(MENAFN- The Peninsula) British Council Qatar has announced changes to be introduced in the next academic year.
The new academic year beginning in September, has a winter break planned at the end of January to match other educational institutions in Qatar and will finish at the end of May.
Sharing improvements in greater detail, the council said from September there will be four terms in the academic year compared to the current three.
The terms will be shorter, covering eight weeks instead of 10.
As a direct result of the change, students will be able to complete more terms in the year and complete an English level every year.
Understanding the pressure adult students feel to make maximum improvement within the time available, the council will provide them with opportunity to study more hours each week and make faster progress.
In response to increased demand for specialised courses for young learners, the council will extend the programme to include first year primary children and introduce more refined student grouping.
The newly formulated age groups correspond to school age groups typical in Qatar: 6-8 (primary grades 1-3), 9-11 (primary grades 4-6), 12-14 (preparatory grades 7-9) and 15-17 (secondary grades 10-12).
The council takes care to balance each child's maturity and cognitive development with their English level and children are grouped according to English language level within each age group to optimise their learning environment and progress.
For greater convenience, parents will be offered opportunity to register their children for a complete semester and secure their place across terms with a special discount.
The changes ensure that students will not miss classes due to conflicting holidays and will have time to concentrate on end-of-year exams in their schools after concluding studies at the council.
Giving a further boost to students' progress, the council plans special additional sessions for adult learners on skills such as conversation, business workshops and IELTS writing courses to supplement English for Life, English for Business, and IELTS Preparation courses.
The top-up sessions will be held on Thursday and Saturday evenings to help those needing improvement in specific areas.
Amanda Ingram, Director, English & Exams, said, "The council is constantly searching for ways to help our students meet their English language learning objectives and we listen carefully to their feedback and suggestions. "I'm delighted that these practical changes for the new academic year combine sound educational principles with convenience and flexibility."
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