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5 St Andrews Crescent,Cardiff,Wales, CF10 3DA,UK

Tel: (+44) (0) 29 2034 1212 email: applications@alphaomegacollege.co.uk

www.alphaomegacollege.co.uk

ALPHA & OMEGA COLLEGE

CARDIFF

UK PROSPECTUS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Our English as a Foreign Language

Courses are accredited by the British

Council. (www.britishcouncil.org)

Our awarding body is

The Independent

Schools Inspectorate

(www.isi.net)

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Welcome to Alpha & Omega College

Alpha & Omega College is a small, private college located in the heart of Cardiff, the Welsh capital. It is within easy reach of the main railway station and bus services to and from most parts of the city and the surrounding areas.

The college is well equipped with the latest technology such as DVD players, TVs, projectors, laptops and computers with internet access. Our teaching staff use this technology alongside the course books to ensure students get the best learning experience.

Most groups range in size from 3 to 12 and we also provide one-to-one classes. In addition, we are able to provide intensive courses, home tuition or distance learning for some courses. Our General English courses are tailored to suit all needs.

All of our English Language teachers are qualified with a minimum of a CELTA or equivalent English teaching qualification. A number have also taught outside the UK and so have a good understanding and knowledge of issues facing students of English.

The college was founded with the support of a number of organisations including the Welsh Assembly Government, the Welsh Development Agency, Cardiff County Council, Venture Wales, Business Eye and International Business Wales.

Mission Statement

Alpha and Omega College aims to cater for our students’ needs by offering them high quality teaching, while at the same time looking after their welfare. We are able to do this with our strong and dedicated team working together for our mutual advancement.

From the Director's Desk

“At Alpha Omega College, we strive to provide excellent education, valued around the globe. As our name suggests, we are the beginning and the end to diverse education. We provide a variety of options to choose from in education, to develop and nurture your skills in the field you aspire. At our institute, we encourage ambition and provide opportunities to fulfil them. We wish to thank our partners, awarding bodies and stake holders for their continued support, trust, and encouragement to make Alpha Omega College a leading institution

globally.” Mary Matti

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Cardiff

Cardiff, the youngest capital city in Europe, is a lively and very friendly city surrounded by spectacular countryside. It has a rich history as well as a thriving social and cultural scene. It also has great facilities. In the middle of the city is the Millennium Stadium (which was built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup), a modern city-centre shopping area and modern offices for many local and international businesses.

South of the city centre, and built on the old Docks, is Cardiff Bay, which is home to the National Assembly of Wales (Welsh Government), Techniquest (an interactive science and discovery centre), the Millennium Centre and a number of other attractions such as restaurants and shops. It has also been the background for a number of well-known TV programmes, such as the BBC’s Doctor Who and Torchwood series.

Cardiff is a well-connected city that provides easy access to the rest of the UK as well as continental Europe. The city has excellent rail and bus links as well as an international airport just 10 miles outside the city centre and London is only 2 ½ hours away by car.

Courses Available

AOC Level Common European Framework IELTS Equivalent

Beginner A1 1.0-2.0

Elementary A2 2.0-3.0

Pre-Intermediate A2-B1 3.0-4.5

Intermediate B1 4.5-5.5

Upper-Intermediate B2 5.5-6.5

Advanced C1 6.5-7.5

IETLS exam preparation

Cambridge exams PET, FCE, CAE, CPE exam preparation (on demand)

ESOL Entry 1, 2, 3

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Why Choose Alpha & Omega

More than just learning

Alpha & Omega College is about more than just studying for your course. We want you to enjoy your time in Cardiff as well as improving your education. Many of our students socialise with each other outside of the school and relax during the day in one of our student rooms, playing pool or watching television.

Method of Tuition

Our teaching methods are based on the latest developments in second language teaching. Classes are tailored to suit the students’ individual learning styles and as such materials are adapted to improve our learners’ language proficiency as effectively as possible. Our classes are not typically quiet places – students are encouraged to communicate with each other and their teacher in classroom activities (for example, conversations, role-plays and discussions) to increase confidence in spoken English.

