Student Handbook
Dear Student,
We wish to welcome you to The London Language Foundation. We are a not-for-profit organisation with a clear focus of providing first class language training at a fair price, delivered by quality and qualified language tutors.
We are pleased to assist you in improving your general, conversational, academic or business English and can also help you prepare for Trinity, IELTS and Cambridge English Learning Assessment examinations.
Yours sincerely,
The LLF Team
Welcome!
Thanks for choosing the London Language Foundation. Our Student Handbook will give you an overview of the important information you need to know to study at our east London school. We hope you enjoy studying with us!
We offer:
Computer Lab: We have a numbers of computers with high-speed internet connection for your use.
Library: We have a range of English Language study material available for your use.
Facebook: Please join “The London Language Foundation” on Facebook, so you can keep in touch with the school’s events and useful information about English study.
Instagram: Please join our Instagram page.
Newsletter: We release a monthly newsletter that will keep you updated with what is happening at the school.
Noticeboard: For general information about the school, classes, welfare and social activities please look at our notice board.
Social Scene: We arrange social gatherings in and out of school.
· “Real English” that is relevant to your life.
· help to communicate with native speakers.
· the opportunity to develop your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills.
· focus on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
· correction when you make mistakes and errors.
· an environment that encourages free discussion in a respectful and tolerate environment.
· reassurance that your efforts to communicate are valuable.
· regular homework.
· encouragement to work with your classmates.
· regular and frequent consultations and feedback about your needs as a learner.
· base our lessons on your needs and interests.
· advice on sitting external examinations.
Opening Hours:
Monday-Friday - 10:00-17:00.
Phone: 0207 790 3624
or 0203 302 6690
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Address: 602 Commercial Road, London, E14 7LE
At our reception you can:
· Make general enquiries.
· Book more classes.
· See the Welfare Officer.
· Book your holiday.
· Complete student feedback.
· Get your Attendance Certificate.
· Enquire about sitting an exam.
How to get a certificate:
When you finish your studies with us you can request an Attendance Certificate if your attendance is above 80%.
How to update your details:
If your personal details change (if you move to a new address, for example), it is extremely important that you update your details with our Reception. It is a legal requirement that we keep up-to-date records of your contact details.
Welfare
Our Welfare Officer is Tsvetelina. She can help you with any personal issues you might be having. If you would like to speak to her, please speak to our office or contact her directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In an emergency, you may call 079 5021 2665.
We use these the Common European Framework to help you get a clear idea of your language level. The Levels are organised like this:
|
Basic user |
A1 |
Beginner |
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
|
A2 |
Elementary |
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. |
|
|
Independent user |
B1 |
Intermediate |
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
|
B2 |
Upper Intermediate |
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
|
|
Proficient user |
C1 |
Advanced |
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. |
|
C2 |
Proficiency |
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. |
We use an ILP to help keep track of your learning objectives and your progress. Your teacher will talk to you about your ILP when you first join class and then review it periodically and at the end of the course.
We set standards and monitor the quality of courses and all our services in a number of ways including:
• provision of clear, accurate information and advice to help you make the right choice of course
• monitoring of attendance and punctuality
• feedback from students
• classroom observations
• appraisal of staff
• staff development for all our staff.
Classroom Policy
No alcohol to be consumed in class. Please come to class with a positive learning attitude and be prepared to participate in group activities. We encourage you to bring in ideas based on the language you hear during your everyday life. Your safety and security we ask that while on LLF premises all students observe our Health & Safety Policy and procedures.
Reporting accidents
LLF has a policy of fully investigating all incidents and accidents in order to reduce any possible risks or possibility of reoccurrences. If you have something to report please speak to your tutor or a member of the admin staff.
First aid and emergencies
If someone is taken ill or requires first aid for an injury or accident whilst at LLF you should contact a member of staff. We have trained first aiders on site who will take appropriate action, depending on the nature of the incident.
