General English

Course Description

The General English course is designed to prepare students for conversation, everyday situations, and daily interactions that take place when travelling or living in an English-speaking country. Students learn and practice the four macro-skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking in an interactive environment. Levels of difficulty increase over the duration of the course to assist students in developing their skills and becoming more confident and fluent in English.

Entry Requirements

• Students must be 18 years old or older at the time of enrolment.
• Students will be assessed with a placement test and interview to determine the appropriate class level.

Modes and Methods of Delivery

The General English course is made up of 60 units of study, each delivered over a week in a face-to-face classroom setting only.

• Teaching methods include teacher-directed and student-centered learning, with flexible delivery tailored to different learning styles, cultures, and student needs.
• Macro-skills will be developed using communicative and integrated techniques.
• A combination of the following methods will be used:
  • Presentations
  • Discussions
  • Role-plays
  • Oral presentations
  • Individual and group instruction
  • Audio-visual materials
  • Web-based research
  • Online activities
  • Independent research
• Students will use authentic materials, along with materials specifically prepared for language learning.

Profile of Target Learner Group

• Age group: 18 and above
• Nationality: Students come from a range of overseas countries.
• Aims: To develop English language skills for effective communication in various situations.
• Experience: The target group may have little or no understanding of the Australian way of life or cultural expectations.

Course Structure

Starter Learners (Level 1)

Focuses on survival-type English for basic communication upon arrival in an English-speaking country. Students will learn to use familiar expressions, introduce themselves, ask and answer questions about personal details, and interact in simple conversations when the other person speaks clearly and slowly.

Elementary Learners (Level 2)

New Enthusiasts: Elementary learners are often newcomers to the English language, eager to build a solid foundation. This level suits individuals who want to start from scratch or have basic English skills. Tourists and Travelers: Those planning to explore English-speaking destinations will find this level beneficial for basic communication needs during their travels.

Pre-Intermediate Learners (Level 3)

Building Strong Foundations: Pre-Intermediate learners are well on their way to mastering English. This level is perfect for those who have grasped the basics and are now eager to deepen their understanding. Preparing for Global Careers: Pre-intermediate level learners are often on the cusp of entering the global job market and require strong language skills to succeed.

Intermediate Learners (Level 4)

Students Aiming for Fluency: Intermediate learners seek to enhance their English skills for academic and professional purposes. They may be preparing for exams, higher education, or career advancement. Global Communicators: Individuals who wish to communicate with confidence in international settings or work with English-speaking colleagues will benefit from this level.

Upper-Intermediate Learners (Level 5)

Mature Communicators: Upper-intermediate learners have a solid grasp of English and are refining their language for more complex and nuanced communication. Path to Proficiency: Upper-Intermediate learners are advancing towards fluency. They often include students, professionals, and travellers who aim to communicate more effectively and confidently in English.

Advanced Learners (Level 6)

Professionals and Aspiring Experts: Those who desire a higher level of English proficiency for advanced careers, research, or further academic pursuits will find this level beneficial. Cultural Enthusiasts: Those interested in English literature, art, and culture will appreciate the depth of knowledge and linguistic abilities gained at the advanced level. Our General English Course offers a holistic approach, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, along with grammar and vocabulary development. Whether you re a beginner starting your language journey, an intermediate learner aiming for fluency, or an advanced student striving for mastery, our website provides the resources and support to help you achieve your English language goals. Each level involves a combination of formative and summative assessments to assess learners’ outcomes. Formative Assessment Each level includes mini-tests per unit that test pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and functional language. Mini-tests are both written and spoken. Students will complete these mini-tests in Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of each level. Following the completion of the tests, teachers will review the results with students and provide feedback to assist students to assist them to develop their skills and/or feedback on gaps in mastering the language. Summative Assessment Each level includes two tests per unit (mid-course and end-course) that test pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and functional language. Tests are both written and spoken. Students will complete these assessments in Weeks 5 and 10 of each level. The assessments are designed to assess whether students have achieved the required levels. Therefore, students must achieve a 50% pass mark for both tests. During the weeks in which summative assessments occur, time is set aside in the timetable to provide feedback to students who have not achieved the required level.

Assessment Methods

Formative Assessment

The core textbooks for each level include mini tests per unit that test pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and functional language. Mini tests are both written and spoken. Students will complete these mini tests in Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of each level. Following the completion of the tests, teachers will review the results with students and provide feedback to assist students to assist them to develop their skills and/or feedback on gaps in mastering the language. The teacher resource book for each level includes marking guidance for each test.

Summative Assessment

The core textbooks for each level include two tests per unit (mid-course and end course) that test pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and functional language. Tests are both written and spoken. Students will complete these assessments in Weeks 5 and 10 of each level. The assessments are designed to assess whether students have achieved the required levels, therefore students must achieve a 50% pass mark for both tests. The teacher resource book for each level includes marking guidance for each test. During the weeks in which summative assessments occur, time is set aside in the timetable where feedback can be provided to student who have not achieved the required level.