RAMSGATE

Churchill House School of English Language

STUDENT HANDBOOK
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
 Post
Student’s name
c/o Churchill House School of English Language

CONTENTS 42 Spencer Square

Ramsgate
Kent CT11 9EQ
03 / YOUR FIRST DAY
Tel:: 0044 (0)1843 630
Fax: 0044 (0)1843 584827
04 / FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND
welcome@churchillhouse.co.uk
THE SCHOOL
www.churchillhouse.com

05 / QUALITY ASSURANCE AND

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

06 / ABOUT YOUR LESSONS

08 / STUDENT LEARNING ZONE

09 / ABOUT YOUR ACCOMMODATION

10 / SOCIAL CLUB

12 / COURSE RESERVATIONS

13 / GENERAL ENQUIRIES AND

FINANCIAL MATTERS

14 / YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH AND

SAFETY

15 / BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

16 / THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

17 / ABOUT RAMSGATE
 YOUR FIRST DAY

FIRST DAY
This may be your first visit to Churchill
House, or perhaps your first visit to
England. This information booklet will
answer many of the questions you wish
to ask about your course, your stay in
Ramsgate and our English customs and
laws.
But please remember… if you are
unsure about anything, or you require
any further advice, our friendly staff are
always pleased to help.
We will do everything we can to make
your stay here both successful and
enjoyable.
We look forward to welcoming you to
Churchill House.

YOUR JOURNEY RECEPTION PROCEDURES

Flying Lessons start on a Monday (Tuesday if it is a Bank
collect your luggage, pass through immigration and Holiday weekend in the U.K.). You will have received a
customs and then come into the Arrivals Hall. letter asking you to report to the School at either 08.00
or 08.30 on the Monday after your arrival.
 If you have booked a taxi or our transfer service
 the driver will be holding a sign saying Churchill On arrival at the School you will follow our intake
House. (Emergency transfer number 07531427628.) reception procedure where we will check that
everything is OK with you. You should have sent your
 2 hours journey to Ramsgate from Heathrow
test to us before your arrival, once you have seen
and 90 minutes from Gatwick.
reception you will have a short interview with a Course
 If you are travelling independently Director then you will go to class.
 fast rail links from both Heathrow and Gatwick
You will meet the Social Club staff on your first day.
direct into London.
They will tell you all about the activities and trips on
 Direct Trains from Victoria and St Pancras offer and you will be taken on an orientation tour of
International to Ramsgate. Ramsgate.
 Taxis outside Ramsgate Station.
By Ferry
 If you are arriving at Dover,
 Free buses from Dover Harbour to Dover Priory
Railway Station after each ferry arrival.
 Trains depart from Dover to Ramsgate and take
approximately 40 minutes.
by Eurostar to Ashford and St Pancras International
 you can take a train direct from Ashford
International to Ramsgate; these depart every hour
and the journey time is approximately 50 minutes.
You will already have received details of your host
family, and if you are in one of our taxis or have
booked the shared transfer service you will be taken
directly to this family.

Your First Day

3
 FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND THE SCHOOL

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND THE SCHOOL

Finding your way around any new building can be
difficult, so here is some information to help you.
 The School has three buildings:
Spencer Square, the Paragon and the Executive
Centre.
 The classrooms in Spencer Square all have the
prefix ‘S’ and then the room number:
Ground floor S01
The following offices are located in Spencer
Square:
Ground floor Social Club
Entrance Lounge
Reception
Accounts
First floor Accommodation
Sales
Basement Director of Studies
Teaching Department

 The room numbers in the Paragon all have the

Spencer Square
prefix ‘P’ and then the room number:
Basement Clubroom
First floor P10, P11, P12,
P14, P15, P16
Second floor P20, P21, P22,
Top Floor P30, P31, P32, P33, P34,
Internet Room, Rosetta
The Paragon Stone room, bookshop,
Student Learning Zone and
quiet study rooms

 The room numbers in the Executive Centre all

have the prefix ‘E’ and then the room number.
Ground floor E01, E02, E05, E06
First floor E11, E12, E13, E14, E15,
Executive Centre E16