Classes receive tuition from two different teachers a week. All our courses are based on widely-recognised and modern course books at different levels. Students work through the levels and cover important grammar and vocabulary, as well as improve their skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Our teachers also make use of our computer rooms to conduct lessons using the internet as a further resource. The college possesses a wide range of technologies such as DVD players, TVs, projectors and laptops that are used alongside the course books to make sure students get the best learning experience.

Students are regularly tested to assess their progress and they move to higher levels as their skills improve.

Meet Our Teachers

“I really enjoy working in the college and meeting students from all corners of the globe. Our IELTS classes focus closely on the language and techniques students need to improve their scores as effectively as possible. Although the target is academic English, our classes are warm and friendly and our students enjoy the learning process.”

David Chichester EFL Tutor

“Since I started working at Alpha & Omega I have had the opportunity to meet students from different countries and cultures. The courses at the college are well-organised and keep the students motivated and engaged. We have a great team here

and we work very hard to ensure our students achieve their targets” Trefor Jones EFL Tutor.

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Great Reasons for Choosing Alpha Omega

We accept all levels, including Beginner level.

Small classes. A maximum of 12 students, with an

average of 5 per class.

Free placement test to ensure you are placed at the

correct level for your ability.

Free personal and friendly service from one of our

staff members with any welfare problems you might

have.

Free Sky TV access in the student common.

Free end-of-course certificate.

Free computer use.

Free coffee and tea.

Free one-to-one meetings with your own personal tutor.

Free internet access for students.

Free help with applications to academic institutions. Our team can help you with your

application through one of our partnered universities or help you to apply to somewhere

else in the country.

Free social talks from teachers and outside guests.

Free monthly testing, online Oxford testing and Cambridge IELTS pre-testing.

Monthly excursions (for an additional charge) allow students to see all parts of Cardiff

and the surrounding area, while using English outside of the classroom setting. We

conduct trips to the beach, historical places such as castles and museums, and the

attractive local parks in the company of a College tutor.

Through our social programme we aim to educate students about Welsh and British

culture. This will help them enjoy their stay in Wales and the UK. We do this through

cultural talks and class discussions about British culture.

Women-only classes (subject to availability).

We are an approved ESOL exam centre.

NUS card access (NUS Charges apply).

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“I am amazed by Alpha Omega College, I started studying beginner’s level at Alpha Omega College. In less than one year I was able to progress and complete my first year Degree in Hospitality Management Course achieving Distinction and Merit result. Omar

Calim- Turkey

"All people who work in Alpha and Omega are very friendly and nice, they are very helpful, especially the teachers." Laila Gurgi from Libya, who attended our General English Course

Post-Study . . . What Next?

After you finish your course with us there are many options available to you as a student. We can help you decide how you want to continue your studies, either with us or at other educational institutions.

We have contacts with a number of local colleges and universities. Our staff can help you complete application forms and make sure that you have all the correct documentation to allow you to start your studies. We will also help you contact your university’s International Office.

We are currently agents for the following universities, so we can help you to contact and apply to any of these universities.

● University of South Wales ● Cardiff Metropolitan University

● Hertfordshire University ● Aberystwyth University

● Buckingham University ● Newport University

● Bath Spa University

Please note Alpha & Omega College is not responsible for any offers given by these universities.

We are a third party in all discussions.

University of Cambridge

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General English

Our General English courses are designed to improve your level of English in a relaxing atmosphere. The course lasts for about 10 weeks, thus providing about 200 hours’ teaching time per level (dependent on the number of hours per week). All our courses are taught by qualified teachers. Certificates can only be awarded if students have a very good attendance record, have completed all necessary homework assignments and achieved a minimum passing grade in all tests and passed the end of course test.

Students who attend for 24 hours a week will study five days a week. Students on 20 hours a week will study from 9 am to 2.40 pm Monday to Thursday. Students who attend for 16 hours a week will study from Monday to Thursday 9am to 1.40pm.

When you first come to Alpha and Omega we will give you a placement test to make sure that you are at the correct level.

