{"id":44985,"date":"2020-10-05T13:23:02","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T11:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=44985"},"modified":"2020-10-05T14:58:56","modified_gmt":"2020-10-05T12:58:56","slug":"whats-new-at-oxford-house-for-2020-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/whats-new-at-oxford-house-for-2020-21\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s new at Oxford House for 2020 &#8211; \u201821?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Welcome to the new school year! It\u2019s great to have you back. We\u2019d like to remind you that <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-courses\/extended-english\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">General English Extensive<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-for-kids-and-teens\/english-course-kids\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Kids<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-for-kids-and-teens\/english-course-teens\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Teens<\/a> classes are all starting this week &#8211; 5th of October. <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-courses\/cambridge\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Cambridge English exam courses<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-courses\/ielts\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">IELTS<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-courses\/intensive-english\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">General English Intensives<\/a> are starting from next week (13th October). Remember, it\u2019s not too late to sign up. Pop into the school and speak to one of our expert level testers to find out more.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">With smaller group sizes, paper-free classes and an action plan for missed lessons &#8211; it\u2019s not exactly back to normal. But it is a <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">new normal<\/span><\/em>, one where classes can continue, and you can keep learning English.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">We also have some exciting news about our Director of Studies. There\u2019s a fresh, new look for our OH Connect platform. And more flexible course options. So we won\u2019t <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">keep you in suspense<\/span><\/em> any longer.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Here\u2019s what&#8217;s new at Oxford House this term!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>Two New Directors of Studies<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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\u2019s a qualified Cambridge examiner for the YL exams and has been ADoS at OH since 2017.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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\u2019t forget to say hi if you see them around!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">We asked Jack what the role means to him.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><em>\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>OH Connect moves to Edmodo<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edmodo870x577.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"870\" height=\"563\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-44992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edmodo870x577.png 870w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edmodo870x577-300x194.png 300w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Edmodo870x577-768x497.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">OH Connect has moved to Edmodo. This has all the <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">perks<\/span><\/em> of the old platform, but with better functionality for both teachers and students.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">Edmodo is not just a website, it\u2019s an app as well. Therefore it\u2019s easier to use with a mobile phone. It also allows for real time communication &#8211; a bit like Whatsapp. Teachers can share resources with students and set up activities in class more efficiently.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">On Edmodo your teacher will post useful links and homework, you\u2019ll also find fun games and quizzes too.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/new.edmodo.com\/school\/OxfordHouse171065\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sign up to Edmodo here!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>Covid-19 measures<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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\u2019s efforts so far. Here\u2019s what to expect:<\/p>\n<div class=\"list_styles\"><ul class=''>\n<span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Hand sanitizer is available<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Masks should be worn at all times<\/li>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 15px;\"><li><i class='icon-ok'><\/i>Social distancing rules apply inside and outside the classroom<\/li>\n<\/span>\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase870x577.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"870\" height=\"577\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-44998\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase870x577.png 870w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase870x577-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase870x577-768x509.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>Missed classes due to Covid-19<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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 <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">check on<\/span><\/em> your progress*. The teacher will also assign personalized homework tasks to do.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">*Note for 64 hour <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-courses\/cambridge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cambridge Intensives<\/a> or 100 hour <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/english-courses\/intensive-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">General English Intensives<\/a>, the teacher will call twice a week.<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>Paper-free classes<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">To ensure maximum hygiene and keep transmission rates low &#8211; we are moving to paper-free English classes. This is to <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">stay in line<\/span><\/em> with covid measures and help the environment too!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">While all courses will still use a book, at the beginning of the year, we made a <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">pledge<\/span><\/em> 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?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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 <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">are fitted<\/span><\/em> with interactive whiteboards, so we can have the highest quality English classes and student satisfaction.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>Online and in-person courses<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase-online-870x577.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"870\" height=\"554\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-45001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase-online-870x577.png 870w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase-online-870x577-300x191.png 300w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase-online-870x577-768x489.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">This time last year, the majority of our courses were in-centre. One year on and it\u2019s a completely <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">different picture<\/span><\/em>. We have received such positive feedback about our <a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/whats-it-like-to-study-online-at-oxford-house\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">online English classes<\/a> 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 <em><span style=\"color: #008000;\">suits<\/span><\/em> you!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/how-to-maximise-your-online-course-faqs-tips-and-solutions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more about what to expect from your online course at OH<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #2d346f;\"><strong>Smaller group sizes<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">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!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase-con-mascarilla-870x577.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"870\" height=\"577\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-45008\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase-con-mascarilla-870x577.png 870w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase-con-mascarilla-870x577-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Clase-con-mascarilla-870x577-768x509.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">We look forward to seeing you this term &#8211; We\u2019ve missed you. And a big welcome to our new students. It\u2019s going to be a good year!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Find out more about our courses and sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"devider element_size_>\"><div style=\"margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px; \" class=\"divider3\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<h1><strong>Glossary for language learners:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>new normal (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a new state of an economy or society after a crisis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>keep someone in suspense (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to delay telling someone something.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>perks (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> benefits.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>check on (phv):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to inspect, investigate or check progress.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>stay in line (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to adhere to rules.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>pledge (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a promise.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>to be fitted (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to be installed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>different picture (exp):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a different situation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><em><strong>to suit somebody (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to work well or be compatible with somebody.<\/p>\n<div class=\"devider element_size_>\"><div style=\"margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px; \" class=\"divider1\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\"><strong>Key<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">n = noun<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">v = verb<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">exp = expression<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 15px;\">phv = phrasal verb<\/p>\n<div class=\"devider element_size_>\"><div style=\"margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px; \" class=\"divider1\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #055f65;\"><strong><div class=\"messagebox alert alert-info\" style=\"align:left; background:#ffffff; color:#2D346F; border:1px solid #ffffff\"><h4>Study English at Oxford House Barcelona<\/h4><i class=\"icon-info-sign\"><\/i>Interested in taking an English course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check all of our different <a href=\"\/en\/english-courses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">English courses, or <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">contact us<\/a> for more information.<\/div><div class=\"clear\"><\/div><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to the new school year! It\u2019s great to have you back. We\u2019d like to remind you that General English Extensive, Kids and Teens classes are all starting this week &#8211; 5th of October. Cambridge English exam courses, IELTS and General English Intensives are starting from next week (13th October). Remember, it\u2019s not too late [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":45023,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[]},"categories":[268],"tags":[13336,13337,13338],"yst_prominent_words":[4049,2040,1340,4806,13304,1253,4064,11068,1084,13295,13302,13299,1079,13303,13301,11065,5638,13307,13284,13298],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44985"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44985"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44985\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45062,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44985\/revisions\/45062"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44985"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=44985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}