Finding your way around the school

4
 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND
STUDENT SATISFACTION
We have our own quality assurance
scheme and we want to know that
we are offering a high quality
service. Any students here less than
4 weeks will be seen by a member
of our sales team. In addition all
students staying longer than 4
weeks are invited to a chat with
either the Teaching Department,
Accommodation Manager or Social
Club Manager, half way through
their course to give feedback on all
aspects of their stay. All 16 & 17
year olds are called in for monthly
meetings by either the Teaching
Department or Social Club. Leaving
Questionnaires are distributed
towards the end of your course.
Please help us to maintain and
improve our quality by filling in and
returning these forms. Thank you.
If you have any problems, worries
or concerns about any aspect of
your stay at Churchill House please
speak to a member of staff in the
appropriate department as soon as
possible. Most problems or worries
can be resolved quickly and easily
if dealt with immediately. If your
problem is not solved immediately,
please see our Complaints
Procedure.
Quality Assurance and Complaints Procedure
5
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Teaching
 Speak to your teacher first
 If still unhappy talk to a
Course Director
 If it is a very serious complaint
arrange to see the Director of
Studies
Other Departments
 Please see the Head of
Department concerned (e.g.
the Accommodation
Manager, the Social Club
Manager, the Financial
Controller for financial
matters and the Director
(Sales & Marketing) for
matters concerning sales or
publicity.
 If you are not sure who to
see, please ask in Reception
 If you are still not happy you
may arrange to take your
complaint to the owner of the
school. Please see reception
to arrange an appointment.
 In case you are still unhappy,
we have a serious complaint
form available from the Social
Club. Please just call in and
ask for it.
 Finally, Churchill House is
accredited by the British
Council and is also a member
of English UK (see notice
boards). Both these
organisations have
procedures whereby they can
raise any serious complaint
with the school on your
behalf if our own procedures
have still left you dissatisfied.
ABOUT YOUR LESSONS

ABOUT YOUR LESSONS

WHO DO I SEE?
Anne Cave Director of Studies
Nick Care Course Director
WHERE?
The Teaching Department can be found
in the basement of the Spencer Square
building (downstairs).
HOW MANY LEVELS ARE THERE?
There are 6 levels.

WHO DO I SEE ABOUT MY CLASS DETAILS?

When you arrive at the School you have an interview with one of our Course
Directors. The information provided by your English Ability Questionnaire,
your test and this interview helps us to place you in a class at the appropriate
level. The Course Director will also help you to choose an Elective Programme
of interesting and useful subjects if you have booked afternoon lessons.
WHAT WILL MY TIMETABLE OF LESSONS BE?
The three main types of courses (apart from one-to-one and other specially
arranged classes) are:
 M20: 20 lessons per week (45 minutes per lesson). All students take
these classes usually from 9.00 AM to 12.20 (3 hours per day plus a 20
minute break). The classes cover all aspects of learning English and
practising the four skills (Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening) using
recognised course books and a wide range of materials from our extensive
Resources Centre.
 I26: 26 lessons per week including the morning classes (as in M20 above)
plus 6 extra lessons (5 hours per week) on two afternoons per week.
These extra 5 hours make one Elective class. The Elective classes cover a
wide range of topics and skills areas (e.g. IELTS exam work, Pronunciation,
Writing Development, etc.) and the Course Director will help you to create
your own menu of Elective choices appropriate to your level and needs so
that each month you can study a subject that is of special interest to you
or will help you improve your weaker areas. These lessons take place
usually between 1.30 and 4.20pm on two afternoons either on a
Monday/Tuesday or a Wednesday/ Thursday.

 I32: 32 lessons per week (15 hours in the morning as in M20 above) plus
10 hours of extra lessons (2 Elective choices) on four afternoons per week.
As in I26 you will create your own menu in discussion with the Course
Director and change your electives each month.

About your lessons

6
 ABOUT YOUR LESSONS

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I WISH TO CHANGE MY CLASS? EXAMINATION COURSES

You should first talk to your teacher who may be able to help you If you wish to take an examination, you may join
personally. Your teacher may also consult your Course Director one of our examination courses provided you are at
so that we can give you suitable advice. If your teacher cannot the correct level and there is a place available. If
help you, go and see your Course Director in the Teaching you go to the Sales office on the first floor of the
Department office. Spencer Square Building, a Course Consultant will
give you all the information you require. Please
HOW MUCH HOMEWORK CAN I EXPECT ON AVERAGE note that the official enrolment date for
PER WEEK? examinations is often earlier than the date of the
On average about 5 hours a week. Naturally this varies according commencement of the course.
to your ability and the type of course you are following. If you are The months in which examinations are held are
on an examination course you may expect to do approximately shown below.
double this amount.
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATIONS
CAN I HAVE PRIVATE LESSONS?
 Preliminary English Test (PET)
If you want private lessons during school hours, go and see the  First Certificate (FCE)
Sales Department. Private lessons can also be arranged for you
with a teacher outside school hours, in which case payment is  Advanced (CAE)
made direct to the teacher at a rate advised by the school. Please  Proficiency (CPE)
speak to the teacher directly or ask in the Teaching Department
office. Examination Enrolment
PET March February
WHAT DO I DO IF I CAN’T COME TO CLASS?
FCE March January
You are expected to attend class everyday, as a courtesy to your CAE March January
teachers, fellow students and sponsors we expect you to arrive PET May March
on time. If you are ill, please phone the school, or ask your family FCE June March
or a friend to let us know. If you miss class for any other reason, CAE June March
please give your reason to your teacher. If you do not attend
CPE June March
regularly, we may ask you to leave the class.
PET November October
WHERE DO I GET A CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT? FCE December October
CAE December October
The Certificate confirms that you studied at Churchill House and
gives information on the number of class hours you completed CPE December October
and your final class level. The Certificate will be given to you by INFORMATION ON OTHER EXAMINATION
your morning teacher in your last week of class. If your COURSES
attendance falls below 80%, you may not be issued with a
Certificate of Attendance. The school will also give you information on other
exams.
IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, etc.
If you are interested in these exams or want advice,
please go and speak to a Course Director for more
information.

