Student Guide 2024

 

The Bright School is located in the centre of Bournemouth, and is accredited by the British Council. Learning English can help you find a better job in a globalised world. Or maybe you want to experience a new culture and further your studies. The Bright School is here to help at every step.

When you arrive at our school you will be given a placement test, and receive an interview with either the school director or senior teacher to establish your level. We also provide an induction pack, with information on Bournemouth and a student card. We monitor your progress during your course and provide a certificate when you leave. The Bright School accepts students from the age of 16 and has no upper limit on age, the majority of our students are adults.

The Bright School is a friendly school, and you will feel welcome by all the team. Please also remember we are available to help 24 hours a day, and students can contact the school at any time.

 

Why study in Bournemouth?

Bournemouth has seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all. Bournemouth has lots of shops, restaurants and fantastic nightlife. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and the world famous Jurassic coast. There is certainly no shortage of things to do in Bournemouth.

Bournemouth has been voted the “happiest town” in the UK and the beaches are often voted the best in the UK and in Europe. In the summer Bournemouth hosts the International Air Festival, attracting over 1 million visitors and in the winter you can enjoy the outdoor markets in the town square.

Bournemouth also enjoys excellent transport links to London and the rest of the country and also has its own international airport. We are sure you will enjoy Bournemouth and the Bright School of English.

 

Levels

When you join the Bright School you will be given a placement test. This will determine your level. During your course and depending on how long you study we expect you to progress to higher levels. The levels offered by the Bright School are shown below*:

A1 - Elementary
A2 - Pre Intermediate
B1 - Intermediate
B2 - Upper Intermediate
C1 - Advanced

If you wish to check your level, try our online placement test:

http://www.brightenglishschool.com/placement-test

*Beginner level classes are available on request. 

 

Timetable + Term Times

 

Session 1: 8.50am - 10.20am (15 min break) 10.35am - 12.05pm

Session 2 : 12.45pm - 2.15pm (15 min break) 2.30pm - 4pm

(latest entry to morning lesson is 9.05am, latest entry after first break is 10.40am)

(latest entry to afternoon lesson is 1pm, latest entry after first break is 2.35pm)

 

2024 Term Times

TERM 1: 08/01 to 15/03 

TERM 2: 18/03 to 24/05

TERM 3: 27/05 to 02/08

TERM 4: 05/08 to 11/10

TERM 5: 14/10 to 20/12

 

End of course tests will occur during the final week of term. If you achieve 70% or higher, you can move to the next level. For more information please contact the school. 

Sudents receive their first course book as part of the first payment, when a student moves level you need a purchase a new book, and this is £30.

The course material usually consists of 12 units, and at the beginning of each term we start unit 1. For example if you join half way through a term you will most likely be at unit 6 in the book etc. 

 

Entry Times

Students can join the Bright School at any time. We run a continuous enrolment policy except for the school closed dates, so students can study from 1 week to 48 weeks.

 

School opening and closed dates - 2024

As with most countries the United Kingdom has a small number of public holidays, and the school will be closed on these dates. All dates shown below reflect closing dates unless stated as open. Please note that the school 24 hour telephone number is always operational, and we always available to help even when the school is closed. Students who are studying at the school duting these holiday dates, will receive extra lessons.

2024 Opening Date -  Monday 8th January 

Good Friday - Friday 29th March

Easter Monday - Monday 1st  April

Early May Bank Holiday - Monday 6th May 

Spring Bank Holiday - Monday 27th May 

Summer Bank Holiday - Monday 26th August 

Christmas Break - Friday 20th December 2024

2025 Opening Date -  Monday 6th January (OPEN)

 

Student Welfare

We want you to enjoy your time at the school but are experienced enough to know that from time to time students do encounter personal challenges. Experienced members of staff are available to assist you throughout these periods. Our student support service will be able to provide advice on such subjects as, transportation, registering with a doctor and a dentist, healthcare and progressing into a UK university or College. This support together with our confidential counselling service and 24 hour emergency telephone (00 44 (0) 1202 290020) contact ensure that all your needs will be covered.

