This is a message from Mandy Deng, Education Marketing Office, British Council China (mandy.deng@britishcouncil.org.cn)

Thank you for your continuous support to the British Council China’s efforts to promote UK ELT sector in China, especially to our Summer School Programme which has been running successfully for nine years. With the market growing mature and more UK centres developing their alternative promotional channels in China, the British Council China plans not to organise our own summer school programme in 2009/10.

As you may be aware, the government plans to hold a major review of the Points Based System for Visas in December. Many of the proposals could have a significant and detrimental effect on education providers across all sectors. An English UK member has created an e-petition, which is available for all to sign to demonstrate support for the sector.

The ELPG welcomes you to join the second staging of the ELT Marketing Conference on Thursday, 21st January 2010.

New computer-based measure of English language ability available to test takers

Pearson, one of the worldwide global leaders in technology and assessment for education, has launched Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the company’s new computer-based academic test of English language proficiency. To celebrate the launch, Pearson are offering English UK member centres the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Students also have the chance to win a PTE Academic test.

The government plan to hold a major review of the PBS system this December. English UK has produced a response to this review, a draft of which can be downloaded here.