English Language Pre-Sessional Courses

IELTS Preparation Course

The IELTS preparation course at Guildhall is focused on bringing students up to the required level of English for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. This programme gives students the skill they need to successfully take an IELTS exam by studying all parts of the IELTS test with a teacher who gives advice, explanations, error feedback and exam tips. The IELTS classes are for students who already have (or potentially could get) at least 4.5 (CEF B1), with a target score, after a year, of at least 2 points higher than that which they arrived with.

In addition Guildhall offers general English classes, enabling students to communicate effectively in various contexts and situations in their daily life in England.

Methodology

We take a communicative and task-based approach to language learning, ensuring that the material is appropriate to the student’s level, interests and needs. All four skills are practiced and tested – reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as, where appropriate, grammar. We feel it is important that students leave the course with a wide repertoire of context-specific lexis, so the learning and practice of vocabulary makes up a vital component of the course.

Materials

The IETLS English course is based on Objective IELTS and Macmillan Foundation & Graduation IELTS courses, but we use a range of materials, from text books, on-line resources and authentic written, listening and audio-visual texts. Students are given home assignments to consolidate work presented and practiced during the class time.

Levels

Our classes are currently split into two levels; Intermediate (CEF A2 and B1) and Advanced (CEF B2 and C1).

Weekly Class Schedule

All students will take a preliminary test, which will establish their language level, and give an indication of where the course has to concentrate. The teaching staff will divide the students into classes of 8-10, depending on ability.

Assessment

Every six weeks internal testing. At the end of the course the students will be entered for the IELTS exam.

Topics Covered

Topics covered include: Travel and Tourism. Finding somewhere to Live. Media and News. Technology. Future Society. Rules and Freedom Brands and Advertising. Dilemmas. Problems and Solutions. Feelings and Impressions. Adventures and Problems. The Mind. Unusual Achievements. Giving advice Socialising and Big Events. Nature and the environment. Systems and processes. Government. Management. Crime and law.

Within this range of topics there is a strong emphasis on academic and business English to facilitate entry onto our degree programmes