 

16 to 17 Year Old Students

The Bright School is open for students who are 16 to 17 years old. The majority of our students are 18 years and over. However we want to make sure that our 16 to 17 years old students really enjoy their stay at the school, and it is both productive and welcoming. The Bright School will offer events that include the entire school. These include our famous beach BBQ and volleyball. Trips to London and other great places in the UK. So there are lots of fun things to do.

All 16 to 17 year old students must stay with a homestay. The homestay will be thoroughly checked, and will be aware you are not an adult. Extra help will be given regarding transport to the school, and you will be shown where to take a bus if needed. We expect constant contact between the student, school and homestay. If you visit friends in the weekend or evening, you must let the homestay know where are going, and we recommend you be home by 10pm. In the evening we ask students to take a taxi home, our welfare officer will tell you more about local transport during your induction at the school.

In the United Kingdom there are certain laws that apply to 16 to 17 year olds. In the UK you are not allowed to buy or consume alcohol until you are 18 years old. Also you must be over 18 to enter a nightclub or bar.

 

Notes for parents and guardians:

• 16 to 17 year olds may study with students over 18 years of age.
• We do not provide 24 hour supervision.
• They will travel between the school and the homestay unsupervised.
• They will be unsupervised during break time at the school.
• We recommended 16 to 17 year old students return to their homestay by 10pm and they take a taxi. If they are in a group, public transport is ok. 
• All 16 to 17 year students will need to book a transfer from our authorised transfer company. With this transfer a driver will be waiting in arrival with a name board, and escort you directly to the homestay. This must be booked unless we receive express written permission from their parents or guardians. 
• A safeguarding policy has been developed, please contact the school for more information. 
• All 16 to 17 year students must purchase their own Study / Travel Insurance before commencing the course. 
• A consent form must be received from the Guardian / Parent. 
• Junior groups will be placed in twin or triple rooms, for twins, 2 twin rooms may be in the same homestay. 

Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking

• The Bright School has a zero tolerance towards Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking for 16 to 17 year old students. Students caught abusing this rule are subject to discipline procedures as set in the published student guide, this guide is available from the school office, or electronically on request

 

Notes: When an under 18 joins the school the following must be done. 

1) The Parent / Guardian must sign a consent form, a link can be found below: (this must be read, signed and sent back to the school before the student leaves your home country)

http://www.brightenglishschool.com/ParentalConsentForm-BrightSchoolofEnglish.pdf

2) Students will have to sign our under 18 declaration when at the school, these points include:

Your safety and care is very important to the school, and you will have access to a 24 hour telephone line, so help is always available for you. This number is 01202 290020 or 00 44 1202 290020 or Whatsapp 00 44 7866465080

 

Library

Bournemouth has a modern and well equipped library. There is a good selection of EFL books and CD’s there and the staff are very helpful. You will need to take your student card or confirmation letter with you to register. The school office will provide further details.

 

Activities and Trips

Throughout the year the Bright School of English offers a range of activities and trips. These activities are important as it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and visit beautiful places in the UK. The Bright School employs activity organisers, and they will be introduced to you, to make sure you have a great time in evenings and weekends. It is also a great way to meet fellow students from other levels and classes, and improve your English outside the classroom.

These include trips to local museums and school beach days. We also arrange regular social evenings outside the school so that students can meet new friends and develop their English outside the classroom. The Bright School also works with local companies that arrange local trips. Where there is student demand, the Bright School will now offer the following national trips.

We recommend the following day trips*:

1. London sightseeing - £50
2. Oxford, Windsor and Eton - £50
3. Bath and Stonehenge - £60
4. Jurassic Coast Trip - £45
5. Cambridge City and University - £60

These trips include coach travel and a guide, so it is an excellent way to explore the UK. All tickets can be purchased from the school office.* prices subject to change. (note there must be sufficient student demand for the trip to be booked).

