2. Thank you for choosing to study at Channel School of English.
My name is Maribel and I am the co-Director of Country Cousins, along
with my husband, Jose. We both look forward to meeting you during
your time in Ilfracombe.
Country Cousins is a small, family business. We know all our students by
their names, and we aim to help them to achieve their personal goals.
From the first moment at Channel School our Welfare team, Teachers,
Sports Instructors, Activity Leaders and Host Families will be there to at-
tend to your needs to ensure an experience to take home and treasure
for life.
Jose and me at the front of Channel School
This Student Manual will provide you with some information which we
hope you find useful.
Please read it carefully and bring a copy with you…
… you might be a winner! (see last page for details)
Maribel
3. BEFORE ARRIVING IN THE UK...
… don’t forget to bring:
NOTEBOOK & PEN
WATERPROOF JACKET
WALKING SHOES
SWIMWEAR
LARGE TOWEL
SUNBLOCK
EUROPEAN HEALTH IN-
SURANCE CARD (replaces
the old E111 form)
4. POCKET MONEY
ey
on
m
e t f o r to
ck
h po ll be ents
uc , wi par a
m g r s .
ow brin you ere i osts
H u d h c
yo u an but e to
yo cide, guid
de g h
rou
Magazine £3
Ice Cream £1.25
Postcard £0.50
Fizzy Drink £0.80
Overseas
£0.60
Stamp
Chocolate bar £0.65
Crisps £0.65 Cinema £6
Burger £2.20 Swimming
£3.50
Pool
Chips £1.50 Return bus
ticket to:-
Small / Medium - Barnstaple £4.50
£6.50
Pizza (shopping)
- Woolacombe £3.50
(beach)
5. 7 THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILST IN ENGLAND
1. SMOKING
In the UK it is ILLEGAL for those aged under 18 to buy cigarettes. England
is now a smoke free country, so smoking in enclosed public spaces is not allowed!
2. ALCOHOL
In the UK it is ILLEGAL to buy or consume alcohol if under 18, whether in a pub or
from a shop. It is also illegal to drink alcohol on the streets of Ilfracombe!
Do not enter a pub without your host family or our staff if you are under
18!
3. STEALING
If you are caught stealing or shoplifting, the POLICE will be informed, your
PARENTS will be notified and you will be sent HOME at additional cost to your
parents. Stealing could result in you having a CRIMINAL RECORD.
4. ROAD SAFETY: “THINK, STOP, LOOK & LISTEN, WAIT, CROSS”
• THINK! Find the safest place to cross, preferably a pedestrian crossing.
• Always wait on the kerb until the bus has departed before attempting to cross the road.
• USE YOUR EYES AND EARS! Look left then right again for traffic, and
please listen. Traffic could come from any direction.
• WAIT UNTIL IT IS SAFE TO CROSS! If traffic is coming, let it pass.
• NEVER wear headphones or chat while crossing.
• CROSS! When it is safe, go straight across the road — walk, do not run,
keep looking and listening while you cross.
5. Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV Cameras)
CCTV cameras are everywhere (pubs, shops, streets, parks, public
transport, around the school...) They help improve security and are very useful
in the fight against crime. Some of the CCTV cameras are very small, and you
cannot always see them.
6. GRAFFITI
Spray painting public property is against the law.
Writing or drawing on the walls, doors or tables in and around the school
will be dealt with seriously.
7. COASTAL SAFETY in NORTH DEVON
Please be VERY careful when walking around the beautiful coastline. Some
years ago a young student was tragically KILLED when she fell from cliffs in
Ilfracombe. Please do not become another VICTIM. The cliffs are DANGEROUS.
REMEMBER: NO SMOKING, NO ALCOHOL, NO STEALING,
CROSS SAFELY, NO GRAFFITI, COASTAL SAFETY
6. Who’s Who at Country Cousins
Managing Director
Jose
Manages Operations, Finances, IT, and Social
Brinkmann
programme. First aid.
Welfare & Marketing Director
Maribel
Co-Director. Manages office, student welfare and
Cabrera
placement, marketing and strategy. First aid.
Director of Studies—Teachers and syllabus, student
Clie van
class lists and placements. Overseeing tuition on the
Helsdingen
Stay With an English Teacher Programme.
Michelle Accommodation and Welfare Officer
Schofield Student welfare & placement, First aid.
Julie Mayling Secretary and PA to Jose Brinkmann
Office and first aid. Food Manager.
Transport Manager
Matt Boni Tel: 00 44 7724 019 015
Driver, maintenance manager and first aid.
Karl Baggott Driver Local and long distance.
Dave Moulton Driver Local and long distance.
Paul Moulton Driver Local and long distance.
Pete Barnes Driver Long distance.
David Hedderly Driver Long distance. First aid.
Jan Tonkin Driver Long distance. First aid.
George Squires Driver Long distance.
In addition we have an experienced team of Teachers,
Sports Instructors and Activity Leaders. There are photo
boards at the school providing more information.
