School Guidelines and Code of Conduct
This is meant as a general guide for students and group leaders – please read it carefully
before you arrive at the School. When you enrol at the School, you also agree to follow
our guidelines and code of conduct.
We are sure you will enjoy a happy stay with us in Scarborough. If you have any specific
concerns, please contact us on +44 (0)1723 362 879 or info@english-language.uk.com
 You and your Host Family
We match you and your Host Family very carefully, based on the information you give us in your
booking form. To be part of our Homestay programme, the family must follow strict guidelines about
health and safety, so please co-operate with them. They are responsible for your health, safety and
welfare while you stay with them.
Communication
As in any living situation, common sense and good communication is the key to a good experience
with your Host Family. Every family has its own "house rules" which you will need to follow during
your stay:
• meals will be served at a certain time – do let your family know in advance if you will not be
eating a meal with them
• going out – do let your family know where you are going and what time you will be home
• smoking – none of our Host Families can allow smoking in the bedrooms, because of our fire and
safety regulations – please respect this
• having visitors – having visitors in your room later than 11pm may disturb others in the house
Make the most of your stay
Students often tell us that they learn a lot from practising their English during their stay with their
Host Family. We encourage you to make the most of your time with an English family, practise your
English and learn first hand about English culture – here are some ideas:
• talk with them at meal times
• cook a traditional meal from your country with them
• help with washing the dishes
• watch and discuss television programmes together
• go shopping together
• do a leisure activity with them, like walking
Some general points
Climate
Because we are on the coast, the weather can be changeable, so layers of clothing are a good idea.
Mealtimes
English people usually eat breakfast from 7.30 - 8.30 am; lunch from 1 - 2pm and dinner from 5 or
6pm. Dinner is the main meal of the day for most English people. Your Host Family will have their
own mealtimes depending on their routine. Remember to let us know on your booking form of any
special dietary needs that you have.
Internet access
Free internet access is available at the School and at the local library. There are also cyber cafes and computer stores where you can have Internet access at a charge.
Laundry
Your Host Family will do your laundry for you.
Queuing
This is a real British custom, so when buying anything in shops, pubs or waiting to board buses for example, please be patient and "wait for your turn" to be served.
Traffic
The British drive on the left hand side of the road. Cross the road using a pedestrian crossing and
always look right, then left, before you cross the road. Please note that in the town centre of
Scarborough there are some pedestrianised areas, and "one way" streets too.
Transport
Bus/Coach
Local buses charge as you board the bus. Prices vary depending on the route and your age. Local
route time-tables and prices are available from The Travel Shop in the Westborough area of
Scarborough, next to the Tourist Information Centre. For longer journeys, such as to airports or
London, you can book your seat and get all the information you need about your journey.
Trains
Before travelling on the train, you must buy a ticket. You can do this from the information/ticket
desks in railway stations or from a ticket machine located on some (but not all) stations. Prices vary
depending on the day and length of the journey. Adults are full price and a reduction is given for
children (those aged under 16 years old). Long term students can buy a Student Railcard from the
Scarborough Railway Station, which gives a reduction in the price of all train journeys.
At School
Breaks
There is one 15 minute break from class each morning and lunch is between 1:15pm to 2pm.
Dress code
The usual dress code at School is comfortable, smart casual. We suggest that you dress in layers and
be prepared for varied weather.
Smoking at School
The school has a No Smoking policy.
Complaints procedure
If have any complaints or problems during your visit and you are a member of a group, we suggest
that you speak with your group leader first, who will then follow the matter up with the relevant
School staff.
If you have any complaints or problems about classes or lessons, please speak to the Director of
Studies as soon as possible.
If there are complaints or problems about your Homestay Accommodation or Host Family, please
discuss these with the Accommodation and Welfare Manager.
Health and safety
All students are advised of our emergency procedures on arrival. Please report any accidents to our Welfare and Accommodation Manager.
Visas
If you are not an EU citizen, you may require a visa to enter the UK. Please contact your local embassy for information and advice on how to obtain your visa.
Punctuality
Please respect others and be punctual for your classes – being late could delay your teacher and
other students from starting their work.
Please ensure all mobile phones are switched off during school hours.
Some notes on British Law
Alcohol
In England, it is only legal to buy alcohol from shops or pubs if you are 18 years old or over.
Some (but not all) pubs will allow people younger than the age of 18 in, but only if they are
with their parents.
Most discos sell alcohol, so again they will only let people in if they are over 18 years old. Now,
most nightclubs will ask for official identification to prove your age – for example, your School
identity card.
Conduct
Making a loud noise, shouting, fighting and playing rough games in a public place will attract
attention and alarm people. Someone will telephone the police and report a "breach of the peace."
Drugs
It is illegal to have or abuse drugs in Britain. This includes cannabis, even though it is legal in
some countries. The police will fine, imprison or deport anyone who carries drugs or brings them
into the country.
Stealing
Scarborough is no more dangerous than anywhere else in the world, but do please use your common
sense: do not carry your passport with you and be careful with your handbags, cameras and jackets,
especially when in a pub or nightclub.
Stealing is a serious crime in Britain. If anyone is found stealing they may go to court and be fined,
or even deported to their own country and not allowed to return. The amount of the fine usually
varies depending on the seriousness of the crime.
Many shops have video cameras to catch thieves and the shops in Scarborough now work together to
catch people who steal and phone each other with information. This means that if someone steals in
one shop, s/he may be caught in another shop.
Most British towns now also use a closed circuit television system to monitor crime in public areas. In many of the beach roads and streets of Scarborough, there are cameras linked to the police station
to stop stealing or fighting. Scarborough International School of English
Cheswold Hall, 37 Stepney Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 5BN, UK
Telephone +44(0)1723 362879 Fax +44(0)1723 366458 Skype:scarboroughenglish
E-Mail info@english-language.uk.com
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