(21 September, 2017, Nanjing, China) As leading experts in the field of English language teaching and assessment, the British Council is officially launching its first English Centre in China, Nanjing, which is specifically designed for adult students following a flexible course model.
The British Council’s English Centre in Nanjing opens on 11 September this year, with classes starting on 20 October. The first branch will launch the British Council’s ‘myClass’ English programme for adult learners in Nanjing.
An opening ceremony, attended by members of the British Council Executive Board and management team, British Consul-General in Shanghai, and other key guests from the local government, academic and business communities, was held at the Intercontinental Hotel Nanjing to commemorate the occasion.
In her speech to formally announce the opening of the teaching centre, the British Council Director, China), Carma Elliot CMG OBE said:
“The launch of our teaching centre in Nanjing marks the beginning of a new chapter in the British Council’s long history of partnering in education with Jiangsu province, while also opening new doors for individuals keen to learn English to support their ambitions for their study, their careers, and other opportunities available to them. We have brought the very best of English teaching into the new British Council centre in Nanjing, and they are all looking forward to working with students who are keen to improve their language skills in a fun and professional environment.”
The British Council was established in China in 1943 by the renowned sinologist Joseph Needham and re-opened as the Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy in 1979. It operates today as the Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy/Consulates-General in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan, and as Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises for its exams and English businesses. Through the launch of its teaching centre, it is now formally presented in Jiangsu province and this will develop further the strong ties between Jiangsu Province and the UK.
The British Council is a respected world authority on English teaching, education systems and language assessment. It has taught English to over 100 million people in 100 countries around the world since its establishment in 1934. The British Council operates over 80 specialist training centres globally and has delivered English courses to nearly 392,000 adults, children and the corporate sector students through its network of over 83 teaching centres in over 50 countries. As the proud co-owner of IELTS, the British Council works in partnership with NEEA in mainland China.
It has a long history of engagement in the English sector in China and is a respected partner for the delivery of English educational services.. Through the launch of its first English Centre in China, the British Council brings world class expertise in the sector to the consumer market and provides Chinese English learners with an official platform to learn the English language, gain access to British culture and enhance opportunities for young Chinese professionals to engage with the UK.
Through the opening of the English centre in Nanjing, the British Council has expanded the UK’s footprint into Jiangsu providing a new audience with an opportunity to discover British language, education and culture. As a significant city in East China, the British Council has already led projects and built connections in Nanjing locally by delivering a series of events, including English Teaching Methodology Courses, UK-China Knowledge Economy Education Partnership, Workshops for Researchers, Musicians in Residence, Sean Scully’s exhibition amongst numerous others. It also opened the first ‘Aptis’ test operation centre in Jiangsu and set up two IELTS test centres in Nanjing.
‘myClass’ course
The British Council’s ‘myClass’ is a flexible English course which allows adults to be in control of their learning. It focuses on authentic everyday English with real-life topics and practical language tasks, which help strengthen English communication skills for workplace or everyday communication. It will provide language skills for one to enter into international study and seek further employment opportunities. Based on the learners’ schedule and preferences, learners can choose the lesson day, time, location, teacher, and topics that best suit their needs.
Courses are taught 100% face-to-face by the British Council’s professional teachers with the aim of activating the language one already has, and building upon it by learning new language. Throughout the learning journey with myClass, one will take an active role in every lesson and engage in practical real-life tasks in English. Learners will be able to use what they have learnt and communicate effectively so as to reach their goals with confidence.
Our English Teaching operation allows us to directly impact on individuals’ lives through creating opportunities for them to flourish. We are delighted to be bringing this platform to Nanjing.