7. SUPPORT, WELLBEING & 24HR SAFETY
m
5.30 p
0 am –
m 8 .3
op en fro
fice is
The of – Friday.
ay A l l of
Mo nd our ho
selecte st fam
d, visi i
experie ted an lies have be
d insp e
nced W
elfare ected b n carefully
staff. y our
If you feel u
nwell or ill,
please come
to the office
tell your hos or
t family, an
appointmen
t with the do
will be mad ctor
e
If the office is closed and you need to
contact us, please telephone the
EMERGENCY NUMBER
0044 1271 862834
8. ABOUT ILFRACOMBE
Country Cousins runs Channel School of English in Ilfracombe
l
choo
ge s
gua
t lan is low.
anen io n
ly perm populat
e on dent
ool is th ign stu Ilfrac
Sch the fore ombe
l
nne n, so is a
Cha tow
e the N small sea
i n th orth
Devon side to
coast wn on
.
HEATHROW AIRPORT
The
town
indu g
stry, rew arou
but t n
he m d the ha e is an
ain i
ndus rbour and Ilf racomb
round .
try n
ow is fishing n Coast a ural Beauty’
touri rt h Devo N at
sm The No utstanding
f O
‘Area o
9. ILFRACOMBE AND SURROUNDING AREA
antic
rful Atl e, along
onde hes
are the w rough. T or
us bo ous f
by b Puts
inutes mbe and re all fam .
10 m aco e, a nd
Just s of Wool d Croyd olden sa
e n g
beach aunton a r miles of
S ei
with g and th
surf in
The town
is close to
National Exmoor
Park.
Ilfra
c
inutes by b
us swim ombe h
rnsta ple is 40 m excellent min as an
town of Ba shops, an g po indo
The market has many ol! or
ombe and l amenities
of a
from Ilfrac all the usua
tre and
leisure Cen
.
larger town
Good ten
nis and
able, plu table ten
s the us nis club
ual seaf s are av
ro n t att a
ractions il-
.
10. YOUR FIRST TWO DAYS
Plea
s e ch
t i me ec
table k your
sure a
that nd mak
time you e
! a re o
ill b e a n n
am , t h e r e w l.
at 9:30 l Schoo
On Sunday ing at Channe he way
to
o n meet w yo u t
inducti ily will
sho
ur week
ly
Yo u r h ost fam iv e n y o hannel
il l b e g
ol . You w hown around C
the scho be s do on
me and w what to
program that you kno
School , so
g. ee
mornin have thr
Monday en a Set. We
o be giv
Yo u will als , B a nd
C
t sets: A
d if f e r e n
You wil
l take a
mornin placeme
g to giv nt t
during
your
English e us a b est on Monday
four things . From etter ide
a o f yo u
ill do placed i your se r level o
pe y ou w n a diff
erent cla
cond da
y yo u f
We h o uage t h e t est . may be
h lang re The resu ss b a sed
stay : Englis ultu a s t h ey lt on t
merely r s of this test ar he results of
f
ledge o lish c
ou r know ut the Eng eflect yo e not pu
rove y g abo ur know blished
1. Imp learnin If you h
ave any ledge of
w hile ife. question English
ay of l please a s about .
and w h by s k yo u r
teacher t yo u r p r o
Englis Ac a d e m o help y gramm
ur spoken our own ic Mana ou, e
rove yo eaking y ith ger, or v
isit the o ask the
2. Imp g sp ting w
av oidin d by interac ffice.
age an ly and other
langu mi
ost fa ts .
your h onal studen
a ti
intern
around
rien ds from
e new f
3. Mak orld!
t he w
!!!
nt l y , E FUN
mporta
ti d HAV
much as
mix students as
an
4. Mos OURSELF
ENJO YY We
ssons and
p ossible during le
day one.
activities from
11. GETTING TO SCHOOL
MONDAY to FRIDAY BUS ROUTE TO CHANNEL SCHOOL
Ilfracombe is a relatively small town and most students walk to/from school, but there
is a free bus service for those not within walking distance or for Young Learners (6 to
11 years old).
8.50 am / 7.15 pm Coach Park, Adjoining Pack of Cards
8.55 am / 7.20 pm Seaside
COMBE MARTIN
9.00 am / 7.25 pm Bus Stop at Barton Lane Junction with main Combe
Martin Road
8.50 am / 7.10 pm Bus Stop at Roundabout by Marines Base
8.55 am / 7.15 pm Braunton - Opposite Murco/ Costcutter garage
CHIVENOR/
BRAUNTON 9.00 am / 7.20 pm Agricultural Inn Car Park
9.05 am / 7.25 pm Nethercott & Upcolt turning by Scrapyard Bus Stop
near Knowle
9.05 am Hele Bay
ILFRACOMBE 9:10 am Swimming Pool
9.15 am Pimpernel Garage
RETURN BUS TO HOST FAMILIES
After a daytrip, or an activity outside Ilfracombe, the bus will drop students on
its way back.
If students have had an activity in Ilfracombe or finish classes the bus will
leave at about 5.15pm from Channel School.
For evening activities the bus will leave at 10.00pm after the activity finishes.
