Gold Courses – English Language Courses for students aged 40+
Gold Courses are for students aged 40+. Most of our participants are in their 50s but we do have older students as well. When the courses coincide with a Young Learners’ Course, we have some younger participants, travelling with their children.
Learning English in "Gold-only" classes
Children, teenagers and young adults learn English for school or exams. Our Gold Course participants use English to communicate. This is why we have "Gold-only" classes. We know our Gold Course participants have different needs and use their English for travel, for socialising (including work-related socialising) and for enjoyment.
The Gold Course is a skills-based course with the emphasis on communication. This means that the 4 lessons of 45 minutes each day will be more focused on Speaking, Vocabulary, Listening and Reading, less on Writing and only on Grammar where necessary!
Because the course is skills based, and most participants only join for one or two weeks, we do not use coursebooks. Most lessons are based around material we have created. We also use published supplementary material. Everything is included and there is no additional cost for materials or books!
We will run up to 3 Gold-only classes for each gold course, providing we have 4 or more participants for each class.
Gold Course participants should be a minimum of Elementary (A1+/A2) .
Lessons last 45 minutes and run from:
0915-1000
1015-1100
1115-1200
1215-1300
The Activity Programme
The Activity Programme is what makes the Gold Course special and we try to provide a varied and interesting range of visits, activities and excursions. The exact programme is different for each course and specific details can be found under the "Activity programme" button on each course page.
The activities are part of the Course but nothing is compulsory. Equally, there are no hidden extras - all activities are included and this includes entry fees. All activities are accompanied by a member of the College staff.
The Activity Programme also helps participants get to know each other outside of the classroom setting.
Accommodation
Melton College runs a boutique hotel called Melton Guest House. The hotel is next door to the College and is offered on a half-board basis, which includes bed and continental breakfast and a simple evening meal.
The Hotel has single, twin, double and family rooms.
Family Courses
Gold Course participants with children can come to Melton College as a family. The children can join one of our Young Learners' Courses while the parents enjoy the Gold Course.
Bishop's Hotel has family rooms and accompanying children can either share with their parents in a family room of be placed in an adjacent room.
First Day
Lessons start at 0915 but participants should try to be at Melton College by 0900 on their first day. This will give us the chance to show you round the building and to introduce you to key staff.
Health and Insurance
Healthcare is free to UK citizens but not to visitors. We strongly advise all Gold Course participants to have adequate insurance. Details on the UK health service can be found here.
Attendance
You are an adult and if you choose to miss classes, that is your choice.
If you miss classes you may miss something important for a later lessons and your teachers will not be able to "go back" for you. Similarly, please remember that arriving late is disruptive to other participants and disrespectful to your teacher.
For a small number of participants, attendance may be a condition of their visa.
Public Holidays
The College operates as normal on all public holidays. However, students need to remember that the local buses may run to a restricted timetable!
Materials
All necessary materials are provided as part of the course fee.