The Bright School also offers our famous Beach Barbecues! All students join the staff and enjoy a beach BBQ and game of volleyball on Bournemouth’s beautiful beach. In the summer period we also watch the weekly fireworks that take place from Bournemouth pier. Other local activities include weekly coffee evenings, local walks and quiz nights. For adult students Bournemouth has a fantastic range of bars and nightclubs, and regular party nights are arranged by the school.

Every week an activity program is published with details of local events that the school is offering. For all activities and trips contact the school or visit the school office and we would be delighted to help.

 

Living in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a fantastic place to live and study. Bournemouth is a beach resort and a university city of approximately 190,000 inhabitants. Bournemouth offers students from the UK and all over the world a safe and vibrant place to study. The UK is famous for welcoming people from all over the world, and students from all religions and cultures are made to feel welcome.

Bournemouth is a famous holiday destination, with the beautiful beach and countryside attracting millions of visitors each year. Bournemouth also hosts and offers events all year round. In spring Bournemouth hosts the Wheels Festival full of attractions and shows in the town centre and along the beach. Bournemouth also hosts the Food and Drink Festival where you can enjoy dishes from different countries. In autumn art lovers can enjoy The Arts by the Sea festival where arts performances, music, dance and films take place all over Bournemouth. Finally, in winter you can enjoy the Bournemouth Christmas market and festival in the town square.

 

Visit www.bournemouth.co.uk for more information on events and festivals.

 

Bournemouth is also home to famous people such as the writer of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, who is buried in St Peter’s Church. The Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a fascinating place which benefits from stunning views of the sea, and where you can admire paintings, sculptures and objects collected by Sir Merton Russell Cotes and his wife during their trips all around the world.

You can also visit the Oceanarium, located on the beach front, which shows a wide variety of undersea creatures, or have a good time in the indoor climbing activity centre located on the pier. For an incredible sensory experience, discover the award-winning parks and gardens running through the heart of Bournemouth.

 

Bournemouth has lots to offer and we are sure you will enjoy your stay at the Bright School of English!

 

Transfers

The Bright School can help arrange private transfers. When you arrive at any major UK Airport or Port, a driver will be waiting in arrivals with your name on a board. The driver will then escort you directly to the homestay or your chosen destination. 

A selection of prices can be seen below, all prices are for trips terminating in Bournemouth.

London Heathrow - £240

London Gatwick - £260

London Luton - £280

London Stansted - £300

Southampton - £70

Bourmemouth - £35

 

We also recommend the a national coach service called the "National Express". They run from every major airport and port, and can be a cheaper alternative to a private transfer. Please be aware the National Express terminates at Bournemouth coach station, and students will need to make their own way to their chosen destination. We do not recommend this transfer for 16 to 17 year olds. 

 

Behaviour

 

If a member of staff feels that your behaviour in the classroom or around the school is disruptive (bad) and may be causing offence or hurt to other students, he/she will inform the School Director. Bright School of English will never accept bad behaviour or language, and students may be subject to the school’s discipline rules.

We expect or hope all students to be polite and respectful. We also expect students to follow the school rules at all times. Students’ behaviour should not cause offence or distress to others in the school based on racial, sexual or religious differences. Bad behaviour, such as harassment, bullying, actual or threatened violence and damage to personal property is not allowed. In serious cases we may expel (tell a student to leave) a student from the school immediately.
 

If a student’s behaviour in school is not acceptable, we will take the following steps:

1) We will give the student an verbal warning (we will speak to you about the problem)
2) We will give the student an official verbal warning. (more serious)
3) We will give the student a written warning (parents, agents and colleagues may be informed). 
4) We will give the student a final written warning (letter).
5) We will expel the student from school (refunds will not be given in this case). In serious cases we may expel (ask you to leave) the student from the school immediately.

If I need help? If I feel threatened or bullied!