About your lessons

7
 STUDENT LEARNING ZONE

STUDENT LEARNING ZONE

(Rosetta Stone and Internet Rooms)
Please see notice board for opening times
As a student of Churchill House you have the
opportunity to use our Student Learning Zone which
includes the Rosetta Stone English Language Learning
Programmes on all computers in the Rosetta Stone
Room. This will help you improve your listening and
pronunciation. The school also maintains its own online
collection of recommended resources in all skills,
Reading Writing Listening and Speaking as well as
grammar and vocabulary practice, to help you in your
learning. You can use the computers in the Rosetta
Stone or Internet Rooms to access these or on your
own devices wherever you have internet access.
Wi-Fi is available in the Paragon building on all floors,
including The Clubroom and The Churchill Tavern. It is BOOKSHOP
also available in the Spencer Square building. You borrow your course books from the Bookshop on
payment of a deposit which will be approximately £30.
LIBRARY
You can then return them at the end of the course and
There is a library of graded readers which can be
you will receive your deposit back provided that you
accessed when visiting the bookshop or Student
have not written in the books and that they are in good
Learning Zone. You will need to pay a deposit for a
library card. The deposit will be refunded on return of condition. You can also buy dictionaries and borrow
the card at the end of your course. There is also an reading books. The bookshop is open for a short
honesty library of donated books, general fiction and period each day after morning class and on intake
non-fiction, which are free to use. Monday mornings before class.
The times are on the bookshop door and may vary
INTERNET ROOM throughout the year.
We have 15 computers with free access to the Internet. The School has an extensive website and we are always
You can also use the computers for letters and written
work using Microsoft Office or a variety of CD Rom interested in receiving contributions from students.
based English language training aids. Why not write a short report about the last trip you
went on with the Social Club? Give us your impressions
Please see notice board for opening times
of England and Ramsgate? Or tell us about you, your
home town and your reasons for being here. Any
original articles will always be considered. Please let us
borrow your photographs as well, as this will help other
students who are thinking of coming to the school and
give them a feeling of what life at Churchill House is
like.

Student Learning Zone

8
 ABOUT YOUR ACCOMMODATION
HOW CAN I CHANGE MY FAMILY?
If you wish to change your family for any reason, you
should go to the Accommodation Office.
WILL MY FAMILY DO MY WASHING?
Yes, your family will do a normal amount of
washing for you. If there is a great amount of
washing to do, the family may make a small
charge for this service.
WILL MY FAMILY DO MY IRONING?
Adult students do their own ironing, for Juniors
the host family will do it.
DRY CLEANING
There are two Dry Cleaners close to the School:
Paris Cleaners 73 Queen Street
West One Dry Cleaners 21 King Street
WHERE CAN I STUDY?
There will normally be a desk or study table in your
bedroom. Alternatively the host family will be able to
offer you the use of a separate study room. Please go
to the accommodation office after your arrival if you
are not satisfied with your study facilities.
CAN I MAKE AND RECEIVE TELEPHONE CALLS
FROM MY FAMILY?
It is normally best not to use the host families
telephone unless in an emergency. There are
telephones at the School and there are public
telephones around Ramsgate.
Please remember that you are a guest in your English
family’s home. If you treat them with consideration they
will appreciate you even more!
About your accommodation
9
ABOUT YOUR ACCOMMODATION
WHO DO I SEE?
Susan Thompson - Accommodation Manager
Dawn Ansell- Assistant Accommodation Mgr
WHERE?
The Accommodation Office can be found on the
first floor of the Spencer Square building.
Your family will be booked for you before you
arrive. We know all our families personally and
take great care trying to find you the right
family.
If you have any problems regarding your
accommodation, we will be happy to talk to you
about them. If you need help with immigration
and visa matters, they can offer advice and
assistance.
DO I HAVE A KEY?
Student over 16 years of age will be given a house key.
Please look after it, or you will have to pay for a
replacement.
WILL THE EVENING MEAL BE AT A CERTAIN TIME
EACH DAY?
Yes. Most English families eat at the same time each
day.
WILL I BE EXPECTED TO HELP WITH THE
HOUSEHOLD CHORES?
It will be appreciated if you make your own bed each
day and keep your bedroom tidy, but your host family
will do the cleaning.
Some students also like to help at dinner time, clearing
the table or washing the dishes as all members of the
family do.
ARE THE FAMILY INSTRUCTED TO SPEND A
CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME TALKING TO ME?
The families are aware that conversation is an
important part of your learning and will try to talk with
you as much as possible within their daily routine.
CAN YOU FIND ME A FLAT?
The Accommodation Department has a list of a limited
number of flats and bedsits for students and can assist
you in trying to find a suitable one. Please note that
you will be responsible for all dealings with the
landlord.
SOCIAL CLUB

SOCIAL CLUB
WHO DO I SEE?
John Benfield Social Club Manager
WHERE?
Social Club is on the ground floor of the
Spencer Square building.
WHAT DO WE DO?
The Social Club Manager is responsible for
overall planning of trips, activities and sports,
and can also help you join local clubs and
organisations, as well as insurance,
reconfirming flights and renewing
membership cards.
If you have any problems or queries regarding
social activities, he will be happy to talk to you.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL CLUB?

