What do the English classes cover for the 50+ course?
Lessons are designed to build confidence in communicating in English.
English course for adults 50 plus in Eastbourne
The 50+ course is an English class for 50 plus adults who wish to combine practising their English at a language school with an extensive programme of visits, activities and excursions in the company of like-minded people from around the world.
- Maximum students: 12
- Minimum age: 50
- Minimum duration: 2 weeks
- CEFR entry level:
- A2
- B1
- B2
- C1
Eastbourne, one of the sunniest towns in England, is an ideal location for a language holiday. On the south-coast of England just 90 minutes by train from London, Eastbourne is within easy reach of stunning countryside such as the white cliffs of Beachy Head and Seven Sisters and some of the most important historic sites in the last 1000 years of English history such as Lewes, Hastings and Battle.
ELC Eastbourne is located in the centre of town, less than 5 minutes’ walk to the beach and main shopping centre. It is a safe town and easy to walk around. As a tourist town, there are many hotels and guest houses, all within about a 10-15 minute walk of the school. We also offer homestay accommodation normally within walking distance.
We offer:
- 20 lessons (15 hours) per week of English lessons in a multi-national 50+ class at your level.
- 3 half-day events per week, typically on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- 1 full-day weekend excursion per week, typically on Saturday
- A fully guided social programme with your teachers
- Homestay accommodation specially selected for 50+ students, if you choose this option when you book.
2024 Social Programme
You can download a copy of the social programme for all 50+ courses this year. 50+ Social Programme 2024
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09.00-10.30 Lessons | 09.00-10.30 Lessons | 09.00-10.30 Lessons | 09.00-10.30 Lessons | 09.00-10.30 Lessons |
11.00-12.30 Lessons | 11.00-12.30 Lessons | 11.00-12.30 Lessons | 11.00-12.30 Lessons | 11.00-12.30 Lessons |
13.30 Orientation tour cream tea with teachers | 13.30 Visit to Sussex Villages and Beachy Head | 13.30 English wine tasting and lunch | ||
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Course features
- We will give you a test so your class is at the right level for you.
- You’ll be in a multi-national group for your English classes.
- All course books and materials are included.
- End of course certificate with hours of study and final level.
- You get a fully guided social programme with your teachers.
Is this 50+ course good for me?
We think this could be a good option for you if you’re over 50 years of age and you like the sound of our aims for this English and culture programme:
- build your confidence in speaking English
- help you improve your understanding of spoken English
- show you the beautiful South East of England, especially Sussex
- introduce you to different aspects of life and culture in the United Kingdom
- guide you around historic towns, villages, castles, parks and gardens
- allow you to meet new people and make friends
Frequently asked questions about the 50+ programme
Here are some of the most common questions about this course. If you have a different question, please contact us. Thank you.
What does the 50+ course in Eastbourne include?
The course includes 20 lessons (15 hours) of English per week with three cultural activities and one full-day excursion each Saturday. The teacher accompanies you on all the excursions.
Can I book a homestay with a private bathroom?
We have a limited number of hosts with private bathrooms so we recommend that you book early! We can also offer quality guest houses and hotels if you prefer.
What is the difference between 25+ and 50+?
The 50+ Vacation Course is a very relaxed course. The average age on the course is 62 and you will follow a programme where you can brush up on your English skills and learn about British culture. On the 50+ course you will have lessons in the mornings and activities and excursions in the afternoons and weekends.
When do you offer the fifty plus course?
We offer the course for 6 weeks from the beginning of May until mid-June and again for 6 weeks from the middle of August to the end of September
When does the 50+ English course start?
Our 50+ courses start on set dates. You can book one 2-week course or 2 consecutive 2-week courses for a total of 4 weeks. It is also possible to combine different courses like 50+ and General English. Please ask for more details.
Where are the cultural activities on the 50+ programme held?
Some cultural activities are held in Eastbourne, including croquet, bowls, a trip to the art gallery or cream tea. The majority of the afternoon trips are located all around Sussex. We will take you to the most interesting castles, historic houses and botanical gardens in the area.
I am under 50, can I join the course?
Usually the course is reserved for students aged fifty or over. It may be possible if you are just under 50. Please contact us for further information.
Is the 50+ English course very active?
The programme does include some walking. We recommend flat shoes and a good raincoat.
My English level is very high, will the classes be OK for me?
If we have many students with a high level of English on the Fifty Plus course, we can open a class. If you are the only high-level speaker on the course, we can offer a place in our general English course which may be more appropriate for your level.
My English level is very low, will the classes be OK for me?
If we have many students with a low level of English on the Fifty Plus course, we can open a class. If you are the only low-level speaker on the course, we can offer a place in our general English course more appropriate for your level.
What day should I arrive and depart?
The course includes a Saturday trip with the teacher so we recommend you arrive and depart on Sundays.
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Other courses to consider
General English
The General English course is our most popular option in Eastbourne, and it prepares to communicate effectively in English in everyday situations.
English for ages 50 plus
The English course for people aged 50 and over in Chester gives you a rich blend of English tuition and cultural exploration.
Find your English level
Our language learning levels relate closely to how the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) define them, but with a difference which we have found to help our students at Elementary level.
| ELC level | Equivalent CEFR levels | |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | ||
| A1 | ||
| Upper A1 | Lower A2 | |
| A2 | ||
| B1 | ||
| B2 | ||
| C1 | ||
| C2 | ||
We offer an English level test which anyone can take. It involves 50 questions and, depending on your level, will probably take you from 10 to 20 minutes. At the end of it, we will tell you your probable level.
But when you book, we will ask you to take a more detailed and accurate test, to make sure that you start in the class which is best for you.
Would you like to talk to us about this programme?
We hope you like our 50+ English and culture course offering, and we hope to welcome you onto the programme here in Eastbourne.
If there is anything else you’d like to know, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions, and provide personal advice and help.