- The Flying Squad service from Eckersley Oxford brings customized English language courses directly to clients, bypassing barriers like travel costs and lack of availability. - Courses are tailored to specific needs and can be delivered anywhere, from 1 week to 3 months. Teachers are selected based on client input and provide high quality instruction. - The service targets businesses, universities, schools, and any groups needing responsive English training. Courses are designed based on client objectives and can cover various topics from industry terminology to exam preparation.

1. Jonathan Kowal bringing language to your door A New Response to Language Learner & Teacher Training Needs

2. Before we present our service it is important to recognise that without Eckersley Oxford’s experience, expertise and resources, the flying squad service would not be as effective as it is. Our school has been here in Oxford since John Eckersley founded it more than 50 years ago, so we know something about language learning and teaching by now, although of course we are always learning! Our long tradition combines a 21st century approach and fantastic facilities including interactive whiteboards, a state-of-the-art digital language laboratory and computer room and of course wireless internet access from just about anywhere in the building. Our recent British Council inspection (2010) awarded us points of excellence in: general management academic resources teaching & learning welfare. Our current Principal Steve Hirschhorn (MA.,PGCHE., FHEA) is constantly innovating, and created the flying squad concept. A school known over the years as being adult learner Specialists. ‘ s

3. Background Constantly changing visas rules and restrictions No time to visit England for a language course Lack of funds to pay travel, accommodation and a course Generic courses everywhere – a lack of direct responses to specific language needs and more specific groups Freelance teachers abroad - How current is the teacher’s language when living abroad permanently? - Quality and experience of the teachers abroad - Limited resources at their disposal - Transience: teachers ‘come and go’ Barriers for prospective students: Reactivity – No time sensitive direct response available based on client deadlines or other demanding situations

4. . Highest standards/ strong responsive content vs. . a fair price Flying Squad Response . A consultative and tailor-made approach throughout . No compromise on teaching standards . More client control on who the teacher is . Quality assurance system throughout . Teacher and course come to you . Course built into individual client routines . Provision of all course materials Convenience Measurable Quality Cost-effective

5. A Simple Concept Client consultation needs analysis profiling group interests Student assessment Client & FS collaboration decided aims and objectives of a course & timeline Course content creation & Structure, based on client group objectives, interests, etc Course begins Classroom assessment To assure client provides suitable classroom space and facilities Teacher/ Trainer selection With client input (share ownership) Course feedback/ assessment Questionnaires/ interviews Course ends Certificates post-course support Possible Quality Assurance visit By FS Manager, Principal, Academic Director, or senior teacher Runs for 1 wk up to 3months long

6. Flying Squad Service

7. Who needs us? Essentially any group of people requiring a course directly responsive to their language needs The main areas we know FS to be effective are: Businesses HE Providers: Universities/ Training Centres & Colleges Schools 3 1 2 3 1 2 3

8. Businesses A course tailored to their requirements: - English relevant to their daily jobs (international relations) - Preparation for specific event e.g. international conference Who is the right teacher for your employees? A convenient course Time-efficient course Supports company image and culture No conflict with daily duties a) Industry specific English teacher e.g. Legal English specialist for your law firm b) Dual-Profession teacher: teacher with experience working within your industry c) Experience teaching the nationality of your employees : understanding your language barriers 1

9. HE Providers Universities Degree courses English Course options (although arguably limitless!) : - To compliment degrees, designed from their syllabus - For students across various faculties with further ambitions to improve their English (for business, in general) - Highly interactive and eclectic learning experiences focusing on production of English - Project-based courses working towards a presentation/ performance/ conference/ etc - For more specific purposes i.e. Interview techniques/ Presenting/ etc. These are realistic scenarios and projects that we’re designing on demand right now. However… 2

10. HE Providers “ A chameleon-like service”, e.g. Last summer’s success / July – Sept ‘10 “ not only for university students, but also staff.” Client: Rize University in the Black Sea region of Turkey Students: senior professors at their medical faculty: Course objectives: 1) To improve their English for international conferences. 2) To develop academic writing skills for the purpose of Submitting articles to specialist journals within their field. Habib: This course is important for me because I am very busy. I can never go to England, but native language English teachers came to Rize and I practised with them. Aylin: This course was very helpful to my English speaking skills. I learned English grammar before this but I couldn't speak or understand English sounds. Now I can. Confidence is a very important factor to speak and understand. This course supported us. Aynur: On this course my English has developed: it was useful for me. I especially liked the discussions we had in class because you learn to express your ideas in English. Ibrahim: Rich educational methods. Good environment. The teacher had energy, determination, perception, & was genuine. 2