The Bright School is here to help everyday and 24 hours a day, and we have rules and procedures to make sure you are looked after. Everyone at the Bright School has the right to feel comfortable and relaxed. If don't feel happy for any reason, come and speak with the school Director or our DSL (designated safeguarding lead, this person is a senior member of staff that is here to help you). We shall speak in complete confidence. Also the Director - Ben, is always available, and you can even whatsapp him on 00447866465080. Or come to the school office anytime.

If you are the victim?  

1. If you feel able to, confront the bully by verbally making him/her aware that you think what they are doing is wrong.

2. Share your feelings with someone else.

3. If possible talk to a member of Staff who you trust about the incident. This is mostly likely to be a teacher but may be a subject teacher or your school director. You may have a particular teacher you feel most comfortable talking to. They may well be able to advise you on an appropriate course of action, or will be able to involve other people who can. There are also people outside the School who would be willing to help you. The Bright School has a DSL! The DSL will always be the main point of contact.

If you are a student that witnesses bullying?

1. Support the victim by offering your friendship and make it clear that in your opinion what is happening to them is wrong.

2. Encourage them to speak out on their own behalf by confronting the bully, or with their permission, confront the bully yourself.

3. Accompany the victim to a trusted teacher, or suggest that you see the School Director or DSL.

 

Bright School Terms and Conditions 

 

General

1. Students must be 16 years of age or over

2. All fees due to the School must be paid, in full, prior to the commencement of the courses. In exceptional circumstances the school may agree an alternative mode of payment.

3. A course registration fee of £50 applies to each booking.

4. Course Material, the first book is included in the first payment, when you change your level you must purchase a new book from the school office, this is £30.

5. Holidays can be taken by arrangement but we require at least 2 weeks notice.

Payments and Refund

1 .Payments may be made by bank transfer or credit card and must be received in full 14 days prior to the course start date. Bank details are provided on the invoice. Payment must include all bank transfer charges (including intermediary bank charges).

2. A 50% refund is offered for individual courses cancelled 7 days before the start of the course, within 7 days and the start of the course no refunds are offered. The registration course fee and accommodation fee is non refundable. The same applies for group bookings. 

3. No refunds of tuition, accommodation, registration fee or placement fees will be given by the school once the student has started his/her course. 

4. School Groups, no refunds as per above. 

5.  Accommodation: If a booking is over 4 weeks in length, and Homestay accommodation has been booked, the school may refund the remaining accommodation money for what ever period is after 4 weeks. Please note hotel or residence bookings are non refundable.

Accommodation

1 In arranging accommodation, Bright School of English is acting as the supplier’s agent. The Accommodation Arrangement Fee is £50 and is non-refundable.

2. The accommodation rent is valid only for the person and dates specified. Any changes of dates must be notified to us in writing or by e-mail at least 2 weeks before the arrival date.

3.  We reserve the right to allocate alternative accommodation without prior notification.

4. It is the client’s responsibility to obtain the accommodation address before travelling to the United Kingdom.

5. If students in Homestay wish to leave earlier than the dates they have booked, they must give seven days notice to the host family.

6. We will send you confirmation of your accommodation details after you have paid your deposit and fees

7. Students are personally responsible for any damage in the summer residence, and will have to pay any charges that occur. 

Liability

1. The School is fully insured with Public Liability Insurance

2. Students are advised that the School, its employees and its representatives accept no responsibility for personal injury and /or loss of / damage to personal property on the School premises, whether by fire, burglary, theft or otherwise. This condition also applies to public and private places when students are on School trips/excursions.

3. The School is not responsible for the safekeeping or delivery of any fax, post etc sent to students at the School addresses. Nor is the School responsible for the safekeeping of exam results or certificates.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

The Bright School works actively to create a supportive and inclusive working and learning environment which is free from discrimination, where there is mutual respect and equality for all, and where differences are celebrated and respected. The school is proud of its commitment to diversity and values the way this enriches the life of the school and the experiences of all its community. For more details please contact the school.