Aims and objectives

Improve your English language

proficiency

Upgrade your level of English

Enable you to express yourself in

both spoken and written English

Enhance your fluency and accuracy in English

Improve your English communication skills in your personal and professional life

Outline

A typical General English class might follow a schedule similar to that given below. Please note that this is not an exact timetable, just an example of how a course may run.

9.00-10.00 10.00-10.30 10.30-10.40

10.40-11.00 11.00-12.00

12.00-12.30 12.30-1.30 1.40-2.40

20 &24 students

MONDAY Grammar Vocabulary

B R E A K

Reading Listening & Speaking

L

U

N

C

H

Pronunciation Extension Speaking

TUESDAY Grammar Listening & Speaking

Reading Writing Skills

Speaking Extension Reading

WEDNESDAY Grammar Vocabulary Reading & Writing

Pronunciation

Reading & Listening

Extension Writing

THURSDAY Grammar Listening Vocabulary Reading skills

Writing & Speaking

Extension

Listening

FRIDAY

24 Hour students only

Grammar Review

Writing Writing & Reading

Listening 12.00—1.10 Speaking &

Pronunciation

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IELTS preparation course

Our IELTS preparation course is designed to give the students the language skills needed to gain high scores in IELTS tests. IELTS is taught by qualified and experienced teachers. The IELTS exam preparation course is normally run at intermediate level and above, so students will need to demonstrate their linguistic ability in their placement test for entry to this course; alternatively, we are offer a pre-IELTS course for those who do not have the English level required

Aims & Objectives

Provide the linguistic support and training that

students need in order to make rapid progress

Improve students’ IELTS scores

Practise the different tasks required for each part

of the exam

Teach personal strategies to do the tasks more

effectively

Teach the large amount of new vocabulary required for the exam

To enhance students’ English fluency and accuracy.

To improve students’ academic skills

PLEASE NOTE: Course fees do NOT include IELTS examination fees and students need to book directly. Examination fees (currently about £140.00) will need to be paid directly by students to the examination centre where they choose to sit the exam. For further information on IELTS, log onto www.ielts.org

Outline

“I am Najem Adeen M. Saeed from Kurdistan-Iraq. I studied English in Alpha Omega College for 6

months. I progressed very quickly from lower level to advanced in English Language and I got score 6 in IELTS. The staff at Alpha Omega are very friendly & helpful and they always treat us like a family. If you want to learn English in Cardiff-UK, I recommend you to contact Alpha Omega College.” Mr Saeed Najmadeen

9.00-10.00 10.00-10.30 10.30-10.40

10.40-11.00 11.00-12.00 12.00-12.30 12.30-1.40

1.40-2.40

20 and 24 hour students.

MONDAY Grammar Vocabulary

B R E A K

Pronunciation Speaking Skills

L U N C H

Speaking Tasks Extension Speaking

TUESDAY Grammar Vocabulary Listening Listening Listening Tasks Extension Listening

WEDNESDAY Grammar Vocabulary Reading Reading skills Reading Tasks Extension Reading

THURSDAY Grammar Vocabulary Vocabulary Writing skills Writing Tasks Extension writing

FRIDAY

24 Hour students

only.

IELTS test

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Teachers’ Refresher Course

The Refresher Course is suitable for school teachers, from both the private and state sectors from all over the world. It provides a balance of English language development and training in teaching skills and methodology. The teacher training component aims to raise an awareness of techniques and skills in the classroom in line with the Communicative Approach methodology and current EFL thinking.

It is a two week course that is taught from Monday to Friday 9am -3pm.

Course Topics

Examples of topics that will be covered in the methodology part of the course:

Learning styles, role of Communicative Language Teaching in current teaching

Classroom management issues, especially including error correction

Planning and staging lessons using different lesson structures

Production of spoken language; planning and carrying out genuinely communicative

activities, resources, trouble-shooting

Skills development, listening & reading sub-skills, lesson, staging, delivery and

materials

Writing sub-skills, the writing process, motivation and materials

Using music, songs, AV and drama in class, materials and activities

Teaching phonology, especially phonemic discrimination,

word/sentence stress and intonation which non-native teachers

invariably find challenging

E-learning: advantages and disadvantages, online resources

ESP including, children, teenagers, business classes and one-to-one

teaching

Insight into the Welsh culture and language

Achievement

Upon successful completion of the course you will receive an in-house certificate including description of training and time input.

