General English
Commencement dates: Every Monday
Hours per week: 23 hrs/wk
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Course length: 2 to 48 weeks
Class size: Average 14
Requirements: None
General English classes are available from Beginner to Advanced levels and comprise 23 hours of English language tuition per week (equivalent to 29 lessons) delivered in six week modules throughout the year.
The Academy’s comprehensive syllabus ensures that speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are covered every day with grammar, vocabulary and syntax studied in context.
The main features of the General English Course are:
- Emphasis on fluency in oral language skills in the lower levels.
- Accuracy and expanded vocabulary and complex structures (context and syntax) presented at the higher levels.
A range of language levels to ensure complete satisfaction.
- Interactive, student-centred teaching style.
- Regular progress counselling.
- 3 hours of optional Special Focus Classes or Self Study
Special Focus Studies
Available as two 1.5 hour sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, the Special Focus Studies classes allow students to focus their studies on a particular skill or area of need or interest from the choices available in any given 6 week module.
Special Focus choices may include:
- Strategies for IELTS
- Communication Skills
- Advanced Writing Reports/Essays
- Grammar & Writing
- Pronunciation Skills
Sample Timetable
| Level: Intermediate Theme: Travel and Tourism | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timetable | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri |
| 8:45 am - 10:15 am | Introduction to topic of the week | Grammar Using the Present Perfect | Vocabulary Eco-tourism | Roleplay Interview an expedition member | Writing a Facebook post while on holiday |
| 10:15 am | 15 minute break | ||||
| 10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Listening and reading skills "Walking for Wildlife" | Critical thinking Reading "The Real Cost of Travel" | Grammar Present Perfect Continuous and Simple | Reading "A good holiday" | Listening Following directions and reading a map |
| 12:00 pm | 45 minute break | ||||
| 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm | Group discussion on the impact of tourism on the environment | Class survey What makes a good holiday? | Pronunciation Strong and weak forms | Pair work Unusual travel experiences | Video A disappearing world & class discussion and role play |
| 1:45 pm | 15 minute break | ||||
| 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Self study | Special Focus Studies | Self study | Special Focus Studies | Free time |
Class Level Comparison Table
| Class Description | CEFR* | Expected progress | approx. IELTS Band Score Equivalent | Recommended Entry Point for further study |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | A1 | 6 - 8 wks | 1 | |
| Elementary | A1+ | 12 wks | 2 | |
| Pre-Intermediate A | A2 | 6 - 8 wks | 3 | Primary 3/4 |
| Pre-Intermediate B | A2+ | 6 - 8 wks | 3.5 | Primary 5/6; Job Club |
| Intermediate A | B1 | 6 - 8 wks | 4 | High School Year 7/8; Demi/Au Pair |
| Intermediate B | B1+ | 12 wks | 5 | High School Year 9; AEP |
| Upper Intermediate | B2 | 6 - 8 wks | 5.5 | High School Year 10/11/12; Foundation; Dip. Business; TAFE |
| Pre-Advanced / Express English | B2+ | 6 - 8 wks | 6 | Bachelor Degree; Internship; Cambridge CAE |
| Advanced A | C1 | 6 - 8 wks | 6.5 | Postgraduate Coursework |
| Advanced B | C1+ | 6 - 8 wks | 7 | CELTA |
| Expert A | C2 | 6 - 8 wks | 7.5 | DELTA |
| Expert B | C2+ | 6 - 8 wks | 8+ |
