Learn English in magical Cornwall ...... combining learning with leisure
| Swedish Television Channel 1 broadcast a travel programme about us mid-February (mostly in English) please click this link if you would like to view it : Packat & Klart |
Summer courses for the whole family! ......... Spring & Autumn for adults
You now have the opportunity to join us for a few weeks, here in Cornwall, to take part in a Spring or Autumn course in English, or why not bring your family for a relaxing Summer Language Holiday. And for those who wish to study more intensively we offer two-week courses in the spring and autumn. Our courses are held in Polruan on England's idyllic southwest coast. This Celtic landscape, which is rich in myth and legend, offers a wide choice of leisure pursuits. Here you will find wonderful sandy beaches where you can relax or swim in the Atlantic breakers. There are countless small picturesque fishing villages and hidden coves to explore. Breathtaking ocean views can be enjoyed from cliff-top walks that stretch all along the coast. There is pony trekking, fishing, diving, surfing, and, for the golfer, several delightful golf courses within striking distance of Polruan.
Polruan behind sail (photo Gunilla O'Connor)
Polruan is a genuine little fishing village with narrow streets and winding alleys, and, nestling as it does between the sea and the river, it has a special character all its own. There are a few small beaches close at hand, but the finest beach, Lantic Bay, is found just a couple of kilometres away. Right across the river from Polruan, connected by a small ferry, is the larger town of Fowey with its pleasant atmosphere and interesting history. Here you can enjoy a meal or a drink in one of its many pubs and restaurants, there is a greater range of shops, as well as banks and a chemist. The nearest large Cities are Truro and Plymouth, both approximately 45 minutes away by car, but easily reachable by public transport.
Penhallow is to be found at the heart of Polruan, a stone's throw from the quay. It has a garden, in which coffee breaks and conversation classes often take place, with lovely views over the river. After breakfast we study English for three hours each weekday in small groups of four to nine. Lessons are generally structured around conversation. We use the media about us, newspapers, TV and radio programs, as well as literature, and the specially written Penhallow workbook we have prepared.
Fowey behind sail (photo Gunilla O'Connor) |
Speaking and Understanding
Our aim is that you should learn to speak and understand English in everyday situations. We try to approach the teaching of grammar in a natural context as we help you develop your sentence building skills and expand your vocabulary. Each lesson is adapted to your individual capacity and we try to maintain a light, informal atmosphere. In general the lessons are conducted in English, though bilingual teachers are available for Swedish students who may need that help. We encourage everyone, wherever possible, to maintain Penhallow as an English-speaking zone both during course time and even socially.
To get the best out of our courses adults should have a basic grasp of English, though we do accept beginners in the junior groups. Experience has shown that the younger children are when laying a foundation in a foreign language the better their future mastery of that language will be. Our courses for younger students are part of our overall concept of involving the whole family. We will help them to improve their comprehension, and to overcome any resistance they may have when using English. Through a variety of practical projects it is often possible to make contact with the local people. The junior group may, for example, be able to visit the nearby school and meet pupils of a similar age. One of our aims is to create a sympathetic understanding of local customs and culture.
Teen group in Polruan ( photo Gunilla O'Connor)
Don't miss our informative photo album! Click here to see pictures of Cornwall by former students ... 
Your hosts at Penhallow
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Your hosts at Penhallow are Kevin and Gunilla O'Connor who both have academic backgrounds and experience of teaching English as a foreign language. They have run Penhallow Language Holidays together in Polruan since 1994. During these years there have been many satisfied students and many have returned year after year.
Kevin, who studied Communication and Design at Oxford, and Graphics at St Martin's, London, has taught English both one-to-one for various Swedish companies, as well as for adult education courses in Stockholm. He is interested in art and literature and writes himself. He has written several short stories for the BBC and has worked as a Swedish-English translator.
Gunilla is a Swedish born journalist who has worked for several newspapers. She has also worked as an editor for many years, her latest editorial work being for, Sida, the Swedish International Development Agency. She has also taught Swedish and English to international students, and has written a variety of educational literature. She has produced such teaching material as Plain Language for Brevskolan and for the Swedish Educational Radio Corporation, as well as writing a school psychology textbook for Liber. |
Gunilla and Kevin at Carbis bay
Cornwall Formed by the Ocean
A Mythical landscapeDon't miss our informative photo album!
