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Disney English launches in Beijing

2010-05-11 18:04 2214

-- Disney English, the preeminent English Language learning offering in

China expands to the nation's capital.

-- Disney English survey* shows that Beijing parents place the highest

priority on providing the best education for their children above all

other priorities in life.

BEIJING, May 11 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Disney English, the English language learning offering from The Walt Disney Company opened its doors today with two new centers in Beijing. The centers are located at the EC Mall, Haidian District and One City, Chaoyang District will cater to children aged two to 12 who will be immersed in the joy of English through a world-class program, timeless stories and inspired songs.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/05/11/20100511686304.jpg )

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/05/11/20100511439142.jpg )

Children in Beijing can now experience the full Disney English offering which consists of physical training centers, learning products and licensed books. Since the successful opening in Shanghai in 2008, Disney English has set a new standard in the way children learn English and fosters an environment where individual attention is given to every child enrolled.

"Disney English combines the best assets of the Walt Disney Company to build a world-class English language learning offering for kids," says Andrew Sugerman, general manager, Disney English. "Children in Beijing now have an opportunity to experience this unique learning experience - an experience that is immersive, joyful and delivers on results."

Disney English is focused on meeting the needs of Chinese children. "No one speaks the language of children and connects with kids better than Disney and our curriculum has been custom built specifically for the needs and interests of Chinese children," adds Andrew Sugerman. "At Disney English, we aim to inspire children to confidently communicate with the world in their own voice by providing a highly effective learning experience through the combination of immersive content, innovative technology, and engaging delivery."

China has become the fastest growing private English education sector in the world with an annual growth rate of 12 percent, representing 14 billion RMB in consumer spending. Emphasizing the growing importance Chinese parents place on English language learning, a recent study conducted by Disney English* showed that:

-- 77% of Beijing parents place the highest priority on providing the best

education for their children above all other priorities in life

-- When asked what were the leading factors in choosing the right English

language learning offering, the top two determining factors were the

quality of the education and curriculum and teacher experience with 58%

and 55% respectively

In terms of the importance of creating an immersive and fun Disney English learning environment, the majority of Beijing parents surveyed expressed concern that studying pressure detracted from their children's childhood joy - which brings into focus the importance placed on creating a fun environment that returns the joy in learning.

"We're really proud of our parent satisfaction rates in Shanghai," adds Andrew Sugerman. "Our environment is clearly conducive to effective learning and parents and kids are seeing the results. According to Disney English internal research**, parents consistently rate their satisfaction factor extremely high which is also reflected in the very high renewal rate amongst parents signing on."

At Disney English, the curriculum is endorsed by an academic advisory board consisting of eight international and eight local experts, including Dr. Jun Liu, former President of TESOL, Assistant Provost for Global Initiatives, and Head of English Department, University Arizona, and Dr. Renee Cherow O'Leary, Professor of English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. The academic credentials combined with continued investment in the latest research to deliver the best curriculum and teaching methods and utilizing the latest in educational technology makes the Disney English learning experience deeper and richer.

"Kids learn English better when immersed in a totally English language environment," added Dr. Jun Liu. "Creating an environment that fosters story-telling, singing, interactive content, games and role-play helps stimulate and activate a child's senses. After all, kids are kids and they learn more effectively when placed in a fun and immersive environment."

When combined with Disney's rich storytelling heritage and the latest in Disney-engineered technology, including the 'Disney English Magic Theatre' - featuring interactive whiteboards and touch screen technology - kids are transported into the fun and inspiring stories of their learning.

In every center, Disney English foreign trainers are carefully selected based on their qualifications, prior work experience and ability to work well with children. All Disney English foreign trainers are native English speakers, ensuring consistent and proper pronunciation in all the lessons, creating the optimum immersive learning environment. In addition, all possess TEFL-C qualification, which was produced in association with Teachers College Columbia University, specifically preparing trainers to teach English to Children in Asia.

Disney English in Beijing is now taking enrolments. For more information please visit http://www.disneyenglish.com or call 400 820 8066.

-ENDS-

Editors' Notes

*The Disney English survey was conducted among 2000 parents in Beijing and Shanghai who have their child currently enrolled in an English language learning center or are thinking about it in the near future. The study was carried out by Jigsaw, a leading consumer research agency.

**Disney English conducts regular internal research amongst parents with enrolled children at the centers.

About Disney English

Disney English, a division of The Walt Disney Company, develops world-class English language learning products and services for children in China. Disney English learning centers in Beijing are wholly owned by Disney English China Holdings Limited. In Shanghai, they are operated as a joint venture between Disney and CIIC, a leading training and education organization in China specializing in foreign language training, Chinese language training, international camp business and adult vocational training. Disney English has an advisory board made up of local and international experts in education and childhood learning and a committed focus on delivering a world-class English Language program. With a focus on immersive learning environments and bringing the joy back to learning English, Disney English foreign trainers are all native English speakers giving a consistent voice in our classrooms. Additionally, they can bring additional skills into the learning environment which includes song, dance and drama, making learning deeper, richer and more engaging.

For more information about the Disney English programs and centers, please log onto http://www.disneyenglish.com

Source: The Walt Disney Company
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