Severnvale is a small school entirely devoted to the teaching of English.  When we say 'small' we mean it.  Our absolute maximum at our Adult Centre (pictured here) is 40 students, and normally we have around 30.  We run a completely separate Youth Centre in the summer (picture on another page), with an absolute maximum of 100 students - more normally around 80.

It may sound strange, but we like the school small, and do not want to increase our size.  The reason is quite simple: at the size we are, we - the management team and staff - can get to know every student who comes to us.  So if you have a question or a problem we don't have to say, "Go and see Mrs Brown in accommodation administration," knowing that Mrs Brown won't know who you are.  Instead, we say things like, "Let's ask Helen", knowing that you'll know Helen and Helen will know you (plus everything anyone needs to know about your stay here).

And of course as a learner, having academic staff and management who know you personally and who see you in the classroom is the very best way to make sure that you get the right kind of attention when and how you need it.

 
Severnvale Academy
So who are we - the management team of Severnvale?

 

John Rogers, the Principal, started Severnvale in 1982 together with his brother James and they still jointly own it.  As well as being Principal, John teaches almost full time and - jointly with Chris - is responsible for developing teaching materials, especially on the business English side.  He has a teaching degree (B.Ed) and the LCCI Certificate for the teaching of English for Business purposes.


"I choose to spend the majority of my time in the classroom because I love teaching, but I also love seeing students socially.  By doing both, I can best help students make the most of their time at Severnvale"
"I d like to spend more time in the classroom, but running a language school keeps me pretty busy!  You'll see me very regularly, though - a large part of my enjoyment comes from getting to know every student, around the school as well as on social evenings." 		James Rogers is the Managing Partner of the school, and has mainly an administrative role, though he does teach occasionally.  His particular responsibilities are overseeing the organisational and financial aspects, and - jointly with Helen - responding to enquiries and doing the marketing.  He has an Honours degree in geography and a post-graduate teaching certificate. 

 


"I love the way people want to learn when they come to Severnvale, and then I really enjoy teaching them.  I specially like people who pick up odd bits of English language and ask difficult questions beginning 'How...?' or 'Why...?'"       

 

Chris Nicholls is the Director of Studies.  He joined Severnvale in 1987 and is responsible for syllabus design and development, timetabling, and the overall 'Where?' 'What?' and 'How?' of your course.  He has three Masters degrees - one in English, one in applied linguistics, and one in education.  Before joining Severnvale he was a senior lecturer in English in higher education 

 

Kester Black - Office & Welfare Manager
Our newest team member, Kester has been with us since 1999 and was trained for her role by James Rogers and Helen Connor (Severnvale’s previous accommodation manager). Now in charge of the social programme, and jointly in charge of accommodation and student welfare, Kester is here to help you get the very best from your stay.

 


"Think of me as your ‘Guide to Severnvale and beyond.’ From the moment you register at Severnvale to the time you leave, my aim is to ensure that your experience of England outside lessons is as good as it can possibly be. Social plans, weekend trips, accommodation arrangements, or dealing with problems - whatever you need, I’m here to help you"

This page was last updated on 08 February 2002 - webmaster