You are automatically a member when you enrol on your course at
Churchill House. The membership fee is included in your course fee.
When you arrive at the School, you receive a Student Identity Card.
Please make sure you put your photograph on it immediately and
bring your card to the Social Club to be laminated. You must carry
your membership card with you at all times. The card is only valid for
the duration of your course so if you change or extend your stay you
will need to have a new card.
WHAT CAN I DO LOCALLY?
WHERE DO I GET THE COACH FOR
Ask in the Social Club for maps, timetable and leaflets on museums, EXCURSIONS?
sport and recreation. We will give you up-to-date opening times and
prices. Coach trips usually depart from the
Royal Esplanade, please ask the Social
WHERE DO I BUY TICKETS FOR SOCIAL CLUB ACTIVITIES? Club for details. Some evening and half
From the Social Club Office in the Entrance Lounge. day trips start from the train station.
The office is open from 09.00 - 17.00, and from 08.30 – 18.30 in July Please read the Notice Board in the
and August. Entrance Lounge for information about
departure places and time.
We offer a most comprehensive range of tours, excursions, sports and
Remember to take your Student Card as
activities. There is always something to do during the weekends.
you will be asked to show it as you get
We have overseen hundreds of trips to Paris, Amsterdam and Scotland on the coach. Also remember to listen to
etc. which are popular. Alternatively, there are regular day trips to your guide’s information and to return
London, Oxford, Bath and many other destinations within England to at the correct time! Ask if you are not
choose from. sure about times – your guide will
WHO SUPERVISES THE ACTIVITIES & ACCOMPANIES THE always help if you have not understood.
TRIPS? WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION
Our Social Club Staff, Teachers and Activity Leaders. They will help you FOR TRIPS FOR THE WEEK?
to use your English and give you as much information as possible on
In the Entrance Lounge on the Social
your excursions so that you can make the most of your free time. If
Club Notice Board, in the Clubroom and
you are under 18 years old, you must be accompanied by a
in the classrooms. You can always ask in
responsible adult at all times when you are on an organised activity.
the Social Club for information.
If you are under 18 years old, you must follow the arranged
programme.
Social Club
10
 SOCIAL CLUB
WHAT ELSE DOES THE SOCIAL CLUB DO?
Everything to make your free time as enjoyable and
beneficial as possible!
Our Social Club staff will help you: travel independently;
join local clubs (for example Ramsgate Football Club
and Thanet Wanderers Rugby Club) book theatre
tickets to shows (such as Phantom of the Opera, The
Lion King, We Will Rock You); confirm flight times; tell
you bus times; give you taxi numbers; organise car hire;
help you retrieve your lost luggage; book dental
appointments and medical appointments if you wish,
and go to the hospital with you if necessary.
We also offer excursions to specialist activities such as
golf, seal watching, Go Ape! (a hire wire forest
adventure with zip wires, climbing and obstacle
courses) and many others.
If you have a specific interest in any leisure activity,
come to the Social Club office and we will strive to
ensure that all of your needs are accommodated.
The Social Club can also arrange your travel and
medical insurance for you.
THE CHURCHILL TAVERN
OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Saturday 11.30-23.00
Sunday 12.30-22.30
Any problems that occur within the Pub should be
brought to the attention of a member of staff
immediately so that the problem can be resolved.
Students under 18 years of age are not allowed into
the Pub.
WHAT DOES THE PUB OFFER?
A wonderful opportunity to speak English after class
with your new friends and the local residents.
A great selection of drinks are available from the bar
including traditional real ale (English beer). Real
home-made food is available in the Restaurant at
lunch time and during the evenings.
Social Club
11
THE CLUBROOM
OPENING HOURS:
Summer: Winter:
Daytime 9.30 - 17.30 Please See Social
Evenings from 20.30-02.00 Club for Times
All Clubroom Activities are displayed on the Notice
Board in the Lounge area of Spencer Square.
As a member of Churchill House Social Club you
automatically have free membership of the Clubroom.
You will be asked to show your Student Identity Card
before you are allowed into the Clubroom so please
remember to carry it with you at all times.
Please remember that English pub laws and customs mean
that you cannot buy or drink alcohol if you are under 18 years
old.
WHAT DOES THE CLUBROOM OFFER?
The opportunity to relax and make friends.
A friendly meeting place to enjoy your coffee-break in
the morning. Have a cup of tea, croissant or a scone.
We also offer a lunch menu.
A great place for evening activities and events including
welcome parties, discos, karaoke, cabaret and party
nights.
CAN I BRING A GUEST?
Ask the Social Club Manager for a special invitation.
This will usually be given to you for a single occasion.
CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD INTO THE
CLUBROOM?
No. We regret that you cannot bring your own food
into the Clubroom. We offer a wide selection of snacks
and lunches at very competitive prices. Your own food
can be eaten in the Student Lounge in Spencer Square.
CAN I CALL A TAXI TO GET HOME?
Yes. There are phones to call taxis situated in the
Spencer Square building and The Churchill Tavern. If in
doubt, please ask one of the staff who will be only too
happy to assist you.
COURSE RESERVATIONS

