Tamil School

Tamil Classes

At present there are Tamil Language classes starting from Toddlers all the way to GCE Advanced level. Toddlers' class is for up to age 4 and Nursery is for age 5. In the classes ranging from Reception to Class 7, the children are assessed on their Tamil Language capability and placed at the appropriate class/level. After Class 7, the children will move to GCSE, GCE AS and AL classes.

London Tamil Centre encourages sitting the GCSE, GCE AS and AL examination conducted by Cambridge International Examination (CIE) board. The school syllabus is structured in such a manner to facilitate the achievement of this objective. The syllabus covers the reading, writing, grammar and literature.

Every effort is being made to improve the standards through regular examination and constant dialogue with the parents. The examination/assessment is held every term (9th or 10th week of the term). The children will move to the next class/level at start of the new academic year depending on obtaining the adequate level during previous year. The term examinations mark is used for this assessment (3 terms average over 50% is required to move to the next level).

Fine Arts

London Tamil Centre conducts Carnatic Music classes both vocal and instrumental. The latter includes Veena, Violin, Flute, Keyboard and Miruthangam. In addition, Bharathanatyam dance classes based on Kalakshetra style are conducted.

All the pupils of the Fine Arts classes are assessed three times a year by written exam and practical test conduct by the class teacher. Those who pass the exam are promoted to the next level in the succeeding academic year commencing in September, while those who do not succeed remain in the same class until they acquire the necessary skills for that level. While students are free to sit external examinations conducted by other organizations, their promotion to higher classes is entirely based on their performance at the School Examination.

New students joining in September are generally admitted to the Beginner's Class. In the case of those who have already had some training elsewhere, they are subjected to a written as well as practical assessment test. Then based on their performance they are admitted to appropriate classes.

Bharathanatyam (South Indian Classical Dance) Bharathanatyam is regarded as one of the oldest among all the contemporary classical dance forms and is firmly rooted in Hinduism. This popular South Indian dance form is a 20th century resurrection of Cathir, the art of temple dancers. We have 3 dedicated teachers, four of whom have qualified from the prestigious Kalakshetra Institute in Chennai, India. Over 20 students are learning Bharathanatyam. We conduct classes from foundation up to senior level. Every year, a significant number of students take the exams conducted by the Imperial Society of Teachers in Dancing (ISTD) often achieving high grades.

Flute One of the oldest wind instruments. Students are taught according to the school syllabus and trained to sit for the exam conducted by the Academy of Fine Arts (London).

Keyboard We have 2 talented teachers who conduct classes at different levels. The syllabus is geared towards the exams conducted by ABRSM.

Miruthangam South Indian percussion instrument which accompanies classical music. The school has 3 experienced teachers and approximately 35 students learning this instrument. Senior students provide percussion accompaniment at the school cultural programmes.

Veena The Veena occupies a pole position in the history of Carnatic music. We have 2 enthusiastic teachers; classes are conducted from Grade 1 to Diploma in Teaching level. Students are trained to perform in orchestras and to sit for the Academy of Fine Arts (London) examination.

Violin About 25 students attend the violin classes. We have 2 devoted Violin teachers who teach from the tender age of five to Diploma in Teaching level. Students are trained for the Academy of Fine Arts (London) examination.

Carnatic Vocal The most popular fine art, attended by more than 40 students. We have 7 talented teachers conducting classes from beginners to Diploma level. Most students obtain high grades in the examinations conducted by the Academy of Fine Arts (London).

On Sundays

London Tamil Centre conducts its classes at Wembley High Technology College, East Lane, North Wembley. In line with other school calendars, our academic year consists of three terms starting from September, January and April each year. In addition to conducting classes in Tamil Language and Fine Arts, we encourage the children to participate in extra-curricular activities by organising sports and other events during the term as well as holidays. We currently have approx. 200 children studying Religion, Tamil language and Fine Arts. The school benefits from the services of over 15 language teachers and over 12 fine arts teachers. The admission process for new students starts with the issue of applications at the end of May for the prospective students beginning their education in September of the same year.

9.00 – 9.30 AM – Religion Our typical Sunday school session starts with Religious classes at 9.00am attended by just over 100 students. There are five dedicated teachers who primarily concentrate on the teachings of Hinduism and Christianity, although basic knowledge of other religions is also imparted. Students take active part in religious competitions conducted by other external organisations.

9.30 – 11.00 AM – Tamil Language: As teaching Tamil as a mother tongue is one of the primary objectives of the London Tamil Centre, Tamil language lessons remain at the heart of the School’s activities.

We offer Tamil classes for children from toddler age through to GCSE and Advanced Level (A/L). Our approximately 20 experienced and proficient teachers deliver lessons in accordance with the School’s syllabus, which is structured to prepare students for GCSE (O/L) and A/L examinations conducted by the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) board. Currently, Tamil language classes are provided free of charge for children under five years of age.

Adult Classes During the Tamil Language classes for the children, parents are offered the opportunity to learn and refine their fine arts skills. We offer a range of classes, including Tabla, Bharatanatyam, Keyboard, Vocal and Yoga, depending on demand. Currently, our Yoga class takes place from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

11.00 – 11.15 AM – Assembly The school holds a multi-faith Assembly and encourages the children to exhibit their talent in speech and drama. We also invite special guest speakers. We offer regular advice on safety to both students and their parents. The Assembly promotes our culture, mutual respect and discipline among the younger generation.

11.15 AM – 1.15 PM – Fine Arts Vocal, Veena, Violin, Flute, Keyboard, Miruthangam and Bharathanatyam. Students have the opportunity to take up to two Fine Arts subjects; class time is either 11:15 to 12:15 or 12:15 to 1:15.

Our Teachers

Our Teachers

London Tamil Centre is proud to have very experienced and proficient teachers. Without their dedication we would not have been able to achieve this high standard and prestige, and it is our privilege to honour them.