Read this story published in Study Travel Magazine about a unique English Plus course one of our member centres has launched.

BLS English, a provider based in Bury St Edmunds, UK, has launched a new 'Passion for British Classic Cars' programme for international students.

The course has been designed to showcase the vehicles of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and will utilise Director Patrick Murphy's own collection of cars: a 1953 Morris Oxford MO: a 1962 Rover 110 P4 'auntie'; and a 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. 

Patrick told StudyTravel Magazine that he believed the English plus classic cars option was a first in the global ELT industry. 

"Participants will learn about the history of these iconic British marques, discuss road tests of the cars and materials from the era, and enjoy looking back to these heady days," he said. 

Available in a one- or two-week format, the classic cars course has two start dates in May and features 15 hours of English per week, with a BLS-designed, topic-based syllabus focusing on "fluency, communication and enjoyment". 

On the non-classroom programme, students will visit privately owned car collections, 'secret Suffolk' motor museums and a real garage working on old cars, and enjoy drives in the Suffolk countryside in the fleet. A full-day excursion to the new British Motor Museum in Gaydon is included in the package. 

Accommodation can be provided with a car-enthusiast host, in a local hotel or at the school's own town-centre, self-catering villa. 

The new cars programme will sit alongside two other topics in the BLS 'Passion for.' portfolio for 2017: horses and football. 

Patrick explained that he expected the classic cars offering to attract mature students in particular. "The underlying motivation is that this course may appeal to people who are 'mature', have an interest in, passion for or nostalgia about older cars, but may not have studied English (or wanted to ) before.

"The levels of English are thus less of an issue. It is more about enthusiasm and it will give the participants the chance to have hands-on experience and they will want to communicate as the cars are the stars."

Established in 1995, BLS English offers a range of programmes including General English, junior programmes, summer courses, Ielts preparation and English for teachers. 

(By Matthew Knott, News Editor, Study Travel Magazine) 

Does your centre offer unusual courses or activities, whether learning legal English with a lawyer, focusing on crystal clear vowel sounds, practising how to negotiate or raising money for charity while you learn, let us know.