IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures your ability to communicate in English across the four language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing – and is for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
It is recognised worldwide in more than 4,500 institutions in 120 countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is the most popular examination for St. Clare’s students.
IELTS is regarded as the single most important requirement for non-native speakers who wish to enter a university in the UK. Tests can be taken in Oxford every month and the results are available within three weeks. You will normally need a score of 6.0 or higher to join a university in the UK.
Monitoring progress
The team at St. Clare’s is very experienced and successful in preparing students for IELTS. We can help you in the following ways:
- Entry test: we give you a number of tests on arrival to help assess your level on entry.
- Setting goals: your teacher discusses your needs and agrees ‘learning milestones’.
- Classroom tasks: small classes provide a supportive learning environment.
- After-class: teachers set homework tasks which extend your classroom learning.
- Self-Access: you are given guidance on computer-aided learning and test packages.
- Regular tests: you take internal tests in class to help decide the date of your examination.
Success at IELTS
During the classes you practise the skills required for success at IELTS:
- Examination strategies
- Practice tests
- Speaking and listening tasks
- ‘Against the clock’ activities
- Top tips from the examiners