CAN I GET A
CLASS RESERVATIONS HOW DO I DO THIS? REFUND IF I HAVE
See a member of the Sales Department. TO LEAVE THE
WHO DO I SEE?
It is worth noting that if you are a part SCHOOL?
Any of the course consultants in the sales
time student who has 15 hours per week Our cancellation policy
office.
there may be some weeks when your is as follows:
WHERE WILL I FIND THEM? class takes place in the afternoon.
If you cancel your
The Sales Department is situated on the CAN I CHANGE FROM I32/I26 TO course because you
first floor of the Churchill House Spencer M20 LESSONS? visa application was
Square building. You may already have Not normally. We have reserved the place refused, we will refund
spoken to one of the consultants prior to for you in the class already and cannot 100% of fees paid on
your arrival and we are always keen to then cancel the booking. receipt of the original
put the face to the name, so do feel free WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION written visa refusal.
to come in and say hello. We are here to ABOUT FUTURE COURSES? If you cancel your
assist with any further course reservations course or
The Sales Department will be happy to
you may require and make suggestions give you personal consultancy on future accommodation up to
on the best available options for your courses. 21 days before the start
study. date, we will refund the
You can collect a copy of our School
CAN I EXTEND MY COURSE? Prospectus and a number of other Course total fees paid minus
brochures including; the enrolment fee and
In the first instance you would have an homestay finding fee
interview with a Course Director to ensure  English Home Tuition courses
for non-summer
that there is a suitable class available for  Work Experience programme customers. If you
you. When this has been confirmed then  Summer School courses. cancel your course less
the Course Consultant will make the than 21 days before
administrative changes necessary for you the start date, the full
to continue your studies. value of fees paid,
minus the enrolment
CAN I BOOK AN EXAMINATION fee and homestay
COURSE? finding fee for non-
Yes, we would need to determine that summer customers, will
your level is correct and that there is a be transferred to
place available on the course. The Course another course of your
Consultant can advise you after choice at a later date.
discussion with the Teaching Department. If you wish to cancel all
Please note that the enrolment date for or part of your course
Examination Courses is often much earlier or accommodation
than the starting date for the course. after your arrival, 4
weeks’ notice must be
CAN I BOOK ADDITIONAL LESSONS? given. The balance of
If you are booked on an M20 course the accommodation
(mornings only) you may wish to increase fees will be refunded in
your lessons to either I26 (additional two full and the balance of
afternoons tuition) or I32 (additional four the tuition fees will be
afternoons tuition).We have a variety of transferred to another
afternoon electives available covering a course at a later date. If
wide range of subject areas. You can less than the required
notice period is given, 4
discuss your options with the Course
weeks’ tuition and
Directors and then book your extra
accommodation fees
tuition through the Sales Office. will still be deducted
from the remaining
balance.

Course Reservations
12
 GENERAL ENQUIRIES AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

WHO DO I SEE?
Birgit Wilson - Reception/Admission Officer

WHERE?
Reception is on the ground floor in the
Spencer Square building, through the entrance
on the left.

WHAT DO WE DO?
Birgit can help with all general enquiries. She
can always tell you who to see if she cannot
answer your questions.

WHERE DO I GO TO PAY FOR MY LESSONS & ACCOMMODATION?

Please go to Reception where Birgit will help you.
WHERE DO I GET MY POCKET MONEY IF I HAVE SENT IT IN ADVANCE?
Please go to Reception and see Birgit. Pocket money day is Thursday only.
WHERE CAN I MAKE TELEPHONE CALLS?
There is a public telephone by the Tennis Courts in Spencer Square and in the Churchill Tavern. You can make cheaper
calls by getting International Telephone Cards from the Social Club.
DO YOU HAVE INTERNET FACILITIES?
Yes, we have an Internet Room with free internet access. Wireless Internet access is available in the Spencer Squre and
Paragon buildings.
HOW CAN I EXTEND MY VISA?
Any visa or passport questions are dealt with by the Sales Department (first floor Spencer Square building). They can
also give you information regarding entry visas for other countries. Police Registrations are dealt with by the
Accommodation Department.
WHAT DO I DO IF I LOSE SOMETHING?
Go to the Social Club on the ground floor of the Spencer Square building, where our staff will do their best to help
you.
INFORMATION ON FURTHER EDUCATION IN ENGLAND
There are leaflets in the Social Club advising you on further education opportunities in England.
QUIET ROOM
Go to the Social Club and they will tell you what room is available

