UK ExaminationsGreeceDates and registration information

January - December 2012

SUCCESS TOMORROW STARTS TODAY INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS FROM THE UK

CAREER SUCCESS THROUGH UK QUALIFICATIONS

www.britishcouncil.gr

EXAMS

OUR PURPOSEThe British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide.

OUR VISION The future for the UK in this crowded, dangerous, beautiful world depends on people of all cultures living and working together on foundations of education, mutual understanding, respect and trust.

OUR VALUESValuing people• Treating people with courtesy and respect • Listening to what people have to say and responding helpfully • Giving people the opportunity to use and develop their talents • Valuing diversity

Integrity• Being honest • Being consistent both in what we do and say • Taking responsibility for our actions and decisions

Mutuality• Wishing to learn from and share with other people • Putting effective relationships at the heart of our work • Working towards common goals

Creativity• Encouraging people to develop new ideas in an environment of trust • Being resourceful and innovative in our approach • Actively seeking and presenting the best in creativity

Professionalism• Being true to our values and keeping our promises • Listening to and valuing the ideas and opinions of others • Accepting individual and collective responsibility for delivering work to a high standard

Do you have feedback on where you feel we have or have not demonstrated our values?

values@britishcouncil.gr

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• Why take exams with us?

• Cambridge ESOL Exams

• IELTS

• The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

• School Exams

• Professional Exams

• IELTS Test Dates 2012

• ESOL Exams Calendar 2012

• Support for UK Students

• Support for Teachers and Learners of English

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WHY TAKEEXAMS WITH US?We help nearly a million people every year around the world achieve their life goals by obtaining a UK qualification, and we can help you, too.

Our experience in delivering an independent high quality service ensures your examination experience is positive and fair.

We pride ourselves on technical innovation. For example, we were the first to provide you with online registrations, results and infra-red headphones.

I would also like to thank those involved in the smooth running of the centre –the supervisors and oral examiners. The exams took place in a very calm andefficient way and the students expressed their satisfaction both with theexamination conditions and with the kindness of the oral examiners.Particularly for the Young Learners, many of whom were takingan exam for the first time, this was a very positive experience.

Annie Xagorari, Santorini

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”Everything ran very smoothly, making the exams a stress-free event for mycandidates. I’m sure the same will apply tomorrow with KET and PET. It’s goodto work with an organization that maintains your high standards.

Mark Palmer, Neo Irakleio Attica

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I am writing to you in order to congratulate you on the impeccable organization of the examinations. It has been the first time ever since I am running the Foreign Languages Center that our students took part in the exams through the British Council and both the parents and the students as well as ourselves, were all very pleased by the organization. I would also wish for you to congratulate the supervisors and the people that were in charge of the examination centers for theirwillingness, kindness and service and furthermore for their comprehensiblereplies to our inquiries.

Contstantinos Chatzopoulos, Kaisariani Athens

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”I am a school owner in Patras and I would like to congratulate you on your selection of oral examiners in the May session of Cambridge Exams. The examiners showed a high level of professionalism. They were pleasant and genuinely interested in what my students had to say, making the interview a very pleasant experience for them.

Dionysia Samara, Patras

“”

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Candidates with special needsWe believe exams should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their learning or physical impairments. To make special arrangements, please contact us for more information.

FeedbackWe do everything we can to make sure you have a positive exam experience. If you have any comments on our exams administration, please let us know. We will do everything we can to help. Your input also helps us improve our services in the future.

BRITISH COUNCILEQUAL OPPORTUNITIESAND DIVERSITY POLICY The British Council is committed to equality of opportunity, to valuing and managing diversity and to taking positive action to promote these.

We focus on:

● Age● Disability● Race/Ethnicity● Gender ● Religion/Belief ● Culture and Sexual Orientation

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CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMSCambridge English offers the world’s most valuable range of English examinations and qualifications for language learners and teachers. Our exams range from entry-level tests for children to high-level qualifications for academic and specific business purposes. Underpinned by extensive research and based on real-life language skills, each exam can be relied on as being accurate, fair and fit for purpose.

FCE for Schools pass rate climbs to 71% in the May 2011 examination sessionFCE for Schools is the new version of Cambridge ESOL’s long-established FCE, the most popular Cambridge English examination in Greece. Through the use of familiar, school aged learner-oriented topics, FCE for Schools has set new standards at the assessment of B2 level knowledge for Greek candidates as demonstrated by the 71% success rate in the May 2011 examination session. FCE for Schools is a B2 level exam, but Cambridge ESOL’s new extended certification means that it has additional benefits for candidates at the top of the ability range, who are awarded an FCE certificate showing that they have achieved level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference. At the same time, students who do not achieve a grade C pass will receive a certificate showing that they have demonstrated ability at level B1.

