Frequently Asked Questions Question: How do I book my course? Answer: Just fill in the on-line application form. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can send an email to info@sherwoodschool.com We will contact you to tell you if we have a place for you but we cannot process your application until we have received full payment of fees. The fees must be paid at least 5 days before the course begins. Question: How long can I study for? Answer: The minimum for lessons is 2 weeks; you may study for as long as you want. Question: When may I start a course? Answer: On any Monday. Question: Can I download the course and do it offline? Answer: The course can only be done online. Question: Do I have to take any placement test? Answer: Yes. As soon as you establish your goals, we will give you a multiple-choice test focuses on vocabulary and grammar so that we can find your language level. And place you in the correct class. Question: What is the minimum age and do you offer classes for Children? Answer: The minimum age for our General English courses is 16 although the vast majority of students at the school are 18 years or older. We have a junior programme for children of 12-16 years old. Question: What qualifications do the teachers have? Answer: All of our teachers hold University degrees and are qualified and experienced teachers. Question: How many students are there in each class? Answer: The maximum class size for group lessons is 10. The small group teaching environment provides you with the opportunity to receive and give immediate feedback. Question: Will you sell my information to anyone else? Answer: We will never share your information with a third party without your consent. Question: How many lessons will I need? Answer: Learning a language is a life-long experience, and your progress will depend on your ability, motivation and diligence. Question: I am just starting to learn English and I am afraid that I will not understand a native teacher. How will you start to teach me? Answer: You will start using the language from your first day, not by translating or interpreting from your own language but by using it. Your textbooks will be especially designed for beginners and your teachers will be experienced in teaching English at the beginner level. Everyone else in your class will be doing the same. The policy of our school is ENGLISH ONLY! All teaching is done exclusively in English. Translation or interpretation is never required and students are expected to communicate with each other in English at all times. Question: What level English do I need to enrol in the program? How many levels are there in the school? Answer: There are courses for students at all six levels. We offer classes for ‘beginner’ to ‘proficient’ level students. The curriculum is based on the Common European Framework. Question: Do you issue certificates or diplomas after a course? Answer: No, but we can help you prepare for various international exams. Question: Can I get a refund if I decide to stop studying? Answer: You have a right to get a refund if you wish not to continue lessons. In order to get a refund you need to write an email to the School at least 5 days prior to the day of termination. Your refund will just be less any fees related to the payment system initially used. Question: Can I study without a webcam? Answer: You can do without the webcam, but if you have one it will help you to establish eye contact with the teacher and other members of the group, to overcome the psychological barriers in communication, as well as master pronunciation, because it is important to see teacher’s articulation. Question: Do I need to do any self-studying in addition to group lessons? Answer: Self-studying in addition to the coursework, as well as homework is essential for the successful language development. Your teacher will answer questions that inevitably arise in the self-study. Question: How are lessons held at your school? Answer: Once you have enrolled for your classes we give you access to the platform WisIQ. When you log in to our site you will see your timetable, homework and will be able to communicate with fellow students and teachers. We recommend you to log in online class 5-10 minutes before the beginning of the lesson. Question: What pace of learning English do you recommend? Answer: Our standard group studies 3 hours per week. British experts believe that it take about a year of studying to get from one level to another. Question: How can I pay for the lessons? Do you have any discounts? Answer: The payment of fees is the responsibility of the student. Make sure you read and agree to the terms and conditions. The tuition fee can be paid through PayPal. Once you have paid your fee please inform us by e-mail. Our manager will contact you with information about your group and timetable. The minimum payment is for one week. If you pay for the session of 21 hours (7 weeks) you will receive a 10% discount. If you pay for the whole academic year (120 hours) you will receive a 20% discount. If after a whole year of studying, you wish to continue your education with us, you will receive a 25% discount. Question: How are lessons scheduled and how many people are there the group? Answer: Usually there are 6 to 10 people in the group. Schedule is compiled with student’s wishes and teachers, taking into account the time difference. Our timetable is scheduled in GMT 12Next