The Octorial Essential Programme

Basil Paterson

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Course description

The Octorial programme is designed to help students develop all aspects of their knowledge and use of English language, improve the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, and develop ‘soft skills’ for their lives in an English speaking world. Our classes focus not only on accuracy and comprehension, but also on developing essential skills such as social interaction, self-study, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
We believe that full immersion in English is the key to developing language skills, so classes are held in English in multinational classes. We encourage all our students to take full advantage of the experience by working hard inside and outside class, and by participating in the Social and Cultural programme with their classmates.
Before arrival, we ask students to complete a placement test and needs analysis. This gives us essential information about a student’s current English level, motivations, strengths, and areas to work on. We conduct an informal speaking assessment on the morning of arrival to ensure students are placed in the most appropriate class on their first day.
Teachers assess progress on a continual basis, by assessing written work, listening to spoken performance, and evaluating performance in class. During their course, learners are invited for individual coaching sessions with a teacher. The purpose of these sessions is to provide an opportunity to discuss their progress and to set achievable goals for self-study.

The Octorial Essential programme runs for 21 hours per week
Monday 09:00-15:30
Tuesday 09:00 - 15:30
Wednesday 09:00-12:30
Thursday 09:00-15:30
Friday 09:00 - 12:30

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
21 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 60 min)
Class days
Monday - Tuesday and Thursday

Class times

Morning session
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Morning session
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Afternoon session
01:30 PM - 03:30 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Edinburgh.

Class size

Maximum 8 students

Student age

Age range 16 years old and older
Average 27 years old

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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housing

Housing

BP offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

NZ$ 669
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Edinburgh
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Laundry, wireless internet, free internet, and heating
Distance to school: 15 - 50 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 669
Living in a homestay has many advantages. Most importantly, you have the chance to practise English
throughout your stay, to make friends with local people and to be immersed in the culture and language.
We choose our homestay families very carefully, both for the facilities they have to offer and,
especially, their abilities to give you the warmth and welcome of a “home from home”.
Your homestay will treat you as a full member of the household, eating together and sharing the
common living areas. You are provided with a single room, or shared room if required, a quiet place for
study and breakfast and evening meals.

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

NZ$ 946
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Edinburgh
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, and heating
Distance to school: 15 - 50 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
NZ$ 946
Ensuite/Private Bathroom homestay accommodation.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying in the UK for over 11 months, you will receive a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you need to submit to the UK embassy along with your General Student Visa application. Students who have successfully booked a language course and have paid their fees will receive a CAS from BP. Please note that UK law states that a CAS can only be issued to students who intend to pursue English language studies for over 11 months.

If you are studying in the UK for 11 months or less, you have to apply for a special visitor visa called a Student Visitor Visa. As a student visitor, you will not be able to work part-time while studying. If you plan to study in the UK for 11 months or less, a letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Learn more about how to get a UK visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Edinburgh based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Basil Paterson staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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