Kevin and student at Bodruthan Steps (photo: Gunilla O'Connor)
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Come and spend a few weeks in Cornwall, on the extreme south-west tip of the United Kingdom. One of the most magical places in England, with its dramatic coastline thrusting out into the Atlantic Ocean. This is a landscape rich with stories, myths and legends. It was here King Arthur was reputed to have been born in the castle at Tintagel (the dramatic ruins are still there, high above the Atlantic breakers). It was here Tristram and Iseult emptied their goblet of poison to die together in the name of unhappy love. It is here stories of smugglers and pirates stir the imagination. There is the lonely moor of Bodmin not too far away, with Neolithic bronze-age sites, with stone circles, standing stones and ancient burial chambers. Not too far away, on the southern side of the Penwith Peninsular, St Michael's Mount a magnificent ancient castle sits on its high granite island, which is connected by a causeway at low tide. And to the extreme west of the peninsular is to be found the dramatic scenery of Land's End, Briton's most westerly point, with mile wide views out over the Atlantic. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Scilly Isles and dream about mythical Avalon.
Fowey River & Lantic Bay: Kevin O'Connor
Polruan lies where the river Fowey meets the English Channel. It has a deep natural harbour which attracts sailors from all over Europe. The village is surrounded by miles of National Trust land where walkers can enjoy breathtaking views along both river and coast. Polruan is in many ways a typical English village, with a well-stocked village shop, a newsagent, two pubs with attached restaurants, a post office and a tearoom. Its main street, on which Penhallow is to be found, slopes steeply down to the quay, a natural meeting place for the villagers. From here a small ferry crosses all day long between Polruan and Fowey. Fowey is a small holiday town with narrow streets and alleys, offering a further variety of services such as tourist information, banks, a chemist, a local museum, a library with internet facilities, restaurants, and many small interesting shops. You can take a boat up-river when the tides are right and land at one of the small, charming villages to enjoy a beer or a picnic. Or take a trip east along the coast to picturesque Polperro or west to busy Mevagissey, a one-hour boat ride either way.
Fowey from Penhallow window
(photo: Gunilla O'Connor)
Cultural Cornwall Why not take a look at our informative photo album!
Harbour mouth from Penhallow (photo Gunilla O'Connor)
Cornwall has always inspired writers and painters, amongst whom Sweden's own Anders Zorn figures. Like many others he was fascinated by the special light of western Cornwall. In fact, so many painters chose to live and work around St Ives that the Tate Gallery of London chose to open an auxiliary gallery here to house the work of these artists. For many years Fowey was a meeting place for some of Britain's most famous literary personalities. Kenneth Graham was one of the writers who loved to visit the area, drawing inspiration here for his children's book Wind in the Willows. Rosemunde Pilcher, the author of the international bestseller The Shell Seekers, drew on her childhood here, as did Virginia Woolfe, whose novel To the Lighthouse was inspired by her childhood in St Ives. Daphne DuMaurier is another local writer whose stories and novels, such as Rebecca and The Birds, were made famous by Alfred Hitchcock who made them into films. Each year in May a Daphne DuMaurier festival is held in Fowey/Polruan, at which many famous writers and critics hold seminars on literature and creative writing. In Plymouth it is possible to see theatre of the highest quality as, amongst others, the Royal Shakespeare Company regularly perform there. There are also many local amateur theatre groups in the area, not least Polruan and Fowey's own companies, which often give highly entertaining performances in the summer months. |
Eden- A Visionary Project
Eden Project (photo: Gunilla O'Connor) |
In a disused clay quarry near St Austell, where for years man has been scarring the landscape by exploiting nature, has now developed an incredible ecological adventure, The Eden Project. Some of earth's climatic zones are being recreated, from balmy Mediterranean to wet tropical rain forests, in gigantic domes. So far three connected domes have been constructed, though more have been planned. Eden has ambitions of becoming a major forum for ecological and economic discussion on how we must husband the worlds diminishing resources. The project has already received international recognition, both for its aims and as an architectural eighth wonder of the world. The founder of the project had distinguished himself as the restorer of Heligan Gardens (also only about 30 minutes from Polruan), a forgotten Victorian garden, which has since developed into a major attraction, and been the subject of several television programmes. Cornwall, with its mild climate has many other beautiful gardens and stately parks open to the public. |