Fire alarms and drills
In the event of a fire alarm it is essential that everyone evacuates the building as quickly as possible. The evacuation points for all staff and students are outside Brit College, across the canal, under the DLR. Please do not leave the evacuation point until you are told it is safe to do so. The alarms are tested once a week on Wednesdays and there will be two full evacuation drills every term.
Safeguarding vulnerable adults
LLF has procedures and policies in place to ensure it fulfils its duty to safeguard students. This includes safeguarding learners against:
· Physical abuse – hitting, shaking, squeezing
· Emotional abuse – persistent lack of affection, unrealistic adult demands, verbal bullying and cyberbullying
· Neglect – failing to provide for a child’s basic needs - food, proper clothing and safe supervision
· Sexual abuse – inappropriate physical contact, the taking of indecent images of children or the encouragement of sexual activity by children for the purpose of adult gratification
· violent and non-violent extremism.
If you have a concern about any of these issues, please contact Tsvetelina Vasileva or Dani Zattara.
Our full policies and procedures are available on the website at www.londonlf.org
Attendance and Punctuality Policy
Please arrive to class on time as any late arrival disturbs the class.
If you are unable to attend a lesson, you must notify us at least 24 hours in advance by email. Failure to do this will cause you to lose the money you paid for this lesson.
For an Attendance Certificate, you must be present for over 80% of classes.
Feedback
We do our best to make your experience with us an enjoyable one, but we really appreciate your feedback.
Complaints Procedure
If something is concerning you, please talk to your teacher before/after class and/or during the ILP process. If your teacher cannot help you, you can provide more formal feedback by filling out a complaints form, which is available from our office, or you can email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. After receiving your complaint, the School’s Principal will contact you within 24 hours.
If your issue is not resolved, you can request a refund.
Refunds
Before applying for a refund, you must have first followed our complaints procedure.
After following our complaints procedure, if you wish to request a refund, please fill in a Refund Form at our Reception.
Attendance and Punctuality
Adult students are allowed flexibility in days they attend college and time slots. However students must inform the college office if they change their original sequence of attendance.
Students under 18 must obtain prior permission from the college office for any change in timetable.
The office will automatically aim to contact under 18 students for any missed sessions. Adult students attendance is monitored on a weekly basis.
If a student who has paid fees but stopped attending they will automatically be followed up.
We encourage prompt attendance for the start of lectures. However students may join classes at the discretion of the tutor.
Absence and changing class time or level
If you wish to change your class time, level or wish to postpone your classes, please speak to your teacher and/or to a member of the office staff.
If you are unable to attend class, please notify us by email at least 24 hours before class. If you do not notify us within 24 hours, you will lose the money you paid for the class.
If we cancel a class students will be given the option of taking the class later or if this is not possible have the cost of the class refunded.
Living in London
As we are sure you are aware, London is a vibrant and stimulating place to be and you will never be short of something to do. As they say, ‘those who are bored of London are bored of life’. If you are already living in London, we hope that you will continue to be a positive place for you to live.
We arrange a number of festive, social and educational activities throughout the year. These might include, for example, a class trip to the British Museum or a party on Friday evening. Your teacher will provide you with more information, but you can also check the Noticeboard for the latest news.
For things to do around Limehouse, you can Google the following:
Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AR
Museum of London Docklands
West India Quay, London, E14 4AL
Tower of London
Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP
Canary Wharf
Tower Hamlets, London, E14 4QT
The Prospect of Whitby Pub
Wapping Wall, London, E1W 3SH
St. Katharine Docks
50, St. Katharines Way, London, E1W 1 LA
Brick Lane
Brick Lane, E1
Stepney City Farm
Stepney Way, London, E1 3DG
Wilton’s Music Hall
1, Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB
Revolution Karting Go – karting
422 -424, Mile End Park, Burdett Road, London, E3 4AA
V & A Museum of Childhood Toy museum. Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9PA
Troxy 1930s Art Deco Dance Hall. 490 Commercial Road, Tower Hamlets, London E1 0HX
What is an Oyster Card?
