What is the General Intensive Course?

This course is a general English course which is taught all year. Features of the course are:

• 21 hours of classes (28 lessons) each week
• and homework!
• reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• grammar and vocabulary
• communicating in specific situations
• we will encourage you to use the language laboratory, library and computer facilities in your free time
• you will also have access to email and the internet

• develop all your practical language skills
• extend your formal knowledge of English
• increase your self-confidence as a communicator
• prepare for exams
• learn specialised English in areas of your choice

At the beginning of your course we will give you a test, to make sure you join a class at the right level. Your class will have no more than 14 students in it. There are classes at all levels, from elementary to advanced.

When can I join?

New students join this course almost every Monday of the year. Sometimes Monday is a public holiday, so students join on Tuesday. The entry dates for this course are available in the Dates, Fees and Bookings section of our site.

How much will it cost?

Current prices are in the Prices section of our website.

These prices include:

• All teaching and use of all study materials needed for the course
• Use of the library, study centre, video, computers and internet
• Personal email and internet use in the school internet cafe
• Course Certificate when you complete the course
• University placement advice if you need it
• Contact with student welfare officers and activity organisers
• Social programme and activities.

The course price does not include accommodation. Accommodation in a host family includes breakfast and supper every day, and lunch at weekends.

How do I apply?

You can book a place on this course using this online booking form. This is a secure form.

What will I do?

Special Interest classes help make sure the course meets your personal needs. Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are mini-courses in specific areas of English. They're part of the General Intensive Course, and you will have six hours of lessons per week, in the afternoons.

These classes are for students who have reached Intermediate level. Pre-intermediate students have general English classes in the afternoons. You can read more about SIGs here.

Sample timetable for the General Intensive Course

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
0915 to 1045	Progress Test. Review of last week's work.	Core grammar: study and practise essential structures	Core grammar: study and practise essential structures	Core grammar: study and practise essential structures	Core grammar: study and practise essential structures
Coffee Break
1115 to 1245	Topics & Skills: research topic and record student interviews	Topics & Skills: vocabulary, reading and discussion on chosen topic	Topics & Skills: write and deliver mini presentations	Topics & Skills: New vocabulary	Topics & Skills: Select new topic and prepare weekend research
Lunch Break
1345 to 1515	Special Interest Group (SIG) or general English class	Special Interest Group (SIG) or general English class	Special Interest Group (SIG) or general English class	Special Interest Group (SIG) or general English class	Special Interest Group (SIG) or general English class
Coffee Break
1545 to 1715	Optional private study in listening centre, library or computer room	Optional private study in listening centre, library or computer room	Optional private study in listening centre, library or computer room	Optional private study in listening centre, library or computer room	Optional private study in listening centre, library or computer room

In the evenings there are many social activities planned.

Read about the social programme

At the weekends you can go on visits to places of interest in England and Wales. You might go to Madame Tussaud's, Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare...), Blenheim Palace, Alton Towers, the Tower of London, or you might go shopping in London, to Cambridge, or to galleries such as the Tate Modern in London.

Where will I live?

Most students on the General Intensive Course live with host families close to the school. During the summer months, student residences are available. Wherever you live, you will be given breakfast and dinner every day, and lunch at weekends. Our welfare staff are always ready to talk to you about your accommodation.

You can read about King's School Oxford accommodation.