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English for Academic Purposes/English for Specific Purposes:

Our courses are designed to build and strengthen the English language skills that students need in order to perform in an English academic and professional context. The courses focus narrowly on the specific linguistic demands of a particular area as in the following:

The courses are taught by experienced and qualified teachers and are generally for students who are at intermediate or advanced level.

Aims and objectives

1- Students to learn all the relevant language and functions to allow them to communicate

effectively in English in an academic and professional environment.

2- To provide specific language tools students need to use in a professional work situation and to

promote their use.

3- To prepare students for higher education studies in the UK.

EFL - Price list 2013/2014

General English 16 hrs - £120 20 hrs - £170 24 hrs - £210 Selective

1 hr - £8

Pre-sessional/pre-masters 24 hrs - £230

Summer General English

15 hrs - £150 20 hrs - £190 24 hrs - £220

English for Academic/ Specific Purposes

15 hours - £160 20 hrs - £200 24 hrs - £230

Exam Preparation 16 hrs - £150 20 hrs – £180 24 hrs - £220

One to one 1 hr - £35

General English academic year

September –June/ January- August - £5,500

Foundation Programme All year - £8,900

Teacher Refresher course

2 Weeks (25 hours/week) - £780 (£250 Cancellation fee) VAT included

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Admission Requirements

We recommend that students have completed Secondary School Education (usually at the age of 16+), however we take each student on their own merit.

There are a number of ways of applying to Alpha & Omega College

The best way is on our website www.alphaomegacollge.co.uk Here you can find more specific details about your course and can email any enquiries you might have.

You can phone us on +442920341212 and we will be happy to talk to you over the phone about any details you might require.

You can email us on alphaomegacollege@yahoo.co.uk.

You can apply directly to the centre and have a friendly chat with one of our members of staff.

You can also contact us in person or by post: 21 Windsor Place, Cardiff ,CF10 3BY Wales, UK.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about applying for any of our courses.

If you are applying from outside the EEA, Alpha & Omega College will need to write you an offer letter. We will need some information from you in order to give you the correct letter to present to the British Embassy in your country.

Applying for a Visa

EEA Nationals do not need to gain entry clearance to the UK. However, people from this area wishing to gain entrance to the UK will need to show their passport or identity card on arrival.

Nationals of countries outside the EEA need to gain a student visa (sometimes known as student entry clearance). To gain this visa a student should contact the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in their own country. See www.ukvisas.gov.uk

Non EEA nationals will need to apply under the Tier 4 points-based system. This is a new system introduced by the Home Office in 2009. Each applicant is given a points score, which depends on the financial situation of the student, the course being applied for and the offer from the educational institution. You will not be able to apply for a visa without a certificate of sponsorship number.

Check www.ukvisas.gov.uk for more information.

You may need the following to apply for a visa:

A completed visa application form (available from the British Embassy in your own country).

Your passport.

Two recent passport-sized photos.

The visa fee, which is non-refundable and must usually be in the local currency of the country

where you are applying (the fee varies).

A letter from Alpha & Omega College confirming your offer.

Proof of financial security to meet the full cost of your fees and maintenance, such as bank

statements or proof from a sponsor that they will pay your fees.

It may also be helpful to have the following:

Birth Certificate

Marriage Certificate

Previous academic certificates

Identity Card

Health certificate

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Method of payment

We accept payments for course fees and/or deposit(s) in the following ways:

International Bank Transfer (the college will not take responsibility for any bank charges or

foreign exchange rate).

Cheque(please allow 5-10 working days for clearance)

Cash in the centre only

Student Information Finances and the Cost of Living

Budgeting for your finances is an important part of overseas study. In addition to course fees, the Home Office suggests that a single person will require approximately £800.00 per month to live outside London.