An Oyster Card is a reusable plastic card for paying for all forms of London transport. You can use it on the London underground, the London buses, the London Overground and river services.
You add credit to the card at underground and Overground stations. You then touch it on the yellow reader as you enter and exit stations so that the correct fare can be automatically deducted.
Using an Oyster Card is the cheapest way to travel around London.
Traffic Regulations
In the UK we drive on the left and not on the right. You need to be 17 years and over to drive in the UK. You need a current driving license and an international driving permit.
You are allowed to use the National Health Service (NHS) if you are either:
· An EU student.
· A non EU student on a course lasting more than 6 months.
· A non EU student from a country with a reciprocal arrangement with the UK.
More information can be found at www.dh.gov.uk
Visitors from EEA member states should show a valid European Health Insurance Card to access free healthcare. It is important you bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you before you come to UK. If you do not have an EHIC with you then apply through your home country’s healthcare system immediately for a Provisional Replacement Certificate. You should also bring enough medical supplies to cover your length of stay in the UK. You should also take suitable medical, travel and personal loss insurance cover.
EEA Countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Non-EEA Nationals:
May be able to receive free health care from the NHS. Treatments that are free include:
· Some emergency treatment
· Family planning services
· Treatment of certain communicable diseases.
· Compulsory psychiatric treatment.
All other treatments are restricted. If you are an international student, we recommend you seek private medical insurance. We ask that you provide a copy of your insurance cover certificate to the LLF office.
Dental Treatment
You should register with a local dentist in case you need dental treatment during your stay in London. A dentist near to our school is:
Salmon Lane Dental Care
126, Salmon Lane
Limehouse, E14 7PQ
Tel: 0207 987 2189
The police in the UK are friendly and helpful and have a duty to protect everyone. During yourstay if something of yours is stolen, if you are assaulted, followed or threatened you should report this to your local police station. It is also possible to register some non-serious crimes at https://online.met.police.uk/report.php
In an emergency (for example, when there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress) you can contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance by dialling 999 from any telephone. This call is free of charge but should only be used in an emergency.
Registering with the Police:
If you are a non-EU student, you will need to register with the police. There will be a stamp on your passport that tells you need to do this. Go to the police station at the address below with:
· Your passport.
· Address in the UK.
· The fee for registration.
Metropolitan Police Service
Overseas Visitors Records Office
Ground floor
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London SE1 1LH
Opening Hours
9.00-16.00 Monday to Friday
(Except public and bank holidays)
Tel: 020 7230 1208
For under-18s
Childline provides free help to young people in the UK. You can phone them on 0800 1111 or visit them on www.childline.org.uk.
Losing Valuables
If your personal property is lost or stolen contact the local Police Station. The nearest one to LLF is:
Limehouse Police Station
27, West India Dock Road
London, E14 8EZ
Non- emergencies Tel: 101, Emergencies Tel: 999
Opening Hours: Monday 12 noon - 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 8pm
met.police.uk
Drugs, alcohol and gambling
All controlled drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy/MDMA and cocaine are illegal in the UK. Smoking, illegal drugs and alcohol are not allowed at LLF.
You need to be 18 years to buy or drink alcohol in a pub. Although it is not illegal, we discourage 16 or 17 year olds from going into pubs. The minimum legal age for gambling in the UK is 18 years old.
Police arrest
To arrest you the police need reasonable grounds to suspect that you involved in a crime for which your arrest is necessary. The police have powers to arrest you anywhere and at any time, including on the street, at home or at work.
The police arrest procedure
If you’re arrested the police must:
· identify themselves as the police
· tell you that you’re being arrested
· tell you what crime they think you’ve committed
· explain why it’s necessary to arrest you
· explain to you that you’re not free to leave
If you’re under 17, the police must also contact your parents, guardian or carer as soon as possible after your arrival at the police station.
