Welcome to the new school year! It’s great to have you back. We’d like to remind you that General English Extensive, Kids and Teens classes are all starting this week – 5th of October. Cambridge English exam courses, IELTS and General English Intensives are starting from next week (13th October). Remember, it’s not too late to sign up. Pop into the school and speak to one of our expert level testers to find out more.

This is a new term like no other for Oxford House. Returning to school after a pandemic, means putting in place new measures to keep everyone safe.

With smaller group sizes, paper-free classes and an action plan for missed lessons – it’s not exactly back to normal. But it is a new normal, one where classes can continue, and you can keep learning English.

We also have some exciting news about our Director of Studies. There’s a fresh, new look for our OH Connect platform. And more flexible course options. So we won’t keep you in suspense any longer.

Here’s what’s new at Oxford House this term!

Two New Directors of Studies

We want to say a big congratulations to our new DOS-es Amy Grant and Jack McKechnie! They will share the position of Director of Studies, with Jack focusing on adult classes and Amy on young learners.

Jack has been teaching for 10 years, and first came to Barcelona in 2009. He is an experienced ADOS and exam coordinator here at Oxford House, and is also a CELTA trainer and Cambridge speaking examiner. Amy has been teaching for 11 years and moved to Barcelona in 2013. She’s a qualified Cambridge examiner for the YL exams and has been ADoS at OH since 2017.

As experienced English teachers who both know Oxford House inside out, they are happy to share their knowledge and offer support to students and teachers. Another benefit of having two Directors is that one of them will always be present at the school. So don’t forget to say hi if you see them around!

We asked Jack what the role means to him.

“We want to assemble the best possible team of teachers and open as many groups as possible. We also want to consolidate our position as the best language school in Barcelona.”

OH Connect moves to Edmodo

OH Connect has moved to Edmodo. This has all the perks of the old platform, but with better functionality for both teachers and students.

Edmodo is not just a website, it’s an app as well. Therefore it’s easier to use with a mobile phone. It also allows for real time communication – a bit like Whatsapp. Teachers can share resources with students and set up activities in class more efficiently.

On Edmodo your teacher will post useful links and homework, you’ll also find fun games and quizzes too.

Sign up to Edmodo here!

Covid-19 measures

Coming back to Oxford House this year, the school may look a little different. We are following government guidelines with regard to Covid-19. Thanks to everyone’s efforts so far. Here’s what to expect:

Missed classes due to Covid-19

If you have to self-isolate due to covid and miss a class, you will find a class summary on Edmodo. Your teacher will call you each week (approximate 10 minute chat or Zoom call) to check on your progress*. The teacher will also assign personalized homework tasks to do.

*Note for 64 hour Cambridge Intensives or 100 hour General English Intensives, the teacher will call twice a week.

Paper-free classes

To ensure maximum hygiene and keep transmission rates low – we are moving to paper-free English classes. This is to stay in line with covid measures and help the environment too!

While all courses will still use a book, at the beginning of the year, we made a pledge to have a 25% reduction in numbers of photocopies in March 2020, compared to March 2019. In the end, we made a much bigger reduction due to the pandemic. So why not continue on the same path?

Amy and Jack will be giving support to teachers in how to adapt their English lessons to be paper-free. And all of our classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards, so we can have the highest quality English classes and student satisfaction.

Online and in-person courses

This time last year, the majority of our courses were in-centre. One year on and it’s a completely different picture. We have received such positive feedback about our online English classes since March. We also understand the need for flexible learning. So we have decided to continue offering both.This means the majority of our courses will have the option for online or in-person. So you can decide which best suits you!

Learn more about what to expect from your online course at OH.

Smaller group sizes

Because of social distancing restrictions, we have smaller group sizes than ever before. However, these restrictions mean there are limited places on each course. So, sign up early to avoid disappointment.

The good thing is, smaller class sizes have some great benefits. You will have more one-on-one time with your English teacher and the maximum amount of speaking time in group conversations!

We look forward to seeing you this term – We’ve missed you. And a big welcome to our new students. It’s going to be a good year!

Find out more about our courses and sign up here.

Glossary for language learners:

new normal (exp): a new state of an economy or society after a crisis.

keep someone in suspense (exp): to delay telling someone something.

perks (n): benefits.

check on (phv): to inspect, investigate or check progress.

stay in line (exp): to adhere to rules.

pledge (n): a promise.

to be fitted (v): to be installed.

different picture (exp): a different situation.

to suit somebody (v): to work well or be compatible with somebody.

Key

n = noun

v = verb

exp = expression

phv = phrasal verb

Study English at Oxford House Barcelona

Interested in taking an English course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check all of our different English courses, or contact us for more information.