11. Schools School courses/ projects - Exam courses in preparation for school English exams. - Project based courses working towards a school performance - Highly interactive lessons: games, music, varied tasks – to motivate students language learning and build their confidence in language production - For more specific purposes i.e. culture exchange/ history project - Immersion courses: let us teach some of the modules built into your school syllabus i.e. Julius Caesar in English Literature e.g. currently working with one client to build a week’s intensive course, which concludes with them performing their English project in their school theatre to parents and school students. Amongst other things, the project helps promote the school in their local area and it helps towards their internal school culture. 3 e.g. 1 week summer Football English course: a language course focusing on football. Both classroom sessions and outdoor coaching sessions on the pitch.

12. Schools Silvia: Last winter’s success / Feb – April ’10 (2011 project started last week!) Client: 4 neighbouring schools in Basilicata, southern Italy Students: School pupils (11 – 17 yrs old): Course objectives: 1) Exam preparation classes & interactive lessons for others: 2) To instil confidence in students’ production of English, “ mistakes don’t matter!” 3) To further motivate students enthusiasm for English language learning Martina: It was great to have English teachers here in our small village. The lessons are challenging and we ’ re learning a lot, but not in a boring way . Learned lots of new language. We really enjoyed speaking English which happened (almost) always throughout the course. So much opportunity to practise. Antonio: The mobile phone exercise was my favourite as it is difficult to talk without seeing lip movement and gestures. 3

13. Schools “ A chameleon-like service”, e.g’s 2 & 3 This summer sees us working with schools in the middle-east on a 4 phase blended program: PHASE 1 An online programme asking teachers to reflect and respond, not just on their problem areas as teachers, but importantly their strengths. PHASE 2 A direct response online from us, offering relevant theories, advice, publications, questions for consideration, etc, as food for thought and reflection before moving on to Phase 3. PHASE 3 Our specialist teachers visit teachers' schools, take part in the lessons and get to know the students while running some interactive and engaging activities, acting as a professional model. PHASE 4 After reflection on those lessons, mentor and teacher negotiate the path they'd like their development to take. Teacher will have ownership of the direction they want to go whilst alongside the mentor. Observation, assessment, modelling, and experimentation with new techniques. Blended Course 3

14. Content creators who know: their subject and materials. the platform in which they ’ re presenting it and how best to use the space. Eckersley are constantly looking into new innovations for the benefit of our clients, which in this day and age more commonly involves technology. We adopt the right tech for the right client (internal as well as external): An online platform ready to tailor depending on need: - Online support - online content access - ‘ meeting ’ place - online course (entirety/ pre-course tasks/ post-course tasks & evaluations) Connecting to network drives, carrying around USB sticks (thumb drives), and sending documents over email to yourself and others are a few matters that can dampen the effectiveness of distance learning. Distance learning Like any bespoke course, a distance learning component also requires innovation. We support software that streamlines such logistics and improves productivity of a course (both to students and teachers involved)

15. eclectic Who’s in the ‘squad’? 55 years in the industry and we’ve built relationships with specialist teachers from all walks of life: With our approach we are constantly getting to know more teachers who have the unique skills required to be a part of the squad: professional Medical English autonomous Teacher trainer Legal English engaging responsible Presentation/ Negotiation ESP challenging dynamic Performance based ESP Young learner specialist charismatic fun supportive YL teacher trainer Trinity Tutor Lisa Lisa has seen the world! Native English. Speaks Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese… Steve Our leader! And a teacher training specialist who loves to get involved. Just Try and stop him! Jo Jonny Richenda Organised, supportive & fun, Trained in-house by us. Currently mid-project with YL’s in Italy. Managing the squad, but being a teacher also loves to get involved. CertTESOL tutor, teacher training, language teacher extrodinaire, currently in France

16. To learn more about the… Visit: www.eckersley.co.uk/courses_flying squad.htm Email: [email_address] Principal: Steve Hirschhorn Academic Manager: Jackie Halsall Manager, Flying squad : Jonathan Kowal For smart phone users with Barcode scanner app: Scan that barcode! (no need to print, just aim and fire)