English for Examinations
• success in FCE, CAE
• increased confidence in your future career
English for Examinations
Find success in IELTS and further study or work with our specialist English for Examinations course. This ‘International English Language Testing System’ measures your ability to communicate in English across the four language skills — listening, speaking, reading and writing. Our experienced English language teachers will support you through this process, working closely with you to develop the skills required for examination success. Small class sizes (maximum class size 12) mean you will receive personal attention throughout your studies, giving you the help and instruction you need to develop your English language abilities and pass your IELTS.
Preparing hundreds of students every year for IELTS examinations
If you want to attend university or find an English-speaking job, passing your IELTS is essential. The English for Examinations course is specifically designed to prepare you for these examinations. From “against the clock” activities and practice tests to speaking and listening activities, you will focus on the background skills required for exam success. This will improve your fluency and understanding of the English language, so you can approach your IELTS confidently, with the best chance of success.
Course information
| Age: 17+ (18+ in summer) Level: intermediate + Length: two weeks to 12 months+ Class: maximum 12 Lessons: 21 per week (note: one lesson = 55 minutes) |
Course structure
Classes in the mornings focus on the background skills required for exam success. As a result, you develop greater accuracy and fluency in the use of English.
Lessons incorporate the four skills — reading, writing, listening and speaking — as well as the building-blocks of the language — grammar and vocabulary.
Classes in the afternoons focus on practising the skills required for success in your chosen examination and include:
- examination strategies
- practice tests
- speaking and listening tasks
- “against the clock” activities
- tips from the examiners
Sample TimetableEnglish for Examinations |
09.00-11.00 | Focus on Accuracy |
| Break | ||
| 11.15-12.15 | Focus on Fluency | |
| Lunch | ||
| 14.00-16.00 | Exam area choice |
Success in IELTS and entry to university
Benefits of this course include the following:
- success in IELTS examinations and entry to university
- success in FCE, CAE and a boost to your future career
- the opportunity to challenge and develop your English language skills
- increased confidence in today’s world
Contact the Department
| Louis Jobin |
|---|
| Client Relations Coordinator |
| Tel: +44 1865 517184 |
| louis.jobin@stclares.ac.uk |
| Manuela Williams |
| Admissions Registrar |
| Tel: +44 1865 517706 |
| manuela.williams@stclares.ac.uk |
| Bardwell Road Campus |
| 18 Bardwell Road – Oxford – OX2 6SP |
| Office hours: Monday – Friday GMT 0900-1700 hrs |
University Foundation Course: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the University Foundation Course at St Clare’s, including the benefits, the structure of the course and how to apply.
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An interview with a group of flight attendants, studying Combination English. Here’s their view of the course, their accommodation and the British accent.
Students’ portraits displayed in art exhibit
St Clare’s students have had their artwork included in a special exhibit in the University of Wisconsin, featuring children affected by the Syrian war.
IELTS and Cambridge examinations
The IELTS test is designed for those who need English for further study or work. It is the most popular examination at St Clare’s. If you want to study at a university in the UK or USA, you normally need a score of 6.5 or higher. The IELTS test is:
- accepted in more than 120 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
- the single most important requirement for non-native speakers who wish to study at university in the UK
- easy to arrange: it’s available in Oxford every month and results are ready in three weeks.
Cambridge examinations are highly regarded too. At St Clare’s we successfully prepare students for the following:
- PET (Preliminary English Test)
- FCE (First Certificate in English)
- CAE (Cambridge Advanced English)
- CPE (Cambridge Proficiency in English)
Success at IELTS and Cambridge exams
During the classes you practise the skills required for success at IELTS and Cambridge exams:
- Examination strategies
- Practice tests
- Speaking and listening tasks
- “Against the clock” activities
- Top tips from the examiners
| Some course elements may incur additional cost: | |
|---|---|
| Examination fees | Fees for the following examinations are currently between approximately £35 – £155 |
| Cambridge examinations. Entry and fees are due about 3 months before the exam date. | FCE First Certificate in English |
| CAE Certificate in Advanced English | |
| CPE Certificate of Proficiency in English | |
| Other examinations | IELTS (for further study in the UK) |
| TOEIC, TOEFL (for further study in USA) SAT I, SAT II, (3 sets) | |
| Text books and course materials | No charge |
Course dates
Students can choose to learn English at all levels at St Clare’s. We offer short and long courses with regular start dates throughout the year, including the summer. Many students extend their studies or progress on to other courses, such as English plus Academic Subjects, or the University Foundation Course.
From September to May, English language course students live and socialise alongside native English speakers from American universities. Plan your studies and choose a date and a course to suit you.
Courses start on Sundays
| 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 24 September | 29 October | 19 November |
| 2018 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7 January | 4 February | 4 March |
| 8 April | 6 May | 27 May |
| 17 June | 24 June | 8 July |
| 22 July | 29 July | 5 August |
| 19 August | ||
Tuition fees from September 2017
Book for more than 5 weeks and pay less!
| 21 lessons per week | 2-5 weeks |
6-11 weeks |
12-17 weeks |
18-23 weeks |
24-35 weeks |
36+ weeks |
| £407 | £397 | £387 | £377 | £367 | £357 | |
| One-to-One lessons | ||||||
| 10 private lessons per week | £570 | |||||
| 15 private lessons per week | £855 | |||||
| 25 private lessons per week | £1425 | |||||
Calculate the cost of this course
Minimum stay is two weeks
One lesson = 55 minutes
Accommodation options from September 2017
| Self catering — per week | |
|---|---|
| Twin Standard | £229 |
| Twin Superior | £278 |
| Single Standard | £295 |
| Single Superior | £362 |
| Homestay — per week (includes breakfast and dinner every day) |
|
| Single Standard — with shared bathroom | £229 |
| Single Superior — with private bathroom | £302 |
| Add Meals | |
| Lunch — Monday to Friday | £44 per week |
Book this examination course
This is a great opportunity to improve your English qualifications