St. Clare's, Oxford

Everyday English This programme consists of 21 hours per week in small groups (maximum 12). Classes in the mornings focus on developing greater accuracy and greater fluency in the use of English. They incorporate the four skills, reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as the building-blocks of the language, grammar and vocabularly. > Age: 17+ Level: Elementary + There's an English language programme at St. Clare's for you - whatever your level. > Making progress The focus is always on the individual. Experienced teachers adapt their teaching to the needs of the students - but the expectations are high. The following systems support you as your learn: Learner Assessment: you take a number of tests when you arrive to assess your level. Learner Contract: you decide your language goals with your teacher. After-class assignments: you complete homework tasks which extend your classroom learning. Regular tests: you take internal tests and complete coursework assignments to help measure your progress. Learner Independence Certificate: you complete tasks and activities independently outside the classroom to extend your learning further. Certificate: you receive a report and a Certificate of Attendance if you complete your course successfully. Classes in the afternoons are based on student choice. A wide range of 'English in Context' options is availabe each week. Popular examples include: Speaking, listening and pronunciation Grammar, vocabularly and collocation English 'out and about' in Oxford IELTS preparation Popular music and film

Summer Courses at St. Clare's for two, three or more weeks Special programmes have been devised for the summer period at St. Clare's: - Courses run from mid June until the end of August / early September - Two or three-week programmes are available - Students live in college accommodation or with homestay families - A full programme of activities and social events is included

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: 1.Entry test: we give you a number of tests on arrival to help assess your level on entry. 2.Setting goals: your teacher discusses your needs and agrees ‘learning milestones’. 3.Classroom tasks: small classes provide a supportive learning environment. 4.After-class: teachers set homework tasks which extend your classroom learning. 5.Self-Access: you are given guidance on computer-aided learning and test packages. 6.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: 1.Examination strategies 2.Practice tests 3.Speaking and listening tasks 4.‘Against the clock’ activities 5.Top tips from the examiners

The University Foundation Course combines not only English Language classes but academic subject studies, study skills practice, IELTS preparation and careers guidance. > The English Language component From September to the end of October the main focus is on preparing for IELTS through a programme of integrated language skills and examination practice. Classes take place over 21 hours per week in small groups (max 12). From early November the focus shifts more towards the academic aspects of the programme. English classes (10 hours per week) concentrate on more advanced language skills such as vocabulary and collocation, register and nuance and idiomatic usage. The aim is to prepare for your language needs at university and to improve your IELTS score. > IELTS preparation You follow a programme of rigorous preparation for IELTS (the International English Language Testing System). This is recognised worldwide in more than 4,500 institutions in 120 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is the single most important requirement for non-native speakers who wish to enter a university in the UK or other English-speaking country. > Academic subject pathways You choose either the Buisness Studies or the International Affairs pathway to university. The academic content increases in intensity as the year progresses. > Study Skills practice You prepare for academic life at university by improving your study skills. Features include: note-taking, writing reports and summaries and presenting a case to a seminar group. > Careers guidance You select the best university for you with the help of our specialist Careers and Higher Education adviser. You receive individual support with the application process. Specialist advice is also available for students wishing to apply to a US university.

If you are a 'gap year' student waiting to go to university, a 'pre-masters' student preparing for futher study, or you just want to develop your English skills - this is the best choice for you. We offer this course during •the academic year - September-December; January-May •as a compact short 5 week course May-June - find out more about this course This stimulating alternative to the traditional English Language course plays to the strengths of St. Clare's. Our experienced language teachers combine with academic subject specialists to create a flexible and challenging programme. The components are: The English Language componentYou follow a rigorous, intellectually-engaging programme in preparation for an externally-validated English examination: •CAE - Certificate in Advanced English •CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English •IELTS - International English Language Testing System See below for more detailed information. The Academic Subject component You select three subjects, each for two or three hours per week, to suit your interests and needs for the future. See below for more detailed information. Study skills practice You develop listening and note-taking skills by attending the St. Clare's Seminar Series at Blackfriars Hall, part of the University of Oxford, during the Autumn and Spring semesters (past themes include Creation & Inspiration and Diversity & Culture). Careers guidance You plan your future with the help of our Careers & Higher Education Adviser. Entry requirements You need to be age 17+ You need to have a level of English equivalent to Upper Intermediate (IELTS 5.5, FCE or CEF B2). Before you are admitted to the course, the Director of Studies will check your level of English with a written test and a short telephone interview. The English Language component This programme consists of 10 hours per week in small groups (maximum 12). Classes explore contemporary topics such as Youth Cuture, Travel & Tourism, City Life or Country Living, Fairtrade & Charities, Crime & Punishment through the medium of English. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and stimuli (television documentaries study visits, newspaper articles, internet searches as appropriate) and focus on the more advanced skills of register, collocation and idiomatic usage. Every opportunity is taken to develop the academic study skills you require for study at university. You are assessed internally and externally: • external examinations (CAE / CPE / IELTS) provide a focus for the end of the course. • internal assessments include formal and informal writing activities, an extended essay based on your own research and an oral presentation; The Academic Subjects component These subjects are taught at university level together with English native-speakers, usually students from the USA on study abroad programmes. Tuition is provided by subject specialists who bring the benefits of the latest research in their own areas of expertise. This programme consists of three academic subjects selected from the following areas: • Art History/ Economics/ Business Studies/ Politics/ English Literature/ British History/ Studio Art • Philosophy/ Psychology/ Religion/ Chinese or Russian for beginners/ Natural Sciences/ Math The programme requires background reading and research and is assessed through course work, extended essay and examination.