This is just a breakdown of what we recommend:

Travel: In addition to travelling to the UK you will also need to travel to and from college. On public transport, this will cost approximately £15.00 per week. See http://www.cardiffbus.com/ for more details.

Accommodation: We can organise accommodation for you before you arrive. We offer home-stay accommodation, where you will live with a family in Cardiff (all home-stay accommodation is inspected regularly by college representatives) or self-catering accommodation where you will live independently. If you require accommodation please make sure you fill in the appropriate information on your application. The cost of accommodation will vary depending on whether you would like shared accommodation or a private residence. There is a good variety of accommodation in Cardiff, which will cost:

From £90 per week for room only From £110 per week for half-board

An arrangement fee of £50 is payable in order to secure accommodation (non-refundable). It is also necessary to pay a £200 deposit prior to arrival.

Insurance: Students are not insured by Alpha Omega College or by home-stay providers against emergency expenses, personal accident or illness, theft or other loss of personal effects, and personal liability.

Medical insurance: If you are not entitled to free treatment from the NHS (National Health Service), you will need medical insurance to cover your medical costs. You will need to check your own status with your sponsor or embassy. EU students are entitled to care from the NHS.

Motor insurance: If you drive a vehicle in the UK, you must be insured. If you are renting a car, this insurance will be included in the rental agreement, but if you plan to drive a private vehicle, you must arrange insurance before you use it.

Travel insurance: If you plan to travel abroad a lot, you should take out travel insurance. However, in the first six months of your stay in the UK it may be difficult to get travel insurance from a UK provider. After you have been resident in the UK for six months, you can get different types of travel insurance, including single trip and annual multi-trip policies, from a wide variety of UK providers.

Personal property insurance: This covers your property from damage or theft. For more information on insurance see:

http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/products/insurance/insurance.html

Work: Non EU students are not entitled to work. This regulation is subject to change by UKBA Home Office. You must always check your visa to make sure you are allowed to work. For more information please visit home office

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Terms and Conditions

Enrolment and Payment Policy All course fees must paid in full before any visa or CAS letter can be issued.

There is a non-refundable administration booking fee of £100 to be paid before you get the acceptance letter.

The course fees do not include course books, supplementary materials, exam fees, registration fees or awarding bodies.

The average price of a course book is £30.

If language skills are insufficient for the course on which a student is enrolled, they will be placed on an alternative course. If qualifications or skills claimed on an application are found to be false, course places may be cancelled and fees not refunded.

Airport pickup costs are as follows; Heathrow from £250 one way/£350 return, Cardiff from £40 one way. Please contact us for prices for pickups from other airports.

Accommodation can be organised by the college for you before you arrive. We offer home-stay accommodation where you will live with a family in Cardiff (all home–stay accommodation is inspected by college representatives) or self-catering accommodation. If you require accommodation please make sure you fill in the appropriate information on your application. The cost of accommodation will vary depending on whether you would like shared accommodation or a private residence.

For students requiring home-stay accommodation, a deposit must be paid. This deposit will be returned when leaving the accommodation, providing there are no outstanding payments to be made, or problems such as damage to the property.

The College is not responsible for information or arrangements made by third parties, except for accredited agents.

Certificates on completion of their course, students will be presented with a certificate. If the student loses or damages their certificate, they will be liable for a fee of £10 before a replacement can be issued.

There will be no classes on Public Holidays, such as Christmas and Bank Holidays. There will be no discount or refund for courses that take part on these days.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

There will be no refunds given after a course has started, unless the college is responsible for cancelling the course.

There will be no refunds for late arrival, early departure, time off or non-attendance.

Course fee deposits will not be refunded except in the event a student visa application is declined. In the event a student visa is denied, 50% of the course fee deposit will be refunded, providing evidence of refusal (refusal notice from British Embassy or Home Office) is supplied. Alpha Omega College will not be responsible for any bank transfer charges resulting from a visa refusal.