** Cambridge ESOL paper-based exams and subject to minimum number requirements. Please note that we are happy to accept registrations for the exams from candidates throughout Greece. Please choose your preferred centre from the locations above.

* Computer-based test, for more information please visit www.britishcouncil.gr

Exams Locations**

YLE

KET for Schools, CB* KET for Schools

PET for Schools, CB* PET for Schools

FCE for Schools, CB* FCE for Schools

FCE, CB* FCE

CAE, CB* CAE

CPE

BEC Preliminary

BEC Vantage

BEC Higher

ILEC

TKT

Test dates and registration information for 2012 are availableinside the back cover

Kozani

Chalkida

Chania Irakleio

Thessaloniki

RethymnoRhodes

Kos

Chios

Mykonos

Ioannina

Syros

Xanthi

Lamia

Larisa

Patras

PyrgosNafplio

Kalamata

Agrinio

VolosKarditsaCorfu

DramaSerres

Zakynthos Athens

Your collaboration with the British Council guarantees the highest standard of examination management:

● Experience● Innovation● Equal Opportunities● Know-How

RecognisedIELTS is the world’s proven English test. Over 1.5 million candidates take the test each year to start their journeys into international education and employment. IELTS is recognised by more than 6000 institutions in over 135 countries. IELTS scores are recognised by ΑΣΕΠ. For information about recognition visit: www.takeielts.org

ConvenientIELTS is available twice a month in Greece. Results are issued in 13 days. Results are also available by SMS and online. The IELTS test has four parts - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes plus 15 minutes for the interview. The Speaking module is a face-to-face interview with a certifi ed examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.

AchievableThere is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance, using scores from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert User) for each part of the test. The results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score. 1.5 million candidates around the world chose to take an IELTS test in 2010 to prove their English language ability. Candidates from Greece achieved an average overall score of 6.8 putting them in second position in the global tables in 2010.

SupportedTo support candidate preparation, we offer 30 hours free access to "Road to IELTS Online", a self-study IELTS preparation course. A user name and password are supplied to candidates upon receipt of their application. If you prepare candidates for IELTS, our teacher training course can help you improve your teaching strategies and techniques. For more information visit www.britishcouncil.gr

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“The IELTS test opened the door for me”

Test dates for 2012 are available inside the back cover

Exam Fee (€) Location

IELTS 190

Tests are available in Athens and Thessaloniki twice per month. Tests are also available in Ioannina,

Irakleio, Patra, Larisa and Xanthion specifi ed dates.

We may offer additional test dates and locations.Check www.britishcouncil.gr

for live information on test place availability.

www.takeielts.org

SUCCESS TOMORROW STARTSTODAY

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THE COMMONEUROPEANFRAMEWORKOF REFERENCE (CEFR)

We offer a range of UK ESOL examinations at all levels of the CEFR, so you can choose the one which is best for you.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. It was put together by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project "Language Learning for European Citizenship" between 1989 and 1996. Its main aim is to provide a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe. The CEFR has become a key reference document and valuable tool for educational and professional mobility. It also enables employers and educational institutions to easily compare qualifications and see how they relate to exams.

CEFR IELTS Cambridge ESOL

C2 - Mastery CPE

C1 - EffectiveOperational Proficiency

BEC Higher, CAE, CB CAE

B2 - Vantage BEC Vantage, FCE,FCE for Schools, CB FCE

B1 - Threshold4.05.0

BEC Preliminary,PET for Schools,

CB PET for Schools

A2 - WaystageYLE Flyers,

KET for Schools,CB KET for Schools

A1 - Breakthrough YLE Movers

-- YLE Starters

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7.5

7

6

5,5

5

4,5

4

8+

6,5

PROFESSIONALEXAMSAre you looking for a UK professional qualification? Many UK professional bodies offer their exams overseas through us. Below are some of the most popular in Greece.

The Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA)ACCA aims to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.www.acca.org.uk

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)The ACA is regarded globally as one of the leading business and finance qualifications, and is recognised and valued in practice, industry, commerce and the public sector.www.icaew.com

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)RAD promotes knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. It seeks to accomplish its mission through promoting dance, educating and training students and teachers and providing examinations to reward achievement.www.rad.org.uk

Contact us or visit www.britishcouncil.gr for information about registration and fees for all the above exams, as well as information about the complete range of professional exams we offer.

SCHOOLEXAMSIf you are studying for a UK school leaving exam, you can take your exam with us in Athens or Thessaloniki. We offer:

• IGCSE/GCE O Level (usually studied from age 14-16 in the UK)• GCE/A Level (usually studied from age 16-18 in the UK)

You can choose between two of the UK’s largest providers of international school assessments, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel. For more information about these boards, their exams and dates visit the following websites

www.cie.org.ukwww.edexcel.com

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SUPPORT FOR POTENTIAL, CURRENT OR PASTUK STUDENTSI want to study in the UK

As well as IELTS, we offer a range of services for you. Whether you want to take a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree, or study English in the UK, our experienced education counsellors can help you identify and apply for the right course.

You may need to have Greek documents translated into English for submission to UK institutions. We can take care of that for you too.

I am studying at a UK university If you are following a distance learning course e.g. through the University of London External Programme or a course in any UK university, you can take all of your exams through us.

Similarly, if you are studying at a UK university but need to be in Greece during your exams, you can ask the university if you can take your exams in Greece with us.

While studying in the UK, you may need to have documents verified and translated for the Greek authorities. We can do that for you.

I have finished my UK studiesWhen you return to Greece, we can translate, verify and provide certified copies of your UK education certificates for employers or other institutions that need this from you.

You can also find details of UK university alumni associations through us.

For more information on these services see www.britishcouncil.org/greece-education

SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS AND LEARNERS OF ENGLISHwww.learnenglish.org.ukA one stop shop for all learners of English - games, stories, listening activities, grammar exercises and video content. There is a new grammar section and new IELTS exam practice materials.

www.teachingenglish.org.ukThe award-winning global home for English teaching which brings together everything busy teachers need, from classroom materials to ideas for development.

Talking English

A newsletter for English language teachers to keep up to date with global ELT news and local events organised by the British Council. Find links to useful websites and articles, online teaching resources, and details of events and training opportunities in Greece. Registration is free. Subscribe at www.britishcouncil.org/greece-newsletter-subscribe

Teacher trainingIf you teach IELTS at your school we can help you hone the teaching strategies and techniques of your teachers with our new IELTS teacher training course.

Our online teacher training and development courses provide a unique opportunity for teachers who want to upgrade their teaching skills without attending a face to face course.

Visit www.britishcouncil.gr

We recommend that you register 5 weeks before your chosen test date, but places may be available after this date. Check www.britishcouncil.gr for live information on test place availability.

June Saturday 30 26 May 2012 A / GT

Ioannina, Irakleio, Patras, Larisa, Xanthi

A: Academic module GT: General Training module

Month Examination date Registration deadline Module

January Saturday 07Saturday 21

03 Dec 201117 Dec 2011

A / GTA / GT

February Saturday 04Saturday 18

31 Dec 201114 Jan 2012

AA / GT

March Saturday 10Saturday 31

04 Feb 2012 25 Feb 2012

A / GTA / GT

April Saturday 21Saturday 28

17 Mar 201224 Mar 2012

A / GTA

May Saturday 12Saturday 26

07 Apr 201221 Apr 2012

A / GTA / GT

June Saturday 09Saturday 16

05 May 201212 May 2012

A / GTA

July Thursday12Saturday 21

07 Jun 201216 Jun 2012

A / GTA / GT

AugustSaturday 04Saturday 11Saturday 25

30 Jun 201207 Jul 201221 Jul 2012

A / GTA

A / GT

September Saturday 01Saturday 15

28 Jul 201211 Aug 2012

A / GTA

October Saturday 13Saturday 20

08 Sep 201215 Sep 2012

A / GTA

November Thursday 08Saturday 24

04 Oct 201220 Oct 2012

A / GTA

December Saturday 01Saturday 08

27 Oct 201203 Nov 2012

A / GT A / GT

2012 IELTS examinations in Athens and Thessaloniki

Please note registration for IELTS is only available online.

“The test for study, work and life”

www.takeielts.org

CAMBRIDGE ESOL EXAMINATIONSJanuary to December 2012

Examination session Examination date Registration period Oral exams

YLE* 20 May 12 - 16 Mar 20 May

10 Jun 02 - 06 Apr 10 Jun

09 Dec 01 - 06 Oct 09 Dec

KETfs / PETfs 10 Mar 23 - 27 Jan 02 - 12 Mar

12 May 20 Feb - 2 Mar 04 - 14 May

16 Jun 20 Feb - 2 Mar 08 - 18 Jun

24 Nov 17 - 28 Sep 16 - 26 Nov

FCE (May session)** 19 May 20 Feb - 2 Mar 27 Apr - 27 May

FCEfs (May session) 12 May 20 Feb - 2 Mar 27 Apr - 27 May

CAE/CPE (May session) 13 May 20 Feb - 2 Mar 27 Apr - 20 May

FCEfs (Dec session) 01 Dec 17 - 28 Sep 09 Nov - 09 Dec

CAE/CPE (Dec session) 02 Dec 17 - 28 Sep 09 Nov - 09 Dec

TKT 18 Mar 09 - 13 Jan N/A

20 May 12 - 16 Mar N/A

17 Jun 02 - 06 Apr N/A

18 Nov 17 - 21 Sep N/A

BEC P: 06 Jun / V: 07 Jun /H: 05 Jun

16 - 20 Apr 01 - 11 Jun

P: 24 Nov / V: 01 Dec /H: 17 Nov

17 - 28 Sep 09 - 19 Nov

ILEC 08 Jun 23 - 26 Apr 01 - 11 Jun

* YLE tests are also available on demand, minimum number of 30 candidates (with a minimum of ten candidates per level).** Exams will be held in Athens and Thessaloniki only.N.B. The above examination dates concern the paper-based versions only.For information about the computer-based versions of KETfs, PETfs, FCEfs, FCE and CAE please visitwww.britishcouncil.gr

Young Learners English Tests (YLE)Key English Test for Schools (KETfS)Preliminary English Test for Schools (PETfS)First Certificate in English (FCE)First Certificate in English for Schools (FCEfS)Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

€ 67€ 85€ 90€ 165€ 165€ 180

€ 185€ 50€ 260€ 120€ 181€ 195

Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) (per module)ILECBEC PreliminaryBEC VantageBEC Higher

Cambridge ESOL examination fees 2012

HOW TO REGISTER1a. OnlineRegister for IELTS, KET for Schools, PET for Schools, FCE for Schools, FCE, CAE and CPE atwww.britishcouncil.gr

We do not currently accept online payment. Exam fees should be paid by direct deposit to our bankaccount after you have registered.

1b. By postAlternatively, for all Cambridge ESOL (both paper-based and computer-based versions), download anapplication form or block entry form from our website and send it along with your bank deposit slip to:

For candidates in Athens and all other areas of Greece:

British Council17 Kolonaki Square,106 73 Athens

For candidates in Macedonia, Thrace and Thessaly:

British CouncilPO Box 12004541 01 Thessaloniki

Please note registration for IELTS is only available online and for YLE, only by post.

2. PaymentBy direct deposit to the British Council account at any branch of Alpha Bank, via an ATM or by web banking.

Account number: 11500 200201 8908 IBAN: GR05 0140 1150 1150 0200 2018 908

If you register online, please quote the unique reference number provided by the system in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.

For individual registrations via post, please quote the name of the candidate in the "Αιτιολογία" fieldon the deposit slip.

For Foreign Language School block registrations via post, please quote the name of the school in the "Αιτιολογία" field on the deposit slip.

RefundsWe are able to refund 75% of your examination fee for medical reasons only. Appropriate medicalevidence (from a state hospital, IKA, etc.) and your timetable must be submitted to the British Councilwithin 1 week of the examination date.

DisclaimerThe British Council and the examining boards take all reasonable steps to provide continuity of service. We believe you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control. If examinations or their results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council’s liability will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or retesting at a later date.

© British Council 2012The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

If you need a copy of the information in this brochurein large print, we will be happy to provide one for you. Aν θέλετε να σας αποστείλουμε τις πληροφορίες αυτές και στα Ελληνικά, παρακαλώ επικοινωνήστε μαζί μας.

Contact us801 500 3692 or 210 369 2333(Monday-Friday 0800-1700)customerservices@britishcouncil.grWe aim to answer all calls within 30 secondsand emails within one working day.

www.britishcouncil.gr

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BritishCouncilGreece

In our effort to reduce our environmental impact as part of the British Council’s global commitment,we have printed this leaflet on recycled paper.

LONDON 2012ENGLISH FORTHE GAMESThe British Council is developing a range of English Languagematerials to satisfy the huge global interest in the English Languageinspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games. These materialsare aimed at teachers and learners of English worldwide,as well as those visiting the UK for the Games. www.teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-resources/english-for-2012