Cambridge Exam Preparation Courses

COURSE DESCRIPTION

These courses prepare students to undertake the University of Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) and Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) exams.

The Cambridge FCE and CAE exams are internationally recognised assessments of general English language proficiency at upper-intermediate and advanced level, respectively. They are for people who wish to demonstrate that they can use everyday written and spoken English for work or study purposes. They are comprised of five practical, skills-based papers in reading, writing, use of English (grammar), listening and speaking.

Completing the FCE or CAE Exam Preparation Course ensures that you have the best possible chance of success in the exam, as well as in future studies and employment.  

CERTIFICATION & RECOGNITION

International House Sydney TTPC students who go on to successfully complete the Cambridge FCE or CAE exam receive a University of Cambridge Examination Certificate.

COURSE CONTENT

The courses are intensive, with a strong focus on developing the skills and confidence required to successfully complete the FCE or CAE exam.

Students complete practical, real-life writing tasks including writing business letters, reading authentic texts to build vocabulary and practicing professional interview techniques, while also building exam techniques, independent study skills and high-level English proficiency.

Both courses include practice tests, interviews and time-management skills in preparation for the exam.

ASSESSMENT

Progress is assessed in the form of regular classroom tests and assessment of classroom performance. These assessments are designed to indicate proficiency in the areas covered in the exams.

ENTRY CRITERIA

• Minimum 18 years of age
• FCE - upper-intermediate English level (IELTS Level 5.0)
• CAE - advanced English level (IELTS Level 6.0)

Applicants complete a pre-course test and interview to determine their level of English and their chances of success in the exams.

COURSE LENGTH

• 10-12 weeks of full time study
• 20 hours per week
• An additional 20 hours of independent study per week, focusing on exam techniques

At the end of the relevant course, students can sit the Cambridge FCE or CAE exam.

FCE sample weekly timetable

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00am- 10:30am	Vocabulary and speaking: shopping	Reading: shopaholics (gapped text technique)	Listening: country and city (multiple choice technique)	Preparing to write: Renting a property	Review of language
10:30am- 12.15pm	Break	Break	Break	Break	Break
10:45- 12:15pm	Listening: supermarket psycology (sentance completion)	Vocabulary: phrasal verbs with "come"	Vocabulary: towns and villages	Writing: emails in formal and informal styles	Timed exam practice
12:15pm- 1:15pm	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
1:15pm- 2:15pm	Language focus: present perfect	Use of English: sentence transformations with phrasal verbs	Language and sepaking: expressing preferences (exam technique)	Language: contrasting ideas	Exam speaking practice
2:15pm- 3:15pm	Independent  self study	Independent  self study	Independent  self study	Independent  self study	Independent  self study

CAE sample weekly timetable

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00am- 10:30am	Vocabulary and speaking: work	Listening: job interview anecdotes (multiple matching exam techniques)	Reading: working in the fast lane (multiple choice exam technique)	Listening: time management (sentence completion exam technique)	Review of language
10:30am- 12.15pm	Break	Break	Break	Break	Break
10:45am- 12:15pm	Reading and punctuation: working from home	Language focus: gerunds and infinitives	Language: collocations with personality vocabulary	Vocabulary: expressions with "time"	Timed exam practice
12:15pm- 1:15pm	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
1:15pm- 2:15pm	Formal letter writing: letter of application	Speaking: role play (job interviews)	Writing: character references	Use of English: key word transformations	Exam speaking practice
2:15pm- 3:15pm	Independent  self study	Independent  self study	Independent  self study	Independent  self study	Independent  self study

TRAINERS

All our teachers are highly qualified and experienced, and all are native speakers of English. Many of them are also teacher trainers, so the teaching you receive is based on the latest professional research.

APPLY FOR THIS COURSE

All students are welcome. For more information please contact the school on 02 9279 0733 or apply online.

COURSE DATES & FEES

Cambridge Exam Preparation

5th Jan - 13th Mar 2009 (10 weeks)

23rd Mar - 12 Jun 2009 (12 weeks)

7th Sep - 27th Nov (12 weeks)

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