The college has the right to cancel or discontinue any course. In these circumstances every effort will be made to place students on a suitable alternative course. If no suitable alternative can be found course fees will be refunded.

Alpha Omega College cannot accept responsibility or liability for changes or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond our control – such as war, extreme weather conditions, civil unrest, or ‘acts of God’.

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Attendance and Punctuality Policy

All students are expected to attend every lesson required by their course as well as any other social activities/educational trips organised by the college as part of the course.

If a student misses 2 days without notification to college staff, a verbal warning will be given.

If poor attendance continues for 2 more days after this the student will be given a second verbal warning.

If attendance still doesn’t improve after the second verbal warning and the student misses 2 more days then a first written warning will be given.

If this warning is not listened to and the student misses 2 more days then the student will be given a second written warning. These written warnings are kept in the student’s file.

If attendance has not improved after these warnings and if the student has missed 10 expected contacts consecutively, the college has the right to dismiss the student from the course and inform the UKBA and student’s sponsor.

If this dismissal occurs no refund of any course fees paid in advance will be given.

Home Office Visa Regulations

Alpha Omega College will contact the UKBA or relevant sponsor in the following cases:

Students that accept an offer, but do not enrol, and students who enrol on a course but do not attend.

Students who attend initially but then drop out of their course, students who fail to pay their fees and then are excluded. The College will notify the Home Office if students have been removed from their course, stop attending or transfer college.

According to the UKBA (Home Office) visa regulations, students who have missed 10 expected contacts consecutively will be dismissed from the course. Please be aware that 10 is the maximum limit before reporting. However, the college reserves the right to inform the UKBA and the student’s sponsor sooner if we consider that a student is no longer participating in their study.

Alpha Omega College has made every effort to ensure all information in this brochure is complete and accurate. However, we maintain the right to change published information if circumstances outside our control require it. Alpha & Omega College is not responsible for the content on any website external to our own.

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Contact us Please visit the AOC website at www.alphaomegacollege.co.uk for full course details and additional information about the college You can contact AOC in a number of ways: By Post 5 St Andrews Crescent Cardiff UK CF10 3DA

External Links

The following websites can give some information to students wishing to stay in Cardiff and the U.K.

International Student Advice Transportation links Other useful links

www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk www.cardiffbus.com www.cardiff.gov.uk

wwww.ukvisas.gov.uk www.thetrainline.com www.tvlicencing.co.uk

www.ukcosa.org.uk www.megabus.com www.hmrc.gov.uk

www.statravel.co.uk www.dvla.gov.uk

By Phone +44 (0)2920 341212 By email alphaomegacollege@yahoo.co.uk

applications@alphaomegacollege.co.uk

Directions

You can find us by taking the train to Cardiff central train station. Cardiff is also well-served by a good bus service. Cardiff international Airport is reachable within about half an hour of the city centre.

By Foot (Time: 15 minutes) From Cardiff Central train station you need to head south on Great Western Lane and turn left onto Central Square. Turn right onto Great Western Lane. Turn left at Saunders Road. Continue on Mill Lane and continue straight onto Caroline Street. Turn right onto The Hayes and left at Bridge Street. Turn Left at Charles Street. Turn right at Heol y Frenhines. Turn left at Dumfries Place. Continue on Windsor Place. Alpha and Omega College will be on the left.

Coach There are a number of Coach Operators that connect the UK, including Gatwick and Heathrow airports, to Cardiff. National Express Website - http://www.nationalexpress.com

Telephone - 08705 80 80 80.

Megabus Website - http://www.megabus.com

Telephone - 08705 50 50 50

Train National Rail provides train routes from all areas of the UK to Cardiff. National Rail Website - http://www.nationalrail.co.uk

Telephone - 08457 48 49 50

Car You can route a car journey from any location in the UK to Alpha and Omega College through the AA route planner. Put Alpha and Omega’s postcode (CF10 3BY) into the ‘To’ field on the AA Route Planner website and the location you are traveling from on the ‘From Field’. AA Route Planner Website - http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp