IHWO News: Autumn 2008
by Michael Carrier
IH Growth
The IH network continues to grow steadily as we identify new high-quality schools around the world. We are now 150 schools in 53 countries, and we hope to reach the target of 55 countries very shortly – as this year we celebrate the 55th anniversary of International House, founded in Spain in 1953.
New schools joining the IH family recently include:
Romania – IH Brasov
Germany – IH Frankfurt
Singapore – IH Singapore
Canada – IH Calgary
More schools are being inspected this year. The network grows very gradually – many schools apply for affiliation but are turned down as we only wish to partner with schools that have the highest professional standards.
IH Resources
Worksheets & Activities
We have now completed a series of sets of worksheets and activities written specially for IH teachers. There is one set of 30 worksheets for each of the 8 IH levels, providing different kinds of practice and skills development.
There is also one set of 30 worksheets for each of the 6 CEF levels, referring explicitly to the CEF can-do statements.
There is a new Bank of both sets of activities in the IH Materials Bank here:
The bank has other materials you can download, and we are looking for teachers to write new ones – contact neil.mcmahon@ihworld.co.uk if you are interested in writing.
Language for Special Purposes
The new courses English for Vocational Training, developed by teachers in IH Riga, and English for Journalists, written by the specialist team at IH Belgrade can be downloaded via the new IHWO menu at www.ihworld.com/an/
The next course to be published will be English for IT, in 2009, and we are looking for writers for other ESP topics (contact Neil at the address above).
Modern Languages Resources
The Language Resource Centre for Modern Language teachers continues to expand – please check it out at www.ihlanguages.org if you have not already visited.
NB We are looking for a new Spanish Coordinator so please contact IHWO if you might be interested.
In 2009 it is planned to hold another Modern Languages Conference – please contact IHWO for details, and start preparing your paper!
IHWorld.com
The HomePage has a new look – check out IHworld.com and you’ll see the photos rotate through a sequence of IH schools and cities. If you have new photos to share in this space, please send to the IHWO office.
All IH teachers have access to the main IH World website (please ask your DOS or Director if you need an ID) and can download materials and resources – which are being added to all the time.
Here’s a view of the new Menu for teachers:
IH Teacher training
In the last year we have developed several new teacher development courses, and now all have been converted to Online delivery as well, using our Moodle site which we call OTTI – the IH Online Teacher Training Institute.
The face-to-face versions of the courses are available on CDROM for schools to run locally, and the online versions are now being made available top external candidates as well as IH staff.
Courses currently available:
IH 121
IHCYL
IHC
IH TKT
IH BET
IH COLT
IH CAM
IH LAC – in preparation
Please contact IHWO if you are interested in taking part in a course or in running one in your school, and visit www.ihlanguages.com to see the range of courses and dates.
IH COLT
IH World is now also running the IH COLT course for individual enrolment. The next courses are scheduled for Winter 2009
The cost of the course, per participant, is £275. For IH school staff, however, it is reduced to only £125. Please email shaun.wilden@ihworld.co.uk to reserve your place.
IH Study Abroad
Don’t forget to visit our website for promotional materials, and download our CDROM – watch out for DVD trailers for each school as well, on www.ihstudyabroad.com.
Every 3 months we send out an IH Newsletter to agents who recruit students for SA schools. Make sure your school uses this to promote your courses – check out the newsletters on www.ihworkshop.com or www.ihworld.com/agents
IH Club
We are now sending out regular newsletters to the IH Club members – all current and former students of IH – Please promote this to your students – it is free to sign up for at www.ihworld.com/ihclub
Calendar of IH events 2008-09
And finally….
This will sadly be my last IH Journal news message, as I am leaving IH for a new position at the end of November.
I would like to thank all of you for making IH such a wonderful organisation, combining high academic quality with innovative ideas and a worldwide reputation.
It’s been a great pleasure working with you and all the IH schools, and I am very proud to have contributed towards the success of IH over the last 9 years. Good luck with your future work!
Michael Carrier
Chief Executive
International House World Organisation
michael.carrier@ihworld.co.uk