12. A TYPICAL DAY AT SCHOOL
9:30—11:00 LESSON ONE
11:00 – 11:15 BREAK
11:15 – 12:45
LESSON TW0
12:45 – 13:45 LUNCH BREAK
13:45 – 17:00 YOUR ACTIVITY
PROGRAMME!
MEET
ING
POIN Duri
TS F n
OR A
CTIV
ITIE stud g brea
en k
S drin ts can s from
MAKE SURE YOU FIND ks f
rom
purc
h l
YOUR SIGN!
and
som a ven ase sna essons
barb e lu ding ck s
eque ncht mac and
!! imes hin
there e…
is a
13. SCHOOL RULES
1. BULLYING
Country Cousins welcomes students from all over the world and respects
their different cultures and religions. We expect our students to do the
same and to make the most of the opportunity to find out more about the
world.
We call it “bullying” when a student (or a group of students) is unkind or
aggressive to another student (or group of students).
Bullying can include:
• Calling someone rude names
• Hurting someone
• Ignoring someone or leaving them out of the game
• Playing unkind tricks on someone
• Sending unkind text messages, emails or messages via social
networking sites
• Threatening to hurt someone if they do not give you their money or
possessions
If anyone is bullying you or your friends, you must tell your group leader,
your teacher or another adult at the school.
Anyone who bullies another student will be punished and, in
serious cases, will be sent home at their parents’ expense.
2. MOBILE PHONES AND IPODs
Mobile phones and iPODs are banned during lesson time and if you
are caught using such items they will be confiscated for one week.
TURN THEM OFF!!
3. CHEWING GUM
Chewing gum is banned at Channel School, so please do not
use it either in the school or the gardens.
4. PUNCTUALITY
You must be on time for all your lessons and activities.
DO NOT BE LATE!!
NO BULLYING, NO MOBILE PHONES, NO IPODs,
NO CHEWING GUM, BE ON TIME!!
14. PLAN OF CHANNEL SCHOOL
Classroom
Boys’ Toilets 11
Young
Teachers’ Room
Learners
Boys First Floor
&
Girls Classroom
Toilets
&
Matt Boni’s
Office
10
Show- Staff Lockers & (Transport)
ers Vending Machine
Classroom
12 Classroom
Classroom
Classroom Classroom
8 9
77
Classroom
13 Staff Only
Girls’ Toilets
kitchen
Classroom
Classroom
14 Director of
Studies’ 5
Classroom
Office
Staff
only 6
Toilets
St e P
th
ep ar
Stairs to
s k
Main Office:
to
first floor
Reception, Internet
Student Welfare, Classroom
Jose’s
Office
Bureau de Change 1 Classroom
Classroom
4
3
Ground Floor &
Main
Entrance School grounds
and Exit
Vending
Picnic Area ** Please use the Bins ** Machine
e-
m
r e a e Bi c c l
ark p ext to botto
th
e
scom e hill, K at th
la y a
R
n
of t AR PA
Barbecue
be P
area
To C
h
Fire Assembly
Point
15. MEALS IN ENGLAND
During the w
eek your hos
you a packed t family wil
e lunch to eat l give
ight lik during you at the school
nin g you m dish r excursions or
One eve nationa
l or activities.
to cook your mily. You must n
ot go home fo
host fa r lunch.
for you Dinner is no
rma
rude to be late lly at 6pm and it is very
sin ce the famil
for you. y will be wa
iting
HOT TIP!!
Food is alw
ays
point and th a good conversation
is is a grea
t opportunit A typical
talk to you
r host y to packed l
family befo unch con
arrival abou
t which food re your tains...
dislike. s you like a
nd
A bag of crisps One sandwich
Drink
(fruit juice or water) Chocolate bar / sweet
A piece of fruit
So...
• How do you like your sandwich? With salad? With butter? With
cucumber and tomato? With cheese? With ham or chicken?
• What flavour of crisps is your favourite?
• Do you prefer an apple, a banana or a pear?
• What kind of drink would you like: fruit juice or water?
PLEASE TELL YOUR HOST FAMILY!!
16. EVENINGS
We hav
e a fun
such as pro
a weekl gramme of ev
CONC y DISC ening a
ERT an O, KAR ctivitie
d GAM A s,
ES EVE OKE, ROCK
NING.
NIGHT TIMES FOR ALL STUDENTS!!
We have a set of times, which apply every night.
All students have a copy, as do the English families. So
there is no excuse if you are late, please think that your
family is waiting for you!
You should be home by these times:
Up to 11 years old: evening activities only
12 years old: 9 pm
13 & 14 years old: 9:30 pm
15 & 16 years old: 10:00 pm
17 years old: 10.30 pm
17. SO, WHAT NEXT?
1. Please print a copy of this
Student Manual and bring it with you.
2.
If you have not already done so,
please read it carefully because....
3.yourwhen day, arrive willthe school on
...
first
you
there
at
be a quiz,
with cool prizes for the winners such
as free burgers, bags or sweets.
4. Now have a nice journey, and don’t forget to look
for your escort’s sign at your UK port or airport:
YOUR HOME YOUR ESCORT AT UK
TERMINAL