General Enquiries and Financial Matters

13
 YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
HOW CAN I ARRANGE TO SEE A DOCTOR OR
DENTIST?
It is advisable to see a doctor if you are too ill to
attend school. Your host family should make an
appointment for you with their doctor or dentist. If
they have any problems making an appointment or
you are living in an apartment or bed-sit you
should contact the Social Club or Accommodation
Office and they can do this for you.
You are NOT automatically covered by the National
Health Service in the UK, unless you are a member
of the EU or your country has a special agreement
with the British Government. All students who are
studying here for more than six months and are
not nationals of an EU country or one having a
special agreement should ask the Social Club or
Accommodation Office about the possibility of
registering for National Health Service treatment.
FIRST AID
If you need urgent care when you are at School we
have a number of qualified First Aiders. All can be
contacted from Reception. First Aid boxes are
positioned in all the buildings. Please read the First
Aid sign in your classroom.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 07889
029017
To be used in cases of real emergencies outside
school hours, e.g. accident/ serious illness.
HOSPITAL
The Queen Elizabeth, The Queen
Mother Hospital,
St Peters Road, Margate
Telephone: 01843 225544
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY
Always keep your bag with you and make sure it is closed
when you’re walking in the streets.
Keep your mobile phone somewhere safe and not on display.
There is no need to carry large amounts of money or your
passport with you. Just carry what you need for the day but
always make sure have enough change for emergencies. That
way, if your bag is misplaced, not everything will be lost.
PUBS AND CLUBS
You cannot buy alcohol if you are under 18, but you can buy a
soft drink in a pub (Coke for example) if you are over 16. After
an evening with your friends, say your goodbyes before
leaving the pub or club and go straight home, rather than
standing around in the street in large groups, as this blocks the
pavement for passers-by.
TRAVELLING
Always let your host family know where you are going and
when you will be back, even if you are independent.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
When you are waiting for a bus or train, always stand
somewhere well-lit. Try not to sit in an empty train carriage,
especially late at night.
TAXIS
Always pre-book your taxi and use a reliable company. When
the taxi arrives, ask who it has come for and always sit behind
the driver.
WALKING HOME
After an activity or a visit to the pub with your friends, try to
make sure you walk home with another student who lives near
you or in the same direction. Do not walk through the parks or
on the beaches late at night.
Make sure your mobile is charged and you have some credit,
in case you need to contact someone in an emergency. It is a
good idea to give your mobile phone number to your host
family and to keep your host family’s phone number with you
in case you need to contact them.
Ramsgate is much less dangerous than many other places, but
it is wise to be careful in the summer and avoid the seafront
late at night. Using a taxi is a cheap and safe way to get home.
REMEMBER, IF YOU DO RUN INTO ANY TROUBLE
REPORT IT. COME AND SEE OUR SOCIAL CLUB
MANAGER. IF NECESSARY, HE WILL REPORT ANY
INCIDENT TO THE POLICE. CHURCHILL HOUSE AND THE
POLICE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.
Your personal health and safety
14
 YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

WATCH OUT – WATCH OUT! HARASSMENT AND BULLYING

From time to time property gets stolen.
Please be careful to keep personal
belongings with you at all times. The
School cannot be held responsible for
anything you may lose through theft.
DRUGS
Churchill House regards all forms of harassment and bullying as
unacceptable whether from students, group leaders or staff.
Bullying or harassing behaviour can be defined as abuse involving
mental, physical or verbal actions which, either by individuals or
groups, are intended to intimidate or exploit others, and which, by a
reasonable person, would be seen as unacceptable behaviour in an
educational environment and workplace.

All drugs, other than those taken for
medical reasons, are illegal. You could be
deported or sent to prison for having
drugs. If you are found to be using,
buying or selling drugs on school
property, you will be expelled and sent
home even if no action is taken by the
Police.
OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
Weapons such as knives, gas sprays or
liquid sprays are illegal in Britain. If you
are found in possession of one, you will
be expelled. If you have brought any
weapons with you, please inform the
school straightaway. Do not buy any
weapons while you are in England as they
will be taken away from you.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is forbidden in all areas of
Churchill House School and is banned in
all public places. It is an offence to stand
outside a public building and smoke.
If you feel that you are in any way being bullied or intimidated by
another student, either in your class or in your host family or a
member of staff, you should tell someone immediately. You can call
into the Accommodation Office or Social Club at any time and have
a confidential chat.
DISCIPLINARY POLICY FOR STUDENTS
If students are found to be involved in bullying and harassment then
action will be taken:
 In the first instance they will be spoken to by their class teacher
and informed that they must cease such behaviour. If the
behaviour continues, the teacher will report the matter to the
Course Director or Director of Studies who will call the student/s
in and talk to them. (If the student is part of a group, then the
group leader will be informed). At this meeting the individual/s
involved will be informed that if their behaviour continues more
serious action will be taken.
 Further action may take the form of excluding them from class
for short periods (sin bin) or for the rest of the day/a day and
giving them grammar exercises to do instead (under observation
in the Teaching department).
 Continued unacceptable behaviour may result in removal from
class for longer periods and further punishments. At this stage
parents or the agent will be informed that another recurrence will
lead to expulsion at their expense.
 The final course of action will be expulsion from the school.

