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 1NL
Tel/Fax: 01202 554004
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