Personal Safety and Care of Valuables
At The London Langauge Foundation:
Students are responsible for their own personal safety and care of valuables.
LLF aims to provide students with a safe, comfortable and hygienic learning environment. However, students are advised that LLF, LLF employees , tutors and LLF representatives accept no liability for personal injury and/or loss or damage to personal property on the school premises, whether by fire, flooding, burglary or theft or otherwise.
Outside of the London Language Foundation:
We want you to enjoy your stay in London here is some general advice for your safety:
· Be cautious about accepting invitations from strangers.
· Do not accept drinks from strangers in bars or clubs.
· Always carry some cash in case you need to get a taxi.
· Do not use unlicensed mini cabs. We recommend that you take a black cab or use a taxi company.
· If you are travelling along on public transport, try to avoid waiting at isolated bus stops, don’t sit in an empty compartment on a train or tube.
· Don’t carry your passport with you when you don’t need to use it.
· Carry your valuables in a money belt hidden underneath your shirt.
· Put your wallet in your front pocket as it is more difficult to steal.
· Open a bank account, don’t carry a lot of cash.
· Carry your handbag in front of you, if the bag has a flap on one side keep this towards you.
· In pubs, clubs and restaurants, don’t put your bag on the floor or a chair. Keep it with you at all times. If you are going out for a late night just take some cash, your keys and a travel card.
· If you are going out alone, carry a personal alarm.
· If you are threatened, set off your personal alarm, scream and shout, get away as quickly as possible, always rig the police once you are in a safe place. If a vehicle is involved try to not its registration number.
· If you are a victim of a crime, report it immediately to a police station, you will be given a crime reference number which you will if you are going to make an insurance claim.
· Our Welfare Officer is here to provide practical help or signposting in times of crisis or concern. Please speak to reception where we can arrange an appointment with our welfare officer.
· Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards, don’t listen to your personal stereo.
Important information for students aged 16 and 17 years
You are required to attend your class every day. If for any reason you are not coming to class you or your guardian must inform the school by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you have any problems or need to talk to someone you can find a member of staff at reception.
Legal restrictions
Alcohol: If you are under 18, it is illegal for you to buy or for anyone else to sell you alcohol. You and the seller could both be fined.
Smoking: It is illegal to sell cigarettes or tobacco to anyone who is under 18. Smoking is banned in all enclosed places and workplaces, whatever your age.
Gambling: Under 18s are not allowed to gamble or work in betting shops or clubs. Over 18s are not allowed to place bets for underage people.
Cinema/Videos and DVDs: There may also be restrictions on what you can watch in the cinema or on video/DVDs.
Accommodation in London varies greatly depending on where you want to live and how much you can afford to pay. Most people choose a place depending on how easily they can get to school and how much they like the area. Living near some friends you know also helps as you can meet up more quickly and cheaply in your spare time.
Where to look
Loot (newspaper)
Loot is a newspaper dedicated to advertising rented accommodation in London. You need to get a paper early in the morning and get onto the phone straight away to get a chance to see the best properties.
This is slightly more expensive
This is a popular website among students and travellers and is a community website for property, work and meeting new people.
Check that the accommodation you are going to see is in a safe area before you go to view www.crimestats.com. Enter the postcode to find the crime statistics for that neighbourhood.
If possible, take someone with you when viewing accommodation. If you are alone, leave the address you are going to and your expected time of return with a friend or colleague.
You can get more useful advice about finding student in the UK at www.ukcisa.org.uk.
Places of Worship
St. Anne’s Church, 5 Newell St, London, E14 7HP.
Limehouse Mosque, 304 – 306, Stock Place, London, E14 8AE
Limehouse Synagogue and Talmud Torah, 22b, Baythorne Street, Limehouse.