Your journey to Cornwall
If you fly to Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stansted you can take the high-speed connection to London. (Before booking your flight we advise you to investigate the many rebates that are now on offer: for example, Ryan Air often have very good deals: you can see prices and even book online at: http://www.ryanair.ie/index.html.) From London's Paddington Station take the train to Liskeard St Austell, Cornwall. (We can help organise such things as family train rebates in Britain, sometimes allowing children to travel free. Ask for more information.) A cheaper alternative to the train, is to take the National Express direct bus from Victoria Coach Station, (which stops at Heathrow Airport where you can board) to Lostwithiel or St Austell. ( tel 08705 808080, or tickets can be bought on-line at: www.nationalexpress.com) If you wish, we can arrange for you to be fetched from Lostwithiel for a fee of 15 £ per car. It is also possible to fly to Newquay, Plymouth or Exeter and hire a car or take a train, bus or taxi from there. If you decide to take your car we will provide you with a route description. An alternative to bringing your own car is, of course, to hire a car when you arrive, either at the airport or in Cornwall (for information and booking try, for example, Avis: http://www.avis.co.uk/). We'll be happy to help should you need more information and assistance arranging your journey to Cornwall, though your travel agent should be able to book your tickets for you from your own country.
Spring, Summer and Autumn 2008
| 2
week intensive course for adults only |
Spring 1 |
wks 18/19 |
28 April - 9 May |
| Spring 2 |
wks 20/21 |
12 May - 23 June |
| Spring 3 |
wks 22/23 |
-full - |
| 2/3 week course for adults & children (separate classes) |
Summer 1 |
wks24/25/26 |
9 June - 27 June |
| Summer 2 |
wks27/28/29 |
30 June - 18 July |
| Summer 3 |
wks30/31 |
21 July - 1 Aug |
| Summer 4 |
wks32/33 |
4 Aug - 15 Aug |
| 2 week intensive course for adults only |
Autumn 1 |
wks 34/35 |
18 Aug - 29 Aug |
| Autumn 2 |
wks 36/37 |
1 Sept - 12 Sept |
| Autumn 3 |
wks 38/39 |
-full - |
One study hour = 45 min. Summer courses start Alternative Spring and Autumn courses can be arranged for groups of 3 or more.
Course Fees (2007 prices apply for all 2008 bookings made before 1st Jan. 2008)
| Sommarkurs för vuxna- 16.5 studietim/vecka - £145 |
Two
week courses: £290. Three week courses: £406. |
| Junior Summer courses (for children under 13 yrs) - 16.5 study hrs/wk - £99 |
Two week courses: £198. Three week courses: £297. |
| Family rebates |
10%
rebate for second and subsequent siblings |
| Spring & Autumn adult courses - 30 study hrs/wk - £2 |
Two week courses: £480 |
One study hour = 45 min. Summer courses start
9.30 to 12.30 with 30 min. coffee break. Spring & Autumn courses then continue after lunch from 1.30 to 3.00 pm.
Summer courses (Su) are designed for both adults and children. As lessons are confined to mornings we judge three weeks to be the time you need to be able to improve your English, as well as to be able to enjoy what Cornwall has to offer. (16.5 study hours a week) are from 9.30 to 12.30 each weekday morning (including coffee break). All study related materials are included in the price. Extra English tuition is available for £17.50 per academic hour (45mins) in small groups of two to four or 1-1 for £28 per academic hour. In conjunction with the main morning courses we offer afternoon modules in other subjects (when there are sufficient students to form a small group). These modules run generally from 2pm to 4pm. All extra courses, excursions and activities are at extra cost.
Spring and Autumn courses
Spring and Autumn courses are more intensive (30 academic hours a week incl. coffee break)) and are designed mainly for adults, and run for two-week periods. Spring and Autumn can be especially delightful in Cornwall. These courses are the same as the summer courses above but include extra lessons from 1.30 to 3.00
Live in a charming Cornish Cottage
 You will be accommodated in a typical fisherman's stone cottage, many with beautiful sea and harbour views. The interiors and standard of flats and cottages can vary, of course, but in general the standard is good. They all have fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, and coloured TV. We are happy to make all the arrangements necessary to get you the right accommodation.