FIRE
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TREAT
THE SOUNDING OF THE FIRE
ALARM AS A REAL FIRE!
Never stop to collect personal
belongings. Do not re-enter the building
until you are told it is safe.
Every month your teacher will ask you to
follow a Fire Drill. This may seem
repetitive but as your classroom changes
and so do the students, it is important
for your safety. Your teacher will tell you
exactly what to do. Evacuation
procedures are displayed in all
classrooms.

Your personal health and safety

15
 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

EMERGENCY
If you require a doctor, this can be booked through the
Accommodation office, Social Club or through your
host family. In a real emergency outside school hours
e.g. accident or serious illness you should use the
school’s emergency telephone number 07889 029017.
The emergency number for the police is 999.

If you are stopped by the police for any reason, please

contact the school’s emergency telephone number
07889 029017 immediately.

TRAFFIC
We drive on the left. Be careful! Always look right first.

HOTELS, BARS AND PUBS

You are allowed to drink alcohol if you are 18 years old
or over. It is illegal to buy an alcoholic drink for anyone
under 18.

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol.

Please remember that pub customs in Britain may be
rather different to those in your own country. In this
country, everybody is expected to buy a drink as soon
as they enter a pub, and to buy more drinks if they stay
a long time. The landlord could ask you to leave if you
do not do this.
TIPPING
Even if you are over 18, the landlord has the right to
refuse to serve you or ask you to leave the bar, without We usually tip taxi drivers, coach drivers, porters,
giving any reason. hairdressers and, if service is not included in the
restaurant, you may tip the waiter if you wish. The
amount you give depends on you. An average amount
would be 10% of the total bill.

LOCAL RESIDENTS
When you leave discos late at night, remember that
the people living nearby will probably have to go to
work in a few hours so please be as quiet as possible.
Also, when you are walking with or meeting a large
group of people, try not to block the footpaths or
roadways. This causes a great deal of irritation to
other people, and could be very dangerous to an
elderly person.

QUEUING (Standing in line)

A very important custom! In Britain, we always queue
one behind the other at places such as bus stops,
cinemas and shops. This is to make sure everyone is
served in order. If you do not queue, you will cause
offence to many people.
Things you should know
16
 ABOUT RAMSGATE

BANKS:
 Barclays Bank - 13 Queen Street, Ramsgate
 Halifax Bank - 2 Queen Street, Ramsgate
 HSBC - 1 High Street, Ramsgate
 Lloyds Bank - 9 Queen Street, Ramsgate
 NatWest Bank - 53 High Street, Ramsgate
 Santander – 40 High Street, Ramsgate
BANKING HOURS
They are very unusual! 09.30-17.00 daily excluding
Saturdays and Sundays.
Some local banks are open longer and may also open
on Saturday mornings but you should check this.
CASH POINTS
POST OFFICE
There are numerous cash points in the town centre,
including at the above banks. The main Post Office is at 42-48 High Street, Ramsgate.
Opening Hours are 09.00-17.30.
HOW DO I OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT?
To open a bank account in the United Kingdom you will TELEPHONES
require the following There are numerous public phones around Ramsgate:
documentation:  In the Churchill Tavern
Valid full passport or national identity card, signed in  By the Tennis Courts in Spencer Square
accordance with the laws of that country.  Near Waitrose Supermarket in Westcliff Road
Letter of introduction from the school you are  Near Wilkinsons Superstore in York Street
attending.
USEFUL NUMBERS:
Official confirmation of your home address. (this can be
in the form of a current statement of account for either  Operator - Dial 100
a bank or credit card and must be in English  UK Directory Enquiries - Dial 118 500
characters).  International Directory Enquiries - Dial 118 505
 Help in making an international call - Dial 155

TRAVEL AGENTS: SHOPS

Opening Hours are usually:09.00 - 17.30
Thomas Cook 23 Queen Street LIBRARY
TUI 5 High Street The library is located in Guildford Lawn
You can exchange currency at Thomas Cook Opening hours: Mon – Fri 09.00-18.00 Sat 09.00-17.00
(commission free with your student card) and the main DRY CLEANERS
Post Office and of course, at the various banks. There are two Dry Cleaners close to the School:
 Paris Cleaners 74 Queen Street
POLICE
 Grange Launderette & Dry Cleaners, 42 Grange Road
The police station is situated at 26/28 York Street and
ADAPTORS
is open from 09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday and
In England we have 240 volts electricity and use 3 pin
10.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. plugs. If you need an adaptor, you can buy one from the
The station is closed on Sunday. Social Club in the Spencer Square building on the ground
floor.
The police telephone number is 01622 690690.