The London Language Foundation does not discriminate against anyone in with a physical or learning disability. The school makes enquiries during the booking process regarding students’ physical or learning difficulties and any other health issues. If students reveal any of these issues during the booking process they are made aware of the limitations to what can be provided due to the nature of the building and the resources at the school’s disposal as follows:
1. All students must be able to negotiate the bridge across the canal directly in front of the school. LLF will offer assistance to learners who are unable to negotiate the bridge on their own.
2. We do not currently have any provision for students with hearing difficulties in terms of induction loops.
3. Materials can be amended to aid students with visual impairment to a certain extent though they would still need to be able to negotiate the building unaided though guide dogs are admitted.
4. Students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia are admitted. Teachers who have these students are made aware that they are joining the class asked to discuss with the learners strategies that will help them to learn. Teachers can also provide details of external support agencies.
5. If students reveal any health issues which may impede their performance on the course or their ability to complete the course we will make them aware of our attendance and refund policy. Information about the student is stored on the student record and academic managers will make teachers aware of any students joining their class with physical or learning difficulties or any relevant health issues, only with the consent of the learners.
To ensure effective learning and a great college environment, there are a number of requirements that students must comply with whilst studying at LLF:
• come prepared for your course and always carry your LLF ID card.
• attend regularly and punctually and letting us know when you cannot attend
• respect all LLF staff and students, volunteers or members of the public, particularly in relation to LLF's Equality & Diversity Statement
• abide by all the College policies which relate to student behaviour in a way which respects the needs of others to learn, teach and work
• whilst LLF recognises the right to freedom of speech it does not accept the expression of violent and non-violent extremist views.
• complete the work set by tutors and respecting all deadlines for submission
• refrain from using mobile phones or from taking photographs or video recordings in class without permission
• refrain from eating and drinking in class, with the exception of bottled water
• respect the property of LLF, of staff and other students
• helping keep the building clean and tidy.
These requirements are in place to ensure that all students and staff can carry out their activities in a safe, learning environment. Where there are breaches of this Code of Conduct, or where behaviour is considered by the College to constitute Gross Misconduct, this may result in action being taken in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Procedures.
Policy on Abusive Behaviour
LLF operates a zero tolerance policy in regard to abusive behaviour towards its staff or students. LLF will take action against staff or students for abusive behaviour (verbal abuse, harassment, bullying, actual or threatened violence, damage to personal property) or behaviour that may lead to extremist radicalisation. Abusive or threatening behaviour towards LLF staff and tutors is not acceptable whether face to face, over the phone or by other digital or non-digital media
Staff or students found to have displayed abusive behaviour will be disciplined according to our discipline policy.
Abusive behaviour must be reported to the Principal who will investigate all cases and determine if abuse has taken place. Staff and students may be suspended during the course of the investigation.
Staff and students who have been found to have engaged in abusive behaviour will be dismissed immediately and the matter may also be reported to the police authorities, who may pursue criminal proceeding against the individual or individuals. For less serious cases a written warning will be placed on the staff or student’s file.
Staff or students subject to disciplinary action may appeal the decision of the Principal to the LLF Board. A further appeal can be made to our External Adjudicator.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing an inclusive environment in which everyone is able to learn, achieve and work to the best of their ability. We seek to create an environment of respect and understanding for all and a community in which everyone feels supported and valued.
We will not tolerate any form of discrimination, bullying or harassment. Staff are responsible for reporting complaints of discrimination, bullying and harassment from both staff and students.
Following the Equality Act (2010) LLF does not discriminate on grounds of:
gender/gender identity; race; disability; sexual orientation; religion or belief; age; marriage and civil partnerships; pregnancy and maternity; caring responsibilities; part-time working, or any other factor irrelevant to a person’s work
We encourage a diverse workforce and student body and aim to provide a working environment where all students and staff are valued and respected, and where discrimination, bullying, promotion of negative stereotyping and harassment are not tolerated.
The London Language Foundation has concluded that membership of any group or organisation that promotes hatred in its philosophy, aims, principles or policies, based on gender, gender identity, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, is incompatible with the work and values of the London Language Foundation.