Why not share a house?
Polruan is a small village and has a limited number of families able to accommodate our students. An economic alternative is to share a large house with other students. Your own room in a shared house is a good option for independently minded people who wish to cater for themselves. It is also a good way to make new friends. We will do our utmost to arrange for you to share with like-minded people. Stay with a family If you come by yourself staying with a family may be a good option. It can be rewarding in several ways, not least as a way to practise your English on a daily basis. If you wish to eat dinner with the family it can often be arranged for an extra cost of 35 £ a week. Alternatively, you may wish to eat dinner in one of the two cosy pubs in the village or one of the many good restaurants over in Fowey. |
(photo: veranda over River Fowey)
| Cottage prices per wk (approx.) |
Sp1, Summer1, Autumn3 |
Summer2, Autumn 2 |
Summer 3 & 4 |
Autumn 1 |
| Cottage suitable for 2 to 4 people |
from £250 |
from £320 |
from £380 |
from £420 |
| Cottage suitable for a group up to 8 |
from £350 |
from £380 |
from £450 |
from £580 |
Staying with a family
If you come by yourself staying with a family may be a good option. It can be rewarding in several ways, not least as a way to practise your English on a daily basis. If you wish to eat dinner with the family it can often be arranged for an extra cost of 35 £ a week. Alternatively, you may wish to eat dinner in one of the two cosy pubs in the village or one of the many good restaurants over in Fowey.
| Private accommodation |
per week per person |
| Room
with breakfast in host family (shared bathroom) |
£150 |
| Guest house with breakfast |
£210 - 235 |
Eating out Both pubs in the village serve good lunches and dinners at reasonable  prices. In the evening you may wish to visit one of the many excellent and varied local restaurants across the river in Fowey. And on Sunday don't forget to try a typical Sunday Roast Lunch at one of the local pubs, usually good value! There's also a small store in the village, open every day of the week, where a good variety of goods can be purchased including bread, meat and wine. Milk, yoghurt, fruit and greens can be also be delivered straight to the door every morning by the local milkman.
Cancellation and Insurance We will pay back to you any deposit you may have paid us for course tuition fees should you have substantiated reason to cancel your course (such as a doctor's note) when cancelled at least one month before the start of your course. We will however deduct a 50 £ administration fee for each person cancelling. However, any monies paid to third parties for accommodation will obviously be subject to their own terms and conditions, which can be supplied to you on request. It may be advisable to take out cancellation insurance to cover you for the above eventuality. Your home insurance often covers you for journeys abroad, so why not talk to them. |
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Language Holidays in Active Cornwall
Things to do in Cornwall Don't forget to take a look at our informative photo album
Workshops
We can arrange workshops in several subjects depending on the participants' own interests. These can vary from information technology and terminology, creating your own homepage in English, to English literature, yoga or painting. The beautiful land- and seascapes are all around you. All you require is the urge to paint them. All the materials you need can be bought locally. You let us know and we will do our best to set up a course if there is sufficient interest. Costs will depend on numbers enrolling.
Golf
There are several excellent golf courses in the area, some of them with lovely seaviews. The closest course is easily within half an hour's drive of Penhallow. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.
Riding
Why not take riding lessons? Or go for a pony trek and enjoy the magnificent scenery along the dramatic cliff tops overlooking the sea? There are a variety of alternatives, from single to whole day sessions.
Surfing and fishing
You may like to try your hand at water sports such as surfing in the crashing Atlantic waves (wet suits, boards and even tuition are all available for hire). Nearby Newquay is one of Europe's surfing centres where international competitions are held. Fishing trips with all the necessary tackle can be organised with local fishermen in Polruan or Looe. Boats can be hired. Diving courses at all levels can also be arranged.
Sailing on the Fowey (painting by Kevin O'Connor)
Language Holidays
Gunilla
& Kevin O´Connor
5 Florizel, Polruan by Fowey, Cornwall
PL23 1PH
and Alviksvägen 70, 167
53 Bromma, Sweden
tel England 0044 (0) 1726 870322 tel Sweden 08-269285
Skype: k.g.oconnor
Book now .............. click here