About Ramsgate
17
 ABOUT RAMSGATE

RESTAURANTS & SANDWICH BARS

We have our own Pub, our own Restaurant and our
own Clubroom with Restaurant. There are also
restaurants and sandwich bars in the town centre.
Opening hours vary.
If you wish to bring your own food to school, e.g.
sandwiches and drinks, you may use the Entrance
Lounge in Spencer Square but NOT classrooms. As is
the case with all restaurants and catering
establishments you may NOT bring food into The
Clubroom or the Churchill Tavern.

LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Ask in the Social Club for our information sheet ‘What
to do locally?’ They will also advise you on up–to-date
opening times and how to get there.
The local Tourist Information Office also has
information. Please ask Social Club where to find the
Tourist Information Office or visit
http://www.visitthanet.co.uk
PLACES OF WORSHIP
TAXIS  Synagogue :
293 Margate Road, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 6TA
In Ramsgate, taxis are easily available, and cheap. It
should not costyou more than £3.50 for any journey  Mosque :
within Ramsgate. Former Church, Union Crescent, Margate, Kent,CT9
1NR
 Anglican Church:
Saint Mark’s Anglican Parish Church, 4 Pysons
Road, Ramsgate, CT12
 Catholic Church:
72 Hereson Road, Ramsgate, CT11 7DS
 Orthodox Church:
8 Westbrook Cottages Margate, Kent CT9 5BE
For more information about local places of
worship, please see Social Club.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
TRAINS
There are trains between the Thanet towns. Ramsgate,
Dumpton Park, Broadstairs, Margate, Birchington,
Westgate-on-Sea and Minster.
BUSES
The ‘Thanet Loop’ offers you a regular service
between Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs. A
Dayrider is £2.60 and a weekly Megarider £10.00
(Subject to change). Information and timetables are
also available in the Social Club.

About Ramsgate
18
 ABOUT RAMSGATE

RAMSGATE
Perhaps being so close to Europe helps infuse
Ramsgate with a cosmopolitan vibe. Pavements cafes
frame waterfront bars. A bustling harbour borders a
yacht-packed marina. Awash with history and
overflowing with continental charm, it’s a must-see
historic port.
South-facing Ramsgate is proud of its status as
England's only Royal Harbour. It also boasts its very
own Meridian Line. Five minutes and 41 seconds ahead
of GMT, you'll find it in the Maritime Museum, along
with artefacts evoking the town's rich heritage of
fishing, shipbuilding and shipwrecks.
Ramsgate's compelling past includes landings by
Anglo-Saxons, Romans and Saints - it is also part of the
historic Confederation of Cinque Ports. Fine
architecture peppers the town. Look out for elegant
Georgian terraces and impressive Regency villas - and
visit The Grange, the first so-called 'modern' house.
This Victorian Gothic confection was built by architect
Augustus Pugin, who designed the interiors of the
House of Parliament. Some of his and his sons' other
works still dot the town - track them down on a self- In Ramsgate, the sea is irresistible. Hop on a boat trip to
guided tour. Don't miss St Augustine’s Church, next to spot seals on the Goodwin Sands, discover gorgeous
The Grange; the 'ideal church' that Pugin built and beaches and bays, or view the Thanet Offshore Windfarm's
designed. 100 turbines. Back in town, get a nostalgia fix and flex your
fingers on scores of vintage machines at the Pinball Parlour
or bask in the warmth of the exquisitely restored, Georgian
Italianate Greenhouse.
Superb walking trails lead from the bustling port to the
exhilarating cliffs; walk the coast path to Broadstairs, or
head south on the epic Saxon Shore Way to bird and
wildlife-rich Pegwell Bay Country Park. What better way to
discover the town then via one of the three walking routes -
Active Ramsgate.
Ramsgate's acclaimed restaurants deserve a visit too. The
sea front is lined with smart restaurants, bars and cafes
serving a wide variety local, international and modern
British cuisines.
Each August Bank Holiday, the Summer Squall multi-arts
festival serves up a feast of workshops, exhibitions, film,
theatre and dance. While in July, Thanet at War brings the
1940s vividly to life.
And getting here is supremely simple too with high-speed
train links to London. Ramsgate is perfectly placed for a
cosmopolitan break.
See more at:
http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/destinations/ramsgate/10539?
microSiteId=210#sthash.j4AKI0x0.dpuf
About Ramsgate
19
We look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy your stay!

Churchill House, Spencer Square,

Ramsgate, Kent, England, CT11 9EQ

t: +44 (0) 1843 586833

f: +44 (0) 1843 584827

e: welcome@churchillhouse.co.uk

w: www.churchillhouse.com